Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,
This week we are trialling a reflective question for all students to consider in their religious education lessons and then at home with family. We would like all families to engage with this extension of learning and make time to gather over the weekend to participate. This could be around the breakfast or dinner table, around the room or somewhere else where and when your family has the opportunity to talk for a few minutes. The question and instructions will be brought home by students and the question with instructions are further down in this Newsletter. We hope to introduce a reflective question per week for families and then responses will be reviewed in religious education lessons the week afterwards. Our hope is that the contribution of families will deeply enrichen the classroom activities and make a further connection between spirituality in the home and at school.
Simply taking the time out as a family to genuinely listen to one another strengthens relationships and grows a collective spirituality in the home. We have designed the questions so that every member of the family who is of school age and older will be able to fully engage and respond. It is our hope that these types of conversations in the home will support the growth of our students in the Ignatian catholic tradition and our whole community can further grow in conscience, competence, commitment and compassion. We will be collecting feedback next week as you arrive at Parent Teacher interviews and look forward to hearing from you about the exercise.
Indeed, we look forward to welcoming parents and caregivers into school to discuss the progress made during term one. It has been very satisfying to see the fruition of student and teacher efforts this term with the level of achievement for our term one academic programme. The relationship between home and school is very important to our college and we look forward to seeing you next week. Progress reports will be sent to you today to help you determine the appointments that you might like to make. Instructions for making appointments are further down in this Newsletter.
Through our trial of a reflective question shared at school and in the home and through our meetings next week, may we truly be encouraged to find God in one another, to find within our relationships, to find God within our midst. Finding God in all things.
Inveniens Deum in omnibus.
Dean |
This Sunday, we hear the Gospel reading of the woman who has been caught in adultery. It is a powerful story that reminds us of the mercy of Jesus. This woman, who remains nameless in the story, has broken the law of Moses, and it is by this law she is to be condemned to death. Her namelessness should allow us to put ourselves in her shoes and understand how it feels to be shown mercy.
Jesus's mercy is not as we would first expect. It is challenging. It faces the reality of the situation, not overlooking the woman’s sin and the damage it has caused; instead, he challenges her by telling her to “Go, and from now on, do not sin anymore.” The mercy of God calls people beyond their mistakes to become better and more of the person they are called to be. Pope Francis expresses this in his book “The Name of God is Mercy” by highlighting that mercy is deeply connected to God’s faithfulness. God does not give up on us, as he loves and cares for each of us. During this season of Lent, it is good for us to reflect on this. We have all sinned and done things that harm ourselves or others, but God remains faithful to us and calls us to live free of the damage caused by sin. We experience His mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where it is most evident. In fact, because of this, the Church encourages us to prepare for the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus at Easter by going to Reconciliation. This encounter with God’s mercy should encourage us to extend that same forgiveness to others. We are called to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. At St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, we embody this through our restorative conversations throughout the day, both in and out of the classroom. They allow us to reflect on the reality of our actions and mend the relationships we may have harmed, including our relationship with God.
So this week, reflect on the Mercy of God and how he calls each of us to avoid sin - the things that harm us - and how we can be the face of mercy to others by forgiving them as God forgives us.  |
Curriculum
English
Kiwi English Competition
This year we offer ākonga the opportunity to participate in the Kiwi English Competition, a skills-based test closely aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum.
These tests are administered by the University of Canterbury and cover Curriculum Levels 4 and 5. Delivered in a 50 minute online short answer format, the test covers reading and comprehension, grammar and spelling, audience and purpose.
Testing will be held at the end of Term 2, with detailed results available in Term 3. Awards are given from Participation to Distinction.
Students will be given the opportunity to express interest in the competition via a Google Form and entry will be confirmed upon payment of any fees involved. For any queries, please contact Michelle Almond: [email protected]   Sport
Our school values in action - Communication
It has been an outstanding effort getting sport up and running, and it’s fantastic to see so many ākonga committed to training. On Monday alone, we had four different sporting codes in action onsite—orienteering, football, rugby, and netball.
A huge thank you to our families for joining the group chats, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everyone gets to where they need to be.
All school sport communication takes place via the Team Reach app. If your child is part of a school sports team, you MUST join the appropriate communication channel.
Additionally, please inform coaches and managers if your child is unable to attend training, games or if they need help with transport. Communication is essential.
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https://www.teamreach.com/ |
 Auckland Zone Swimming Championships
This week Renzo Johnston, Ava Latu & Sian Balle competed at Auckland Zone Swimming champs. The competition was next level from our Franklin zone day, there were 3 heats of each event, all swimmers racing hard to make finals. Well done to you all for making through to this event, you can all be very proud of your achievements.
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AIMS Games Update
Trainings are underway and the final teams for the AIMS Games are expected to be announced before the school holidays.
AIMS Games Player, Parent, Manager, and Coaches Meeting:
The AIMS Games Parent, Family, and Coaches Meeting will provide an overview of the tournament week, including fundraising and sponsorship guidelines, projected costs, behaviour expectations, and general preparation.
We all families are expected to attend to ensure everyone is well-informed and ready.
Date: Monday 28th April (Term 2, Week 1)
Time: 5.00pm-6.00pm
Upcoming Events:
Orienteering
Sunday 6th April, Auckland Region Sprint Champs
Good luck to our following students:
Drew Liefting, Kees Smith, Max Ovington, Clara Wielenga & Sian Balle
Students will be competing in the morning at Macleans College & the afternoon at St Kentigerns College. Best of luck!
Friday 25th - Sunday 27th, North Island Orienteering (Year 7 - 10)
Friday; Sprint - Wesley College, Paerata
Saturday; Long - Muirs Farm, South End Kohekohe
Sunday; Relay - Muirs Farm, South End Kohekohe (3 competitors each age group)
Entries due Wednesday 9th April (You can enter one, two or all three events)
Thursday 22nd May, Auckland Secondary School Individual champs. (Year 9 & 10)
Entries for our school team need to be received by Monday 5th 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
Parent help will be required to help with transport for these events please contact Theresa Knight [email protected] if you're able to assist.
AIMS Mixed RIP Trials:
When: Tuesday 8th April Lunchtime
Location: St Ignatius, Fields
AIMS Mixed RIP registration
AIMS Boys Football Trials:
When: 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
Basketball students referee clinic (Year 10 students)
Counties Sport & Auckland Basketball are after expressions of interest for a free Basketball referee clinic to be held Term 2 week 1.
Email [email protected] by Monday 7th if you are interested
Badminton Training
When: Tuesdays, 3.05pm - 4.30pm
Location: La Storta
Hockey 5’s Training
When: Mondays beginning April 28th 4.00pm-5.00pm (excl public holidays)
Bring Own Gear
Location: Rosa Birch Park
Netball Training
When:
Red and Magis Friday 7.15am-8.30am
Gold Monday 3.30pm-5.00pm
Loyola and Flames Monday Lunchtime
Year 9&10 Boys Football Training
When: Mondays 3.15-4.30pm
Location: Football Field
Preseason Match
When: Wednesday 7th May
Location: Pukekohe High School
Season starts Wednesday 14th May
 Rugby Magis Training
When:
Year 8,9 and 10 Boys and Girls
Monday and Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location: Rugby Field
 Ākonga Elective
Behind the Scenes
It would seem the interest for this Elective has grown since beginning last year! Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight and that is fine, what this Elective offers is a brief focused look at the behind the scenes of theatre…more specifically, costume and makeup. We have 2 full classes running this semester which has proved to be hugely beneficial as our focus has been on designing and creating costumes for our upcoming school production. We have had many creative minds developing costume designs for our performing arts students to wear, thinking about the intricacies of functionality, practicality, sustainability and flair. While it is sometimes difficult to suddenly morph into theatre fashion designers, our students have leapt at the challenge and designed some amazing pieces of work that we hope to see realised and shining on the stage next term .  | |  |
Ākonga Acheivement
Rémy MacGilloway
Congratulations to ākonga Rémy MacGilloway who received the Most Improved Player of the Year award for his team, and was selected to play in the Franklin U15 Rep team Softball team at the Northern Representative Tournament in North Harbour. Rémy has been playing softball for nearly 6 years.  Katelyn Arkinstall
Ākonga Katelyn Arkinstall has had a fantastic second Tennis seaon.
Katelyn won the shield for grade 6 interclub for counties.
She was chosen as “player of the year “in the interclub team and won the Pukekohe under 13s girls singles and doubles titles.
Katelyn will also get a prize at counties tennis prizegiving in May for winning counties grade 6 champs from earlier in the year (Boys & girls)
Katelyn also won the Consolation cup for the counties aged champs.
Congratulations on all your achievements!
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Parent / Ākonga / Kaiako Interviews Term One
Our Parent / Ākonga / Kaiako Interviews for Term One are scheduled for April 9th and 10th from 2pm - 7pm.
Note: Students will finish at 12:50pm both days and buses will be rescheduled for this earlier finish.
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. We're Hiring a School Nurse!
We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate RN/school nurse to join our team! If you or someone you know might be interested, please check out the details at the link below and help us spread the word.
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/83023927  Winter Uniform Term 2 and 3
Please note our Junior Winter Uniform requirements for Term 2 and 3:
- All ākonga/students will wear St Ignatius long sleeved white shirt or St
Ignatius short sleeved white shirt
- All ākonga/students will wear school tie
- All ākonga/students will wear school blazer
- All ākonga/students will wear school jumper
- Female ākonga/students wear a skirt or trouser options and black tights
- Male ākonga/students wear shorts and knee high school socks
 The Impact of Missing School – Every Day Counts!
Did you know that missing just one day of school a week adds up to around 2.6 years of lost learning by the time a student finishes Year 13? Even missing five days per term adds up to over a year of missed schooling! Every school day is an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and connect with their peers. Regular attendance helps set them up for success, both academically and socially.
We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable, and we appreciate the efforts you make to ensure your child is at school as much as possible. If you need any support with attendance, please reach out—we’re here to help!
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Monday Community Mass 7:30am April 7th
Akonga Parent Teacher Interviews - Wednesday April 9th and Thursday April 10th (school finishes for students at 12:55pm, buses leave at 1pm)
Last Day Term One Friday April 11th
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Next FOSI meeting = Mon 28 April, 6.30pm in the staffroom. All Welcome!  |
Exciting Easter Raffle – Amazing Prizes to Be Won!
Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we have a fantastic selection of 26 Easter hampers up for grabs next week - meaning plenty of lucky winners! Plus, a special treat - Melissa Mills of Karaka Kitchen has kindly donated a stunning Easter Bunny Cake (RRP $80), which one lucky winner will take home.
Ticket Prices:
Easter Hampers: $2 per entry
Easter Bunny Cake: $4 per entry
Ticket sales sheets will be sent home on Friday. Please return the completed sheet along with the money in a ziplock bag by Wednesday.
Raffles will be on display and tickets will be available for purchase during the parent-teacher interviews on 9 and 10 April. Purchases can be made with cash or via bank transfer on the night.
Winners will be drawn on 10 April, and prizes will be sent home with the winners on 11 April.
Don’t miss out - get your tickets and be in to win!
 Cookie Dough Fundraiser – Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our cookie dough fundraiser! The fundraiser is now closed, and we truly appreciate your support.
Collection Details
Pickup Date: 1 May
Important: Students, please bring a chilly bin or insulated bag to keep your orders cold on the way home.
We appreciate your help in making this fundraiser a success!
 Quiz Night – Friday, 9 May! Gather Your Teams!
Join us for the first-ever FOSI Quiz Night as we raise funds for a much-needed shade sail by the Hungry Wolf.
When: Friday, 9 May
Where: La Storta
Time: Doors open 6.30pm, first question at 7pm
Tickets: $30 per person (maximum of eight per team) - includes dinner. Don’t have a full team? No problem! We’ll match you with other keen players.
What to Expect
Cash Bar: A fully stocked bar will be available. Please plan ahead and arrange a sober driver if needed. Please note this is an 18+ event.
Delicious Food: Enjoy a spread of platters featuring meats, salads and buns, plus a hotdog stand.
Raffles & Auctions: Plenty of opportunities to win fantastic prizes.
Spot Prizes: Exciting giveaways throughout the night, including a prize for the best-dressed team.
Register now! Click the link below to secure your spot.
We look forward to seeing you there!
https://forms.gle/iae8jnrUJnqEmMdA9  Help Make Our Quiz Night a Success!
A huge thank you to everyone who has generously contributed prizes or financial support for our Quiz Night on 9 May - we truly appreciate your generosity!
We’re reaching out once more to make this event a big success. If you, your business or someone you know can help in any way, please let us know.
If you can’t attend but would still like to support our fundraising efforts, we’re still in need of prizes and donations to help keep costs down.
Every contribution makes a difference - thank you for your support! |
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