Principal's Message

Tēnā koutou katoa, Malo 'etau lava

In seeing the transformation of our young women and men before our eyes, as they grow in spirit, we can reflect on the transformation for St Ignatius during his conversion.  During this, there was a key moment when St Ignatius appeared to have been truly transformed. In his autobiography transcribed to Louis Gonzalez SJ, Ignatius is going through the experience of leaving behind his old ways of life and discerning his new pathway to Christ. During his stay in Manresa, Ignatius struggles with his newfound passion for a more meaningful relationship with God and tries all sorts of ways to grow closer; including becoming unconcerned with his personal hygiene and starving himself, both of which he eventually abandoned through his growing spirituality.

The key moment took place during a walk by the river Cardoner, which flows through Manresa, when Ignatius sat down to reflect, staring deeply into the flowing water. According to Ignatius' autobiography it was not a specific vision that he experienced, however what happened as he stared into the deep flowing waters left him with a genuine sense of the abundance of the gifts that he had been given by God and also the abundance of the love of God for him. When reading about this experience for Ignatius, in addition to his discovery about the God-given gifts he had been blessed with and his newly-found purpose, it is striking to read how humbled and grateful Ignatius was to know that he was known and loved by God. His reaction was a deep gratitude in God and prayer in thankfulness for the graces which he had been given.

In our own conversion stories, no matter what stage we are at, Ignatius' story encourages us to reflect on our own key moments and if we have recognised God in them. Have there been times in our own lives when we have prayed for God's help or grace?  Have there been times when we have found that we can do things we never thought possible? Have we taken the time to reflect on the graces we have been provided with in our own lives and pondered where these have come from? St Ignatius provides us with an example to truly reflect on our own lives, find God in them and then when we recognise God, become truly grateful. May we too find the greater glory of God in ourselves and in own lives and be grateful.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam

Dean Wearmouth

College Life

Music

We have two bands entered in the 2024 Bandquest competition that is happening next Wednesday at the Bruce Mason Centre. The bands, Red, Black and Gold, and The Zipties, have been working hard building up to this event, and we are excited to see them represent our school doing something they are truly passionate about. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Science

Last week Year 7 Science students conducted some experiments to measure the PH scale of a variety of substances. We looked at sugar, salt, washing powder, vinegar, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.

Mathex

Mathex is an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, quick thinking and working as a team in a thrilling high-paced environment. Year 9 students have competed in both the Counties competition, held this year at Rosehill College, and the Auckland competition, held at Barfoot Stadium.

Back row: Arjun Bal, Tate Yorke, Daniel Dumper, Troy Al-Haddad.
Front row:  Je T'aime Bradley, Therese Wong, Pippa Wilson, Marco Omandam

The Year 7 and 8 teams performed very well at the Auckland competition on Thursday night, competing against over 100 teams from all across the city. Their local competition is still to come so watch this space. 

Enzo Collado, Daniel Scott, Simon Vicente, Nic Madelozo

Front to back - Klay Dela Pena, Torito Esquivel Garcia, Martin Sanchez Ros, Samuel Speedy

Our students stood out for their exemplary behaviour and teamwork and most importantly we all had lots of fun and enjoyed being part of such a great competition where we celebrated how much fun maths can be!  

Sport

Week Ahead Timetable:

Friday 23.08.24
Basketball
St Ignatius/ Ramarama Rebels Black VS Franklin Basketball
5.20pm

Saturday 24.8.24
Netball
St Ignatius Black VS Hill
Pukekohe Netball Centre
10.40am
(It's Semi Finals week, so be sure to encourage our players if you are down there!)

St Ignatius Ferns VS Puni
Pukekohe Netball Centre
9.00am
(An error occurred with last weeks score Saturday 10th August, the Ferns won that game 20-5)

Tuesday 27.8.24
Netball
AAIMS Netball Championship Yr 8 Boys
Tournament
Waitakere Netball Centre

Wednesday 28.8.24
Cross Country
Franklin Zone Cross Country
Year 7 & 8
Pukekohe Showgrounds
10.30am

Badminton
Gold VS TBD
Counties Manukau Badminton Centre
4.10pm

Silver VS TBD
Counties Manukau Badminton Centre
5.35pm

Bronze VS TBD
Counties Manukau Badminton Centre
5.35pm


Results this week:

Basketball
St Ignatius/Ramarama Rebels Black VS Waipa
Loss 23 - 16

Netball
St Ignatius Black VS Bombay
Loss 4-36

St Ignatius Ferns VS Fusion
Win 27-2

Rugby 
St Ignatius Under 14's VS Tuakau Onewhero (Semi Finals)
Lost 37-19


Cross Country

We had a number of students representing the school at the North Group Cross Country recently, and they had great results. Congratulations to the following ākonga who have made it through to the next stage, the Franklin Zone Cross Country.

Year 7 - Kaea Bramwell, Jackson Matia, Ebenezer Ofori-Anyinam, Jones Elliot, Clara Wielenga, Sian Balle and Evony Burford.
Year 8 - Indiana Falanitule, Madi Kennedy, Joslyn Allan, Bryn Mair, George Moody and Jack Bethell.

This event is being held at the A & P Showgrounds, Station Road, Pukekohe on Thursday  29th August 2024.

Netball

We have a Year 8 Boys team who have qualified for the Auckland Champs on Tuesday 27th August (Rain Date Thursday 29th August) at Te Pai Netball Centre, Henderson. Congratulations Boys, we look forward to hearing how you go.

Basketball

Year 9 Basketball - The ‘Saints’

This season a group of dedicated Year 9 Boys put together the first St Ignatius basketball team. They played in the local Franklin Basketball competition in the Junior Boys B Grade. The team consisted of Jaxon Tegg, Ben Hunter, Oli Yee, Braiden Aspinall, Hailey Zhao, Naethan Craig and Troy Al-Haddad. The boys played with passion, skill and integrity throughout the season and represented St Ignatius proudly. A number of injuries occurred during the season and sometimes the team played with few or no subs, but even injured players came to the games to support from the bench. I would also like to thank Manaia Davis, Sebastiano Simonetti and Boston Bradley for joining the team and making significant contributions when we were down on players.

The Team played their final game on Thursday 15th August against Waiuku and put on a dominant performance to win 54 to 25, and finish the season in third place. A great result for the team's first year in the competition.

At the beginning of the season I had asked parents, friends and family members if anyone would be interested in coaching the team. Fortunately for us Ashton Tegg put his hand up to coach and was an inspirational and knowledgeable presence throughout the season. He quickly gained the confidence of the players and his calm coaching style was great to see. Much thanks to Ashton.
 
I am definitely looking forward to next year and seeing how this team develops in the years to come.

Warm regards
Simon Benge

Staff VS Students

This week we had two Staff versus students games. The first was a game of Rippa Rugby on Thursday, and the second was a Netball game on Friday. It was great to see so many students come to watch, and support the players. What a fun opportunity for the students to practise in the lead up to the AIMS Games later this year.

Ākonga Elective

In our Band Elective, we have 2 groups working on very different songs.  One group has decided to listen to and learn 'Now and then', a new Beatles song.  Our other group is working on learning 'All Star' by Smash Mouth.  In both cases, our akonga are learning how to play a song by listening to it first as a group and then working out how to play it. They are looking forward to performing their songs once they have finished learning and rehearsing them.

Nacho's News

Don't forget to check out the latest edition of our Student Newspaper, Nacho's News, via the New link at the bottom of this page.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Celebrating Ākonga

Manutaki Certificates

This week the following ākonga/student were recognised by their Manutaki for having received an outstanding Weekly Excellence Review.  


Year 7 - Stella Thompson
Year 8  - Arian Nazareth
Year 9 -  Katie Wisuthamak

We celebrate these ākonga/students being more fully alive and reflecting the greater glory of God through their work and actions.

485 Award

We had many nominations again this week and it was a pleasure for senior leaders to read of students finding God in others through their nominations. Some of our top nominations this week are:

Leila Pahulu was nominated by Brooklyn Henry for displaying compassion when she helped others with their maths work

Mia Wright was nominated by Georgia Turner for displaying conscience and compassion when she encouraged Mia to participate in class and supported her ideas

Simone Paterson was nominated by Grace Faire for showing compassion through being a courageous and inspiring friend

Eren Schuscer was nominated by Amaria Matia for displaying compassion in the way she welcomed the international students and was kind to them

Maria Levkovska was nominated by Kamila Legaspi for showing compassion by always being there and helping her

Kiean Platon was nominated by Mario Nasa for showing compassion when he gave his chair to an international student

Olivia Fitzpatrick was nominated by Tiger Bernabe for demonstrating conscience and compassion by welcoming and helping a new student.  Olivia is kind and always looking out for people. 

Luke Kiutau was nominated by Lachlyn Makahununiu for showing compassion when he took care of a student in a vulnerable position

This week the winner was Luke Kiutau. He was nominated by Lachlyn Makahununiu for showing compassion when he took care of a student in a vulnerable position.

Congratulations Luke!

Cura Personalis

Tongan Language Week

This week we celebrated Tongan Language Week in school.  Some of our Tongan ākonga led us in prayer and reflection in assembly on Monday as they shared what their Tongan identity means to them.

Elijah Koaneti and Peni Helu shared with us the significance of Tongan cultural dress:
Tongan cultural wear is important to Tongan people’s heritage and identity. At the heart of traditional Tongan attire is the "taʻovala," a decorative mat wrapped around the waist, often made from woven leaves. Men wear the taʻovala over a garment called a tupenu, while women combine it with a pinafore-style dress known as a kiekie. 

Both men and women might also wear beautiful leis made from flowers or shells as accessories. This clothing is worn during important ceremonies and cultural events, showing respect for traditions and celebrating Tongan heritage. It’s a great example of how clothing can be much more than just fashion—it’s a way to honor and maintain cultural connections.

Anne Finau writes:
The essence of my Tongan identity is in the style of  living. It influences my behavior, molds my values, and teaches me about my Catholic faith. My strong sense of identity and purpose comes from these deep connections to my own cultural roots . Following the Tongan theme for 2024, “ 'E tu'uloa 'a e lea Faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá - The Tongan Language will be sustainable when used at home, church and in the wider community.”
deeply connects with my personal experience and how I live my life and mold who I become and how I embrace my own Tongan identity within myself. 
Being Tongan means more than just a culture written on a piece of paper. 
Malo’ aupito, God bless. 

Lachlyn Makahununiu shared with us her reflections on how to sustain the Tongan culture in our world today. She writes:
Now how do we sustain tongan language in our homes, church or outside in the world?
We can start with our elders who tell us stories from the past and ancient times, or maybe through song and prayer at our local church. These are not only ways of preserving our traditions but also keeping the ropes that connect us to our ancestors strong. Take for example; if we didn't have any idea of our culture or tradition, how will we be able to find our true identities within ourselves? So I want you to keep this in your head, and think of how you can keep the bonds of your family tree strong and how you can help it grow for the younger generations to come. Embrace your identity and never let it discourage you.

St Ignatius Reading Challenge 2024

Our Student Librarians have come up with a fun initiative to promote reading in our school. For every 10 books a student reads, they can earn a Hungry Wolf voucher!

Its easy to take part;
-Students pick up a bookmark from the Magis Centre.
-Each time they finish a book come in and tell Whaea Gemma about it.
-The book gets marked off on the bookmark.
-Ten books = A Hungry Wolf Voucher.

Some Terms and Conditions apply, so direct any questions to Whaea Gemma in the Magis Centre, or [email protected]

Scholastic Book Club

Here at St Ignatius we run the Scholastic Book Club (formerly the Lucky Book Club). This is a great initiative that offer students books directly from the publisher, so the prices are very competitive. With each purchase that is made, the school gets 15% commission, which can use towards building our library. Magazines come 8 times a year, and offer books from pre-school age upwards. There are graphic novels, non-fiction reference books, picture books, and many fantastic novels available for purchase. 
If you or your child wishes to order something from the catalogue, then you can do this via the LOOP website, or LOOP app. We are not taking cash orders. 
In the most recent issue (which will be coming home as soon as it arrives) you can earn yourself a $5 credit for ordering! Often there are free books on offer with purchases, and other incentives.
Help us grow our library, order through Scholastic today!

Week 8: St Ignatius Book Week

Another week is done and that means we are another week closer to our very first St Ignatius Book Week in Week 8!
When the students arrive next week they will be able to start entering the first "Match the teacher with their favourite book" competition. On Monday this week, a few of us had a go trying to figure them out and we failed! Let me tell you, some choices are surprising! All entries will go in the draw to win one of two $25 Whitcoulls Vouchers. This will be the first of many competitions that we have planned in the lead-up to Book Week. 


If you have a reluctant reader at home, here are a few more ideas that might help with encouraging them to give it a go.


1. Lead by Example:  Show them that reading is a valued and enjoyable activity by reading yourself.
2. Book Clubs or Reading Challenges:  Encourage participation in book clubs or reading challenges to make reading a social activity.  Encourage them to enter the Magis Reading Competition! - they could win a Hungry Wolf Voucher!
3.  Praise Effort Over Completion:  Celebrate the effort they put into reading, regardless of how much they read.


Each week we will put the spotlight on potential books/series you can read at home with your children and this week's option is:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

If you're looking for an action-packed adventure your child won't want to put down, The Hunger Games is the perfect pick! Set in the dystopian world of Panem, where citizens are divided between the wealthy Capitol and the struggling districts, the novel tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers to take her sister's place in a brutal annual event: The Hunger Games.

With over 100 million copies in print worldwide and a place on the The Times best-seller list for more than 260 consecutive weeks, this story has captivated readers of all ages. However, its gripping and well-paced plot isn't the only thing to recommend; it also raises important questions about violence, power and the cost of excessive consumption in our society. Pitched to readers aged 12+, author Suzanne Collins seeks to engage a new generation in reflection about the world around them.

BYOD Device Reminder

Please kindly ensure that your son or daughter is actively bringing an appropriate laptop or device each day for classroom use. As a BYOD school it is essential that this is occurring daily and that the device is functioning and charged.

Ākonga are often appearing in class with devices uncharged or with a low battery. We recommend that they pack their charger daily to ensure this does not occur.

Refer to our College Website for information around recommended devices and our philosophy behind device use: BYOD 2024 

Ākonga also signed a Digital Citizenship Agreement at the start of the year around their responsibilities as a device user at St Ignatius. Please review this with your child.

Upcoming Events

Group Photos with Photosmart - Tuesday 27th August. Sporting, Cultural group etc to be photographed. More information closer to time.
Romaro House Mass - Wednesday 28th August
Bandquest - Wednesday 28th August, 6:30pm Bruce Mason Centre. 
Year 7 Retreat (At School) - Thursday 29th August
Year 8 & 9 Volleyball trials - Friday 30th August Afterschool
Year 7 & 8 Blake ER Experience - Monday 2nd September - Friday 6th September
Father's Day Mass - Monday 2nd September 7:30am
Year 8 & 9 Volleyball trials - Monday 2nd September at lunchtime
Lip Sync Competition - Wednesday 4th September 2:20pm- 3pm in La Storta
AIMS Games 2024 - Sat 7th Monday 9th - Friday 13th September
Year 7 Camp - Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th December. More information, including permission slips, will be sent out soon. 

Father's Day Mass

The College welcomes all Fathers and Father figures to attend its Father's Day Mass and breakfast on Monday, 2nd September, at 7:15 a.m. in the Companions of Jesus Chapel. Spaces are limited, so please reserve your ticket on the College website. The breakfast costs $10.


Formation Evening

Fr Michael Smith SJ will continue his formation evenings for parents and caregivers this term, focusing on Ignatian Spirituality. He will run a session on Ignatian Contemplation on Tuesday, the 3rd of September, from 6 - 7:30 pm and another on how Ten Ways Ignatian Spirituality Supports a Busy Life on Tuesday, the 17th of September, from 6-7:30 pm. More details are on our website, and a ticketing system to help plan. There is no cost for the tickets. 
For tickets to the 3rd of September please follow this LINK.
For tickets to the 17th of September please follow this LINK.

Community Notices

Catholic Character

An Outward and Visible Sign of an Inward and Invisible Grace

The school is currently updating our records of students who are still completing their Catholic Sacraments of Initiation. We may find that over a hundred students have been baptised but have not received their First Communion and Confirmation. We are hoping to facilitate this important journey of faith for them and to celebrate their full memberships into the Church by the end of the year. The large number of the students to be confirmed is a phenomenon which does not normally happen in Catholic schools across New Zealand. For some, it may be considered a bold statement that the school takes the mission for evangelisation seriously, not only by forming people for and with others, but also by promoting Catholicism and its Tradition among our community members.

The Acts of the Apostles tell us about the experience of the first Christians. Like them, we also live in a world where our Catholic religion is not at the centre of our western society’s culture, which is dominated by secularism. The recent global Jesuit Education Seminar in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, confirmed this reality but recognised that secularisation is “neither a friend nor a foe.” It is just the context of the world in which we live. Similar to the experiences of the first Christians, there is still a great need for us, Christians, to share the Good News, that is to proclaim Jesus Christ. This is the greatest gift which we can share with the secularised world which can feel lost and in great need of some good news. The way we are doing it is not by judging others, but rather by drawing them through our witnessing to the faith. Christians are to become envoys of truth, peace, justice, joy and love in their daily life. 

Within the school, our young people already have deep yearning and difficult questions about life. They are trying their best to navigate the world and we are to accompany and orient them in the right direction. In doing so, we can also help them open their minds and hearts to the Transcendence. God is, of course, not restricted to rituals, symbols and all outward signs of the Church Sacraments; but Catholics believe that Sacraments are the “visible signs of God’s invisible grace” (St. Augustine of Hippo). Facilitating them in the life of our students has simply become an integral part of our shared mission. We must humbly and courageously accept it, so that in their own time, the students may also become humble and courageous ambassadors of God in the secularised world.

News