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 - “99% of Success is about, "Being There."

Associate Principal - "Twenty Dollars"

Special Character - Ministry & Mission

Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum

Deputy of Pastoral - Pastoral

Academic Year 7/8

Literacy Centre

Te Wharenui Harikoa - TRM101 trip to the Civic Theatre

ECO301 Waihi Goldmine Trip - Oceana Gold Education Centre

Gateway & Careers

Notices

Enrol Now

Contact Us

99% of Success is about, "being there."

Mr Myles Hogarty

College Principal

Greetings,

Last term the Government announced a $ 140 million dollar plan to tackle the high level of student absenteeism in schools across the country.

This new school Attendance and Engagement Strategy sets expectations and targets to turn around years of dropping attendance rates of school students.

The Government set a target to Increase the number of students attending school regularly, so that a student should have an Attendance of 90% for more than 80% of the year.

I was shocked to read that the Government had set such a target of 90% student attendance, hardly an aspirational or high standard at all. What message does the Government send to our young men and women and their parents when they say that 90% is good enough ?

Is 90% a target high enough, definitely not at De La Salle College.

90 % Attendance in simple terms means that a student will miss four weeks of school a year or one week of school every term, is this an acceptable target, I think not !! One of our College Values is Excellence, which we describe as “The daily habit of doing your best.”

Attendance at school everyday is crucial to the pattern and continuity of learning for our young men and they certainly know that our target of 100% attendance is something that they can strive for and achieve. We have seen this high level of attendance by the number of our young men who are recognised and rewarded at our College Assemblies and Prize Givings for 100 % Attendance.

Our College has very clear data that students particularly in the Years 11 to 13, who have an Attendance of over 90% are achieving highly in all of their NCEA credits, high attendance leads to high engagement in school and gaps in learning are avoided, while good habits of attending school are reinforced by academic success.

While 100% attendance is a lofty goal for every student, it is far more aspirational than mediocre targets.

One thing is certain, if you aim to be just average and your goal is mediocrity, you will achieve both.

I asked several of our young men if their goal was to be average academic students or sportsmen and their unanimous reply was “no.”

At De La Salle mediocre targets for our Academic work, Sport, Service, Music or our Faith are not part of our thinking.

We aim to create young men of Excellence and being at school everyday is so crucial to achieving this goal.

At De La Salle we strive to create resilient young men who will attend school everyday despite minor issues, this sets themselves up for further success whilst at school and beyond.

Be at school everyday, no excuses.

The College staff are all looking forward to our Academic Counselling day on Wednesday next week 30th July, where we can sit with you and your son to plan actions for his further academic achievement.
Attendance at this Academic Counselling day is compulsory and the message is very clear that we want to see every family represented.
Best wishes to all winter sports teams who are at key stages of their competitions. My thanks again to parents, Old Boys and staff for their commitment in coaching, managing and supporting our teams helping to create Excellent young men.

God Bless

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

Take Your Opportunities

About 7 years ago I had an Old Boy come in to speak to Year 10 and 11. He told his story, which was of struggle and then achievement on the international stage. At the end of his talk he asked for a volunteer for an experiment. Nobody moved. For what seemed like a long time. Finally one boy got up and came forward. The Old Boy reached into his back pocket, pulled out a $20 note and gave it to him. He looked at everyone else and said ‘Take your opportunities!’

At this stage of the year the Yr 13 boys can start to look back at their 5 or 7 years at the school. Much of their story is decided by how much they took opportunities on offer. Did they go on camp with their year group, try debating even though they were scared, join a sports team, apply for leadership even though they thought they weren’t good enough, do their own fitness training so they could make the team they had set their sights on or decide to go on Kairos retreat even though none of their friends were on it. It’s the opportunities we decide to take that make the difference.

Some that boys have taken recently are to go to the Lasallian Youth Gathering in Sydney, to be in any of the winter sports, to sing the national anthem at rugby matches, to go to a camp run by the NZ Police at Awhitu in the holidays, to go to Wellington for a Young Enterprise National Expo, to be a Year helper on Year 8 camp, to join the choir, to be in the Brass Music Ensemble or to be in one of the year level Leadership Groups.

What are the opportunities that we took that have made the difference to us?

special character

Assistant Principal Mission- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua

Lasallian Youth Gathering

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example of the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12

During the July holidays, a delegation of 15 students, accompanied by 4 staff, were blessed to attend the Lasallian Youth Gathering (LYG) in Sydney. It was a privilege to represent New Zealand at this district gathering and to be part of such a deeply enriching and uplifting experience.

With a focus on the scripture from 1 Timothy 4:12, students were challenged to be courageous in living out their faith, to stand strong in Christ, and to share their gifts generously.

Our college band, EXODUS, helped create a vibrant atmosphere for all participants, setting a positive tone with music and supporting the liturgies. Our teachers, Mr Ngan Woo and Mr Felise, along with our Campus Minister, Anthony Ngan Woo, contributed to Youth Ministry and offered strong support to our boys throughout the event.

Overall, we returned with a renewed sense of belonging to our wider Lasallian family. Our faith was strengthened, our zeal reignited, and our hearts filled, ready to continue the work of ministry within our College.

Visit from Br Rich- LaSalle Academy, Manhattan, New York

We were blessed to host Br Rich from LaSalle Academy in New York during Week 1. It was inspiring to hear his stories and insights about growing up in the Bronx and serving the Lasallian Mission in Lower Manhattan.

Br Rich also visited JPC and FDMC, spending time with our wider New Zealand Lasallian community.

It was also wonderful to see Br Steve, former principal of De La Salle Mangere and now principal of Oakhill College in Sydney, during his recent short visit.

Year 11 Leadership Retreat

This week, our Year 11 students took part in a special two-day Leadership Retreat on Thursday and Friday. The retreat focused on helping our young leaders grow in confidence, purpose, and faith.

The goals of the retreat were to:

Deepening understanding of servant leadership within a Lasallian and Pacific context.
Building confidence and a sense of purpose as leaders in school, home, and wider communities.
Strengthening relationships through faith, reflection, and cultural values.

It was a meaningful time of learning, reflection, and connection, equipping our students to lead with humility, integrity, and service. Thank you to our special guest Lelea Halafihi Head boy of 2021 and also to our Head boy 2025 Cyrus Holloway and Special Character team for your exceptional service and help with these retreats.

Head boy 2025 Cyrus Holloway

Sacramental Programme 2025

We will be holding a meeting for parents who would like their son to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion).

Date: Thursday 31 July
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Staffroom

Please bring a copy of your son's Baptism Certificate to the meeting.

Sacramental classes for the boys will begin on Thursday 7 August in the Chapel.

To register your interest, please email the following details to our Campus Minister Mr A Ngan-Woo at NganwooA@delasalle.school.nz

Your full name
Your son’s full name and class
Your contact phone number and email address

Please register your son for Sacramental programme to receive Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Sacramental classes for boys start Thursday 7 August, P5 in the Chapel.

Sacramental Mass will be celebrated in term 4, 31 October celebrated with Bishop Steve.

Live Jesus in our Hearts forever

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

Senior Reports

You should have received an email with your son’s report yesterday. You can also access a copy on the KAMAR portal. Your son will be coming home with a copy in the next couple of days.

NCEA Progress

Teachers have come back to school and entered a significant number of results for senior students. This means that you should start to get a good picture bout how close to the qualification your son is getting.

Year 11 NCEA Level 1

As of 20 July, the average number of credits per student is 42 towards the target of 60 credits. That is great progress!. How well is your son doing? If you are worried about progress, make sure to bring it up at Academic Counselling. There are a large number of students who now need to [re]sit the Numeracy Common Assessment Activities [CAA] in September.. It is great to see that 7 students have already achieved NCEA Level 1.

Year 12 NCEA Level 2

As of 20 July, the average number of credits per student for Year 12s is 58 towards the target of 60 credits for NCEA Level 2 – Outstanding. How does this compare for your son? Again, if you are worried about your son, please bring it up at Academic Counselling. There is a small number who need to achieve the NCEA Numeracy requirement. This is preventing these students from achieving NCEA L1 or L2. On the positive side, we already have fifty-seven students who have achieved NCEA L2. Keep it up Year 12.

Year 13 NCEA Level 3

As of 20 July, the average number of credits per student is 39 towards the target of 60 credits for NCEA Level 3. How does this compare for your son? This is a big improvement for Year 13! Not long to go though, so year 13 can’t ease up this close to the finishing line.

Academic Counselling and Subject teacher meetings

Thanks to all the parents who have booked meetings with their son’s homeroom teacher for our Academic Counselling session on Wednesday 30 July. Bookings can be made here muf9p

As a follow up parents will be able to meet with specific subject teachers on the following Wednesday 6 August from 3.40 pm to 6 pm. These meetings will be shorter than the meeting with your son’s homeroom teacher – 5 minutes - to allow as many parents as possible meet with the teacher they want to see. Your son’s homeroom teacher will be able to help you with bookings. You may also be able to meet with individual subject teachers on Wednesday 30 July. Again, your son’s homeroom teacher will help you navigate this. Subject Teachers will be based in their classrooms on Wednesday 6 August– There will be a map available on the night.

The booking code for the Subject Teacher meetings on Wednesday 6 August is p5puu. You can also make a booking via this QR code

book here for five minute subject teacher meetings, Wednesday 6 August from 3.40pm til 6.00pm

PISA Testing

Congratulations to the Year 11 students [and a couple Year 10 and 12 students] who completed the PISA testing this week. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is an international test that measures 15-year-olds' abilities in reading, mathematics, and science. In New Zealand, PISA provides valuable insights into how students compare globally and highlights areas needing improvement. The Ministry of Education thanks our students for participating so enthusiastically. Recent results have shown a gradual decline in New Zealand’s maths performance, sparking a national conversations around the curriculum and teaching . While Kiwi students continue to perform above the OECD average in reading and science, equity gaps persist, particularly among Māori and Pasifika learners. The data is used by policymakers to inform education reforms and ensure all students are equipped with the skills needed for success in the modern world.

Thanks again Year 11!

pastoral

Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles

Supporting Our Students Through the Travellers Programme

At De La Salle College, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of all our young men. Earlier this year, our Year 9 students completed the Travellers Survey, which helps us understand the experiences and opportunities our students encounter as they navigate the important transition into high school.

We were heartened by the openness and honesty of our students. Many shared experiences of growth and change over the past year—such as moving house, making new friends, and adjusting to new school environments. Some also reflected on personal challenges like coping with loss or change in their families.

In response, we are excited to launch the Travellers Programme at our college. This small-group initiative focuses on building resilience, developing self-confidence, and strengthening the connections that help our young men thrive. The programme provides a safe and supportive space for students to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and celebrate their strengths.

We are also pleased to see a growing focus on consistent attendance, as we know that being at school every day is one of the biggest contributors to student success. Programmes like Travellers play an important role in helping students feel connected, engaged, and excited to come to school.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to nurture confident, connected, and resilient young men.

ICT Academy

Technology deals at Noel Leemings

Academic Year 7/8

Director of Teaching and Learning Year 7 & 8 - Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”

Col 3:23

For the first semester of this year our Year 8 students did not have the best attendance. After we addressed this, those very same Year 8s started Term 3 by topping the whole college for attendance! We want to thank parents for picking things up in that area as attendance is crucial for student achievement. From our side we have placed benchmarks for the Year 8s that they must reach in order for them to play sports. These are at a minimum:

Lexile 100k (raises 10k every week)
Stage 3 completion in Writers’ Toolbox
10k Mathletics points

For our sports camp it is those 3 academic minimum benchmarks that the 20 selected boys must reach as well as:

95 % attendance

These may seem a bit draconian, but let us remember what the good book reminds us as teachers and parents to do:

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Heb 10:24

This is why Sports Camp and lunchtime sports remain privileges. Since day 1 of this term when only 2 students met the requirements, we now have half the cohort eligible, the next question is simple for our Year 8 students: Will the other half accept the challenge? Effort on the field starts with effort in the books. You can’t be an excellent sportsperson if you aren’t analytical or have critical reasoning. Intelligence is the x factor sportspeople need with their pure talent.

Looking ahead we look forward to:

Academic Counselling - Week 3, Wed 30 July
Sacramental Programmes Parents meeting - Thu 31 July, 5.30pm. Sacramental programme begins every Thursday P5 in the Chapel
Subject Teacher meetings - Week 4, Wed 6 Aug have you locked in a slot?
Year 7 & 8 Family Mass - Wed 27 Aug, 12pm

Let’s keep running — with faith, service, community, and excellence as our markers. If half the Year 8 boys can rise in one week, imagine what a whole term of focused mahi will bring. As Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthian church:

“Run in such a way as to obtain the prize.”

1 Cor 9:24

In Christ

literacy centre

te wharenui harikoa

TRM101 Trip to the Civic Theatre

Kia ora! TRM101 went to The Civic Theatre today to visit Te Wharenui Harikoa, a crocheted wharenui, created by Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole. It was an immersive experience drawn from taonga tuku iho. We were invited to take off our shoes, slow down, and enter a space for dreaming. We were lucky enough to speak with the artists themselves and left feeling inspired, calm, and tino harikoa. If families wish to experience the serenity, the wharenui is on stage at the Civic until Sunday, 27 July. It is free to visit.

Ngā mihi nui to Br Lewis for accompanying us today.

eco301 waihi goldmine trip

Oceana Gold Education Centre

Mr M. Jeremic - Head of Faculty Social Sciences

On 17th of June Year 13 Economics students enjoyed a day trip to study Waihi’s Gold Mine. The students were given insight into how the work at Oceana Gold affects the environment for the purpose of an internal assessment of a Market Failure internal assessment in Year 13 Economics course. The students learnt about different types of regulations implemented into the business operations so that the mine can coexist with the environment and the township of Waihi which sits right next to mine. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery that Waihi has to offer and gorgeous weather with plenty of sunshine.

Upon our arrival in Waihi, we were kindly welcomed by Phillip Salmon who guided students around the mine. The mine is extremely large, as it stretched across many kilometers above and below the ground. These days, all the mining operations is underground and the open mine “Martha” as known by locals, is no longer in use. This great big hole, shown on the image, was excavated over the many decades near the town of Waihi, so some residents could see it in their back yard. Phillip helped us understand the nature and detail around the regulations that dictate the management of the mine, even showing us a small piece of gold ore processed from the mine. Students also learnt how gold impacts Waihi and its economy.

gateway & careers

Some of our year 13 Leadership students were invited by Auckland Business Chamber to do the official opening Karakia for the South Auckland Careers Expo held at the Dew Drop centre in the last week of term 2, Tuesday 24 August.

Our Head Prefect Cyrus Holloway did the opening remarks and welcomed Hon Simon Bridges, Head of Auckland Business Chambers, Exhibitors, Students and Community Leaders. It was an inspiring event for our students to engage with Tertiary providers, Apprenticeship and vocational organisations.

Learner License

Students have been working hard to gain their Learners License. We proudly have 100 %pass rate.

We have a Lumina Student Matt Huxley who works diligently with our students to ensure that they are ready for the VTNZ test .

Presentations about courses, entry requirements and scholarships done by various Tertiary Institutions.

Mrs Fannon and Mr Shirley continue to help when they are available with licenses and mentoring

notices

Saturday Rugby

Explore our student arts exhibition, featuring stunning visual artworks that reflect personal journeys and creative explorations before experiencing the power of storytelling through spoken word poetry. Be moved by live music performances from soloists, bands and ensembles, and immerse yourself in the rhythm and energy of cultural performances that honour the diverse identities within our school. Register for tickets here https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/de-la-salle-arts-night/auckland/mangere/tickets

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