 Principal's Message |
Tēnā Koutou,
At long last the college came to life on Wednesday 7th February with the arrival of students/ākonga followed by our opening pōwhiri and Blessing by Bishop Steve. Both ceremonies were a true honour for foundation staff and students to participate in. A detailed report and link to our official photographs are below. Parents and caregivers will also receive an email from your child(ren)'s Manutaki/ year level Dean, which will contain a link to individual first day portraits of every student.
Next week we look forward to our Inaugural Mass, when we will join together in communion to receive the Eucharist together. This event will also be live streamed and a link will be emailed out later. Please send your child(ren) to school with a hat on Monday and Tuesday, we will be outside for around an hour on both days.
And so the school year begins. This year is a new chapter for all students/ākonga and staff at the college as a newly formed Catholic community. It is a new chapter to learn, to grow, to flourish. During the conversion of St Ignatius of Loyola he committed his heart and his life to the kingdom of God by laying down his sword to Our Lady of Montserrat. Through our Catholic faith and through the strength of our Heavenly Mother, may we too open our hearts to accompany one another on a journey to find God through our everyday school experiences. To find God in ourselves, to find God in one another and to find God in our common home. Inveniens Deum in omnibus.
In the spirit of St Ignatius of Loyola,
Dean Wearmouth
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With immense joy and gratitude, we share the highlights of our official opening day on February 7th, 2024. The day marked a significant milestone for our college journey, celebrated with our wider community, local Iwi, supporters, friends, and students. The proceedings began with a meaningful Pōwhiri led by representatives from Ngāti Teata and Ngāti Tamaoho, setting the tone for inclusivity and cultural respect.
Dignitaries from the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, including His Worship Bishop Stephen Lowe, graced the occasion. Local MPs, school principals, and Linda McQuade, Chairperson of our Foundation Board, were also present. Architects and builders, Jasmax and Savory, were acknowledged for bringing our vision to life. Along with Michael Butler for overseeing the project build for the Auckland Catholic Diocese.
Students participated in the Pōwhiri, embodying respect and engagement. Our principal emphasized our commitment to excellence and finding God in all things. College staff sang 'He Honore' in unity after the principal's address, highlighting our shared purpose and mission.
Following the Pōwhiri, our campus was blessed, and we gathered for prayer and reflection during our liturgy. His Worship Bishop Stephen Lowe led the liturgy and blessed our classroom crosses and the Statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, symbolizing inspiration and guidance. The ribbon was cut, officially opening our college. The blessing of the plaque affirmed our community's efforts in building a faith-rooted, caring, and compassionate environment. Fr. Michael Smith SJ warmly read aloud the plaque's words which commemorate the official opening day of the college.
Reflecting on the day fills us with pride and optimism for the journey ahead. Together, we embark on a new chapter guided by our shared values and commitment to our students. We extend heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of our opening day.
All photos from the day can be viewed here courtesy of BC Photography:
ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA CATHOLIC COLLEGE PŌWHIRI
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Please note the following arrangements for PE and Dance uniform which are in place from 14 February to 28 February when our Gym will become available.
If ākonga have PE or Dance during the following periods:
Period 1-2: If ākonga have PE or Dance period 1-2, ākonga may arrive at school in PE Uniform, they will then get changed into full uniform during interval in one of the bathrooms.
Period 3-4: If ākonga have PE or Dance period 3-4, ākonga get changed during interval, then get changed into full uniform during lunch-time
Period 5: If ākonga have PE or Dance during Period 5 (or Electives), ākonga may get changed during lunch-time. Ākonga can leave school at the end of the day in PE uniform |
We are really looking forward to being able to welcome our families and wider community into our school.
We are planning a community open morning on Saturday April 6 where we will showcase our new college building.
Further details to follow in subsequent newsletters. |
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