ACES Alternative Education

13 May 1.30- 3pm: Open Day for Schools and Professionals: Maungarei Campus, Marist Rugby, 50 Dunkirk Road

20 May 1.30 - 3pm: Open Day for Schools and Professionals: Maungawhau Campus, Level 6, 75 Karangahape Road, CBD

Please rsvp numbers attending and roles to thelo@aces.school.nz

16 / 17 September: ACES AE Exhibition (Full details to follow later this term).

ACES AE Maungawhau Campus has identified a dedicated group of ākonga who have expressed a clear desire to return to their enrolling school or their local zoned school. To ensure akonga are fully prepared for the rigors of a school environment, we are launching a Mainstream Readiness Programme.

This programme dedicates one full day and one half-morning per week specifically to school-readiness skills.

Sample Schedule:

The structured day that aligns to traditional secondary school timetable to build stamina and routine:

Note: Te Kura Correspondence (Literacy & Numeracy) will be accessed.

Curriculum Focus

The readiness classes are not just academic; the classes will address the social and emotional transitions required for success. Key topics include:

● Navigating Barriers: Identifying and overcoming personal hurdles to returning to school.

● Boundaries: Understanding school rules and why behind them.

● Social Dynamics: Managing peer influences (identifying positive vs. negative circles).

● Exposure: Physical visits and walk-around of school campuses to reduce anxiety.

● Purpose: Aligning career aims with their educational journey to confirm “why” they are returning.

Strengthening the Connection: Mentorship

A successful transition is a partnership. To strengthen this programme, ACES AE will be asking each enrolling school to nominate a dedicated Mentor for their ākonga. This mentor plays a vital role in maintaining whakawhanaungatanga (connections).

Connections can happen:

● At your school site

● On-site at Maungawhau Campus

● Via online check-ins

● Using HERO (Student Management Platform System)

This ensures ākonga never feels they have left their school community, making the eventual full-time return much more seamless.

If you are a local Auckland business keen to connect or advertise, we are looking for the right Partner to join ACES on our learning waka. Contact me on 021 913576 or thelo@aces.school.nz for a confidential chat.

If you would like to contribute directly today to the amazing mahi of ACES in a small or larger way, please feel to click our giving portal here.