Tēnā koutou katoa parent(s), caregivers and whānau,

This week in the ACES Weekly Buzz

1. Student Success Story

2. ACES Electives

3. Holidays and Term dates

4. Whanau Panui - $20 activity Fee

Tutor Isaak Pohio designed a milestone task involving students creating a personal and creative poster that reflected a song or album they deeply connect with. The learning intention was to critically explore how music relates to identity, with success criteria including designing a poster that featured a meaningful song or album cover and providing a reflective explanation of its significance. In the attached example, Tori (a tauira from our Maungarei campus), reflected on the song "Love Yourz" by J. Cole. She highlighted a deep understanding of its message about, "valuing what you have and not pursuing wealth at the cost of happiness." She creatively infused the song's theme and successfully incorporated self reflection into the design." Tino pai to mahi, Tori! Mauri ora!

ACES farewells a much valued staff member at the end of the month, Bryant Ahrenberg. Bryant came to us originally as a part time Teacher Aid and really shone by setting up our students' online learning journey, ACES hub, during the challenging time of covid lockdowns. Having now finished his Phd, his teaching future looks bright...Professor Ahrenburg sounds dope!. Read more in the attachment below about his unique journey through alternative education.

• If you could swap jobs with any ACES teacher for a day, who’d it be and why? I have to say Ezra coz our students love him and he's cool as! I also love the connections he makes with our rangatahi.

• If ACES had a mascot, what would it be – and would it beat a Kiwi in a race? Obviously it would be 'The Warriors' mascot because our rangatahi are courageous yet show the toughness (resilience) of a Warrior. (Plus I love The Wahs!)

• What song gets you dancing when no one’s watching? 'Can't Stop the Feeling' by JT- Reminds me of my daughter who loved Trolls when she was little.

• If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go – and would you take us with you? It has to be Tonga! One of my favourite places in the world and would love to take an ACES crew back to Tonga (We went in 2004 and 2009)

• Which of the 5 ACES Values resonates with you most in your day to day work with Rangatahi? I have to say 'R' (Relationships). I have based my whole education philosophy over many years on the importance or relationships and connection whether it be with students, staff or whanau.

• Week 10 - Celebrating different Cultures.
• 9 April (Wednesday) is NO HALF DAY and Tuakana / Teina will be at the Campus.
• 10 April (Thursday) is a HALF DAY finish at 12.30pm.
• 11 April is Tutor Only Day.