Principal's Message 

Last week it was wonderful to welcome Eka Tanaya SJ to our staff as Deputy Principal for Religious Identity and Mission. Fr Eka has been missioned along with Michael Smith SJ to assist the school in growing our Catholic Ignatian tradition. As a school we are truly Blessed that the Jesuit Order have missioned Fr Eka and Fr Michael and, as you may have heard at our transition events, they will assist you to support your child(ren) in their Catholic Ignatian journey too with community events and meetings to help you grow in your understanding of our tradition and also how to support your child with their own growing faith, practices and spirituality.

This week it was good to see so many students, parents and caregivers at the Year 7 and 8 transition events and also great to receive so much positive feedback, which affirmed to us that our work is what you have been hoping for as a parent community. The highlight of the events was seeing the new students connecting and forming new friendships; it was wonderful to witness and I hope this provides you and your children with even more confidence for 2024. It is truly exciting as a staff to serve you and we are looking forward to the first day of school on February 7th next year. Finding God in all things.  Inveniens Deum in omnibus.

                                           Dean Wearmouth         

Site Progress

Teaching and Learning

This week we have a spotlight on our Social Science Faculty

As Social Science educators, we are committed to nurturing curiosity about the world, its people, and its history.  Social Science focuses on people and their interactions with places. We will explore the following:
- The diverse cultures, eras, and locations from which people come
- The connection and impact of individuals on the environment
- Understanding different perspectives and the reasons for their differences
- Developing research skills, analytical thinking, effective communication, and societal engagement
- Exploring the rights, duties, and roles of citizens in a democratic society
- Understanding the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's bicultural heritage, and its multicultural composition

As indicated in the new curriculum and the introduction of Aotearoa New Zealand Histories, there will be an emphasis on narrating local stories that hold meaning and relevance for St Ignatius ākonga / student. Aotearoa has a significant and challenging history that deserves exploration. The approach will strike a balance between delving into local stories and locations and fostering well-rounded global citizens prepared to thrive in the wider world. A St Ignatius ākonga / student will gain a genuine understanding of both home and abroad through the study of the various subjects comprising Social Science.
In years 7, 8, 9, and 10, the selected topics will cultivate learners who are passionate, critical thinkers with a strong understanding of their origins and future trajectories. Topics will span a broad range of History, Geography, Economics, and Politics. Examples of some of the topics that are being covered are Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Famous New Zealanders and events, NZ and the Pacific (with a detailed study of the Mau Movement and the Dawn Raids), WWI, endangered environments, WWII, and the New Zealand Wars.
Next year, exciting trips are planned where students will take a virtual tour of the WWI exhibition at Te Papa and visit important local sites such as Pukekiwiriki Paa. In Year 10, students will explore some of the pa sites from the New Zealand Wars located near our College.
Through the study of Social Science, a St Ignatius ākonga / student will become a critical thinker capable of problem-solving and inquiring about the world around them. They will develop empathy for people and a commitment to social justice. Ākonga / student will comprehend the context of the world, experience past and present events, reflect on their learning, and be inspired to take action to make a positive difference in the world.
We look forward to guiding your children on this rewarding path of growth and discovery. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ngā mihi nui,
Luke Williams
Head of Faculty: Social Science
[email protected] 

Cura Personalis

Magis Monitoring

As part of our commitment to caring for each ākonga / student it is important to truly accompany each individual on their journey towards personal excellence.  To help us to do this we have developed internal systems to enable teachers to monitor ākonga /student progress, deliver targeted intervention for impact and to celebrate and recognise ākonga  / students who are striving for the Magis.  Our Magis Monitoring is a three-fold process outlined briefly below.

Weekly Excellence Reviews

Each week parents and whanau will receive a Weekly Excellence Review.  This is an overview from each subject teacher recording on a scale of 1-4 how your child has been working towards their personal excellence.  Manutaki /Deans will follow up on any ākonga/students who receive the lowest score of 1.  Kaiārahi will provide opportunities each week for ākonga/ students to reflect on their Weekly Excellence Reviews and identify possible actions for personal growth.

Mid Term Magis Monitoring

During week 6 each term all our faculties will conduct a Magis Monitoring review.  This is a proactive and supportive process which reflects on individual, class and cohort progress, identifies any areas of development and growth and plans for appropriate intervention strategies.  

Termly Magis Monitoring

This step uses termly assessment data and  cumulative scores from Weekly Excellence Reviews to analyse progress and identify trends at all levels and plan for appropriate targeted interventions.  It provides the opportunity to  celebrating ākonga / students in line with our school rewards and awards program.
  

All three parts of our Magis Monitoring seek to enhance the mana of all.  Magis Monitoring celebrates, affirms and supports all ākonga/students.  It  is a system which enables our college to work in partnership with parents  and whānau to ensure all ākonga/students can achieve their personal excellence. 

Building Community at our Transition Events

This week we have come together for a number of important transition events for our Year 7 and 8 ākonga / students and also to bring together those  ākonga / students who are the only ones moving to St Ignatius from their current school. We recognise how difficult it can be to make the move to a new school, especially as a foundation student and so events like these are important to help everyone connect and build relationships.

Melissa Bell, Year 8 Manutaki/Dean, reflects on her experience:

What an exciting opportunity we had to hold the Solo Ākonga Meet and Greet, as well as the Year 7 and  8 Transition Evenings. It was a time of connecting, networking, and coming together as a St Ignatius community. It was a blessing and pleasure to be able to meet so many ākonga and their whānau, it was a great turn out!

Ākonga were able to build the relationships between their peers as they participated in the fun activities the staff ran. Ākonga would hopefully have connected with one other person in their year level that will be a familiar face for them next year.

I look forward to next year as we begin our journey together as a whole kura.

Lauren Hartland (year 8 2024) writes:

I was excited to be asked with some other students to help welcome students to the transition events which were held this week.  My job was to help give out the name tags so everyone could learn each other names.   

I was really excited when I saw the tent outside with the St Ignatius Shield on it because I am ready to start at St Ignatius.

The Manutaki/Deans were really friendly and fun. We got to play games with our future teachers and classmates.  When we were outside playing, the parents were inside listening to some important information about the start of term from the leadership team.   The parents got a cool coffee cup and keyring and we got a pencil case and pen. After the games we had delicious pies, desserts and drinks. I know everyone went home excited. It was a great night and I can't wait for next year!

Community Opportunity

In 2024, the College Staff are working alongside Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to develop and grow our professional capacity in regards to Tikanga Māori and Te Reo. We would love for you to join us and to engage in the programme as a wider community.

We currently have the capacity for at least another 15 participants.
The details are as follows:

Course: Te Ara Reo Māori (He Pī ka Pao) Level 1 and 2

Venue: St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College

Location:  Open Learning Space opposite the Library.

Time: 3:30 - 6:30 pm Tuesday.

Duration: 38 weeks in total. 36 weeks – 3 hour class per week​. 2 weeks break

Visits: 2 x Noho Marae, 4 x One Day Wānanga​

Credits: 120 credits

Fees: No Fees

Start date: March 6th or 13th 2024 (TBC)

Aromatawai (assessment):​ Assessment at the end of each unit and completed online.​ 8 units, 8 assessments. 
The facilitators are very helpful and accommodating, and aim to make the experience of the participants enjoyable, interactive and fun.

Please register your interest by 4th December.
Email your name and contact details to:
[email protected] 

Special Character

Dear Lord,
Thank you for our time together today,
Help me to be curious about the world surrounding me.
Help me to be prepared and open-minded for the challenges that I may face and always commit to giving my best effort.
Help me to be open to difficult tasks and receptive to your guidance In all things.
Help me to be kind in my thoughts and words, and have the strength and grace to rest all unnecessary distractions.
Help me to be aware of my talents as you guide and inspire us to always give our best in all that we do.
Amen.

On Sunday the Church celebrates the World Day of the Poor. First instituted by Pope Francis in 2017, it is a day when we are called to reflect on those who are poor and vulnerable in our society and how we can best respond to their needs. This year the theme is "Do not look away from the poor," an extract from the Book of Tobit. It should remind us that while we may become dulled to the issues of poverty in our society God calls us to listen again. Pope Francis, in a brief reflection on this theme, writes:
“We are living, in times that are not particularly sensitive to the needs of the poor. The pressure to adopt an affluent lifestyle increases, while the voices of those dwelling in poverty tend to go unheard."
He calls for us to not only be aware of the presence of the poor but to be active in doing something about it. Often we can feel helpless about what to do when poverty can seem like such a large and growing issue, however, there are many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference in someone's day. This is particularly poignant as we approach the end of the year and Christmas where, for some families, it can seem like anything but a celebration. 

As a Jesuit school, we are committed to working for justice in the world through forming “men and women for others.” This means that the plight of the poor should spark our conscience and spur us into action. It is unsurprisingly then that we will be offering opportunities to students to serve the poor and vulnerable through the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul - through our Young Vinnies club - and Caritas events throughout the year. All students are encouraged to participate where they can. As Jesus said it is in giving that we receive. 

This coming Sunday is an opportunity for us to reflect on what we can do to help those who are poor and vulnerable here in Aotearoa/New Zealand to ensure that their voice doesn’t go unheard.

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