Principal's Message
|
Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,
For the past few weeks our Year 10 students have been studying diligently, preparing for NCEA Co-Requisite assessments in Reading, Writing and Numeracy. During the assessments, which took place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, our students did their very best and it was heartening to see them taking the assessment with the seriousness needed and putting in their best efforts. It was easy to find God in our students and staff in this setting as they strived to be the best people they can be, for themselves and for others. What fine examples they set for one another and for our community.
I am delighted to share our new school film with you. I believe it is a good reflection of our Catholic Ignatian character, our wonderful and diverse community of students and daily school life well. Thank you to Mrs Bamber O'Malley who led the development and production of the film. Enjoy watching.
St Ignatius School Video
When Pope Francis dedicated 2025 as a Jubilee year on the theme of 'Pilgrims of Hope', he said, "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision." With this in mind, the school board survey for the purposes of our strategic planning is open for one more week. We are looking for your hope-filled contributions around what you feel we are doing well and how we can improve going forward. Please take the time to follow this link to complete the survey. All contributions are welcome in all areas of the survey and if there is just one area that you might like to provide feedback on then please do. Every field is not mandatory; we are keen to hear what you feel we are doing well and how you feel we can improve. Community voice is very important to us in shaping how we move forward together with hope, with a shared vision for our future.
Inveniens Deum in omnibus.
Dean Wearmouth |
Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
Justice is a journey, not a destination.
As a relatively new school community, we would like to develop our knowledge and habitual practice of the four cardinal virtues. This term, we focus on the virtue of justice.
Justice is generally understood as giving each person what they are due. Yet, justice could be elusive or challenging in practice. For example, must all ākonga receive the same amount of attention and support from their teachers? Or should students be placed under the same assessment conditions? What would happen to those students with neurodiversity or other special needs? How about students with difficult family backgrounds and other forms of life struggles? There are now equitable education laws in the country that ascertain that no student should be left behind.
 A thirteenth-century saint, Thomas Aquinas, developed Aristotle’s philosophy of justice and integrated it into Christian theology. He emphasised that justice is actually a reflection of God's will and a manifestation of love for one's neighbour (cf. Mark 12:28-34). This means that by acting justly, often at our expense, we simply align ourselves with divine principles and contribute to the common good. Historically, that has been a significant hallmark of Christianity.
In the early history of Christianity, acts of charity and benevolence played a crucial role in its growth and influence. Christians, often among the poor, formed networks of support, helping each other and extending care to strangers. Their acts were seen as a reflection of God's generosity. As a result, bridges were built with the pagans and many were attracted to the truth of divine justice.
It has been two millennia since God’s justice was incarnated in Jesus Christ, yet it can remain elusive and challenging. Perhaps for us, justice is not a destination, but a journey. In the Church, Pope Leo XIII produced an encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891) which became the bedrock of Catholic Social Teaching today. In Laudato Si’ (2015), Pope Francis called on the world to be more caring of our common home, the earth, which has been badly exploited for a long time.
For justice to flourish, a conversion of the heart toward God is necessary. It is not just a one-time act; rather it is a habit we can form. Not many of us will lead significant movements for justice; but each of us is invited to participate in God’s holy work in the world. Our Ignatian Examen puts ourselves humbly in the presence of God and allows us to reflect on our choices in life. Hopefully, we can be resolved to become a more just person, reflecting our dignity as the children of God. Only by becoming a more just person, can we contribute to making the world a better place.
|
 |
Curriculum
Year 10 Art
Last term ākonga were focusing on extending their colour theory and sketching techniques in order to plan and paint an acrylic streetscape in a surrealist style. Inspired by artist Giorgio de Chirico, students added their own surrealist flare to their pieces and created some interesting compositions.
This term is bit different, we are stepping away from painting and moving onto printmaking. Students have almost finished planning a printmaking composition using native flora, fauna, and cultural designs. We are getting ready to start carving these into lino next week before we roll them through the printing press. We can't wait to see the results!   Year 9 Food Technology
This week the Year 9 Food Technology ākonga have been working on designing and testing their gingerbread recipe, which will be used later on when they make their gingerbread houses.  | |  |
  Ākonga Elective
Showstoppers – The Best of Broadway
Rehearsals are in full swing for our very first school production, Showstoppers – The Best of Broadway. Featuring a talented cast of 46 students, this exciting performance brings together the magic of musical theatre with iconic songs and dances from a variety of beloved Broadway shows.
Students have been working hard during elective classes and after-school rehearsals to perfect each number, and their energy and commitment are truly shining through. For many of our performers, this will be their first time on stage — and the excitement is building as we count down to technical week.
With just a few weeks to go, the anticipation is high and the buzz is growing. This is a show that promises big voices, bold choreography, and unforgettable moments.
  | |  |
  Student Council
The student council are running fundraisers each week to help raise money towards our school production. Next week the fundraiser is a Wear Your Own Clothes Day and sausage sizzle on Friday the 30th of May. Students can wear their own clothes for a $1-$20 donation.  |
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: Aiden Sunil
Year 8: Emily Tod
Year 9: Lauren Hartland
Year 10: Manaia Davis
 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:
David Harrington nominated Sienna Kilburn for Compassion as she helped him not to look scruffy after PE
Jack Bethell nominated Xavier Ong for Commitment as he picked up rubbish even though it wasn’t his
Samuel Speedy nominated Sophie Clark for Compassion as she is always polite to everyone in class
Erenderia Schuster nominated Peyton Haufano for Conscience as she reminded a Year 7 to wear his blazer before class
Tate York nominated Leo Bent for Conscience as he always follows teachers instructions intently, making sure he’s doing the right thing and being respectful of others
Zaria Colbran nominated Annabelle Shields for Compassion as she let her sit with her friends when she had no one else to sit with
Anne Finau nominated Jamie Barillas for Prudence as she brings joy to the people around her and takes everybody's feelings into consideration
Rosaria Soo Choon nominated Chaesi Alosio for Commitment as she pushed in all the library chairs without being asked
Sienna Kilburn nominated Haeun Park for Compassion as she took the time to explain a new topic in math.
This weeks winning nomination was by Alexie de Jesus, who nominated Ashleen Kaur for Compassion - as she helped her to find her violin when she lost it. Congratulations Ashleen!
 |
 |
Magis Pathways | Careers for Year 10 Reminder
Please ensure if you are a Year 10 Parent / Guardian that you are booked for the important event below.
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.
Parent Speaker Session 1 - 5:50-6.50 pm Four Guest Parent Speakers across industries per room (5-10 mins + 2 mins Q&A)
Parent Speaker Session 2 - 6:55pm-7:55pm Four Guest Parent Speakers across industries per room (5-10 mins + 2 mins Q&A)
How to Book:
Bookings must be made online by the student in conjunction with their family.
- Visit: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/mz3rv
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.
 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!  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 will be sent out to families next week with further details. Students may wear cultural dress on this day too.
We are also creating a special display at school to honour and showcase our Samaoan community. This display will feature photos with descriptions, artifacts, family names, and 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'd be happy to share, please contact us:
All contributions should be given to Mrs Thorby by Monday 26th May. For further details please email: [email protected]
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] 
TICKETS ARE LIVE NOW!!!
| |  |
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:
Sunday May 25th - AIMS Bake Sale at St Patricks after 10am Mass
Monday 26th May - Tickets on sale for The Best of Broadway Major Production
Monday May 26th - Community Mass
Tuesday May 27th - NCEA Talk and Year 10 Careers Evening
Wednesday May 28th - Year 9 Retreat
Wednesday May 28th - Wearable Arts Competition
Thursday May 29th - Duathlon College Sport
Thursday May 29th - South Auckland Maths Competition De La Salle College
Friday May 30th - WYOC (Wear Your Own Clothes) Day
Wednesday 11th June - Sacramental Mass 11am (see information below)
Thursday 12th June - Book Character Parade 11am
Wednesday June 4th - Samoan Language Mass 2pm
Thursday June 5th - Year 10 Outdoor Education Whenua Trip Hunua
Teacher Only Days
Term Two - June 3rd 2025
Term Three - September 19th 2025
Term Four - October 22nd 2025
|
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  |
Sport
Today we held our school cross country. It is always a pleasure to make full use of our wonderful school and sports ground, particularly with the course taking runners under our school motto, Finding God in All Things.
We are thankful for the strong sense of community and spirit that events like this bring. Our students truly embodied the four Cs, giving their best and fostering an encouraging and uplifting atmosphere throughout the day.
Keep an eye out next week for the results.
 Year 7 & 8 Football Tournament
Four teams of year 7 & 8 students attended the Franklin Football Tournament this week.
We were greeted with a fine chilly autumn morning & set off to Tuakau for a full day of football.
Girls B team, with limited preparation led by our student leaders; Marija Levovska, Natalia Ramos & Grace Faire vastly improved over the day, from the 7 games played in pool B they won 3, drew 2 & lost 2 to finish 3rd in their pool.
Boys B team played 8 games won 7 & drew 1 leaving them top of their table. Huge credit to their coach Bryn Mair for his dedication and enthusiasm to the team. Thanks also to George Moody for assisting Bryn.
Boys & Girls AIMS teams both won all their games & won their playoff games earning their way into the Auckland AAIMS competition girls on Wednesday 4th June & boys on Tuesday 10th June.
Congratulations to all our teams
 | |  |
 | |  |
 Orienteering
Auckland Secondary Schools Champs, Waiuku Forest
Another big event for some of our Orienteering team, tackling the dense Waiuku forest.
Our newer runners entered into standard event finishing in the following positions out of a large field of 54 runners.
Poppy Illston, 9th
Emma Wattanapradit, 17th
Indi Allison, 44th
Charli Fogarin, MP
Milly Marriner, MP
Year 7 & 8 Champion event
Sian Balle, 7th
Clara Wielenga, 12th
Junior boys champion event
Kees Smith, 14th
Drew Liefting, 25th
Kaeleb Allison, 34th
Max Ovington, 22nd
Nacho Esquivel Garcia, MP
Want to learn more about getting involved in this team!
Contact Theresa Knight
For upcoming Orienteering events please click here
 | |  |
 Players Wanted
Due to injuries we still have spaces available on various boys teams,
Basketball (Year 9&10) - Training Wednesday, Games Thursday in Pukekohe
Rugby (Year 9 & 10) - Training Tuesday & Thursday, Games Saturday
Football ( Year 9 & 10) - Training Monday, Games Wednesday
Basketball Referee Wanted
Magis Knights - referee required for game days on Thursday
Upcoming events
Thursday 29th May
Auckland Secondary Schools Duathlon
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
Training, Draws & Results
To keep up with our Sports teams check out our continually updated weekly Spreadsheets.
Weekly schedule
 |
|
|
