Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius Community,
At the heart of Jesuit education lies the principle of cura personalis, or "care for the whole person." This principal calls us to recognise and nurture all aspects of human growth for our students.
We believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about forming well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead and serve; individuals who know who they are and what they can contribute to the world. This holistic approach means that we not only challenge our students academically but also support their emotional, social, and spiritual development. We guide them to discover their strengths, confront their challenges, and grow into compassionate, confident leaders.
Some of the ways we put cura personalis into practice are through our Ākonga Electives and House activities during Magis time. Ākonga Electives offer students the opportunity to explore their passions and develop new skills in an environment that is different to timetabled subjects in classes. Whether it’s the arts, sports, or academic pursuits, these electives empower students to make choices and to grow in confidence. House Time, on the other hand, fosters a sense of belonging and school spirit, allowing students to connect across year levels, build friendships, and grow important skills in working with others to achieve in many different disciplines; students learn they can achieve in many areas of life. Ākonga Electives and House time embody our commitment to holistic growth and community building.
Our dedication to cura personalis extends into who we are a faith community, as we seek to find God in every interaction. By nurturing this, our students grow in their own self-worth and see the worthiness of others. We aim to cultivate a spirit of solidarity and responsibility that students carry with them into the wider world and in the years beyond school life.
It is through this approach and our pattern of reflection in the daily life of the school that we are seeing genuine and exciting growth in the students and they are seeing it in themselves; they are finding God in themselves and growing to become who they have been created and called to be.
Inveniens Deum in omnibus
Dean Wearmouth |
During the week, we celebrated the feast days of two great missionaries, St Joseph and St Patrick. These saints were missionaries in their own way as they brought Christ and the Gospel to others through their words and deeds. St Patrick, the bishop who was captured and made a slave as a teenager, is famously responsible for the mass conversions in Ireland in the fifth century and St Joseph, whose heroic actions ensured the safety of Jesus in his formative years, was the foster father of Jesus and husband to Mary. These saints are venerated here in New Zealand, where many schools, parishes, and cathedrals are under their patronage, including the Cathedral of the Auckland Diocese. Their lives are models of how God can be present in moments of difficulty to transform a person and equip them for their mission in life.
 | | We look for these difficult moments at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College through the daily examen. During the examen, we reflect prayerfully over our day to find our consolation - moments where we are most in sync with God and are grateful for - and our desolation - the moments when we feel we are least in sync with God and are not grateful for. Through praying with our desolation, we can invite God to work in these moments and transform us to become better equipped for our work and, ultimately, the work of building the Kingdom of God. |
In this way, they become moments of grace. This prayerful reflection is particularly appropriate for the Lenten season. We should examine those things in our lives that keep us from God and prevent us from being the person God calls us to be. This is why we pray, fast and give alms, so we can refocus our lives towards God and ensure we actively build his kingdom. So, spend some time this week reflecting on the lives of St. Patrick and St. Joseph and how they remind us that God transforms moments of struggle and hardship into something purposeful. So that we can live fulfilling lives in sync with God and build his Kingdom here on earth. |
Sport
We've had a successful week preparing for the busy winter sports season, and we're excited to have introduced our first Football and Hockey teams, providing our ākonga with fresh opportunities to participate and compete with other Colleges. The enthusiasm and commitment from our students have been fantastic, with strong participation in trials and training.
We're still looking for coaches for the following codes:
Rugby
Netball Year 9
Netball Year 7&8
Badminton
 Field Renovation
We’re excited to share that work has been underway to provide a brand-new rugby field! Maintaining high-quality resources for our ākonga is a priority and this upgrade will ensure an excellent playing surface for our teams.
We look forward to hosting home games and creating memorable moments on our improved field.
AIMS Games Update
Football
Girls' football trials are underway, and we’re pleased to confirm a coach for the boys' football team. With three St. Ignatius football teams, we’re set for excellent tournament preparation.
RIP Rugby
We also have many keen players eager to join RIP rugby, but we need a committed coach to make it happen. Our players had a fantastic time last year, and we’d love to provide that experience for our ākonga again.
Individual Codes
Parents wishing to enter their children into individual codes need to visit the AIMS website and provide all necessary information for registration. The school will complete this process during team registrations.
Please contact Whaea Mel.
CLM Sport Expo
On Wednesday the Sports Leaders from each house attended the Sport Expo organised by CLM Sport. This event provided an opportunity for our student leaders to engage with various sports organisations to explore initiatives that could benefit our ākonga.
The Sport Expo was a valuable experience for our Sports Leaders, equipping them with knowledge and inspiration to enhance our sports programs. Their participation strengthens our commitment to fostering a well-rounded and inclusive sporting environment for all ākonga.
On Wednesday, the sports leaders went to the Counties Manukau Sports Expedition to discover more sporting opportunities for the St Ignatius students. There was a wide variety from Weight Lifting to Rugby League and even outdoor education camps. It was a successful outing and we came out with a lot of ideas to widen the sports campaign at St Ignatius. There will be more information coming out in the near future for the selected opportunities to be incorporated into our school. Overall, it was a great day to learn about sports opportunities for our school community and discover new activities to incorporate in P.E. and outdoor education lessons.
- Lauren Hartland (9AM) and Sophie Wynne (9RA)
 Rugby Magis Programme Kicks Off!
We’re excited to launch Rugby Magis, a programme in partnership with Ardmore Marist and Counties Manukau Rugby to develop our players both on and off the field. Aimed at building a positive rugby culture at St. Ignatius.
Students should wear their own clothes and bring their boots and mouthguard. We’re looking forward to seeing our young rugby players grow and thrive through this fantastic opportunity!
Who: Year 8-10 students
When: begins next Monday 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Location: Rugby Field
Additional training for Year 9 and 10 Thursdays 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM with Coach Craig.
 Auckland Secondary Schools Athletics
It was great to see so many students from various Auckland secondary schools at the event. A big well done to all our students for stepping up and representing St. Ignatius proudly. We’re excited to continue building our team for next year!
Logan Bower made his debut at his first athletics meet, competing in the highly competitive Intermediate Boys 200m event, which featured 11 heats and a total of 71 athletes. A fantastic effort, Logan!
A special congratulations to Emereziana for an outstanding performance, securing 2nd place in the Intermediate Girls Discus. Achieving a podium finish at this level is an incredible achievement, and we are so proud of her success!
So, I started off going to have a practice throw and then some other girls came a bit later. I was the fifth person to go so I was watching the girls how some of them did their throws. It was my turn, I was nervous that it would go out because it was raining very badly, and everyone was looking at me and my Discus went so far but it didn't get in. So, after that throw I need to change my mindset of throwing my discus and pray to the Lord for a perfect sunny day. On my next attempt I breathed in and out then I threw my discus. It went 21 metres. But I want to go further so I kept striving to go further and remembering who I am doing it for my school. So, on my last throw I gave it all my best thinking about our school and then I hit my PERSONAL BEST! I hit 30.09 metres, so I came second, and my friend Frankie first and got 37.00 metres. But other than that, I am proud of myself and the others that competed on Tuesday. Next up I will try to beat my personal best again.
- Emereziana Lautua 10RA
 Orienteering
Round 5 results Strathallan College
Year 7 Girls
10th Indi Allison
14th Kate Hainsworth
Junior Girls
10th Veda Anuraj
13th Natalie Lee
18th Layla Mohan
Junior Boys
2nd Drew Liefting
3rd Kees Smith
4th Kaeleb Allison
8th Max Ovington
It’s the last round of the series next week!
Round 6 24th March at Manurewa High School (entries close Wednesday 19th March)
Auckland Sprint Champs - Sunday 6th April, Macleans (AM Session) St Kentigern College (PM Session)
Expression of interest for upcoming orienteering events click here
See Counties Manakau Orienteering website for other events outside of this series
Franklin zone school orienteering championship 2025 (Year 7 & 8)
Date Thursday 8th May 2025
4-6 members per team
Click here to Register your interest
2025 Ultra RIP Franklin Teams
Training:
Tuesday 25th at Lunchtime
Bring PE Gear and be on the field quickly!
Game Day:
Wednesday 26th at John Lightbody in Tuakau
AIMS Girls Football
Trials:Thursday 27th March & 3rd April, 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location - St Ignatius, Fields
AIMS Girls Football registration
Following team selection training will be Fridays afterschool.
AIMS Boys Football Trials:
When: Monday 31st March Monday 7th April
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: Tuesday, 3.05pm - 4.05pm
Location: La Storta
Hockey 5’s Training
When: Friday the 28th of March 4.00pm-5.00pm
Location: Rosa Birch Park
 Ākonga Elective
Ukulele
Every Thursday during the ukulele elective we get to enjoy a variety of different songs. From old classics to mainstream music everyone can jam too! Recently while playing chords some students have been playing/learning tab which adds a melodic flow to the music. No matter if you’re a beginner or someone with past experience it is a time of fun and delight!
Lauren Murillo (10RA)
 Young Vinnies
No Bag Challenge for Auckland City Mission
This term, Young Vinnies has been exploring the realities of homelessness—going beyond stereotypes to understand its causes and impact. In response, we’ve created the No Bag Challenge. On Thursday, March 27th, Young Vinnies students will go without their school bags for a day to gain a small glimpse into the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. We're also fundraising for Auckland City Mission, an organisation that provides essential support to the homeless and other vulnerable members of our community. Our goal is to raise $1,000, and every donation brings us one step closer! Please consider sponsoring a Young Vinnies member to help make a difference!
 Ākonga Acheivement
Savanna Styles
Ākonga Savanna Styles recently competed at the Horse of the Year show in Hastings. This the pinnacle show for the season where the National titles for each equestrian discipline are decided. She placed 3rd in the 90cm Equitation Medal Show Jumping Class for riders 13 years and under. She placed 5th in the ESNZ National Show Hunter Equitation series for riders 12 years and under.
Congratulations Savanna!
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Kourtney Sublette
Ākonga Kourtney Sublette recently competed in the Stealth Sub Series Jiu Jitsu competition. She competed in both the Gi, and no Gi divisions, and came second place in both of these!
Congratulations Kourtney!
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 Annabelle Shields
Ākonga Annabelle Shields was swimming for the Waikato Regional Performance Squad at the 2025 Auckland Swimming Age Group and Open Championships during the weekend.
She qualified for the 14-15year old age group finals in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events.
She finished:
-3rd in the 100m breaststroke with a personal best time
-4th in the 200m breastroke with a personal best time
-5th in the 50m breastroke with a personal best time
She also achieved a qualification time for the New Zealand Swimming Championship in May for the 100m breastroke. This is the pinnacle long course racing opportunity in New Zealand so the best in New Zealand will compete on the national stage. The qualification time is the same whether you are 13 or 113! So for a just 14 year old, it’s a huge achievement!
Congratulations Annabelle!  |
Manutaki Certificates
This week the following ākonga were recognised by their Manutaki for having received an outstanding Weekly Excellence Review. We celebrate these ākonga being more fully alive and reflecting the greater glory of God through their work and actions.
Year 7: Sol Ko
Year 8: Tamara Raymundo
Year 9: George Moody
Year 10: Felicity Kavanagh
Congratulations!  485 Award
The 485 Award celebrates students finding God in one another. This award is for students to nominate when they find God in one another. We had many nominations again this week and it was a pleasure for senior leaders to read through the nominations. Our top nominations this week are:
Jaeden Barillas nominated Xavier Ong for Compassion as he took care of his laptop when it was forgotten on the bus
Albertus Lautua nominated Torito Esquivel Garcia for Compassion as he helped him in Social Science when he didn’t know what to do
Hailey Zhao nominated Taren Naran for Conscience as he always smiles and lightens the mood when people are feeling gloomy
Savanna Styles nominated Ivy Riedel for Compassion as she helped her catch up on some homework after she was away for one week
Rupert Archer nominated Benjamin Hunter for Compassion as he helped him to study and achieve Magis in the Science assessment
Peni Helu nominated Konrad Karena for helping a Year 7 find his PE gear after the PE lesson
Isabella Porter nominated Georgia Sayers for Commitment as she helped her learn ukulele when she was confused
Our winning 485 nomination this week was: Quinn Robinson nominated Annabelle Shields for Conscience as she is always a role model for people inside and outside of school.
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Punctuality
Being on time and present for all lessons is an important part of attendance. This starts with ākonga/students arriving on time at the beginning of the day and being punctual to all classes throughout the day. Missing parts of lessons can lead to gaps in learning and may disrupt both the student’s progress and the class. Being on time for each lesson supports positive outcomes for all our ākonga.
We understand that there may be times when lateness is unavoidable. In these cases, we require a note from parents or caregivers explaining the reason. Ākonga who arrive late without an explanation may receive a consequence aligned with our restorative model.
School starts promptly at 8:45 am with Rōpū Kaiārahi. Ākonga arriving after this time should report to Student Reception to sign in. Lateness should be explained with a note, through the school app, or via email to [email protected].
Consistent unexplained lateness will be addressed in line with our Restorative Practice approach to encourage accountability and support positive habits.
House Display Competition
This year we were delighted to welcome Fr Robert Seddon and Bridgette Carne to judge our 2025 House Display Compettition. Each house had the challenge of creating a student-led display which helps share important details about the House Patrons and shows how the House Patrons can inspire ākonga today.
As you can see from the photos the results are very impressive! The judges had a very tough time selecting the winner - which will be announced in assembly next week. The judges however noted the following about each House Display:
XB - The use of stained glass and Gregorian Chants was impressive!
FM - Of note here is the application of how the influence of the House Patrons inspires the House Spirit.
RA - The judges loved the tree of virtues and how personalised the students had made this display with their own reflections
AM - The inclusiveness of the AM display and reference to different cultures and languages really stood out.     | |  |
 New Staff
Each week we will introduce you to new members of our school staff. This week we would like to introduce you to Mr. Mark Harrison and Mrs. Libby Barr.  | | Mr. Mark Harrison - Social Sciences
I am truly thankful for being given the opportunity to be employed here at St Ignatius this year.As a Kaiārahi teacher, I am looking forward to leading my Year 7 Ropū Kaiārahi through the next few years of their education in Xavier Barbier House. |
I will also be teaching in both the Social Sciences and Arts Faculty, both of which are huge passions of mine. During my 13 years of teaching I have taught Social Studies, History, Classics, Drama and Performing Arts Technology.
I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the culture of the school and reigniting my passion for teaching. What I’m hoping to achieve here this year is to interact with as many people as possible (staff and students), build relationships, learn names, and ultimately learn from every individual.
A fun fact about me is that I still like to act and I attempt to still get on stage as much as possible - I recently directed my first show with adults, which quenched my thirst a little.  | | Mrs. Libby Barr - Mathematics
Kia ora! I am thrilled to join St. Ignatius this year as a mathematics teacher. I have taught primary school for 20 years, most recently at Ararimu School, and am excited to make the move to teaching mathematics full time. I hope to continue to grow my knowledge and skills in teaching mathematics and support students in their learning as they navigate their way through these crucial years. A fun fact about me is that I majored in Ancient History at university and when I first saw the Colosseum in Rome I cried tears of joy. |
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Monday Community Mass - 7:30am 24th March
FOSI Meeting (PTFA) 6:30pm 27th March
Young Vinnies No Bag Challenge Day - Thursday 27th March - Young Vinnies Students Only
Wear Your Own Clothes Day (Easter related goods donation) - Friday 28th March
Stations of the Cross (lunchtime 1:30pm) Friday 28th March
Romero House Mass - Wednesday 2nd April
Parent/Teacher Interviews - Wednesday 9th April, Thursday 10th April
Holy Week Liturgy - Friday 11th April
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It's Easter Raffle Time!
Get ready for our exciting Easter Raffle! To help fill our delicious goodie hampers, we’re holding a Wear Your Own Clothes Day on Thursday 28 March. Instead of a gold coin donation, please bring along an Easter treat - chocolate eggs, bunnies, marshmallow eggs, or Easter cookies all make fantastic prizes.
Raffle tickets will be on sale for $2 each at school on 7 & 8 April and during parent-teacher interviews on 9 & 10 April.
Winners will be drawn on 11 April - don’t miss out!
Thank you for your support, and good luck!
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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