Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,
As we accompany and support our young people through their journey of growth at St Ignatius, I’d like our community to consider how finding God in all things is so important in the home.
Our homes, in particular, are the foundation of love, learning, and spiritual growth. They are where we first experience love, compassion, and community. Our homes are where we begin to understand the presence of God through the love of family. It is in the simple acts of sharing a meal, offering a word of encouragement, or extending forgiveness that we witness God’s grace at work in the home.
Finding God in the simplicity of home life is key to sustaining and growing in faith. When we do this God becomes truly present in our daily lives. God can be found in the everyday moments of family life; listening to one another, offering a helping hand, and choosing love in all of the different circumstances of life at home.
By finding God in the home, we foster a spirit of gratitude and attentiveness, cultivating a deeper awareness of God’s presence. Encouraging moments of prayer at times like first thing in the morning and before meals, reflection on time spent together, and meaningful conversations around the dinner table all support finding God in all things in the home, leading us to become more grateful for our home life as we see it in more depth.
As a school community, may we nurture our homes as places where faith is lived and shared, and may our community grow in the understanding that God is always with us; guiding, loving, and calling us to become the people we have been created and called to be. Finding God in all things.
Inveniens Deum in omnibus,
Dean Wearmouth |
Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
The Prodigal Father
On Laetare (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, the fourth week of Lent, we will hear the Gospel reading dubbed the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). It is perhaps one of the most famous Gospel stories that is known beyond the Christian circles, that teaches the hearers of God’s love and mercy. Of course, upon hearing the story, we can immediately think about the bad attitude that the young son demonstrated. In the Jewish culture of that time, asking for his share of inheritance amounted to wishing his own father’s death. Yet, the father did not respond with anger; and later on, he welcomed the son back, rejoicing because the son was “dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.” Perhaps, the story is not about the morality of right and wrong of the two sons, but about the father’s perspective in dealing with the sons who were separated from him.
We all have experienced separation. I left my family when I was 17 years old, to continue my secondary education overseas, in Australia. I was too preoccupied with my own preparation to leave the family home for the first time and with the feelings of excitement and anxiety as things were going to be different, new and unfamiliar. I did not pay much attention to what my parents, especially my mother, would have felt seeing me leave them. Since then, I became convinced that they had their worries about my wellbeing. Perhaps, that was the feelings that the father had for his young son in the Gospel story. He was not too concerned about losing his wealth; but rather about his son leaving home. He was probably deeply sad about their separation.
Separation does not always mean a geographical one. Not all homes are physical. Some of us may have experienced grief and loss when a loved one passed away, a marriage broke down, a diagnosis of a serious illness came, or other difficult life-altering events happened. These could make us feel limited, powerless, separated from our “home”. Separation could also be caused by our own imprudent choices. Out of his volition, the young son walked away from his father. He only realised it after his life “overseas” did not turn out well for him. He then converted his heart toward “home.” Yet, the older son was also separated from his “home” even when he remained within the confines of his physical home.
What is then our “home”? Where has our “overseas” pilgrimage taken us? We, as a school community, have been trying our best to find God in all things. That may occasionally feel like a preoccupation and even a confinement - to always do the right thing. The truth is that our pilgrimage may look more like a mixed bag. Recently, our Young Vinnies ākonga came to school carrying alternative bags, like pillow cases and boxes to raise awareness on homelessness. They managed to raise over $1500 for City Mission that assists people of homelessness. All ākonga (and their caregivers) also generously brought in a huge amount of Easter celebratory sweets to raise funds for another good purpose at school. On the other hand, there were also ākonga who recently needed to learn more about the school’s policies on plagiarism and respectful behaviour.
The lenten season is a time for us to reflect more deeply about our lives, as a school community, but also as individuals. Perhaps, this week, we can reflect on how God is looking at us with compassion when we are separated from Him; and imagine His joy upon our return. That way, for a moment, we may shift from our own preoccupied perspective of life and how life should be to the perspective of God, the Prodigal Father, who would lavish us with so much love and rejoice at our return, regardless of the conditions we are in. All we need to do is to set our hearts toward Him. And that would truly be a reason for us to rejoice too.
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Curriculum
Mathematics
March 14 each year is Pi day, and we celebrated this day in maths classes by holding a digits of pi memorising competition. Dozens of students took up the challenge to start at 3.1415 and see how far they could go.
The winner was Tamara Raymundo, who memorised 228 digits of pi!
 Great Kiwi Science Competition 2025
If you want to challenge your Science knowledge this year then see Mr Benge in Room 34 to apply for the national Great Kiwi Science Competition 2025.
This competition is administered by the Centre for Assessment and Monitoring (CAM) at the University of Canterbury and is open to all Year 7 - 10 students for Science. For further information, please consult the CAM website www.canterbury.ac.nz/cam.
The competition will provide parents/caregivers with an individual student report of their child’s overall performance. These are available through our school. The supervised online tests will take place in the last 3 weeks of Term 2 or the first week of Term 3. The competitions are to be administered at school under exam conditions and supervised. All participating students will receive a certificate and a prize will be awarded to the top student nationally in each competition.
 Sport
Our school values in action - Commitment
As our school continues to grow and develop its sports programmes, we’re excited to see more of our ākonga getting involved. With that in mind, it’s important to reflect on how we can all show our value of commitment in sport.
Commitment means turning up — to training, to games, and for our teammates. Being present and giving it our best not only supports our own growth but also strengthens our teams and school spirit. We understand that balancing commitments can be challenging, and we appreciate the efforts of both ākonga and whānau in making sport a priority.
Together, we can create a culture where dedication and teamwork thrive. Let’s continue to show our commitment both on and off the field!
AIMS Games
The AIMS Games has showcased the remarkable dedication and commitment of the coaches and team managers.
Your effort, time, and passion are what makes this event possible.
All teams are expected to be named by Week 10.
Parent, Manager, and Coaches Meeting:
Date: Monday 28th April (Term 2, Week 1)
Time: 5.00pm-6.00pm
Purpose: Provide an overview of key information, including; Fundraising, Sponsorship, Accommodation and Behavioural Expectations Leading into AIMS Games
Auckland Secondary Schools Athletics
Ākonga Indiana Falanitule, Douglas Easthope, Sienna Kilburn & Quinn Robinson all made their first debuts at Auckland secondary schools athletics on Thursday the 20th of March, all competing in highly competitive events. This was Day 2 of the events, and was another scorching hot day at Go Media stadium
Ākonga Emereziana Lautua was back out in the field, and got 4th in the Intermediate Girls Shotput. She has also qualified for North Island Secondary Schools athletics which will take place on the 5th & 6th of April down at Porrit Stadium in Hamilton. Nacho Esquivel Garcia will also be competing in the same event.
A huge congratulations to all our students for stepping up and representing St. Ignatius proudly. We’re excited to continue building our team for next year!
Orienteering
Round 6 results Manurewa - Final round!
Year 7 Girls
7th Sian Balle
8th Clara Wielenga
10th Indi Allison
Junior Girls
14th Natalie Lee
15th Larissa Weggen
19th Layla Mohan
20th Veda Anuraj
Junior Boys
4th Kees Smith
6th Drew Liefting
7th Nacho Esquivel
9th Kaeleb Allison
12th Max Ovington
We’ve had a fantastic start to the year with our Orienteering team. They have learnt a lot over the 6 weeks. We look forward to building this team over the year.
Massive thank you to all our parents who’ve helped with transport to the events each week. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Congratulations!
Auckland Champs qualifiers from the Series
Drew, Kees, Nacho, Max, Kaeleb, Sian & Clara
Awesome effort! Your dedication & commitment to the series has paid off
Upcoming Orienteering events
Auckland Sprint Champs - Sunday 6th April, Macleans (AM Session) St Kentigern College (PM Session) Series qualifiers from the Southern series.
Auckland Secondary School Individual champs, 22nd May
Franklin zone school orienteering championship 2025 (Year 7 & 8)
Thursday 8th May 2025
4-6 members per team
Click here to Register your interest
2025 Ultra RIP Franklin Teams
42 Year 7 & 8 Students across 4 teams led by our year 9 & 10’s attended Franklin Zone Ultra Rip Tournament on Wednesday.
The day was hot but we kept our heads held high & pushed through, we played 7 15 minute games throughout the day alternating between the boys games.
Our hardest game of the day was against Tuakau College, our team stayed strong & pushed through. Our highlight of the day was seeing the positive attitude brought to the ground by St Ignatius students & the smiles on our teams faces after every game.
- Savanna Styles & Clara Wielenga
On Wednesday 26th March 2025 was the Ultra RIP Tournament. At around 10:00 was our first game, At the start I thought we were going to lose because our team wasn’t talking to each other but further in the game we got the hang of communicating to each other which helped us win 2-1. After that first game we all got to know one another more which helped us win all our games not including the one we tied. By the end of the day I got to build a stronger relationship with some people I haven’t met before so going to this school event got to make me feel more welcome as the students where encouraging me to do my best when I thought we couldn’t win.
- David Strub
Well done & thank you Arjun Bal, Indiana Falanitule, Peni Heli, Elijah Koaneti, Ignatious Noue, Aliana Pahulu, Sophie Wynne & Joslyn Allan for coaching & leading our students through this tournament.
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Are you interested in the following -
Auckland Secondary Schools’ Wrestling Championships -
Friday 4th April & Dilworth Senior Campus, Epsom.
CSA Event Details
Contact [email protected]
Upcoming Events:
AIMS Mixed RIP Trials:
When:
Tuesday 1st April Lunchtime
Tuesday 8th April Lunchtime
Location - St Ignatius, Fields
AIMS Mixed RIP registration
AIMS Boys Football Trials:
When:
Monday 31st March 3.15pm-4.15pm
Monday 7th April 3.15pm-4.15pm
Location - St Ignatius, Fields
AIMS Boys Football registration
Basketball Training:
When:
Wednesdays, 3:05 pm – 4:05 pm (Term 1) - Magis Knights Training
Wednesdays, 4:05 pm – 5:05 pm (Term 1) - Junior Year 10 Boys Training
Location: La Storta
A muster will be held later this term for Muster Students interested in playing Basketball for St Ignatius – Date to be announced
Badminton Training
When:
Tuesdays, 3.05pm - 4.30pm
Location: La Storta
Hockey 5’s Training
When:
Friday the 28th of March 4.00pm-5.00pm
Mondays beginning April 14th 4.00pm-5.00pm (excl public holidays)
Bring Own Gear
Location: Rosa Birch Park
Netball Training
When:
Red and Magis Monday and Friday 7.00am-8.30am
Gold Monday 3.30pm-5.00pm
Loyola and Flames Friday 3.15pm-4.15pm
Year 9&10 Boys Football Training
When:
Mondays 3.15-4.30pm
Location: Football Field
Rugby Magis Training
When:
Year 8,9 and 10 Boys and Girls
Monday and Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location: Rugby Field
We urgently need to finalise rugby numbers.
Please complete the registration if you have not already done so.
If you are not committed to rugby, kindly remove your name.
Rugby Registration
 Ākonga Elective
Aerobics Elective
Whānau, you are probably familiar with the Manresa hospitality area as the place to go for a cup of tea and a sweet treat after a school event, but did you know that on Tuesday afternoons, this area is transformed into a fitness space, where a group of energetic ākonga gather for their aerobics elective.
Not only is aerobics great for physical fitness, it's also a real test of coordination, commitment and self confidence - many of us have been pushed out of our comfort zone! Each week we work on a range of different sequences, which include aerobics, dance fitness, boxing and stretching/yoga. Many of the routines we are learning are tricky, but we find that with practice we improve each week, as well as having a whole lot of fun!   Young Vinnies
No-Bag Challenge
On Thursday in Young Vinnies, each member brought a make-shift-bag to school to experience a small glimpse into the life of a homeless person. Some examples include trash bins, pillowcases, buckets and bins. Zander Lim, a student of Senior Vinnies, described his experience as very interesting, because it offered him a different point of view on a homeless person's life.
Vinnies’ goal was to raise $1000 for the Auckland City Mission to help people in need, who experience all different types of homelessness. So far we have raised almost $1500, but the donations page is up until the end of this term, so if you have not yet sponsored a Vinnies member, you still have time!
A lot of people believe that homelessness is just people living on the streets asking for money, but this experience helped us to realise that it’s so much more than that. We want to teach people that we shouldn’t just ignore homeless people; we should spread awareness and do something to help.
Ciara van Heeckeren - Vinnies Social Media Representative  Ākonga Acheivement
Paikea Maihi
Last weekend Ākonga Paikea Maihi competed in this years Junior Oceania Tag competition. She competed for AoteroaU16 Māori, and was awarded two medals. One medal was from NZTFI for participation and the other was from Aotearoa Māori for excellence on the field.
Congratulations Paikea!  Annabelle Shields
Ākonga Annabelle Shields swam at the Swimming New Zealand Division 2 National competition at the weekend. She swam 4 individual events and 3 relays, and achieved personal best times for all of her events.
Annabelle came first and is Div 2 National Champion in the 14 year old girls 400m individual medley, smashing her personal best time by over 20 seconds and achieving a National Age Groups qualification time!
She also came 5th in the 200m individual medley for the 14 year old girls and achieved a National Age Groups qualification time as well.
Annabelle was part of the 4x 100m women’s medley relay (she was the breastroke leg) which came 2nd.
Congratulations Annabelle, what an amazing achievement!
 Renzo Johnston
Representing Papakura Athletics Club, ākonga Renzo Johnston qualified for the Counties Athletics Championships in the 100m, 200m, and Long Jump finals - achieving 1st place in all 3 events!
Renzo was subsequently chosen to represent Counties Manukau in the Interprovincial Championships where he achieved Gold in the 100m, 300m, and Long Jump!
What an incredible achievement Renzo!  Ava Latu
Ākonga Ava Latu's growth as a first year pitcher this season has been outstanding. She has embraced every challenge the game has presented -celebrating successes ,handling pressure, and dedicating herself to continuous training and refining her pitching mechanics. Throughout it all, she has learned to manage her emotions while maintaining composure and leadership for her team. Congratulations on your Most Valuable Player award for the Franklin Reps team!  |
Save the Date – Parent-Teacher Conferences
Please save the date for our Parent-Teacher Conferences which are taking place in Week 10 of this term.
These conferences are an important opportunity to engage with your child’s teachers and collaborate in supporting their academic progress.
Dates: Wednesday, 9th April & Thursday, 10th April
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Please note that school will finish early at 12:50 pm on both days to accommodate these meetings. Buses will be rescheduled for this earlier finish.
Additionally, we will be hosting:
Māori Healthcare Hui – 6:00 PM (both evenings)
Pasifika Healthcare Hui – 6:30 PM (both evenings)
You are warmly invited to book an interview time with your child's respective teachers. If your child's report reflects a successful term and curriculum levels are appropriate for their year, it is not necessary to book.
If you have concerns about progress, your child's current curriculum level or another pressing matter, please follow the process below.
Click the link provided:
BOOKING LINK
https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/w74ea Māori and Pasifika Community Consultation Meeting
During our Parent / Ākonga / Kaiako Interviews for Term One we are taking the opportunity to once again meet with our Māori and Pasifika whānau and aiga
Please note the following two times on both the Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Wednesday 9th April @ Maori Meeting 5.55pm to 6.25pm
Wednesday 9th April @ Pasifika Meeting 6.25pm to 6:55pm
Thursday 10th April @ Maori Meeting 5.55pm to 6.25pm
Thursday 10th April @ Pasifika Meeting 6.25pm to 6:55pm
Location: College Boardroom by the main foyer for all meetings.
When making your 'Parent / Ākonga / Kaiako' interview times with staff, if you could work around the most suitable day and keep one of the above slots free so you could be present, that would be wonderful.
  Careers Evening
Calling All Parents, Whānau, and Community Members! As part of our Careers Expo and NCEA Information Evening in Week 5 of Term 2, we are looking for volunteers to speak about their occupation, job, career, or vocation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire and guide our students as they explore future pathways. Whether you are a tradie, teacher, doctor, entrepreneur, artist, engineer, or in any other profession, we’d love for you to share your experiences and insights.
If you or someone in your whānau or community is interested in volunteering, please express your interest by contacting Gemma Stacey-Harvey and letting her know your details and profession.
[email protected]
We appreciate your support in shaping the future of our young learners! |
Romero House Mass - Wednesday 2nd April
Ākonga Parent Teacher Interviews - Wednesday 9th April, Thursday 10th April
Holy Week Liturgy - Friday 11th April
Magis Term One Celebration Monday, April 7th
Last Day Term One Friday 11th April
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 We can't quite believe our eyes, these items have all been donated by our school families today for Wear Your Own Clothes day. Instead of a gold coin, we asked the students to bring in an Easter treat. We are overwhelemed by the generousity of our school community, even the boxes under these boxes are full to the brim!
The FOSI/PTA will be using these items to create raffles to raise money towards a sunshade by the Hungry Wolf Canteen.  |
Cookie Dough Fundraiser
A huge thank you to everyone who has participated so far! If you haven’t placed your order yet, there’s still time - orders close on 30 March.
Don't forget every student who participates earns 5 House points and the student with the most sales will win a Hungry Wolf voucher.
Pick-up will be on 1 May, so mark your calendars!
Your support is truly appreciated. Happy baking!
To register: https://stignatiuscollegecookies.raiseit.co.nz/
Quiz Night 09 May
This 18+ event is a wonderful opportunity for our school and wider community to come together for a fun-filled evening - all while raising funds for a much-needed sunshade in our school courtyard.
We’re seeking support from local businesses and community members through any and all donations, including prizes for our winners, raffle items or financial contributions.
If you’d like to contribute, please contact [email protected]
Details for team entries coming soon!
Come along to our next FOSI meeting on Thursday, 27 March, at 6:30 PM in the staffroom for an evening of wine, cheese, and good company - plus a little FOSI business! |
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