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 - “Responsibilities and Rights "

Associate Principal - "Community"

Special Character - Ministry & Mission

Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum

Deputy of Pastoral - Pastoral

Academic Year 7/8

Intermediate School

Year 9 Parent Fono

Spark Tank Event- Young Enterprise Scheme

BIO301 Homeostasis with Glucoregulation

Year 11 Persuasive Writing- Opinion Piece

STEM Pathways

Culturally Responsive Sports Program

Notices

Enrol Now

Contact Us

“responsibilities and rights”

Mr Myles Hogarty

College Principal

Greetings,

I recently attended a workshop for Principals and school leaders run by a Youth Law group. The purpose of this meeting was to explain to school leaders the Rights that school students have concerning their education, how they should be treated and what our young students can expect from their teachers and their school.

What I heard made very good sense and I am happy to inform you that here at De La Salle we certainly comply with the Rights of our young men to an holistic education.

A phrase that kept coming up in this workshop was, “The student must have the Right to …...” Throughout the workshop I didn't hear the words, “The student must take Responsibility for ………”

At all times we must respect the rights of the young men entrusted to our care.

Are we only concerned in making sure that our young men are only made aware of their Rights, or is there a balance so that they are also made equally aware of their Responsibilities as students to contribute “to” society rather than only demand “from” society, what some see as entitlement?

Young men at De La Salle are expected to be involved in a sporting, musical, service, cultural or special character group and engage with staff and fellow students, part of their Responsibility “to” the College community using the wonderful talents that they have been given.

Our young men are expected to be “Responsible” for getting themselves to school every day, on time, correctly dressed and fully prepared for all learning each day. This has been further emphasised by our annual College goal which is to “Create Independent Learners”, of course supported by staff and families.

The message that our young men hear from their teachers is that the success of their education lies firmly in their hands, they have the responsibility to make the wise choices about their future, nurtured by staff and families.

Thankfully here at De La Salle, our Catholic and Lasallian traditions, values and beliefs ensure that all of our endeavours have a foundation based on the sacredness and respect for the rights of all students, teachers and families.

Our young men are regularly reminded of the “Responsibilities” they have as students of the college, ones that are premised on our Christian beliefs so that the “rights” of the rest of the College are ensured also.

I thank the staff, students, Old Boys and Parents who attended our Community Fono on Thursday evening to give their thoughts to the direction of the College.

Working together in partnership with all of our stakeholders is crucial so that we can capture a wide cross-section of views. These contributions are valuable for the College as we prepare to create our Strategic Plan for the next three years.

God Bless

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

COMMUNITY

Last night we had a wonderful turnout at our whole Community Fono. There was an opportunity to meet, talk and discuss about the present and the future of our school. It was wonderful to see the level of ownership of the College that the attendees have. At Board, student, parent and staff level everyone has the same interest in our boys being set up for a future of fulfilment and being able to fully provide for their families, in a context of Christian faith.

The results of the discussion will be put out, and the next action points decided. There was a definite interest in more school events for us to be together. I would like to thank in particular Malaetogia Dr Jacinta Faalili-Fidow who led the group that planned the fono, and facilitated the discussion on the evening.

It was an uplifting evening which built on the hope we have for the future of our school community.

special character

Assistant Principal Mission- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua

Lent

We have joined Catholics all over the world for the liturgical season of Lent. For forty days we turn to Jesus’ example of resisting temptation in the desert and learn from him how to live as children of God though increasing prayer, fasting and Almsgiving.

This year the theme within our Diocese is

"Restoring Hope” Your Compassion in Action / Kia Puawai Te Tūmanako

As a school community we received the ashes on Ash Wednesday, to mark ourselves with a symbol of our humanity. On this solemn occasion we remind ourselves that from ashes we came and ashes we shall return.

The Lenten Season is an opportunity to reflect on our how we can improve and strengthen ourselves to bare the true likeness and image as people of God.

Mother Angelica (1923-2016) Foundress of EWTN shared some tips over the years about Lenten resolutions and how we can grow in faith and prepare ourselves in the best way to accompany the Lord in his passion, death and resurrection. I’ve taken time to reflect on her top 3 and invite you to reflect on them also.

1. Offer things that will last over time: here she points out that while many will give up things like lollies and chocolate, it is more worthwhile to give up a defect that has a negative impact on those around you. In a school setting this might be linked to giving up mocking and a bad temper. In other words, there is an opportunity here to impact those around you positively and form better habits that will enhance your life after Lent.

2. Offer each sacrifice with joy. It says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 God loves a cheerful giver. We should remember that when we offer alms, whether that be tangible goods or the valuable currency of time, that we give with a joyful heart. Sacrifices are meaningless if we give them without the fullness of our heart.

3. Remember we offer sacrifices because we are sinners. It is important to remember here that penance is not just about paying for sins. But increasing our willpower not to sin again. You can heal, restore and repair damage caused by sin through penance, prayer and being generous. But most importantly Lent is a time to build a resolve to have stronger willpower next time you are tempted to sin.

Live Jesus in our Hearts forever

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

Scholars in the Spotlight

Year 9 students have been completing PATs is Science Mathematics and Reading. PATs are multiple-choice tests designed to help teachers determine achievement levels of students. Comparisons can also be done across classes and across schools using stanines. There are 9 levels, or stanines, of achievement with the lowest performance level being stanine one and the highest stanine nine. For example, you may be told that when compared with all Year 9 students nationally, your son is in stanine 6. Since the average stanine is stanine five, this indicates an above average performance.

The following students are to be congratulated for stanine scores that are well above national averages. Kep up the great work men.

Mathematics

Aldric Quilantang 9P
Jaidyn Sekai 9T
Finau Havili 9J

Science

Romeo Smith 9P
Ma'umagaisiva Su’a 9V
Kolaz Luamanuvae-Lokeni 9J
Aldric Quilantang 9P

English - Reading Comprehension

Romeo Smith 9P
Jaidyn Sekai 9T
Joesiah Emanuela 9T
Laga Agalava-Tiumalu 9J
Junior Filipo 9S
Nasau Ash-Faulalo 9H

The Equinox and the Harvest Moon

how to spot the blood moon in NZ

Next week sees the autumnal equinox (or sometimes called the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere) is a time when the sun appears to cross the earth’s celestial equator, moving from the southern to the northern celestial hemisphere. On the equinox, the Earth's axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the sun, resulting in roughly equal durations of daylight and darkness at all latitudes. This year the vernal equinox occurs on March 20th and the Harvest Moon on 14th March. Both signify the start of autumn. In our Catholic Calendar, the equinox also corresponds with the start of Lent.

The equinox has always been a significant event in many cultures, often associated with harvest, celebrations of the changing seasons, and religious or spiritual observances. For us, it marks the beginning of the harvest season and the transition from the warmer months to the cooler months. The Chinese are often cited as having originated the practice of standing eggs on their end during the equinox. If a symbol of fertility, eggs, could be balanced on end during a day equally divided between day and night, this was a sign that all nature was in harmony. I take no responsibility for broken eggs!

However, what can the equinox mean for our young men?

On a practical level, the sun sets earlier and rises later.

Are you making sure you get enough sleep to recharge?
Are you getting up in time to be ready for school?
Are you getting home at the right time now that the days are shorter?

On a deeper level, the equinox is a time of balance, a time for reflection and a time for change

Are you in balance? Are you managing your studies as well as getting involved in the wider life of the school?
Have you set goals for the term ahead?
Have you let go of what no longer serves you to make way for new beginnings?.

pastoral

Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles

Strengthening the Parent-School Partnership

At last night’s school fono, an important question was raised: How can parents be more involved in the school? This is a vital conversation, as a strong partnership between parents and the school plays a key role in student success. When parents are engaged, students are more likely to stay motivated, perform well academically, and develop a sense of belonging.

Here are some meaningful ways parents can get involved and support the school community:

1. Join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is a great way for parents to have a voice in school matters. By joining, you can contribute ideas, support school initiatives, and help organize events that enhance the school experience for students. The PTA also strengthens communication between parents and staff, ensuring that key concerns and suggestions are heard.

2. Attend School Events and Meetings

Fonos, parent-teacher conferences, and school Masses are valuable opportunities to engage with staff, students, and other parents. These gatherings allow you to stay informed about school initiatives, voice your thoughts, and build relationships within the school community.

3. Volunteer for School Activities

There are many ways to lend a hand at school, whether it’s helping with sports teams, cultural groups, fundraising events, or mentoring programs. Your involvement, big or small, makes a difference in enriching student experiences.

4. Support Learning at Home

Parental involvement isn’t just about being present at school—it’s also about reinforcing good habits at home. Encouraging a structured routine for homework, discussing school experiences, and promoting a positive attitude toward education all contribute to your child's success.

5. Encourage Open Communication

Strong partnerships are built on open and honest communication. Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and deans, ask questions, and express any concerns early. Working together helps address challenges and support your child’s learning and well-being.

By actively engaging with the school, parents help create a supportive environment where students can thrive. Whether through the PTA, school events, or simply staying informed, your involvement strengthens our school community and reinforces the values we aim to instil in our young men.

Let’s continue working together to support our boys in their journey through school and beyond.

ICT Academy

2025 Term 1 Holidays Computer Courses

Senior students have opportunities to participate in additional Computer Courses during school holidays at the Techtorium Institute of Technology in Newmarket.

Computer courses offer exciting and ever-evolving opportunities for students who are passionate about Technology. Students study a range of Levels 3 and 4 NCEA Computer Courses to get a real taste of what it’s like to study Computer Engineering at Tertiary Level.

Term 1 School Holidays Courses are listed below. All Course costs will be funded by the College. To enrol - complete the form below and email singhj@delasalle.school.nz

Keeping Year 10 Students Safe Online

Over the past five weeks, Year 10 Computer Science Technology students have been learning how to stay safe online. Using the online learning platform Grok Academy, students explored different types of scams, including how to spot suspicious emails and messages, and ways to protect their personal information from phishing attacks.

Year 10 Computer Science Technology students

Students also looked at how teenagers typically share information on social media and the risks this can bring. They discussed the importance of strong passwords, keeping personal details private, and the ethical issues around accessing other people’s online data.

By developing these skills, students are better prepared to protect themselves and others in the digital world. Participating students were awarded Cyber Skills Mastery Certificates.

Academic Year 7/8

Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

Kia ora Lasallians!

We are halfway through the term and the school is very nicely settling into their work. Our Year 7/8 students are working well in the classroom and it is equally fantastic to see many of them logging on to our 3 homework programmes. So after 5 weeks of school it is Solomon house who is leading the 2025 Lexile word count (75% already surpassing 50,000 words), Miguel leading in the Writers Toolbox (with 50% beginning their Learning Journey), and also Miguel again leading Mathletics with 21 students having already achieved Bronze status (though my house the Mighty Mutien is the only house to have a student reach silver lol!). I have to mention of Benildus, who are leading the way with attendance, however regarding attendance the biggest shock is that currently the overall best attendance for a Year group is Mr Skipp’s Year 9 cohort (who lead with 95%)!

After a successful push these last few years from Ms Dromogol to improve our literacy levels (which is showing the top of our bell curve moving to the right) we are now focussing on numeracy to also match it. Mr Hogarty ordered in from the ministry the resource “Prime Maths” (otherwise known as Singaporean Maths) to help our Year 7/8 students improve their Maths levels. It is imperative that basic facts (particularly multiplication and division) should be mastered before they enter Year 9. If your son has mastered his times table before he reached us as a Year 7 student, you have done very well helping us! We will continue to work hard to improve the essentials of Mathematics as we prepare them for Mr Vaihala’s maths department in the senior school (they have very high expectations).

A good sign of teachers who are happy is their extra-curricular endeavours (as this is add-on to their job requirements). The Year 7/8 teachers are now fully engaged in their extra-curricular programmes with Ms Va’ai leading the way, having wrestling sessions 3 afternoons a week, organising the Junior Media team, as well as looking to start up E-Sports and a Year 7-8 Academic Portfolio. Mr Brown has been working hard with the Under14 rugby boys getting them ready for the season (where they have just finished their trials). Mr Anderton has kicked off his Enviro Group where the Moth Plant competition is well underway (I thought it was some sort of edible plant not a weed lol); Ms Felise is training her Road Patrollers as well as working with her son Mr Felise with the leadership group; Ms Kuresa has so many Dean things going that I have lost count and Ms Olive also has her COLs objective to organise our “Middle School Musical” later this year, both of them still having energy to run homework club every Tuesday and Thursday. Mr Tagaloasa wants to work with Ms Olive create a junior school choir (and a worship club) so watch this space there are a few exciting things coming up soon.

Finally, what am I doing? A few things, but my main extra-curricular activity is to help our Year 7-8 boys win the BIG FOUR (Tag/Union/League/Touch). We took out SW Tag a couple of weeks ago, probably the hardest of the 4 to win (the first time we have taken that tournament in a few years). The boys are having fun running every lunch with help from our Year 10 students as they prepare for Auckland Champs Tag. I find it a joy running the boys at lunch as competition excites me. When I think of competitive sports against other schools, I often tell Mr Brown “Let’s make De La Salle great again!”; though upon mentioning that statement to our board chair Mr Falaniko, without hesitation his reply was, “When has De La Salle ever not been great?”

We are privileged to be in a great school.

Following the model of a great man.

St Jean Baptiste De La Salle.

In Christ

intermediate school

Year 7/8 community mass

Community Mass for the year 7/8 students have begun with the first mass of the year at St Anne's Parish, Manurewa. It was a lovely occasion for our young men to participate and be part of the faith community. It was our largest student group in attendance, which was very heartwarming to see and grateful for the support. We have six more visits to other Parishes- schedule included below.

We are grateful to the commitment of our parents because without them, none of this would happen. We sincerely thank them 🙂"

Lape Tournament

by Israel T 7NVA

It was the 7th of March 2025. The day of the Lape tournament had finally come, and my entire class was filled with excitement! Some people in the class were even dressed in Green to represent Benildius house. We knew we were ready because of the many training sessions we had before the tournament.

Our first match of the day was against the Blue house of Mutien. We played our hardest, and with our passes and communication skills, we came out victorious! That win made us more confident than ever before. Our next match was against the Red house of Solomon.It was the last batter of the game, we were down by one and it was a full house. We needed the batter to smash it out of the field. At that moment, the ball was thrown and BOOM! All you could see was the ball flying to the back of the field and all our players running home to score us 4 points! That very game took us to the championship and made us very excited.

At last, it was time for the finals against the yellow house, Miguel! The game was very stressful and we struggled to keep up. But even though we tried our best, in the end we lost but we still celebrated the fact that we still came 2nd. I felt very proud of our team. Even though Benildus came 2nd, we still felt like Champs!

Environmental Group

Moth Vine Pods Competition

Mr. Anderton, who is a Year 7 Teacher and also leads the Environmental Group here at De La Salle, initiated a Moth Vine Pods Competition that kicked off in March and wrapped up in April. The challenge aimed to encourage students to actively contribute to the environment by removing the invasive moth vine pods from around our local area.

The final count saw an incredible effort from our Year 7 and 8 classes. Each class worked hard to collect as many pods as possible, showing commitment to protecting our native environment. Here are the final class tallies:

Year 7 Class Totals: 3,857
Year 8 Class Totals: 813
Total: 4670

A special commendation goes to three outstanding students who led the charge with the largest haul of moth vine pods:

Their dedication and hard work have not only helped to make a positive impact on our local ecosystem but have also inspired others to take action.

A massive thank you to everyone who participated. Your efforts reflect our school values of Community and Service, reminding us that small actions can lead to big changes. Let's continue to be guardians of our environment!

year 9 parent Fono

by Mr M. Skipps- Year 9 Dean

The Year 9 Parents and Students Fono on Tuesday 4 March, was a meaningful gathering aimed at strengthening the partnership between families, students, and the school. The evening provided an opportunity for open and honest conversations about how we, as a school and Year 9 team, can work together to support our young men in their transition to high school. With 186 students making up the Year 9 cohort, ensuring that each boy feels a strong sense of belonging, connection, and academic support is a priority for us.

A special thank you to our guest speakers—Troy Sanday (Class of 2024), who shared his experiences and insights as a recent graduate; Lulu and Chanel from Student Services, who spoke on the various forms of support available; Mr. Charles from Pastoral Care, who addressed student well-being; and Br. Amir from Religious Education, who provided a faith-based perspective on student growth. Their contributions were invaluable in reassuring families that their sons are in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Throughout the evening, parents and students engaged in talanoa, asking questions and raising concerns, all of which were addressed by our team. It was heartening to see families actively participating and leaving with a clearer understanding of the school’s commitment to their sons’ success. A huge thank you to the teachers and staff—Mr. Kumar, Mr. Futialo, Ms. Faireka, Ms. Gutschlag, Mr. Lamont, Br. Amir, Br. Naqash, Ms. Reti, Mr. Rungan and Mr. Sailosi —who played a key role in facilitating discussions and ensuring a welcoming environment.

The fono reinforced the importance of working together as a community to uplift and guide our young men, and we look forward to reconnecting with parents and students at our next gathering.

SPARK TANK EVENT

Young Enterprise Scheme

On Tuesday, March 4, our Year 12 Young Enterprise students embarked on an exhilarating journey into the world of business at the Spark Tank Event, hosted by the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) at the Māngere Arts Centre. This dynamic event, akin to entrepreneurial speed mentoring, allowed our budding innovators to engage with a diverse array of business mentors, each offering invaluable insights and guidance.

Among the esteemed mentors were old boys: Johnnie Timu of Brown Pride and Jonny Fa’amatuainu from the Auckland Business Chamber. Their presence not only inspired our students but also underscored the profound impact of community and cultural representation in the business sphere.

Our students showcased an impressive lineup of business ventures, each reflecting creativity and cultural pride:

Otai Flavoured Ice Cream

Company name pending

This venture continues to delight taste buds with ice cream infused with the refreshing flavours of traditional Otai, offering a sweet journey into our rich culinary heritage.

Pacific Inspired Board Game

Company name pending

An engaging board game that takes players on an adventurous voyage across the Pacific Islands, fostering an appreciation for the diverse cultures that enrich our region.

Toa Tape

Innovative sports tape adorned with cultural designs, merging functionality with a celebration of identity, empowering athletes to wear their heritage with pride.

Niuwaves

A natural leave-in hair conditioner that embraces indigenous ingredients, promoting hair health while honouring traditional beauty practices.

Tama Threads

A group dedicated to producing Pacific-inspired accessories, blending traditional motifs with contemporary fashion to create unique pieces that celebrate their cultural heritage.

"Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Through Innovation and Tradition"

The Spark Tank Event served as a catalyst for our students, igniting their entrepreneurial spirits and providing them with the tools and confidence to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. We eagerly anticipate the evolution of these projects and the positive imprint they will leave on our community.

We are excited to witness the evolution of these projects and the positive impact they will have on our community. Stay tuned for more updates!

BIO301 homeostasis with Glucoregulation

On Tuesday 11 March, BIO301 Level 3 Biology with Mrs R Spencer visited AMRF Medical Sciences Learning Centre - Whakaaro Pai at the University of Auckland, Grafton Campus. With facilitator Dr B Black, three activities were done to support the 3.4 Homeostasis with Glucoregulation internal.

We were able to observe donated human organs and models, learn about different pathways into medical sciences with support for pacific students, learn about studying pharmacy, and try out different methods of testing blood pressure and heart rate monitoring.

"What I most enjoyed is testing our blood pressue and playing those scenario games with our teams"

Charles Palea

"We were able to learn a lot of new things which will be beneficial for us"

Bruno Ta'ale

"It helped us gain knowledge about Pharmacy and human body parts"

Angelo Dsouza

"Truly grateful and appreciate for being able to look at the organs and learn of their functions and purpose"

Elijah Tia

"I learnt a lot from the presentations and had lots of fun from the different activities, especially the organ quiz and blood pressure activities"

Josiah Cummings

Year 11 persuasive writing

Opinion Piece

stem pathways

by Mr A. Hawkins

During the summer school holidays Mr Hawkins attended the School to Skies / School to Seas teachers camp a programme run by New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Thirty teachers from all over New Zealand and from a range of schools- Intermediate, High Schools and Area schools gave up their school holiday time attend the programme.

De La Salle Old Boy Orlando Toese and new recruit January 2025 intake with Mr Hawkins

NZ Naval Base Marae- Mr Hawkins leading the whaikorero for the powhiri and learning the whakapapa stories of their carvings and greenstone- Mauri.

The week-long camp showed how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) applied to real-world problems so that teachers can take this information and enthusiasm back to their schools and classrooms. The aim of the course was to assist teachers in helping their students transition to STEM pathways.

LEFT: Four ships in at the Devonport Naval base RIGHT: Navy Military Police

The programme involved three days with the NZ Navy at their Devonport base and four days at the NZ Air Force base in Whenuapai. NZDF had their military personnel deliver presentations and activities as well as looking at career pathways across their NZDF services. On the NZDF website there are approximately 120 opportunities and trades on offer for a diverse range of school leavers. One trade which is urgently needed across the NZDF (Navy, Airforce and Army) were Chefs.

Mr Hawkins can assist with any students wanting to learn more about where STEM can lead them into possible careers in NZDF.

Culturally Responsive Sports Program

Health and Physical Education Faculty - In partnership with Tu Manawa and CLM

by Mr J. Keane - Head of Faculty PE

Project Overview

The Culturally Responsive Sports Program at De La Salle College has successfully introduced students to traditional and contemporary team sports, including Kī-o-Rahi, Tag Football, Lape, and Flag Football. The initiative aims to strengthen students’ connection to their cultural heritage while promoting physical activity, teamwork, and leadership.

This program aligns with the Physical Education curriculum, particularly at Level 1, where students develop and apply movement strategies in an authentic setting. Evidence gathered from participation supports Achievement Standards 92016 (1.1) and 92017 (1.2), ensuring both practical and theoretical learning outcomes.

Student Engagement & Participation

Students across multiple year levels have enthusiastically taken part in the sessions. Notably, Year 11 students, as well as younger students from junior levels, have demonstrated keen interest in Kī-o-Rahi’s strategic elements and historical significance, as well as the fast-paced teamwork required in Tag Football.

Students preparing for a game, discussing strategies, and engaging in pre-game warm-ups

A match in progress, showcasing teamwork, communication, and Kotahitanga

Active gameplay highlighting students’ application of movement strategies in a high-energy setting during an interclass Lape tournament

DLS Counties Sports council leader Kohen Masoe Refereeing lunchtime activities

The involvement of students from the Counties Manukau Rangatahi Leadership Council has further enhanced engagement, as student leaders have taken on coaching and facilitation roles, reinforcing tuakana-teina (older-younger peer mentoring) principles.

Key Achievements

High Participation Rates: Students from Year 9 to Year 13 have actively engaged, with many requesting further sessions beyond the initial schedule.
Cultural Connection: Many students expressed appreciation for learning about Kī-o-Rahi, not just as a sport but as a connection to Māori traditions and storytelling.
Skill Development: Students improved in agility, coordination, and strategic play, with clear progress in their understanding of movement patterns.
Leadership Growth: Senior students took on mentoring roles, leading drills and explaining cultural elements to younger peers.

Next Steps

To build on the momentum of this program, we propose:

Extending the program to include inter-house or inter-school tournaments in Kī-o-Rahi and Tag Football.
Integrating cultural storytelling into lessons to deepen students’ understanding of the historical significance of these games.
Collecting formal student feedback to refine session structures and improve delivery.

The Culturally Responsive Sports Program has been an outstanding success, demonstrating the importance of blending cultural identity with physical education. With continued support, this initiative will strengthen student engagement and ensure the long-term inclusion of these culturally significant sports at De La Salle College.