Principal's Message
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Tālofa lava St Ignatius community,
In this jubilee year where we walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that every step of life; every conversation, every challenge, every act of love, is part of a greater journey. A significant part of this journey is in our relationships.
Some days, our relationships with others shine with joy: friendships flourish, family bonds feel strong, and a sense of connection carries us forward. On other days, the path can be more difficult; there can be tensions, miscommunications, silences. Yet in both moments, the easy and the hard, God walks beside us.
As pilgrims, we are not promised a perfect road, however, we are promised that we never walk alone. Our relationships, in all their glory, are in the presence of God. God can be found in the laughter of a child, the quiet support of a friend, or the forgiveness exchanged after hurt. In these moments we encounter the living presence of God.
Becoming hope-filled can greatly influence our relationships with others. It helps us to see one another as creations of God and that people are inherently good and can change, that healing is possible, and that no rift is too wide for grace to cross. As a Catholic Ignatian tradition, we strive to be a community where that kind of hope is nurtured through the highs and lows of growing up.
Accompanying your children through their journeys, their relationships with others do go through seasons. At St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, we are deeply committed to walking alongside your children on this pilgrimage of hope as they navigate their own journeys and relationships, being positive and hope-filled, finding God. In addition to success in academics we want each and every one of our students to flourish as people who love well, forgive deeply, and walk positively into a world in need of light; the light of the love of God. Finding God in all things.
In veniens Deum in omnibus.
Dean Wearmouth |
Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
The Mission has a Church.
As part of our Jesuit identity, when possible, we normally have pastoral work on top of our main mission. Saint Ignatius told Jesuits who were attending the Council of Trent to still be involved in helping the sick in hospitals while not attending their meetings. When I was studying in Boston, I got involved with the Ignatian Spirituality Project, that helps people of homelessness to discover and feel God’s love in their lives. We regularly had weekend retreats and spiritual conversations to share our life journeys.
There, I met one man who had a rough time, his face clearly etched with hardship. Hearing his stories, I came to realise something. Justice isn’t an abstract concept. It is always about real people, real lives, and real life challenges. Before coming to the program, the man served time in prison for the tragic crime he committed. That was justice. Yet, when he was released, he had no one, no support. He was broken. I wondered if justice could look any better, perhaps with more compassion.
Justice is a central mission of the Church; and we have taken it very seriously. The Church has been striving to make justice look and do better, that is with compassion. A large number of Catholic hospitals, schools and charitable organisations have been set up across the continents and across generations. Yet, we shall not mistake the tool from the builder. Lumen Gentium, the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, reminds us that the Church is actually an instrument in the hands of God, serving a mission far greater than herself. Karl Rahner SJ, who contributed to the thoughts behind Lumen Gentium, saw the Church’s role as a “sacrament of salvation” and a sign and instrument of God’s love and grace in the world. The Church does not have the Mission. Rather, our Lord’s Mission has a Church in the world. You and I are that Church!
Our school has recently been celebrating new births in baptism of staff members and their children. Next week, there will be many students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and a couple of staff received into the Church. We are grateful for this joyous season, happening around the time of the Pentecost. The Pentecost is not merely a historical event when the Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus’ disciples. It signifies the birth of the Church. It was and is a moment of a divine infusion of grace, empowering ordinary people, like Peter, Mary Magdalene, you and me, to become extraordinary witnesses of the Good News. As justice isn’t an abstract concept, and neither is the Church. The Church is about real people, real lives and real graces and opportunities. With the Holy Spirit infused in our hearts, we are invited to participate and contribute to the Lord’s Mission in creating a more just and compassionate world.
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Curriculum
Mathematics - South Auckland Maths Challenge
Last Wednesday 8 students checked out the South Auckland Maths Challenge at De La Salle. This competition is similar to a Mathex where students compete in a team of 4 with one runner who is responsible for collecting the questions and checking the team's answers with the judge. This was our first outing as part of this competition and everyone had a lot of fun doing maths and are eager to do some training before the next competition. Two students in each team also got to be judges at the event which is no easy task. All students were outstanding ambassadors for our school. .
Our Year 7 team was :
Eden Telling
Luisa Stephens
Zane Ruka
Molly Randle
Our Year 8 team was:
Grayson Mills
Giarn Lee Mataia
Loisi Liava'a
John Paul Feagaiga
It was very entertaining and uplifting to join South Auckland MathEx for the first time. It was uplifting to be in a warm environment, engaging with other Maori and Pacific Islanders. The competition built our relationships and different skills like teamwork and reflection. For example, when we got a question wrong, we would reflect on our strategy to come up with the right answer. Our first time experience was amazing and I would definitely join again.
- Loisi Liava'a (8RA)    First Reconciliation
It was wonderful to have 42 of our students receive their First Reconciliation on Wednesday. Fr Eka led the celebration reminding students of the damage of sin by also the healing power of the Sacraments. Thank you to Fr Robert Steele, Fr Mathew Vadakkevettuvazhiyil, and Fr Carl Telford SM for coming to assist in the celebration.
 Ākonga Elective
Graphic Design - Chinese Lesson
Last week the Graphic Design Elective had a lesson live online with Xinjin Vocational High School in China. The St Ignatius students learned the art of making a Chinese Round Fan using watercolour paint. Opportunities like this are important as they build international connections, as the Jesuit vision is that we are Global Citizens.
Ākonga were able to follow along with the Chinese high school instructor, learning together in real time. Once their art pieces were completed, students from each school had the opportunity to showcase their unique interpretations of a panda.
We then moved into an interactive session, where students from both schools asked each other questions to learn more about one another and their countries. Questions included things like, "How long is your school day?" and "What do you typically eat for lunch?" Our students also had the chance to ask their own thoughtful and curious questions in return.
Overall, ākonga thoroughly enjoyed the experience of both the creative process of fan-making and the opportunity to connect with a different culture.
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Graphic Design - Brand creation
In Graphic Design, students have been unleashing their creativity. It focuses on turning fun, clever, and creative ideas into something real—and having a blast while doing it. Whether it’s building a business from scratch or experimenting with different design styles, students are learning how to bring their visions to life, one pixel at a time.
Below are some reflections from ākonga.
In Graphic Design we have been working on the topic of design for our own made up brands or companies. My company is called Slap Wrap, which sells wraps. I am currently designing the website. I have been enjoying experimenting with different styles of websites mainly to do with food. The idea came from when me and my family were deciding what to eat for dinner one night, we decided on wraps. The next day Ms Bell tasked us with designing our own brand and those gorgeously delicious wraps popped back into my head. I really like Graphic Design because the whole thing runs on your imagination and being creative.
James Alexie 7AM
When Ms Bell said to design your own business or company I thought of Stocks and Investing. Then I remembered a funny online meme ‘Stonks’ so then I thought of making a ‘Stock app” which lets you invest and buy and sell. You can invest into different things, like currency, and companies. I really enjoy that you can design your own things or design a theme. At the moment I am creating a tv advertisement for my app.
Cybastian Silla 7XB
I like graphic design, because it allows everyone to be as creative as they want. Ms Bell would give us topics and we would design posters based on it. It is enjoyable to use your imagination and creativity in this class! I enjoy graphic design because there are no limits, I just get to be creative and design for fun.
Kimberely Anne Nunez 10RA
I enjoy Graphic design because it allows me to be creative and gives me purpose and organisation for a large flow of creativity and ideas. Currently I am making a Dragon Construction business which is a business run by dragons, for dragons. Peach’s Construction and Design, design schools, houses, office buildings. Full service, they build and do the interior design. As you can see, Imagination is encouraged and is allowed infinite flow.
Madison Lowther 9AM
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Samoan Language Week
Student Reflection
This week we celebrated Samoan language week through activities such as playing a game of lape ,Samoan bingo and also using common Samoan phrases in our classrooms. We also held our very first Samoan mass in our school chapel. Fr Iosefa Euese had delivered a beautiful message to remind all students how important it is to show Alofa - Love and Fa’aaloalo - Respect to one another.
This year's theme for Samoan language week is “Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā” which means “A well grounded-self is a successful self”. I believe that this theme will help me to strive more in everything I do and will also help me to Find God in all things.
- Chaesi Alosio, 9AM
Parent Reflection
Samoan Language Week (Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa) is an annual celebration in New Zealand, dedicated to honoring and promoting the Samoan language and culture which we celebrated in school this week.
Samoan Language Week serves as a reminder of the significance of language in shaping identity and preserving cultural heritage. The theme for 2025, "Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā," translates to "Be proud of your language and grounded in your identity," emphasizing the importance of embracing one's cultural roots and fostering a sense of belonging .
As an official language in Aotearoa, Samoan is the third most spoken language in New Zealand, with over 100,000 speakers. The celebration of Samoan Language Week highlights the contributions of the Samoan community to New Zealand's cultural diversity and promotes the use of the Samoan language in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and homes.
Samoan Language Week is a significant occasion that not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Samoan community but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of New Zealand's diverse linguistic landscape. By participating in the events and embracing the theme of the week, individuals contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Samoan language and culture for future generations.
In recognition of Samoan Language Week, St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College celebrated with a Samoan school Mass. with Father Iosefa Eusese as our Main Celebrant assisted by Father Eka.
During our Samoan Language Week school Mass, Father Iosefa shared a powerful and heartfelt message based on the first reading: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He reminded us that the true strength of the Samoan community lies in our deep connection to God and the importance of family. These values are at the heart of our identity and culture.
Following the Mass, we gathered as a school community to enjoy a shared meal. Families of our students generously provided a wide variety of delicious Samoan dishes. This time of fellowship was a beautiful reflection of Father Iosefa’s message, as everyone gave and shared with open hearts. It was a meaningful celebration of our language, culture, and faith.
Soifua ma ia Manuia.
Tomasi Alosio    Attendance Procedure – Every Day Counts
At Saint Ignatius, we believe that every day at school matters. Regular attendance supports both the wellbeing and academic success of our ākonga. We are committed to working in partnership with whānau to support tamariki in attending school consistently and positively.
The Ministry of Education defines regular attendance as being present for 90% or more of the term – that’s the equivalent of fewer than 5 days away in a 10-week term. When attendance falls below these levels, we take proactive steps to provide support:
Below 85% Attendance
Your child’s Manutaki will make contact to check in and talk about any barriers that may be affecting attendance. Together, we’ll look at how we can support you and your child to lift their attendance.
Below 75% Attendance
The Manutaki will arrange a face-to-face meeting with whānau. The purpose of this hui is to understand what has been tried so far, and to co-construct a plan that offers further support and solutions to improve attendance.
Below 65% Attendance
A meeting will be arranged with the Deputy Principal and whānau. At this point, we will acknowledge the seriousness of the ongoing absence, set clear expectations for change, and work collaboratively to create a strengthened Attendance Improvement Plan. This may involve connecting with external agencies or additional support.
Through this approach we aim to accompany all ākonga and whānau to ensure that everyone is able to achieve their own personal excellence. Please reach out if you have any concerns.
 Book Week - Next week!
Next week we hold our annual book week and book character parade. The week will have competitions set up in our Magis Centre, including Where's Wally, a bookmark design competition, and a guess the title of the book - all which can win you awesome prizes!
The parade itself will happen on the Thursday the 12th of June.
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 next Thursday.
The time has come — the adventure begins in the pages of a book! Scholastic Book Club Magazine
Did you know we offer the Scholastic book club at St Ignatius? Magazines are always available in the Magis Centre, and orders can be placed on the LOOP app.
Every book purchased gives our school points to spend on much needed Library books.
So whether you are buying for yourself, or as a gift, please support our school by ordering from the Book Club magazine.
The current issue is available now, and orders close on the 27 of June.  Loving for Life
Coming up in week 8, we have Loving for Life back to deliver seminars to our Year 9 ākonga. An email will be sent out shortly with information for whānau.
We also have an information evening seminar for our Year 7 ākonga and their whānau. This will be a ticketed event, please RSVP via this event link.
  
BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!!
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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!
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Upcoming Events:
Saturday 7th June - School Production Rehearsal
Monday 9th June - PTA/FOSI Meeting 6:30pm
Tuesday 10th June - Kiwi Science Competition
Wednesday 11th June - Sacramental Mass 11am (see information below)
Thursday 12th June - Book Character Parade
Saturday 14th June - School Production Rehearsal
Sunday 15th June - 5pm Mass St Patrick's Parish Pukekohe School Assisted Mass (see below)
Monday 16th June - Matariki Liturgy 9am
Monday 16th June - Kiwi English Competition
Please note ‘Teacher Only Days'
Term Three - September 19th 2025 (Staff Retreat)
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  St Patrick's Parish Pukekohe School Assisted Mass
On Sunday, 15th June, at the 5 pm Mass, we will have a St Ignatius assisted Mass at St Patrick’s in Pukekohe, during which 30 of our students will receive their First Holy Communion. As a school, we request that all families who are parishioners of St Patrick's, if you can, attend this Mass with their children to represent the school and support those students receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time.
All students attending should be in school uniform unless they are receiving their First Holy Communion.
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Sport - Creating an Environment for Youth to Flourish
All of our winter sports are now up and running, our ākonga are learning and growing under the guidance of coaches and managers who generously give their time and share their knowledge.
We’re grateful to all the parents, coaches, and managers who support our teams and help create a positive experience with a focus on helping our ākonga develop skills, confidence, and a love for being active, rather than just chasing results.
Follow the link for more information on supporting youth in sport: Creating an Environment for Youth to Flourish – Sport NZ
https://balanceisbetter.org.nz/creating-an-environment-for-youth-to-flourish-as-coach/
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Auckland Secondary Schools Duathlon
Last week, St Ignatius proudly took part in the College Sport Annual Duathlon — a challenging event made even tougher by strong winds and brisk conditions. Despite the weather, our students showed incredible determination. We were represented by 2 teams and 5 individual competitors, with every single team placing in their categories! A massive congratulations to all athletes!!
Kaeleb Allison 11th place in a highly competitive junior boys field.
George Moody and Jacob Ennor placed 1st and 3rd respectively in the junior boys Open bike section as they took on their first duathlon after being inspired from their team triathlon event earlier in the term.
Jacobs thoughts on his first duathlon, “today was very challenging, but very rewarding except for the sore muscles after. I will definitely do it again”
Indi Allison (year 7) competed up against year 9 students, finishing 9th.
Sian Balle entered in the junior girls open bike competition and finished with an impressive time of 1.03.58
Drew Liefting and Kees Smith competed in the junior boys open bike team section and finished 2nd only 32 seconds behind first.
Saskia Balle and Annabelle Shields decided to step up to the road bike category where competition is much tougher and managed 3rd place.
The Triathlon season for College Sport is over for this year. We will start training for next season in Term 4.
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St Ignatius Hockey
A big thank you to the Friends of St Ignatius, FOSI, for generously sponsoring a goalie kit for our hockey team. We know that participating in sport can come with significant financial demands for our whānau, and support like this makes involvement that little bit easier.
This is our first year entering a hockey team into our local comp. This sponsorship means we can move forward knowing our ākonga will be properly protected. It also allows our school to offer more opportunities for students to engage in sport.
We are truly grateful for the contribution of the goalie kit and the positive impact it has on our team.
 School Cross Country - Results
Last week we held our annual Cross Country race here at school. Participation levels were high, and the students really pushed themselves.
Congratulations to our top 3 each year level:
Year 7
Louis Soo Choon
Renzo Johnson
Campbell Ashworth
Indi Allison
Ava Lilley
Milly Marriner
Year 8
Ebenezer Ofori Anyinam
Jones Elliot
Grayson Mills
Clara Wielenga
Sian Balle
Sophie Clark
Year 9
George Moody
Kaeleb Allison
Jack Bethell
Eva Coe
Natalia Ramos
Indiana Falanitule
Year 10
Logan Bower
Braiden Aspinall
Angelo Ramos
Annabelle Shields
Saskia Balle
Quinn Robinson
The House points will be announced at Assembly on Monday!
Year 7 & 8 Zone team will be announced in the Google Sports Class Room.
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Auckland Secondary Schools Cross Country
On Wednesday, 28 year 9 and 10 students headed out to tackle the wet, muddy and windy conditions at Barry Curtis Park. The weather conditions were less than ideal for outdoor activities however this did not deter our students from lining up against fields of just over 100 students in each age group. Our team showed plenty of grit and determination and did not give up.
Our next target event is the Auckland Secondary School Road Championships, Tuesday 5th August.
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Wahine Rugby Workshop
On Thursday 22nd, Kaylee, Indiana and I attended the Girls Rugby Workshop hosted by Counties Manukau. It was such a great learning experience where we learned how to care for ourselves when we’re injured, how to prevent injuries, mental health awareness for athletes and all about concussions. To talk to the women of the sport we love and hear their advice and inspiration was amazing. Mind, Set, Ingage also visited us and talked to us about Te Whare Tapa Wha which refreshed our minds on how to care for ourselves and others. Overall it was a great, interactive experience and we learnt so much over the course of the day.
-Sophie Wynne
  AIMS Girls Football - AMDG United
Our AIMS Girls Football team competed in the Auckland Zone Football Tournament on Wednesday in Western Springs. Despite the downpour the girls remained in good spirits, and found the day a valuable experience and showed a lot of resilence.
Paul Greenwood the coach had this to say:
What an effort from all the girls against the best teams in Auckland. Won one, drew one and lost two in the group stage. Lost a playoff in the worst conditions ever - swimming pool!!!’ The girls team work was second to none, especially in the last game when they were battling the elements and a pretty aggressive team. Once again - all of them behaved exceptionally well and represented the school superbly. We have a good indication of where we are and what we need to do moving forward to be as competitive as possible.
  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
Tuesday 10th June
Y7&8 Auckland Football Tournament (Boys)
Thursday 12th June
Franklin Zone Year 7&8 Rugby Tournament
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