Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,
This week it was a pleasure to welcome the team from the Diocese of Auckland to evaluate our Catholic character. With our motto being Finding God in all things, it was easy to help the team see and understand the faith life of the school.
Now that we have settled into the pattern of daily life then our motto has not become any less important. As a community we intentionally keep ourselves tuned to the presence of God in our lives through all that we do. This may be through seeing somebody helping somebody else, seeing somebody smile, seeing somebody learn something new; big moments and little moments. When we stay tuned like this then we bring God into the here and now; the love of God becomes a tangible reality.
Staying tuned to God’s presence doesn’t always come naturally. It takes intention, patience, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious. But when we make the effort to find God in our lives, our perspective transforms to become much deeper and meaningful. It is a truly positive experience affirming that we are loved and blessed, as are those around us. This is affirming for us all. We see the value in ourselves, the value in others and the value in our relationships.
So, collectively, as a faith community, let’s keep this at the forefront of our lives. Let’s be a community that doesn’t just speak of faith but lives it wholeheartedly by finding God. Together, let us keep our eyes and hearts open, confident that God is with us, guiding and inspiring us to become who we have been created and called to be. To become the greater glory of God.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam
Dean Wearmouth
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Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
The Gift of Prudence
This past week, the school went through its first Catholic Character Review by the Diocese. The main intention of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of what the school has implemented and is planning to do, so that it could safeguard and strengthen its Catholic character. Ultimately, all New Zealand Catholic Schools are mandated to aim to provide a genuine encounter with the person of Jesus Christ for the community, especially the ākonga. The schools are to grow their desire to know Christ and have a deeper relationship with Him. With Christ in their lives, our ākonga may hopefully communicate Him in their word and deed; and bring their Catholic faith, culture and life into harmony wherever they may be.
Our programmes at school have been curated to achieve those long-term goals. We have been deliberate in focussing on spiritual and religious formation of our ākonga where reflectiveness is promoted. We have been training them to become servant leaders within the school community and beyond. We have approached all curricula and pastoral care in the Ignatian tradition. In her address to the staff at the end of their 3-day review, Mrs. Monica Johnson, the team leader, found our programmes to be a “synthesis” that has worked well across the school, demonstrating a strong Catholic character.
After one year, we have achieved a lot. The staff members have demonstrated a strong commitment to their work and beyond. Our ākonga have conducted themselves well and embraced the formation that has been on offer to them. The whanau have also responded positively to what has been happening at school. It is right for us to feel grateful. We dare to say that we are in much consolation too. We are feeling closer to God.
At this junction, Saint Ignatius of Loyola would probably remind us to remain alert of the movements of the spirit. When he was all highly-spirited at the start of his conversion, while on a journey, Ignatius had a chat with a Moor man whom later he found to be insulting to Mary, Mother of Jesus. Ignatius felt the need to respond. Still being unable to properly discern God’s will in making the decision, he let his donkey decide if he would leave the man unharmed; or if he would deal with him in an uncharitable way. Prudence seemed to have eluded Ignatius, but gratefully not the donkey.
 Ignatius and the Moor by P. Rubens, c. 1609 (https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2016/03/16/ignatius-and-the-moor/)
In times of consolation, the bad spirit would try hard to lure us away from God. For us, it could be a temptation to become complacent. Another way is to entice us to strive for the wrong kind of magis. It may attempt to quietly instill in us a false imagination of a perfect Catholic school. Yes, we want to do more and be more. We desire to achieve our magis, but only so far as it gives a greater glory to God. Ignatius thought that “perfection could be the enemy of good.” For example, aiming for a flawless outcome could prevent us from starting or completing something good and valuable. We need to continue to be discerning. We need to be prudent in our choices.
Pope Francis describes prudence simply as "right reason in action." It has to do with knowing what is good and evil; so that we can test it when we are facing a conflicting situation. This year, our ākonga will learn about the four cardinal virtues. They will learn to grow the gifts of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, so that by their lives, they can demonstrate an even stronger Catholic character of our school.
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Curriculum
Health
Community Health Consultation 2025
Community health consultation is a requirement for New Zealand schools
to ensure that health education programs meet the needs of the
community. The purpose of the consultation is to inform you about what
we are doing in Health Education and to ask for your feedback. The primary
provider for our health delivery is Loving for Life, a Christian charity whose
programmes align with the requirements of both the New Zealand Health
Curriculum and the New Zealand Catholic Bishops. Information about
their programmes can be found on their website: https://lovingforlife.org.nz/.
We would appreciate it if members of our community could complete
the survey below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdp1cqwByiuKru
p7JcnnBq1jt1HMpvNJEA2DPHVIG0sToDMA/viewform?usp=dialog
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]
 Music
The Year 9 ākonga are currently rehearsing for their upcoming band assessment. This is a great opportunity to learn how music can be a powerful collaborative experience, and how to voice opinions in a productive way towards a common goal. The students are taking what they learned in class to create their own chord progressions and write their own song as a band. Its been fantastic to hear them so far, and is building great excitment to hear the end products!
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 Sport
Kia ora whānau,
We are a rapidly growing school, and our ākonga have interests in a wide range of sports and activities. Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping our sports programs running. To support their passion, we are seeking volunteers to help make sport happen!
We are in needs of coaches for the following Sporting Codes:
Rugby Year 10
Rugby Year 9
Netball Year 9
Netball Year 8
Netball Year 7
Football Boys
Football Girls
Badminton
AIMS Games Update – Coaches Wanted!
We’re excited to have two teams already prepared for AIMS Games Basketball and Netball, with Girls’ Football trials happening next week!
Our accommodation booking allows for two more teams, and we’re looking for keen coaches to lead a RIP Rugby team and a Boys’ Football team.
If you're interested, please contact Whaea Mel.
A full AIMS Games overview meeting will be held in Week 10 of this term.
Let’s make this an incredible experience for our ākonga!
 This weeks results:
Orienteering
Round 4 results Rosehill College
Year 7 Girls
2nd Sian Balle
3rd Clara Wielenga
11th Kate Hainsworth
Junior Girls
10th Natalie Lee
11th Veda Anuraj
12th Layla Mohan
Junior Boys
4th Drew Liefting
5th Max Ovington
7th Kees Smith
Nacho Esquiel Garcia, Kaeleb Allison & Indi Allison also attended but have been missed from results.
Well done to all our students! We’ve got 2 more rounds to go, and a few of our students are looking good for series points.
Round 5 17th March at Strathallan (entries closed)
Round 6 24th March at Manurewa High School (entries close Wednesday 19th March)
Auckland Sprint Champs - Sunday 6th April, Macleans or St Kentigern College
Expression of interest for upcoming orienteering events click here
See Counties Manakau Orienteering website for other events outside of this series
Franklin Zone Year 7 & 8 Swimming Sports
On Tuesday, seven of our swimmers represented the school at the Franklin Zone Swimming Sports, and they all stepped up to the next level with outstanding performances!
Congratulations to Sian Balle, Renzo Johnson, and Ava Latu, who have qualified for the Auckland Champs!
When I went to the Jubilee Pools for Zone Swimming I didn’t know anybody. I was the only boy representing St Ignatius! I had butterflies all over, but at the same time I felt confident and I knew I could do it. Heats were a little bit tough because the competition was strong, but once I reached the finals I realised my mistakes and I tried to fix them. In backstroke and breaststroke I came first, and in freestyle it was a close race for first and second. The highlight was that although I started the day alone, I made many new friends from different schools. The relays brought me closer to other North Group participants. Making a lot of new friends on the way can help me when I go further with my swimming, like Auckland Champs.
- Renzo Johnson 7XB
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 Rugby Pre-Season Training
We had our first rugby preseason session with Luke Lentner from Counties Manukau Rugby Club, and despite the rain, we had a fantastic turnout! He ran engaging activities in La Storta, and it was great to see so many students get involved. We hope to see even more growth each week.
We’re also excited to be developing a rugby programme in collaboration with Ardmore Marist to help grow the game at our school. This initiative will strengthen rugby, develop our players, and create more opportunities for our ākonga.
Stay tuned for more details!
CMRFU Preseason Training: Wednesday Lunchtime - Rugby Field (unless raining)
Tennis
Congratulations to ākonga Rafabella Forsyth for her incredible second place medal at the recent Manukau Secondary Schools Tennnis Tournament!
Well done Rafabella!!  Athletics
Last Tuesday we sent 15 students to the Counties Manukau Secondary Schools Athletics Championships. Our students were incredibly successful in many of the events they competed in, with two being recognised and rewarded as overall champions and received a championship medal.
They have also been named in the Counties Manukau Team to compete at the North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Hamilton.
Congratulations to:
Intermediate Girls Best Field Athlete - Emerenziana Lautua
Junior Boys Best Field Athlete - Nacho Esquivel Garcia
 Up Coming Events
Clay Target Shooting
Letters have gone out to those who attended the meeting at school. If you have missed out and have a serious interest in taking up Shooting please email Theresa Knight
2025 Ultra RIP Franklin Teams
Trainings:
Tuesday 18th and Tuesday 25th at Lunchtime
Bring PE Gear and be on the field quickly!
Game Day:
Wednesday 26th at John Lightbody in Tuakau
A permission slip and letter with details will be sent to parents.
If you did not get selected, keep in mind there are many other opportunities to represent St ignatius. Check the Google Classroom, listen to the notices and read the Newsletter every Friday night.
 Waterpolo
Year 9 & 10 One day Tournament Saturday 5th April
We are looking to put together a team for this tournament, options are a girls team or mixed.
We are also interested in collecting expressions of interest from all year levels who may be interested in participating in Water Polo.
Please register your interest here
Auckland Secondary Schools Athletic Champs
Tuesday 18th & Thursday 20th March
Indiana, Emereziana, Siena, Douglas, Logan & Quinn will be representing the school over the 2 days. Best of luck to you all!
Year 7 & 8 Girls Football trials
Intro to football
Thursday 20th March, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Trials
Thursday 27th March & 3rd April, 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location - St Ignatius, Fields
AIMS Girls Football registration
Basketball
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
A muster will be held later this term for Muster Students interested in playing Basketball for St Ignatius – Date to be announced
Sport Musters
Football Year 9 and 10 Boys and Girls: Monday Morning Tea - La Storta
Hockey Year 9 and 10 Boys and Girls: Tuesday Morning Tea - La Storta
Year 9 and 10 Boys and Girls Badminton: Tuesday 3.05 - 4.30pm - La Storta Ākonga Elective
Young Vinnies
This year, Young Vinnies has been split into two groups: Mini Vinnies and Senior Vinnies. Both groups are large, indicating just how interested the ākonga are in serving those in need.
The year started with a visit from two coordinators, Lucia Tavite and Jackson Barker, from Young Vinnies Tamaki Makaurau, who taught both groups about the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. This was a fun and educational event, as the ākonga got to do icebreakers, get to know the coordinators and the vision of the society.
We also did a 'Helping Hands Web' icebreaker in Senior Vinnies, where ākonga had to share a kind act they had done recently while holding onto a piece of the string. By the end of the activity, students were all holding a piece of the string, showing how they are all connected by acts of kindness. This not only served as a relationship-building activity, but emphasised our main motivation in Young Vinnies: to let compassion guide our actions.
On Monday, our Young Vinnies leaders, Annabelle Shields and Ignatious Noue, attended an Auckland Vinnies Secondary School Council meeting to learn more about what it means to be a Vincentian and connect with other Vinnies school leaders across Auckland. Here is Annabelle's reflection on it:
This week, Ignatius and I had the honor of attending the monthly AVSSC Young Vinnies Tāmaki Makaurau meeting at St Peter’s College, Auckland. The evening focused on collaboration, service, and leadership within our schools and communities, highlighting how we, as young leaders, can make a meaningful impact in the world. It was an incredible experience filled with inspiring speakers and meaningful conversations. We left with new friendships, great service ideas, and a strong, supportive team from school wide Vinnies members for 2025! - Annabelle Shields
So far, we are off to a great start and are enjoying our involvement in schoolwide initatives, like our Wear Your Own Clothes Day today. In lieu of a gold coin, ākonga were asked to bring in an item of food to support Papakura's St Vincent de Paul food bank. It was really heartwarming to see the generosity of all ākonga in our school today, and their contributions will help many people in need.
    Environmental Club Elective
This week the Environmental Club helped to install composting bins in the school garden area. Our akonga were involved in the whole process and the bins will become part of our food scraps composting initiative this year. Tim and Richard from the CarbonCycle Company were very knowledgeable and worked well with the students. Later in the year we will be having a composting workshop with a long term plan to producing our own compost fertiliser.
 Ākonga Acheivement
Ākonga Pippa Wilson and her horse Minnie collected seven placings in classes at the Horse of the Year competition last week. This is a national event, and Pippa achieved 4th NZ Preliminary Dressage Pony of the Year 2025, following good placings in two dressage title classes.
Pippa also won Horse of the Year Pinto Pony Rider from the Pinto Show Ring!
Congratulations Pippa and Minnie!
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Careers
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!  Donation Certificate / Tax Receipts
Please note, all Donation Certificates / Tax Receipts will be generated and emailed to all parents after the 31st March 2025 as the IRD financial year runs from April to March. Calling All Parents/Caregivers Who Can Sew!
We need your sewing skills! Our school production is coming up, and we're putting together a work party to create amazing costumes for our performers. If you're handy with a sewing machine and would love to help, we'd love to have you on board!
Work party dates to be confirmed - stay tuned for details
Express your interest by emailing Mrs. Allan: [email protected]
You help will make a huge difference - thank you in advance. Attendance Procedures – A Friendly Reminder
Absences
If your ākonga | student is unable to attend school due to illness, please let us know before 9:00 AM through the SchoolBridge App, by emailing [email protected] or calling. It is a legal requirement that all ākonga are accounted for whether at school or not.
If your child is away for more than three days due to illness, we’ll need a medical certificate.
Leaving During the School Day
Sometimes, ākonga may need to leave school during the day for a medical appointment. To help things run smoothly, please send a request through the SchoolBridge App, email [email protected] or calling by 9:00 AM on the day of the appointment.
An exit pass will be issued, and your child will need to sign out at Student Reception when they leave and sign back in when they return later that day.
Pro Tip: If you give the office plenty of notice, we can have your child ready and waiting for pickup — this makes things easier for everyone!
Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly — we really appreciate your support. 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. Michael Tupaea and Mrs. Julie Burton  | | Michael Tupaea - Technology/Art
I am beyond excited to be joining St Ignatius as a teacher of Art, Science, and Digital Technologies.
With a background in Computer Science, I am passionate about blending creativity with technology to make learning exciting and relevant. I look forward to contributing to the school's Catholic character and fostering a positive, values-driven environment. |
This year, I hope to develop a dynamic and future-focused Digital Technologies programme that engages students and equips them with essential skills. Fun fact: For a brief moment in time, I was the youngest person on Earth!  | | Julie Burton - Asst HOF HPE and Year 9 Manutaki
I am excited to be joining St. Ignatius as the Year Nine Manutaki and Assitant Head of Faculty for Health and Physical Education.
I am a past St Joseph's Primary Pupil and my children attend there now. I have spent the past eight years at Tuakau College. |
I look forward to applying the knowledge and experience I’ve gained as both an outdoor instructor and Head of Outdoor Education to create a dynamic and engaging Outdoor Education programme here. Additionally, I’m eager to support our ākonga in their journey to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award. A fun fact about me – I kayaked solo from Cape Reinga to Auckland! |
Monday Community Mass 7:30am 17th March
Auckland Secondary School Athletics Champs Tuesday 18th March (selected students)
Photo Catch Up Session Thursday 20th March
Stations of the Cross (lunchtime 1:30pm) Friday 21st march
FOSI Meeting (PTFA) 6:30pm 27th March
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Start getting your team together for our Quiz Night on 09 May. This will be an 18+ event and is a fantastic opportunity for our school and extended community to come together for a fun-filled evening - all while raising funds for a much-needed sunshade in our school courtyard. We are also reaching out to local businesses and community members for donations - whether in the form of prizes for our winners, raffle items, or financial contributions. Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference in creating a shaded space where our students can learn and play comfortably. Please contact [email protected]
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!
No commitment is expected - just a great opportunity to meet like-minded parents, learn more about what we do and see how we support the school. Whether you're curious or looking to get involved, we'd love to see you there.
All are welcome! Mark your calendar and come enjoy a relaxed and friendly evening.
 The FOSI Cookie Dough Fundraiser is officially underway! Stock your freezer with delicious, ready-to-bake cookie dough - perfect for a quick treat or last-minute baking.
How It Works:
Every student who participates earns 5 House points!
The student with the most sales will win a Hungry Wolf voucher - so start selling!
Orders must be placed by 30 March - don’t miss out!
Cookie dough pick-up will be on 01 May - mark your calendars.
Your support helps fund important school initiatives, so spread the word to family and friends. Let’s make this fundraiser a huge success!
To register: https://stignatiuscollegecookies.raiseit.co.nz/
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