Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou, St Ignatius Community,
This week, we held our first NCEA Information and Careers Evening for our Year 10 students. We have received wonderful feedback about the event—not only because it helped our students navigate NCEA, subject choices, and future pathways, but because it reminded us of something much deeper: the invitation to discern who God is calling each of us to become.
In our Catholic, Ignatian tradition, we understand education as a holistic journey of the mind, body, heart, and spirit and are concerned with providing opportunities to nurture each of these aspects. We call this cura personalis, or care and concern for the whole person. As students explored subject options, listened to industry professionals, and considered future possibilities, many began to ask not just “What should I do next?” but “Who is God calling me to be?”.
This question lies at the heart of Ignatian discernment. God speaks to us through our deepest desires, our gifts, our sense of justice, and our relationships with others. As our students consider their pathways, they are learning to tune in to God's voice; one that is not always loud or obvious, but often heard in the quiet joy of a subject they love, the desire to serve others, or the excitement of discovering something new.
Importantly, this call to discernment is not just for students; it is a call for all of us.
Whether we are parents guiding our children, teachers nurturing learners, or staff serving faithfully behind the scenes, each of us is invited to tune into God’s presence in the everyday. Throughout our whole lives, we are called to grow, to reflect, and to respond more fully to the person God is shaping us to be; finding God in ourselves, finding God in others, finding God within our midst.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the parents who generously volunteered their time to speak at the event as industry professionals. Your heartfelt contributions brought the evening to life and made it a meaningful, hope-filled experience for all who attended. Through your presence and efforts, it was easy to find God in you.
Finding God in all things,
Dean Wearmouth |
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Some of you would know that this is a Jubilee Year. In the Catholic Church, which we typically celebrate every 25 years, it is a special time of grace and spiritual renewal. Rooted in the Old Testament concept of a fiftieth-year celebration of debt forgiveness, restoration of land, and the release of slaves. The current Jubilee Year was declared by Pope Francis in 2024 and runs from Christmas Eve 2024 to Epiphany 2026. During this year and a bit, the Church asks us to reflect on a theme, and this year it is "Pilgrims of Hope", inspired by the biblical phrase "Hope does not disappoint" from Romans 5:5. There is a lot to unpack in this theme and prayerfully reflect on.
As Christians, we are all pilgrims on our journey through life. Pilgrimages, or sacred journeys, for us as Catholics began with believers visiting places associated with Jesus's life and ministry, particularly in the Holy Land. While a pilgrim focuses on the destination, they also recognise the value of the journey, which should help the person grow in faith by offering a chance for an encounter with God along the way. Our pilgrimage here on earth should provide us with opportunities to grow in hope by encountering God, who is present both at our destination and as a companion on the road. This can often happen in moments when we may not be aware of it. An excellent example of this is seen in the story of the Road to Emmaus, where two disciples are journeying away from Jerusalem when Jesus unexpectedly joins them on the road and speaks with them. It is not until they reach their destination that they fully recognise him and are filled with hope. This is the hope a pilgrim should experience along the way. It should prompt us to reflect on moments in our lives when we may have encountered God and can now see it in retrospect.
Our hope as Christians is in our God, who loves us and wants us to be with him. Pope Francis, when writing about the Jubilee year, expressed that our hope “is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross.” Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate reflection of how far God will go to draw us to him, and this should bring us hope, knowing that God is loving and full of mercy. The knowledge of this should be something that we want to share with others, prompting us to invite others to journey with us. After all, our "hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5). We see this again in the story of the Road to Emmaus, when they return running to Jerusalem to tell the other believers of their encounter with Jesus and how their hearts burnt within them while he talked with them on the road.
As we journey through this Jubilee year, take some time to reflect on your faith journey throughout life. Where has God been present, bringing you hope? And how can you share this hope with others? The Church invites us this year to participate in the celebrations within our parish and diocese for this Jubilee year. Here at the college, we are recognising this by learning about the Jubilee year in Religious Education classes, singing the song “Pilgrims of Hope” written for this year, and celebrating at an assembly later this term. It’s a good time to consider how you and your family will celebrate this special year of grace that the Church offers us, so that we can all be truly “pilgrims of hope.”   |
Wearable Arts - Wellbeing, Taiao and Me
This year’s Wearable Arts Competition brought creativity and environmental awareness to the forefront with the theme: “People are a part of nature — a healthy world nourishes healthy people.” Students from all four Houses showcased their talents through innovative designs, vibrant colors, expressive movements, and powerful messages, emphasizing our connection to te taiao—the land, water, and all living things.
Congratulations to Xavier Barbier, who emerged as the winner of this year's competition. Their outstanding creation of the life cycle of a butterfly truly embodied the spirit of the theme, reminding us all of the importance of caring for our environment.
For more photos from this amazing event, please follow the News link at the bottom of this Newsletter, or visit the Recent news Section on our website.  | |  |
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 Year 10 Careers Evening
On Tuesday evening the school was a hive of activity with our first careers evening.The evening started with an NCEA and University Entrance talk in the hall, and then everyone moved into different classrooms to hear from our incredible speakers.
We had a huge range of presenters including a Lawyer, Forensic Scientist, Chef, Pilot, Police Officer, Psychologist, Electrician, and many more fascinating careers and vocations.
The feedback from the community was amazing, and we are very excited to hold a similar event again next year. Thank you so much to the speakers who gave up their time to come and share with our families, we are grateful for your insite and expertise and amazing prescence at our event.
 Year 9 Retreat
On Wednesday 28th May the Year 9 students of St Ignatius of Loyola headed in the buses over to the local Church of St Patrick's Pukekohe for their annual retreat day. It was an opportunity for students to stop, pause and reflect on where they are currently at in their spiritual journey, and gather tools to continue strong on that journey as they go into the rest of the year.
The theme for the day was "Connected", with activities and reflections which delved into various forms of prayer, allowing students to also reflect on how they first came to their faith. There were three main sessions, involving: "Prayer on my History" lead by Mr Grevatt, "Imaginative Prayer" lead by Fr Eka Tanaya SJ, and "Praying with Others" lead by Youth Minister, Bridgette Carne.
The middle of the day also involved Holy Mass and Examen, where students led and participated in the Eucharistic celebration. In the final session, the students started to write personal prayers, which they will collate into a 'prayer book' for their Rōpū Kaiārahi class to keep and use throughout the year.
Here are some key takeaways from some of the Year 9 students:
"At the Year 9 retreat we explored new ways of prayers and we learnt about the characteristics we have through Ignatian prayers. We also learnt about imaginative prayer and we got to connect with God through our imaginations."
Lauren Hartland (9AM)
"Yesterday I really enjoyed making the paper planes because it was an awesome thing to do with my house group, and it showed us how to use our imaginations. I also really enjoyed yesterday as it was a great way to reflect and pray to god alongside my friends and classmates."
Tamsyn Minchin (9FM)
"At the Year 9 retreat I got to learn more about myself and the characteristics I have. I also got to reflect on what I need help with to become a better person, which was great as we got to do this alongside our friends and classmates." Sophie Wynne (9RA)
All in all, the Retreat Day was a success, and an awesome chance for students to re-calibrate their hearts and minds to God during the busyness of the school term. We pray that the fruits and graces of this day may be carried into their school and personal lives for the rest of this year, and beyond!   | |  |
  Ākonga Elective
Yoga
Every Thursday during electives, a group of us take part in yoga. We go through different poses like Downward Dog, Warrior, Tree, and Child’s Pose. It’s a peaceful way to slow down and take a break from the busy school day. Yoga helps with flexibility, focus, and staying calm, which can really make a difference during the week. Sometimes, we also do Just Dance instead, which adds some fun and energy to the session. It’s a good mix of movement and mindfulness. You don’t need to be great at yoga to join in, everyone follows along at their own pace, and it’s a supportive group. Whether we’re stretching or dancing, it’s a great way to stay active and enjoy time with others. Yoga Thursdays have become something I really look forward to. It’s a simple way to feel better, both physically and mentally, while doing something positive with friends.
Tamsyn Minchin (9FM) |
Manutaki Certificates
The following ākonga were recognised by their Manutaki for having received an outstanding Weekly Excellence Review. We celebrate these ākonga being more fully alive and reflecting the greater glory of God through their work and actions.
Year 7: Ava Latu
Year 8: Kingston Pongi
Year 9: Eva Coe
Year 10: Olivia Fitzpatrick
 485 Award
The 485 Award celebrates students finding God in one another. This award is for students to nominate when they find God in one another. We had many nominations again this week and it was a pleasure for senior leaders to read through the nominations. Our top nominations this week are:
Paikea Maihi nominated May Arnet for Compassion as she stayed in class during lunch time to help others finish off their work.
Drew Liefting nominated Aidan Tod for Compassion as he lent him his PE gear when he forgot his.
Leah Kilburn nominated Sonja Schlebusch for Compassion as she helped her prepare for her speech when she was stuck.
Isla Shields nominated Olivia Fitzpatrick for Compassion as she helped her clean off yogurt off her blazer.
Scarlett Fox nominated Kara Whitehead for Competence as she taught her how to be a librarian.
Albertus Lautua nominated Torito Garcia for Compassion as he is always lending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Our winning nomination this week was by Chaesi Alosio, who nominated Sophie Wynne for Compassion. Sophie comforted a friend when they were struggling.
Congratulations Sophie!
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Samoan Language Week Celebration
As part of our celebration for Samoan Language Week, we are excited to announce a special Samoan Mass on Wednesday, 4th June, followed by kai. Invitations were sent out to families earlier this week with further details. Students are encouraged to wear Samoan cultural dress on this day to honour and celebrate the vibrant Samoan culture.
During the week, we will also have lunchtime activities and a display to showcase and explore Samoan traditions, language, and heritage. We look forward to a joyful and enriching celebration together.  Book Character Week: Bigger, Better, and Back in Week 7!
We are excited to announce that Book Character Week is officially back on the St Ignatius College calendar. Please note that it has moved from Week 6 to Week 7. The parade itself will happen on the Thursday the 12th at 11am.
Following the huge success of last year’s parade, we’re thrilled to be bringing this much-loved event to life again — and this time, the prizes are even bigger and better!
There will be prizes awarded for:
Best Dressed Individual in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10
Best Dressed Duo
Best Dressed Group (up to four students)
Best Dressed Teacher
Best Dressed House
As this is also a house competition, duos and groups competing for house points must be from the same house, so gather your friends and get creative together! Remember, to be eligible to win, your character must be from a book.
Whether you’re coming as a daring hero, a mischievous villain, or a beloved classic character, this is your chance to celebrate the joy of reading, show your creativity, and earn points for your house. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
We can’t wait to see the incredible costumes on parade in Week 7. Start planning now — the adventure begins in the pages of a book! International Students - A Hosts Perspective
"Why should you host an international student? Because hosting is a fulfilling experience!
We have hosted since 2009, with numerous students from Chile, France, Italy, Panama Spain, Germany, Japan, China, Korea, and India! Some have stayed for as short as 2 weeks, other have stayed for a year.
We love meeting young people from around the world and have been fortunate to be able to visit some of them in their own homes and countries.
Sharing New Zealand and all it has to offer, as well as learning about their cultures, is priceless. Building connections around the world, and seeing the way we live through someone elses eyes helps to put your life in perspective, plus it's FUN!."
- Dr Llew Richards
Considering hosting an international student? We are always on the lookout for more host families. Email [email protected] today!
TICKETS ARE LIVE NOW!!
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Support Our First-Ever School Production! – Sponsorship Opportunities
We are thrilled to announce that St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College is preparing for our first ever school production – Show Stoppers: The Best of Broadway!
Our amazing students are working hard to bring this spectacular show to life, and we’re calling on our community to help make it truly unforgettable. We are seeking businesses, families, and supporters who would like to sponsor the production. Funds raised will go towards costumes, lighting, set design, props, and other production costs.
Sponsorship Tiers:
Bronze – $250
Business advertised in the school newsletter and production programme
Silver – $500
All Bronze benefits + 2 complimentary tickets to the show
Gold – $1000
All Silver benefits +
4 complimentary VIP tickets
Social media shout-out
Framed certificate of appreciation
Verbal acknowledgement at the show
Opportunity to display signage at the venue
Do you own a business or know someone who might be keen to support the arts and our students? We'd love to hear from you!
For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact:
Janine Baker
Fundraising Coordinator / Production Team [email protected]
Ngā mihi nui! Together, let’s make Show Stoppers a night to remember! |
Upcoming Events:
King’s Birthday Monday June 2nd
Teachers Only Day Tuesday June 3rd
First Reconciliation Wednesday June 4th
Samoan Language Week Mass 2pm Wednesday June 4th
Auckland Zone Football Wednesday June 4th
Auckland Distance Running Wednesday June 4th
Year 10 Outdoor Ed Whenua Trip Hunua Thursday June 5th
School Production Rehearsal Saturday 7th June
Wednesday 11th June - Sacramental Mass 11am (see information below)
Thursday 12th June - Book Character Parade 11am
Please note ‘Teacher Only Days'
Term Two - June 3rd 2025
Term Three - September 19th 2025 (Staff Retreat)
Term Four - October 22nd 2025 |
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Sacramental Mass
Please join us on Wednesday, 11th June, at 11:00 am as we celebrate our Sacramental Mass. This is a full school Mass in La Sorta (the College Hall). Spaces are limited to a maximum of three tickets per family, so you must reserve a ticket by clicking the link below. This is a formal event. By booking a ticket, you agree to support the college community by wearing formal attire.
https://www.ignatius.school.nz/etickets  |
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Injuries
As we get further into the winter sport season there are always unexpected injuries that occur.
It is important these injuries are managed properly to ensure a full recovery.
This week we highlight concussions. A concussion can happen in any sport, this is a serious injury and should not be taken lightly - It is in fact a mild traumatic brain injury.
Concussions in young athletes are a serious concern due to the potential for long-term health issues and the increased vulnerability of developing brains. Recognizing the signs of a concussion and taking immediate action is crucial. If a young athlete is suspected of having a concussion, they should be taken out of play and evaluated by a medical professional
If your child is playing in any sport please take time to read up on the signs, symptoms & recovery processes.
Concussion fact sheet - Recovery
Concussion coach handbook
Netball
Our PREM netball team is off to a fantastic start this year, and a big part of that is thanks to the amazing support from our parents! We're incredibly fortunate to have parents stepping up and supporting the coaches to help our girls reach their full potential.
Over the holiday period, some dedicated parents volunteered their time to run fitness sessions, giving the team a head start on conditioning and increasing their fitness levels. This extra training has already made a difference in their performance.
Recently the team kicked off regular gym sessions, further enhancing their strength, stamina and physical conditioning. A big Thank you to FMFC Manukau for supporting and enabling this incredible opportunity. This commitment from both the players, parents and coaches sets a great example for the whole school community. We're excited to see what this season brings!  |
AIMS Games Update
Registrations are now closed for AIMS Games. A huge thank you to our amazing coaches, managers, and whānau for all the mahi that goes into making this experience possible — from training to fundraising and everything in between.
We are thrilled to have over 60 of our ākonga entered into 8 different sporting codes for this year. These codes include Netball, Football, Basketball, RIP Rugby, Swimming, Cross Country, Orienteering, and Gymnastics.
Trainings, Draws & Results
To keep up with our Sports teams check out our weekly schedule.
This is updated regularly be sure to check for updates.
Weekly schedule
Upcoming events
Wednesday 4th June
Auckland Secondary Schools Cross Country Champs
Y7&8 Auckland Football Tournament (Girls)
Sunday 8th June
Rogaine Champs (all year levels)
Tuesday 10th June
Y7&8 Auckland Football Tournament (Boys)
Thursday 12th June
Franklin Zone Year 7&8 Rugby Tournament |
Please be sure to support our Major Production sponsors.  |
Wearable Arts 2025
This year’s Wearable Arts Competition brought creativity and environmental awareness to the forefront with the theme: “People are a part of nature — a healthy world nourishes healthy people.” | |  |
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