ACES Weekly Buzz

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

In this week's edition of the ACES Weekly Buzz, the ACES Futsal Tournament was held two weeks ago and enjoyed by students, tutors and our professional stakeholders alike, we received some feedback on how it went; ACES says 'Farewell' to Maungarei's Chris Payne; we take a look at what our Tuakana have been up to this term; and Maungarei celebrates the end of the term.

We received feedback from the Deputy Principal of MAGS and our Pedagogical Leader, both of whom took part in the recent ACES Futsal Tournament. A big 'Mihi Aroha' goes out to everyone who participated and those involved in the organising.

"When it is done right Sport is the great connector. It provides a platform for people to just enjoy the space together rather than feel they have to keep their guard up. This was completely achieved via Futsal, a sport many of the people playing would have found confronting but they didn’t let that get in the way instead they embraced the space and succeeded."

- Corey, DP MAGS

"Thank you for all your hard work on this Thelo. As Corey can attest, sports has always been a unifying force for bringing people together. I know Buchanan would be so proud of the continuation of his vision where sports are used to connect our young people to each other, professionals and the wider community.

My only issue is there is no photo of the 'real' winning team".

- Damien, PL ACES

Next term ACES Maungarei says 'goodbye' to a much loved member of staff Chris Payne. Chris has been with us for a short time, aiding the learning journey of the young people at our Panmure campus by diving right in and getting his hands dirty. Chris is much beloved by all Maungarei akonga and is on the far right of the above photo.

"I started working part time at ACES Maungarei as a tutor aide earlier this year as I was finishing up some studies and planning a move overseas. I’d worked in alternative education places before and was keen to see how ACES operated. On one of my first days both ACES campuses participated in a cross-Tāmaki Amazing Race. I was impressed by both the logistics involved in pulling off such a day but more so by how engaged and enthusiastic all the young people were.

That day set the tone for my experience at ACES. During my time at Maungarei I’ve met young people deeply committed to the ACES values and kaupapa. I’ve seen some of these students grow to be leaders in the space and have heard others offer remarkable reflections on their life experiences. Significantly, I’ve seen young people join Maungarei and quickly feel at home.

These successes are due to the committed staff that make ACES Maungarei the centre that it is. Lome’s leadership and the wealth of experience and empathy that her, Isaak, Dot and Chance bring to the centre is invaluable. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside other ACES staff, particularly Thelo and Damo. Also a special shout out to Hayward for referring me for the job in the first place! The strengths that all staff bring to ACES ensures that students are engaged and excited to come in everyday.

I’m sad to leave ACES Maungarei (although not yet! My last day will be the 25th of July). It has been uplifting to come in throughout the week and be greeted by students who are stoked to be there and staff who place such a high regard on student wellbeing. It has been a true privilege to spend time here and I leave knowing that I've witnessed something truly special in how this team creates belonging for every young person who walks through the door."

This term our students were lucky to attend a few NZMA Campuses to see what life would be like as a youth guarantee student. Youth guarantee courses offer vital opportunities to rangatahi who are not in school, allowing for a full year of free study in a vocational pathway. We are lucky at ACES to have a close relationship with NZMA, who run a number of courses that our students pathway onto each year.

This year students got to spend a day at NZMA's Sylvia Park, Auckland Central and Trades campuses learning about hospitality, cookery and construction. We see fantastic engagement from our students at NZMA, who love the practical, hands-on style of learning. On our visits we often get to catch up with some of our ex students who are flourishing in their new learning spaces.

Currently our educators are working with students to complete their assessments, focusing on filling out forms and creating a CV. Our students have been really motivated by the chance to get some credits which could help them when they either return to school or move into a vocational course.

We wrapped up Term 2 with a fantastic prizegiving here at ACES Maungarei, celebrating the mahi and growth of our tauira across project-based learning, electives, and special awards.

Below is a summary of our Term 2 Award Recipients:

Project-Based Learning Excellence

• CrossFit | Salome: KJ Albert

• Enterprise | Thelo: Cassia Laseiki

• Music | Isaak: Ramari Anania

• Runner-Up in Music | Isaak: Tia-Huia Barber-Paewhenua

Top Students in Electives

• Art: Jaurie-lee Taua

• Boxing: Ramari Anania

• Muay Thai: KJ Albert

Tuakana Award

• Excellence in Tuakana: Ayden Burke (Murray)

Special Awards

• Most Improved Attendance: Lucian Pousima-Fraser

• Highest Attendance: Ramari Anania

• Most Improved: Ramari Anania

It was awesome to see students being recognised for both academic and personal growth. Big ups to staff for the work you do in guiding and supporting our ākonga every day.

Term 3 Dates (To evolve)

14 July - Whakawhanaungatanga Day and

New Students / Whanau Greet and Meet 9.30am - 12.30pm

15 July - New Students Induction

16 July - Term 2 Students Return

17 and 18 July - All Students 9.30am - 12.30pm

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

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

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