Principal's Message
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Tēnā koutou St Ignatius community,
School life at St Ignatius is structured to support each and every member of our community to grow into the person God has created and called them to be; two key parts of this journey towards personal excellence are prayer and reflection.
Our academic programme is based around the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm; a way of proceeding that genuinely captures and engages young people. The steps that we follow in lessons and wider school life are; Context, Experience, Action, Reflection, Evaluation. By ensuring that students are reflecting on their learning experiences then we provide the structure that is essential for students to process learning and determine what the learning means for them. This personal engagement with learning is essential for the highest levels of academic success.
Alongside our academic programme, we have 10 minutes per day timetabled for prayer and reflection just before lunch. In this time students engage in imaginative prayer to grow to understand the person of Jesus or engage in an Examen. The Examen is a reflective prayerful experience where students reflect on their previous day to find God in their own lives and though their interactions with others. Student then give gratitude to God and pray for forgiveness for any time where they may not have made the right choices. This level of reflection enables our community to really reflect on who they are and how they can find their own personal excellence; their own Magis.
It is through an ongoing genuine encounter with Christ through prayer and through reflection that a genuine relationship with him can be nurtured. In addition to the prayer time just before lunch, students pray together at the beginning of lessons and as one collective body during our whole school assemblies. Regular and genuine prayer throughout the whole school day and beyond helps our school community to grow in their love of God and grow in their understanding for how God loves us, especially when we find God in ourselves and find God in others. This affirms each and every individual and our whole community in who we are and how we can share the love of God with others. We can go out to set the world on fire. We can become the truly excellent people of God that we have been created and called to be.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam
Dean Wearmouth |
Curriculum
Music
Our music program at St Ignatius Of Loyola Catholic College has started up again and our itinerant teachers are looking forward to working again with our akonga. For those who were taking lessons last year, it is imperative that you collect a sign-up sheet from reception, fill it in, and return it to student reception to continue on this year.
For those who are considering taking small group instrument lessons, we are thrilled to offer the following instrument lessons:
- Saxophone and Clarinet
- Violin and Cello
- Drums, Bass, Electric and Acoustic guitar
- Vocals
If you would like to receive lessons, please pick up a signup sheet from Student Reception and fill it in. Spaces are very limited so make sure to return it quickly
I am also thrilled to announce that this year we welcome Scott McDowall to our music team.
 | | Scott has been teaching Clarinet & Saxophone in the Greater Auckland area since 1998. In addition to private teaching, he has taught at various High Schools (Public and Private) and was involved with the Papakura Music School for 29 years including 5 as supervisor.
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Our college is looking to develop a concert band and we are thrilled we have Scott leading it for us. We are offering lessons for Saxophone and Clarinet to those who would like to take part in this. Even if you have no experience with these two instruments, do not hesitate to learn more and sign up. We can also support you in obtaining an instrument.
If you are interested and would like to know more, please pick up a form to sign up from Student Reception. For those who are interested in hiring and instrument, please send an email to [email protected] to receive some information on where to hire and how we can help.
Mr Ruegg
Year 7 Retreat
On Wednesday, the Year 7s had their first retreat. The theme for the retreat was “Call to be here at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College.” Throughout the day, we took time to reflect, pray, and share about how we can find God in ourselves, in others, in the Eucharist, and in the gifts that God has given us. A particular focus of the retreat was gratitude, especially for the fact that God called each of us to be part of the community at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College. It was a fantastic day for all, best captured in the comments from the participants below.
My favourite part of the day was the game where we threw the ball to each other and said each other's names, so we got to know everyone. We made lots of new friends playing that game and we got to meet new people through the game. We did a few prayers and had Mass, where we learnt about St Ignatius. I really enjoyed the fun things we did and I would definitely go on a retreat again if I could.
- Stacey Al-Haddad
The Year 7 retreat was very fun getting to socialize with all of the new people. Mass was very nice and relaxing by Father Eka and the team games were really fun.
- Emmett Wharfe
We did lots of fun things, including team-building games, which we did in our classes. My highlight of the day was getting to bond and make new friendships with others in our year. I enjoyed introducing myself and getting to know others in my year. We also did some prayers and had Mass with Father Eka. Stacey and Kendall did a reading, and I enjoyed reflecting on the day. I enjoyed the retreat; it was a great way to make new friends and socialize.
- Eden Telling
It was really fun getting to know more about the people in our Kaiarahi. We played heaps of fun team-building games throughout the day. I really enjoyed Mass, and it was really nice just sitting in the brand-new chapel and finding God there.
- Isaac van Heeckeren    Sport
Athletics Day
Our annual St Ignatius Athletics Day will take place next week on Wednesday, 19th February at Navigation Stadium, Pukekohe.
This is a whole school event that kicks off the first of many of our loved House Activities.
All students must arrive at school dressed in their house colours. We will have buses to transport everyone to the venue and will leave school promptly at 9 am.
Please note, that this is a student-only event, with no drop-offs or pick-ups at the stadium. To ensure a fun and safe day, students must bring sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, a packed lunch and suitable running shoes.
We will return to school by 2:45 pm, allowing students to catch their usual buses home.
The Week Ahead:
Monday
Netball Trials
La Storta
3.30pm-5.00pm
Orienteering
Papakura High School
4-6pm
Wednesday
Full School Athletics
Navigation Stadium Pukekohe
During School Hours
Netball Trials
La Storta
3.30pm-5.00pm
AIMS Games – An Exciting Opportunity for Our Year 7 & 8 Ākonga!
The AIMS Games is an incredible opportunity for our Year 7 and 8 ākonga to challenge themselves, develop their skills, and represent our kura with pride. If your child is trialling for an AIMS Games team, please be aware of the financial and time commitments involved. This includes fundraising, training sessions, and preparation games—meaning a high level of commitment is required.
We are fortunate to have secured accommodation for four teams, along with their coaches and managers in Bethlehem, Tauranga. Throughout the year leading up to and during the competition, we expect our ākonga to maintain high behavioural standards, demonstrating our 4C’s at all times.
We look forward to an exciting journey ahead!
Year 7 & 8 Girls Football trials - AIMS games team
Sign up sheet
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 Games RIP or Boys Football Expressions of Interest
We aim to offer our ākonga a range of opportunities and high-quality experiences.
Netball, Basketball, and Girls' Football have been confirmed for AIMS Games, and we're seeking feedback on our final team selection.
https://forms.gle/RGR8jiF5D9eGNLeD6
AIMS Games Individual Entries
If you’re interested in competing in an individual sport at the AIMS Games, you’re welcome to do so! Individual athletes will be registered at the same time as our teams. Please note that accommodation and registration costs will be at your own expense.
St Ignatius Sports Coaches Expression of Interest
Arohamai, the form attached to last week’s newsletter was the sports survey.
That said, a big thank you to those who completed it and to others who reached out about coaching. Volunteering is such an important part of sport, and we truly appreciate your support!
https://forms.gle/dwvgDixGRpo3CT8b7
Orienteering
Students will be participating in round 1 of the Orienteering Sprint Series on Monday 17th February. We wish them all the best & look forward to seeing their results.
These events run weekly, round 2 is on the 24th of February at Pukekohe High School email [email protected] if you would like to enter.
Netball
We had a fantastic turnout for our first preseason training session! It was great to see so many of our ākonga getting back into the swing of things with a fun and engaging session. T
Thank you to everyone who showed up with enthusiasm and a positive attitude—we can’t wait to see the progress in the weeks ahead!
There are two more pre season training sessions, 17th Feb & 19th Feb 3.30pm-5.00pm
Trials will be held 25th February and 3rd of March
Year 7&8 3.30pm-5.00pm
Year 9&10 5.00pm-7.00pm
Location: La Storta, St Ignatius
Year 9 & 10 Sports upcoming
Musters & trainings to look out for,
Hockey 5s
Rugby
Badminton
Cricket
Football
School athletics
Next Week! Wednesday 19th
Event details have been sent out
Please complete the Permission Slip
   Ākonga Elective
Exciting Opportunities Await : Ākonga Electives Begin 25th February!
At St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, we are committed to fostering a broad, rich, and local curriculum that supports the diverse interests and passions of our ākonga. With that in mind, we are thrilled to announce the return of our Ākonga Electives, beginning Monday, 25th February!
These electives offer an incredible opportunity for students to engage in meaningful co-curricular activities outside the traditional classroom setting. Whether exploring the arts, honing technical skills, engaging in problem-solving, or deepening cultural connections, ākonga have a chance to develop their talents, pursue their interests, and build lifelong skills.
The Ākonga Electives Programme is an integral part of our College’s vision to provide a holistic and well-rounded education. Each elective is designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth. With an outstanding selection of options, there is truly something for everyone!
Ukulele Orchestra – Learn to play and perform in a vibrant musical ensemble.
The Coding Club – Develop programming skills and explore digital creativity.
Music Technology – Discover the world of digital music production and sound engineering.
The School Choir – Share your voice and harmonise with peers.
Song Writing – Unleash your inner lyricist and create original music.
The Philosophy Club – Engage in deep discussions and challenge your thinking.
Strength and Conditioning – Build physical resilience and fitness.
Chess Club – Sharpen your strategic skills and compete in friendly matches.
The Art Club – Explore different artistic techniques and creative expression.
The Lego Club – Construct and create with endless possibilities.
Quiz Master – Test your knowledge and challenge friends in trivia.
Kapahaka – Immerse yourself in Māori culture through performance and song.
Duke of Edinburgh – Take on a personal growth journey of adventure, service, and skills.
First Aid – Learn essential life-saving skills and emergency response techniques.
Taekwon-Do Club – Build discipline and confidence through martial arts.
Logic Games – Exercise your brain with challenging puzzles and games.
Math Competition Club – Engage in problem-solving and mathematics challenges.
Cross Stitch – Develop patience and creativity through needlework.
STEM Club – Explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Film Club – Dive into the world of cinematography and storytelling.
Script to Perform – Write and act in original dramatic performances.
Behind the Scenes – Support theatre productions through lighting, sound, and set design.
Graphic Design – Explore digital art and design principles.
Samoan Dance – Celebrate culture through expressive movement.
Magis Media – Develop digital content creation skills.
Wildlife Wonders – Discover and care for the natural world.
Enviroschool Group – Lead sustainability initiatives within our school.
School Production (Terms 1 & 2) – Take part in our exciting theatrical performance.
Improvisation Acting – Build confidence and creativity through spontaneous performance.
Creative Writing Group – Craft stories, poetry, and prose in a supportive environment.
Mini Vinnies & Senior Vinnies – Participate in service and outreach for the community.
Worship Dance – Express faith through the power of movement and dance.
We encourage all ākonga to seize this opportunity and make the most of these exciting and enriching electives  Ākonga Achievement
Ākonga Ava Latu was selected for the Franklin Softball Under 13s Girls Representative Team at the National Softball Tournament.
Ava had the privilege of being selected as the teams starting pitcher, playing a total of 9 games over the two-day event.
Ava thrived under the conditions, and it was the support, commitment and the manaakitanga of her teammates that made this experience possible.
Well Done Ava!
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Uniform
Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring all ākonga/students have been wearing their correct uniform to school. They continue to demonstrate real pride in representing St Ignatius.
Ākonga/students are expected to wear their blazers from Friday February 21 in preparation for our Dedication Mass on Monday February 24.
Devices and Parental Locks
To ensure your child can access their school’s Google account, please note that any parental locks or restrictions on their device must be turned off. These settings can sometimes interfere with the login process, and disabling them will ensure smooth access to school resources.
 Attendance
In 2024, the New Zealand Government announced its goal to increase regular school attendance rates. The target is that by 2030, 80% of students will attend school more than 90% of the time each term. You can read more about the Ministry of Education plan here.
At Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, we are committed to supporting this initiative and playing our part in improving regular attendance rates. Throughout 2025, our College Newsletter will provide valuable information about the importance of school attendance and how families can contribute to achieving this goal.
Our school’s attendance policy can be found here.
To better understand how the Ministry of Education categorises attendance, please refer to the graphic below.
 Senior Leadership Update
We are delighted to announce that Bridget Hartland and Luke Williams are joining the school senior leadership team for Terms 1 and 2 this year. We have every confidence in the leadership capabilities of both Bridget and Luke and congratulate both as they take up their new responsibilities. Ad marjoram Dei gloriam.
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Monday Morning Mass
The college invites all parents and caregivers, if they are able, to attend our morning Mass every Monday at 7:30 am in the Companions of Jesus Chapel. Meet the Teacher evening
We look forward to welcoming all parents and caregivers who are new to our community to our 'Meet the Teacher' event on Thursday, 20th February from 5.30 - 7 pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our ākonga/students to show their whanau/family around our campus and to introduce them to their kāiako/teachers.
Please enter via our school reception to pick up a checklist, to help you navigate your way around.
We look forward to meeting you all and to starting strong working relationships to help your child achieve cura personalis. WhānauSmiles FREE Student Dentalcare
Enrolment Opportunity for St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College for Year 9 & 10 Students
If your child was in Year 9 last year and you enrolled them, there is no need to re-enrol.
For all 2025 Year 9s and any new year 10 students, please see information below:
WhānauSmiles mobile clinic will be on-site at the school for 2 weeks Monday Feb 17th - Fri Feb 28th
As a registered mobile dentalcare provider, WhānauSmiles is committed to ensuring all students under the age of 18 have access to FREE comprehensive dental care. Our team of experienced dentists take pride as we play our part, providing oral health services, helping to empower and improve the smiles and wellbeing of the adolescents of St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College.
What is your child entitled to?
All students up until their 18th birthday (who are eligible and meet the criteria) can access FREE comprehensive dental care. The dental care is provided on-site at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College so your child's experience is as seamless and convenient as possible.
These services include:
Examinations
Radiographs (if required)
Preventative treatment such as fluoride application and fissure sealants
Scale and Polish
Restorative treatment (white fillings)
Non orthodontic extractions
Root canal treatment
Increased awareness of good oral health practices including a FREE Oral Health Kit
How Do I Enrol the service available to my child?
Enrolling or declining the service is simple! Simply click the link HERE
How Do I Decline the service available to my child?
Already have your own dentist? Simply click the link HERE
Already enrolled your child to our service?
Great! We look forward to providing quality dentalcare to your child!
Want to learn more, have any questions?
email [email protected]
Thank you again on behalf of our team,
WhānauSmiles! Bus Service 2025
Our 2025 Bus Service is now up and running. Please ensure that your child knows which bus they have been allocated.
The Ministry of Education carefully designs our bus routes based on students' home addresses, ensuring as many eligible students as possible have access to transport. This service is provided at no cost to families, and students are welcome to get on and off at any of the designated stops along the route they have been allocated.
With the expansion of our school this year it means that all bus routes for 2025 are currently at capacity. It is therefore important that students only get on the bus they have been allocated based on their home address. If they choose to get on another bus it means that there will not be space for the students who have been allocated to that route.
While we understand that some families may have changing needs due to extracurricular activities, we are not able to accommodate requests for students to swap buses. If the Ministry funded school bus schedule does not suit your whānau, caregivers are under no obligation to use this service and may arrange alternative transport.
Thank you for your understanding and support in ensuring our bus system runs smoothly and safely for all students. 2025 School Production
SHOWSTOPPERS - The Best of Broadway'.
School Production rehearsals commence in Week 3 of this term for all cast members. Tuesday 18th February 3.05-4.30pm in 02.
Year 7's still get a chance to audition next week and should have signed up for an audition through the Performing Arts Google classroom page: nrjmvf6
There will be a meeting for ALL CAST members at lunchtime on Friday 14th February where a full rehearsal schedule will be provided.  |
Whanau Smiles Dentist (Year 9 &10) - February 17th - 28th
Monday Community Mass - each Monday of term time at 7:30am
Athletics Day - All day Navigation Stadium Wednesday February 19th
Meet the Teacher - Thursday 20th February
Year 7 and Year 8 Social - Friday February 21st at 6.00pm
Dedication Mass - Monday February 24th
House Parades - Monday February 24th
Swimming Sports - Tuesday February 25th
Barbier House Mass - Wednesday 26th February
Pickleball PTA Whānau Social - Friday 28th February
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Get Ready to Rally – Pickleball Tournament!
Get ready for a night of fast-paced fun at our first annual Pickleball Tournament! With only 24 team spots available, it’s a race to register—first in, first served! Teams of two must include at least one St Ignatius student—whether it’s a student duo, a student-teacher power pair, or a student-family dream team.
No gear? No problem! All equipment is provided—just bring your energy and competitive spirit! Arrive before 5:45 PM for a quick briefing, then hit the courts at 6:00 PM to dink, rally, and smash your way to victory. Registrations open 14 February and close 21 February, so don’t wait—sign up via the Google link!
Make a night of it! Pack a picnic and your favorite drinks, or grab a snack—refreshments will be available for purchase. Whether you’re playing or cheering, it’s going to be a great night!
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Not From the School Pulpit Series - A Fortnightly Reflection by Fr. Eka
Happiness is overrated. I have never met anyone who is always happy. Of course, everyone wants to be happy; and for many, being happy has become their reason to live. When life is no longer filled with happiness, then what?
The Gospel reading on Sunday (Luke 6:17, 20-26) talks about Jesus taking the opportunity to teach his followers by the Sea of Galilee. He tells them:
“How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.
Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.
Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.”
I wonder who would not prefer to be financially comfortable more than to be poor. Filled more than hungry? Being happy more than weeping with sadness or grief? Wouldn’t those first options be considered blessings, at least the way we understand them in our human context? What does Jesus have anything against these?
Perhaps, rather than describing the reversal of blessings and woes of eternal life, Jesus is telling his followers about the facts of their present life. Life is full of ups and downs, there are always times of happiness but also times of sadness. There are times when we feel blessed and close to God. There are also times when woes can come like destructive storms and fires in our life, making us feel distant from God.
St. Ignatius reminds us that in times of consolation, we are to remember the times of desolation; and vice versa. Perhaps, the question we ask is not whether I belong to the group of the blessed; or the group of the woes. Rather, in what ways have all of those ups and downs of life become a genuine part of our life? We can become more aware of the complex nature of life, yet with eyes more open to the presence of God in all circumstances. Perhaps, our life is not about the pursuit of happiness, but the pursuit of meaning.
In that pursuit, we are also reminded that people were coming to Jesus “from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon” wanting to be cured of their diseases, to be relieved of their woes. Do we also see them in our community and in our world? As followers of Christ, then what can we do to assist him?
This is what we teach to our ākonga through the different academic and non-academic programs and other faith formation activities at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College.
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