 From our Departing Deputy Principal |
 Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Mount Albert Grammar School.
As I step into a new role as Principal of Cashmere High School next term, I have been reflecting on my seven years at Mount Albert Grammar School.
MAGS has certainly evolved since my time here as a student in the 90s, but what strikes me is how, in many ways, students have not changed much at all. At their core, young people still seek belonging, purpose, and connection; just as we did back then.
These fundamental things should be at the heart of any holistic education and I have been privileged to be part of a staff team helping to advance these values in a truly diverse and dynamic school.
One of the things that makes MAGS such an exciting place to be is the diversity of the student and staff body.
I sincerely believe there is a place for everyone here and I am proud of the way MAGS reflects the full spectrum of our increasingly pluralistic society.
If I could think of one difference between my time at MAGS and today, it is that students now have a broader perspective and are more confident in expressing what they believe – qualities that a school like MAGS fosters so well.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all students to get involved in the many co-curricular groups that such a large and vibrant school can offer.
They are a great way to create the belonging, purpose and connection that we all need.
I would also like to thank the staff of MAGS for being the best colleagues I could hope for.
It goes without saying that I will miss this school deeply.
Haere rā ki a koutou
John Stradwick
Deputy Principal |
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Click here for the Calendar
Monday, September 16
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori starts
Friday, September 20
Senior Pre-Requisite Exams End
Wednesday, September 25
Level 2 Drama production of Dawn Raids, PA02, 7pm
Thursday, September 26
Service Lions Assembly
Dawn Raids, PA02, 7pm
Last day of classes for Term 3
Friday, September 27
Staff Only Day
End of Term 3
Photo Essay  |
U13 Knockout Cup Final v Westlake Boys
Click here Trials and Registrations
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 Fixtures and Results
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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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Student and Staff Service Recognised |
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 Interact held an assembly recently that gave outside organisations the chance to recognise the hard work and the funds and awareness generated by Interact members and staff under our Service Pillar.
Quincy Filiga from World Vision, Elaine Mead and Clare McCall from Westhaven Rotary, and Lizzie McKay from Cystic Fibrosis NZ attended the assembly to speak about their work and thank Interact members and TICs for their contributions.
Parum Nangia and Toby Forster were recognised for their contributions at the World Vision Leadership Camp and the World Vision Youth Conference respectively.
MAGS raised $7089.41 for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, and our top fundraisers were acknowledged at assembly. They were: Kawiti Albert Campbell (Year 10) $695, Adriana Hall (Year 13) $622.20, Katie Somerville (Year 11) $600, Ella Burton (Year 9) $200 and Chelsea Wijntjes (Year 13) $190.
Ms Stünzner, with $630, was the teacher who raised the most money, cooking and selling 40 dozen cupcakes. In recognition of her service work, Miss Barlow was made a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation.
Rotary also recognised a group of Year 13s who have been highly involved in service throughout their time at MAGS, and Miri Kent and Jessica Loxton, pictured above right, spoke about their experience at the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) Leadership Camp.
Lizzie McKay spoke of her experience with Cystic Fibrosis, and thanked the students for their fundraising efforts that help many Kiwis struggling with the disorder.
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Inspiring Speech Earns National Award |
 Earlier this week, our very own Year 10 Te Puna o Wairaka student, Katie Watkinson, represented MAGS for the second year in a row at the national Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition held at Te Tōangaroa / Spark Arena.
Katie had created her own topic, Empowering Future Generations, which she used to speak about the importance of having a vision, pursuing education to the highest standard, and the utmost importance of unity.
Competing in the Sir Turi Carroll - Junior English section against 14 other students from across the country, she definitely went up against some wonderful orators, however, in the end, she placed 2nd equal overall, as well as winning 1st equal for Best Female Speaker, both alongside Aania Paranihi from Cullinane College (Whanganui/Taranaki region).
HoF Māori Ms Paul said, "We are extremely proud of Katie for her hard work, determination and perseverance this year in preparation for this moment. She represented our school with much mana, poise, passion and humility. As the saying goes, 'Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere. Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao!'
You can watch the video of her speech here
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MAGS Community Traffic Concerns |
As Auckland residents we are each very aware of the traffic congestion challenges faced at the beginning and end of our day.
Closer to home, we deal daily with both school and homebound traffic. The Mount Albert borough was originally established in 1911, but of course very much has changed since with recent housing development seeing a surge in our local community growth. Unfortunately, as we are all too aware, changes to our roading and street widths have not kept pace with the traffic congestion that has increased in line with community growth.
Traffic congestion on Alberton Avenue, at the end of each day in particular, is challenging as a result of the three schools and the aquatic centre.
Also, more recently, there are concerns expressed regarding the impact of traffic at the back of our school on Haverstock Road and other nearby residential streets, that is attributed to parents dropping off / picking up their children to/from school.
Apart from medical or injury reasons, in the event that a student(s) needs to be transported to/from school, MAGS parents are strongly encouraged to identify a drop-off/pick-up point some distance from the gates. A five- or 10-minute walk is easy for secondary students and making such arrangements would result in reduced congestion, reduced time spent waiting while stuck in traffic and reduced impact and inconvenience for our local residents. Surely, a win for us all.
Thanks in advance to our MAGS community for your support with this. |
 Don't miss out on tickets for the always-popular MAGS Film Night coming up next month.
Tickets are $12 and available at the Finance Office for the screening on Thursday, October 17 at St Lukes Event Cinemas' No. 2 theatre from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
You can see a Film Night trailer here |
Back to the 70s With Dawn Raids |
 Tickets are now on sale for Dawn Raids, the Level 2 Drama production for 2024. This play is a comedy-drama written by Samoan/New Zealand playwright Oscar Kightley (Sione’s Wedding, Niu Sila, BroTown).
The play looks back at the 1970s, when Pasifika were subjected to dawn raids by the police, who were supposedly cracking down on alleged illegal overstayers.
For tickets, please email HOD Drama Carmela Hughes at [email protected]
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After a five-year hiatus, the interschool Pursuits Competition, organised by the New Zealand Commerce and Economics Teachers’ Association, returned to The University of Auckland’s Business School.
Students faced seven rounds of questions – a mixture of subject-related content as well as current events and general knowledge.
HoF Commerce Mr Gilbert said, "Competition was fierce and our students performed well against many elite schools. Our Business Studies team finished 5th whilst our Accounting team narrowly finished 4th. "Although not winning either of the two competitions, our students performed well and represented the school extremely well. We look forward to entering this competition next year and pushing to get into the top three places.
"Thank you to Auckland University for sponsoring the event and fellow Commerce teachers Mrs Farquhar and Mr Sabiston for accompanying our students.”
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Student Strikes Duke of Ed Gold |
  Year 13 Prefect Ryan Antia has successfully completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Ryan, who had completed most of the requirements last year, deferred one of his final requirements, a Six-Day Adventurous Journey in the Kaimai Ranges in order to accompany students Zoe Burnett, Asmara Hillen and Agam Aharon on their treks to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Journey.
For his Residential Project, Ryan attended the Rotary Youth Enrichment Programme in Hunua Falls and the Students Against Dangerous Driving National Conference at King's College. These programs culminated with Ryan leading an organising committee for a Youth Parliamentary event in Mt Roskill, which was well-attended and included the local Member of Parliament.
Ryan said, "The most satisfying aspect of achieving this award was collaborating with other participants on their respective journeys”.
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Dance Scholarship Concert |
 Our amazing senior choreographers present their 2024 Scholarship choreographic submissions on Tuesday, September 24.
The evening also features the popular Year 13 Leavers' Dance.
Email Mr Grace – [email protected] – to reserve tickets.
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Get Your Tickets for Teams of the Century
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Our Teams of the Century event takes place on Friday, September 27.
Get ready for an unforgettable event! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to reconnect with classmates and reminisce.
Join us for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Albertians Association when our Teams of the Century will be announced.
Date: Friday, September 27
Time: 6.30pm
Location: F.W. Gamble Hall
Use this link to register and secure your spot today! Payment options available online or come in and pay at the school main reception.
We are thrilled to have renowned sports commentator and Albertian Mark Watson as our MC for the evening.
*All general enquiries to MAGS Reception – [email protected]
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  The highlight of Tournament Week was the Football Girls 1st XI, pictured above, claiming the NZSS Premier trophy, as reported last week in the newsletter, with a 2-1 victory over Baradene College in the final.
Team manager Mrs Wilson was also named Manager of the Tournament.
Our Girls Fencers, Emi Mason and Shubhi Roy, also claimed gold and bronze respectively at the NZSS Championships held at MAGS (report below).
The Netball Premiers ran a strong campaign, winning their first seven matches at UNISS, but two losses on the final day – to Avondale College and St Kentigern College – meant they finished fourth.
Our Curling team won silver (Boys) and Bronze (Open) and earned a sixth placing (Girls) at the NISS Curling Championship.
Four Basketball teams – Premier Boys and Girls, and Junior Boys and Girls – represented MAGS during the week, with the Premier Girls coming fourth in the National Qualifiers and the Premier Boys ninth. In the Junior Premiership, the Girls came third and the Boys sixth.
In the Hockey, our Boys 1st XI finished seventh after losing two penalty shootouts, and the Girls 1st XI finished 13th.
The Rugby League 1st XIII finished fifth at NZSS after bouncing back from some early losses. Likewise, the Rugby U15s suffered early losses but finished with three wins to claim ninth place at their Invitational Tournament.
At the Underwater Hockey Nationals, our Senior Open team finished eighth.
Theo Bray finished seventh on the Northern Secondary Schools Cycling Tour.
In NZSS Weightlifting, Minia Prescott came second in the Senior Girls 87 kg category, while in Wrestling, three boys won their categories. They were Aiden Vincent (Junior Boys Under 68kg), Max Shallard (Senior Boys Under 65 kg), and Sean Harding (Senior Boys Under 71 kg). There were also trophies for Aiden Vincent, Most Scientific Junior Wrestler, and Sean Harding, Most Scientific Senior Wrestler. In the 80kg category, Caleb Murphy came 8th.
You can see Tournament Week results here  |
Fencing Girls Dominate NZSS |
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 Following in the footsteps of the boys, when MAGS last hosted the New Zealand Secondary School Championships in 2019, the MAGS Fencing Girls had a bonanza of a weekend.
The best 160 fencers from 51 schools around the country descended on MAGS, and last Saturday saw our top girls take centre stage, with Emi Mason, pictured top right, and Shubhi Roy, top left, once again battling for podium positions. In an electrifying semi-final clash, Shubhi employed a fresh tactical approach that unsettled her teammate early on, earning her a crucial two-point lead.
Without coaching allowed between breaks, both fencers had to rely solely on their own instincts and strategy. Emi adapted quicker, recalibrating her game plan and finding some deft touches to shift the momentum, edging into a slim lead. But Shubhi’s resolve was fierce, and the two traded blow for blow throughout the second and final periods, neither willing to give an inch as the clock ticked down. With only seconds remaining and the pressure mounting, Shubhi launched a barrage of rapid attacks, hoping to even the score. Emi held her ground against and, with much shrieking, scored a couple of vital hits to put the result beyond doubt.
Fencing coach Kyle Macdonald said, "With her confidence soaring, Emi cruised through the gold medal bout, launching some early surprise leg attacks that quickly dismantled her Rangitoto opponent’s defences. She dominated with a calculated mix of high and low strikes to the arm, securing a commanding victory. A stellar day for both girls, marked by fierce competition and superb performances. Well done girls!"
Girls Epee – Gold: Emi Mason, Bronze:Shubhi Roy
The team event presented a much tougher challenge, as the four MAGS girls advanced to the final to face a strong composite team from Christchurch. Despite their best efforts, the regional team’s depth proved insurmountable, leaving MAGS as the top-performing single school but ultimately securing the silver medal.
MAGS Girls Team - Silver (Emi Mason, Shubhi Roy, Lauren Xu, Natalia Perry)
The six boys from MAGS showcased their skills in numerous strong matches throughout the day, but critical points slipped away during pivotal moments, leading to difficult draws as they aimed for the later rounds.
Mr Macdonald said, "Victory, often elusive, proved to hinge on moments of unwavering focus and composure, both of which faltered just when they were needed most. Despite their valiant efforts, all three of MAGS' top boy performers bowed out in the quarterfinals. However, this season's lessons will only sharpen their resolve, and they will return next year, more experienced and determined to push further than this year's final placings."
Boys Epee – 5th Nico Meyer, 7th Thomas Pham, 8th Elijah Yarr
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 Last evening saw the culmination of the Auckland Curling Championships.
As a rapidly growing sport this year, Curling saw the largest ever competition, and teams from Papatoetoe to Long Bay made the trek to Paradice Ice rink in Avondale across Terms 2 and 3.
MAGS had four teams in this year’s competition.
Our novice girls team 'Sweeping Beauties' – Abby Whittle, Imogen Bowman, Georgia Nansett, Sophia Bourne and Casey Pahulu – finished with a resounding win in their last game to finish a creditable 7th in the Girl’s Division
The other novice team 'Clean Sweep' – Maiah Radu, Thomas Runnels, Sean Cavanagh and Finlay Ross – made an impressive debut with their 3rd place in the Open Division, meaning they just missed out on the novice shield. Both teams are looking forward to building on these results next year.
Meanwhile, our two seasoned teams continued to prove they are amongst the top competitors.
'Rolling Stones' – Hugh Skinner, Jackson Candy, Anika Todd, Cecilia Simpson and Aaqib Aadil Sharif – clinched 2nd place in the Mixed Division and 4th in the combined tournament placings, and 'Premier', consisting of Samuel Reeves, Felix McElwee, Max Shallard, Jacob Miller and Riley Hobbs, who won the title in 2022 and were runners-up last year, again claimed 2nd place in the very competitive Boys Division.
TIC Ms Hobbs said, "The final trophy of the evening is the Spirit of Curling Award. This is presented to players who have not only demonstrated their curling skills but have also done so with the utmost sportsmanship, enthusiasm and support of others. We were very proud when it was announced that, for an unprecedented second year in a row, the boys award was presented to Hugh Skinner, pictured above. He has been the embodiment of the MAGS Way every game."
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