ACES Weekly Buzz

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

We have some inspiring updates to share in this week’s newsletter — a great reflection of the energy, heart, and commitment across our ACES community and the talent and skill of our wonderful ACES Tauira.

🌱 Living Things Project

Led by Ane and Mark, the exciting Living Things Project is helping students connect with whenua and well-being through hands-on learning in their environment. It’s about more than just planting — it’s about understanding our part in the ecological eco-system and respecting our wider environment.

🏉 Sports Academy Project

Ezra and Tim are leading the charge with our new Sports Academy Project, using sport as a platform to build confidence, discipline, and leadership in our students. The project involves connecting with a local school to facilitate PE in their school. ACES Projects now have a proven record in delivering sport based projects into our communities. Watch this space — big things are on the horizon.

🎉 25 Years of ACES
As we celebrate 25 years, we caught up with one of our original Maungawhau students, Kaylah Morris and ask her to reflect on the very first ACES AE Maungawhau Campus. Her story reminds us how far we’ve come — and why our ACES team will keep showing up for our Tauira.

🤝 Contribution
There are now more ways to support the work we do. Whether it’s through time, resources, or donation, every little bit helps us continue to serve our students and grow our curriculum. If you are a local business keen to connect with our Mahi please reach out to us through the contacts below.

🥊 Unbroken 4 — Let's get behind Ezra & Freddie
The Unbroken 4 boxing tournament (presented by our Community Partner Balmoral Lee Gar) is just around the corner! Ezra and Freddie are stepping into the ring this Saturday, representing themselves, their familes, Balmoral Lee Gar team and ACES. Get your tickets, spread the word, and let’s get behind them.

Ngā mihi nui,
The ACES Team

• What inspired the project?

  The Living Things Project was inspired to help students develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and recognise how all living things including humans are connected.
  
  

• Key goals and activities?

  This project is designed to deepen learners' knowledge and understanding of the living world and the interconnectedness of all life. It fosters curiosity about how living things grow, how ecosystems function, and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning.

  So far, students have visited the Auckland Winter Gardens and the Auckland Zoo, with additional excursions planned to the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Creek, and Ambury Farm. As part of their learning journey, students will design and paint their own plant pots, plant seeds, and observe and track the growth of their plants over time. Each student will also create a project board, researching their favourite animal or plant and presenting their findings.
  
  

• Any memorable discoveries or learning moments?

  Students have enjoyed learning about photosynthesis and how it works. Class debate on "If we should or should not have Zoos". Our recent EOTC trip to the Auckland Zoo was especially exciting, as it was the first time visiting for some of our students. Seeing their excitement firsthand was a powerful reminder of how new experiences can ignite curiosity and a deeper desire to learn. Providing opportunities to explore unfamiliar places helps spark engagement and build meaningful connections to their learning.
  
  

• Challenges and how they were addressed

  As we head into the third week of our Living Things Project, we've yet to encounter any major challenges—aside from the occasional tongue-twister when pronouncing scientific terms related to plant and animal cells! Words like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, and vesicles have certainly kept us on our toes. We've been overcoming this by breaking the words down into syllables, which has made them much easier to say and remember.
  
  

• How has this deepened understanding of living things?

  Learning about MRS GREN—Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition—has helped us develop a strong understanding of the life processes shared by all living things. It's taught us just how similar animals, plants, and humans really are, and that every living thing needs MRS GREN to survive.
  
  

• Future plans or next steps?

  Future plans for the Living Things Project include taking students beyond the Auckland region to visit the Hamilton Zoo and the underwater aquarium at Kelly Tarlton's. We also aim to give students a hands-on experience of "a day in the life of a farmer," where they can learn about animal care and sustainable practices. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to give back to their community by helping plant or build a garden in a local space, reinforcing the importance of nurturing living things and contributing to a healthier environment.
  
  

• Impact on teamwork and problem-solving?

  Teamwork has been strengthened as students collaborate in groups, brainstorming ideas and communicating effectively around each day’s topic. Every student is encouraged to share what they’ve learned and express what they’re curious to explore further. Student voice has been a key focus throughout the project, helping to maintain high levels of participation and engagement.
  

The Sports Academy is a dynamic school project designed to give students a hands-on experience in planning and delivering PE sessions for Year 5 and 6 students from New Windsor Primary School. This program focuses on leadership, teamwork, and communication—key skills that students will develop as they take on the role of tutor and coach.

Students will work in small groups to research, plan, and run their own PE sessions, using team-based games to engage the primary students and teach key physical and social skills. As part of their preparation, Sports Academy students will be required to:

• Create detailed lesson plans

• Research suitable games, including rules and equipment needed

• Manage time effectively to ensure the session runs smoothly

• Adapt and manage different personalities within a group setting

• Learning to cater to different students need

• Making the session fun and enjoying

• Building connections with the kids

The project will run over a 4-week rotation, taking place every Tuesday and Thursday starting in Week 6. Each group will lead a session, gaining first-hand experience in teaching, class management and lesson delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to step into a leadership role and understand the responsibilities involved in coaching and teaching. By working closely with younger students, they will build confidence, improve their planning skills, and learn how to adapt to real-life challenges in a classroom or sporting environment.

Looking ahead, if the Sports Academy Project is successful, students may have the opportunity to coach and facilitate New Windsor Primary’s Interzone Sports Days, supporting their preparation and leading training sessions in the lead-up to the events.

The Sports Academy Project is more than just sport—it’s about growing as a leader, learning through experience, and making a positive impact in the community.

"My name's Kaylah and I should've been the real top student in our first ever year of ACES AE Maungawhau! I went to ACES for two years and the values/memories will be with me forever. I am 21 years old now, a mum of two and make $70,000 a year, working at Green Lane McDonald's as a Manager.

Thelo, Faz and Robbie always saw my potential and how smart I was and I will always be grateful. They helped me achieve my dreams of being a certified plasterer. I did that for about a year before I fell pregnant and got a job at McDonald's. I kept working until the day I had my son. I turned all my problems into drive for work. Funnily enough, on my worst days I saw Thelo in the drive thru, Faz after every Warriors game and Salome every now and then as well as Cam Todd (Breakthrough Boxing Coach).

My biggest self reflection was how much change took place within. I wasn't the perfect student but I did get everyone involved. A lot of my peers thought acting dumb was cool, until I made the change. After I started winning repeatedly (let's be honest I won everything) my peers started trying and I'll never forget the day Lenny almost beat me at word generator. Everyone loves winning, being on top so let that be you."

(inset) Kayla is fourth from the left in the back row of the above photo.

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.

This Saturday (11:30 am–6:00 pm), come along and support two of our own at the Unbroken 4 Boxing Event — a powerful day of heart, skill, and community spirit in the ring.

ACES Discount Code: ACES7

Door sales are $40, however, Thanks to Rodney Heimuli (South Auckland Boxing Association Manager), we’ve secured a special discount for ACES staff and supporters. Use code ACES7 when purchasing your GA ticket online (link below).

Representing ACES, our very own:

• Ezra Purcell – ACES Tutor

• Freddie Muller-Smith – ACES Student

Both have been training out of Balmoral Lee Gar Gym — where I also coach the ACES Breakthrough Boxing Academy, under the mentorship of Master Coach Lolo Heimuli, one of Aotearoa’s most respected boxing figures. This isn’t just about sport — it’s also a demonstration of growth, discipline, and whanaungatanga in action.

Event Details: Unbroken 4
Saturday, 11:30 am – 6:00 pm (Doors 11 am)
New Lynn, Auckland
Tickets – Online now GA $30; however, use code ACES7 at checkout to get special ACES discount.

I’ll be officiating on the day — would love to see you there backing Ezra and Freddie, and the incredible work happening through our Breakthrough academy and the wider boxing community.

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

Please go to attached LINK here to see previous editions of ACES Weekly Buzz 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.