Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,
This week when we celebrated the Feast Day of St Ignatius it was heartening to see how our whole school engaged on the day. All students prepared skits in houses to celebrate the life of St Ignatius and how we see his influence on the life of our school and how his influence can draw us closer to Christ. All students participated and it was humbling to see their efforts after our Feast day Mass in the afternoon. It was a day of real celebration and testament to the school culture that has developed at St Ignatius.
Today we were honoured to welcome Br Guy Consolmagno to our school, along with groups of gifted and talented Year 10 students from other Catholic colleges across the Diocese of Auckland. Br Guy is Director of the Vatican Observatory and is the Pope’s official astronomer. Br Guy gave an inspiring address to the gathered assembly about faith, science and how they go hand in hand. It is this positive messaging about our faith that gives strength to young people to go out into the world and be confidently Catholic in the professions they choose to follow. It was also the sharing of finding God through the pursuit of an academic and professional field that all gathered were encouraged to find God in our everyday lives. It was a truly inspirational end to the week. Finding God in all things.
Inveniens Deum in omnibus,
Dean Wearmouth  |
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The Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola
The Feast Day of St Ignatius is a special day for the Society of Jesus, for all ministries of the Jesuits and for our school that carries the name of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. We celebrate the legacy of the saint who had contributed positively to the Church and the world through the witnessing of his faith.
He was a wounded soldier who had a rich imagination. He went through a radical personal transformation after his “cannonball” moment which allowed him to reflect more deeply about his life priorities. He began to put the lens of God to see the world. Charged with idealism and dedication, he embarked on a new journey to find God in all things. Yet, at the early stage, that led him into despair and desperation. He almost killed himself.
Gradually, he allowed God to reign over his heart and subsequently his whole life. The big dreams he had to change the world by going to Jerusalem to convert people turned into almost a confinement in a small office in Rome, writing his vision, his dreams and his thoughts. Ultimately, he was sharing God from that office and to the world. How much bigger a dream that was!
Both a pragmatic and a mystic, Ignatius was on the periphery of the Church. He was happy to be a beggar to help others as well as to mingle with the rich and powerful. He saw the needs to educate the younger generations as well as the needs to engage with science. His heart was only fixated on his Lord, Jesus. He often spent time in Masses and imaginative prayers, and found himself in tears.
We are the sons and daughters of Saint Ignatius, inheriting not only his crest but also his call. In his footsteps, today, we also pray, “Take Lord, and receive all my liberty.” That is a dangerous and yet powerful prayer. May it shape our imaginations, our decisions and our whole way of proceeding. May everything we do, everything we aspire to be - great or small - be “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” (for the greater glory of God.)
Happy Feast Day.
- Fr Eka Tanaya SJ
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From the Board of Trustees |
FROM THE BOARD
ELECTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD
Secondary schools around August /September each year hold an election for a student/ākonga to be a member of the Board. There are regulations which every school is required to follow with regards to this election:
- Year 10 – 13 students/ākonga are eligible to stand for election
- The term of office is for one year.
- Year 9 – 13 students/ākonga are eligible to vote in this election
It is Important that students/ākonga and families/whanau understand some of the implications of being elected as the student representative. These include:
Attending the monthly board meeting generally held on the second Tuesday of the month starting at 6.30pm. The length of the meetings varies and can finish any time between 7.30 – 8.30pm but sometimes can go slightly later.
Possibly joining a Board Committee, such as the Policy Committee or the Catholic Special Character Meeting which are generally held on the third Tuesday on the month from 6.00 – 7.00pm
The elected students/ākonga will therefore require an appropriate form of transport to and from meetings and will need to be picked up reasonably promptly at the conclusion of a meeting. Parents/whanau can wait in the College Library during these meetings if this was most convenient.
The elected student brings to the board a student/ākonga viewpoint/ perspective. They do not gather or receive information from other students/ākonga, nor do they report back to students/ākonga. Please see The Student Representative Role Description Policy.
The timeline for the election of the student/ākonga representative is set nationally:
Call for nominations Tuesday 12 August
Nominations close Monday 18 August 12 noon
Voting papers issued Monday 25 August
Poll closes Friday 5 September 10am
Votes counted
Election Candidates notified of results as soon as possible.
Attend first Board meeting Tuesday 14 October 6.30pm
Parents/whanau if you have queries about the election process, please contact the Election Returning Officer Mrs Karen Fromont.
If you wish to discuss the role please contact the Principal/Tumuaki Mr Wearmouth
The Board looks forward to welcoming a student/ākonga as a member of the Board and believe this will help to enrich our discussion and decision making.
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Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, our patron, with a full day of activities, including Mass and a skit competition. During Mass, we presented Ignatian Awards to students, staff, and community members who exemplified the Ignatian Spirit through their involvement with the college. In the afternoon, the school was entertained by dramatic performances by students depicting the life and values of St Ignatius of Loyola.
Official photos from the event will be available next week.
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 Faith and Science: A Visit from the Vatican
Today we had a special visitor from the Vatican. Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ is the Director of the Vatican Observatory. He holds a doctorate in planetary science. He has worked with NASA, and has an asteroid named after his name—Asteroid 4597 Consolmagno. Brother Guy has traveled the world to share his wisdom and experience presenting how science and faith work together—not as enemies, but as partners in the search for truth. He once said, “Science is an act of worship.” When he looks at stars, moons, or a tiny meteorite under a large telescope, he sees the fingerprints of God. He tackles big questions of faith and science with warmth, humour, and honesty. His mission is simple: to demonstrate that faith and reason can be and should be integrated in our pursuit of truth, that ultimately belongs only to God.
Brother Guy’s talk and the Q&A session that followed was enjoyed by all. Much learning happened. Deeper reflections ensued. We were also privileged to be joined by some student representatives and staff from a number of Catholic schools in the diocese: Carmel, Sancta Maria, St. Paul’s, Marcellin, Sacred Heart, Liston and St. Mary’s; and other special guests. May the encounter with Brother Guy open our horizons wider and allow us to find God in more things.
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Curriculum
Music
On Sunday our concert band performed and competed at the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition. This was held at the Hawkins Theatre and our band was able to perform what they had been working on with our woodwind tutor, Mr Scott McDowall. It was a fantastic performance which secured them 3rd place.
Congratulations!   Ākonga Elective
Ignite
Ignite is a group of reflective ākonga who put the lens of the Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church to look at the world around them. They spend time developing skills to reflect in the Ignatian way and to share their reflections within the school community. In practice, they have opportunities to share their reflections at a Mass or other liturgies at school. The hope is that their ministry would spark something positive in the hearts of the school community. For the greater glory of God, may they ignite hope, faith and love.
Here is a sample of a reflection shared by an Ignite member on the Feast of Saint Ignatius.
As a young boy, I would always want at least something for myself, such as achieving top scores in video games, getting respect from everyone, being top of the class, and much more. But when my family and teachers encouraged me to read the bible more, I began to hear a little voice in my head. I felt that God was speaking to me, guiding me through my work. God encouraged me to focus on important things, to be obedient and humble.
On Saint Ignatius’ feast day, I reflect on one of the most important aspects of his life. That is his conversion to God. Ignatius was a knight who wanted military fame, worldly success, wealth, and romance. He was a brave and courageous knight who found glory in his battles and in chivalry. But, in the battle of Pamplona in 1521, Ignatius got shot in the leg by a cannonball. He became bed-ridden for about half a year.
At that time, he wanted to pass time by reading the book he enjoyed reading: romance and chivalry. But the only books made available by his sister-in-law were the Life of Christ and the Life of Saints. These books slowly, but surely; ignited something in Ignatius' heart and his life started to change. As he read those books, Ignatius started having spiritual dreams more - the dreams that were filled with a desire to serve God with his life. He also dreamt of saints and their good deeds, such as Saint Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Sienna. These dreams left him with a deeper and longer sense of peace and joy, instead of the emptiness he felt when wanting something of the world.
Ignatius began to figure out that something strange was both helping and challenging him. God was working with him - encouraging, guiding, challenging and inviting him. He left his home with a great passion to serve God. At the shrine of Our Lady of Monserrat, he prayed all night and left his sword on the altar, symbolising a radical change in him. He also gave his fine clothes to a poor man and became a poor pilgrim; dressing himself in sandals and rough clothes. Ignatius stayed in a cave outside the town of Manresa, and started writing of the emotions he felt at the time; gratitude, anguish, relief, and sadness, while encountering Jesus in the Scriptures through his imaginative prayers. Through it all, he truly surrendered to God’s unconditional love for him. This experience helped Saint Ignatius write the Spiritual exercises and develop the practice of Ignatian Contemplation.
Later on, Ignatius felt a vocation to priesthood, but he did not have the educational requirements. So, he went back to school, studying Latin grammar with children. He continued his education at the University of Paris, where he shared his spiritual exercises with his classmates. Francis Xavier and Peter Faber did not only become his close friends but also joined him in founding the Society of Jesus. Both have been canonised as saints.
Ignatius’ conversion from the worldly desires to desires for God would soon inspire many people and set the world and its hearts on fire. The Society of Jesus began with 10 people and rose to be 36-thousand strong Jesuits worldwide at its peak and have left some good life-lasting impacts on the Catholic Church and the world. That is now often my dream, to have my heart converted by God and to desire what God desires. I might be a spark that will help set the world on fire.
Jaeden Barillas (7 Romero)
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Grandparent's Day Mass and Breakfast
On Monday the 28th of July we celebrated our Grandparents’ Mass in the
Companions of Jesus Chapel alongside our community. It was great to see so many ākonga and their grandparents attend the mass, which was celebrated by Fr Michael Smith S.J.
In his homily, Fr Michael reflected upon life with grandparents and their importance in the life of their grandchildren and the faith and stories that they pass on. We are grateful to all of our grandparents who attended the mass physically or were there in spirit, and pray for our grandparents who have died.
We thank our staff and students who helped make this event a memorable one. We ask Sts. Joachim and Anne (Grandparents of Jesus) to intercede for our grandparents as they accompany their children and grandchildren by passing on their wisdom, faith, and love.
Photos from the morning are available on our website under the Recent News section, or via the News link at the bottom of this newsletter.  |
Leave during term time
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College strongly encourages whānau to book holidays during the designated school breaks. In line with Ministry of Education guidelines, any holidays taken during the school term will be recorded as Unjustified.
If a student has 5 or more absences in a term, their attendance drops below 90%, which is the Ministry’s threshold for a student being considered as “regularly attending” school. Our goal is for all students to attend school at least 90% of the time, so planning family holidays during the official holiday periods is essential to support their learning and progress.
A reminder of the schools policy regarding overseas holidays during term time: The College expects trips to be taken in the school holidays. However, if it is necessary for ākonga/students to be away for an extended period of time (more than two school days) in term time, an application for leave must be made in writing by the parents/caregivers to the Principal outlining clearly the reasons and expected date of return. This application should be made at least two weeks in advance. Email: [email protected]
  Senior Kapa Haka Group Launching at St Ignatius
Thursdays | 3:30 – 4:30 PM | Starting 31 July
We are delighted to announce the launch of our Senior Kapa Haka Group at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, beginning in Week 3 of Term 3. Practices will be held every Thursday from 3:30pm – 4:30pm, starting on Thursday 31st July. This new rōpū is open to all students across the College, regardless of previous kapa haka experience. It provides an exciting opportunity for ākonga to deepen their understanding of Te Ao Māori, strengthen their knowledge of tikanga, and develop confidence in performing arts.
Looking ahead, this group will form the foundation of a competitive kapa haka team for our kura, representing St Ignatius with pride at future events and festivals. It will also play a key role in supporting cultural leadership within our College.
We encourage all interested ākonga to come along and get involved in this vibrant new initiative. For more information, please contact Katarina Turu-Heretaunga, our Kapahaka Tutor (027 371 4447). Ākonga who attend and express interest will be added to the group. Māori Language Week  | |
This year Māori Language Week will be celebrated during Week 10 Term 3 (September 15 - 19) We are looking forward to celebrating and promoting Māori language and culture in our community during this week.
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To help us in our planning for this celebration we would like to invite our Māori whānau to attend a meeting on Tuesday August 5 at 5:30 - 6:00pm in our Magis Centre at School. To confirm your attendance please follow the link: https://forms.gle/F9dqYTkRGDukcVR5A Winter Wellness Challenge
This week's Year 9 Winter Wellness Challenge focused on enjoying hobbies. Students needed to spend at least 30 minutes enjoying a hobby. Congratulations to Neeve Wharfe, this week's challenge winner, who received a Young at Art voucher.   Tongan Language Week
This year we will celebrate Tongan Language Week from the 17-23 August. The 2025 theme for Tonga Language Week is ‘Ko 'etau lea, ko e fe'unu mahu'inga ia ki he mo'ui 'a e Tonga - Our language is the lifeline strand for our Tongan culture’.
As part of our celebration of Tongan Language Week Celebration (17-23 August), we are creating a special display at school to honour and showcase our Tongan Community.
We would love your support and contributions to help bring this display to life! If you have any items, photos, or family information you’d be happy to share, please contact us. All contributions should be given to Mrs Thorby by Wednesday August 13. For further details, please email [email protected]
Watch this space for more details about our Tongan Language Week Activities! |
Tuesday 5th August - Auckland Distance Running at 9:00am Bruce Pulman
Tuesday 5th August - Franklin Group Day Cross Country Champs at 9.00am Pukekohe Show Grounds
Wednesday 6th August - Japanese Students Powhiri at 9.00am
Wednesday 6th August - Faber House Mass at 2:10pm
Thursday 7th August - Year 10 Art Trip depart 9.00am sharp
Monday 11th August - Community Mass at 7:30am
Monday 11th August - FOSI Meeting at 6:30pm
Tuesday 12th August - Franklin Zone Cross Country (Puke Showgrounds at 9:00am) - 24 qualifying students
Wednesday 13th August - Year 10 Retreat La Storta at 9:00am
Friday 15th August - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast Day Mass at 9:00am
Please note our 'Teacher Only Days'
Term Three - September 19th 2025
Term Four - October 22nd 2025
Ākonga Assessment Week
Please note a calendar change for all ākonga. End of Year Assessments for all ākonga occur Week 3 Term Four. Not Week 5 Term Three as previously shared.
Faber House Mass
The college invites all parents and caregivers of students in Faber House to attend the Faber House Mass on Wednesday, 6th August, at 2:10pm in the Companions of Jesus Chapel.
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Weathering the Winter Season
As we near the end of the winter sports season, we’re reminded just how much we are at the mercy of the weather. This past week, several tournaments were postponed due to the conditions.
We spare a thought for our volunteers and whānau — the coaches, managers, and drivers — who make these opportunities possible for our ākonga. Your generosity of time and spirit is the backbone of these experiences, and we acknowledge the impact these last-minute changes can have on everyone involved.
In the spirit of Magis, we remain committed to providing our young people with meaningful sporting opportunities that help them grow in mind, body, and heart. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we work quickly to complete the necessary EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) documentation.
NZSS Swimming Championships
Over the weekend Annabelle Shields & Paikea Maihi competed in the National Secondary Schools Swimming Championships. They needed to qualify to compete in this event.
Annabelle got 6th in the 100m and 200m breastroke and 7th in the 50m breaststroke…the 50m breaststroke was nail biting - 0.3 seconds separated 3rd and Annabelle - great results!
She also got 16th in the 200m IM and personal best times in the 50m and 200m backstroke.
Next up she will be competing in the NZ short course championships in the school holidays where she’s qualified for the 50m 100m and 200m breastrokes, 200m IM and 400m IM.
The School finished 100/125 which is a great result for a team of 2!
NZSS (New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships) was an awesome experience! I had so much fun competing, meeting new people from all over the country, and being part of a competitive atmosphere. One of my highlights was achieving 6 personal best times. This secondary school competition was an event that pushed me physically while making some great memories along the way.
Paikea Maihi - 10RA House Captain
Congratulations Isla Shields who has been selected for the Swimming Waikato Regional XLR8 squad this year!
 Rugby update -
Our Year 9 & 10 Boys had their final season match against Pukekohe High on the weekend,
Although we didn't get the W we saw a vast improvement in the team from the first game against this team early in the season. The development we’ve had the season has been a positive step forward as we look forward to the coming years.
Huge thanks to, our coaches & support team; Craig Bethell, Peter Fa’afiu, Dez Fail. Your support and dedication has definitely paid off.
Moving forward, we’re grateful to have the support of Counties Rugby at our school over the next few weeks. There will be running training sessions for our Year 7 & 8 rugby students, with focus on Rugby 7’s followed by 15 aside team development for next season.
As part of this initiative, we’ll be selecting teams to take part in a 7’s tournament at Wesley College next Wednesday 6th August for all age groups.
If you’d like to get involved & can assist in any way please contact Theresa Knight or Melanie Kemp
Netball
Our St Ignatius Red netball team have made it into the finals next week!
They have only lost 1 game this whole season against Pukekohe High School Year 10A who will be facing them inthe grand final. They will be seeking redemption to secure the top spot for Year 10 A grade. We encourage our school community to come down and support our girls in the finals next week.
Bruce Pulman.Wednesday 6th of August.
Court 8 at 5pm
Let's go St Ignatius Red!
 Keen to give back through sport?
We’re looking for Year 10 students who are interested in learning how to coach Touch or Volleyball. This is an awesome chance to grow your leadership, build confidence, and help out your school and community.
If you're keen to step up, learn new skills, and get involved, sign up now for the Student Coach Workshop happening on Wednesday, 11 September.
Student Volunteer - Expressions of Interest
Upcoming events
Keep on eye out on our week ahead document for upcoming fixtures and results
Week ahead
Sports Musters
Entering teams into competitions is subject to the amount of student interest in each code as well as appointing coaches, managers to these teams and allocated registrations.
Musters will be advertised on Google Sports Classroom, Notices and/or the newsletter
Table Tennis
Bowls
Weight lifting
Orienteering
Badminton
Cricket
Volleyball
Girls Tag Team
More information to follow -
Touch
Waterpolo
Year 7 & 8 Athletics
If coaching or managing any sports code is of interest to any of our wider school community we urge you to contact our sports team or fill out the following form
Coaching or Managing Expression of interest form |
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Introducing one of our newest FOSI Members...
 | | Hi everyone! My name is Neville Tiong, and I’m excited to be part of the St. Ignatius School community. I work as a Senior Production Manager at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare in East Tamaki. Before moving to New Zealand, I was a Development Engineer in the semiconductor industry in Singapore.
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Outside of work, I enjoy playing badminton and computer games. My son, Theon, is currently in Year 7 at St. Ignatius, and we’ve really enjoyed being part of the school’s vibrant environment.
Although I’m new to the PTA, I’m keen to get involved and help out wherever I can.
Looking forward to meeting more of you soon!
Our next meeting is Monday August 11 at 6:30pm - we'd love to see you there!
You can also contact us on [email protected] |
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:  |
Thank you to Michael Faulkner from Baker's Delight Pukekohe for providing all the bread for our St Ignatius of Loyola Feast day celebrations. We are greatly appreciative of this huge contribution! |
Youth Alpha
Youth Alpha is arguably one of the best resources out there for young people to learn about the reasons for their faith, ask questions, and discuss their struggles and beliefs in an environment which welcomes it, alongside other young people their age.
For ages 13+, the Pukekohe Youth Ministry will be running these short video and discussion group sessions every Friday evening of Term 3 from 5:30-6:45pm in the St Patrick's Parish Hall.
Open to everyone, no matter what Church community you are part of!
Here is the promo video if you want to take a look! -
https://youtu.be/OCdnlAxeVS4?feature=shared
If interested, please email [email protected]  |
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Grandparent's Day Mass and Breakfast 2025
On Monday the 28th of July we celebrated our Grandparents’ Mass in the Companions of Jesus Chapel alongside our community. It was great to see so many ākonga and their grandparents attend the mass, which was celebrated by Fr Michael Smith S.J. In his homily, Fr Michael reflected upon life with grandparents… | |  |
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