De La Salle College Newsletter

“A Catholic School for Boys in the Lasallian Tradition”

in this issue

TERM 1 WEEK 6 - COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

College Principal - “Creating Connected Independent Learners"

Associate Principal - "Regaining the Centre"

Special Character- Ministry & Mission

Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum

Deputy of Pastoral - Pastoral

Academic Year 7/8

Literacy Centre

Intermediate School

New Zealand Representation Honours Board

Year 11 Parent Partnership Fono

Science is Specialised and Inspirational

Athletics Day

Notices

Enrol Now

Contact Us

FRONT COVER Art Work by Isaac Ete-Ah Ken, 2025 National scholarship recipient for Art Design

“creating connected, independent learners”

Mr Myles Hogarty

College Principal

Greetings, The phrase above is what we have adopted as our College Annual goal. Creating, because the education of our young men is a continual, lifelong process that involves their gathering of knowledge in and outside the classroom. Connected in what way ? The data we have on our young men tells us clearly that students who are connected to their College, families and cultures achieve highly at school. How then does a young man connect with his community ? He joins a school sports team, he completes his Service hours, he joins a Debating group, he attends an after-school Homework class or a tutoring class. He can join the Young Vinnies or Special Character group, Chess club or Environmental club. All of our young men are encouraged to attend the Parent Partnership meetings with their parents, another positive way to strengthen their connectedness with the College and family. What do we mean by creating independent learners ? We want young men who can manage themselves on a daily basis without their parents or teachers having to do the basics for them. We want young men who can get themselves out of bed, on time every morning and dress themselves proudly wearing the correct College uniform. Young men who come on time to school everyday with all the correct equipment needed to perform their learning tasks. We want young men who know the timelines for their Assessments and meet these deadlines. We want young men who know what areas of their learning they need help with and more importantly which teachers they should ask for help from. We want young men who can stand on their own two feet and make decisions in their lives based on the shared values of hard work, perseverance, respect and dignity, values that they learn from both their families and their school. Young men will always have their parents love and support as they move through adolescence, that is unconditional. Our young men are being encouraged and taught to develop their independence as learners by taking responsibility and ownership of the things that they can control and manage themselves. These are simple, yet very important independent tasks that if done successfully will prepare our young men well for more complex tasks as they go through school and in later life.

God Bless

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

Regaining the Centre

I was trying to talk with a boy at school last week when he indicated that he couldn’t speak. Another boy explained that he had given up speaking for Lent. Its one thing to go on a silent retreat when no-one else is speaking, quite another to not talk when you are the only one doing so. It is a central part of the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church and it challenges us to consider ourselves less important in any given situation. Talking less is a major challenge for me and I admire those who have the discipline to do so. As a school we try and keep our centre with liturgies, reflections, daily prayer, staff spirituality days and retreats for boys. I start all of my classes with 4 minutes of silence and have done so for 25 years. The boys take to it immediately.

How do you and your family regain your centre?

special character

Assistant Principal Mission- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua

Dear Families

As we journey through the season of Lent, we are invited into deeper devotional reflection as we move toward the commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ. In our De La Salle devotional for Lent this week we reflected on the invitation from God to “return to me.” Alongside this, we reflected on the words of Scripture:

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not yet seen.”

Epistle to the Hebrews 11:1

Faith is often discovered in the ordinary challenges of life, especially when we feel we have little choice but to trust and persevere. When we struggle with finances, family matters, or study deadlines, we push through with the hope that things will improve. We cannot yet see how everything will work out, but we trust that somehow it will. That is faith. We may not see immediately how the bills will be paid, yet we continue to hope and trust that we will make it work. We may not see how relationships within our families might improve, but through prayer, patience, and love, healing often comes. Students who face the pressure of deadlines learn to manage their time, persevere, and when they receive their results they experience a sense of achievement and confidence.

All of these moments reveal faith in action. They help us grow into a deeper faithfulness that pleases God, who continues to call us lovingly: “Return to me.” After all, every good gift comes from God. As we continue through this Lenten journey, may we faithfully return to Him, giving thanks for the many blessings we receive and trusting in His divine plan for our good.

Talanoa Ako

At the end of last year we began a programme called Talanoa Ako. This initiative provides a valuable opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful talanoa (conversation and dialogue) with teachers about their son’s academic journey.

Invitations were sent to over 100 families across the College, with a group of around 20 families currently involved. Talanoa Ako is a programme funded by the Ministry of Education. Its aim is to equip and empower parents, families, and communities with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to champion their children’s learning journey. This term we have been meeting weekly to discuss a range of topics including NCEA, literacy, numeracy, pastoral support, vocational pathways, and strategies to support learning at home.

We have also established the Talanoa Learners Programme, which runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3.30pm – 5.30pm in Miss Puleiku’s classroom as a homework and study club for students. A sincere thank you to the teachers who have generously supported this programme: Miss Puleiku, Mr Endemann, Mr Sailosi, Mr Ngan-Woo, Mrs Nayagar, Mrs Emani, Mrs Spencer, and Mr Charles.

Mass and Stations of the Cross

Mass is now celebrated in the College chapel every second Thursday at lunchtime. On the alternate weeks, we gather for the Stations of the Cross as we prepare spiritually for Holy Week. All staff and students are warmly invited to attend. If your son would like to serve as a lector (reader) or altar server, he can register with our Campus Minister, Mr Ngan Woo, by emailing NganWooA@delasalle.school.nz.

Sacramental Programme

If you would like to register your son for the Sacramental Programme, which will begin in Term 3, please contact our Campus Minister Mr Ngan Woo at NganWooA@delasalle.school.nz.

Marcellin Dedication Mass

It was a privilege to attend the Marcellin Champagnat Dedication Mass with our Special Character Prefects. We were blessed to gather with our wider Catholic community in celebration and prayer for the year ahead.

Marcellin Champagnat Dedication Mass

Live Jesus in our Hearts forever

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

Morning Screens = Cranky Kids. Here's Why

When our kids were younger, we used to let them get up early on the weekend and watch TV so we could get a sleep-in, and it backfired every time! We ended up with tired, cranky kids. So we made some changes and weekends have never been the same!

SCHOLAR'S ASSEMBLY

A huge thank you to student leaders who lead the Academic Portfolio - Deputy Head Boy Marques Tominiko, Jason Tran, Elijah Wilson, Sio Vea and Francisco Fidow for their work at making the Scholar's Assembly a celebration of student success. A huge thank you to our special guest Mr Darius Apelu – Class of 2013 for his inspiring words and encouragement. Darius is a lead advisor for Pacific Education at the Ministry of Education. The following students were recognised at the assembly.

Scholarship

Reti-Lui Pauli Gagana Samoa Reti Lui achieved a Scholarship in Samoan in 2025. Reti-Lui also gained an overall Excellence Endorsement. New Zealand Scholarship is an award that recognises the very top secondary school students in New Zealand. NZ Scholarship assessments are designed to be challenging for the most able students in each subject. Assessment in Samoan is by both a written and a spoken examination. Fa'afetai tele lava to Mr Endemann for all the support you give to your students. Fa'amalo, malo le taumafai Reti-Lui.

Reti-Lui PAULI

Isaac Ete- Ah Ken Art Design Isaac also achieved a Scholarship in 2025. Isaac achieved his Scholarship in Art Design. Assessment in Art Design is by the submission of his Art Design portfolio and a report/description of his work produced throughout the year. Isaac was also selected for the prestigious NZQA Top Art Exhibition. Top Art is an annual touring exhibition featuring a selection of the very best NCEA Level 3 portfolios that achieved Excellence in Visual Arts. Top Art gives secondary students and teachers an opportunity to see what's required to achieve Excellence at Level 3. It also allows members of the public to see the high-quality art created in schools. Isaac's work is shown below. Again, a huge thank you to Mr Tan for all his guidance and support. Congratulations Isaac!

Isaac Ete- AH KEN

NCEA Level 1 with Excellence

Mosiah Apulu, James Fidow, Noah Mati, David Morris, John Pulu, Petero Qereqeretabua and Frankie Truong.

Students who achieve excellence receive the Scholar’s tie and badge.

NCEA Level 2 with Excellence

Gideon Aialeo-Talafaaoti, Sidharth Chand, Desmond Ene-Vanilau, Agapetos Evalu, Michael Fa'aui, Francisco Fidow, Kohen Masoe, Aluia Nio-Akai, J J Palea, Vinnie Plunkett, Folau Sii, Harvey Smith, Psalms Vaotuua, Denzel Su'a, Marques Tominiko, Jason Tran, Corleone Tunumafono-Voi, Vaivelata Uhatahi, Lucas Vaaga, Sio Vea and Elijah Wilson. Congratulations Class of 2026. This is our largest group of NCEA Level 2 Excellence ever.

NCEA Level 3 with Excellence

Josiah Cummings, Isaac Ete-Ah Ken, TJ Emmanuela, Tusa Fauea- Tuisavaii, Cyrus Holloway, Elijah Hunt, Bailey Ioane-Fuiava, Chisom Ochibulu, Charles Palea, Reti-Lui Pauli, Mark Sikuvea, Fred Sola, Joseph Tevaga, Elijah Tia and James Tuileisu.

NCEA Level 1 Merit

Students who achieve merit receive the Scholar’s badge. Ta'amilo Jnr Emani-Johnson, Gideon Fe'ao, Fineasi Filimoehala, Kingston Fonua, TL Iosua, Saofaiga Kalolo, Leroy Lauvao, James Lynch, Jaybetz Mafi, J C Manio, Christian McKenzie, Motusaga Palesoo, Savelio-Anthony Pelenato, Sheldan Puna, Alderick Rauti, Steve Roberts, Lelava Sauioge, Siosaia Sefesi, Lukah Sipaie, Semo Sititi, Giovanni So’oa, D'Artagnan-Li Utupo Tupuola, J J Su'a, Darius Su'a, Viliami Taufa, Maselino Taulote, A J Telefoni and Alex Ugapo.

NCEA Level 2 Merit

Jeremiah Alessi-Toe, Anipui Anitelea, Fou Belford, Senio Brown, Riel Espinoza Leota, Kelesi Filimoehala, Jordan Halalele, Jacobshalom Liu, ‘Okusi Katoa, Timothy Koale, Malachi Lameta-Sione, D J Daniel Lee-Lo, Joel Leau, Dale Leota, Lazarus Mann, Leonidas Mataia, John Moeono, Raymond Patolo, Zion Pritchard, Emmanuel Saeni, Evander Sua, CoryJess Teara, Sione Telua, Fale Tofa, Frost Tofaeono Tanuvasa, L J Tovia, Seuga Tulai-Gago, Mala'efo’ou 'Ufi, Toa Vaetoru-Sikalia, Penieli Vaomotou, Samuel Vehikite, C J Vili and Elijah Wright.

NCEA Level 3 with Merit

Malu Aiga-Futialo, Maulalo Akila, Angelo Dsouza, Jordan Etei-Michael, AJ Faalave , Christian Fa'avae, John Faifili, Mason Lapana, Roldan Mark, Thurston Ngaemtua, Jireh Safiti, Ethan-Siaosi Sititi, Bruno Ta'ale, Zylis Taliulu, Zion Te’o, Junior Tolovaa and Tony Ulberg

NCEA Level 1 Achieved

Samu Afungia, Bryan Ah Ching, Siaosi Alele, Alekay Aleni, Darnell Armstrong, Junior Autagavaia, Travis Brace, Peter Brown, Benjamin Coward-Ramsay, Daniel Dublin, Jonny Epa-Auimatagi, Etheus Ezekiela, Tupou Faaui, Cruzito Fuimaono-Tevaga, Asuelu Gasu, Daniel Heather, Jesse Hoeft, Braedyn Ikiua, Mino Johansson, Aaron Katoa, Jayda Kava-Taani, Soane Kepu, Carter Kyd, Ezrah Lemalu, Neli Lio, Ioane Luamanuvae, Elvis Luu, Andre Mackie-Fuiava, Layton Malele, Jerome Malu-Pilato, Lucas Mapusaga, Tyrell Mataafa-Schuster, Reuben Matautia, Shakespeare Mauga, Pesamino Mino, Jaekhim Motuliki, Aiavao Muliaga-Ioane, Phoenix Nomotu, Lucian Nuuausala, Pedros Otukolo, Zacharius Palelei, Lyriq Pavihi, Mathayus Pitolua-Iese, Johnlini Poimatagi-Matautia, Xhaiden Reti-Pereira, Alexander Samuel, Philip Sankarathill, Samuel Sapatu, Lenix Schwalger, Matthias Sekeli, Marcel Suamili, Celtik Ta'ale, Joshua Talalelei, Josiah Taufao, Selui Telua, Michael Tevaga, Brian Tiatia, Ka-Lel Toailoa, Iosefo Tominiko, Vlasta Tonga, Eli To'oto'o-Sami, Niklis Toti, Kafoa Tuipulotu, Allan Tupai, Ui Ualesi, Tangi Ulugia, PJ Utoaluga, Palei Veamatahau, and Chasaia Williams.

NCEA Level 2 Achieved

Jace Afamasaga, Matthias Afungia, Demetrius Ah Chong, Malvi Alaovae, Aaron Aloese, Zach Bourne Matagi, Leato Collins, Santene Cruz, William Edwards-Finau, Blessing Elisala, Latu Enoka, J J Etuale, Isaac Faalau, Benedict Faalogo, Jimmy Junior Falepouvave, Liam Fanolua, David Feki, Adeesha Fernando, Ayush Gosai, Leka Hakaumotu, M J Iakopo, Dallas Ikitule, Jaychris Ikiua, Justin Kautai, David Kolo, Josiua Kolo, Nashawn Laumatia, Xavier Leauma, Jeremiah Lene, Allando Leota, Maotua Leuea, Tulua Leuea, Zane Liu Chan, Tevita Lutui, William Mafi, Nokise Manuleleua, Allen Manutulila, Michael Maselino, Abraham Matautia, Jazaiah Mokalei, Jeremiah Ofe-Wongking, Peto Paulo, Siggie Perez, Osaiasi Po'oi, Cornelius Puletiuatoa, Ignatius Schmidt, Adonai Seeti, Kitione Setefano, Jurgen Sheppard, Frank Sio, Teinakitea Sionetama, Immanuel Siu, Aitasi Smith, Matthew Talalelei, Carlos Tauai, Steven Taufa, Thadeus Tereroa, Talan Tinokura, Sala Togia, Cyprian Tolovae-Mafi, Tanielu Tuaoimaalii, Victory Tuiloma, Alan Tuivai-McEwan, Maua Tukimata-Vakaafi, Richie Tukula, Riley Tulisi-Apelu, Mala'efo'ou 'Ufi, Matoka Vaavale, Latu Vaiaku, and Elijah Wright.

NCEA Level 3 Achieved

Christian Letufuga, Thomas Mika, Marck Noble, Makoe Poloa, Sione Nisa, Cadell Armstrong, Sione Loni, Joeli Ah Ping, Jack Sheppard, Etilasi Eti, Inglis Tavu'i-Lemalie, Michael Eteuati, Khadaphius Saufua-Jansen, Sonatane Mila, Kerie Aumua, John Lavea, Ronaldo Fonoia, Elias Manuel-Mehau, Teili Kolo, Michael Fe'ao, Tupou Tuipulotu, Leone Passi, Johnny Tapueluelu, Jaydn Lemi, Simote Lokotui, Lesuni Lokotui, Losio Raki, Ben Malua, Phillip Teura, Leonidus Ikitule, Jett Anitelea, Elijah Saeni, Mathew Lokeni-Gose, Junior Leungwai, Jaidon Tafa, Junior Puluno, Andru Littlechild, Aki Takau, Luka Moetu-Young, La Ricco Dunn, Junior Pritchard-Sula, Manaia Iakimo, Rikki Tiumalu-Fuifui, Saint Nuuausala, Samuela Alatini, John Laufoli, Joe Kalepo, Viliami Aholelei, Prince Poimatagi-Matautia, Korey Donaldson-Witehira, Kingston Finau, Joesph Esera, Dekeland Davis-Mokoua, Stephen Faaui, Cairo Palalagi-Tonga, Maletino Filimoehala, EJ Junior Efaraimo, Nicholas Beirne, Sauleone Leolaga, Cole Te-Rite-Wharekoka, LJ Su'a, Living Rasmus Poutasi, Monty Lafaele-Sam Roniahris Sau-Nansen, John Faataape, Josiah Siaki, Joseph Silva, Joziah Patelesio, Victor Leota, Kingston Pupuke-Robati, Loranzo Scanlan-Mulipola, Kaydon Fruean-Otineru.

A reminder that if you want a copy of your NCEA Certificate you must request a copy through your NZQA Login.

pastoral

Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles

When “Cool” Gets in the Way of Growth

“In class we lean back — kings of the back row, laughing loud, pretending marks don’t matter. Like effort is uncool. Like trying is weakness.”

Recently in a Year 9 English lesson, students explored a poem about hidden potential. One stanza in particular sparked meaningful discussion. Many boys recognised themselves in those lines. Behind the laughter, the slouched posture, and the “I don’t care” attitude is often something quite different: a fear of getting it wrong. For many teenagers — especially boys — trying hard can feel risky. If they try and fail, it feels public. If they don’t try, they can protect their pride. It becomes safer to say, “I didn’t study,” than to admit, “I studied and still struggled.” This isn’t laziness. It’s often self-protection. At this age, peer approval is powerful. The teenage brain is wired for belonging. Standing out academically can sometimes feel socially dangerous. Boys may avoid raising their hand, asking questions, or putting extra effort into work — not because they lack ability, but because they fear judgement. As parents, this is where your influence matters deeply.

You can help by:

Praising effort, not just results
Talking openly about your own mistakes and what you learned from them
Challenging the idea that “cool” means careless
Reinforcing that growth requires discomfort
Reminding your son that courage often looks like trying again

Mistakes are not signs of weakness. They are signs of learning.

At De La Salle College, we want our young men to understand that strength is not pretending not to care. Real strength is persistence. Real confidence is built through effort. Real independence comes from resilience. When we work together — school and home — we can help boys move from “pretending marks don’t matter” to recognising that their future does. Because beneath the surface, there is far more potential than they sometimes allow others to see. They are not just filling seats.

They are becoming.

Academic Year 7/8

Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

The Year 7/8 students have just finished all their beginning of year testing. This is a very stressful time for students as testing environments can induce huge amounts of anxiety. Performance anxiety puts our body into the fight or flight mode, and in an academic test arena where the fight outcome is inappropriate and flight would be seen as dramatic, our students simply freeze up. We have all been through this crippling experience in our lives where our fears locked us into a state of inactivity. I took our Year 7/8 Tag team to the SW Zone tournament this week which was another opportunity in my search for the “Holy Grail” in sports. The Holy Grail in sports is when a coach knows how to get the players performing above and beyond their potential, or to be more specific, when a player overcomes performance anxiety. In the first game some of our players struggled with their anxiety and were not playing with their usual freedom. This continued for the team throughout the tournament as the stakes grew with every passing game. We did our best working on the fears of our players, but it was not easy as every player is different when dealing with anxiety. When we lined up for the final, I did note that our young men were slightly less anxious than their Papatoetoe Intermediate opponents. In the end this seemed to be the difference between the teams; both dealing with a final and the anxiety that comes with it, but one team handling it better and playing closer to their optimum than the other.

The biggest success of the tournament was not our school winning the final but seeing students grow and overcome their anxiety. This is the real success we hope to see in students, personal growth that builds their character. Not all our players managed to do that so there is still work to be done, however it is something we are aware of moving forward. The bottom line for our young men to achieve success is based on their outlook on everything, or more specifically their “worldview”. Putting God first and foremost and knowing and experiencing God’s unconditional love is undeniably the strongest foundation our young men can have as they negotiate exam pressure, sports field anxiety, and basically…life. The best advice we can give our students as they enter environments where fear can render them to a standstill is, “God accepts you whatever the outcome is”. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, this one truth is all that our young men need to know.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it"

Proverbs 22:6

In Christ

literacy centre

Year 8 SOFTBALL TEAM at SOUTH-WEST ZONE SPORTS TOURNAMENT

It was a big Softball day for us, we played 4 games in a row, then 3 games. The team was made up of boys all new to softball played at this level and I was very proud of their performances overall. We won 5 games out of the 7, we played using two different teams. Our wins were all solid and we controlled those games with a mixture of batting and fielding. Of our two losses the first was against the champion team and not taking the early chances in the field proved costly. The second loss, we batted poorly in the first innings and they batted so long we couldn’t get a second innings to turn things around. It was a tactic we put to use in later games. Due to the pool organization we ended up having to play off for 5th and 6th. Our batting and fielding finally all came together, it was a fantastic way to finish the day with such a solid win in a tetchy match! Thank you to Ms Crichton for helping coach the team and taking the boys to the shop, Mr Brown for being our driver, Miss Kuresa for co-ordinating all the lose ends on the day, the parents that came to watch and support their sons and Mr Issako for turning us into online stars. Of our young men on the day:

A group of very tired young men after seven 30 minute games!

Manuele Manuele performed with credit all day in his role as catcher and with his base running. He took a lot of third strike catches and really worked with his pitcher. Joziah Palea had the tough job of pitching every innings mostly with an umpire that gave him no leeway. He kept his head and kept working whether things were going well or not so well, which is a huge thing for a pitcher. His highlight was three batters up, three strike outs in one innings. Very nice! Julius Faifili was solid on Base 1 all day and was the rock on which we took a lot of outs. Lazarus Tovio was thrown into Base 2 and performed well all day, on and off the field he was Mr Reliable and kept things organized. Kymani Vea was our batting star for the day, some of his home runs were absolute rockets. He also fielded well on Base 3. Ifalame Vaiaku mixed up short stop with right outfield and I was pleased with his base running. Siosaia Sinisa played left outfield and got a lot of fielding action, he had to work hard and never faltered. Salvation Milford played centre outfield and PJ Tufunga played left outfield and short-stop. Both boys were game in batting and kept their cool making sure to only swing at genuine strike-balls. Kobe Setu was our right outfield and Evan Vili played left outfield, both batted extremely well which forced fielding teams to go on the defensive. Peter Langi was solid on Base 2 and helped keep a calm diamond, he had a beautiful hit in our last game. Thaddeus Lal played short-stop and stayed alert throughout all his games with bat and ball.

Year 8 Technology

Year 8 Materials Processing Technology class prepares their workspace and gathers tools as they get ready to begin their practical lesson with Mr Khan.

8JPL students setting up for their practical class

new zealand representation honours board

by Literacy Centre/Library Director - Ms Amanda Chapman

On Wednesday 4 March we unveiled the De La Salle New Zealand Representation Honours Board in the foyer of the MPC. The college was very privileged to have the skills of master craftsman, Donald Jessop to carve and construct the board.

Head Boy, Harvey Smith unveiling the honours board

This board will honour past students who have gone on to represent New Zealand in their field, both academic and sporting. The ceremony was attended by Donald Jessop and his wife, Cate (who works within the College as an Enviro School facilitator). Brother Lewis was responsible for the blessing and three Year 9 students, Craig Fotofili, Henzo Ignacio, and Dominic Tuala, read prayers.

Br. Lewis, Mr Donald and Mrs Cate Jessop, and College Principal Mr Myles Hogarty

Thank you, Donald for your talents and time in creating such a beautiful piece of art. We look forward to adding names to the board to complete your work.

YEAR 11 parent partnership FOno

Written by Patrick-Maliu Tahaafe

On Thursday 26th February 2026, we held our Year 11 Parent Partnership Fono. A few students from our Year 11 Leadership Council helped set up the MPC in preparation for the event. Some students acted as ushers, guiding parents to the correct parking areas, while others welcomed families and ensured that parents had the information they needed. The purpose of the Parent Partnership evening was to inform parents about the changes to NCEA, particularly the introduction of the new Numeracy and Literacy Common Assessment Activities (CAA). Miss Puleiku presented information about these changes and explained how families can support literacy and numeracy development at home. Parents were also informed about upcoming assessments and how our progress will be tracked throughout the year. With these tools and information, we will be able to prepare well and do our best to achieve our first of three NCEA qualifications. The Year 11 Parent Partnership Fono ran smoothly from beginning to end, with parents actively engaging in conversations about their sons’ learning and education during this time of change. We thank all the families who attended and for their ongoing support. As a Year 11 cohort, we look forward to working together with our teachers and families to strive for excellence as we begin our NCEA journey.

Year 11 Skills Lab

Written by Job Saberon This year, us as Year 11 Academic Leaders are working together with our dean and homeroom teachers to introduce Year 11 Skills Lab - a space designed to help our cohort develop their key literacy and numeracy skills. Skills Lab is designed to support students to build strong foundations for success in NCEA. Skills Lab will run every Monday and Wednesday after school for year 11 students from 3:30pm – 5:30pm in D2. We encourage all year 11 students to attend.

📣 Calling all Year 11 students: Join us for Skills Lab from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm in D2!

Science is specialised and inspirational

Agriculture and Horticulture Course AHS201 has started this year. An excellent group of enthusiastic students working on their first internal achievement standard. They’re focussed on perfecting skills in measurement, observations, accuracy and applying consistency in their investigation techniques. Coming up soon, a farm visit and reporting on primary dairy production and environmental impacts. Great start to humble beginnings, looking forward to growing with this course!

Senior students studying life processes of microorganisms. How it plays an important role in an interconnected environment; to help form some favourite foods. This is a successful fermentation process (photo) showing how Apple Cider forms from yeast cells consuming sweet apple juice. It’s the same microbial interactions in bread production. Students found the practical exciting and interesting, and exclaimed to be budding vintners!

CONGRATULATIONS MUTIEN!

athletics day

Our Athletics Day was such an awesome day! After more than 10 years without winning, Mutien House finally won bragging rights. Everyone was really excited and the celebrations were loud! There were lots of fun events during the day like sprints, relays, and tug of war. Students also competed in long jump, high jump, discus, frisbee and shot put. Everyone tried their best and it was great to watch. The atmosphere was amazing with students cheering for their houses, waving their banners, and chanting their house cheers really loudly. It was a very fun and exciting day for everyone. A big thank you to all the teachers and helpers who organised and ran the events.