Board Show and Market Evening

Despite the dire forecast, the rain held off Wednesday evening as students, staff and visitors flocked to enjoy food, music and visual displays as part of the ever-popular Board Show and Business Market Evening.
There was a wide variety of food, drink and other handmade products for sale across stalls set up by Year 11 Business students in and around the Greg Taylor Building and the new Murray Nairn Building.
Inside both buildings, our Visual Arts students got to show off the work they have been doing in design, photography, painting and digital media.
You can see more photos from the evening here

Tickets Available for Tonight's Frankenstein

The Year 12 production of Frankenstein had its first evening last night.
HOD Drama Miss Hughes said, "The students were as excited to get into their hair and makeup as they were to perform – 80s glam goth rock. The performances were electric and it was all stitched together well."
There are still tickets available for tonight's performance – at 6.30pm in PA02 – email Miss Hughes at [email protected] if you want to come along!

King's Birthday Honours for Two Albertians

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has received the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby.
She is someone whose name is well known to sports fans. She attended the school from 2005 to 2009 

and was a member of Te Puna o Wairaka in each of the five years she was at the school and was an active participant in kapa haka.
She played in the Premier Netball team for four years, as pictured above at front left, and represented the school in athletics. Portia received the Junior Victrix Ludorum trophy in 2005 and the overall Victrix Ludorum Trophy in 2008 and in 2009. She was also a school prefect. At that time Rugby was not a sport available to young women but Portia also represented the school in Touch. She left school hoping to pursue a career in Netball but since 2012 she has been a key member of the Black Ferns and the Black Ferns Sevens.
Recently she became the top try-scorer for the Black Ferns. 

Anae Lupematasila Lima Arthur John Anae (Arthur) received the King’s Service Medal for services to the Samoan community.
Born in Fiji in 1945 of Samoan parentage, he came to New Zealand in 1951. He attended Mount Albert Grammar from 1960 to 1964 and was a member of the 1st XV, as pictured below at front, third from right The team won the premier competition in 1964.

He also represented the school in swimming. He has been involved in local body politics for much of his life and was a National Party member of Parliament from 1996 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2002.
Since leaving Parliament he has again been involved in local body politics – in particular in the Pacific Islands community.

Celebrate School Days at Bubbles and Banter

Informal or "silly' photos have long been a thing at MAGS when formal photos are taken in the Hall, as can be seen from these 2006 photo of the Shakespeare Production, above.
Come and relive these moments with your old school mates and former teachers at Bubbles and Banter on June 27.
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.  Let’s reminisce, celebrate our achievements, and strengthen the bonds that have shaped our community.
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.

Samoa Language Week

The Samoan flag was flying at the cenotaph this week as MAGS students and staff celebrated Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa/Samoa Language Week.
Activities during the week included cultural performances, games of Turbo Touch and fundraisers.
There was a huge boilover in the Turbo Touch Final today when the Niuean team, winners of the student finals, came from behind to topple the reigning champion Teachers 5-3. 
The 2025 theme for the week is 'La malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā' – 'A well-grounded self, is a successful self’.
You can see a video about Samoa Language Week at MAGS here

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!

Blood Donor Day Next Monday

MAGS Blood Donor Day is a lifesaver for many people and is happening next Monday, June 9.
New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will be running the collection with the help of students on our Health Committee. 
NZBS says, "It is important that we encourage students into a lifetime habit of donating blood and making a worthwhile contribution to their community.
"The Care of Children Act 2004 allows people 16 years and over to make their own decisions about whether or not they wish to give blood. Students may choose to donate blood at this session.
"NZBS recommends that students discuss becoming a blood donor with their family. If families have a particular objection to the student choosing to donate blood, please make this known to the student and to the school before the blood drive date stated above. More information about blood donation will be available on the day of the blood drive.
"NZBS respects the privacy of all donors and recommends conversations around blood donor eligibility is carried out sensitively."
If you require any further information, you ran read an information sheet from NZBS here, or call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) or visit nzblood.co.nz

Winter Sports Photos Next Week

Winter Sports Photos for 2025 will be taken in the School Hall on Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12.
Students should arrive at the hall at least 10 minutes prior to their photo time and must be wearing the correct uniform.
Schedule and uniform details for Wednesday are here and for Thursday are here.

Lunch Order Fundraiser for Boys 1st XV

Westie Pies is taking online lunch orders for Friday, June 13.
You can see the range of pie and drink options and order here
Each combo purchased contributes $2 to the Rugby Boys 1st XV.
There will be limited purchases available on the day so the best idea is to order in advance. Students will need their ID cards to pick up their orders.

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

Sign up for 40 Hour Challenge

Interact and the prefects have partnered to organise the 40 Hour Challenge at MAGS this year. 
Because MAGS fundraised over $5000 last year, we were privileged enough to have a student – Sneha Mandadi - attend the World Vision Leadership Camp over the summer holidays, and on Friday of Week 1, seven of our Year 13 leaders attended the World Vision Youth Conference, where they heard from guest speakers and were equipped to run the fundraiser at MAGS. 
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 over the weekend of June 13-15 to help raise awareness and fundraise for children in the Solomon Islands. 
TIC Miss Barlow said, "The leaders have set a goal to raise $15,000 dollars as a school. A bake sale, where fundraisers can sell their own baking to raise money, will be held at interval and lunch next Monday, June 9, and a Hype Event will be held on Tuesday, June 17, when 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.
"Some hardy teachers have volunteered to get splashed, and if we manage to reach our target, Mr Drumm has agreed to join them!"
The link to sign up or donate is here

In Memoriam: Frank Gibson Jr

Photo /John Fenton, JazzLocal32.com 

The school is sad to report the recent death of Frank Gibson Junior (1946-2025), one of New Zealand’s leading jazz musicians. 
Frank attended the school from 1960 to 1964 and was a member of the Football 1st XI for three years. He was captain of this team in 1963 and in 1964, as pictured below, when the school won the competition two years in a row.
By this time he had already gained a reputation as a drummer and was part of a group which was one of the highlights of the annual school concert. The school magazine reported: “A bright opening to the second half was provided by the jazz group. They showed a refinement lacking in much more experienced jazz musicians.” 
At the time, Frank was playing with another MAGS student, Murray McNabb, who became a renowned keyboard player and composer, and a long-time collaborator with Frank. 
In 1964 Frank also served as a school prefect. His music career spanned nearly 70 years both in New Zealand and overseas and involved performing, recording, teaching and accompanying visiting artists. 
Frank was the founder of Dr Tree and toured with stars such as Dionne Warwick, The Temptations and Glen Campbell before moving to the UK in 1977 where he became a highly sought-after session and studio musician, and toured with Dusty Springfield and Leo Sayer.
He returned to New Zealand and formed jazz funk band Space Case, which produced three albums. Frank performed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
In 1992, he joined the Edith Cowan University as full-time lecturer in jazz music for five years. Frank was the winner of many New Zealand music awards for his albums.
The school extends its sincere sympathy to Frank’s family and friends.

– Greg Cave, Archivist

You can read more about Frank Gibson Jr on the AudioCulture website here

Sports Update

Tough Conditions at AKSS Cross Country

The Auckland Secondary Schools Cross Country took place on Wednesday at Sir Barry Curtis Park, a new venue for the event. 
Twenty seven students competed across the age categories in very wet and challenging conditions.
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "All our students showed good grit and determination in their races, with all races having over 80 entrants in each race.  Whilst we had no podium or top 10 finishers, we had several students finish in the top of their age categories." 
They were:

Mr Crossan added, "A big thanks to Mrs Revell and Mr Dempster, who assisted with transport and marshalling in the wet and windy weather."

Adi Ashok Awarded Black Caps Contract

Congratulations to Albertian Adi Ashok, who has been awarded his first central contract by New Zealand Cricket.
Adi, a leg-spin bowler, made his debut for the Black Caps in 2023, and has played two ODIs and one T20 for the team.
After that, he was sidelined with injury for almost a year but recently starred with a five-wicket haul in New Zealand A’s 70-run win over Bangladesh A in an unofficial test match at Sylhet. Adi was also named Player of the Match.

Albertians Score in Football Ferns Win

Albertians Milly Clegg and Jacqui Hand scored to lift the Football Ferns to a 2-1 win over Venezuela in their international match in Spain on Wednesday morning (NZT).
Milly, pictured right, scored before halftime to level the scores at 1-1, before Jacqui scored the winner in the 73rd minute.

Upcoming Premier Sport

The Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are both playing at home tonight, with the Girls playing Northcote College at 6pm, and the Boys playing Dilworth College at 7.30pm. Also today, the Football Boys 1st XI play Auckland Grammar at Crum Park at 7.00pm.
Tomorrow, our Netball Premiers play Baradene College at Auckland Netball at 9.30am, while the Rugby Boys 1st XV have a home game against St Paul's College at 2.30pm.
On Monday, the Rugby Girls 1st XV are home to Epsom Girls Grammar at 4pm, and the Football Girls 1st XI are away to Takapuna Grammar at 4pm.
On Wednesday,  the Rugby League 1st XIII are away to Southern Cross Campus in an elimination semi-final at 4pm.
The Boys and Girls Hockey, and the Girls Lacrosse draws are yet to be released.
More sporting fixtures here