Principal's Message
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Tēnā Koutou St Ignatius Community,
Today, we rejoice with the wider Catholic Church in the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Prevost. As an Ignatian community, we welcome this new chapter in the Church’s journey with hearts open to grace, renewal, and deeper discernment. To new beginnings and to the new life that Pope Leo will bring to our faith.
In this moment of transition, let us remind ourselves that God is present in all things; in change, in leadership, in challenge, and in hope. The election of Pope Leo XIV invites us to seek and find God not only in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, but in our relationships, our studies, our work, our homes, our daily acts of service, our hearts.
Pope Leo XIV brings with him a composed strength, a deep pastoral heart, and experiences walking with all in society. His life of service reflects our Ignatian call to be ‘people for and with others.’ In this spirit, let us welcome in a renewal to listen attentively to the needs of our world, to discern how we can respond with love, and to see Christ in the faces of those around us. May this new pontificate awaken in us a renewed commitment to conscience, competence, compassion, and compassion.
In the spirit of Pope Leo XIV, who talked about bridge-building in his address this morning, may we also work to unify the world around us, to keep growing the Kingdom of God. May we feel renewed in this call and, with loving action, go out to set the world on fire with the love of God, so that we may all become one body in his holy name.
Inveniens Deum in omnibus,
Dean Wearmouth
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Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
Habemus Papam - A Jesuit Perspective
After three rounds of black smoke that billowed from the Sistine Chapel, a new pope emerged on the Vatican balcony early this morning New Zealand time. “Habemus Papam,” the Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed. “We have a pope” who has taken the name Leo XIV. His name was Robert Francis Prevost, an American cardinal, belonging to the religious order of Saint Augustine and having spent over 20 years ministering in Peru.
The election process in the conclave involved 133 cardinal electors from 71 countries, tasked with choosing the next pope from among themselves to be the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. The conclave is not just a regular election; it is a deeply spiritual process steeped in centuries-old Church tradition. The cardinals engage in intense continual prayer and reflection, aiming to open their hearts to the quiet yet decisive promptings of the Holy Spirit. Honest and humble discernment is crucial during this process.
During the conclave, the cardinals stay within Vatican City, residing at the Saint Martha House and voting in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinal electors and all Vatican staff involved in the conclave vow confidentiality. Ballots are cast in rounds, with a two-thirds majority required to elect the new pope. After each vote, the ballot papers are burned. Black smoke means no decision has been reached. while white smoke announces to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
 This event was especially significant for the Jesuits and their extended Ignatian family, as Pope Francis was the first Jesuit to become pope, who subsequently left a lasting impact on the Church and the world, as indicated by a quarter-of-a-million people attending his funeral. I was personally surprised at his election in 2013. A Jesuit pope? What would happen if he fell apart under the immense burden of authority and responsibility? What would happen if he left a worthwhile legacy but caused some factions of the Church to feel alienated and angry?
With the election of Pope Leo XIV, I am grateful that my long-time questions have been answered. From what I have read about him, he seems to be a humble but courageous person. He seems to be moderately in the middle of the Church political landscape, upholding Church Tradition within the contexts of the modern world and the pressing issues of social justice and world peace. Pope Francis focused his 12-year papacy on ministry of mercy, care for marginalised people, reconciliation with God's creation, and a vision of synodality in the Church. This legacy may likely continue with Pope Leo XIV at the helm of the Church.
As the Jesuit General, Father Arturo Sosa SJ reminded his brothers after Pope Francis's passing, "The conclave meets to elect [Saint] Peter's successor, not Francis' successor,” the Jesuits were not to feel worried or anxious about who the next pope would be. Father Sosa added, “As soon as the new Pope is elected, we [Jesuits] will make ourselves available to him, as we have done for more than 450 years." The Society of Jesus was born to serve the mission of the Church under the direction of the Pope. Now, they will serve under Pope Leo XIV. As a community, we pray that his papacy will demonstrate that true leadership in the Church and in any Catholic institution is primarily about listening to God and to one another, especially those on the margins. May Pope Leo XIV shepherd his flock with the smell of sheep and carry his burden of authority with humility and courage.
 Reflective Question for Week 2
How does our family show respect to one another?
This term, as a college, we have a focus on the cardinal virtue of Justice. The weekly questions this term are consistent with this. They are designed for each person to take a turn sharing. Here are some ways you could do this:
Find a time when you are all together - in the car, at the dinner table or in the evening before you go to bed.
Each person takes a turn answering the question while the others are listening - there are no right or wrong answers as it is based on your experience.
Some things to think about:
It could be something you do, say or how you treat each other.
Keep it short and let each person take a turn while everyone listens.
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Xavier College Exchange
During terms 2 and 3, two of our students are participating in a cultural exchange with Xavier College, Melbourne. Mr Wearmouth visited Rupert Archer and Douglas Easthope during a meeting at the college and was pleased to see both looking well and settling in. St Ignatius and Xavier College form part of the network of schools which make up Jesuit Education Australasia.  |
Curriculum
Outdoor Education: Moana Trip
In term 2 the outdoor education group went to Long Bay Beach (MERC) In the north shore. MERC is a marine recreation centre protecting all the life that’s on the beach. Our class was very lucky to have the opportunity to experience what we have been learning throughout term 1 about the ocean and safety. It was a new experience for lots of people as we went surf kayaking in the waves, raft building, stand up paddle boarding, learnt surf skills and explored the rockpools. My highlight of the trip was going on the stand up paddle boards through the waves. The whole day was super fun and it was exciting that we could finally experience all our work we did in the classroom as well as teaching us teamwork, problem solving and useful life skills.
- Kaiara Roberts (10XB)
The Moana trip to Sir Peter Blake MERC was a fun and engaging experience where we could apply many safety measures we’d learnt during the first term of OED. Not only were the activities exciting and fun, they were informative about water safety and allowed us to connect with classmates we wouldn’t choose to socialise with. Team building was at the core of most activities. For example, 6 of us were on a giant paddle board and our goal was to get past the waves. To do this, we had to find a rhythm that everyone could do, for my group we used a chant to keep everyone in time. In these activities, the instructors were extremely helpful which allowed us to be more confident in the water and have more fun. It was a great experience and everyone was able to participate.
- Ben Hunter (10FM)
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 English: Ugly Shakespeare Company
This week, we were thrilled to welcome the Ugly Shakespeare Company to St Ignatius College for an engaging and dynamic performance of Hamlet.
Their fast-paced, entertaining production brought this famous tragedy to life in a way that was both accessible and memorable for our ākonga.
Blending the original Shakespearean text with contemporary references, music, and even nods to The Lion King, the performance captured the imagination of our students and highlighted the timelessness of Shakespeare’s work.
The entire cohort of Year 9 and Year 10 students gathered in La Storta to experience the show, and following the performance, our two Year 10 Drama classes participated in workshops with the actors, where they explored performance techniques, character development, and the richness of Shakespearean language.
This was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our students’ understanding of Shakespeare’s many works and the enduring power of language. The timing of the performance was especially valuable, as our Year 10 students recently completed a language study of The Taming of the Shrew, while our Year 9 students are just beginning their exploration of Romeo and Juliet.
This experience provided a meaningful connection between their classroom learning and live theatre, reinforcing the richness of Shakespeare’s works.
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 Sport
Sport for Life, Excellence in All
Winter sporting codes are now underway, with our hockey team leading the way, followed by netball, badminton, and basketball.
At St Ignatius, Sport for Life, Excellence in All is more than a motto — it is demonstrated daily through the commitment and conduct of our players, coaches, and whānau. Preparing teams requires strength, leadership, and countless hours — all contributing to the growth and development of our ākonga.
We are trying something new with our sporting results and game/training timetables, please follow the links the bottom of the sports section to see the up-to-date info and scores. If you have any questions about this, please email: [email protected]
This week, we look forward to our first home fixture of the season:
Come and show your support for our boys.
St Ignatius Rugby vs TIPENE
Wednesday 14th May
4.00pm Kick-off
Let’s turn out in strength and stand behind them.
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 Auckland Secondary Schools Orienteering Relay Championships
Students attended Riverhead forest on Tuesday to compete in the Auckland Secondary Schools Orienteering Relay Championships. Conditions were challenging & muddy, all students stepped up to complete their first event through the forest.
Max Ovington reported the event as “relaxing” this showed as he posted the fastest time for his team and the 9th fastest in junior boys.
All the students should be very proud of their efforts.
Represented by,
Drew Liefting, Kees Smith, Max Ovington, Sian Balle, Clara Wielenga, Emma Wattanapradit, Azariah Stobart, Poppy Illston, Sophie Clark, Saskia Balle and Madi Clark
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Franklin zone school orienteering championship
21 Year 7 & 8 students went to La Valla Estate in Tuakau on Thursday to take part in the Franklin zone school orienteering championship. We had 2 year 8 girls teams, 1 year 8 boys and a year 7 girls team. All coming home with amazing times.
Awesome effort from our whole team, we had several first time orienteering students attend this event.
The following students posted the fastest times for their course:
Milly Marriner, Clara Wielenga, Sian Balle, Emma Wattanapradit, Charli Forgarin
Second fastest on their course:
Poppy Illston, Azariah Stobart, Bella Harman
Well done to our Year 8 girls team of Emma, Charli, Clara, Sian, Azariah & Bella their total times placed them first team & qualify for Auckland Champs!
 Upcoming events
Tuesday 20th May
Franklin Zone Year 7&8 Football Tournament
Thursday 22nd May
Auckland Secondary Schools Individual Orienteering Champs
Thursday 29th May
Auckland Secondary Schools Duathlon
Wednesday 4th June
Auckland Secondary Schools Cross Country Champs
Sunday 8th June
Rogaine Champs (all year levels)
Thursday 12th June
Franklin Zone Year 7&8 Rugby Tournament
Counties Secondary Schools Swimming Championships
We will be represented by,
Paikea Maihi, Annabelle Shields, Elysia Rollo, Eva Coe, Kaeleb Allison & Jacob Ennor
Training, Draws & Results
Week 1 and 2
Week 2 and 3
 Ākonga Elective
First Aid
The first aid elective teaches us about life saving skills. So far we've covered topics like bleeding, shock, asthma, chest pain and injuries to the bone, joints and muscles. We started the elective with learning basic life support which included CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the primary survey and the recovery position. Mrs Burton then explained that CPR is crucial in emergency situations, and we learned to perform it by placing hands, fingers interlocked in the middle of the chest using the rhythm of the song “Staying Alive” to guide our compressions. Most recently we’ve started practicing different scenarios where students would have to act out, maybe something like a nose bleed, a heart attack or an ankle break. Acting out these scenarios has been one of the highlights of the elective so far, helping us put our knowledge to the test.
By Olivia Fitzpatrick (10AM)
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 Ākonga Acheivement
Last Sunday a group of our students competed in the St Paul's Hamilton May the Fourth be with You swim meet. Our ākonga had a great day, which included Paikea Maihi achieving a number of personal best times!
Congratulations to the following students:
Paikea Maihi Year 10 (14-15 year old girls)
- 3rd 50m backstroke
- 3rd 100m freestyle
-2nd 50m breastroke
Kaeleb Allison Year 9 (12-13 year old boys):
-1st 200m freestyle
-3rd 50m freestyle
Isla Shields Year 7 (10-11year old girls)
- 1st 200m backstroke
- 3rd 50m freestyle
Indy Allison Year 7 (10-11year old girls)
- 1st 100m freestyle
- 3rd 200m freestyle
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Magis Pathways | Careers for Year 10
At St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also in supporting each ākonga’s unique vocational journey. This term, our Year 10 ākonga have taken their first formal steps into future planning through the Magis Pathways | Careers programme.
The journey began with an introduction to our dedicated Careers Google Classroom, where students were guided to join the national careers platform https://tahatu.govt.nz/ using their school email accounts. This powerful online tool supports students to explore their strengths, interests, and aspirations as they begin building their own personalised Careers Kete. This kete will be an evolving record of their ideas, reflections, and pathways as they progress through the senior school.
Over the coming weeks, ākonga will continue working on their Career Kete during allocated sessions, guided by their teachers and supported by resources designed to inspire and inform. This process is grounded in our commitment to forming young people of conscience, competence, compassion, and commitment, who are prepared to make thoughtful and informed decisions about their futures.
We would especially like to highlight an important upcoming event:
Combined Parent & NCEA Information Evening | Career Sessions for Ākonga
Venue: La Storta
Time: 5:15pm — NZQA | NCEA | University Talk
Date: Tuesday 27 May 2025
This evening will offer valuable insight for families about the NCEA qualification system, university pathways, and how to best support our young people through these next steps.
In addition, our ākonga will have the opportunity to book into short, informative career sessions using the College’s School Interview Booking system. These sessions, hosted by parent volunteers from a range of industries, will give students a first-hand look into different jobs, careers, and vocations — helping them to see the many possibilities that lie ahead. Initial subject selection for 2026 will occur shortly after.
Careers Sessions will be bookable shortly.
We warmly encourage families to attend the Information Evening and to support their child in making the most of the opportunities offered through Magis Pathways | Careers. The journey has just begun — and it promises to be inspiring. Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisites Reminder
As part of the NCEA qualification requirements, all Year 10 ākonga at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College will be sitting their Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite Assessments in Week 4 of this term.
These assessments are a vital step in supporting our ākonga toward their future NCEA success. They assess key foundational skills in Reading, Writing, and Numeracy that are essential for all pathways.
Assessment Schedule – Week 4 (Morning Sessions Only):
Reading: Wednesday 21st May
(This day includes an NZQA monitoring visit to review our procedures)
Writing: Thursday 22nd May
Numeracy: Friday 23rd May
Each assessment is conducted online and will take place in the morning.
Important Information: All ākonga must have:
Created and verified their own NZQA login
Confirmed that their login details are working
Followed the guidance provided here at College for accessing the NZQA platform
These steps are crucial to ensure there are no delays or technical issues on the day of the assessments.
Our teaching staff have been preparing students through in-class practice, familiarisation with the digital platform, and targeted skill-building. We are proud of the focus and effort ākonga have already shown.
We encourage families to:
Ensure your child arrives on time and well-rested each morning
Talk with them about the importance of these assessments
Reach out to us if there are any concerns or issues with NZQA access
We thank you for your continued support as we guide each student on their NCEA journey.
Year 10 Camp
Year 10 Camp parent help final call: Wednesday the 19th Nov 2025 to Friday 21st Nov 2025 (2 nights)
There will be limited spaces for parent help on the camp so please email Mr Williams if you would be interested in attending. Being a parent helper will require you to run activities and provide general support to both teaching and camp staff. Email: [email protected]
 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
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! Uniform
Thank you for your support in moving into our Winter Uniform. Please note that Ākonga/students not in the correct uniform are required to have a note from home explaining the reason for the discrepancy and when it will be corrected in a timely manner. The note should be handed to the Manutaki for approval by 9:00am on the day concerned for a uniform pass to be issued.
Ākonga/students not in the correct uniform who come without a note will be sent to the office. Home will be informed and ākonga/student may return to class once the issue has been rectified.
Repeated incidents involving incorrect uniform will require a meeting with ākonga/student and whānau to sign a ‘continued conditions of enrolment’ agreement.
 Attendance and Punctuality
School starts at 8:45am with Rōpū Kaiārahi. Ākonga/students who arrive after school has started should report to our Student Reception and sign in. It is expected that ākonga/students' lateness is explained either with a note, through the school app or with an email to [email protected].
Consequences aligned to our Restorative Practice approach to college life will be applied to any cases of continual unexplained lateness. Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week
The 2025 theme for Samoa Language Week is ‘Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self, is a successful self’. We will celebrate Samoan Language Week during Week 6 this term (June 2 - 6).
Want to be involved?
As part of our celebration for Samoan Language Week, we will be creating a special display at school to honour and showcase our Samoan community. The display will include photos, artefacts, and family names, as well as a map of Samoa highlighting where our Samoan families come from. We would love your support and contributions to help bring this display to life. If you have any items, photos, or family information you would be happy to share, please let us know.
All contributions to be given to Mrs Thorby by Monday May 26. For further details please email [email protected]
We will hold a further family meeting on Monday May 19 5:30 - 6:30pm in school if you would like to be involved in the events planned for this week. To confirm your attendance please complete the following form: Samoan Language Week Family Meeting Seeking Homestay Families
We are thrilled to announce that St Ignatius College will be welcoming 40 Japanese students this August as part of our growing cultural exchange programme. Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Japanese students who visited us earlier this year, interest in visiting New Zealand has soared — so much so that many of their friends have now signed up to experience our warm hospitality and Kiwi way of life for themselves!
These visiting students are friendly, sociable, polite, and respectful, eager to immerse themselves in New Zealand culture, practise their English, and build lifelong connections. Their enthusiasm and gratitude make hosting them a truly rewarding and memorable experience.
We are now seeking homestay families to host these students for two weeks. The school provides generous remuneration, and all transport to and from school is fully organised, making the process simple and convenient for our families.
Opening your home is a wonderful way to share in a cross-cultural exchange, foster global friendships, and give your own whānau an enriching experience without even leaving your doorstep.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Mrs Hartland at [email protected]  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! |
Whānau Smiles Dentist: May 12th - May 23rd
Mothers Day Mass: Monday May 12th 7:30am
Franklin Zone Orienteering: Monday 12th 9.00am
Mauri Tau Programme: Tuesday May 13th 9.00am
Marian House Mass: Wednesday May 14th 2:10pm
NCEA Co-requisites Year 10 Ākonga: May 21st - 23rd
Combined Parent & NCEA Information Evening | Career Sessions for Ākonga: Tuesday 27 May 2025 5:15pm
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Mother's Day Mass and Breakfast
On Monday, May 12th, we invite all mothers and mother figures to accompany their child or children for a Mother's Day Mass in the Companions of Jesus Chapel at 7:30 a.m., this will be followed by breakfast. Tickets are $10 per person and are available on the college website (https://www.ignatius.school.nz/etickets). Spaces are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
 Marian House Mass
The college warmly invites all parents and caregivers of ākonga in Marian House to attend the Marian House Mass on Wednesday, 14th May at 2:10 pm in the Companions of Jesus Chapel. |
PTA/FOSI Quiz Night!
We’re thrilled to welcome 24 teams all competing for the ultimate prize: serious
bragging rights. This will become an annual tradition, so get studying for next year!
Event details:
Doors open at 6:30 PM
First question drops at 7:00 PM sharp
On the night:
- Eftpos available
- Bar, desserts & raffle tickets for sale
- Be in to win the best seats in the house — our exclusive Harcourts Karaka
VIP table experience!
Dust off your costumes and get those brains in gear — it’s going to be a fantastic
night!
A huge thank you to these incredible businesses for supporting our school:  |
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