in this issue
TERM 4 WEEK 7- COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
College Principal - “The Birth of Christ"
Associate Principal - "Whakapapa"
Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum
Deputy of Pastoral - Pastoral
ICT Academy
Academic Year 7/8
Literacy Centre
Year 7 Auckland Athletics Competition
Signing off as Year 13 Dean
2025 College Prefects
Celebrating Excellence
In Our Community
Notices
Enrol Now
Contact Us
“the birth of christ”
Mr Myles Hogarty
College Principal
As a Catholic, Lasallian community we are privileged to celebrate the season of Advent leading up to our celebration of the birth of Christ.
Our young men know that it is Christ’s birth which is the reason for our celebrations and they are challenged to unashamedly display our 2024 year old Catholic traditions and rituals at De La Salle in praise of our saviour’s birth.
Standing strong and proudly witnessing our Catholic rituals and traditions as we will do during Advent, is our mark of difference in our Catholic Lasallian school and we are privileged to be able to celebrate this key time in our Catholic calendar as we head towards Christmas.
This is our last Newsletter for the year and an appropriate time to reflect on the year at the College.
I can confidently say that as a College we have had another successful year providing an excellent holistic education for our young men.
Through our self-reviews we are aware of the areas that we need to strengthen and develop further and have planned for these through our annual goals and Strategic Plan.
We continue to enjoy the strong partnership and engagement that we have with our young men’s families, this has been identified as a key factor in the success of students in several recent research papers on educational success.
“Connected community” was one of this year’s College Goals.
Community is one of the original De La Salle Brothers’ values and remains relevant in today’s teaching and learning environment and particularly as one of our College’s top priorities.
The school holidays ahead for our young men can pose a daunting prospect for parents, many of whom do not have the same lengthy break.
In our constant reminders to our young men about taking responsibility for themselves and showing greater self management, I would like to offer Parents some practical suggestions for our young men to accomplish over the holidays.
Perhaps our young men won’t cover all of these tasks, but they should try to broaden their range of like skills and grow their self management and independence. I urge them to simply try.
- Read for a minimum of 20 minutes a day and keep a Reading Log of your reading.
- Learn your Multiplication Times Tables
- Join your local Public Library
- Learn how to use the family washing machine
- Learn how to iron a shirt
- Learn how to sew a button on a school shirt
- Make a meal for your family
- Perform an act of Service to your local community, Parish or School
- Find a Part-time job to help pay for your 2025 College Fees
- Join your Parish Choir or Youth Group
- Paint the front fence at home
- Limit the amount of time you are playing on a device or computer Game
- Make your holiday a positive one for yourself and most importantly your whole family
I would like to wish all the young men, the families and friends of De La Salle College a blessed Christmas filled with the love of Christ and the joy and hope that the celebration of the Birth of Christ brings.
Have a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with hope.
God Bless you all.
associate principal
Mr Dermot English
WHAKAPAPA
This morning we joined with local iwi in conducting the Whakawatea blessing of the new building at the college. There are many threads of connection between Te Ao Maori, Christianity and Jean Baptiste De La Salle. The long chant of Tainui was very similar to the chanting of monks in Catholic religions orders over the last 1500 years, creating a vibration that everyone in the room feels in the body. The whakawatea is an acknowledgement, that everything that comes from the creator is sacred. It signifies that very endeavour at its beginning should be given over to the will of God, just as Jean Baptiste did when he said, ‘The work is Yours’. The prayer and karakia are strands of light that bind us all together under the patronage of Io, of the Creator.
Jean Baptiste said, when addressing teachers and the importance of the work to be conducted in this new building.
‘You must not doubt that it is a great gift of God, to be entrusted with the instruction of children, to announce the Gospel to them and to bring them up in the spirit of religion. God demands that you fulfil it with ardent zeal for their salvation’
We belong to very long and strong traditions, Lasallian for 350 years, Tainui for 1000 years and Catholicism for 2000 years. Its wonderful to be at an event that brings all of these together for the good of our boys, for the purpose of turning our Rangatahi into Rangatira.
special character
Assistant Principal- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua
Dear families
As we approach the end of the year, we reflect with gratitude on the many milestones and achievements of 2024. These accomplishments have been made possible through hard work, dedication, and steadfast prayer. In particular, much of the success in our Special Character Campus Ministry has been thanks to the unwavering commitment of our Special Character team.
A heartfelt thank you to our prefects John Paul Schmidt, Jozanam Emani, Caleb Williams, and Anselm Nakaora for their outstanding service to the College this year. Your leadership and faith have truly shone through, and we have witnessed your growth as both leaders and young men of faith. As you move forward, may you carry this ministry with you into whatever communities you join. We wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.
We also extend a warm welcome back to Benedict Lauofo, who has returned from Balgo in Western Australia, where he served as a Share the Mission Lasallian Volunteer for the year. Ben's impact as a youth minister in our Lasallian school, which serves First Nations children in Australia, has been extraordinary. We are proud of the feedback we've received from the Australian provincial office, which speaks highly of Ben's dedication and the difference he made. Well done, Benedict, for your incredible service to the wider Lasallian community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to begin preparing our Year 13 students who are interested in applying for the Share the Mission Volunteer Programme for 2025. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to serve in Middleswann, Perth. Please keep our applicants in your prayers as they go through the selection process and prepare for this incredible opportunity and adventure.
As we close out the year, we rejoice in the many blessings of 2024 and look forward to the new journeys that await us 2025.
Thank you for your continued support and prayer as we move into the future with faith, hope and love.
curriculum
Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle
NCEA Exams have finished!
Congratulations to all our senior students who have successfully completed their exams! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off. Whether the journey was smooth or challenging, you made it through, and that’s worth celebrating. Take a moment to relax, recharge, and be proud of your achievements. Well done!
External assessment results
From late January, you can access results of your externally assessed standards, as well as copies of the marked exams, in the MyNZQA learners portal https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/login/
You have the right to request:
- a review, if a processing error has occurred
- a reconsideration, if you believe an error in marking has occurred.
The application forms for reviews and reconsiderations aren't available in MyNZQA until after marked exams are available to you.
Year 7 – 10 Reports
Year 7 – 10 reports will be coming home at the start of next week. They will be available on the KAMAR Portal on Tuesday. Please make contact with your son’s Homeroom teacher if you have any questions.
Year 7 – 10 De La Salle Certificates
We have been celebrating all of our Year 7 to 10 students who have been awarded the De La Salle Certificate with Achieved and those who have been achieved the De La Salle Certifcate with Merit. We will be celebrating our young men who have Achieved with Excellence at next week’s Junior Prizegiving. To achieve students must
Students who have worked hard to achieve with Merit or Excellence receive a badge created by the class of 2019. The badges use elements of our College’s crest.
- Year 7 receive the Radiant Star
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.
- Year 8 receive the Silver Fern leaves
The fern leaves represent New Zealand and the growth from the koru frond to mature leaf reflects the journey of young boys to men. Our
- Year 9 receive the Cross
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.
- Year 10 receive the Lightning Bolt
A symbol of zeal as well as a symbol of the divinity and power of God
For those who have achieved congratulations.
To those who did not, set a goal for next year to do better. Remember that Excellence is not a destination, but a journey. Excellence is not something you achieve in a single moment, but something you build on every day. Excellence is a product of the small, consistent actions that we take each and every day. Excellence is in the habits we cultivate, the choices we make when no one is watching, the discipline to push through challenges, and the commitment to always improve.
Success isn't an event; it's a process, a daily grind. If you want to be excellent, start by focusing on the small habits—the way you wake up, how you plan your day, the effort you put into learning and growing. Each decision you make compounds into something greater than you can imagine.
Finally, Excellence is not about being perfect. It's about showing up every single day with purpose, with passion, and with the belief that you are capable of becoming better than you were yesterday. Stay consistent, stay focused, and keep improving—because, ultimately, it is your daily habits that shape your future
Wishing you a blessed and joyful Christmas!
As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, may our hearts be filled with peace, hope, and love. May this Advent season bring blessings to you and your families.
pastoral
Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles
Reflecting on a Year of Success and Teamwork in Pastoral Care
As we conclude another school year, I am proud to reflect on what has been a truly successful period for our pastoral care team. This success is the result of dedicated collaboration and hard work by a group of exceptional professionals. Our social workers, nurses, SENCO, and counsellors have worked tirelessly to support our students, often going above and beyond to ensure that each student receives the care they need to thrive. Together, as a cohesive pastoral care team, we have strived to create a positive, supportive environment where all students can feel valued and understood.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our deans for their ongoing dedication and care. Their daily efforts, guidance, and interventions have had a profound impact on our students' lives. The deans have been an integral part of our successes this year, consistently putting students at the centre of their work. Their support has been pivotal in shaping positive student outcomes across the school.
A special mention must go to Mr Sehan Jay, our Year 13 Dean, who is moving on to new challenges at another school. Mr Jay’s commitment, leadership, and influence have made a lasting impact on our students and colleagues alike. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours—he is truly a name to watch out for in the field of education.
This year, we have also witnessed outstanding development in student leadership, particularly among our Year 13 cohort. This group of students demonstrated a commendable level of maturity, respect, and focus, setting an example for the younger years to follow. The Year 13 leadership team deserves particular recognition for their efforts in fostering a positive school culture and setting high standards for behaviour. Thank you, Troy Sanday, for your exemplary leadership. I wish all our Year 13 students success in their future endeavours; you leave our school ready to take on whatever lies ahead.
Improving student attendance was another key focus for us this year. While we experienced pockets of success, it remains an area that needs continued attention. The Ministry of Education has signalled its commitment to supporting schools in addressing attendance challenges, and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure all students benefit from regular engagement in their learning.
Finally, I extend my deepest gratitude to our parent community. Without your support and partnership, achieving the best for our students would be much more difficult. Your involvement in parent partnership meetings and other school events has been invaluable, and we look forward to your continued engagement in the coming year.
As we prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the new year will bring, I wish all our families a blessed Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year. Thank you for making this a successful and meaningful year for our school and students.
Academic Year 7/8
Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa
Turning Pages, Building Stages
A 2024 Retrospective
As the final bell of 2024 rings out, the Year 7/8 Faculty at De La Salle College finds itself reflecting on a year woven with innovation, collaboration, and a dash of the extraordinary. This year wasn't just a chapter in our school's story—it was a plot twist that set the stage for future adventures.
Our educators have been the architects of curiosity, embracing independent learning like never before. In the realms of Religious Studies, Social Studies, Science, Health, and Physical Education, classrooms transformed into hubs of inquiry and exploration. By championing presentation-based projects, we've watched our students not just absorb information but dive deep, surfacing with pearls of wisdom and a newfound confidence in their research abilities. This isn't just teaching—it's kindling the sparks that ignite lifelong learning.
Looking toward the horizon, we're thrilled to announce the return of the Middle School Musical as a biennial spectacle, with the next performance slated for 2025. The overture has already begun, with plans unfolding like a well-composed score. This event promises to be more than a show; it's a symphony of community spirit that harmonizes our collective talents.
The year was not without its crescendos. Welcoming new deans to our faculty was like adding virtuosos to an ensemble, elevating our harmony to new heights. The surge in extracurricular activities didn't just fill calendars—it filled hearts, offering students avenues to explore passions and compose their own narratives. Our teachers, more attuned than ever to the curriculum's rhythm, have been instrumental in orchestrating an environment where education isn't just heard but felt.
As we close the book on 2024, the Year 7/8 Faculty stands poised on the precipice of possibility. We're committed to turning each page with intention, fostering independent thinkers, and writing a story of community that's rich with connection and purpose. The prologue to 2025 is already being penned, and we can't wait to see where the next chapter leads us.
Here's to a year that was anything but ordinary—and to the unwritten pages that await our collective touch.
In Christ
Year 7 Auckland Athletics Competition
Mr A Brown
It was great to catch up with recent old boys Demetric Sifakula, Patrick Moimoi, Kayliss Fatialofa and Eddie Ieremia, currently training with the Warriors Pre Season squad while the Year 7 relay team were out at the Auckland Champs. Proud old boys who were more than happy to get together with their younger De La Salle brothers. All the best to our old boys for their upcoming season and we appreciate them taking time out of their training session to pose for a photo with our relay team.
The Year 7s had a successful day themselves with the relay team winning first place and creating a new Auckland Champs year 7 relay record during their heats race. Very impressive with time to be confirmed. A huge congratulations also to Vito Ha'ungatau 7KUR for coming first in year 7 long jump. Awesome effort.
And another huge congratulations to Fonua Latu, 7 Oli, for a very close third placing in the Year 7 100 metres final. We'll done to Vito and Fonua for achieving personal success and representing the school successfully.
Year 7 relay team:
Mikaele Ah-Ken, Jericho Lupo-Fualau, Vito Ha'ungatau and Fonua Latu
Signing off as Year 13 Dean
Year 13 Dean- Mr S Jay
I am privileged and humbled to have been the Dean of our 2024 leavers cohort. When I took over as Dean of this cohort my goals were to strengthen the relationship between home and school and to support our boys in becoming independent students. I am humbled to have mentored and worked closely with the student leaders who were also keen to achieve this vision.
I am incredibly proud of what our cohort has achieved over the years, more specifically this year. They have understood the meaning of brotherhood, been reflective in their actions and have been determined to leave the college on a high. The success of this Year 13 cohort wouldn’t be possible without the support of our young men’s families. So thank you to our Year 13 families for your willingness to work in partnership with our Year 13 homeroom teachers over the years.
I want to thank all of the parents and family members who have helped out with the various events of our cohort over the years. You have all had a huge role in strengthening the bridge between home and school and bringing our community together. I want to especially thank Mrs Emani, Mrs Schmidt, Mrs Rasch and Mrs Fa'aui for their contributions towards events such as our Parent Partnership meetings, School Ball and our Leavers Mass.
Being the Dean of this cohort has been the most rewarding experience of my teaching career. I have enjoyed seeing how well our Year 13 boys have gelled as a cohort this year. I wish our young men all the very best for their next chapter in their lives. I hope they continue to live according to the values of our founder, St John Baptist De La Salle.
Live Jesus in our hearts.
2025 college prefects
Year 12 Dean- Ms M Judd
Congratulations to Tony Ulberg, Josiah Cummings, Elijah Tia, Charles Palea- 2025 College Prefects and Head boy Cyrus Holloway.
I am incredibly proud of the boys who have been chosen to serve as Head Boy and Deputy Prefects at the College. These young men are a testament to their hard work, leadership qualities, and respect earned from their peers and teachers. I am truly honored to work alongside them and watch as they step into these important roles with dedication and integrity. I have no doubt they will rise to the challenge, becoming outstanding role models within the school community and exceptional ambassadors for De La Salle College. Their journey as leaders is just beginning, and I look forward to being witness to the positive impact they will be in 2025 and the legacies they leave for the future.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
Congratulations to all recipients at this momentous occasion as we celebrate you for your efforts and hard work throughout the year. Your commitment and dedication has seen you achieve and be recognised for your subjects and extra-curricular activities. Well done to the 2024 Dux and Proxime Accessit.
YEAR 13 MAN OF EXCELLENCE
- Simon Mulipola
- Peter Ogden
- Deverrel Samasoni
- Christian Snyder
- Matthias Vili
- Caleb Williams
- Liam Aumareva
- Samuel Faraimo
- Juan Koti
- Alista Mafil'o
- Troy Sanday
- John-Paul Schmidt
- Sofara Feo
- Liuaki He Taufa Hansen
- Judah Tu'inukuafe-Matautia
- Prix Ete-Ah Ken
- Jasper Sanidad
- David Wong
- Jozanam Emani
YEAR 13 FIRST IN SUBJECT
- Alista Mafile’o - 1st in Accounting, 1st in Economics, 1st in Calculus, 1st equal in Computer Science, 1st in Physics
- Jozanam Emani - 1st in Art Design, 1st equal in Music
- Paul Manuel-Fa'avae - 1st in Art Painting
- Juan Koti - 1st in Biology, 1st equal in Chemistry, 1st in Statistics
- Sofara Feo - 1st in Business Studies
- Troy Sanday - 1st in Digital Technologies, 1st equal in Chemistry, 1st in Religious Studies
- Liam Aumareva - 1st equal in Computer Science
- Prix Ete-Ah Ken - 1st in Design & Visual Communication, 1st in English
- David Wong - 1st in Earth & Space Science
- Sio Feagaiga - 1st in Gagana Samoa
- William Teleai - 1st in Geography
- Michelangelo Rasch - 1st in Health Studies
- Elijah Suka - 1st in History
- Sioeli Hifo - 1st in Lea Faka Tonga
- Otireta Teiaua - 1st in Materials Processing Technology
- Niuafe Tuitupou - 1st in Money Smart
- Fonteyn Olofai - 1st equal in Music
- Nathanial Fifita - 1st in Physical Education
- Adarsh Chand - Excellence in Trades
SPECIAL AWARDS
- Juan Koti- Fr Maurice Hunt Memorial Cup: Year 13 Dux, Dejoya Legacy Debating Cup and Future is Open to Us: Academic Excellence
- Alista Mafile'o- Br Steve Hogan Cup: Proxime Accessit and Brett Barker Cup: The senior student who has shown greatest diligence, perseverance and application in his studies
- Sofara Feo- Ben Valeni Memorial Cup: Year 13 General Excellence and Noah Sinclair Pritchard Memorial Commerce Trophy
- Cyrus Holloway- The Laumemea Cup: Outstanding contribution to Music
- John Faifili- De La Salle Cup for Outstanding Service
- John-Paul Schmidt- Br John Cleary Memorial Cup: Outstanding contribution to Liturgy
- Deverrel Samasoni- The De La Salle Brothers Cup: The Year 13 Student who best exemplifies the key values of De La Salle
- Jozanam Emani- Page Family Cup: For most outstanding Youth Ministry Year 13
- Kaharau Gilbert- The Tusitala Cup: Excellence & all round contribution to the DLS Spoken Word Collective
- Christian Faavae- Audain Cup: Public Speaking
- Troy Sanday- Br Fisher Cup: The student who has demonstrated strong leadership qualities for the good of the College and Br Julian Cup: For Leader of the College
- Michelangelo Rasch- Taimanea-Atarangi Trophy: Best in Performance for Kapa Haka
- Elijah Suka- Samu Ami Memorial Cup: For Personal Courage & Hope
- Prix Ete-AhKen- Raymond Puni To'oto'o Memorial Cup: Overall outstanding student in Visual Arts
- Christian Snyder- Future is Open to Us: Leadership Award
- Mikaele Pangai- Future is Open to Us: Aspiring Leadership Award
- Simon Mulipola- Future is Open to Us: Academic Merit Award
YEAR 12 AWARDS
First in Subject
YEAR 11 AWARDS
First in Subject
YEAR 11 & 12 SPECIAL AWARDS
in our community
B R O W N P R I D E
Celebrating our community heroes, Class of 2013 alumni- Johnnie Timu (centre) and other Brown Pride NZ founding members L-R Reginald McFarland, Jairus Smith, Tino Mafoe and Peter Faalili pictured with Laywu Nuuausala class of 2012, there representing other founding member Taalili Wilson (in absentia).
Brown Pride were nominated and won the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade- Pacific Enterprise Award (alongside other Pasifika business Panikeke) at the SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards last Friday.
Johnnie and his core team of Lasallian brothers got together to get amongst the community, provide for their families and do something they are proud of- changing lives within the Brown Pride social enterprise aimed at empowering Pasifika and Māori through fitness, arts and community.
Brown Pride live and breathe the lasallian values- Faith Service Community and Excellence. Johnnie's advice to all "Chase Your Dreams- don't be afraid to go give it a crack". He's dedicated to the mission of "For the People, By the People".
Thank you for your service and Congratulations Brown Pride on your well deserved achievement.
You can watch Johnnie receive the award on behalf of Brown Pride here https://www.youtube.com/live/zVN_K6tNqno
notices
ENROL NOW
De La Salle College
A Catholic School for Boys Year 7-13 in the Lasallian tradition
Creating great men of Faith - Service - Community - Excellence
- Strong Catholic Character and Lasallian traditions
- Dynamic teaching staff
- Strong academic achievements
- High expectations of every student
- Caring and Supportive Pastoral Care team
- Extensive co-curricular activities
For enrolment enquiries contact Mrs Bianca Leau
Phone: +649 276 4319 ext 816
Email: enrolments@delasalle.school.nz
Website: delasalle.school.nz/enrolments
contact us
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Facebook: De La Salle College, Auckland , La Salle Collegians (NZ)
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De La Salle College
81 Gray Avenue
Mangere East
Auckland 2024
NEW ZEALAND
+649 276 4319
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Peace and blessings for the Christmas season with your families and loved ones