Gloriana Wins at Big Sing

Pictured above are Gloriana members Sofia Onishko (Collaborative Pianist), Vanishka Das (Choir Leader), Jemima Flatt (Choir Leader), Melepuopua Tevunga, and Annabel Yu (Director).

At the Big Sing Auckland Regionals on Wednesday, MAGS was represented by three choirs: Melodica (mixed choir), directed by Ms Anna Cooper; Gloriana (girls choir), directed by Ms Annabel Yu; and the Centennial Choir (boys choir), directed by Mr Terence Maskell. 
Director of Arts Co-curricular Ms Cesan said, "All three groups gave excellent performances, and were a credit to Mount Albert Grammar in both their appearance and demeanour, and we are very proud of these students. 
"Huge congratulations to Gloriana, who were presented with the 'Spirit of the Festival' award and were runner-up for 'Commendable Performance of a Choral Art Music Composition' for the performance of Sea Fever."
These awards were presented at the final concert last night. 

Students and Staff in Great Spirits

Our Prefects have done a fantastic job with the student-led Spirit Week, which was started last year to encourage MAGS Pride.
On Monday there was a Teachers v Prefects Basketball game, with the Teachers winning 24-22.

On Tuesday there was a concert in E block with a band and soloists Taiga Ueno, pictured right, and Analia Anisi.
Wednesday was 'Hire a Prefect' day when students or staff could pay money to the Lion Fund and extract chores from the Prefects.
Yesterday there was a handball tournament in the CS Quad, and today there was a Jump Jam session, as pictured left and above, in the F.W. Gamble Hall.

Donors Boost Blood Stocks

On Monday we held our annual Mount Albert Grammar School Blood Donor Drive.  
It was great to have the NZ Blood Service here at MAGS encouraging our students to be part of the incredible work they do.

School Nurse Claire Brown said, "We had another very successful blood drive this year with a total of 80 units of blood collected, this is an amazing number of donations. Of highlight, 72 of these donations were from new donors, a reflection of the incredible work done by our school Health Committee in promoting the event and encouraging new participants to get involved.
"To put this number into perspective, these 80 units of blood will go on to help improve 240 fellow Kiwis' lives around the country! One blood donation (470mls) will be split into red cells, platelets, and plasma – these are the three lives you are saving with each donation.
"The NZ Blood service have again commended our students and staff on their generosity in donating and the impeccable behaviour observed on the day. They passed on that our students are always a pleasure to work with.
"The tireless work of members from the Health Committee with spreading the word, recruitment of donors leading up to the day as well as their help on the day itself contributed immensely to the drive’s success – thank you for all your continued hard work.
"To everyone that was able to donate, thank you. You have made a life-saving contribution."

Meteorologist Shares Knowledge

David Miller, a lead meteorologist at MetService (and a proud Albertian), visited MAGS this week to speak to the Year 11 Geography classes about his experiences. 
This was with the aim of supporting their learning about the atmosphere and weather systems but also to open their eyes to opportunities that lie within the meteorology field.  
David spoke about the various methods that are used to predict weather including modelling, radar and weather balloons. He mentioned opportunities in the field such as supporting the Air Force and trainee helicopter pilots along with advising meteorologists from all across the Pacific. 
David also held a key role in predicting the recent Cyclone Gabrielle, highlighting the vital importance of atmospheric knowledge to help protect communities.  
HOD Geography Mr Hobbs said, "Overall, the Year 11 students gained a fresh appreciation for the role of meteorologists in our lives, how weather is forecasted and the various supporting products the MetService provides for New Zealanders." 

Celebrate School Days at Bubbles and Banter

Registrations are closing soon for Bubbles and Banter, our celebration of 25 Years of Girls at Mount Albert Grammar on June 27, 2025, starting at 7pm.

This special complementary event welcomes all past students, parents, staff, and whanau to come together in the W.O.H Gibbs Room for an evening of fun and laughter.
Drinks and snacks will be served at this free event, which will also feature brief speeches, a raffle, photo boards, and computers available where you can find photos of classes and sports teams from back in the day.
Over the last 25 years the school has changed enormously.  New classroom blocks, dynamic spaces and learning areas have contributed to this. Optional school tours are available at selected times. Take some time to explore, see the school in action and experience the school, both old and new. Please register here for this event. Registration is quick and easy. Once you add the free event to your cart, please remember to complete the process by clicking on your cart and checking out to confirm your registration. Alternatively, you can email your details to [email protected]
Registrations close Tuesday, June 17.

Chamber Musicians Enjoy Concert Experience

Moonstars, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Group, and ZILDAC represented MAGS at the NZCT Chamber Music Contest last Thursday.
After months of preparation and practice, all this hard work culminated in three fantastic performances. 
The musicians also had the opportunity to listen to the wonderful performances from a variety of schools across Auckland.

Coming Up in the Arts

MAGS' Music Department invites you to come along and hear our talented contemporary musicians on June 18 in E10 at 6.30pm.
Contact [email protected] for tickets – $10 for the public, $5 students and staff.

Book Your Three-Way Conferences 

Don't forget to book for Three-Way Conferences (3WCs).
These 15-minute conferences will take place in Week 9 this term with students' Mentor Teachers on either Thursday 26th of June (10.00am - 6.00pm) or Friday 27th of June (9.00am - 12.00pm).
This is considered to be one of our significant annual events and ALL students are expected to attend a 3WC, along with their parent(s)/guardian(s).
There are no classes scheduled on Thursday the 26th or Friday the 27th of June while the 3WCs take place.
Parents were emailed details about the 3WCs last week. You can read the 3WC booking instructions here

Student Art Expo Calling for Parent Volunteers

The MAGS Student Art Expo is coming up on Saturday, August 2, from 9.30am–4.00pm in the F.W. Gamble Hall — and we need parent help to make it a success!
We’re calling on our wonderful parent community to get involved. With the usual MAGS Art Show taking a break this year, the Expo is a special opportunity to showcase and celebrate the incredible work of our students, including painting, photography, ceramics, digital posters, and technical design. Many pieces will be available to purchase, and we’ll also be featuring work from recent graduates.

Parent Volunteers Needed
We’re seeking parent volunteers to help during the event — whether it’s assisting with set-up, supervising areas, or helping with pack down at the end of the day.
If you can lend a hand, please contact Deputy Principal Christine Cato at [email protected]
Even an hour or two makes a big difference — thank you in advance for your support!
We’re so proud of what our students have created and can’t wait to share it with you. See you there!

Read the Latest Careers Newsletter

Our Careers Department has released its June newsletter, packed full of news about work and study opportunities and events.
You can read it here

Kind and Caring Homestay Families Required

Our International Department is looking for kind and caring families to host overseas students.

Term Three – Short and long term students
We have a large intake of European, Latin American and Asian students arriving in July.  Some are here for 1-2 terms while others will be joining us long-term.
Some European students will stay over the Christmas period.
 
What are the expectations of a host family?
A host is expected to provide a clean and comfortable bedroom with bed, wardrobe (built-in or free-standing) and drawers, linen and towels, desk and lamp, heating in room and three meals a day plus snacks and laundry.
The students are expected to follow the rules in place for International Students.
 
The application process:
The application process involves police vetting for all family members over 18 and the completion of an application form. This is followed by a home visit from the school. This helps us to know a little more about your family’s interests and lifestyle and enables us to make a well-informed student match.
 
If you would like some further information, or to receive the application forms, please email [email protected]  or ring 846 2044 xtn 8187

Don't Miss Hype Event Next Week

Interact is holding its Hype Event for the 40 Hour Challenge next Tuesday at  lunchtime as it aims to raise $15,000 for World Vision.
Students can pay to throw a cream pie at their peers, or to splash other students and teachers. Fundraisers who have raised over $50 will receive a free cream pie as part of the popular ‘Pie-a-Prefect’ event, where this year sports captains and some Year 11 and 12 leaders will also be under fire.
TIC Miss Barlow said, "Some hardy teachers have volunteered to get splashed, and if we manage to reach our target, Mr Drumm has agreed to join them!"
World Vision created the 40 Hour Challenge to raise awareness of people around the world that do not have access to things we take for granted like food, education and a home.
This year, the focus is supporting those in the Solomon Islands, who are being adversely affected by climate change. 
The theme for the 40 Hour Challenge is 40 Hour Disconnect, where students are challenged to get off devices for 40 hours this weekend (June 13-15).
The link to sign up or donate is here

Rail Closures over Matariki Weekend

There will be an extended closure of the rail network over Matariki weekend – no trains running from Friday, June 20 – Monday, June 23.
There will also be reduced services during the next school holidays – no Southern Line trains running between Puhinui and Pukekohe, and reduced frequency on all other lines from Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 13.

Sports Update

Hockey Girls Draw with St Paul's

The 1^st XI Girls Hockey Team recently travelled to Hamilton to play a game against St Paul's Collegiate.
Team Manager Ms Abraham said, "The weather conditions were tough, with cold and heavy rain at some points. Both teams put up a good fight, and, going into the second half, the score was 0-0. After the third quarter, St Pauls were up 1-0. "However, Lily Cuttriss scored in the last 5 minutes, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
"St Paul's hosted the teams' after-match and acknowledged that it would be great to keep this tradition going, and hopefully both schools can see each other again next year."

Upcoming Premier Sport

The Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are both playing at home tonight, with the Girls playing Carmel College at 6pm, and the Boys playing Rosmini College at 7.30pm. Also today, the Football Boys 1st XI play Selwyn College at Bill McKinlay Turf at 6.00pm.
Tomorrow, our Netball Premiers play Epsom Girls Grammar at Auckland Netball at 11.30am, while the Rugby Boys 1st XV have a home game against Liston College at 2.30pm.
On Monday, the Rugby Girls 1st XV are home to Mt Roskill Grammar at 4pm, the Football Girls 1st XI are at home at 4pm against Macleans College, the Football Boys 1st XI play Sacred Heart College at Crum Park at 7pm, the Basketball Premier Girls are playing Epsom Girls Grammar at 6pm and the Boys are playing Auckland Grammar at 7.30pm.  Both games are at Auckland Grammar School. 
On Wednesday, the Football Girls 1st XI are at home to St Kentigern College at 4pm.
On Thursday, the Girls Lacrosse side play Epsom Girls Grammar at MAGS at 4pm.
The Boys and Girls Hockey draws are yet to be released.
More sporting fixtures here