ACES Weekly Buzz

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

Welcome to the last week of Term 1 (yes already!). In this week's issue, we caught up with former ACES Maungarei Student Sam Puna (transitioned 2020); we finally get to meet everyone's favourite Maungawhau tutor, Ezra Purcell.

In Term 2, we add Visual Arts to our Elective programme and spotlight an interesting connection to the Maungawhau Campus. Finally we have Term 2 key dates and some ideas for Whanau for School Holidays Activities. Mauri ora!

Earlier in the year we caught up with former ACES Maungarei student (2020), Sam Puna. We reminisced about his time in Maungarei. "You know Thelo, I remember being an angry young man at times, just a young fulla aye. But i really appreciated June, Gaza and Frances for being patient with me while i found myself and yo, i remember our Enterprise Project, Sam's Chop Suey!"" (I reminded Sam) "and yes i remember the boys leaving me with all the pots and dishes and taking off before cleaning at that same event lol."

I also reminded Sam of how handsome and put together he looked when he came to his end of year graduation in a fitted suit. He won 5 awards at that event and all ACES staff were so proud of him. Sam transitioned into security on leaving ACES and then has worked his way into a scaffolding and rigging team that contract to Sky Tower. We have attached a video here of a day in the life of Sam Puna in 2025. Continue to fly high Sam, we at ACES are still so proud of you. Mauri ora.

My name is Ezra Purcell and I have the privilege of being the fastest, strongest and smartest tutor at our Maungawhau campus. I am a proud New Zealand born Samoan and grew up in Mt Roskill, Central Auckland.

It has been my passion since high school to work with troubled Pasifika youth, to help them reach their full potential so that they will be able to pursue whatever pathway they want to achieve. I have been fortunate to be able to practise this passion of mine here at ACES, I love seeing students 'click' and have their turn around moment where they know what they want to do and realise they have to work hard for it.

What I enjoy the most about ACES, is the laughter and the funny moments we have here with the students and staff, I know that the memories that students enjoy will be special to them and be remembered for years to come. When a student laughs and enjoys themselves, it creates a safe space where they will feel more comfortable to share and want to turn up everyday to school.

I am a firm believer in 'Fighting Fire with Fire'. When I first started at ACES, I was 18 years old so I wasn't too far off the students' age. This allowed me to have a unique approach because the way I dressed, spoke (lingo), music taste and a whole lot more was very similar to the students.

This made it easier for them to relate and open up because they were seeing a young and brown tutor. This also makes me more understanding when it comes to certain situations because I would stop and think to myself "I would've done the same thing to be honest." When needed I am able to explain or address to students a topic or a situation in a way where they would understand.

Interests

I love sports - rugby and boxing in particular. I also love spending time with family, friends and especially my daughter.

Advice to young people

Always remember to have fun and look at the positive side of things no matter what the situation may be.

It's always good to have ideas for the upcoming school holidays. Here are a few below:

1. Check out free and low cost ideas from Auckland City Council.

2. Auckland War Memorial Museum is free and has many amazing exhibitions to experience.

3. If you have a parent or caregiver who is a teacher or support staff at a school, they and whanau can get free access to MOTAT over the month of April.

We are excited to announce we will be adding Visual Arts to our Electives in Term 2. Art has proven to be transformative for students in their learning journey. The programme will be lead by talented Auckland artist, Micah McMillan.

Interesting fact the beautiful artwork found in each of the main classrooms in Maungawhau, were commissoned pieces painted by Micah's father Josh, who also has a legacy of teaching art in Alternative Education and with youth. ACES welcomes Micah as one of our team of wonderful external providers.

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.

• 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.

• APRIL School Holidays 12 April (Saturday) - 27 April (Sunday)

• Term 2 (9 weeks)

• 28 April (Monday) to 27 June (Friday).

• 28 April (Monday) Tutor only day

• 29 April (Tuesday) Open Day

• Public holidays:
  King’s Birthday – Monday 2 June.
  Matariki - Friday 20 June.

Missed one of our previous weekly update editions, don't worry as Ezra would say, "We got you!"!

ISSUE 1

ISSUE 2

ISSUE 3

ISSUE 4

ISSUE 5

ISSUE 6

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.