ACES Weekly Buzz !

• Mental Health Awareness Week
• ACES On The Move!
• Introducing Julius
• Jacob's Story
• ACES Exhibition

Welcome back to school for our Students and Tutors. Buckle Up! Term 4 is about to become a bustling and exciting ride! Our theme is to "CELEBRATE" and the term will have all the life, colour and vibrancy of a fruit bowl!

We kick off the term with our lead article featuring Mental Health Awareness Week last week (6-12 October 2025). A vital area of our work is knowing what to do if picking up signs of emotional or psychological stress before it escalates. See below for our feature on youth mental health..

Plus, more updates and articles of interest for you on what's around the corner. And if all goes well, we should be in a new ACES venue before Christmas! Read on >>>

Mental health challenges often exist in a realm of invisibility that makes them fundamentally different from physical injuries like a broken leg or fractured wrist. Unlike a fracture that shows up clearly on an X-ray with defined treatment protocols and predictable healing timelines, mental health conditions operate through complex webs of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that can't be easily measured or observed. There's no simple diagnostic test that reveals depression or anxiety with the same clarity as a bone scan, and symptoms often fluctuate unpredictably. This invisibility creates additional challenges: others may dismiss or minimise what they can't see, while those experiencing mental health difficulties may struggle to articulate or even recognise their own symptoms. The subjective nature of psychological pain, combined with societal stigma and the absence of clear external markers, makes mental health a uniquely complex landscape to navigate for both individuals and the healthcare providers trying to help them.

The I am Hope Foundation approaches youth mental health through a comprehensive model focused on breaking down barriers and normalising mental health conversations. Click on the picture to read more. The link is a general guide about teen depression for parents (and educators), covering symptoms, differences between teen and adult depression, effects, and treatment approaches.

Food for Thought: How easy is it for you to have a conversation with your rangatahi about their mental health? What can you do to make those conversations more natural and forthcoming?

We’re excited to announce that Karyl, ACES Maungawhau Campus, our Support Staff Team and the AA - Managed moves team(s), will be moving into Level 6, 75 K Road, in late December! Thelo has successfully secured the lease with the invaluable support of William and Hayden from Barfoots Commercial who have been exploring options for ACES over the past two years (picture left).

The new space comes with a generous rent-free period, 10 brand-new car parks, and breathtaking views of the city from the top floor. This move marks an exciting chapter for our team as we continue to grow and create inspiring spaces for learning and collaboration.

"I grew up in central Auckland, right in the mix of everything — sport, culture, and good people. Life taught me early that it’s not always smooth sailing, but the lessons and laughs along the way shaped me into who I am today.

I joined ACES ’cause I rate what they’re about. I’ve always loved vibing with young people, sharing real talk, and hopefully inspiring someone the way others inspired me when I was coming up. If I can bring a bit of hope, banter, and encouragement into someone’s school day — that’s a win for me."

1. If students had to guess your Starbucks order, what would they definitely get wrong?

They’d think I’m that caramel drizzle, triple-pump syrup type guy. Nah, flat white. Simple. Straight. Strong.

2. What’s your most “teen cringe” memory from high school?

Pulling up to school in skinny jeans so tight I legit had to waddle to class. Thought I was dripping — I was just suffering.

3. If you were a meme, which one would you be — and why?

The “bruh” face meme. Fits too perfectly. Something wild happens? Bruh. Someone says nonsense? Bruh. That’s me.

4. Most controversial opinion?

Pineapple belongs on pizza. End of discussion.

5. If you had to survive a day as a student again, what class could you not live without?

P.E. hands down. Only class where you could actually run, muck around, and reset. Without it? Nah, I’d tap out.

At the end of last Term Maungarei Student Jacob Beetham was accepted to train with Master Coach Lolo Heimuli at the world renowned Balmoral Lee Gar gym with a view to training with the Amateur Boxing team there. As part of the his moving on process ACES is supporting his gear kit in order to help his sporting dreams. Jacob and his family have shown great appreciation for the support of ACES and we are sure that Jacob will excel and make both his Whanau and ACES proud. Mauri Ora! We have attached a heartfelt letter Jacob agreed to be published in this newsletter.

"Dear Karyl and Aces Team,

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you for all the support you have given me from day one. You’ve had my back no matter what, and I am forever grateful for the love and encouragement.I would also like to give a HUGE thank you for my boxing gear and shoes.

But this isn’t just about the gear—it’s about everything you all have done for me over the years. Through every grind and every struggle, you’ve been right there with the team, lifting me up and helping me level up in my own ways. You’ve shown me what it means to be relentless, to put in the work day in and day out.

I’ve had my fair share of moments where I doubted myself, but ACES always pushed me and encouraged me to give it a try instead of being left out on the sideline. Every challenge felt more bearable knowing I had a team rooting for me.

Over the past months and years, I’ve realised it’s not just about physical strength you’re building for us—it’s about the mental toughness you’ve helped me develop. When I was ready to quit, the team showed me a bigger picture and always had my back.

I’ve been through some dark days, where the road felt impossibly long, but ACES’ support helped me keep moving forward even when I couldn’t see the end. I’ve felt like I’ve failed in so many ways, but the power of this team has always held me up.

You all have reminded me that strength isn’t just muscle—it’s the will to keep going no matter how hard it gets. That’s something you’ve helped me build, and it’s something I’ll carry with me no matter where I go or what I face.

The grind never stops, and with your support, I’m more determined than ever to keep rising. Thank you for being a part of my journey, for believing in me, for the support you’ve shown, and for making sure I never stop chasing what’s possible.

In the first week of December ACES celebrates our very first ACES Exhibition. The show will feature a mix of tangible outcomes from our Project Based learning programmes, live displays from our Electives, video and music AV, along with our very own ACES Cafe. Sessions will be 45 minutes long and car parking is available first come, first serve (limited to 10 only). All event management is being organised by our wonderful ACES Ākonga from both Campuses.

If you would like to reserve a spot for you and your team, please email thelo@aces.school.nz. Places are limited to 20 per session so please you ensure you book your spot early to avoid disappointment. Entry is free but we encourage Koha through our ACES Donation Portal on the day, to support our school. Mauri ora!

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 ACES Mahi in a small or larger way, please feel to click here.