Principal's Message

Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,

This week it was excellent to see the commitment of families coming into school to discuss progress and also to hear so much positive feedback about the direction of the college and the experience of students and families. Our staff work exceptionally hard to ensure we are offering the best experience through the academic programme for our community and, at the end of a long term, your feedback has been a great boost for our hardworking staff going into the holidays. Thank you for your support.
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During assembly this week, we presented both termly Subject Magis Awards and Termly Virtues Awards. These awards help us to let our student body know what is important in class. Through seeking and finding their Magis, their personal best in the classroom, students are honouring themselves and honouring others around them. Through demonstrating virtue, students are also becoming their personal best, growing into whom they have been created and called to become by God. They are finding God in themselves and allowing their peers and teachers to find God in them. Growing into personal excellence is a whole human experience and not just about the grades, they are achieved when we strive to become the best in all areas of our lives. Congratulations to all students who received an award and to all other students who have strived for their Magis this term.

Over the coming holidays we would like all families to take the time and participate in our reflective question pilot, if you have not already done so. There are more details further down in the letter, including the instructions that were sent home with students. Participating in reflective conversations in the home will assist our students in the growth of their skills in listening and reflection leading to greater academic and personal successes. This type of action has many benefits for the family too, as outlined in last week’s Newsletter.

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to wish every member of our community a safe and blessed holiday. This Easter, let us rejoice in the miracle of the resurrection and the promise of new life that it brings. May we be renewed in faith and hope, and may we be witnesses to the love and peace of Christ in our lives. 
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In veniens Deum in omnibus. 

Dean Wearmouth

Catholic Character

Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka

Gratitude has an object

The final week of Term 1 saw the school celebrate a number of  wonderful events. Four ākonga received the gift of baptism, being welcomed into the family of God. Over 150 ākonga received awards for various achievements and other recognitions. Parents / caregivers - teachers interviews also gave opportunities for the whānau to celebrate students’ milestones in 2025. It is no surprise that many of us are feeling grateful.

But what does it truly mean to be grateful? Is it merely a fleeting emotion? A brief polite gesture toward someone? At their recent baptisms, the four students shared stories of what they did last year on Mother’s Day. Each did something special for their respective mothers. However, they knew that whatever special thing they did, it was not the full picture of their love for their mothers. From an early age, we instinctively know that the feeling of love is not an end in itself; but rather a response that is directed towards someone. 

Gratitude is like that. It requires an object, a recipient. For us Christians, God is the ultimate recipient, as we believe that God is the source of all that is good, even in the most ordinary things. Pope Francis suggests that we give thanks to God before and after meals. “That moment of blessing, however brief, reminds us of our dependence on God for life; it strengthens our feeling of gratitude for the gifts of creation; it acknowledges those who by their labours provide us with these goods; and it reaffirms our solidarity with those in greatest need" (Laudato Si’ #227). This is an interior attitude that needs cultivating by avoiding taking things for granted. We don’t want to lose the amazement of God’s wonders in our lives. 

I have recently witnessed how our students have been cultivating this sense of amazement. Every morning before school, quite a large number of students would spend a moment of their time in the Companions of Jesus Chapel, to say “hello” to Jesus, to pray for themselves, their families and friends, and to give thanks for the many gifts they have received. It is good that they make a conscious effort to give thanks to God daily, both in their personal prayers and in our school activities and events, such as the Examen. Their gratitude is not merely a fleeting feeling. It has an object. With faith, we know that the object of our gratitude is ultimately God. As we enter into the Holy Week, it is probably worth reflecting on what Pope Francis says: "The culmination of the journey of faith is to live a life of continual thanksgiving.” That way, we can be grateful by the many gifts in life; and we will even be more amazed by the Giver.

May you have a blessed Holy Week, a safe and joyful Term Break.

Reflective Question for the Week

In last week's newsletter, we asked you to discuss this question below as a family:

Who in your life has been a blessing to you, and how? 

How to Discuss:
This question is designed to be shared in class and at home. Here are some ways you could do this:
- Find a time when you are all together - at the dinner table or in the evening before you go to bed.
- Each person takes a turn answering the question - there are no right or wrong answers as it is based on your experience.

Some things to think about:
- The person could be a friend, a parent, or a grandparent.
- It doesn’t need to be your whole life you may like to pick an aspect of your life you are happy to share. e.g. at school or work.
- Keep it short and let each person take a turn with everyone listening.

College Life

Curriculum

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]

Itinerant Music

Trinity School of Music Exams 

At the end of 2024, four students worked alongside one of our itinerant teachers, Sarah McDowall, in preparation for sitting a Trinity School of Music exam on piano and were able to attain either a Distinction or Merit result for their work with Sarah during their music lessons at our school.  

Congratulations to Haeun Park, Klay Dela Pena, Daniel Scott and Torito Garcia 

Religious Education

On Friday 7M were learning how to make their own Rosary beads. They had to learn how to create the specific knot involved in the prayer sequence, and make sure they had the right amount of beads in each section. Some beautifully crafted Rosary beads were created, a real treasure for the ākonga to cherish.

Sport

At St Ignatius, our vision is to ignite a passion for sport in every ākonga, inspiring a lifelong journey of physical activity and personal excellence. This term, that vision has truly come to life. From high levels of participation in summer sports to the launch of our winter codes and completion of our AIMS Games teams.
We look forward to continuing this positive momentum into Term 2, with more opportunities for our ākonga to shine and grow through sport.

North Island Athletics Championships
Nacho Esquivel Garcia & Emereziana Lautua both represented Counties Manukau Secondary Schools at the North Island Champs over the weekend. 
Nacho competed in the junior boys age group and finished 15th in the 100m, 12th in the 200m, 12th in Long jump & 6th in the relay. 
Emereziana competed in the intermediate girls age group and placed 4th in both the shot put and discus events. 
Massive congratulations to these two athletes, we look forward to watching you grow with your athletic endeavors. 

Auckland Region Orienteering Sprint Champs 
Drew Liefting, Kees Smith, Max Ovington, Clara Wielenga & Sian Balle represented the school against some very tough competition last Sunday. It was a big day as there were two events they had to complete, the competition started in the morning at Macleans college with a very challenging course. In the afternoon they headed to St Kentigerns college to complete the second part of the competition. 
This team is growing stronger and stronger, next event is during the school holidays we wish you all the best for this event. 

Year 8 Girls
9th Sian Balle 
29th Clara Wielenga 

Junior Boys
26th Drew Liefting
28th Kees Smith 
34th Max Ovington

Auckland Secondary Schools Wrestling
Sam Newby competed at the Auckland Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships at Dillworth College last Friday representing St Ignatius of Loyola. He won both his matches and won gold in his division making him the Auckland Secondary School Champion in the 45kg division. 
Rhys Matthews made his debut in a very tough match against a seasoned wrestler. No doubt he will take his learning to his next event. 
Congratulations to both our students,

Equestrian
Last Friday Ākonga Pippa Wilson and Hannah Mackintosh proudly represented St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College at the prestigious NISS Dressage Carnival, held at St Peter's School in Cambridge. Immaculately turned out in their school equestrian uniforms and their pristine ponies, the girls took to the arena to compete in two Level 1 tests.

Pippa and Hannah demonstrated not only their skill but also the true essence of sportsmanship. From the moment they arrived, they supported each other every step of the way - helping to groom and tack up their ponies, offering words of encouragement before each test, and celebrating each ride, no matter the result.

While they may not have taken home ribbons on this occasion, the real triumph was their unwavering camaraderie, resilience, and dedication to their sport. Their teamwork and school spirit were a shining example of what equestrian competition is truly about.

AIMS Games Teams Lists

Netball 
Loisi Liava’a
Giarn Mataia
Ava Lilley
Emma Wattanpradit
Yasmin Giri
Lola Farrell
Katelyn Arkinstall
Azariah Stobbart
Sophie Clark
Mae Arnet

Rip Rugby 
Kitione Kaeoneti
Savanna Styles
Fatai Helu
Indie Williams
Nikheel Naran
Sophie Rowe
James Sochoon
Emily Stephenson
George Farrell
Ivy Riedel

Girls Football 
Bella Harman
Manoka Laga'aia
Olivia Malele
Grace Baker
Lily Greenwood
Ava Zimmerman
Clara Wielenga
Emma Ronald
Sian Balle
Caitlin McFadden
Eden Telling
Miá Brady

Boys Football 
Niko Wielenga
Cooper Crane
Spencer Ovington
Beau Kitney
David Strub
Coel Mair
Martin Sanchez Ros
Jovan Levkovski
Ebenezer Ofori-Anyinam
Keith Williams
Campbell Ashworth
Kris Anoop

Basketball 
James Santos
Torito Garcia
Kiean Platon
Ion Pagalunan
Toby Benge
Jones Elliott
Kian Barnado
Andy Nguyen
Ethan Clarito
George Matthew

Training Partners:
Ollie Moody
Luca Vatau
Xian Ong

Upcoming Events:

AIMS Games Player, Parent, Manager, and Coaches Meeting:
The AIMS Games Parent, Family, and Coaches Meeting will provide an overview of the tournament week, including fundraising and sponsorship guidelines, projected costs, behaviour expectations, and general preparation. 
All families are expected to attend to ensure everyone is well-informed and ready.

Date: Monday 28th April (Term 2, Week 1)
Time: 5.00pm-6.00pm


Orienteering
Auckland Secondary Schools Relay champs (Year 7-10) 
When: Tuesday 6th May
3 students per team per year level, Riverhead Forest
Entries close Monday 28th April 

Franklin zone school orienteering championship  (Year 7 & 8)
When: Thursday  8th May 2025
Eden Christian Academy, Tuakau 

Auckland Secondary School Individual champs. (Year 9 & 10)
When: Thursday 22nd May, 
Entries for our school team need to be received by Monday 5th May. 
Parent help will be required to help with transport for these events please contact Theresa Knight [email protected] if you're able to assist. 


Franklin Zone Football Tournament
We will be entering the AIMS Teams + 2 additional teams into the Franklin Tournament
When: Week 4, 20th May 
Who Year 7 & 8 Boys & Girls 
Trials Week 1 Tuesday & Thursday lunch times

Term 2 Training
AIMS Girls Football Training
When: Fridays 3.15pm-4.30pm
Location - St Ignatius, Fields 
 
AIMS Boys Football Training
When: Monday 3.15pm-4.15pm
Location - St Ignatius, Fields 

AIMS RIP Rugby Training
When: Monday 3.15pm-4.15pm
Location - St Ignatius, Fields 

Hockey 5’s Training
When: Mondays beginning April 28th 4.00pm-5.00pm 
Bring Own Gear
Location: Rosa Birch Park
Games Tuesdays, starting 6th May 
Contact [email protected] if you require more information 

Netball Training 
When:
Red and Magis Monday and Friday 7.15am-8.30am
Gold Monday 3.30pm-5.00pm
Loyola and Flames Friday 3.15pm-4.15pm

Year 9&10 Boys Football Training
When: Mondays 3.15-4.30pm
Location: Football Field
Preseason Match
When: Wednesday 7th May
Location: Pukekohe High School
Season starts Wednesday 14th May 

Rugby Magis Training
When:
Year 8,9 and 10 Boys and Girls
Monday and Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location: Rugby Field


Franklin Secondary Schools Golf Pilot for 2025
Franklin is home to talented young golfers but faces challenges in accessing Auckland-based competitions due to travel and logistical constraints. To address this, we propose the Franklin Secondary School Golf pilot, a local competition held twice per term, for the remainder of 2025.

Competition Format
For 2025, the pilot will consist of 5 events across the year, featuring different formats to cater to a variety of skill levels:
Players will have to hold a handicap, have their own clubs. No carts allowed for students.
1. Matchplay Competition (Terms 1 & 3) – Head-to-head format where players compete hole by hole.
2. Stroke Play Competition (Terms 1 & 2) – Players complete 18 holes; lowest total strokes wins.
3. Stableford Competition (Terms 2 & 3) – Points awarded per hole based on score relative to par.
4. Ambrose Competition (Term 4) – Team event encouraging strategy and collaboration.
If you are an interested golfer please contact Whaea Melanie.

Ākonga Elective

In this term's Cross Stitch elective, 17 students have been learning the art of threading needles, cross-stitching, and finishing off their projects with care. "It is fun, and we like the repetition of it," says a student, capturing the enjoyment many feel as they stitch. 

The focus this term is on creating beautiful tulips, with students choosing from a range of colours including pink, red, yellow, navy blue, and purple. The elective offers a wonderful blend of creativity, concentration, and fun—providing students with a relaxing way to express themselves through needle and thread!  

Young Vinnies Raise $1,800 for Auckland City Mission

Thank you for all the donations for our No Bag Challenge – we’ve raised nearly $1,800 for Auckland City Mission. This is our most successful Vinnies fundraiser to date, and we couldn’t be prouder. To round off the term, every Vinnies member received a certificate from Auckland City Mission in recognition of their efforts. Special shoutouts go to Brianna Emmerson and Madi Kennedy, who secured the most sponsors in Mini Vinnies and Senior Vinnies respectively. Each has been awarded five house points for their outstanding contribution.


To learn more about where our money will go, we sent questions to Sophia Sharpe from Auckland City Mission. Here are some of the insights Ciara van Heeckeren and Brianna Emmerson, our social media representatives, compiled from her answers:


- Our donations will support services at HomeGround, Auckland City Mission’s central hub near the SkyTower. HomeGround supports people who have lost jobs, are struggling with addiction, or are unable to afford safe housing or food. $1,700 can provide over 100 hot meals or 100 appointments at their Health Centre.
- Homelessness is not a permanent state: it’s a challenging circumstance that many people may experience temporarily. We need to exercise compassion, rather than judgement. 
- Auckland City Mission's funding has recently been cut, so one of their biggest challenges is financing. They rely heavily on donations and the work of over 200 volunteers to keep their services running.
- The rising cost of living in Auckland means more people—some working multiple jobs—are still unable to afford essentials. More people are turning to HomeGround for hot meals, healthcare, and support, and more are living on the streets.


At Young Vinnies, we believe in the power of community and the importance of advocating for those who are experiencing homelessness.  Your generosity helps us stand together to create a future where everyone has a safe place to call home and reminds us all that change is possible when we come together.  

Ākonga Acheivement

Ashleen Kaur

Ākonga Ashleen Kaur recently competed in the Auckland Mathematics Wizard competition. Ashleen came first in round one, third in round two, and came third in the Auckland Regional Finals.

Eva Coe

Last weekend ākonga Eva Coe participated in one of the biggest regionals swim competitions - the Waikato Junior Championships in Hamilton. She swam in 12 events improving on all 12 personal best times, and won 6 podium medals!
1st in the 400m freestyle
2nd in the 100m butterfly
3rd in the 200m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle, and 50m freestyle.
Congratulations Eva!

Maddison Briones

Ākonga Maddison Briones won 1st place, and the Trophy, for her Jazz Solo routine at the recent Bays School of Dance competition. This is a regional competition held at Westlake Girls High School, where shecompeted in the 12 yrs old division, representing Stewart Dance Studios.
Congratulations Maddison!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Manutaki Certificates

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: Gwen Stallworthy
Year 8: Lucas Orum
 Year 9: Zachary Poh
Year 10: Oli Yee

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:

Travis Baldwin nominated Reagan Crooks for Prudence as he choose to practice his lines for the production instead of playing games.

Nagorry Pereleni nominated Jackson Matia for Prudence as instead of walking past litter he prudently chose to pick it up and place it in a rubbish bin.

Eden Telling nominated Stacey Al-Haddad for Prudence as she made the prudent decision to pick up rubbish even though it wasn’t hers.

Peni Helu nominated James Soo Choon for Commitment as he showed great courage including others when they were left out.

Diogo Fernandes nominated Oli Yee for Compassion as he showed him around the school and picked up rubbish when he saw it on the ground.

Olivia Fitzpatrick nominated Simone Patterson for Prudence as she helped her with the English assessment even though she hadn’t finished her own yet.

Tate York nominated Oliver Yee for Prudence as he consistently listens to what the teachers are telling him, making good decisions in and out of class.

George Leishout nominated Rupert Archer for Prudence as he helped him to understand opposite angles in Maths so he wouldn’t forget again and have to ask the teacher.

Loisi Liava’a nominated Quinn Robinson for Prudence as she made sure that everyone had a seat on the bus so no one had to stand.

The winner this week was Elijah Bautista, who was nominated by Paikea Maihi for prudence. Elijah chose to study and work during the break time rather than playing games on his computer.
Congralations Elijah!

Term One Subject Magis Awards

This week we celebrated our Subject Magis Awards. Congratulations to those ākonga who are working towards their personal best, and Finding God in All Things. Photographs, and details of all the award winners are on our website, which you can access directly through the News item at the bottom of this Newsletter.

Term One Virtue Awards

Our Term One Virtue Awards were announced in assembly this week. These awards are acknowledging our ākonga who are demostrating one of the cardinal values: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, or Temperance, or the theological virtues of: Hope, Love, or Faith. 
Photographs, and details of all the award winners are on our website, which you can access directly through the News item at the bottom of this Newsletter.

Cura Personalis

We're Hiring a School Nurse!

We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate RN/school nurse to join our team! If you or someone you know might be interested, please check out the details at the link below and help us spread the word.
 https://www.seek.co.nz/job/83023927

Winter Uniform Term 2 and 3

Please note our Junior Winter Uniform requirements for Term 2 and 3:

- All ākonga/students will wear St Ignatius long sleeved white shirt or St
  Ignatius short sleeved white shirt
- All ākonga/students will wear the school tie
- All ākonga/students will wear the school blazer
- All ākonga/students may wear a school jumper
- Female ākonga/students wear a skirt or trouser options and black tights
- Male ākonga/students wear shorts and knee high school socks.

Student payments made during April school holidays

Just a reminder that all student payments are reconciled manually.
Please note that any student payments made during the April school holiday period will begin to show on School Bridge from the end of April onwards. Statements will then be sent out in early May.

Samoan Language Week family meeting

This year Samoan Language week will be celebrated during Week 5 Term 2 (May 26 - June 1).  We are looking forward to celebrating and promoting Samoan language and culture in our community during this week.

To help us in our planning for this celebration we would like to invite our Samoan families to attend a meeting on Wednesday May 30 at 5:30 - 6:30pm in the Magis Centre.  To confirm your attendance please complete the following form:    Samoan Language Week Family Meeting

Upcoming Events

Term Two begins on the Monday 28th of April.

There will be no Monday Morning Mass on Monday, 28th April.

PTA News

Easter Raffle

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to our Easter Raffle.  Together we have raised an incredible $3700 for our school community!  Thank you!

Next FOSI meeting = Mon 28 April, 6.30pm in the staffroom. All Welcome!

Cookie Dough Fundraiser – Thank You!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our cookie dough fundraiser! 

Collection Details
Pickup Date: 1 May
Important: Students, please bring a chilly bin or insulated bag to keep your orders cold on the way home.
We appreciate your help in making this fundraiser a success!

Quiz Night – Friday, 9 May! Gather Your Teams!

Join us for the first-ever FOSI Quiz Night as we raise funds for a much-needed shade sail by the Hungry Wolf.

When: Friday, 9 May
Where: La Storta
Time: Doors open 6.30pm, first question at 7pm
Tickets: $30 per person (maximum of eight per team) - includes dinner. Don’t have a full team? No problem! We’ll match you with other keen players.
What to Expect

Cash Bar: A fully stocked bar will be available. Please plan ahead and arrange a sober driver if needed. Please note this is an 18+ event.

Delicious Food: Enjoy a spread of platters featuring meats, salads and buns, plus a hotdog stand.

Raffles & Auctions: Plenty of opportunities to win fantastic prizes.

Spot Prizes: Exciting giveaways throughout the night, including a prize for the best-dressed team.

Register now! Click the link below to secure your spot.
We look forward to seeing you there!
https://forms.gle/iae8jnrUJnqEmMdA9

Help Make Our Quiz Night a Success!

A huge thank you to everyone who has generously contributed prizes or financial support for our Quiz Night on 9 May - we truly appreciate your generosity!
We’re reaching out once more to make this event a big success. If you, your business or someone you know can help in any way, please let us know.
If you can’t attend but would still like to support our fundraising efforts, we’re still in need of prizes and donations to help keep costs down.
Every contribution makes a difference - thank you for your support!

Community Notices

Holy Week Services 2025

St Anthony's Waiuku
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7 pm
Good Friday Veneration of the Cross - 3 pm
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass - 7 pm
Easter Sunday Mass - 9 am

St Mary's Papakura
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7 pm
Good Friday Veneration of the Cross - 3 pm
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass - 7 pm
Easter Sunday Masses - 8:30 am & 10:30 am

St Patrick's Pukekohe
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7 pm
Good Friday Veneration of the Cross - 3 pm
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass - 7 pm
Easter Sunday Masses - 9 am

News