 Sport For The Right Reasons |
 Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Mount Albert Grammar School.
The Winter Sports season is well underway, with hundreds of MAGS students running out into the sporting arena proudly wearing our MAGS colours each week.
It is fantastic to see the passion and competitiveness our students bring to the contest. Playing for your team mates, coaches and family provides the strongest motivation.
The sports field is a unique classroom. You can learn so much about yourself and others as the pressure of the sporting battle unfolds. Leadership traits come to the fore in this setting – even more so when the game and results aren’t going to plan!
In the professional era, the modern elite athlete operates as a self-employed business person. With a need to maximise their income, they can be seen as a market commodity – a ‘gun for hire’ – moving between codes, clubs and sometimes countries to build their commercial sporting career. In this way they are no different to any other employee or business person.
However, in the school setting the focus is firstly on building capital of the human kind as opposed to purely financial. And while some of our students will go on to make a living as sports professionals, the vast majority won’t. But all of our young MAGS sports men and women will benefit from the values they develop – loyalty, resilience, courage – to name a few.
As professionalism continues to extend its tendrils into the school setting, let’s hold on to the real reasons why we want our young people playing sport. There’s plenty of time in the future to earn a living from sport … if you’re good enough!
Good luck to our teams this weekend.
Patrick Drumm
Headmaster
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Click here for the Calendar
Thursday, May 30
Year 11 MCEA Exams begin
Monday, June 3
King's Birthday holiday
Thursday, June 13
Board Show and Market Evening
Friday, June 28
Matariki holiday
Thursday, July 4
Three-Way Conferences. No classes.
Friday, July 5
Three-Way Conferences. No classes.
End of Term 2 Photo Essays
 Knockout Cup: Football Senior Boys v Sacred Heart
Click here  Rugby Boys 1st XV St Kentigern
Click here
Trials and Registrations
Click here
Fixtures and Results
Click here
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Our Lion Fund programme aims to provide financial support to allow every MAGS student to access the breadth of opportunities we offer at our school.
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Health Expo Draws Huge Crowds |
Guest Speakers Talk Mental Health |
 Georgia Derham, Izzy Angove and Hargun Aujla with Zane Munro.  Three Year 12 students – Izzy Angove, Georgia Derham and Hargun Aujla – chose as part of their Level 2 Health assessment to focus on men’s mental health.
Their goal has been to address stigma around men talking about mental health. They decided to ask Zane Munro, Izzy's uncle, to come in and speak to Year 12 and 13 boys on this topic this morning.
Zane founded and runs For All the Brothers, a group dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. His messaging reaches over 40,000 followers on Instagram and they run weekly meetings in central Auckland.
Zane has been nominated for KiwiBank New Zealander of the Year and has won the Local Hero award in West Auckland. He has a meeting room named after him in the Kiwibank branch in New Lynn. Zane regularly speaks at the Arepa Brothers Brain Chat events.
Zane shared his story with our boys about getting help for his mental health, including talking about his journey with loneliness, depression, and feeling isolated and not knowing how to ask for help.
He talked about setting up For All the Brothers and how he wants our young men to grow up knowing it’s okay to go through these things and to reach out to each other and find someone to talk to.
 Also today, former Silver Fern Sulu Fitzpatrick spoke to the Year 12 and 13 Girls about mental health and resilience.
Her netball career is highlighted by significant achievements, winning the ANZ Premiership with the Northern Mystics in 2021 and 2023, and being a key player for the Central Pulse during their championship seasons in 2018 and 2019.
But behind those achievements she was struggling with her self-worth and turned to food and alcohol to help her cope.
She spoke about her struggles growing up, being raised by other family members and never feeling like she was the same. She always worried about what others thought about her.
She reiterated that just because someone's life looks good on the outside it doesn’t mean that’s how they feel on the inside.
Sulu fell pregnant with twins at 21 and had to balance that on top of her netball career. Her main message was about finding out who you really are and how, once she did that, not only did she begin to play better netball but she was also a better wife, mother and friend. |
Level Three Production Selling Fast |
Half the tickets to the Level 3 Drama production of 12 Angry Men have already sold so those keen to attend are advised to email [email protected] as soon as possible to reserve their seats. |
Cancer Society Hosts Fundraisers |
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 In recognition of their superb fundraising and organisational efforts for this year’s Relay for Life, Paige Barnes-Kilgour (Year 12) and Cade Kelly-Watt (Year 13), pictured right, were invited to the Auckland Cancer Society, to witness the impact of their fundraising on hundreds of New Zealand families every year.
As part of this trip, they toured Domain Lodge, which provides much needed support to cancer patients and their families while they receive treatment at Auckland Hospital.
Paige and Cade also visited the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, at the University of Auckland. Here, they had an opportunity to speak to scientists at the forefront of cancer research and therapeutic discovery.
They were much commended by Cancer Society staff for their engagement and astute questions.
The Auckland Cancer Society extended their heartfelt thanks to the entire MAGS Relay for Life team, as well as teachers in charge, Ms Manisha David and Ms Henrieta Kajanova. Bring on R4L 2025! |
Students are encouraged to make submissions for the 2024 MAGS Art Show, which runs from August 2-4.
This year’s theme is ‘Light and Shade’ – and there are plenty of awesome prizes to be won as well as the opportunity to make some money by selling works alongside professional artists.
Digital submissions are due by end of Week 8, and painting submissions are due by the end of Term (Week 10).
All entry details are on Google Classroom – students just need to fill in the form then upload their artwork (or hand it to their teacher) and they’re set. Google Classroom code: kpd4x7 |
Bake Sale Raises $1000 for SPCA |
The Interact students held a bake sale on Thursday last week for SPCA Treat Week.
Some Interact members participated in two cupcake decorating sessions with Food and Hospitality teacher Ms Stunzner, learning how to make fondant cupcake toppers and piping with buttercream icing in the weeks leading up to the fundraiser and also decorated cupcakes that were sold in the bake sale.
Interact doesn't have a final total yet but it is thought to have raised around $1000 for the SPCA. |
 There are lots of events planned for Samoan Language Week next week. Keep an eye out for notices. |
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Dance Concert Tickets Sold Out |
Please note that Momentum has sold out and we are unable to provide any more seats
However, any parents of Dance students who missed out will be prioritised to get a copy of the show video, which we hope to have available by the end of next week.
Please email [email protected] if you are a parent that missed out and we will ensure you get an early copy. |
Jazz Band Back in the Groove |
 The Magnaphonics Ensemble, directed by Kingsley Melhuish, played a lunchtime concert yesterday outside the Greg Taylor Building, entertaining a large crowd who were enjoying the sun and the sounds.
They played Chameleon – Herbie Hancock, Monkey Man – The Specials, Cantaloup Island – Herbie Hancock, Ekse – Abdullah Ibraham, and Dollar – Kingsley Spargo.  |
Train Disruptions Around King's Birthday |
 Work on train tracks will impact AT’s train services over King’s Birthday weekend and the following three school days (the evening of Friday 31 May – Thursday 6 June).
All AT trains will be replaced by buses from late on Friday 31 May, until Monday 3 June.
From Tuesday 4 June until Thursday 6 June, buses will replace Western and Southern line trains between Britomart and Newmarket.
At peak commuting times, Southern Line trains will run between Papakura and Newmarket every 20 minutes.
Additional Southern Line trains will run between Papakura and Waitematā via the Eastern Line every 20 minutes – these trains will stop at all stations between Papakura and Ōtāhuhu, and all stations between Sylvia Park and Britomart.
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 On Wednesday, 26 students represented the school at the Auckland Cross Country Champs at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
This was the only inter-school cross country event in Auckland this year due to not having a zone meet. There were close to 600 competitors across the various age/gender categories. After heavy rain earlier in the week, the course was still in good condition and the sun was shining on the day.
The best performing MAGS student was Theo Bray. He finished 9th in a strong Senior Boys category that consisted of 63 runners. Theo, pictured right, completed the 6km course in 21:16. Jy Gonzales finished a credible 16th in the Junior Boys section in a large field of 124 competitors. The other top 20 finish we had was Nina Chalmers, who finished 20th in the Intermediate Girls section.
In the combined points competition, our top three finishers in the Senior Boys competition (Theo Bray, Sam Carryer and Henry Hills) finished 4th in the 3 Person event. We also had top 10 finishes in the Junior Girls 3 person (10th), Junior Boys 3 Person (8th) and Intermediate Girls 3 Person (7th).
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "Thanks to Mr Dempster and Mrs Revell, who assisted on the day with transport and course marshalling." |
Orienteers Rule the Relays |
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 Last week, the MAGS Orienteering team headed to Ambury Farm for the Auckland Secondary School Relay Champs.
With stunning weather – and farm animals to support the runners, the teams headed off against the best orienteering teams in Auckland.
There were some fantastic results as the runners managed to navigate their way through the rolling farmland and volcanic landscape. The highlight was the boys teams winning all three grades of the competition.
Results:
Senior Boys A – 1st – Sam Carryer, Matthew Greenwood, Oscar Vink
Senior Boys B – 3rd – Reuben Adye, Felix McElwee, James Milne
Intermediate Boys A – 1st – Tahi Harris, Charlie Milne, William Wood
Intermediate Boys B – 3rd – Reuben Bruce, Caleb Green, Jack Trowsdale
Junior Boys A – 1st – Max Roebeck, Ben Spreitzer, Cameron Taylor
Junior Boys B – 3rd – Vaden Haver, Ruden Lang, Hugh Cornforth
Intermediate Girls A – 5th – Zara Bint, Isabel Spreitzer, Eloise Whitehead
Junior Girls A – 4th – Chloe Petrie, Emma Whitehead, Macy Stone
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 Last Sunday saw the MAGS climbing squad at Northern Rocks Bouldering for the second round of the ACCS competition.
Our seasoned climbers continued their good form, with Riley Hobbs and Anna Swan holding their own against some of New Zealand’s top climbers in the Senior division, whilst Ronin Ng and Thomas Roberts again improved on their previous performances in the Junior Boys division.
They were joined this round by novice climbers Thevindu Senarath (Seniors), and Brennan Scouller and Maddi Vaughan (Juniors), who all scored tops on several walls.
However, our climber of the day was Chloe Petrie, whose 13th Place finish in the Junior Girls division saw her awarded the certificate for the second-highest-placing novice.
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MAGS on Top at AKSS Wrestling |
 The Auckland Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships took place last Friday at Dilworth College.
Mount Albert Grammar School entered 10 students in this event across various age and weight divisions. There was a strong mix of experienced wrestlers and some students in their first wrestling competition.
Our students put on a strong showing throughout the day with some exceptional results that led to MAGS receiving the top overall school award. This was a great achievement as the two schools that came second and third had more wrestlers than MAGS.
Several of our wrestlers went through the day undefeated, winning three or four fights. They were Aiden Vincent, Dre Palavi, Max Shallard and Ryan Harding. Across the day, seven students won medals in their division. They were as follows:
Bronze: Louis Collis – Senior Boys Under 76 kg
Silver: Caleb Murphy – Senior Boys Under 76 kg
Silver: Jude Verryt – Senior Boys Under 63 kg
Gold: Aiden Vincent – Junior Boys Under 69 kg
Gold: Dre Palavi – Junior Boys 100 + kg
Gold: Max Shallard – Senior Boys Under 69 kg
Gold: Ryan Harding – Senior Boys Under 76 kg
Highlights included a clean sweep of medals in the Senior Boys under 76 kg section.
Max Shallard showed why he is one of New Zealand’s top age group wrestlers with a dominant display in his category. The other highlight that stood out was how well the boys supported each other, which included the more experienced wrestlers offering coaching advice to the less experienced wrestlers.
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "Thanks to October Conway, who assisted with transport and supporting the students on the day. Also thanks to Rob Vincent, Anton Verryt and Shaun Murphy, who also supported throughout the day." |
Bronze at AKSS Weightlifting |
Last Saturday, Eli Harford-Lewis (Year 13) competed in the Auckland Secondary Schools Weightlifting Champs, held at the Kolmar Sports Centre in Papatoetoe.
Eli competed in a strong field in the boys 102-plus kg division, and came a credible third and achieved personal bests in both the Snatch and Clean and Jerk. He lifted 88kg in the Snatch and 110 kg in the Clean and Jerk. This was for a combined total of 198 kgs.
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 Our year 13 Coaching students went to Woodhill Forest on Friday last week to play Disc Golf.
PE Teacher Mr Dempster said the event was run in conjunction with UNITEC, and was a great day out with the students, who were a delight. |
 The Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are at home today, with the Girls playing Westlake Girls at 6pm and the Boys playing Westlake Boys at 7.30pm. The Football Boys 1st XI are playing St Kentigern at William Green Turf at 7.15pm.
Tomorrow, the Netball Premiers play Epsom Girls at 11.30am at the Auckland Netball Centre, and the Rugby Boys 1st XV are at home to de La Salle College at 2.30pm.
On Wednesday, the Football Girls 1st XI play away to Macleans College at 4pm, the Rugby League 1st XIII host Southern Cross at 4pm, the Rugby Girls 1st XV play Epsom Girls at 4pm on MAGS 2, the Squash Premier Boys are at home to Avondale College at 4.15pm, and the Hockey Boys 1st XI are hosted by Mt Roskill at 5.45pm.
On Thursday, the Hockey Girls 1st XI play Westlake Girls at North Harbour at 6.20 pm, and the Lacrosse Premier Girls play Westlake Girls at MAGS at 4pm.
For updated fixtures and results, click here
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