ACES Weekly Buzz

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

It’s been another exciting month at ACES, packed with opportunities to learn, compete, and grow!

Firstly, coming up soon, our students will be getting some top-notch financial advice through Westpac's "Managing My Money" course—because let’s face it, who doesn’t need a little help when it comes to budgeting for that extra large coffee or for our Rangatahi those latest Nikes?

Meanwhile, we are proud to announce our H.E.R.O Winners from the June Attendance Competition. Nga tauira have been celebrated for their dedication to showing up to school, with prizes and recognition all around. Huge congrats to our star students!

We’ve also been gearing up for the much-anticipated 2025 ACES World Cup Indoor Netball Tournament— get ready for some fast-paced action as teams battle it out for glory.

And as always we celebrate one of our Tuakana students' success in Rangimaria’s Moving On Story, a beautiful moment of reflection and growth as she steps into the next chapter of life.

Plus, a quick reminder about the Donation Portal—if you’d like to support our school’s initiatives, it’s never been easier to get involved. And just for fun, here’s a little something to kickstart your day: Why did the student bring a ladder to school? Because they wanted to go to high school! 😄

Students at ACES Maungawhau will be taking part in some super practical “Managing My Money” workshops, run by Westpac and organised by Hayward. These sessions are all about giving students the tools to handle real-life money matters—like budgeting, saving, and spending wisely. The Westpac team kept things simple and relatable, making it easier for everyone to understand how to take charge of their finances and start the all important journey of understanding how to make money work for you. Mauri ora!

"Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu"
Translation: "Adorn the bird with feathers, and it will fly."

This whakataukī carries a powerful message about growth or Whakatupu and the importance of support. Just as a bird cannot soar without its feathers, individuals—especially students—need the right resources, guidance, and encouragement to reach their full potential.

At ACES, we are committed to providing the tools, skills, and opportunities that allow our rangatahi (youth) to spread their wings and achieve greatness. This proverb reminds us that with the right nurturing, everyone has the potential to rise and succeed.

We’re excited to announce the results of the "Time to Be an Attendance H.E.R.O" challenge, which highlighted the commitment of our students to attend classes regularly and contribute to a positive campus atmosphere. The results are in, and we’re celebrating some fantastic achievements!

Winning Campus:
The Maungarei Campus took the top spot with an impressive average of 77% attendance for June. Congratulations to all involved! As a reward, they’ll enjoy a Campus Activity, which we’re sure everyone is looking forward to.

Winning Roopu:
Unfortunately, no Roopu achieved the 90% or above attendance threshold, so no prizes will be awarded. However, Adams and Blake Roopu groups both earned recognition for achieving 80% attendance.

Top Students:
A huge congratulations to our Top Students, each of whom will receive a $50 voucher for their outstanding perfect attendance!

• Oscar Smith – Muller

• Fittler Smith – Muller

• Billy Beatty – Cabaret

• Malachi Brough

• Evelyn Cassidy

• Cassia Laseiki

• Lucian Pousima-Fraser

Each of these students had an impressive 100% attendance for June. Well done!

Most Improved Student:
A special shout-out goes to David Kalus, who has shown significant progress since joining in Term 2. Starting at 54% attendance in May, David improved to 75% in June, earning a $30 voucher for his dedication and improvement. Keep up the great work, David!

We’re proud of everyone who participated, and we look forward to seeing even more improvements in the future. Keep aiming for those perfect attendance rates—your efforts don’t go unnoticed!

We’re calling on all ACES professionals to join the West Indies Teachers Team for the ACES World Indoor Netball Cup 2025 on Friday August 29! Whether you're eager to play or assist on the day, we’d love to have you involved. If you're available please RSVP by emailing thelo@aces.school.nz.

MAIN TOURNAMENT:

WHO: ACES – AE & Professionals

WHERE: Action Indoor Sports Central, 911 Dominion Road

DATE: Friday, 29 August, 10:30am – 1:30pm

The Rundown:

A fast-paced round-robin Indoor Netball Tournament! 8 teams battling it out for Cup and Plate honours. Plus, spot prizes for Best Dressed, Best Team Chant, Best and Fairest, and more!

• 4 x Maungawhau Roopu Teams
  

• 3 x Maungarei Roopu Teams
  

• 1 x Guest Tutor Team led by Corey Todd
  

Runtime:

3 action-packed hours!
Short, sharp rounds to keep the tempo up and the energy high!

Schedule

• 09:30: Thelo and Student Leaders onsite, set-up begins
  

• 10:00: Professionals site briefing, team allocations – PA, signage, catering zone
  

• 10:25: Schools arrive – bring the vibes!
  

• 10:30: Team Brief – let’s goooo!
  

• 10:45: Opening Ceremony –karakia, National Anthems and Team warm-up shoot arounds
  

• 11:00: Games Kick Off! Round Robin into Finals (Cup, Plate and Podium)
  

• 1:00pm: Final Round concludes
  

• 1:05pm: Kai delivered – enjoy a team lunch!
  

• 1:10pm: Prizegiving – Cup and Plate champs crowned, plus spot prizes!
  

• 1:30pm: Pack-down and depart
  
  

Officiating:

Action Central to supply experienced indoor netball referees, uniforms and bibs.

Uniforms:

Roopu Captains: Please confirm player lists and shirt sizes with Thelo by no later than Friday, 15 August. First teams to register correctly, will be able to pick team country colour (a la Futsal). First in, first served. However Guest Tutor team will still be the West Indies.

WORKSHOPS:

DATE: Friday, 22 August, 10:30am – 11:30am

WHERE:

Maungarei Campus: Auckland Netball Centre, St Johns

Maungawhau Campus: Action Indoor Sports Central, 911 Dominion Road

Maungarei (Auckland Netball, St Johns)
Featuring Brian Keepa, Coach of the NZ Mens Indoor Netball Team, leading a practical skills and ruleset session to prepare students and staff. We will have guest coaches from Northern Mystics assisting.

• 10:30am: Arrival Auckland Netball, 7 Allison Fergusson Drive, St Johns + Roll Call
  

• 10:35am: Workshop begins with Brian Keepa and Northern Mystic Coaches
  

• 11:30am: Wrap-up + Questions
  
  

Maungawhau (Action Central)
Featuring Artie Keepa, NZ Mens Indoor Netball Team Rep, leading a practical skills and ruleset session to prepare students and staff. We will have guest coaches from Northern Mystics also assisting.

• 10:30am: Arrival Action Central 911 Dominion Road + Roll Call
  

• 10:35am: Workshop begins with Artie Keepa and Northern Mystic Coaches
  

• 11:30am: Wrap-up + Questions
  
  

Roopu Reo, Unity & Competition:

Get ready to pass, pivot and play your way to victory! This is more than a tournament – it’s a celebration of whanaungatanga, hauora, and competitive fun. Let’s bring the wairua, the hype, and the hustle!

ACES 2025 World Indoor Netball Cup – Where Champions Play!

Support ACES Through Our New Online Donation Portal

ACES is proud to launch our new donation portal powered by Raisely, now live on our website at www.aces.school.nz. This secure and user-friendly platform makes it easier than ever for whānau, alumni, community partners, and supporters to contribute to the life-changing work we do with young people across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Every donation—large or small—goes directly towards strengthening our alternative education programmes, providing essential resources, and supporting rangatahi to thrive in pathways that honour their potential and mana.

We invite you to visit the site, explore the stories of transformation happening through ACES, and consider becoming a regular supporter. Whether you're contributing to transport, kai, learning tools, or our culturally grounded wrap-around services, your generosity will make a direct and measurable impact. Together, we can continue building vibrant young futures!

Please go to attached LINK here to see previous editions on our Public domain.

Alternative Education and Attendance Service | Auckland City Education Services | Auckland

With our Alternative Education Services, students receive so much more than an ordinary education. We pride ourselves on creating a unique, exciting environment that embraces all.