De La Salle College Newsletter “A Catholic School for Boys in the Lasallian Tradition”

in this issue

TERM 3 WEEK 2- COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

College Principal - “Making the Right Connections"

Associate Principal - "What Have I Learned"

Deputy of Curriculum - De La Salle Certificate

Deputy of Pastoral - Embracing School Rules

Academic Year 7/8- Connected Community

Literacy Centre

Rugby Feature: U15A Rugby Team 2024

In the Community

Notices

Enrol Now

Contact Us

“making the right connections”

Mr Myles Hogarty

College Principal

Our young men are from a generation that is being described as “Learners of a Global Community.’ The use of technology, computers, internet, smart phones and all manner of devices certainly enables our students to connect globally and access world-wide learning resources, which when used wisely is a good thing.

My concern is that while our young men are making the connection to this global community, some are becoming more withdrawn and isolated from their own school and family communities and severing that connection, retreating into their own isolated “virtual communities.”

De La Salle’s success as a school depends on an emphasis on “Community” in many ways, through its learning community, Sports teams, Cultural groups, Special Character groups, Leadership groups and Parent Partnerships. These are all designed to provide our young men with a strong connection to his own local community and protect him from becoming isolated in a virtual world of social networking and “faceless” communities.

A positive community allows young men to smile, talk, try things, fail, succeed, ask for help, be supported and know that they are valued through the connections to family, friends and teachers.

The College offers our young men many opportunities to engage in global learning and have access to global communities, many of our students are able to access these also in their own homes, however we must not let our students disconnect from the strong values that being a member of a school and family community can provide them.

Practicing and playing with your friends in a Rugby or Basketball team, preparing and delivering a Debate, performing the College Haka and playing music in a band with your peers is the best way to strengthen the connection to your real community.

Our young men are expected to be involved in Service programmes in our community and are regularly reminded to be ‘A man of Service for others’, a noble value in the often ‘me’ focussed environment that is promoted by social media.

The Apostle Paul sums this up nicely in his letter to the Philippians 2:4 when he urges them, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.”

De La Salle offers our young men the opportunities to “connect” with their school, families and local communities through a range of activities and it is our expectation that every boy participates in these opportunities that are offered at the College.

Sadly we see and read stories of many teenage boys in New Zealand who have become disconnected from their communities and no longer contribute positively to society, they are lost spiritually, culturally and educationally. It is this group who appear all too frequently in crime statistics, robberies and ram-raids.

I am regularly encouraged by the young men of De La Salle who display various forms of service to their school, family and communities, giving of their talents and time to be connected locally and globally. Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

As a College community we continue to celebrate the success of boys who have achieved outstandingly in their Academic work, Sport, Service, Music, Culture and Faith, acknowledging and celebrating them regularly in our College assembly.

Our students have returned refreshed from their holiday and are well settled into our structures and routines, they are regularly reminded of the expectation to achieve Excellence in all areas of their education and be “Men of Community.”

As the title of this Newsletter is “Making the Right Connections”, I would like to thank our students, parents and staff for another highly successful Academic Counselling day on Wednesday. School-home partnerships and connections were strengthened with the overall goal of working together to raise achievement. Thank you parents for your support of your sons and of the College’s vision of creating outstanding young men.

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

What Have I Learned?

A good question to ask ourselves is, What have I learned since the last newsletter?

I learned in the holiday break that taking a proper break and getting a decent rest is beneficial for me, my family and all the staff and students I work for. If I don’t it doesn’t help anyone.

I have learned that it takes a whole team to solve a problem, not just one hero or martyr. Getting all the boys to wear correct uniform takes the homeroom teacher, the Dean, senior student role models and the family.

I have learned after going to the funeral of Mr Frank Heffernan, a man who spent 55 years making a huge contribution to the St Vincent De Paul Society in South Auckland, that love and service do actually make a massive difference.

I have learned from organising the trip this coming September to Manila with 17 boys that preparation is key, in particular it greatly reduces stress if there is a longer timeline to get everything done. We chose the group a year ago and did most of our fundraising before Christmas.

I hope you can take the chance to think of what you have learned recently. It will go on all our lives.

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

De La Salle Certificate

It was great to see so many families at our Academic Counselling on Wednesday. For many of the Year 7 – 10 students it was an opportunity to update you on their progress towards the De La Salle Certificate. Just a reminder how the totals are calculated.

Points are collated for Service – 1 point for every hour of service completed [max 20], Community – 5 points for every school team/group you commit to, Excellence – points for every assessment achieved as well as the Weekly Note – Average for each term added and Attendance – Points for attendance over 80%

We hope the boys are aiming for Merit and Excellence. These students receive their badges that are linked to Elements of the College’s crest has been used in the Merit and Excellence badges.

The Radiant Star Year 7

The five-pointed star is the De La Salle Brothers symbol found on all their works. It is the ‘sign of faith’, the spirit of the Lasallian family.

The Silver Fern Leaves Year 8

The fern leaves represent New Zealand and the growth from the koru frond to mature leaf reflects the journey of young boys to men.

The Cross Year 9

Everything about the crest points to the Cross, the symbol of the Christian faith, showing that the College’s principles and values are embedded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Lightning Bolt Year 10

The lightning bolt symbolises the divinity and power of God

Ever thought of becoming a teacher?

Since 2022 De La Salle College has been a part of a consortium of Auckland Secondary schools and the University of Auckland running a teacher training programme which allows students to study for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) with the added benefits of being immersed in a school community. Schools participating in the programme include Saint Kentigern College, Onehunga High School, King’s College, Tangaroa College, One Tree Hill College, Māngere College, Pukekohe High School and De La Salle College. The trainee teachers gradually move from observations in the classroom to teaching classes by the end of the year. Theoretical papers to complete their teaching training are run by the University of Auckland. The trainee teachers receive a stipend during their study year to support then while they are completing their Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)

We currently have two teachers working on the programme with one in the English faculty and another in the Social Science faculty. We have also gained two wonderful teachers in Mr Otto Wendt [English/Debating] and Mr Bruce Laufoli [Chemistry/Science] through similar programmes. If you know of any recent old-boy or alumnae or parents who might be considering a change of career and who may be interested in teaching, they would be well advised to look at the programme on offer. It can be accessed here https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/teacher-education-in-schools-scholarship-1131-esw.html.

Option Selection 2025

At this time of year, we begin the process of students choosing their option subjects for 2025. Students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 need to select their options for 2025. This needs to be completed by Friday 20 September 2024 – end of Week 8. We give lots of time because it is important that lots of consideration is given to this process. If students are unsure about subjects they will need in the future, they should speak with you and their teachers, our Heads of Faculty, the Careers team and their Dean. Look out for your son’s Year Level Parent Partnership meetings this term where Options will be a hot topic of conversation.

Students and families can access Options on the KAMAR Portal https://parent.delasalle.school.nz/index.php. There are also copies of the Option Booklets on the school website under Academic – Curriculum Guides and Subject Selection tabs https://www.delasalle.school.nz/subject-selection/.

Once logged in to the portal you select the Option Selection 2025 tab. The Option Selection will match your Year Level in 2025. Students can click on the blue hyperlinks for each subject to get the Course statement. Students need to select one option for each line – 2 in Year 11, 5 in Year 12 and 13. Once they have selected, they click save. Students and parents can go back to their selections and change/edit all the way up to the end of the selection period on Friday 20 September Week 8.

E-Waste Collection Day

Congratulations to the EnviroCouncil for their work with the e-Waste collection on Academic Counselling day. De La Salle was able to divert over 100 kg of e-waste to recycling.

EnviroCouncil members Adeesha Fernando, Boris Mafi and Leato Collins pictured with Echotech representative

pastoral

Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles

Embracing School Rules

for a Positive Culture and Future Success

Dear De La Salle College Community

Recently, we have noticed a few students arriving at school with hairstyles that do not align with our school's expectations. While these students have since made the necessary adjustments, this situation serves as a timely reminder of the importance of adhering to our school rules, which are designed to foster a positive and respectful learning environment.

At De La Salle College, we believe that school rules play a crucial role in shaping a strong and cohesive school culture. When students follow these guidelines, they contribute to an atmosphere of respect and unity, where everyone feels valued and part of a community. This is especially important in a boys' school like ours, where fostering mutual respect and a sense of responsibility are key components of our educational mission.

Adhering to school rules, including dress codes and hairstyle guidelines, is not just about conformity; it is about learning to respect boundaries and expectations, which are vital skills for life beyond school. These rules help our students understand that they are part of a larger community, where individual actions can impact others. This understanding is essential as they grow into responsible adults who can navigate the complexities of societal norms and workplace expectations.

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in supporting our school's rules and expectations. We encourage you to discuss the importance of these guidelines with your sons and help them understand how following them contributes to a positive school culture. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Together, we can ensure that De La Salle College continues to be a place where every student feels safe, respected, and part of a caring community. By upholding our school's values, we prepare our students not only for academic success but also for the challenges and responsibilities they will face in the future.

ICT Academy

BYOD Information

Academic Year 7/8

Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

Connected Community

Welcome back to Term 3 which is the most enjoyable term of the year! Spring has arrived, students know their routines, and there are no school reports. I have fond memories of Term 3 over the years, notably 2011 when New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup and Mangere was covered in flags from a variety of countries.

Many thanks to all the parents who attended our Parent/Teacher conferences. We appreciate you taking time out from work/etc to be there for your son. As teachers it is an honour to be involved in your son’s life at this crucial stage in their development. We never take this privilege lightly and being a faith centred school see this as the highest calling a teacher can have; even more so to have this calling in a school named after the patron saint of teachers!

In the Year 7/8 we have been moving towards using AI to enhance learning. There are many arguments for and against the use of programmes such as ChatGPT but after a fair bit of planning earlier this year we have found that the issues with AI can be addressed as simply as dividing the learning into two sections: input and output. Input where AI can be utilised as a personal teacher to gain understanding, output where no AI is used and the student alone must demonstrate unaided their understanding written in their books. To our pleasant surprise we found that one of the outcomes of AI learning has been student agency (a goal in our strategic plan). Students are having a chat (ChatGPT) with AI and asking all sorts of questions to the point where they are finding out what the teacher is meant to be teaching them. It also prepares them (our second discovery) to have learning conversations in every lesson, something usually not possible in a class where there is only one teacher. These learning conversations (albeit with AI) are an excellent tool to help aid boys with their human-to-human interaction, which inadvertently develops them better for another one of our strategic goals – Connected Community.

In Christ

literacy centre

Rugby Feature

2024 De La Salle Under 15A Rugby Team

U15A Manager/Trainer- Mr Senio J. Brown

The 2024 U15A rugby team started their pre-season with some vigorous fitness, strength and conditioning together as a squad with their brothers from the U15B rugby team. After their trial, a squad of 26 was selected with Topeto Pulotu and Giovanni So’oa being appointed as co-captains. Their experience, rugby intelligence and leadership both on and off the field, demonstrated the skill set required to lead our boys onto the field. With our squad and co-captains selected, our 2024 season was officially underway.

Warm up games against Otahuhu College, Aorere College and Southern Cross Campus showcased the team’s potential displaying a great work ethic, sheer will power and determination resulting in 2 wins and a draw.

During this season so far, we’ve had some triumphant victories against Wesley College, Dilworth College and Otahuhu College, as well as some hard fought battles against heavyweight competitors; Kelston Boys High School, St. Peter's College and Westlake Boys High School. Where their character and sense of pride in the maroon jersey was truly tested and our boys did us proud, holding their heads high and still smiling regardless of the result. We also had some awesome outings as a team, where we supported our First XV at Eden Park against St. Peter’s and Moana Pasifika taking on NSW Waratahs at GO Media Stadium.

As we head into the final weeks of the round robin, our boys have come a long way and as coaches, we are so proud of their efforts and will strive to give our boys the best we can, with the continuous never-ending support from all our families, friends and teaching staff, thank you.

This season, we are privileged to have an awesome coaching team who bring a priceless wealth of knowledge to our team and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of them for their generosity and commitment:

Teariki Heather – Forwards Coach
Tomasi Mapusaga – Backs Coach
Andy Ioapo – Trainer
Semo Sititi Snr – Trainer
Senio J. Brown – Trainer/Manager

Wishing all our teams, in all sports across De La Salle College, the very best for the rest of 2024.

Faafetai tele mo le avanoa manuia uma mo le 2024.

in the community

excerpt taken from the Lasallian Outlook, a digest of news and activities from the ANZPPNG Lasallian District blog here

2023 Millionaire's Club recipients

“Reading is Boring!”: Not at De La Salle Mangere

Br Gary Wilson

“The more you read, the more places you’ll go” is a Dr Seuss saying that Amanda Chapman calls out. It underpins a motto that has earmarked a program for a decade, at the well-known Lasallian college in South Auckland.

Walking down the school driveway, students, parents, teachers, and visitors are surrounded by mature healthy trees and plants; the greenness of the native garden and the gurgle of a stream with birdsong bring a feeling of peace and welcome.

In these surrounds, Amanda, born and educated locally, heads the Literacy Centre Team whose three members total 54 years of experience, serving the largely Pasifika student population. The team includes Angela Barry and Kristina Ah Ta.

An approach by Br Steve Hogan, a previous Principal at De La Salle, was taken up by Amanda, who had very solid teaching experience in state junior primary classes, as well as overseas teaching in England and USA. Kiwis, like Aussies, are drawn to the ‘overseas experience’ in their youth, Amanda says.

Why did she move to teacher-librarianship?

“When you are an experienced teacher, you understand the importance of reading and how it is essential to all learning. I am very passionate teaching boys to read, so that they can do well at not only school but in later in life.”

The false perception that boys do not like to read can be changed, Amanda maintains, if they are given the opportunity and resources to enjoy and succeed. The Literacy Centre is a bright and stimulating space, welcoming with plenty of students’ work and art. People who visit are struck by the library stock: there are over 8,000 titles of all descriptions. At present, the winner is “Percy Jackson & the Olympians”, a series of fantasy novels written by American author Rick Riordan.

The Millionaire’s Club Project

What developed a decade ago was the “Millionaire’s Club.” It was a neat title to attract young Pasifika boys, not necessarily attracted to books, at home or at school. Beginning with the current Youth Minister, Niko Lomano when he was in Year 8, it utilises the Lexile program which counts the words read. That year 2016 saw 3 “millionaires” motor through a million words in 3 terms; 2023 registered 47 millionaires, and many of those boys were multi-millionaires reading over 2 million words.

Teachers help and support students to choose a book at their reading level. This is assessed by standardised tests so that the student knows his level. The Literacy Centre collaborates with classroom teachers to run the Lexile Reading Program, which involves a post-reading online quiz.

the push for greater literacy via reading reflects the school’s philosophy, Amanda says. An outcome is that a new Library and Literacy Centre has emerged in recent years. And “especially when schools are closing libraries around the world as a way of saving money.”

De La Salle has differences that set it off from state schools: “the boys talk about brotherhood and a strong sense of belonging, (with)… combination of our uniform and wearing the cross, which is reinforced with weekly Mass, and school prayer and school song which are said daily.”

The Lasallian Teacher

Amanda’s vitality and vision is perhaps part of her broader experience of things Lasallian:

“I have had a very satisfying career teaching. De La Salle Mangere East has given me many wonderful opportunities, like travelling to other Lasallian schools. Balgo Hills in Australia, De La Salle Hong Kong, Green Hills and Zobel in the Philippines. These trips were service missions with students. It literally has been life-changing for our boys to experience other Lasallian worlds.”

All of which may embed one of the school’s mottos:

Boys Who Read Achieve

All the Best Charm 👋🏽

Charm Tuala with Principal Mr Hogarty

All the best to Charm Tuala, Class of 2022 who heads off to start his studies and play rugby at Brown University- a prestigious Ivy League College in the USA. Charm's message to his younger lasallian brothers is

Work hard and stay resilient

Lasallians in the Olympics

Lalomilo Lalomilo, an alumnus of De La Salle College, Mangere, New Zealand, will represent Samoa in Men’s Rugby Sevens and Kitiona Vai, also an alumnus of De La Salle Mangere East, competed for New Zealand in the Men’s Rugby Sevens. They are but just a few of the Lasallians who are representing our country in the 2024 Olympics.

notices

Year 7/8 Community Mass

We will be continuing our College’s efforts to be Men of Community through attending Masses at our local, contributing parishes. This term, there are four opportunities for our Year 7/8 students to attend a Community Mass.

Year 7 & 8 community mass schedule

We would love to see your son attend one of these Masses and are appreciative of your support. You are most welcome to join us with your families as well. Our College staff will be attending these Masses too. We meet outside the Church 30 minutes before the start of Mass. We kindly ask our students to donate a food item to support the less fortunate in the Parish.

Your son is expected to attend in full uniform, and we will all be sitting together as a De La Salle group. In recognition of your son’s participation, we will award him service hours. This is one of our key College values.

We thank you in advance for supporting our students and our College.

Ms R Kuresa

Year 7/8 Dean

Learn Coach Study Resource

Senior students are already using learn coach online study resources to support their learning in various external standards. Very useful and effective to study subjects

Math (Maths,Stats, Calc)
Science (Chem, Bio, Phys)
English

They can get full access to premium resources to use at home and at school. AUT has generously sponsored DLS student access! Click on the link https://my.learncoach.com/aut and use your current learn coach login to claim the free offer or they can speak to their homeroom teacher.

Want to earn badges for service hours?- sign up here