AGGS Swimming Day at AGGS Swimming & Diving Pools
Written by: Lillian Hanly
The predictions for the day were 'cloudy with a chance of showers' however the decision was made by the Sports Department with the support of the willing and determined Sports Committee that the show must go on. So there they stood, dressed in their pirate/life saving costumes ready for the task in hand. Timid 3rd formers and confident seniors lined up crookedly in the wrong lines as shouts were heard repeatedly all over the place 'seniors here - juniors over there' on the front lawn. Finally, with stamps on their hands and wet bums from the bleechers, "AWAY ME HEARTIES" was blasted over the sound system – and with that we were off. After what I'm sure was guidelines about rules and safety (who really listens to these bits) the race was on – against time and against each other.
A fast games a good game so they say and its fair to say we got through the order of events pretty quickly, each race loudly supported by the keen crowd ready to cheer on their favourite fish. With stop watches, placing cards and microphones expertly controlled by the senior committee and helpers the young pirates were kept controlled despite the excitement after wins and mutinous feelings after a second place – many a 'my eye patch was is the way' could be heard from some corners of the pool.
The enthusiasm round the dive pool can only be described like a 90% off sale at Parrots, Patches and Hooks – bustling, busy and explosive. Thankfully Ms MacKay and Ms Penitito were on hand to sort the jokers from the competitors and many divers were selected to continue on to the Auckland Diving Champs.
Back in the pool the same names radiated through the speakers as they took their opponents out right left and centre. Pearl Hans, Zarife Cohen, Michaela McNabb, Shelby Fafialofo and the Fuemana twins became the names no-one wanted in their race. All in all, despite the fun and energy of those who showed good spirit in taking part, the skill displayed by trained swimmers was awesome to watch.
Regretibly there were many a missed opportunity to dunk the teachers only because they chose to stand a metre or two too just too far away from the side AT ALL TIMES. The oldest excuses in the book of 'my phones in my pocket' (Mr Peters) and Ms Reid's stern look followed by the unmistakable soft 'no' kept us out of mischief for the rest of the day... well after settling for plopping Rosie in the pool fully dressed we were content.
I'm sure next year will be more of many more attempts to submerge our authority figures, belly flops, false starts, perfect pin drops, dangerous dives, staff v student relays and sunshine. I leave all this in the capable hands of our faithful Sports Committee members of 2011.
AGGS Athletics Day at St Smart Stadium 2011
Written by: Miliama Seneka
The Athletics Day was held on Monday 28th January at Mt Smart Stadium. Even though Athletics was only compulsory for Year 9 and Year 10 students, ultra eager and competitive seniors came along in droves to compete in the fun track and field events. Around 700 students participated in track, field or both with the emphasis of the day on 'giving it a try'. Amongst the girls at AGGS Athletics is by far the most popular sporting event throughout the school year.
The theme for Athletics day this year was Cowboys and Indians. Many scenes were displayed throughout the day of running, jumping and throwing skirts, feathers, painted faces and even tartan skirts. The weather played along also and everyone made sure they kept sun smart and hydrated. The empty PowerAde and water bottles that the seniors tidied up in overflowing bins at the end of the day was testament to that.
Many competitors enjoyed fair competition throughout the events with some clear talent identified and on display. Many of our most celebrated Athletes were on hand to show all 'how it's done'. Ofa Hakeai of year 9 shone in both the junior discus and junior shotput, Emma Menzies once again showed us all the benefits of training for long distance running in the 1500m. NZ representative Siosidina Hakeai, Ofa's big sister, did not fail to impress all who were keen to see her in action taking out the senior discus and Senior Shotput. Our ever will and able Sports Prefect Lily Rose Dyer's determination and enthusiasm to take part earned her the Senior Sports Champion for her success across a variety of events. Many sprinters showed wonderful technique and braved their nerves when faced with a full stand of cheering AGGS girls. In particular, well done goes to Jasmine Aufai, Dreya Brown, Courtney Toko-Mikahere, Shanice Tapaea, Monique Ashford-Ross, Ally Sua Vevesi
Fetalaiga Tapeli, Va'anessa Molia-Fraser and Dejealous Palota Kopa.
All together over 60 girls qualified for the Auckland Zones Athletics Meet with over 20 electing to continue and represent AGGS to the next level. Many continued to fair extremely well and we hope to see many more girls selecting to show their talents and represent AGGS in Athletics in the future.
The stadium grounds came to life at many points in the day with almost every seat filled with eager AGGS girls ready for their events to be called out. It didn't take long for the true competitors to present themselves while others were happy to take part and give it a try. While there will always be a few who choose to walk instead of run, only put 50% effort instead of try their best, the biggest crime of the day was the skipping of the teachers race. Unfortunately time moved quicker than everyone anticipated and this event had to be the price we paid. No one can be sure but the teachers looked to be pretty relieved...
Overall this years' event was a great success. While there are always celebrations for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, there was a definite impression that everyone walked away from the day with a sense of achievement and feeling like winners in their hearts. Ahhh the good old tried and tested AGGS saying. The queue for food was almost as long as the day but our unofficial cheerleader, Rosie, kept the AGGS spirits high with chants of 'whose house... AGGS house!'
Thanks to...
This huge event could not have taken place or been nearly as smooth without the help of many people. Thanks must go to the PE and other subject teachers who took a day out of their class time to help supervise and support the track and field events. Other big thanks go out to the Sports Committee and senior helpers. With their help including time keeping to announcing the upcoming events. Another thank you is extended to the Sports Department of Mr Peters and Ms Reid for organising the build up and overseeing the Day. The biggest thank you though goes out to all the students who participated on the day. Well done AGGS, collectively we made it another memorable day and we hope to see you all again next year.
AGGS School Cross Country 2011
Written by: Lily-Rose Dyer & Emma Pickles
The school cross country event was scheduled for 25th March 2011. Unfortunately when the day arrived, despite the efforts from the Sports Committee who braved the wind and rain to set up the course and the finishing tents, the event was postponed and rescheduled for 8th April two weeks later.
On the day of the 8th April thankfully the sun made an appearance and decided to stay all day. There were four races on the day, two year 9 and two year 10. The dedicated seniors ran alongside the juniors and showed them how it's done. The course was a challenging 3.5kilometres in Western Park and involved two steep gradients which put even the strongest runners to the test. The hilly terrain disheartened some but the Sports Committee were prepared for this and were dotted around the park 'encouraging' the girls with their carefully selected water guns.
Participation was compulsory for all juniors and it's fair to say that effort and fitness levels/endurance was shown in varying degrees. Some rose to the challenge while others enjoyed a brisk stroll in the park. Good sportsmanship and school values were always evident as not all students gained a place or points for their class, many won in their hearts.
The first 50 girls to complete the race in each year group were recorded for their times each also gaining points for their form class. At the end of the race once all points were collated, the class with the most students in the top 50 were awarded the Supreme Class Sports Award. The class who walked away with the trophy on the day were a surprised 9ED.
Individual honours for Year 9 were as follows:
3rd place Naados Tilahu from 9ED
2nd place LEilani Taumafi from 9MC
1st place Eseta Tupu from 9WR
Individual honours for Year 10 were as follows:
3rd place Sabrina Parsons 10MT
2nd place Monique Ashford-Ross
1st place went to the Junior Cross Country Champion from 2010, Emma Menzies with an impressive 11.58.
Of the seniors who competed – including some of the Rugby first XV, the Senior Sports Champion was given to our Sports Prefect Lily-Rose Dyer.
Throughout the day prizes were given to those who competed well with most students fully entering into the colourful spirit of the event. Cross Country was a great opportunity for girls to test their determination and personal fitness and a great excuse to get involved in another AGGS event.
