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

in this issue

TERM ONE- FIRST COLLEGE NEWSLETTER 2024

College Principal - “New Year --- New Start"

Associate Principal - "How Then Should We Live?"

Special Character - Ministry & Mission

Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum

Deputy of Pastoral - "Uniform & Punctuality Reminders"

Academic Year 7/8

Literacy Centre

2024 Lasallian Leaders Seminar

Student Leadership Camp

Stop-motion Project

Gateway & Careers

In the Community

Notices

Enrol Now

Contact Us

“new year --- new start”

”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Timothy 4-7

Mr Myles Hogarty

College Principal

Greetings,

A beautifully warm and settled summer break has the Staff and students returning to school in great spirits. We are able to start our new year with plenty of energy as we focus on our College Scriptural theme for 2024.

“Rejoice in Hope, persevere in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

The College year has started smoothly with all students in classes by Period 2 on the 30th January, prepared for learning and with the message that the classroom has top priority in the College.
We have formally welcomed our new Staff and students with a powerful Powhiri, attended by our local Kaumatua Matene Cooper.
All students have had their first Academic Counselling meeting with their Parents and Home Room teacher to set targets and goals for their learning this term, another indication of the priority of learning.
An uplifting Dedication Day Mass celebrated by our Chaplain Father Martin and the whole College.

As we start the year it is important that we remind ourselves of the key priorities that we have as a College. Our College Goal for the year is, “Informed Teaching, Independent learners and Connected community.”

The number one priority is the focus on the importance of learning in the classroom and excellence as seen by, ”The daily habit of doing your best.”
Young men engaged in their learning and all College activities, representing De La Salle in Sport, Music, Culture and strengthening their Faith.
All students completing the required Service hours for the benefit of others in our community.
Actions which only raise the reputation of our College, our cultures and families.
Our families engaged with the College in partnership in the important job of creating Outstanding men of Faith, Service, Community and Excellence.
All students attending school every day, on time, wearing correct uniform with pride.

A smooth, busy start to the year, but one which we are well planned for and which is expected.

I would like to welcome the following New Staff to the De La Salle College community.

We offer these new staff members our warm greetings and welcome them to our Lasallian community.

Finally, thank you Parents for having your son ready for the start of the year, the holidays are over, school routines and structure are back in place. From my discussions with our young men, they are glad to be back in class and certainly enjoying the educational opportunities that are offered at De La Salle.

We look forward to celebrating even greater successes and achievements over the year.

God Bless

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

"How Then Should We Live"

Welcome to 2024 at DLS! I hope you got some sort of renewal and refreshment during the summer. At the start of the year we start with the big questions and the main points. What is a Catholic school for? Well its to help young men live ‘life to the full’ within the Christian Tradition. The ‘hero’ of this tradition is incredibly unusual, in that he is killed (and later resurrected). We will be heading in to Lent in the next week or so. A major question for Christians is ‘Knowing that I am going to die, how then should I live?’. This certainty of death is challenging especially for the young, but it is also liberating, knowing that we are following the same path as Jesus the Christ, and that something else besides ourselves runs the universe.

So at the beginning of another year of this amazing life on Planet Earth, this is a focusing and energising question that can give us purpose. Knowing that we are going to die, how then should we live?

special character

Assistant Principal Mission- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua

Dedication Mass

As we embark on another school year, we dedicate ourselves as a college community and commission our student leaders to God, with a focus to Rejoice in hope, persevere in prayer.

Rejoicing in hope is a distinguishing characteristic of Christians. As people of faith, our trust in God allows us to face each day joyfully with hope.

When we persevere in prayer, we invest time in relationship with God.

We had a wonderful celebration for Dedication Mass, thank you to our families whose presence made this occasion extra special.

Live Jesus in our Hearts forever

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

Weekly Note starts this week

All students will have received their first Weekly Note for the year. The Weekly Note is based on all the things that indicate that learning is happening (or not) in that week. A score on a 5-point scale will be given that takes into account student attitude, behaviour and engagement for the week.

NCEA Achievement 2023

Congratulations to our senior students, families, and our teachers. We are extremely proud of all our students and teachers who achieved their NCEA Certificates last year. In late January NCEA results were released. Sadly, there have been drops in achievement rates at Year 11 and 13. This has been the trend nationally as well. However, we are very pleased to say that we have been able to maintain high rates of achievement at NCEA Level 2. Our literacy and numeracy results have also maintained results greater than national averages.

Some students are working to improve their results. They have until 28 February to complete 2023 work. If you know of any school leavers who need help, please get them to make contact with me or our Careers team.

Another reminder to students to request their NCEA Certificates from the NZQA website. Students use their student logins to look at results online. The ‘My School Entries and Results’ screen will show all their 2022 results. While they are there they should also order their NCEA Certificate from NZQA under the ‘Order Documents’ tab. NZQA does not send you your certificate unless asked. Your first copy is free.

We congratulate the following students-

NCEA Level 1 Achieved

Joshua Tuionetoa, Dekeland Davis Mokoua, Sione Mafuahingano, Ambrose Puluno, Elemia Vehikite, Jireh Safiti, Joseph Tevaga, Billy Lam, Jaydn Lemi, Jett Anitelea, La Dunn, Losio Raki, Ben Malua, Lesuni Lokotui, Jaidon Fati Tafa, Teili Kolo, Kapiolani Esera, Tomu Cook, Josiah Siaki, LJ Su'a, Tavita Tatireta, John Laufoli, Leone Passi, Michael Fe'ao, Andru-Franki Littlechild, Phillip Teura, Cairo Palalagi-Tonga, Neil Te Rite-Wharekoka, Cadell Armstrong, Christian Letufuga, Alosio Faalave, Efaraimo Efaraimo, John Faataape, Sione Nisa, Elias Manuel-Mehau, Sione Loni, Sione Moala, Junior Kumia Leungwai, Luka Moetu-Young, Johnny Tapueluelu, Khadaphius Saufua-Jansen, David Fa'alili, Zion Te'o, Elisah Soafa, Nicholas Beirne, Joeli Ah-Ping, Kaydon Fruean-Otineru, Manaia Iakimo, William Leau, Michael Eteuati, Finau Samson-Makoni

NCEA Level 2 Achieved

Joseph Viani, Apple Toomalatai-Ahvoo Ngan Woo, Sione Tavake, Akapani Vaipulu, Siaosi Tovi, Zion Cook, Pesamino Ah Tong-Sefo, Raiden Siafolau, John-Taylor Fepuleai, Patrick Papalii, Malakai Tupou, Emmanuel Timu, Marcel Tanuvasamanaia, Tevita Peneueta-Fa'aui, Mark Heather Suetena, Tyrell Asafo, Tuitautai Porter, Sione Olive, Chanel Sheck, Ramsi Puai, Galuafi Sega, Saunoa Sila, Elijah Tuaimalo, Bastian Tongotongo, Kelepi Tuipulotu, Ngakau Faalogo, Fonteyn Olofai, Victor Ikitule, Elijah Paea, Peter Behnam, Gabriel Fe'ao, Viliami Fihaki, Paulo Uaisele, Teahui Emanuela, Brooklyn Hilihetule, Juelz Talisa, Semisi Faaui, Tahavalu Samiu, Some Wulf, Byron Ioane, Jesse Dmello, Noah Lameta-Sione, Sio Feagaiga, Joshua Taioalo, Dwayne Mano, Ryan Sio, Nevaeh Bell, James Mika, Tepatasi Laumalili, Nathanial Heighway, Angel Mathew Po'e-Davis, Marcus Fao, Otireta Teiaua, Henry Olo, Liam Aumareva, Machel Teura, Soane Folau, Devesh Chand, Adarsh Chand, Francis Lafaele, Elijah Suka, Simiona Epaforoti, Rico Toeava-Ward, Soul Misiepo, Kayden Yorke, Samuel Faraimo, Francis Laroza, John Acaso, Anselm Nakaora, Sioeli Hifo, David Fa'anunu, Kameron Letoa, John Peyroux Bob, Caleb Williams

NCEA Level 3 Achieved

Johnas Enoka, Alvin Purcell, Fianuusila Tololi Tuiloma, Franck Sakaio, Saynt Lasallian Tuimauga, Kalani Peyroux-Donaldson, Simon Junior Ioane, Azahryus Taofinuu-Misiniu, Jahkeal Va'a-Evalu, Vailolo Pele, Pio Jireh Mose Pio, Sebastian Nisa, Deeziyah Tusani, Khaveizel Uele-Hipa, Samisoni Fatu, Francis Agana, Michael Eka, Shaun Fa'alili, Seter Vaomotou, Connor Watene, Hatori Nia, Caleb Seumanufagai, Folau Leha Jr Foliaki, Brian Schwenke, Richard Maea, Patrick Toluono, Tevita Otuafi, Tuitakau Pailate, Hamish Gosai, Frederick Leaupepe, Jeshua Maa-Nelson, James Sakalia, Aute Jeremiah Neli, Joshua Fili, Patrick Behnam, Raymond Havili-Teinaki, Gordon Fata, Christopher Roberts, Ron Onosi, Loli Tanoi, Samuela Koroise

NCEA Level 1 Achieved with Merit

Inglis Tavu'i Fa'amausili, Mason Straker, Bruno Ta'ale, Roldan Mark, Kelemete Sola, Makoe Poloa, Tusa Fauea, Zylis Taliulu, Maulalo Akila, Soane Lokotui, Simote Lokotui, Teinaki Emanuela, Cyrus Holloway, Meki Ulberg, Bailey Ioane-Fuiava, Saint Nuuausala, Thurston Ngametua, Mafutaga Jr Fereti, Sonatane Mila, Hudsyn Frost, Marck Noble, Christian Fa'avae, John Faifili, Maluovailoa Aiga-Futialo, James Tuileisu, Jordan Etei-Michael

NCEA Level 2 Achieved with Merit

Kisi Pulu, Mahe Tupou, Raki Raki, Kanaan Magele, Prix Ete-Ah Ken, Peter Ogden, Jozanam Emani, Jasper Sanidad, Gregory Filimoehala, Jemil Teleiai, Manaia Toluono, Liam Hakeagatoa, Gian Reyes, Alista Mafile'o, Genesis So'oa, Judah Tu'inukuafe-Matautia, Sonny Epati, Matthias Vili, John Schmidt, Liuaki Hansen, Chanel Leota, Semisi Fa'aui, Lauti Lauvao, Larry Leha, Michelangelo Rasch, Simon Mulipola, Christian Snyder

NCEA Level 3 Achieved with Merit

Jeremiah Papalii, Manatu'ofa Mila, Apoua Lilo, David Niko Toleafoa, Patolo Taito, Walter Patolo, Joseph Aiolupo, Kupa Dolan, Tauma Ekeroma, Phoenix Petelo, Phillip Sii, Earl Maisog, Junior Tuiloma, LJ Tafa, Anugrah Joice Rejee

NCEA Level 1 Achieved with Excellence

Elijah Tia, Chisom Ochibulu, Kerie Pesaleli Aumua, Elijah Hunt, Isaac Ete-Ah Ken, Charles Palea, Josiah Cummings, Mark Sikuvea,

NCEA Level 2 Achieved with Excellence

Deverrel Samasoni, Sofara Feo, Troy Sanday, Juan Koti, Jodeci Poua, David Wong, Mikaele Pangai

NCEA Level 3 Achieved with Excellence

Filisonuu Fineanganofo, Robert Dahl, Alexander Tiamu, Lafi Feo, Sae Edward Muliaga, Sam Vaotuua, Cosselinobastian Finau, Venezia Gaugau, Bryan Leumaga

Subject Endorsement highlights

Religious Studies continue to produce the largest number of Subject Endorsements at NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3. We congratulate Mrs Vaotu’ua and Mrs Fernandes and their team. The highest proportion of endorsements by subject was from Level 2 Lea Faka Tonga -Mr Ufi and Level 2 and 3 Art Design – Mr Tan. A special mention goes to Mr Jeremic’s Level 1 History which had the largest increase in endorsements of any subject. Mr Brebner and Mr Singh’s Level 1 Computer Science also achieved excellent results. This was especially pleasing as they were part of the L1 Pilot.Finally, Mr Vailahi’s Year 10 accelerated maths class MAT101X are o be congratulated with 68% of the class achieving a Merit or Excellence Endorsement.- Outstanding.

Congratulations to Elijah Tia 12JMA and Josiah Cummings 12KUM, Alista Mafi‘leo and Juan Koti 13FUT who achieved individual subject endorsements in all their subjects.

pastoral

Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles

Uniform & Punctuality Reminders

We want to express our sincere appreciation for the excellent start we've had to the school year. The support you have provided in ensuring your sons returned prepared and ready to learn has not gone unnoticed.

Most of our students have adhered to the uniform guidelines impeccably, presenting themselves in the correct attire and maintaining immaculate grooming standards. This collective effort has significantly contributed to the positive and disciplined environment within the school.

However, we have observed that some students are still wearing incorrect footwear, such as black sneakers and sandals without a strap around the ankles. We kindly request your cooperation in reinforcing the importance of adhering to the uniform policy with your sons. Proper footwear is not only a part of our school's dress code but also ensures the safety and well-being of all students.

We understand that each family has its unique circumstances, and we appreciate your continued support in addressing this matter promptly. If there are any challenges or concerns regarding obtaining the appropriate footwear, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so that we can explore possible solutions together.

Additionally, punctuality is crucial for a smooth and effective learning environment. All students are expected to be at school on time, with classes starting promptly at 8:35 am. Being punctual not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also ensures that every student gets the most out of their educational experience.

We kindly request your assistance in reinforcing the importance of punctuality with your sons. If there are any challenges or reasons for lateness, please communicate them with us so that we can work together to find solutions that ensure your son's timely arrival at school.

Your continued collaboration and support are invaluable to the success of our school community. We believe that by working together, we can maintain a positive and conducive learning environment for all our students.

Thank you for your attention to these matters, and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

ict academy

2024 BYOD Guidelines for Parents

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Programme is a requirement for all students with parental approval. The College does not mandate a particular device for its BYOD Programme. However, it does provide parents and students guidelines and suggestions for minimum hardware and software specifications. We work with Computer suppliers to provide cost effective pricing and support options for parents to consider if purchasing a device. Check the links below:

Specials from PB Tech https://www.pbtech.co.nz/education/byod/de-la-salle-college?qr=pb_byod

Specials from New EraIT & Acquire https://newera-byod.acquire.co.nz/

Academic Year 7/8

Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

YEAR 7 & 8 STAFF FRONT L-R Ms Kuresa, Mr Stowers-Tualega, Ms Tufuga, Mr Brown, Mrs Olive BACK Mrs Felise, Mr Tanuvasa, Mr Anderton

Welcome back De La Salle whanau and a special welcome to our new Lasallians beginning their exciting journey with us! 2024 promises to be a year of where we can:

“Rejoice in Hope, Persevere in Prayer”

Romans 12:12

The Year 7/8 are very excited on the new actions we have chosen to accomplish our school goal of having Informed Teaching, Independent Learners, and a Connected Community. These actions (on top of what we already do) are:

Informed Teaching Deliberate acts of teaching using P.A.C.T data to inform us of the learning needs for each student.

Independent Learners Assessments that challenge our young men to make their own inquiries that they present to their peers.

Connected Community We are having a Middle School Musical Production in Term 3!

This week for our Year 7/8 students, Mr Anderton and Mr Tualega have started up Basketball and Softball trials. Next week rugby training will begin. We have swimming lessons starting in two weeks and next month we will have our Year 7/8 Interhouse Tag Tournament.

For our Year 7 students, within the next few weeks you son will start to utilise our online programmes as they are given login details and passwords. Thank you to all those who have already registered their device with our computer network. Registration forms can be acquired from their teacher or here on the school website.

We look forward to an exciting term and a fulfilling year of growth in education and in God.

In Christ

2024 LASALLIAN LEADERS SEMINAR

by Troy Sanday- 2024 Head boy

Over the summer holidays, John Paul and I had the opportunity to join the Lasallian Leaders Seminar in Sydney. While attending, we were fortunate to hear insights from different speakers who shared valuable lessons on leadership. Exploring our guiding principles and values as leaders became a focal point of our experience. Sydney served as a conducive environment for reflecting on our leadership journey, contemplating the reasons behind our choice to lead and the individuals we aim to guide. A particular phrase that stayed with me from our time in Sydney was...

“Leadership is not something that you just do, it is something that is lived”

If our student leadership team can leave lasalle knowing we had a positive impact on your lives, then we know we have done our part of the job right.

Student Leadership Camp

by Michelangelo Rasch

During the holidays Matthias, Jozanam, Deverrel and I were given the opportunity to attend a leadership camp in New Plymouth with three other schools. These schools were John Paul College from Rotorua, Francis Douglas Memorial College and their sister school Sacred Heart both from New Plymouth. The camp ran for three days, mainly focusing on developing us students as leaders, and our connections between our La Sallian schools.

One main take away from my experience was the significance of our La Sallian values. Although each school was different from each other, we all shared the same four core values of Faith, Community, Service and Excellence. I really enjoyed my time at the camp as well as the connections I made there. I would also like to thank Niko for looking after us, as well as everyone who arranged the camp.

stop-motion project

by Riel-Aukan- 11Tui

This stop-motion project was a delight to work on and it faced a few iterations and difficulties during production. Originally assigned around 7 months ago I planned the stop-motion project to be a more narrative based animation. It was going to be about a group of friends who took part in a domino tournament. There were going to be original voice actors, but it was canceled, instead replaced by an animation of silly monsters playing a song. During animation I found it easy to animate the characters by leaving parts like their eyes and mouths loose and only sewing together parts like limbs or props. The set was rather bare with only a base of 2 colors at a time such as brown and indigo or lavender and indigo but filling the area with the characters or other props would draw attention from that. I would often have the different character assets like eyes, pupils, mouths, and replacement limbs off to the side, out of view.

The animation was a total of 4005 frames long and played at 15 frames per second. The song used is the instrumental version of Tightrope from The Greatest Showman and most character’s designs came from the game My Singing Monsters. There are 2 original characters however, Hydrogen Atom designed by me, and Eevee designed by a friend. Speaking of this animation was dedicated to her.

-Atom and Eevee by Object Night Funkin

gateway & careers

by Mr G Hobbs- Gateway, Trades Teacher

The Careers and the Trades/Gateway Programme at NZMA has had an excellent start to the year.

Health and Safety Course and Career Plan Booklet

The Trades students and Life Skills students have already begun their Health and Safety Course, which is an essential component of their training. This course equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a safe working environment in their chosen trade. Additionally, the students have been provided with the Career Plan booklet, which guides them in setting their career goals, identifying their strengths, and exploring various career paths within the trades industry.

Construction Programme

The Trades students are about to commence the construction programme at NZMA. This programme will provide them with hands-on experience in the construction industry, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in their courses. The construction programme will enhance their practical skills and prepare them for future employment opportunities.

Forklift License Training

In addition to the construction programme, the young men in the Trades programme are also starting their forklift license training. This training is essential for them to acquire the necessary skills to operate forklifts safely and efficiently. Obtaining a forklift license will expand their job prospects and increase their employability in various industries.

Destination Planning for Year 13 Students

The Careers Department is currently working tirelessly to determine suitable destinations for the Year 13 students who will graduate in 2023. This involves identifying career pathways, exploring further education options, and collaborating with industry partners to provide valuable work placement opportunities. The aim is to ensure that each student is well-prepared and supported in their transition from school to their chosen career path.

Timetabling for Year 11-13 Students

In addition to destination planning, the Careers Department is also actively involved in timetabling for Year 11-13 students. This requires careful consideration of each student's subject choices, ensuring that they have access to the necessary courses and resources to support their career aspirations. The department is committed to providing a well-rounded education that aligns with the students' career goals.

Progress towards Learners and Restricted Licenses

Lastly, the students in the Trades program are actively working towards obtaining their learners and restricted licenses. The Careers Department is assisting them in this process by providing resources, guidance, and support. Acquiring these licenses is crucial for the students as it opens up opportunities for them to gain practical experience in their chosen trade and increases their employability.

Conclusion

The Careers and the Trades/Gateway Programme at NZMA has had a promising start to the year. The students have made significant progress in their Health and Safety Course and have been provided with the Career Plan booklet to guide their career development. The upcoming construction programme and forklift license training will further enhance their skills and job prospects. The Careers Department is actively working on destination planning for Year 13 students and timetabling for Year 11-13 students. Additionally, the students are working towards obtaining their learners and restricted licenses. Overall, the program is dedicated to equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to excel in their careers.

in the community

Charm Tuala- 2022 Head boy

written by Kate Mason- La Salle District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan & Papua New Guinea

Lighting the Way Forward with Academic Excellence

De La Salle College Student to Attend Brown University

For international students, being accepted into an Ivy League institution is an extraordinary dream, not a reality. But for Charm Tuala, nothing is out of reach. According to the 19-year-old De La Salle College student, all that is required is the drive, self-worth and desire to inspire change in others. This fall, Tuala, of Samoan descent, will leave his home in South Auckland to attend Brown University.

For as long as he can remember, Tuala has been inspired by the value his parents placed on education. Such an early appreciation for academic achievement instilled a deep sense of motivation and duty in Tuala. As head boy of De La Salle College during his last year of high school, Tuala began to consider what he wanted to do next. It was then that he decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States.

Tuala’s dream of being accepted to an Ivy League school was not just about academic excellence or an overseas experience. For Tuala, showing others that anything is possible and that despite your means, location, or exposure, you can achieve whatever it is you set out to do. Seated in between his proud parents this past December, Tuala recorded a reaction video of him opening his acceptance letter from Brown University. The TikTok video went viral with over 770,000 views, 122,000 likes, and nearly 1,000 comments.

As a high school student at De La Salle College in South Auckland, Tuala learned to personify the principles and traditions of the Lasallian faith. At the centre of these values is the importance of Christian education and the idea that all young people can attain exemplary achievement. Tuala is the embodiment of De La Salle College’s vision to create great men of learning, community and character. His acceptance to a prestigious American university extends way beyond himself. Through his acceptance, Tuala hopes to prove to the next generation of brown students that anything is possible.