ACES Weekly Buzz
News and Views - August 27th 2025 - Week 8 Issue 18
Tēnā koutou katoa parent(s), caregivers, whānau and external providers,
We have more inspiring updates to share in this week’s newsletter. In this week's edition;
🏉1. Sport Academy Project - We look at Real world impact as Ākonga lesson plans come to life
We reflect back through the eyes of student Freddie Muller, at the lessons delivered at New WIndsor Primary by the Sport Academy Project Team.
🤝 2. Living things - EOTC
Yesterday our ākonga were able to deepen their understanding of our ecological eco-system, by connecting to Mangere Maunga on their class EOTC trip.
🤝 3. One School - Northern Development Indoor Netball Workshops
Ahead of our One School Indoor Netball tournament with ACES external stakeholders this Friday, Top NZ Indoor Netball coaches Brian and Ati led workshops at Auckland Netball in St Johns (Maungarei Campus) and Action Central on Dominion Road (Maungawhau Campus), we drop in to have a look.
🏉4. Roopu - Country Allocations for Indoor Netball (For uniforms)
Team country colours for this Friday's Tournament have been decided by ballot and registration process. Roopu Tutors please check.
🤝 5. Education to employment - Gateway Programme
ACES ākonga get valuable work experience with the Gateway programme.
Ngā mihi nui,
The ACES Team
Community and real world impact: Sport Academy Project at New Windsor
Ākonga began their second week of delivering P.E. Sessions to New Windsor Primary.
This weeks focus was Teamwork. Students created their lesson plans around supporting New Windsor students in developing strategies in building strong teamwork skills. They delivered this lesson plan to the same class they did in Week 1 on Tuesday.
New Windsor students were really excited to have us back showing our ākonga are making a positive influence on their young people.
Ākonga adapted their lesson plans with the Feedback below before departing for New Windsor primary to be able to improve their practice and sessions.
Feedback from New Windsor (Last Thursday).
- ākonga to keep the warm-up separate as this can become quite hectic if there are too many students. Hard to manage.
- ākonga to continue trying to build confidence when communicating to New Windsor Primary students.
- ākonga to have set-up all activities before the session begins cutting out downtime. (when possible, equipment constraint)
Below are the ākonga Learning and Success aims for when delivering their lesson plans at New Windsor Primary.
Learning Intention: We are learning to deliver a product to the specifications of our “Client”. Delivering P.E. + Resilience Strategies to New Windsor Primary.
Success Criteria:
- Successfully delivered a P.E. Lesson to New Windsor students.
- Successfully delivered a discussion around Resilience and developing New Windsor students' understanding of Resilience.
- Support New Windsor students in developing strategies to build Resilience.
- Incorporate feedback from New Windsor Primary improving our practice and our lesson plans allowing us to deliver improved sessions each week.
Māngere Mountain Education Centre– Our EOTC
Yesterday we went to the Māngere Mountain Education Centre with Matua Mark and Whaea Ane for our EOTC trip all about Living Things. It was so much fun learning outside the classroom.
We climbed the maunga and learned about its history, the kumara pits, and how Māori used the land for food and medicine. One student said, “I didn’t know people could store food underground like that — it was awesome to see.”
We also looked at the plants that grow around the mountain and how everything connects in the environment. Another student shared, “My favourite part was walking around the maunga and learning how people looked after the land.” The day was full of laughs, new discoveries, and teamwork. By the end, we were tired but really happy. “It was the best trip we’ve had this year!”
A big thank you to Matua Mark, Whaea Ane, and the team at Māngere Mountain Education Centre for giving us such a cool experience.
Ākonga Harikoa (A happy Student)
NZ Coaches Brian and Ati Keepa raise the skill level ahead of major tournament!
ACES Students Step Up with NZ Indoor Netball Legends
Last Friday, our ACES students had the incredible opportunity to take part in an all-day Indoor Netball Workshop led by none other than Brian Keepa, current New Zealand Indoor Netball Coach, and Ati Keepa, NZ Indoor Netball Representative and renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach.
From start to finish, our students showed perfect engagement, throwing themselves into every drill, fitness challenge, and teamwork activity with energy and focus. It was inspiring to see our rangatahi display not only athletic skill, but also resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn from some of the very best in the sport.
The workshop challenged students to think critically about communication, discipline, and leadership – skills that transfer far beyond the court.
Guest helper for the Maungawhau workshop, MAGS DP Corey Todd shared his praise for Ākonga , saying:
"I loved seeing the respect shown for the coach, engagement and students encouraging one another, sport is transformational”
Coach Brian Keepa also shared his praise for the Maungarei group, saying:
"The level of respect, focus, and eagerness to learn from the ACES students was outstanding. Their ability to adapt and apply feedback quickly impressed me. They’ve got the kind of mindset coaches dream of working with.”
Ati Keepa added:
“These young people gave 100% to every drill and never backed down from a challenge. Their positive attitudes and teamwork really stood out. It was a privilege to coach such an engaged and motivated group. I have been raving about ACES students to my clients and team mates!"
Our students also reflected proudly on the day:
“I pushed myself harder than I thought I could – and now I know I can keep going even when it gets tough.” – Maliyah
“It was awesome to learn from real NZ reps. They showed us that success comes from discipline and hard work.” – Justyce
The day was a huge success, leaving our students inspired, sweaty, and smiling – a true reflection of what happens when talent, discipline, and opportunity come together.
We are grateful to Brian and Ati for investing their time and expertise into our ACES whānau. The lessons learned on the court will undoubtedly echo in our students’ journey of growth and achievement.
ACES Students excel through Gateway
The benefits of employer engagement (including work experience) in schools are that students who participate in workplace learning — such as Gateway or Trades Academies can:
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Better connect their school learning to the workplace
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Have improved engagement, attendance, and academic results
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Gain confidence and better decisions for future pathways education.govt.nz.
Maungawhau Ākonga Whail'n says, "Our work experience has been awesome and opened my eyes to what's required to go into today's workforce, I am so grateful for this opportunity. The only thing i don't like is missing out on my timetable for projects and boxing which i love!'
Phatz
"I want to work so hard that they (my employer) have no choice but to give me a great reference."
Jacob goes hard at Gateway programme
Rams - Work experience through gateway programme
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.