the lion - july 2015

THE

Mount Albert GrAMMAr SchoolJuly 2015

LION

Mount Albert Grammar SchoolAlberton AvenueMount AlbertAuckland 1025

Ph 09 846 2044

www.mags.school.nz

The Lion is the official magazine of Mount Albert Grammar School

Editorial enquiries to editor Estelle Sarney [email protected], ph 09 846 2044, x 8236

Advertising enquiries to Tim Kay, MAGS Foundation [email protected], ph 09 846 2044 x 8127

Cover photo: MAGS rowers Tom Butler and Hannah Fale, photographed by Photography teacher Peter Rees

Designed by Blueriver Creative (Nikki Ross)

Proudly printed by Webstar

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Contents4-5 From the Headmaster6-7 New staff8-19 School news20-23 International Student news24-25 ANZAC Service26-33 Performing Arts34-49 Sport50-59 MAGS Foundation60-66 Corridors - Albertian news67 Key dates

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From the HeadmasterA well rounded education that prepares students to make a useful contribution to society is our mission at Mount Albert Grammar School. I have written extensively in recent years about what this means, and in the last edition of The Lion I wrote about the importance of the Arts in secondary school education.

Elite secondary school sport is something that we hear a lot about. In fact some would

argue that too much is made of top end secondary school sport and that the emphasis on it is out of proportion with what it actually is - teenage sport. When one considers the amount of media coverage in Auckland that top school sport receives, especially rugby, I can understand how people may take this view. The media coverage is intensive but it is also very biased towards traditional sports such as rugby and boys’ sport. There seems to be a lack of willingness to make a concerted effort to give women and girls their fair share of the coverage.

It is very important that schools meet the sporting needs of all students in the same way they do for other areas of school. This includes gifted athletes who should be catered for with programmes that extend and challenge them. However, it is important that some perspective is kept. Over the years there has been increasing pressure for students to specialise earlier in one sport. This flies in the face of research that clearly points to the benefits of playing more than one sport in the early years.

With increasing specialisation have come more talent camps, out of season overseas trips, trials here and there, agents, and recently a dedicated TV series around the 1A Rugby competition. This had led to more pressure on students and parents and an inevitable lack of balance in the life of the students. All of this is fuelled by the lure of becoming a professional, which is an admirable goal, but only realistic for a fraction of those who seek it. However, even for those elite athletes, it is important that school remains a place that provides a balance, where academic pursuits are the first priority and where they are able to continue to grow and learn by trying new things.


Secondary school sport needs to be accessible for all students of all abilities as it plays a broader role in our schools. It is a vehicle for us to make students better young people. The important processes that occur in training, on the field, on the court, or on and in the water really make a difference to teenagers’ development. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, it is well known that involvement is sport assists academic performance, encourages students into leadership positions, encourages competition, and keeps students out of trouble. The last point is reinforced by the fact that nearly all students who get into major trouble are usually not involved in sport or any other positive physical activity. One of the key life skills taught by sport is discipline. The need to follow rules and structures, show respect to other people, the need to be on time, to train hard, wear the correct equipment, prepare properly and recover properly, are all skills that will stand students in good stead throughout their lives.

The quality of the adults who coach, manage and mentor is important also as these are the people who make sure the attitudes and values of the school are maintained. In this sense school sport is an extension of the classroom. While some will argue that top teenage players need to be coached at a

higher level within clubs, I strongly believe that students are best nurtured in a school sporting environment by those who understand the school context and, most importantly, the young people in their care. It’s the responsibility of the schools to meet the sporting needs of these students with excellent programmes.

School sport is part of an individual’s sporting journey – it is not the end. When we refer to our students being “lifelong learners” we apply this to the learning they get from sport as well as from everything else they experience at school.

Sport is also an important part of a school’s identity and culture – it has been described as “the glue” that keeps a school together. In my experience this is true, as it provides a showcase for students to not only stay fit and enjoy the benefits of sport, but also to show pride in their school.

Dale Burden

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Jitika Austin has joined the Science Department as a General Science and Biology teacher. A first year teacher from AUT, she previously she worked as a community pharmacist in South Auckland. She has an interest in the performing and visual arts, as well as travelling. Jitika moved to New Zealand from India in 1995 after spending some time in the UK, and thoroughly enjoys living here.

Kiyoko Balint is a native Japanese speaker and teacher who has joined our Languages Department. Kiyoko came to New Zealand in 2002 on a working holiday, and with a passion for snowboarding lived in Queenstown for seven years. She then came to Auckland and taught at Western Springs College for three years. Kiyoko has an 18-month-old daughter and loves living in New Zealand.

Zach Beard has joined our Music Department this year. He moved to Auckland in 2014 after a year of teaching in Bologna, Italy. Prior to working in Italy he was based in Wellington where he worked in a Maori immersion school and was actively involved in the music scene, playing in a number of bands and gigging regularly. Originally from Nelson, he is now looking forward to working alongside great staff and as part of MAGS vibrant Music Department.

Shona Boniface has returned to the Mathematics Department after taking a year’s leave of absence in 2014. Prior to that Shona had been teaching at MAGS for eight years. Shona returned to live in New Zealand in 2001 after spending 20 years in Canada. She loves teaching mathematics and enjoys the friendliness and supportive culture of MAGS.

Danny Chang a first year teacher from Auckland University, has joined the Science Department as a General Science and Physics teacher. Coming from an academic background, Danny loves science and wishes to share his fascination with other people. Danny enjoy activities which he finds mentally challenging, such as logic puzzles and chess.

Kerryann Daffin has joined our Science department as the Head of Agricultural Science from Auckland University of Technology. She has recently moved to New Zealand after completing a variety of qualifications in areas including Literature, Creative Writing, Nutrition, Spanish, Biology and Agricultural Science in Australia. Having taught in Argentina and Spain, she is passionate about sharing her love of learning and embracing other cultures - she even teaches Latin Dance classes

Back row from left: Paul McKinney, Gerald Urquhart, Darroch Todd, Andre Sampson, Danny Chang, Edward Prince, Zach Beard, Mic Watts. Middle row: Shona Boniface, Olivia Markham, Nikki Weston, Jarafshan Mistry, Michelle Farquhar, Renuka Ram, Stella Seo, Emily Donovan. Front row: Leah Murray, Kerryann Daffin, Jitika Austin, Paula Smith, Alana Smythe, Kiyoko Balint, Harriet Wilson.

Welcome to our new staffMAGS welcomes staff members who are new to the school in 2015, and welcomes back those who have returned from leave. Here each new and returning staff member introduces themselves to the MAGS community:

on the weekends. Kerryann believes it is important to maintain a healthy body and mind and is greatly looking forward to working at Mount Albert Grammar.

Emily Donovan has joined the English department after three years teaching English and History at Whangaparaoa College. She is recently married and she and her husband James own a house in West Auckland. Emily absolutely adores her three cats (much to her jealous husband’s dismay) and spends her spare time with friends, family and playing sports like football and cricket. Emily is an avid reader and is also passionate about fashion and trends.

Michelle Farquhar has joined the Commerce Department, teaching Economics, Accounting, Business and Commerce Studies. Having started working life in the finance industry, Michelle moved into teaching after having a family. She joins us from Rangitoto College and as she lives on the city side of the bridge, is very much looking forward to spending less time sitting in traffic. When not teaching, Michelle spends most of her time being cook/cleaner/taxi service to her own teenage family.

Cheryl Loughton says that although there is little time to spare between working at MAGS, studying for a PhD in Education and playing with her two daughters, she also enjoys running and aerobics. She has recently arrived from the UK and is open to suggestions of ‘good’ New Zealand music to listen to. She has already seen Fat Freddy’s Drop in London.

Paul McKinney returns to MAGS after almost six years teaching in the UK. An Albertian of the 1970s, he joined MAGS in 2004 as Head of Maths and then spent three years as Director of Boarding. His hobbies are reading, word puzzles and digital photography. And, of course, maths for fun!

Olivia Markham has returned to the Social Science Department from maternity leave. She has been teaching History and Social Studies at MAGS since 2001 and is looking forward to getting back into the classroom.

Jarafshan Mistry will be teaching Science and Chemistry. She moved to New Zealand from the US soon after completing her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Duke University in North Carolina. She has previously taught at Westlake Girls’ High School and was a lecturer at the Manukau Institute of Technology. In her free time, Jarafshan enjoys watching movies, baking and archery.


Leah Murray a first year teacher from Canterbury University, is originally from Christchurch and has moved to join the Science Department. After completing a practicum at MAGS recently she is excited to return as a General Science and Chemistry teacher. In her spare time she trains with a martial arts club, and also enjoys running.

Edward Prince is originally from Yorkshire, having emigrated to New Zealand 20 years ago and lived in Titirangi ever since. Previously he worked as an interior and product designer and maker of fine furniture. Edward has taught at furniture-making and 3D design at UNITEC and secondary school Technology at Kings College and Matamata College. When he is not in the studio or workshop he plays jazz trumpet and bass and also shoots a traditional longbow at Auckland Field Archery Club.

Renuka Ram joined the Mathematics Department, teaching Years 9 to 12 Mathematics and Statistics. In her teaching career of 34 years, she has been a Head of Department, Dean, Teacher in Charge and Form Teacher at several schools both overseas and locally. She is a passionate and caring teacher who enjoys working with young people and helping them realise their potential in the subject. Renuka loves gardening and is a keen follower of international cricket and rugby sevens. Her real bundle of joy is her six-month-old grandson!

André Sampson joins our Art Department from Auckland University as an Art and Art History teacher. She is a practising artist with a background in set, costume and prop design for theatre, film and television. André is a painter and printmaker who exhibits regularly. Her work was included in CODE NZ at Canvas International in the Netherlands and she was the winner of the 2012 Henrietta and Lola Anne Tunbridge Watercolour Scholarship Award. Her work is held in local and international collections.

Stella Seo has joined the English Department. A first year teacher from Auckland University, she is passionate about teaching literature and increasing student engagement in the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, reading post-colonial literature, and spending time with friends and family.

Paula Smith returns to teaching part-time from a two year break after having a baby. She has not really been away from MAGS as she continued as co-coach of the Premier Netball team while on leave. As well as teaching at MAGS, Paula is also the Specialist Attack Coach for the Northern Zone Performance Netball Squad, one of 12 coaches in the country who are part of the Elite Coaching Group of Netball NZ, and a carded coach with High Performance Sport NZ.

Alana Smythe has joined the Science Department to teach General Science and Biology. A first year teacher from Auckland University, she loves painting and bringing her creative side to class to make lessons interesting. Expect to see her enthusiastically contributing to anything artistic around Mount Albert Grammar School. Ahakoa he iti he pounamu.

Darroch Todd has joined the Commerce Department, teaching Business Studies and Commerce. Darroch is a first year teacher from Auckland University, who previously spent 23 years with the NZ Police, working as an Inspector, as well as a three-year secondment to Parliament as a Policy Advisor. Darroch has also owned his own business in the Bay of Islands. Darroch used to thoroughly enjoy various hobbies, but now spends all of his spare time, together with his long-suffering wife, chasing after their twin seven-year-olds.

Gerald Urquhart has rejoined the Social Science Department from Auckland University, after a year working with Te Rehia Theatre Company and studying. He is excited to return to MAGS. He hopes to be involved with the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare competition as well as other dramatic pursuits.

Mic Watts is a designer and artist who studied at Auckland University to become a teacher in 2013.Originally from the Waikato, he has lived in Auckland for most of the past two decades, aside from stints travelling in the USA, studying in Whanganui and teaching in New Plymouth last year. His background as a freelance designer has furnished him with a wide range of skills in the Visual Arts and Technology areas. Comfortable with both digital and hands-on processes, Mic is enthusiastic about helping people discover their personal creative abilities and through this learn more about themselves and their universe.

Nikki Weston has joined the Social Science department from the University of Auckland as a first year teacher. Nikki is looking forward to her first year at MAGS as a Social Studies and Geography teacher. Nikki will be assisting with performing arts outside of the classroom this year.

Harriet Wilson is originally from the Bay of Plenty but has lived in Auckland for the past six years. A first year teacher from Auckland University, she has a background in performing arts and media, and this year joins the MAGS Media Studies Department. Harriet has previously worked in producing and presenting for television. Her other interests include skiing, acting, and spending time outdoors.

New in Term 2Kelly Johnston has joined the English department as a first year teacher from Auckland University. She is looking forward to teaching junior and senior level students. Her other interests include netball and softball, which she hopes to be involved in this year, and landscape painting.

Katrina Piezzo has joined the Languages Department, taking on the challenge of filling Yukie Okie’s shoes. After a stint in tourism taking busloads of Japanese honeymooners around the country she turned her hand to teaching and spent 10 years at Rutherford College. Holidays were filled with travel and

building houses with Habitat for Humanity and while on a build in Chile she met her husband. He is American so her teaching career took a hiatus for 6 years while she lived in New York and found a job with AFS-USA. She reports that it is good to be back in Aotearoa and in the classroom.

Steve Sharp has joined the Science department as a General Science and Chemistry teacher. He has recently moved back to New Zealand after four years teaching in the UK. He enjoys travelling and loves playing sports such as football and volleyball, as well as playing the guitar.

Elizabeth Weber has joined the Mathematics Department, teaching Years 9, 10, and 11. She is a proud Texan from the United States and has been living in New Zealand with her husband and baby boy for the last two and a half years. After graduating from Texas A&M University, she taught primary

and early childhood education, before making the transition to the secondary level. When not teaching, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, travelling, reading, and spending time with her family.

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Prefects’ CampGetting to know each other, testing themselves outside their comfort zones, and trying to eat all the food on offer was the challenge for 52 prefects and 12 staff at this year’s Prefects’ Camp at Onemana the weekend before school started.

I am pleased to report that they achieved these goals. By Friday bedtime there was an energetic buzz of friendly conversations circulating the Sangsters’ bach.

The staff who came along were superb, leading and participating in activities designed to encourage teamwork.

While many returned from bush-crashing on Saturday cheerfully frustrated at having to stay out of the direction-taking process, the teachers particularly enjoyed leading the annual “watersports” activity later that afternoon.

The teachers all agreed that this years’ group has the potential to be the best Prefect group ever. Now it is up to them.

Paul Ferner, Director of Guidance

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The Albertian Quad was full as several hundred parents and students gathered for the annual Year 9 Parents’ Evening on 10 February.

Drinks and nibbles were followed by an introduction to the Friends of MAGS parents’ group by Chairwoman Ms Nealie Barker.

Parents then moved into the hall for a welcome from Associate Principal Mr Paul McKinley, who explained how the Junior School worked and the structure of Form Classes.

Peer Support Leaders welcome Year 9 studentsA number of MAGS’ Year 13 students undertook Peer Support training before the school year started to enable them to help our new Year 9 students settle in.

On the Year 9s first day, the Form Class Peer Support Leaders helped the young students get to know their classmates, showed them around the school and helped them understand their timetable.

The Leaders will keep in touch with their Form Classes throughout the year to help the Year 9 students settle into MAGS.

Year 9 Parents’ EveningYear 13 Peer Support Leaders, who helped throughout the evening, guided parents to their children’s Form classes, where Form Teachers spoke about the curriculum and school procedures.

Many parents who already have older children at the school returned for the evening, showing how much they value contact with MAGS and updates on the school’s progress.

2014 Scholarship and NCEA results place MAGS among top 5 schools in New Zealand

Liam Ferguson gained 100% in Scholarship Drama, placing him first in New Zealand in that subject. He received his Top Scholar Award from the Prime Minister, Mr John Key, at a ceremony at Parliament on 6 May. MAGS’ Head of Drama, Dr Lilicherie McGregor, travelled to Wellington with Liam for the occasion. Liam also gained a Scholarship in Chemistry.

Benjamin Dekker’s results of 3 Scholarships, including 2 Outstanding, place him as an NZQA Outstanding Scholar, one of top the 66 in the country, awarding him $5000 per year for three years toward his tertiary studies.

The 2014 NCEA results continue to show that MAGS students’ achievement is higher than national averages and considerably higher than averages for other similar schools, both for overall pass rates, and for endorsements with Merit and Excellence. University Entrance is gained by passing Level 3 in at least three approved subjects, and achieving the required literacy and numeracy credits. MAGS also has a higher pass rate for University Entrance than the national average.

Scholarship examinations represent the pinnacle of academic achievement for secondary students. Scholarships were achieved across 17 different subjects - Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Dance, Design, Drama, Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics with Calculus, Media Studies, Painting, Physical Education, Physics, and Statistics.

Outstanding Scholarships were achieved in Drama, Geography, Mathematics with Calculus, Media Studies and Physics.

Sincere congratulations are extended to students for their achievements, and acknowledgement is made to the academic ability, preparation and perseverance required of them to reach such degrees of success.

Particular acknowledgement is made of the following students who achieved multiple Scholarship success:

• Liam Ferguson Top Scholar in Drama with Scholarship mark of 100%

• Benjamin Dekker one of top 66 Outstanding Scholars

Mount Albert Grammar School exceeded its 2013 tally of 83 Scholarships by gaining 88 in the 2014 results, the fifth highest among all New Zealand secondary schools. Our Scholarship total included seven at Outstanding level.

Samuel Buckman3 Scholarships

Benjamin Dekker3 Scholarships, incl 2 Outstanding

Louisa Howse3 Scholarships

Jericho Jackson4 Scholarships

Flynn Letford3 Scholarships

Harshil Magan3 Scholarships

Rohith Nagulan5 Scholarships

Jonathan Stuart4 Scholarships

Run (Irene) Wu3 Scholarshipsincl 1 Outstanding

Yingying (Jade) Xiao3 Scholarships, incl 1 Outstanding


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About 50 Year 13 students undertook training to become MAGS’ first group of Peer Mentors for Year 10 students.

They were assigned Form Classes in which they could get alongside students to help with issues ranging from friendship problems to subject selection for their chosen study pathways. The elder students will be available to pass on study advice ahead of exams, help the younger students deal with negative peer pressure, and advise them on how to be safe on the internet and within social media.

Associate Principal Mr Paul McKinley and Deputy Principal Ms Jo Williams, who are responsible for MAGS’ Junior Boys and Girls, said the initiative took advantage of positive peer pressure that the mentors could exert as role models.

“The reality is that young people do tend to listen to each other and we are lucky to have a fantastic group of senior students who have been selected to be the first group of mentors to work along side the current Year 10 cohort,” said Ms Williams. “While positive learning focused relationships exist between students and teachers, the added support of the Peer Mentors with whom the students can identify and can relate to will be a bonus.”

Year 13 Peer Mentors Anya Seth and Theo Paul with Year 10 students Solomon Granger and Hannah Cope.

Year 9 Form Class Representatives, back row from left: Darhys Simone, Philip Taua; second row: Mr Paul McKinley, Kenneth Iki, Ali Abbaspour-Mojdehi, Aidan Bright, Ben Gregory, Kanhaiya (Ken) Naidu, Ms Jo Williams; front row: Eva Williams, Sophie Thomson, Rikki Fiatau, Richard Mann (Year 9 Rep), Takunda Muzondiwa (Year 9 Rep), Maxime van Luijken (Deputy Year 9 Rep), Germain Hellriegel-White (Deputy Year 9 Rep), Alanah Faga, Lilee Ieriko, Precious Valencia. Absent: Milan Hussenet

Year 10 Form Class Representatives, back row from left: Nela Ta’ufo’ou, Izaak Glynn; second row: Mr Paul McKinley, Laurence Sivasubramaniam, Phoenix Silver, Tuyishime Byamana, Liam Akeli, Theo Lobin, Elisaia Morris, Tom Barrand; front row: Hannah Fale, Vincent Cudmore (Year 10 Rep), Punipuao Lavea (Year 10 Rep), Elijah Manu (Deputy Year 10 Rep), Cleo Sime, Rosarina Pillissi, Ms Jo Williams. Absent: Nadine Hidalgo (Deputy Year 10 Rep), Angel Halatoa, Carla Robertson, Leighton Heremaia-Dale

Peer Mentor programme launched for Year 10 students

Each Year 9 and 10 Form Class voted for the student they would like to represent them at meetings led by Prefects, with the assistance of Associate Principal Mr Paul McKinley, responsible for Junior Boys, and Deputy Principal Ms Jo Williams, responsible for Junior Girls.

Students who wished to be considered as Form Class Representatives had to email Mr McKinley and Ms Williams outlining the experiences, skills and traits they could bring to the role. They were then given the opportunity to address their peers.

Mr McKinley says the high level of skills and good character among the group means Year 9 and 10 students will be well represented on sub-committees, giving the Junior School a voice and ensuring Junior students are involved in as many opportunities as possible through the Arts, Sport and Academic areas.

The mentors received training from Guidance Counsellors Ms Rhonda Weeks, Ms Margaret O’Carroll and Ms Marianne Wilson.

Junior Class Representatives

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Head Prefects Isaac Ah Kuoi-Atmore and Holly Fowler with Headmaster Mr Dale Burden and the Leadership Assembly’s guest speaker, Mr Phillip Mills of Les Mills International.

CEO of Les Mills International Mr Phillip Mills was the guest speaker at the assembly.

Students of Te Puna o Wairaka performed in honour of the new student leaders.

Leadership AssemblyThis year’s Prefects, Arts and Sports Leaders were presented with their badges at the Senior Leadership Assembly on 13 February.

The ceremony was attended by parents, Headmaster Mr Dale Burden, senior staff, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Greg Moyle, and guest speaker Mr Phillip Mills, the Chief Executive of Les Mills International.

Mr Mills attended Mount Albert Grammar from 1968-1972. A former track and field competitor who started out managing a rock and roll band, Mr Mills later brought music to fitness to launch aerobics in the 1980s. The Les Mills workouts are now in 16,000 clubs and gyms in 80 countries around the world. At the assembly, Mr Mills thanked the teachers and coaches who had inspired him to “do things better.”

“It’s an incredible calling to be a teacher, one of the most important jobs there is. You are helping to make the world a better place.”

He encouraged the Year 9 and 13 students in attendance to work hard and follow their dreams.

“You can be whatever you want to be.”


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Prefects and family gathered for an afternoon tea following the ceremony.

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Scholars’ AssemblySome of MAGS’ most successful Year 13 students from 2014 returned to the school for the Scholars’ Assembly on 23 February.

Among them were the Liam Ferguson, who gained the top mark in New Zealand for Scholarship Drama - 100% - and Benjamin Dekker, whose results of 3 Scholarships, including 2 at Outstanding level, place him as an NZQA Outstanding Scholar, one of top the 66 in the country, awarding him $5000 per year for three years toward his tertiary studies.

Other students in attendance who will have their names inscribed on the Honours Board for Scholars were Samuel

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Buckman, Louisa Howse, Jericho Jackson, Flynn Letford, Harshil Magan and 2014 Boy Dux Rohith Nagulan.

The Assembly honoured all students who gain NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 with Excellence in 2014, with each awarded a Scholar Lion. The Associate Principal, Mr Paul McKinley, commended the students for their hard work, organisation and dedication, and thanked the school network and parents for their support of the students’ endeavor. Many parents attended the ceremony, and the afternoon tea held afterwards in the staff room.

The other top students from 2014 whose names will also be inscribed on the Honours Board are Jonathan Stuart, Run (Irene) Wu and Yingying (Jade) Xiao.


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Relay for LifeMAGS raises $28,000 for cancer charity

More than 100 students and 10 teachers took part in the Relay for Life fundraising event for the Cancer Society, raising more than $28,000 – the most raised by any school in Auckland.

The event took place at the AUT Millennium Stadium at Mairangi Bay from 28-29 March. The aim was to walk or run as many laps of a 400m course as possible over 18 hours - the four MAGS teams completed more than 1200 laps.

Overnight they also took part in a range of fun activities, including zumba, tug of war and a wearable art competition.

On the Friday before the event, all MAGS students were allowed to wear mufti in the colours of the fundraiser, in return for a gold coin donation toward the cause.

From left, Cancer Society representatives Ms Sam Maulder, Mr John Loof and Ms Gina Fergusson, Aimee Hunt, Isaac Murphy, Mr Dale Burden, Tessa Cochrane and Sam Lissaman.

On 20 April representatives of the Cancer Society attended MAGS assemblies to receive a cheque for $28,454. They met the two students who had completed the longest distance at the Relay - Sam Lissaman and Isaac Murphy, both Year 9, ran or walked 200 laps each, the equivalent of completing nearly two marathons. They also met Year 11 student Aimee Hunt, who raised the most of any student - $2793, and Tessa Cochrane, a Prefect who had helped teachers Mr Tom Clark and Ms Alayna Pulham organise the event.

Auckland/Northland Chief Executive Mr John Loof said the sum was “an absolutely extraordinary amount - and we thank you.” The money would be put towards funding cancer nurses and counsellors in the local community.


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Robotics team goes to World ChampionshipsOver the April school holidays one MAGS’ two Robotics teams travelled to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete in the 2015 VEX Robotics World Championships.

The MAGS team, made up of Harry Duncan, Alex Boyd, Hideaki Murakami and Parie Malhotra, qualified for the World Championships by winning the National Design award at the National Championships earlier this year.

The design award is presented to a team that demonstrates a solid approach to the design process, project management, time management and team organisation.

Four students and several family members travelled to the United States for a week to compete in the tournament from 15-18 April. They won 7 out of 10 games, finishing 17th in their division of 90 of the best teams from around the world.

A team placing at around this level in a robotics tournament would usually be picked by one of the top teams as a second alliance partner to compete with them in the quarter finals and beyond. Unfortunately, as a relatively unknown team to the US teams that made up the majority of the competition, the MAGS team was not chosen.

The World Championships is the culmination of the year long robotics season, and the high schools division was contested by 450 teams from 26 countries. The MAGS team was one of eight teams to represent New Zealand.

Alex Boyd, Robotics Team Captain

MAGS Observatory re-opens

Students, staff and families can once again stargaze from the MAGS Observatory. Its 12 inch telescope has been restored and evening viewing sessions have begun.

Physics teacher Mr Michael Ashby volunteered to have the Meade LX200 telescope overhauled and given a warrant of fitness, and engaged the services of Stardome astronomer Dr Grant Christie.

The telescope, one of the most powerful at any school in the country, has its own little observatory hut in the Horticulture section of the school grounds.

“It’s a proper research telescope,” says Mr Ashby. “You can see the moon in exquisite detail, such as the sun casting shadows in the craters as it sets. You can see cloud bands on Jupiter, and the leftovers of exploded stars. When Saturn is visible in our part of the sky, we’ll be able to see its rings.”

Mr Ashby is now working with the MAGS’ Head of Science, Ms Ang Whitlam, on how to incorporate use of the observatory into science classes. Viewing sessions are notified on the school website and the “MAGS Astronomy” facebook page.

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The start of the year saw two camps in the Waitakere Ranges – a Bronze camp run by Miss Natalie Absolum and Mrs Jess Wilson, and a Silver practice journey run by myself. This was a successful weekend with a number of students completing their Bronze award and the Silver students being better prepared for their qualifying venture. This took place from 2-4 May, once again in the Waitakere Ranges. A group of 25 students and 3 teachers tramped from Cornwallis beach, over to Karamatura, then onto Whatipu and finally back along the Walker Ridge to finish on the beach at Huia. It was a good weekend in relatively warm conditions.

All the students who completed a 32km tramp carrying all their own gear, food and tents for three days were still able to remain cheerful to the end, especially up and over the Omanawanui Track down to Whatipu on day two. They all learned a lot, both about bushcraft and about themselves.

The Award is continuing to flourish at MAGS and with it, its profile. We have recently launched it to Year 10 students and there has been a great response from both the boys and girls with over 60 students enrolling. This response is testament to the ongoing popularity of the Award.

Congratulations to the following students who have recently been presented with their Bronze Awards: Leanne Burton, Alec Butler, Thomas Day, Rohan Dey, Thomas Eagles-Smith, Brenna Hobson, Salote Holi, Heejoo Jang, Riley King, Rhys Kontze,

Back row from left: Conor Quinlan, Aidan Quinlan, Angenita Lousi, Riley King, Thomas Day, Jack Soffe. Middle row: Alec Butler, Thomas Eagles-Smith, Virginia Megson, Kushali Tuinder, Leanne Burton, Sebastian Morris. Front row: Rhys Kontze, Rohan Dey, Heejoo Jang, Ria Shon, Eleanor Fletcher

Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award

Sebastian Morris, Ella Neighbours, Conor Quinlan, Aidan Quinlan, Ria Shon, Jack Soffe, Kushali Tuinder, Angenita Lousi, Eleanor Fletcher.

Silver Awards were presented to Emma Bayfield, Alexander Boyle, Virginia Megson and Shanika Tuinder.

Mr Andy Belson, Teacher in charge of the Award programme at MAGS.

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International Prefects Masayoshi Sasaki and Mengyan (Monica) Xia took part in Peer Support training and attended the Prefects’ Camp in the week before the school year started.

As Peer Support Leaders, Masa and Monica are helping new International students settle into Mount Albert Grammar School. They have taken them on school tours, helped them find support services, helped them understand their timetable and introduced them to fellow students. Masa and Monica undertook two days of training with other Year 13 students to prepare them for their role.

IntERnAtIOnAl StuDEntS

Students have a go at Rippa RugbyMAGS’ International Students are getting a taste of Kiwi rugby through coaching sessions run by the Auckland Rugby Union.

About 24 Junior boy and girl students learned how to play Rippa Rugby at the end of 2014, and on 17 February 36 Senior students were taken through the game by three coaches from the Auckland Rugby Union. Rippa Rugby is similar to Touch Rugby, where instead of tackling, players try to rip tags off each other’s jerseys to make them pass the ball.

New Zealand Prefects and International Committee members Milan Bonkovich and Lavinia Louisi joined in and helped the students get a feel for New Zealand’s national game.

International Dean Mr Ian Cole hopes to organise a tournment and pick a team that can go on to play International students from other schools.

International Prefects get involved in school life

“It was fun - I learned a lot about teamwork and what it takes to be a good leader,” said Masa.

Monica said the training had increased their confidence and sense of responsibility. “Your first days at a new school are important, and for International students it can be harder because of the language difficulties. I enjoyed helping them.”

Once training had finished, Masa and Monica headed to the Coromandel Peninsula with MAGS’ other Prefects for the annual three-day Prefects’ Camp.

They took part in team-building activities on the beach, in the bush, and at the beach-house where they stayed. They say they made many new friends among their fellow Prefects, and returned ready to help lead the school in 2015.

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Welcome barbecue for International studentsA Kiwi-style barbecue under the trees on the front lawn of Mount Albert Grammar School was an enjoyable way to welcome our International students for 2015.

International Director Mr Evan Gray said the lunchtime barbecue on 18 February gave MAGS’ 110 International students the opportunity to come together for a fun occasion, and for new students to meet those already attending MAGS. This year

MAGS welcomes 31 new International students, including those from China, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Vietnam.

International Prefects Masayoshi Sasaki and Mengyan (Monica) Xia helped organise the barbecue, along with the Year 12 International Student Leaders for 2015.

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International CampForty seven International students of nine nationalities had the time of their lives at Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges over the weekend of 20-22 March.

In their speeches at the end of the camp, many said they had braved, and enjoyed, activities they had never had the opportunity to attempt before. For some, the camp was “a life-changing experience”.

Divided into four teams of boys and girls of mixed nationalities, the students took part in kayaking, archery, air rifle shooting, a confidence course, high ropes course and the notorious mudslide. On the second evening they enjoyed a campfire and glow-worm walk.

Leading the teams were International Prefects Masayoshi Sasaki and Mengyan (Monica) Xia, and the Kiwi Prefects who are members of the International Committee, Lavinia Lousi and Milan Bonkovich.

Lavinia said she saw many students in her team grow in confidence over the weekend. “They opened up to give things a go and make friends.”

Milan felt the teams of mixed ages also helped younger students to settle into their new lives in New Zealand and get to know their fellow International students.

The Kiwi Prefects say they also gained from the experience, having to step up in leadership roles and develop new ways of communicating with students who do not have English as a first language.

International Dean Mr Ian Cole says he takes his hat off to Milan and Lavinia for the “amazing job” they did over the weekend.

“They had to communicate with kids of varying age and language ability, but were able to bring them all together and help them take on new challenges in a way that was fun.”

Mr Cole also thanked the teachers who attended, Ms Li Wang, Ms Pam Hutchins, Mr Theo van Zyl and Ms Liz Quinn-Casey.

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The annual Vietnamese Scholarship for MAGS’ International students from Vietnam is this year shared by two outstanding Year 13 students, both enrolled with us by the L & V Company in Ho Chi Minh City.

They are Dang Tran Bao An (left) from Binh Duong Province, and Nguyen Thi Hue Linh (Sumi) from Ha Tinh Province.

The Vietnamese Scholarship pays for part of each student’s annual tuition fees and is jointly funded by the school and Mr Thuan Vovan, our school’s Vietnamese Consultant. They are pictured with International Director Mr Evan Gray.

Speech competitionTwo International students took part in the 2015 Race Unity Speech Awards, held at the St Columba Centre in Ponsonby on 25 March.

Despite English being their second language, Year 13 student Yian (Ivan) Zhou (left), and Year 12 student Wanli Cheng, both from China, each took the opportunity to write and deliver a seven-minute speech. Twenty five other students from schools around Auckland also competed in their heat.

This year’s theme was From Nationhood to Neighbourhood; Wanli and Ivan both wrote about the development of New Zealand since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and say they were able to present a different perspective from the point of view of people who had recently arrived in New Zealand. Wanli has been at MAGS since 2012, Ivan since the end of last year.

International Dean Mr Ian Cole said the boys should be congratulated on taking part in English language competition against New Zealand students. “It showed maturity on their part, and was great for their confidence,” said Mr Cole.

German student embraces Outdoor EducationInternational student Gesa Weidemann from Germany is taking Mount Albert Grammar School’s Outdoor Education course for the two terms she is attending in 2015.

So far this year the Year 13 student has gone on a three-day kayak trip around Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, had leadership training on the High Ropes course at Unitec, and completed a four-day tramp around the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk in the Urewera Ranges near Gisborne.

“I just love Outdoor Education - the Lake Waikaremoana walk was the best experience of my whole time in New Zealand so far,” says Gesa.

When she heard the subject was available at MAGS she applied to take it, as she thought it would be an enjoyable as well as educational way of experiencing New Zealand’s great outdoors. She hasn’t been disappointed.

“It’s so much fun, you get to have adventures in beautiful places, and make lots of friends.”

Vietnamese students scholarships

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Detailed and emotional speeches by two Prefects, and the attendance of Albertians currently serving in the defence forces, were highlights of the annual Mount Albert Grammar School ANZAC Service, this year marking the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli conflict.

The service was held in the FW Gamble Hall on Friday, 24 April, and attended by Year 9 and 13 students, Headmaster Mr Dale Burden, President of the Albertians Association Mr Ben Stallworthy, and a number of Albertians. Albertian bagpiper Mr Andrew Wilkie piped dignitaries into and from the hall.

Prefects William McMaster and Samantha Brake related the war experiences of relatives and family friends. Samantha spoke about her Grandpa Jack, who served in Europe during WWII, primarily at Dunkirk. She passed on some of his stories that captured the drama and desperation of conflict, but also how difficult it was for him to speak about what he had been through, and how his war experience had affected his whole life. She wore the eight medals he was awarded by the end of the war.

William gave a well-researched speech about the horror and futility of war, New Zealand’s enormous contribution, and how grateful his generation should feel for the sacrifices made by those who fought. He related stories told to him by family friend Denis Bounsall, a stretcher bearer in WWII who was awarded

the Distinguished Conduct Medal, second only to the Victoria Cross in its recognition of bravery. Seated on stage in full uniform were Albertians currently serving New Zealand in the defence forces.

As at every ANZAC Service, the names of 50 fallen Albertians were read aloud, the Final Benediction was read in English and Maori, and a laying of wreaths at the school memorial wall was performed during the Last Post and Reveille, as the New Zealand flag was lowered and raised.

Albertians then attended a lunch at School House, where musical performances were given by a MAGS strings group and award-winning songwriter James Donaldson. Mr Burden spoke about the importance of young people playing a part in war memorial events, and gave Albertians an update of progress at their old school.

Mount Albert Grammar School also played a key role in the community ANZAC Service at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall on Saturday, 25 April. All Prefects attended, and Head Boy Isaac Ah Kuoi-Atmore and Head Girl Holly Fowler gave a speech on the relevance of ANZAC Day to them as young people. They also laid a wreath on behalf of the school.

ANZAC Service - the 100th Anniversary

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Serving Albertians, from left, Aircraftsman Chase Peri, Corporal Ana Gibbs (nee Rangi), Leading Seaman Combat Dylan Thomas, Warrant Officer Mani Wichman and Major John Liddell.

William McMaster and Samantha Brake each gave a moving speech at the 100th Anniversary ANZAC Service at MAGS.

Photo courtesy of Faifax Media

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A group of 21 Music students went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York during the April school

holidays.

Head of Music Ms Milica Moon led the 12-day tour, accompanied by Deputy Principal Ms Yevette Williams and two parents.

The students took part in workshops led by a Broadway performer and another with a casting director, had dinner with the cast of An American in Paris before attending the show, toured the Lincoln Centre, including the Juilliard School of Drama, Dance and Music, and attended a New York Philharmonic concert after which they spoke with one of the musicians. They had a behind the scenes look at the musical Wicked, and met the musicians of a top New York jazz band after listening to them

play at a restaurant.

The group also visited the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim

Museum and the Museum of Natural History. They visited the New Zealand representative to the UN

Security Council, Mr Jim McLay, at the United Nations, and toured many other New York tourist attractions,

including City Hall.

Ms Moon said the students’ were great representatives of Mount Albert Grammar School and New Zealand, and gained a great deal

from what was an inspirational trip.

Music trip to New York

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Dancers present a moving showcaseMAGS Dance students from Year 9 to 13 performed a showcase of their work so far this year at the Moving Thoughts concert at Centennial Theatre on 1 April.

The evening featured 24 dances, with themes ranging from lighthearted takes on the fun of dance, to intense studies of the effects of terrorism and domestic violence.

Dance styles including jazz, contemporary, hip hop and Pasifika. Most Year 12 and 13 students performed their own choreographies, including impressive works by Scholarship students.

Next term the students will begin work for more extensive Junior Bytes and Arts Alive concerts, scheduled for September.

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MAGS’ Kapa Haka group secured their place among the top 10 Auckland schools at Polyfest 2015.

The group performed at the Manukau Sports Bowl on 21 March before an audience of more than 1000, and 26 judges.

Head of Te Puna o Wairaka, Mr Tahau Thompson, said the group’s 21 minute performance was given with passion, and honoured the members’ ancestors and whanau.

MAGS was placed 10th, retaining our place in the first division, and Kaitataki Wahine (Girls Leader) Moana Te Hei was placed third.

More than 75 students took part during the rehearsal campaign, which included six marae visits and regular mid-week practices. Mr Thompson says a focus of Kapa Haka at MAGS is not just the final performance, but helping students develop leadership skills such as communication, role modelling and vision.

A number of students had attended tangi of whanau members during the rehearsal period, including the whanau of elder Mr John Moses, and the team dedicated their performance to all of their tupuna who had passed away.

Mr Thompson thanked student leaders Moana Te Hei, Te Ao Frandi and Maioro Taylor.

“The greatest driving force in the campaign was parent Whaea Tui Gallagher and her dedicated, talented whanau kaimahi,” says Mr Thompson. “E Ō ku rangatira, e Ō ku mā tua, kā hore he mihi nui ake I te mihi nui, ehoi nei rā a mihi nui ki a koutou - nā koutou te whakaaro nui, heoi ko tŌ mā tou he tautoko. To my great leaders, my esteemed elders, it is said that there is no greater acknowledgment than “he mihi nui” and so I extend to you “he mihi nui’ - fore t’was your aspiration, mine was but support.”

Kapa Haka at Polyfest

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Creative presentation of Mother CourageA flexible approach to staging the Bertholt Brecht play, Mother Courage and Her Children, meant that all the Year 13 students taking part had the opportunity to play multiple characters.

Staged at Alberton House on 6-7 May, the 13-scene performance had actors taking turns at playing key roles, and at other times continuing with those they had presented in earlier scenes.

Dialogue was interspersed with songs by actors who are also talented vocalists, with others playing musical instruments.

Brecht wrote the play after he escaped from Hitler’s Germany to avoid the fate of artists and writers who were being executed. He went into exile in Denmark, and wrote a play set during the 30-year-war in Europe during the 1700s. A mother takes her three children and a wagon to follow in the wake of the conflict, offering help to civilians, but instead she loses all her children to the war.

Head of Drama, Dr Lilicherie McGregor says the play has themes that still resonate with modern day students and audiences.

“It’s a tragedy, and has themes that are still relevant to wars going on today, such as in Syria and its effect on the children there,” says Dr McGregor.

Dr McGregor says this was the first time Alberton House has invited MAGS’ Drama Department to stage an evening production at the historic homestead, in addition to the shorter daytime works it hosts for Year 11 students later in the year.

Alberton staff also helped source military costumes for the Year 13 actors to wear, which added to the authentic feel of the play.

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If you visited the ‘fanzones’ during the FIFA U20 World Cup being staged around New Zealand in June, you might have heard a song by MAGS’ Music student James Donaldson.

James was the joint winner of a competition run by the Play It Strange Trust on behalf of the World Cup organisers, with his song Colours.

FIFA wanted a song by a young New Zealander that celebrated the coming together of nations to celebrate “one passion in one place”. James says he spent about two weeks creating the words and music for his entry, which he recorded himself with the help of the Garage Band software programme.

After being announced the joint winner by the Trust, which fosters songwriting and performance among young musicians, James was able to have his song professionally recorded at Roundhead Studios. Joining him to record the track were MAGS musicians Nathan Rhodes-Hasler on lead guitar and Reuben Brooks on drums. Nathan also has a starring role with an amazing guitar solo in the second half of the song.

The song was played at fanzones set up for the public to watch matches on big screens, and also played at stadiums.

This is the second time James has won a songwriting competition run by the Trust, which is led by former Split Enz member Mike Chunn.

Chloe Childs, who completed Year 13 at MAGS last year, has had her Level 3 Photography Art Board included in an exhibition being toured by NZQA.

Top Art is an annual touring exhibition featuring a selection of the NCEA Level 3 portfolios that achieved Excellence in Visual Art in the previous year. Five streams are covered: design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

James Donaldson wins u20 World Cup song contest

Student’s work in top Art tourTop Art provides an opportunity for secondary students and teachers to gain an understanding of what is required to achieve Excellence at Level 3. It also allows members of the public to see the high quality art being created in schools.

The exhibition tours the country until September.

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Lisa McLaughlan studies with new Zealand Dance CompanyDeputy Head Girl and top Dance student Lisa McLaughlan won a coveted three-week secondment to the New Zealand Dance Company from February 16-March 6.

Lisa was the only secondary student to be invited to audition for the place. She won the secondment ahead of about 20 tertiary dance students.

Lisa says she spent her time with the Company as understudy for two roles in its contemporary dance production of Rotunda, which toured New Zealand and Australia from March to May. Lisa was on standby to perform in the show if either of the professional dancers she understudied could not take the stage.

Rotunda told the ANZAC story, incorporating live music by the NZ Army Band and North Shore Brass, and is the creation of Arts Laureates Shona McCullagh (Artistic Director) and Don McGlashan (Musical Director).

Lisa has won a number of dance and choreography awards and is aiming for a career as a professional dancer.

The MAGS Mega Crew hip hop dance group came second in the Street Dance NZ National Championships held at the Vodaphone Events Centre from 17-19 April.

Up against 14 other schools and before audiences of 1200-1700 people, the MAGS group also won the trophy for Most Outstanding Performance. Head of Dance Ms Jacqui Cesan gave credit to group leaders Gabriel Sutton, Jackson Tuarae, Moana Te Hei and Semira Van Der Made, who led the team through full day rehearsals through the school holidays.

Gabriel and Jackson also joined Albertians Nathan Kara and Riley Bourne in the group The Bradas, which won the adult 5-8 man crew division. They received a standing ovation and also won the trophy for Most Original Performance.

MAGS students Jaimee McLaughlan and Celia Hext were also part of the group Masque, which came third in the Varsity section.

The Bradas and Masque have now qualified to represent New Zealand at the World Championships, to be held in San Diego in August. The groups are part of ID CO, managed by Albertian Joshua Cesan.

MAGS dance group runner-up to nZ title

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Athletics – at the North Island Championships Niven Longopoa (right) won three events - the 110m hurdles, the 300m hurdles and the long jump. His sister Kalisi won the Junior Girls 70m hurdles, and Dylan Moon took out the Junior Boys 80m hurdles.

Rugby - MAGS wins the Blues 10s Rugby Tournament

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Rowing – the U18 Boys Eight make the Maadi Cup final for the first time in 53 years in an historic return to the top echelon of high school rowing.

Netball – The Premier team won the national College Netball Championship for the fourth year in a row.

Softball – the Premier Boys Team claim the NZSS title for the third consecutive year.

Rowing – Fergus McSwiney and Jonathan Winter in the U18 Pair claim Gold in Auckland, Gold at North Islands and Silver at the Maadi Cup NZSS Championships.

Swimming – MAGS won the Open Girls Butterfly Relay at the AKSS Champion of Champions event for the fourth year in a row.

Futsal – the Girls First XI team are NZSS Champions for the third year in a row.


From left: Kalisi Longopoa (Junior Girls), Niven Longopoa (Senior Boys), Symone Tafuna’i (co-winner Senior Girls), Caleb Clarke (Intermediate Boys), Rebekah Van Dort (co-winner Senior Girls), Dylan Moon (Junior Boys), Paige Witehira (Intermediate Girls).

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AthleticsThe 2015 season began during term one with the School Athletics Championships, held at Trusts Stadium in February. The numbers competing, especially in the Junior school, were up on previous years and the standard was high, with 11 records broken through Junior, Intermediate and Senior grades.

Three Seniors stood out, as they all broke more than one record each. They were Rebekah Van Dort (800/1500/3000m), Symone Tafuna’i (100/200m) and Niven Longopoa (long jump/110m hurdles). Niven’s 7.04m long jump, which added 34cm to a record held since 1997, was the performance of the meet.

A strong team then competed at the Western Zone Championships, also at Trusts Stadium, in early March. MAGS athletes won 17 titles on the track and 15 titles in the field at this competition. Our relays also dominated with the boys teams winning all the grades of the 4x 100m and also the Open boys 4x 400m. The girls were equally dominant, winning all of the events except the Junior 4x 100m in which they placed second. Several athletes displayed outstanding all-round ability, winning multiple events. Niven Longopoa won four Senior titles, as did Dylan Moon in the Junior grade. In the Intermediates Caleb Clarke also showed versatility with two firsts and two seconds.

The next event was the Greater Auckland Championships, held at Mt Smart in mid March. MAGS athletes claimed six Senior titles; Symone Tafuna’i (100/200m), Niven Longopoa (110/300m hurdles), Alley Toutaiolepo, (high jump) and Kodi Barlow (300m hurdles). Two Year 9 students also excelled, winning Junior titles. They were Kalisi Longopoa (70m hurdles) and Dylan Moon (80m hurdles and triple jump). The best individual performance was Symone Tafuna’i running 12.03s for the 100m. Her time was better than the Auckland record but the tail wind on the day was judged too strong to claim the record.

The final event for the season was the North Island Championships, which were held at Mt Smart in the last weekend of March. Seven athletes represented Auckland at this event, gaining five firsts, five seconds and a third. The hurdles were the event in which MAGS athletes excelled - Niven Longopoa won the Senior 110m and 300m hurdles. He equaled the Championship record in the 110m hurdles, clocking 14.52s. His sister Kalisi won the Junior girls 70m hurdles and Dylan Moon won the Junior boys 80m hurdles. Niven also won the long jump to round out a great weekend of competition.

Brent Booker, Teacher in Charge of Athletics

2015 Athletics ChampionsFollowing the annual MAGS’ Athletics Championships held on 17 February, the overall age-group champions were presented with their trophies.

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Boys First XIQualified in Top 4 of Two Day Championship CompetitionResults: 4 wins, 2 losses, 2 no result

With experienced Aniket Parikh chosen to lead the 2015 team, which included eight players with First XI experience, there was good reason for optimism as the team looked toward the season ahead. The selection of Aniket Parikh, Ariyan Hassan and Jack Henderson in Auckland provincial under 19 and under 17 teams and Katene Clarke in the Northern Districts provincial under 17 team also gave added weight to this quiet confidence.

The One Day Competition started with a 16 run loss against Westlake Boys with Ariyan Hassan and Aniket Parikh taking 5 and 3 wickets respectively. This was followed up with a 266 run win over Macleans College with Parikh and Max Thomson scoring half centuries and three other players making 40, and Parikh and Hassan taking three wickets each. In a close fought match against Sacred Heart, Parikh starred with the bat, scoring 93 runs off 50 balls to lead his team to a 5 wicket victory. Needing to win their next match against Rangitoto to have a chance of making it into the Gillette Cup Knockout competition, the team were beaten by 6 wickets but not without a good fight. After batting first against Avondale, heavy rain fell and the match was abandoned, thereby giving the team the 1 point required to place 3rd in Pool B and make it into the Top 6

The first match in the Top 6 against the unbeaten winners of Pool A, Saint Kentigern, was going to be a challenge. After struggling to score 111 in 39 overs, Parikh, Thomson and Fraser Campbell saw the team through to 222 for 5 with Parikh ending on 119 not out. The match ebbed and flowed throughout the St Kentigern innings, but at 145 for 3 after 34 overs it seemed that they were in charge. But a top bowling and fielding effort by MAGS saw them to a 5 run win. A poor batting display against Kings saw MAGS rolled for 85, but another impressive bowling display led by Jack Henderson and supported well in the field ended with the team taking a well-deserved 16 run win.

Needing to win or draw its final match against Rosmini to ensure that the team qualified for the Top Four Two Day competition, MAGS was always on top as it reduced Rosmini to 60 for 8 when rain saw the abandonment of the match.

While there were many individual performances during Term 1, it was particularly pleasing to see the way that the team has come together as a unit, which no doubt played an important part in its unbeaten matches in the Top 6 competition.

Highlights of Term 1 playBatting (* Not out)Aniket Parikh 119* vs St Kentigern CollegeAniket Parikh 93* vs Sacred Heart CollegeMax Thomson 55 vs Macleans CollegeAniket Parikh 51 vs Macleans CollegeAniket Parikh 335 runs off 291 balls, Average 67.0

BowlingAriyan Hassan 5/29 off 9 overs vs Westlake BoysJack Henderson 4/18 off 9 overs v Kings CollegeAniket Parikh 3/0 off 5.1 overs vs Macleans CollegeAriyan Hassan 3/4 off 6 overs vs Macleans CollegeAniket Parikh 3/11 off 10 overs vs Westlake BoysAniket Parikh 3/28 off 10 overs vs St Kentigern CollegeAriyan Hassan 3/37 off 10 overs vs St Kentigern CollegeAniket Parikh 63 overs, 25 maidens, 83 runs, 17 wicketsAriyan Hassan 53 overs, 9 maidens,136 runs, 15 wickets

Cricket

Girls First XIAfter winning the 8-a-side Plate Tournament last year, MAGS' First XI Girls' Cricket team returned to the 11-a-side NZCT Cup Tournament for 2015, played at Keith Hay Park in Mt Roskill in March.

MAGS placed 6th overall, a result which didn’t fully reflect how well the team played, particularly our three Year 9 students who were playing in a Premier competition. A highlight was a hat trick of wickets claimed by Year 12 student Ella Neighbours against Diocesan. A rare feat to achieve once, it was the second time Ella had claimed a hat trick for MAGS, having previously taken an even more impressive double hat trick (four wickets in consecutive balls and, in her case, all clean bowled) in the same tournament in 2013. This year's follow up was an exceptional achievement for a very talented cricketer.

Congratulations to the Girls First XI Futsal team on becoming New Zealand Champions for the third year in a row.

The team, which is made up of First XI Football players, was unbeaten at the tournament in March and dominated each opposition team during their six games, scoring a total of 52 goals with only 2 in reply. The were victorious against Cashmere High School in the final with a score of 14-1.

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Cross-country

More than 1000 students were watched by cows and sheep as they took part in the MAGS 2015 cross country races on Wednesday, 29 April and Friday, 1 May, with the school farm providing ideal terrain.

The event is compulsory for Year 9 and 10 students, and some older students who are keen on distance running joined in too. A number of staff members also take part.

The route around the school fields and farm comprised 3-4km for Year 9 and 10 students, and 5km for Senior students.

Year 9 Boys: 1st Eyob Tekalion (centre), 2nd Moala Graham-Taufa (right), 3rd Hayden Aish

Year 9 Girls: 1st Billie Taylor (centre), 2nd Holly Bannister (left), 3rd Lili Tse

Year 10 Boys: 1st Oliver Curtis (centre), 2nd Lachie Douglas (left), 3rd Sam Middelberg

Year 10 Girls: 1st Emma Fletcher (centre), 2nd Amelia Jack (left), 3rd Hannah Houghton

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The orienteering programme for 2015 started with the popular AKSS Sprint Series early in Term 1, with MAGS competing in the Western Zone division.

Around 50 MAGS students competed in five 2-3km races held on various high school campuses, including one on our home ground at MAGS. The Sprint series acts as an introduction to competitive orienteering for many students who enjoy the challenge of learning to run and map read at the same time.

Twenty-nine MAGS orienteers qualified for the Finals from the Western Zone series, with 19 available to compete in the 2-race Finals day at Akoranga Campus and Carrington (Unitec). Team Captain Andrew Battley and Year 12 Theresa Boyd each qualified 1st in their respective grades. The MAGS qualifiers were up against more than 270 school orienteers, including National reps, drawn from the North, West and Central Zones. Andrew Battley was MAGS’ strongest performer with an overall placing of 4th (only 18 sec off a medal). Theresa Boyd (Intermediate Girls) and Jonty de Pledge (Junior Boys) were each 6th overall with a number of other MAGS orienteers in the top 10 in their various grades. This was a considerable lift in team performance from last year.

In parallel with the Sprint Series, the 20 committed students of the orienteering Development Team had already started weekend training at forest and farmland events run by local orienteering clubs, in preparation for the secondary school championship events. Orienteering is a sport which requires considerable commitment to practice, and our core group is beginning to find training paying off in their confidence and results in forest events.

In the April holidays, a committed team of nine travelled to Palmerston North for the North Island Secondary Schools Championships. The Boys team put in a series of strong performances in the Sprint and Long Distance events to be sitting in 3rd place behind much bigger teams from top orienteering schools after the first two days. Unfortunately we were unable to field a full set of relay teams due to injury and fell back to 6th overall at the end of the competition. Andrew Battley‘s 10th

in the Long Distance and Jonty de Pledge’s 8th in the Sprint were the top boys’ results. MAGS sole female representative at NISS, Theresa Boyd, was 8th in the Sprint and 4th in the Long Distance.

Overall the team is showing great growth in skills and commitment and MAGS is beginning to be a significant player in the inter-school competitions.

Six MAGS orienteers were selected for the Auckland Regional Schools Orienteering Team to contest the Regional Challenge competition over the three days of Queens Birthday weekend.

They were, from left, Liam Thompson, Theresa Boyd, Andrew Battley, Jonty de Pledge, Gabriel Dean and Liam Grozev.

Regional teams from the South Island, Hawkes Bay and Wellington/Taranaki came to Auckland for the event.

Orienteering

Director of Rugby Mr Geoff Moon drafted in some specialist help for his teams’ pre-season training.

He called on one of former students, All Black Keven Mealamu to run some sessions at Mr Mealamu’s new gym, Fit60 in February – about 30 players attended four trainings, which included Mr Mealamu talking to the bys about his own experiences and how to be successful.

In April the First XV leadership group were pushed to their limits during a Leadership Camp led by a former SAS officer Scott Cottier from Specforce Fitness.

RugbyMAGS wins Blues 10s TournamentMount Albert Grammar School won the inaugural Blues 10s rugby tournament at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, 7 March, defeating Kings College 31-0 in the final.

Fifteen schools from around Auckland took part in the tournament. The semi-final and final were broadcast live on Sky TV’s Rugby Channel as the curtain-raiser to the Super 15 game between the Blues and the Lions.

MAGS’ Director of Rugby Mr Geoff Moon said the team played some attractive rugby for such an early stage in the season. “The team was well organised and it was pleasing to see the fitness levels so good so early,” said Mr Moon.

The team was captained by Charles Napa’a. Two young players who made their debut at top level, Noah Foster and James Strickland, performed with distinction.

All Black and SAS feature in pre-season training

Tournament results v Tangaroa MAGS won 31-0 v Rangitoto MAGS won 37-7 v Rosmini MAGS won 29-7 semi-final v Otahuhu MAGS won 31-5 final v King’s MAGS won 31-0

Mr Moon also noted that it was good to see key players Lona Halaholo, Chris Lu’au and Geronimo Doyle playing with confidence so early in the season.

First XV Captain Charles Naapa, Chris Lu’au (Vice Captain), Paul Roache (Vice Captain), Sam Slade, Milan Bonkovich, Lona Halaholo, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, Christain Prescott, Zac King, Geronimo Doyle and Caleb Clarke gathered at Bethells Beach, where they were challenged both physically and mentally as they traversed high sand dunes and waded through rivers while carrying a 100kg truck tire or 25kg jerry cans.

The experience served to show the players how far they could push themselves while still lead, and helped to bond them as a group.

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RowingThe second half of the 2014-15 season began in Term 1 with a rowing squad of 51 boys and girls competing across a full range of age group events. These young oarsmen and women were ably supported by coaches Will Maling (Director of Rowing), Josh Schmidt, Sarah Wolff, Leah Hankey, Anya Mabbott, Callum Ross and Rory Accorsi.

Over the course of the season’s regattas MAGROW achieved many successful results - two Gold medals, one Silver and three Bronze were won at the Head of the Harbour Auckland Championships. At the North Island Championships Jonathan Winter and Fergus McSwiney defended their Boys’ Under 18 Pair title; the trophy remains in the display cabinet in the school foyer. Overall MAGS crews made 15 finals at this event.

At the Maadi Cup, in only the school’s fifth appearance at this event since the sport was re-started at the school, the Boys Under 18 Eight gained a place in the Maadi Cup final, an outstanding achievement and well ahead of our scheduled progress.

MAGS achieved six A Final places at the Maadi regatta. The highlights were A finals in each of the three elite Under 18 Boys sweep oar events – the Pair, Four and Eight - achieving a Silver medal in the Pair, the Under 17 Girls Eight making the A final

was a girls’ first for MAGS, and it was pleasing for the future of the programme to see the Under 15 Boys make the A Finals of both the Four and the Eight.

Also at Maadi MAGS was honoured to be invited to boat a mixed Eight for the row-by in honour of our patron Kerry Ashby, and fellow West End rower Sir Don Rowlands, who had both passed away in the preceding months. The MAGS Eight followed the West End Eight as they led a fleet of boats with mixed rowers from other schools, and the Karapiro umpire and rescue boats. Kerry had been very much in MAGSROW’s thoughts and conversations in the weeks leading up to Maadi, and we feel our rowers did him proud at a regatta he would have loved to have attended.

Congratulations to Fergus McSwiney and Jonathan Winter who were selected for the New Zealand Junior squad to compete at the 2015 World Junior Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Congratulations also to Carl Pracey who stroked the North Island Under 18 Eight and Four to victory over the South Island teams; to Dylan Dodds who coxed the North Island Under 18 Quad to two victories over the South Island crews, and to Maria Markovich who was a member of the North Island Under 18 Girls’ Eight and the victorious Under 18 Girls’ Four.

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MAGS Premier Boys Softball team capped another stellar season when they beat St Patrick’s College Wellington 3-2 to become New Zealand Champions for the third consecutive year.

MAGS had come Runner-up in the Greater Auckland tournament and won the Central Auckland Competition in the lead up to Nationals at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt in March. MAGS played 10 round robin games, conceding just one loss to Waimea, to secure top billing going into the final. This would be a repeat of the 2014 final where MAGS met St Patrick’s in Christchurch.

St Patrick’s won the coin toss and chose at bat first. Set as a 7 innings game (no time limit), MAGS took the field with Seth Bourgeois opening the pitching and Cole Evans as catcher.

The first 3 innings went scoreless. Cole opened up the score for MAGS with a home run followed by safe hits from Seth and then Marshall Maynard. Harley Maynard hit a long ball which bounced short of the boundary and popped over the fence to

enable Seth and Marshall to score runs. A power drive from Max Earley followed by a safe hit by Toby Bourgeois saw both left on base. At the top of 5th inning St Patrick’s struck back, scoring 2 runs to close the gap. The score was 3-2 to MAGS going into bottom of 5th innings. Big hitters Cole, Seth and Marshall hit safely but were left on base to retire MAGS – no change to score. A quick turnaround in the 6th innings saw no further runs scored by either team. The infield/outfield lifted their performance to hedge out St Patrick’s in the race to the final innings.

At the top of 7th, the final innings, MAGS made a change of pitcher – Harley Maynard was now on the mound to close the final. MAGS needed only 3 outs to win the game. Harley and Cole worked seamlessly to shut down the St Patrick’s batting order and retire them with no further score. The game, and title, belonged to MAGS once more.

SoftballPremier Boys New Zealand champions for third successive year

NZSS Tournament Awards

Tournament Rest Team: Marshall Maynard, Cameron Sutton

Tournament Team: Cole Evans, Seth Bourgeois, Harley Maynard, Ethan Jardine-Ngauamo, Stu Kinghorn (Coach)

Top Catcher: Cole Evans

Top Pitcher and Most Valuable Player: Seth Bourgeois

National success: Notably, all players are 2014/15 Auckland Softball representatives in their respective grades, achieving success as winners in all grades U15, U17, U19 Boys and Open Men’s National tournaments held earlier this year.

International success: Marshall Maynard and Seth Bourgeois both selected in the NZ Temperzone Junior Black Sox team competing in the European Men’s Super Cup, Prague in August and Cole Evans, selected in the NZ Black Sox 2015 World Series team, Canada in July.

We wish these students every success as they travel overseas to represent New Zealand and MAGS with pride.

Congratulations and thanks to all the players, coaching/management and MAGS friends and families for all their dedication, commitment and support towards the team’s journey in achieving the 2015 NZSS Softball Nationals title.

Special thanks to our sponsors Hollywood Fish Farm, The Fieldhouse and Centurion Print.

Back row from left: Caprice Taylor, Margaret Clark, Taylor Chongnee, Aleisha Twigden, Trinity Aitken, Maia Montheith. Front row: Alexis Hickey, Nerida Elson, Emily Goddard, Topeora Anneff, Kalisha Moore, Samantha Tawharu. Absent: Losana Tuiletufuga

The Premier Girls have had another outstanding season, winning the Division One Secondary School One Day Tournament in February, and the Senior Central Zone round robin competition in March.

The girls were undefeated in all 12 tournament and competition games, accumulating a total of 96 home runs and conceding only 17. The girls played like a well-oiled machine, supporting each other with outstanding fielding and pitching.

The two core pitchers - Nerida Elson and Maia Montheith - and catchers Samantha Tawharu and Alexis Hickey, deserve an extra mention for their tightly played games and exceptional skill level. Often these girls would get the opposition out without a single batter on base.

During the Central Zone competition, in which six schools took part, there were two extremely close games versus Epsom Girls Grammar and One Tree Hill, with only one point between them. However, in true MAGS style the girls managed to win in the last innings.

Margaret Clark was the Caption of the team. She showed dedication and led the girls exceptionally, demonstrating her true leadership potential.

Premier Girls make clean sweep of Central Zone

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From left: Yinhu Cui (Senior Boys), Sinead Kelly (Junior Girls), Katherine Grozev (Intermediate Girls), Flynn Oberdries (Intermediate Boys), Bede Aitu (Junior Boys) and Morgan Wadley (Senior Girls).

AKSS Champion of Champions MAGS girls retained their hold on the Open Butterfly Relay when they won the title for the fourth year in a row at the AKSS Champion of Champions event at the Westwave Aquatic Centre in Henderson in March.

The relay team was Katherine Grozev, Morgan Wadley, Eva Williams and Caitlin Pritchard.

Girls relay teams also did well in the 14-15yrs Girls Backstroke Relay, won by Sylvia Louis-Marie, Fia Jones, Emily Jerrom and Katherine Grozev; and the 16-18yrs Girls Medley Relay, in which Nicole Lawrence, Morgan Wadley, Caitlin Pritchard and Lauren Walker came third.

A total of 27 MAGS swimmers attended the event, which features the top 8 swimmers in each age category across Auckland. Races are held in all four strokes, with the addition of relays. Other places gained by MAGS swimmers were: Sinead Kelly: 3rd - 13 & Under 50m BackstrokeKatherine Grozev: 2nd - 14-15yrs 50m Backstroke, 2nd - 14-15yrs 50m FreestyleTyler Jerrom: 3rd - 16-18yrs 50m Butterfly

Swimming2015 Swimming ChampionsFollowing the annual MAGS’ Swimming Championships held on 12 February, the overall age-group champions were presented with their trophies.

NetballMount Albert Grammar School maintained its unbeaten record in the national College Netball Championship for the fourth year in a row after defeating Saint Kentigern College 43-32 in the final at Trusts Arena in Henderson on Monday, 1 June.

To top off the event, MAGS defender Elle Temu was named Player of the Grand Final.

MAGS Captain Holly Fowler said she could not be more proud of her team. “To win convincingly in a final like this is awesome.”

MAGS led from the start, stretching their lead is they imposed their dominance on the game. Commentators complimented Elle and goal shoot Maia Wilson, who achieved 95% accuracy, for having “particularly fine performances.”

SailingSailors excel in first regattaMAGS’ first ever crew to compete in the NZSS Harken Regatta surpised other competitors by coming second in the second division Silver Fleet on the Waitemata Harbour from 20-22 February.

The crew was led by accomplished sailor Chelsea Rees and included fellow Year 13 students Nathan Rhodes-Hasler, Milan Bonkovich and Edwin Stanton.

The 19 secondary schools taking part sailed on the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Elliot 7 boats.

The Harken Schools Regatta was established in 2007 as an annual event to attract school sailing teams from all over New Zealand to compete for the title of being the best sailing school in the country. Being in the only new entrant to this event and having trained only a couple of times before the regatta, the MAGS crew was commended for its achievement.

NZSS Netball Captain Holly Fowler was named Best Defender and Most Valuable Player of the Trans-Tasman Under 19 Netball Tournament held in Rotorua from 26-28 May. Maia Wilson was named Best Goal Shoot.

Holly and Maia were joined by fellow MAGS players Alanis Toia-Tigafua and Caitlin Dowden in the NZSS team, which played Aotearoa Maori and two Australian teams. The NZSS team came runner-up by one goal, after winning the tournament last year when Holly was also Captain while still in Year 12.

MAGS players scoop awards at Trans-Tasman Tournament

Maia finished the tournament with the highest shooting accuracy at 93.2 per cent, and scored 30 more goals than her nearest rival.

MAGS Director of Neball Ms Te Aroha Keenan was asked to coach the other New Zealand team taking part in the tournament, Aotearoa Maori, which won one of their games against NZSS and a match against one of the Australian teams.

* As this issue went to press Maia Wilson was selected to trial for the Silver Ferns, along with Albertians Jamie-Lee Price and Nadia Loveday. Trials take place from June 29-July 2, when the World Cup team will be announced.

Ms Paula Smith, co-coach with Ms Te Aroha Keenan, said the girls “stuck to the game plan for 70% of the time, which shows there is still room for improvement. Watch out New Zealand Secondary Schools,” she added, referring to the other national competition later in the season.

MAGS has not lost a match in the College Netball competition since it started in 2012.

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I have been in my role for two years as the first Director of Advancement for the Mount Albert Grammar School Foundation, so I thought it was timely to provide my thoughts on this great School, what the Foundation has achieved to date and my future vision for both the school and the Foundation.

As Director of Advancement my overall vision is to develop long term aspirations which will support the school’s strategic direction.

These aspirations include:• For MAGS to become New Zealand’s top secondary

school• For MAGS to be recognised globally as New Zealand’s

top secondary school• To deliver educational excellence through high quality

teaching staff• To ensure that each student can aspire to be the best they

can be• To provide students with the ability to become leaders in

their chosen field and advocates for their communities so as to become outstanding New Zealanders

To achieve these aspirations the Mount Albert Grammar School Foundation set up in 2013 a modern, pro-active and professional Advancement Office. The office works to promote and develop a culture of philanthropy at MAGS for the common good of strengthening the values and aims of our school in order to provide greater opportunity for our students.

The direction taken by the MAGS Foundation provides a basis for realising the school’s aim to be the best secondary school in New Zealand. The aspirations of past MAGS students have shaped history; today our students aspire to shape the future.

Since starting in my role I have been extremely impressed with MAGS in a number of areas:• The great calibre of teachers we have and their personal

commitment to provide the best all-round education for our students

• Our students are both proud and passionate about their school and are great ambassadors when representing MAGS in the community

• The MAGS Alumni community wish to be engaged with their school and believe very much in their motto “MAGS for Life”.

• The School parents I have met through a range of events are very supportive of the school and the role it plays in educating their children.

In my conversations with a wide spectrum of the MAGS community it has become clear to me that there is a huge amount of goodwill towards the school.

The focus of the Advancement Office is to build a fully integrated, world class fundraising and development programme in order to develop future endowment resources which will allow the school to not only retain, but grow its

Mount Albert Grammar School Foundation – Investing in the future of the school From Director of Advancement, Mr Tim Kay

position in secondary education and ensure that it is properly representative in all aspects of society. The endowment fund will be a core driver for investment in and development of infrastructure for the school.

The MAGS Foundation is making a clear strategic statement in its willingness to invest in the development of facilities and grow the scholarship programme for both staff and students.

The key focus of the Advancement Office is to ensure the MAGS Foundation creates a capital base through developing an endowment fund of $10 million by 2022, when the school celebrates its centenary.

Since the Advancement Office was established nearly two years ago some of its key achievements include:• $1.84 million has been raised through general donations,

bequests, sponsorship, endowment funds and event fundraising

• Engaging and reconnecting with the MAGS community, especially the school’s alumni through hosting a range of events including: - Regular Old Boys luncheons- The Albertians Annual Reunion Dinner- The launch of the MAGS Foundation with Albertian Mr Chris Liddell as guest speaker- The Albertians Wellington Reunion Dinner- The annual MAGS Fundraising Golf Day- Hall of Distinction Ceremonies

• Establishing the Friends of MAGS Committee to ensure parents feel welcome, informed and part of the MAGS community. The committee also organises fundraising events such as the annual MAGS Fine Art Show to benefit the students, staff and the school.

• Establishing a range of Endowment Funds in order to produce a source of income in perpetuity for the MAGS Foundation, including:

• The BG Williams Rugby Endowment Fund• The Vivian Family Cricket Endowment Fund• The Greg Moyle Art Scholarship Fund• The MAGS Academic Endowment Fund

Most of the developed world’s great educational institutions, including universities, colleges, schools and foundations, depend to varying degrees on their endowments and the income they produce to facilitate educational excellence. There is clear evidence that endowment size correlates with educational quality. In other words, the greater the financial resources the more institutions are able to acquire better facilities, thus creating the potential for a superior educational environment.

“ The hardest part of any project is to begin. We have begun. We are underway. We have a passion. We want to make a difference.” - Sir Peter Blake (1948 – 2001)


The MAGS Foundation recently appointed Auckland barrister and well-known Albertian, Mr Peter Thorp, as its Chairman. Former Chairman, lawyer Mr Tim Goulding, remains a trustee together with Headmaster Mr Dale Burden, School Board of Trustees Chairman Mr Greg Moyle, Former Headmaster Mr Greg Taylor and Albertian Mr Grant Watson.

Peter attended MAGS between 1964 and 1968, boarding at School House throughout. In his final year he was Head Prefect of School and School House, and Captain of the First XV. He has practiced law since 1972, as a sole barrister since 1991. He was President of the Albertians Association between 1989 and 1993, a member of the School Board of Trustees from 1990 and Chairman between 1995 and 2006. Significant initiatives during that time included the construction of the Aquatic Centre and the inclusion of girl students at MAGS.

We all remember our school days.

My memories of my time at MAGS are largely fond ones. I appreciated the rich history and tradition of MAGS, and the diversity of the student body. My classmates were talented, energetic and interesting people. I had time and encouragement to study and to play sport, and boarding at

School House taught me independence and tolerance.

But it was my teachers who made the most important contribution.

Men like Roy Clements, Ted Ashby, Warwick Gibbs and Greg Cave taught me a love of language and helped me learn how to communicate well. Paul Kirschberg encouraged the pursuit of excellence. Graham Bean built on an already competitive spirit. All my teachers helped make me the person I am today, and contributed to my success.

It’s because my father, brother and I all benefitted from our time at MAGS that I became interested in learning more about the MAGS Foundation.

The Foundation has been set up to promote and develop a culture of philanthropy - of giving back to a school that has given so much.

I support MAGS’ aspirations to become New Zealand’s top secondary school and to ensure that each student can aspire to be the best they can be.

I particularly support the aspiration to deliver excellence in education through high-quality teaching staff. That’s why I have decided to contribute to The Mount Albert Grammar School Foundation and its Academic Endowment Fund. The Fund is aimed at generating income to be used to attract and retain quality staff.

The ultimate beneficiaries will be the students. For while it is true that up-to-date equipment and buildings make a great contribution, at the end of the day a school’s greatest asset is outstanding teachers. It is they who ultimately produce outstanding leaders, outstanding students and solid contributors to our New Zealand society.

From Albertian Mr Peter Stubbs, donor of $50,000 to the Academic Endowment Fund

MAGS Foundation Chairman, Mr Peter Thorp

The MAGS Foundation arose from the MAGS Golden Jubilee Trust, formed in 1972 to mark the 50th anniversary of the School. In 2013 the Foundation employed Mr Tim Kay as Director of Advancement with the object of endowing the school with a $10 million fund in the next 10 years. Tim has already made impressive progress towards that goal and is working with the Albertians Association to contact as many of our alumni as possible to help attain this target.

Peter has accepted the role of Chairman of the Foundation at an exciting time.

The Foundation will take a leading role in the school centenary in 2022 and will lead a significant centennial project to be announced within the next few months. Peter is delighted to be able to serve his school again, particularly as the milestone of the school’s centenary fast approaches.

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The Albertian of the Year for 2015 is Mr Rick Ellis, who will receive his award at the annual Albertians’ Reunion Dinner on July 1.

Mr Ellis, who attended Mount Albert Grammar from 1967-1971, took over as the CEO of Te Papa in November last year. He was previously Group Executive at Telstra in Sydney, and CEO of TVNZ from

2006-2011 and from 1998-2002. He also held CEP roles with Ansett NZ and EDS NZ, and a number Directorships for companies, crown entities and not-for-profit organisations.

His father, Jim Ellis, also attended Mount Albert Grammar during World War II, where the school farm ignited an interest in the rural sector. He went on to Lincoln College and later ran his own farm at Kaipara Flats and then Kaiwaka, where Rick grew up. Jim wanted his son to also attend MAGS, so Rick attended as a boarder at the original school house on New North Road.

“I quickly settled in and enjoyed the companionship and camaraderie of the boarding school environment,” recalls Mr Ellis. “The Housemasters and Prefects shaped a very collegial spirit, and were supportive in helping us grow as individuals.”

Mr Ellis became a House Prefect in Year 11, was a School Prefect in Year 12 and 13, and promoted to Head House Prefect in his final year.

“This was my first experience of leadership, and it pitched my ambitions toward leadership in my career.”

Mount Albert Grammar also gave Mr Ellis his first exposure to technology.

“MAGS was one of the first schools to introduce technology in the form of programmable calculators. That triggered in me an interest in computers and the technology sector - after university I worked for Burroughs in Australia and New Zealand, one of the early computing companies, and have remained involved in the sector in some way ever since.”

Sport was compulsory for House boarders, and Mr Ellis played hockey for the First XI in winter, and tennis in summer. The boys also had to attend the nearby Anglican church every Sunday.

“So I felt I gained a complete, end to end education at MAGS. Academically, I had a wonderful Economics teacher in Mr Harmos, and that, together with an exposure to Accounting, ignited my interest in business.”

Mr Ellis went on to the University of Auckland to complete a Commerce Degree in 1976, but returned to MAGS as a boarders’ Housemaster in his second year of tertiary study, and was Head Housemaster for two years in the early 1970s.

On hearing that he was to be awarded the Albertian of the Year for 2015, Mr Ellis says he was “quite chuffed. My dad, if he were still alive, would be extremely proud of me. MAGS was a big part of my young life, and set me up for a very successful life since.”

His advice to students today is to seize the opportunities the school offers them and use them as a “launchpad”.

“Get involved in education, sport and relationship building – what you gain from Mount Albert Grammar can set you up for life.”

Albertian of the Year – Mr Rick Ellis

All former students and teachers of the school are invited to the

Albertians’ LuncheonWednesday, 23 September, 12 noon

School House, Alberton Avenue

Tickets $30 per person

Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with old friends. The luncheon will include an update on school and Albertian activities by Headmaster

Mr Dale Burden, and President of the Albertians Association Mr Ben Stallworthy.

RSVP by Friday, 18 September, to Tim Kay, ph 815 4034 or email [email protected]


I am a new parent at MAGS with a daughter in year 10. I am married to Andrew and have four children, one at Balmoral Intermediate and the youngest two currently attending Maungawhau Primary School. In my professional life I am a junior doctor at Auckland City Hospital after returning to medical studies once my youngest daughter was born.

I am passionate about MAGS and the high standard of education and opportunities

it offers. As the second largest high school in the country we are blessed with a wonderfully diverse student and parent community. This, combined with inspired teaching and leadership staff as well as the school’s wonderfully rich history, provides a ‘hot bed’ for creativity, academic achievement and sporting prowess, all with an emphasis on building character.

My enthusiasm for the school and what it can offer my children led me to join the Friends of MAGS parent group. The group was formed in 2014 under the banner of the MAGS Foundation. The Foundation supports the school in many ways that would not otherwise be achievable through operational funding from the Ministry of Education. Examples are scholarships, special staffing assistance awards, and special purpose projects and activities. The parent group has the dual purpose of providing a platform for parents to connect with one another and the school, and give the school community an opportunity to give back to MAGS through fundraising events such as the Fine Art Show.

Introducing Nealie Barker, Chair of the Friends of MAGS

The group understands the importance of building strong links between MAGS and our students’ families. This concept has been the subject of much recent research and the evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing: families have a major influence on their children’s achievement in school and through life. When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.

Many studies found that students with involved parents, no matter what their income or background, were more likely to:• earn higher grades and test scores, and enrol in higher-

level programmes• be promoted, pass their classes, and earn endorsements• attend school regularly• have better social skills, show improved behaviour, and

adapt well to school• graduate and go on to post-secondary education

Enriching student achievement is not the only reason for parents, grandparents and caregivers to become involved at MAGS. To achieve our goal of making MAGS the premier school of choice in New Zealand it is crucial that we encourage a strong school spirit of ‘giving back’.

Schools need us as much as we need them. Great teaching is one thing, but the best schools with consistently high student achievement are a little like bird eggs. No matter how much promise the egg contains, it will only reach its full potential in a nest, surrounded by caring, watchful and committed parents willing to give of their time and energy - a commitment that benefits not only your own children; but has a lasting impact on your community.

Barfoot & Thompson Mt Albert is involved in our community through various events, ranging from fundraising activities for Starship, helping at the fairs of some of our local primary schools, and now proudly being involved with Mount Albert Grammar School.

In sponsoring the First XV and the annual Fine Art Show, manager Jean Smith says she loves the relationship that has been built with MAGS. “Barfoot & Thompson Mt Albert is proud to give back to the community,” she says. “The Mt Albert community supports us by trusting us to sell or rent their homes, so being involved with MAGS is our way of saying thank you.”

The foundation of the relationship is mutual support: we sponsor the First XV, and they wear our name on their jersey and do us proud on the field. The boys also help lend their time to community events, such as sausage sizzle with the Auckland Rugby.

While the Fine Art Show is quite a different event to First XV rugby, it’s one that we equally enjoy being part of, not only through sponsorship but also through buying art on the night. Even our auctioneers get involved - in 2014 Barfoot & Thompson’s Marian Tolich ran the Show’s charity auction.

With around 40% market share in Mt Albert, our team are experts when it comes to real estate in the area. If we can help you with buying, selling or renting out property, get in touch with us today - we would love to help.

From MAGS supporter, Barfoot & Thompson Mt Albert

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A former Governor of the Reserve Bank, Dr Alan Bollard was inducted into the Mount Albert Grammar School Hall of Distinction on 18 March.

Dr Bollard is currently executive director of the secretariat of Apec, and returned from his Singapore base for the ceremony.

Dr Bollard attended Mt Albert from 1964 to 1968. He was head librarian in his final year, was awarded a number of scholarships and was Dux of the school. His father, the late Dr Edward Bollard, was also Dux and later inducted into the Hall for Services to Botany - he was President of the Royal Society of New Zealand from 1981 to 1985, and a former Director of Plant Diseases Division, DSIR. Edward and Alan are the only father and son to both be Dux at MAGS and inductees into the Hall of Distinction.

Dr Bollard’s citation was read by Mr Peter Thorp, who was Head Boy in Dr Bollard’s final year at MAGS and is now Chairman of the MAGS Foundation. Also present were the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Greg Moyle, President of the Albertians’ Association Mr Ben Stallworthy, Headmaster Mr Dale Burden, Deputy Headmaster Mr Paul McKinley, Director of the MAGS Foundation Mr Tim Kay and former Headmaster Mr Greg Taylor, along with a number of Albertians, some of whom were at school with Dr Bollard.

In his speech to the Year 9 and Year 13 students present, Dr Bollard said they were fortunate to attend a school that prepared them well for the future.

“A lot of the jobs you will do haven’t been created yet, and the technology you’ll use hasn’t been invented yet, but you will be at the forefront of that … in the future there will be two types of workers – those who create technology and those who use it. I advise you to be the ones who create it,” said Dr Bollard.

He also paid tribute to the teachers who had inspired him, and encouraged the students to make the most of the teachers who inspired them. “They will help set you on the right path for your future.”

Dr Bollard with the President of the Albertians Association, Mr Ben Stallworthy.

Attending the ceremony with Dr Bollard were his wife Ms Jenny Morel, brother Mr Richard Bollard, who also attended MAGS, sister-in-law Ms Jane Moore and stepmother Mrs Joy Bollard.

Dr Alan Bollard inducted into Hall of Distinction


MAGS Golf DayThe second annual MAGS Foundation Golf Day raised $23,000 for the Bryan Williams Rugby Endowment Scholarship Fund.

Held at the Titirangi Golf Club on 31 March, about 80 people took part in 19 teams. They included a team of teachers - Mr Paul Ferner, Mr Allan Sangster, Mr Simon Allen and Mr Max Jeremic; and a team of students - Michael Soffe, Eric Lee and Daniela Jeremic.

At a function after the game, Albertian and radio host Mr Mark Watson ran a fundraising auction which included a MAGS First XV jersey signed by 10 Albertian All Blacks. They included Sonny Bill Williams, Olo Brown, Joe Stanley, Bryan Williams, Matthew Ridge, Andrew Blowers and Mark Brooke-Cowden.

Director of Advancement Mr Tim Kay said income from the fund would eventually enable scholarships to be granted to talented but less privileged rugby players to enable them to board at School House and benefit from MAGS’ sporting and educational opportunities.

The MAGS Foundation’s first reunion event for Albertians based in the lower North Island and upper South Island was a great success.

Held at the Wellington Club on 19 March, the evening was an opportunity for former classmates to catch up over dinner and hear about the school’s progress. Speakers included Headmaster Mr Dale Burden, who gave a comprehensive

Wellington Albertians Reunionpresentation on MAGS’ success academically, in the arts, in sport and of our school building programme. Mr Aftab Moosa spoke on behalf of the Albertians Association, and MAGS Foundation Chairman Mr Peter Thorp told the Albertians about the Foundation’s aims and forthcoming projects.

Director of Advancement Mr Tim Kay hopes the Wellington reunion will become a regular event.

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The launch of the Kerry Ashby Rowing Endowment Fund

Can you assist the endowment fund? Leading up to the launch of the rowing endowment fund, there will be an online auction. If you or your business have a product or service you would like to donate to the cause, please contact Mr Tim Kay, Director of Advancement at the school. Email: [email protected] or phone 09 815 4034.

A Golden Night of RowingThe launch of the Kerry Ashby Rowing Endowment Fund

Hear from Olympic Gold medallists Mahe Drysdale, Shane O’Brien and other New Zealand rowers, fresh from the 2015 World Championships in France.

Interview-style format conducted by media personality and MAGS alumnus Mark Watson

Live and online auctions of rowing memorabilia and other great prizes

A cocktail evening where beverages and canapes will be served throughout, don’t miss this chance to hear from some of New Zealand’s top rowers, catch up with friends and help

fundraise for a worthy cause.

Proceeds will benefit the Kerry Ashby Rowing Endowment Fund to assist Mount Albert Grammar students who have the ability, but not the funds to take up rowing.

The fund, administered by the Mount Albert Grammar School Foundation, will assure the successful future of rowing at the school and offer participation to the widest range of MAGS students

The fund will be established in the name of the late Mr Kerry Ashby - a MAGS rower, coach and patron.

Friday, 25 September, 6.30pmFW Gamble Hall, Mount Albert Grammar School

Tickets $75, purchase from www.eventfinder.co.nz/go/goldennightFor further information or to buy tickets directly,

contact Tim Kay of the MAGS Foundation: [email protected] or phone 09 815 4034

Born 4 September 1928, died 3 March 2015, aged 86

During his time at Mount Albert Grammar School, Kerry was a Prefect and a member of the First XV, but it was the rowing team that sparked a lifelong passion for and involvement in the sport, culminating in the creation of a legacy that will benefit MAGS students and New Zealand rowers for generations to come.

Kerry was a member of the First VIII in 1945 and 1946, which won the Head of the Harbour Auckland Championships both years, and was Rowing Captain in 1946.

As a member of the West End Rowing Club Kerry went on to win Empire Games Silver Medals with the New Zealand Eight at Lake Karapiro in 1950, and in the Four at Vancouver in 1954. He was also a member of the NZ Coxed Four at the Olympic Games in Helsinki in 1952, with his old school mate Bill Tinnock. He won seven New Zealand Championship “Redcoats” - in the Eight from 1949-1953 and in 1963, in the Four in 1953 and in the Double Sculls in 1956, with his brother Murray, also a MAGS old boy.

Kerry, pictured left fourth rower from the front, was the Manager of the New Zealand Rowing Team at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. He also served as president of the New Zealand Rowing Association among many senior administrative roles at club, provincial and national level. He was made a life member of the West End Rowing Club, Auckland Rowing Association and Rowing New Zealand.

Kerry Ayling Ashby, MNZM attended MAGS 1942-1946


Rowing at MAGS

The 1946 Eight - Kerry Ashby is in the front row, third from right

MAGS has a proud heritage in schools rowing, having won the Auckland Championship Head of the Harbour 13 times, and New Zealand Championship Maadi Cup 8 times.

Even though we were away from the sport for quarter of a century from 1986, MAGS still ranks as the third most successful school in New Zealand for achievement in the sport. It has produced national champions and New Zealand representatives who have won many Olympic, Commonwealth and World Championship honours.

From 1986 rowing was in recession at the school until, in 2009 a small group of past MAGS rowers was formed to relaunch the sport, branded as MAGSROW.

This initiative has gone from success to success - growing rapidly from a fledgling group of 7 rowers in 2009 to field 55 highly competitive boy and girl athletes in 2015 (our sixth season). Rowing is now once again a mainstay of the MAGS sports offering, giving young men and woman at the school the development opportunities provided by the physical conditioning, comradeship and mental toughness that rowing at a senior level demands.

Rowing – a unique sportAs a sport rowing is both uniquely demanding and uniquely rewarding. By nature the sport is expensive, and costs can sometimes be prohibitive for young athletes and their families.

We strongly believe that no aspiring MAGS student should be unable to participate fully in the sport due to financial hardship, hence the establishment of the Kerry Ashby Rowing Endowment Fund.

The MAGSROW squad of 2014-15

Kerry also gave back to his old school, providing outstanding service as coach of MAGS rowing crews from 1966-1978. Rowing then faded from the school’s sporting programme until, in 2007, Kerry was instrumental in motivating a group of his old boy rowers to restart rowing at MAGS. From a fledgling group of seven rowers in its first season in 2008-9, Kerry was a regular, inspiring presence at

meetings and regattas as he watched the squad grow to 55 boy and girl rowers by its sixth season, 2014-2015. The last regatta he attended was the Head of the Harbour on 14 February this year, where he was delighted to witness MAGSROW crews win two Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals.

In the 2001 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Kerry was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rowing.

Kerry had a long career in the timber industry, and was also involved in its affiliate associations.

He passed away at home in Auckland, survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and his wife Winifred “Winkie” Griffin, the Silver medal swimmer whom he met at the Empire Games in 1950. They were married for 57 years.

Kerry (left) as MAGS’ Rowing Coach with one of his crews in 1969.

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Headmaster Mr Dale Burden and three of MAGS’ top Prefects attended a function to honour Albertian Bryan Williams at the University of Auckland on 12 March.

Mr Williams is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for 2015, along with sailor Sir Russell Coutts, businessman Mr Bruce Plested, scientist Professor Christine Winterbourn and businesswoman Ms Joan Withers. Mr Williams, who gained a law degree at Auckland University, was honoured for his contribution as a Pacific leader and All Black.

The Bright Lights event showcased the achievements of the five recipients in an entertaining onstage discussion led by a fellow alumnus, journalist Mr Finlay Macdonald.

Head Boy Isaac Ah Kuoi-Atmore and Deputy Head Prefects Lisa McLaughlan and Fraser Polkinghorne attended the ceremony with Mr Burden.

From left, Head Boy Isaac Ah Kuoi-Atmore, Mr Bryan Williams, Mr Dale Burden, Deputy Head Girl Lisa McLaughlan and Deputy Head Boy Fraser Polkinghorne at the University of Auckland event.

Albertian Portia Woodman (2005-2009) made headlines earlier this year with her try-scoring prowess for the New Zealand Women’s Sevens team.

Portia helped her team to win its third world title, becoming the first woman to score 50 or more tries in a women’s world series season, ending up with 52 tries in six tournaments. She was named in the series’ Dream Team.

Portia excelled at sport at MAGS, playing in the Premier Netball team from Year 10-13, and being the Senior Athletics Champion and Victrix Ludorum in 2008 and 2009. She was also a Prefect in 2009.

She and the rest of the New Zealand Sevens team is now looking forward to competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Portia Woodman helps NZ Sevens team to third World Championship title


Bryan Williams honoured by Auckland University

Corridors – Albertian News

Welcome from the Albertians Association.

Albertians are proud former pupils committed to supporting the school and helping to make sure success is celebrated and that the heritage and traditions of Mount Albert Grammar are maintained.

Already this year the Association has been involved in a number of key

events featured in these pages – the induction of Dr Alan Bollard in the Mount Albert Grammar School Hall of Distinction, the first reunion dinner for Wellington-based Albertians, and involvement in the ANZAC Day 100th Anniversary Service. As this edition went to press we were due to hold our annual Albertians Reunion Dinner in Auckland and name Te Papa CEO Mr Rick Ellis as the Albertian of the Year.

We will continue to host regular Albertians’ Luncheons at School House – these are popular occasions for former students to catch up in a more informal setting.

When we plan events they are inclusive and we welcome attendance by any member of the wider Mount Albert Grammar school ‘family’.

We have a co-opted position on the school’s Board of Trustees and appoint the Trustees of the Mount Albert Grammar School Foundation.

In summary, the Albertians Association provides a place that past pupils wishing to maintain contact with and support the school can work together to achieve these goals.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you would like information or have ideas for the Albertians Association. I’m always available by email at [email protected]

Per Angusta Ad Augusta

From the President of the Albertians Association, Mr Ben Stallworthy

MAGS’ Head Boy and Boy Dux Artium of 2014, Liam Ferguson, has had a busy six months balancing acting roles between his studies on the pre-Medicine course at Auckland University.

In February Liam, who was awarded the top mark in New Zealand of 100% for his Scholarship Drama exam, had a lead role in Auckland University’s Summer Shakespeare production of A Midsummer

Night’s Dream, playing Lysander.

The play was directed by renowned actor and director Michael Hurst, who brought the story into a modern day environment.

In June he appeared on screen in the TV3 series Westside, the prequel to the popular Outrageous Fortune, playing the young Wolf West. He is pictured with co-star Antonia Prebble.

And in July he heads to England on the two-week trip he won last year with the Young Shakespeare Company, where he will study and perform at the Globe Theatre in London, and visit Shakespeare’s home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The MAGS Foundation has contributed to the cost of Liam’s trip.

When he returns he will be back at university, aiming to be accepted into Medicine from 2016 with the aim of becoming a doctor. Liam says acting will remain a much loved hobby.

Liam Ferguson stars on stage and screen

Goodhue twins help NZ Under 20 rugby team to World Cup win

MAGS First XV rugby stars of 2013, Joshua and Elias “Jack” Goodhue, were part of the New Zealand side which won the World Rugby U20 Championship held in Italy in June.

The Junior All Blacks, as the team is known, beat England 21-16 in the final. It is the first time New Zealand has won the Cup since 2011.

The win followed the Under 20 team’s victory in the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship in Australia in May, in which Joshua and Jack also played a part.

Joshua captained the MAGS First XV in 2013 and was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team that year, but spent last season recovering from injury. Jack

played for Canterbury in the ITM Cup last winter, and was also selected for the All Black Sevens team earlier this year. The twins will both play for Canterbury in the ITM competition this season.

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Joshua and Elias “Jack” Goodhue


9 February, 2015

Received from a neighbour of the late Rex Gustave Jorgensen (1941-1945)

This gift is a torn open foxed envelope containing 12 folded school reports.

The envelope is 6 in x 3½ in / 150 mm x 90 mm. It is addressed to Mr GZ Jorgensen, 15 West view Road, Grey Lynn.

The reports are:

1941: Form 3B Terms 1, 2 and 3 signed by Form Master FE (Ted) Coulthard BSc.

1942: Form 4C Terms 1, 2 and 3 signed in Term 2 by JH (Jack) Jenkin and Terms 2 and 3 signed by FE Coulthart. The third Term report has a CREDIT AWARD stamp and is depicted here.

1943: Lower 5 Latin: there are two reports and signatures are MC (Murray) Marbeck BA and GM (Gwen) Hall BA, BSc.

1944: 5B Non-Latin: Again, reports for Terms 1 and 3. The Form Master is NB (Nelson) Body MA.

1945: 5 French: Also Term 1 and 3 and also Mr Body again. The Term 3 report form is much larger than the others. It is 13 in x 8½ in / 330 mm x 215 mm. All the other reports forms are 10½ in x 7 in / 265 mm x 175 mm.

The Form teachers who signed these reports deserve a mention.

FE Coulthard BSc was here from 1939-1945, and again from 1951-1956. On and off, he had been a Junior Housemaster for nine years. He coached softball and rugby, and played the piano and cello. As a biology teacher he established a significant collection of small animals preserved in alcohol or formalin. They were still around into the 1980s and inspired at least one boy to become a professional biologist. Ted Coulthard left teaching to train for the Anglican priesthood. He was vicar of Waimate North, where he was tragically murdered by a deranged intruder.

The other person mentioned in 1942 was JH Jenkin. Jack Jenkin was a foundation pupil. He came back as a member of staff and taught woodwork and instrumental drawing. While he coached rugby for 29 years he is best remembered as one of two people to establish rowing as a school sport, and he coached crews for 23 years.

The two signatures of 1943 were, first, that of Old Boy MA Marbeck BA. Murray Marbeck left to join the family music store. Ensconced in his Queen’s Arcade shop he was a walking encyclopaedia of classical music recording.

The other name, GM Hall BA BSc, was not that of the Fourth Headmaster, GM (Maurice) Hall. This was Mrs Gwen Hall. She was one of several women on the staff as a wartime measure. She is listed in the calendars of the time as Mrs AMP Hall, obviously her husband’s initials. At the end of hostilities the ladies were sent on their way so the masters, who were serving overseas, could get their jobs back.

With a history spanning 93 years, the Mount Albert Grammar School archives are vast and varied. They are carefully curated by MAGS Archivist Mr Brian Murphy, a former teacher at the school. Almost every week he receives new items to add to the collection from former students and their families. Here is a selection of some recent acquisitions, with notes by Mr Murphy:

From the Archives - recent acquisitions

For the last two years the Form Master was Old Boy NB Body MA. Nelson Body was a Junior Housemaster for eight years and a major influence in both schoolboy and Old Boy hockey. Apart from his honours degree in history he had an additional qualification in French. He helped write newsletters to servicemen and undertook the enormous task of researching and compiling an annotated alphabetical list of some 2000 members of the school who served in World War II.

It is Rex Jorgensen who brings this eclectic group of teachers together.

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12 March, 2015Received from Laura Littlejohn, an early staff photograph from her father Mr Roderick F Littlejohn (1951-1955).

It is the 1954 photograph of the staff and on the back, in blue-black ink is the signature

R.F. Littlejohn and below VI Gen, M.A.G.S. 1954. The photograph is grey scale and is 12¼ x 6¾ in / 310mm x 170mm.

There are 38 men in the photograph including the farm manager, Mr W.H. Wenelin.

There are 40 names on the list and the two people missing are G.G.L. McLeod and M.K. Penman.

18 March, 2015Received from Alan H Burton, Junior Housemaster and English teacher.

1. A copy of Modern Verse for You not only by the retired JG Brown but also Paul Day, Reader in English at the University of Waikato, published by Longmans Green (London) 1968, 235pp. 7 in x 4½ in / 180 mm x 115 mm.

There is a handwritten dedication in the flyleaf in JG Brown’s hand: ‘Alan Burton. With Compliments of one half of the team. Goldie Brown 29.6.68.’

2. A copy of The Poetry Lesson by JG Brown published by Paul’s Book Arcade (Auckland) 1964, 85pp, in, 215 mm x 140 mm. The flyleaf is signed by AH Burton. Stapled. 8½ in x 5½ in.

3. A copy of Magnet, August 1965. Produced by pupils. Vol, No 1. Edited by S. Brem 6 Lang. and MR Price 6A. There are 49 cyclostyled pages. Typed by Pauline Blamires and there was helped with the cover by Neil Grant, art teacher.

4. A photo of Staff 1964, mounted, with captions.

5. Menus, Recipes and Why? by GB Chapman and Violet Lowe published by Burnock Publications (Auckland) 1939. A booklet of 88pp (11 signatures), perfect binding.

7 in x 5 in / 180 mm x 130 mm. This booklet likely grew out of the use of Dr Chapman’s work with introducing his dietary regimen at School House in 1937.

Before the text proper is the statement: “To the Grammar School Board, who by its tacit consent has made the Mt. Albert Grammar School Hostel experiment possible. A desire to offer my sincere appreciation. The Board gave me a free hand unchecked by suggestion or supervision.”

There are significant figures in the photograph – not all of them in the front row. The front row at the time included the influential. It was Headmaster Mr Caradus’ last photograph, he retired in June of that year.

The front row is:

WE King, NB Body, EH Boulton, JG Brown, HL Towers, CP Worley, W Caradus (Headmaster), RB Hardy, HL Calder, JH Jenkin, R Willmott, JLD Wooloxall, GL Weir.

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23 March, 2015Received from Beth Richmond, daughter of Mr (Thompson) Wayne Nicholls (1936-1939).

Two 1939 Calendars

1. Second Term, 1939. The cover has TW NICHOLLS and 5Spec.

2. Third Term, 1939. The cover is clean.

3. The Third Term Calendar has a filled in timetable grid.

According to the information on the grid noting Wayne Nicholls’ subjects and the rooms he was in, we can identify his teachers.

• History A3. HL (Harry) Calder.• French B5. GS (George) Coldham.• Latin B1. HF (Frank) Brock.• Geometry/Arithmetic/Algebra/Trig B6. HL (Herb) Towers.• Grammar/Literature/Elocution B2. JH (John) Harvey.• “Lectures” also looks like English as does the mysterious “St

Brook”. “Library” was silent reading. This was introduced by Gamble and enthusiastically embraced by Harvey. The School was said to be the first in New Zealand to offer a “free” reading period.

• Magnetism/Electricity/Chemistry. UL. W(William) Caradus.

• Drill was Military Drill, held once a week either in the quadrangle or on a field. The main field became six tennis courts and is now a carpark. There would have been classrooms for wet days.

Rooms have been renumbered and some have new uses. A1, A2, A4 and A5 were along the front corridor, all are now offices. The present A1 and A2 were the original Lower Lab. A6, A7 and A8 were along the north wing.

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 were along the top corridor. The library was in the middle (where the staff room is now) and in the north west corner was the Masters Common room. B6, B7 and B8 were along the north wing.

The rooms now called B1, B2 and B3 were originally occupied by the Upper Lab.

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30 March, 2015Received from Mr Roger S Moore (1962-1965).

1 An original style Annual Sports Certificate given to RS Moore for Boxing; Intermediate Champion under 9 st. It is signed by LR Belsham, Sports Secretary and MD Nairn, Headmaster. It is undated, but is known to be from 1962. As this was the last year of boxing in the School, this Certificate is the more valuable for that.

2 2A Rugby 1964, with captions. RS Moore is not in the photograph but is in the team list.

3 School House 1963, no captions, RS Moore, Fourth Row, 3.

4 Three similar mounted, captioned photographs all mounted together in one frame. 41½ in x 15½ in 1055 mm x 395 mm, from left, 3A rugby 1963, RS Moore, Middle Row, 4; 1st XV: Winners Auckland Schools Rugby Championships 1964, RS Moore Back Row, 1; 1st XV 1965, RS Moore, Front Row, 5.

5 Copy of The Albertian 1962 with ‘ Roger Moore’ on the cover and signatures of 49 House Boys on last page. On page 45 there is a list of boxing finalists and in the Intermediate Under 9 Stone it is reported that RS Moore beat AN Sutton. Names of most finalists were House Boys.

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Born 19 August 1937, died 2 April 2015, aged 77

Born in the Far North, Mick was affiliated to Ngati Kahu, Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi. His father was elderly and his mother died from tuberculosis when Mick was one year old. He was subsequently fostered by the Flood family in Mt Albert. Brown’s knee was affected

by tuberculosis, and he spent three years between 1948 and 1951 at the Wilson School for disabled children in Takapuna.

At Mount Albert Grammar School he did well academically and was in the First XV from 1954-1956.

Mick initially pursued a career in teaching, but he was drawn to the law by a love of debating. He studied law at the University of Auckland, and after practising in Auckland, Mick was appointed as a judge of the District Court in 1980, becoming the first Maori to hold that position.

In 1989 Mick was appointed the first principal judge of the Youth Court, a specialist division of the District Court, and held that office until 1995. He led the transformation in the way the justice system managed young offenders. His changes are

ObituariesMichael John Albert “Mick” Brown CNZM (1951-1955)

credited with significantly improving outcomes for youths and families, and have since been emulated throughout the world.

Mick served as a member of the University of Auckland Council for 15 years and was the university’s chancellor from 1986 to 1991. He was also pro vice-chancellor (Maori) at the university until 2005.

Brown was awarded an honorary law doctorate by the University of Auckland in 1992. In the 1996 Queen’s Birthday Honours he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Youth Court, education and the community. In 2002, he received a distinguished alumni award from the University of Auckland, and in 2013 he was awarded the Blake Medal for leadership by the Sir Peter Blake Trust.

A community and socially-minded man, Mick was vice-patron Auckland Cricket Association, involved with the Child Development Foundation, Chairman Alcoholic Advisory Council, and a member of various other charitable trusts. He remained fond of his old school, and regularly attended MAGS’ old boys’ lunches and events.

Mick was married to the late Te Hana Paniora; the couple had five children.

A.F. (Fred) Tucker, OBE DFC (1935-1939)

Born 1922, died 17 April, 2015, aged 93

Fred Tucker was in the First XV and the Rowing First VIII from 1938-1939, and was a Prefect in 1939.

He had a distinguished career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force from 1941-1976.

A celebrated World War II pilot, Captain Fred Tucker died just eight days out from Anzac Day this year.

His awards included a military OBE from 1975, a Distinguished Flying Cross for air operations in Malaya in 1958, a 1945 Pacific Air Operations Medal, and others.

He signed up with the Air Force in 1941 to join World War II and did not retire from it until 1973, by which time he was Group Captain and second in charge of the Defence Force.

He was shot down in the sea off Bougainville in April 1944, then spent hours in the water thinking he was being circled by sharks.

He survived the incident, and the war, and then another seven decades, including serving in Malaya in the late 1950s.

Following his military career he was Executive officer of the IHC from 1976-1981, National Co-ordinator of Counterstroke NZ 1981-1989, President of the Stroke Foundation, and Chairman of the Friends of RNZAF Museum (Wellington branch).

He was married to the late Yvonne for 55 years, with whom he had three children, seven grandchildren and six great-granchildren.

Peter Lamont, (1951-1955)

Died 16 May 2015, aged 77

Peter was Head Prefect in 1955, in the First XV 1953-1955, the Senior Sprint Champion in 1954, the Inter-school Sprint Champion 1954-1955, Intermediate Athletic Champion 1953 and was a New Zealand Junior Sprint Champion.

He went on to play Senior rugby for North Shore, and represented Auckland in its Second XV. Peter coached North Shore seniors, Auckland Under-18 and Auckland Colts, and was the North Harbour assistant coach to fellow Old Boy P.R.T. Thorburn. He was President North Harbour RFU from 1944-1996.

Peter worked for school supplies firms A.N. Rush and P.T. Walsh, then started his own business, Auckland Educational Supplies. He later sold the business and became a life insurance agent with Colonial Mutual, before moving on to sell real estate.

He was married to Norma, with whom he had three children and seven grandchildern.

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Key DatesJuly 20 Monday START TERM 3

21 Tuesday Parent / Teacher Interviews (4pm-7pm)

23 Thursday Parent / Teacher Interviews (4pm-7pm)

24 Friday Unity Concert at the Dorothy Winstone Centre

27 Monday Year 9 Information Evening for Balmoral Intermediate families

28 Tuesday Year 9 Information Evening for Auckland Normal, Kowhai and Ponsonby Intermediate families

29 Wednesday Year 9 Information Evening for Blockhouse Bay, Glen Eden and Pasadena Intermediate families

August 3 Monday Tournament Week

5 Wednesday Maori Pathways Evening (6.30pm-8pm)

6 Thursday Year 10, 11 & 12 Pathways Evening (6.30pm-8pm)

7 Friday Cultural Group Photos

12 Wednesday Senior Winter Sports Photos

13 Thursday Pasifika Pathways Evening in the Staffroom at 6pm

31 MondayWinter Tournament Week

September 1-4 Tues-Fri

9-11 Wed-Fri Senior Examinations

14-18 Mon-Fri Senior Examinations

22 Tuesday Junior Bytes Arts Concert

23 Wednesday Senior Arts Alive Concert

24 Thursday Senior Exam Results sheet emailed

25 Friday TERM 3 ENDS

October 12 Monday START TERM 4

16 Friday Junior Winter Sports Photos

19 Monday Junior Sports Awards Ceremony

20 Tuesday MAGS Sports Dinner at the Alexandra Park Raceway at 6.30pm

22 Thursday Year 12 & 13 Media Studies Evening at the Event Cinemas

26 Monday Labour Day

28 Wednesday MAGS Arts Dinner at The Crowne Plaza at 7pm

30 Friday Year 11 Prizegiving in the F.W. Gamble Hall at 1.45pm

November 2 Monday Senior Prizegiving in the F.W. Gamble Hall at 12.30pm

Leavers’ Dinner at Alexandra Park Raceway at 6.30pm.

3 Tuesday School House Leavers’ Dinner

4 Wednesday Year 8 Girls Testing in the F.W. Gamble Hall at 9am

5 Thursday Year 8 Boys Testing in the F.W. Gamble Hall at 9am

6 Friday NCEA Examinations commence

Te Puna O Wairaka Dinner

9-13 Mon-Fri Junior Examinations

17 Tuesday Year 8 Academic Catch up and Academy Testing at 9am

December 8 Tuesday Year 10 Prizegiving in the F.W. Gamble Hall at 9.30am

Year 9 Prizegiving in the F.W. Gamble Hall at 12.30pm

9 Wednesday Staff only day

END OF TERM 4

10 Thursday Term 4 Junior Reports emailed

Please refer to our website www.mags.school.nz for the full calendar, including all sporting events.

the lion - july 2015

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