Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius Community,
After many recent significant achievements for our school community, this week during assembly I called on the school community to reflect on what it really means to be great. The world around us often tells us that greatness lies in being the most powerful, the most successful, the most famous. But I challenged our students with what Jesus offers as true greatness. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Jesus shows us that greatness is not about status, but service. It is the person who sees a need and helps and who gives their time and energy for others without expecting reward. At St Ignatius we are proud of our living school motto, Finding God in all things. A part of this way of living is that we must be the face of Christ to others and allow others find God through us; and we should do this without seeking recognition, or an award, or a reward.
In the spirit of service without seeking reward, St Ignatius of Loyola also teaches us this, inviting us to live generously, trusting that all we are and all we have is a gift from God. One of his prayers is:
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
all I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace; that is enough for me.
In this prayer, we see the same message about how we should approach the gifts we have been provided with and that we too can offer them freely in love to others to do God’s will. At school and in wider life, we can see examples of and become this greatness. This is our challenge as a community. In the pursuit of our own personal excellence, how do we make and give time to be a servant to others. More importantly, how do we do this in the name of God. It begins with gratitude: recognising what we have, and choosing to share it generously. As a school, we are intentional in nurturing this spirit. We are becoming people who understand that true greatness is found in becoming the greater glory of God.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam.
Dean Wearmouth  |
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear the well-known story of Martha and Mary. Jesus arrives at their home, and while Mary sits at His feet, listening intently, Martha busies herself with the tasks of serving. Frustrated, Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus gently responds, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
This story is not about choosing between action or prayer, but about holding both in balance. Martha’s service is good and necessary—it is an act of hospitality, a form of love in action. But in her busyness, she has lost sight of the person she is serving. Mary, on the other hand, recognises the importance of being fully present with Jesus. She chooses to simply sit, listen, and be with Him. In our daily lives, we often fall into the same trap as Martha. We can become so occupied with our responsibilities—at school, at work, in our homes, or even in our ministries—that we risk losing sight of why we do these things in the first place. Service is essential, but not at the cost of our relationship with God. If we are not careful, our activity can drown out the quiet voice of Jesus inviting us to spend time with Him.
At St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, we encourage our ākonga to find this balance in their day. Our moments of service—helping others, contributing to the community, working diligently—must be grounded in time spent with God, whether through prayer, reflection, or in front of the tabernacle in the chapel. It has been really encouraging to see that there are many students and staff who do this at the beginning of the day by visiting the chapel. It is in these still moments that we are reminded that our worth is not measured by what we do but by who we are in God’s eyes.
So this week, reflect on your balance of prayer and action. Ask yourself: Am I making time to sit at the feet of Jesus, like Mary? Have I become so caught up in my tasks that I have forgotten to simply be with God? How can I ensure that my acts of service flow from my relationship with Him? Let us strive to be people who, like Mary, choose “the better part,” while also recognising the goodness of Martha’s service. In doing so, we live as fully engaged Christians—grounded in prayer, present to God, and active in love.  |
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Curriculum
English
Ākonga Ava Latu represented St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College at the Pukekohe Lions Club’s speech competition dinner on Wednesday evening.
She presented her speech, Togs Not Capes: The Real Heroes of Karioitahi, and was officially presented with her trophy and certificate.
 Religious Education
In Year 9 Religious Education, we have been learning about sacred art and how it can help us grow closer to our relationship with God. At the end of Term 2, we created Icons that serve as a window into heaven, and explored how to pray with icons, using them as a way to deepen our connection with God.   International
China Trip
At the moment we have 4 staff and 22 students travelling around China! Highlights so far have been the Global Youth Ambassadors Project, which saw our students working alongside Chinese students at summer school, and Disneyland!
More photos and information will be shared next week when they return to school. Three videos have been shared via our Facebook page, make sure you check them out!  New Building - Staff visit
On Wednesday afternoon Staff had the opportunity to tour the new building, and see the progress that has been made. The new building includes a purpose-built dance and drama studio, multiple classrooms, and covered outdoor areas, among other exciting elements. At the moment everything is on track for the start of next year. Year 9 Winter Wellness Challenge
This week’s Year 9 Winter Wellness Challenge focused on developing an attitude of gratitude. Students were encouraged to reflect on the positives in their lives by writing down five things they are grateful for. From appreciating friends and whānau to sunny winter mornings, it was heartening to see such thoughtful responses. Congratulations to Indiana Falanitule, this week’s challenge winner, who chose a beautiful gift box full of stationery from Warehouse Stationery, Pukekohe.  Bible Study Group
Every Tuesday, a group of 20-40 students meet together at lunchtime (sometimes enjoying a serve of FREE pizza, baking or chips!) for a weekly Bible Study with the Local Youth Minister, Bridgette.
In these sessions, we play fun interactive games, have Bible memory verse competitions (with a free Bible and bar of chocolate on offer) and break open the Word of God together, learning how to apply Biblical teachings to our everyday lives. Students are week-by-week learning how to read the Bible and pray with it, as we reflect on the Gospel of the Mass of the Sunday just been. We even at the end of Term 2 had the privilege of having a Q&A session with the Seminarians! There were a lot of laughs.
Bible Study is a very fruitful time for all students, and we are always delighted when new faces turn up! All are invited! Tuesdays at Lunchtime in Room 31.
 Ākonga Elective  Duke of Edinburgh
This year, a group of dedicated students have been working hard towards achieving their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. As part of the Adventurous Journey section, they are preparing for an exciting tramping expedition through the stunning Karangahake Gorge. In addition to their outdoor preparation, students have been actively engaged in the other sections of the award: developing new skills such as learning an instrument or cooking, volunteering their time to support others or clean up the environment, and participating in regular physical activity to improve their fitness. Their commitment across all areas of the award reflects their determination to challenge themselves and grow through a variety of experiences.   Ākonga Acheivement
John Glynos
Ākonga John Glynos recently placed first in his division at the Indoor National Field Archery competition. He also broke another national record and now holds the highest score in New Zealand Field Archery Association history for this event.
Congratulations John!
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Year 10 Ākonga Taster Sessions Tuesday 22nd July
On Tuesday, July 22nd, all Year 10 ākonga will take part in a full day of Taster Sessions, designed to give them hands-on insight into the subjects available for Level 1 NCEA in 2026. Students will be off their normal timetable and fully engaged in exploring a wide range of learning areas. Each student will have the opportunity to create a personalised timetable for the day by selecting from a variety of subject tasters. A link to the booking system—via School Interviews—will be emailed directly to students, allowing them to plan their day based on their interests and aspirations.
This exciting opportunity will support ākonga in making well-informed subject choices as they prepare for senior school. Following the Taster Day, students will be invited to make their selections for 2026, and a Senior Course Guide will be emailed home to assist families in the decision-making process. We encourage whānau to talk with their child about the sessions they attend and to begin the important conversations around future learning pathways.
Lost Property
Our lost property collection is currently home to a surprising number of unnamed items — some of which have been waiting to be reunited with their owners for over six months.
Despite regular reminders in morning notices, many of these belongings remain unclaimed. We also have a couple of pairs of school shoes and some school uniform should you be missing any of yours.
We’d love for these items to make there way home before the end of term. Items still in lost property after this time will be thoughtfully cleared to ensure space for the new term.
Miscellaneous lost property items are located in the Magis Centre, uniform and valubles are at Student reception, and PE gear is by the La Storta changing rooms.
 Cook Island Māori Language Week 2025
As part of our celebration of Cook Islands Language Week (3–9 August), we are creating a special display at school to honour and showcase our Cook Islands 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 Monday 28 July. For further details, please email: [email protected]
Watch this space for more details about our special Cook Islands Language Week assembly!  Tongan Language Week 2025
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’.
We invite all our Tongan families to attend a meeting next Tuesday July 22, 5:30pm in the Magis Centre.
The family meeting provides a platform to share ideas, plan activities, and collaborate on how we can best celebrate this language week. Your involvement is invaluable in making these events meaningful and inclusive.
To attend the Tongan Language Week Family meeting please please follow this link: https://forms.gle/hBp4PjCHJH5bijtu9 From our Community Constable - Lisa Ross
Bluelight would like to invite students and families to the Rainbow's End Funday. If you would like tickets, please register with Natasha from Blue Light.  |
Monday Community Mass - 7:30am Every Monday
FOSI Meeting (PTFA) - Monday 21st July @ 6:30pm in the staffrooom
Year 10 Ākonga Taster Sessions (all day) - Tuesday 22nd July
Tongan Language Week Family Meeting Tuesday 22nd July @ 5:30pm
Franklin Zone Hockey - Tuesday 22nd July @ 9.00am (30 Year 7 and 8)
Grandparents Mass - Monday 28th July @ 7:30am
Pre-AIMS Games Rippa Rugby Tournament (ACG Strathallan) - Tuesday July 29th @ 8:45am
Year 7 and 8 Franklin Zone Netball Tournament - Tuesday July 29th Pukekohe Netball Center @ 9:30am
Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola - Thursday 31st July
Year 9 Theatre Trip - Friday 1st August depart 9.00am sharp
Special Assembly - Vatican Visit - La Storta Friday August 1st @ 9.00am
Year 10 Art Trip - Thursday 7th August depart 9.00am sharp
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Grandparents Mass
The College invites all grandparents and grandparent figures of students to a Grandparents' Mass on Monday, 28th July, at 7:30 a.m. Tea and Coffee will follow the Mass, and students will have an opportunity to give their grandparents a tour of the school before the beginning of the school day. This will be a ticketed event to help with the catering. Tickets are available free of charge on the College website.  |
Digging Deep for the Final Games
As the weather cools, the competition heats up. Many of our winter sports teams are heading into the final stretch of their seasons, with only a few games remaining. We’ve seen great growth across all teams this season and now is the time for our ākonga to bring together all of the skills they’ve developed from their coaches and training, and combine them with our school values; showing grit, resilience, and a commitment to personal excellence right to the final whistle.
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Orienteering
During the holidays the following students, Max Ovington, Drew Liefting, Kees Smith, Sian Balle, Clara Wielenga & Poppy Illston competed in the NZSS Orienteering Champs held at St Cuthberts College & Woodhill Forest.
Being a National Championship event the competition was a lot tougher & more serious than other events the students have been to. All in all the students enjoyed their events & are looking forward to putting their learnings towards upcoming events.
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Sports Camp
We are inviting expressions of interest for the Year 8 Sports Camp taking place at Camp Adair in Hunua, from Monday 8th to Friday 12th September 2025.
This opportunity is available to students not attending the AIMS Games in teams and offers a tournament-style experience focused on sport, fun, and personal growth. Camp activities promote leadership, teamwork, and resilience – all in line with the values we uphold as a school.
We are planning to take 20 female and 20 male ākonga to represent our school in a week full of sporting challenges, outdoor adventure, and new friendships.
The estimated cost of attending camp is $350, which includes accommodation, meals, transport, and all activities.
To express your interest, please complete the following form:
Click here to submit your expression of interest
Upcoming events
Keep on eye out on our week ahead document for upcoming fixtures and results
Week ahead
 Orienteering events - click here
Sports with upcoming 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.
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.
For Term 4 Competitions, musters will be advertised on Google Sports Classroom & Notices for the following codes:
-Badminton
-Volleyball
-Cricket
-Touch
-Tag Tournaments
-Waterpolo
-Year 7 & 8 Athletics
AIMS Fundraising
There has been a lot of fundraising going on for the AIMS games, and we would like to thank those people who have given up their time to organise and run things like raffles, bake sales and car washes. Thank you to those who have contributed by supporting these fundraising efforts.
AIMS Netball Raffle Winner:
Congratulations to our winners!!
1st place - Cherie player ($2000)
2nd place - Min Lee- ($300)
3rd place - Pauline Fatongia (Movie Hamper)
Jen (Ticket Blue 035) - Hair Product package |
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Join Us for the Next FOSI Meeting!
Friends of St Ignatius (FOSI) warmly invite you to our next meeting on Monday, 21 July at 6:30 pm, held at the school. All are welcome! Come along to help us plan the rest of our events for this year and beyond! Your ideas, energy and support are vital as we continue to enrich and support our St Ignatius community. See you there!
We can be contacted at: [email protected] |
Inspiring Girls Expeditions and the Antarctic Research Centre at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington are happy to announce our third expedition and welcome applications from students throughout New Zealand.
Girls on Ice offers secondary school-aged girls the opportunity to join scientists, outdoor specialists and artists on mountain expeditions within NZ.
The expedition is free, and all gear is provided.
Read more about the programme and apply on our website: Girls on Ice New Zealand — Inspiring Girls Expeditions
Watch our 2025 expedition video on You Tube
Support your young science-enthusiasts to apply online: Girls* on Ice Aotearoa New Zealand - Inspiring Girls* Expeditions
Applications close August 17.  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 (starting from Friday 25th July) 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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