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

in this issue

TERM 2 WEEK 2- COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

College Principal - “May-Mary-Mothers"

Associate Principal - "Mothers Day"

Special Character - Ministry & Mission

Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum

Deputy of Pastoral - Pastoral

Academic Year 7/8

Intermediate School

Senior Opens Debating

Campus Minister- Mr Anthony Ngan-Woo

Gateway & Careers

Notices

Enrol Now

Contact Us

“May-Mary-Mothers”

Mr Myles Hogarty

College Principal

Greetings,

In our Catholic tradition we dedicate the month of May to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was a wonderful example to us of giving unconditional love and support to her son particularly as many others abandoned him when things became tough.

She was a woman who stood strong in the face of adversity and in her faith and in the mission that she was asked to perform as the mother of Christ.

This weekend we celebrate “Mother’s Day’, sadly it has become commercially driven, we are bombarded by various messages from media to spend vast amounts of money on our mothers in the false pretense that this material gift will demonstrate gratitude and love that we have for our mothers.

Sadly, I lost my mother many years ago, she was the “heart” of our home. She was the rock, the constant in our family who would often solve many of the family’s problems in her quiet, calm way. A diminutive woman from a strong Irish Catholic upbringing in Dublin in the 1920’s, she and my father raised four children giving them the hopes and aspirations of being successful in life while always recognising and strengthening our faith. My mother would be at every school event, she was the one waking us to get up for Sunday Mass and organising family occasions.

My mother would be no different from the mothers of the young men of De La Salle, who wish for their sons to be well qualified, highly educated students, skilled and fit sportsmen, young men who will also have a deep sense of their faith and community which they will carry through their lives. “Mothers” are the Heart of many of the families of our young men. As we do for Christ’s mother Mary, we must treasure them, show our love for them and thank God for them.

I challenge the young men of the College to “give Mum a day off”, this Sunday. Make a fuss of her by giving her your time and take over all those tasks that she usually does for you.

So, mums of our young men, I thank you for all that you do for your sons. Your unconditional love for them is the greatest gift that a young man can ever have.

De La Salle mums expect some special treatment from all the men in your life on Sunday. Let these men look after you and spoil you, let them show their appreciation and love for the “Heart of the Home”.

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The Term has started well with our young men keen to get back into their work and extra-curricular activities.

Winter Sport starts this week and I am pleased by the large numbers of our young men who have been practicing in preparation for their competition. Representing your College must always come before club.

God Bless

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

Mothers’ Day

In the middle of the Depression in the 1930s my grandmother, with her own money, bought 12,000 acres of scrub and bush bordering on Fiordland National Park and moved on to it with her six children. My grandfather stayed in town to keep running a pub. It was 4km on horseback to the mailbox. From there, in 1940 my mother at the age of 16 attended Otago University. Unfortunately her brothers had to go to war, so she left and came home to nurse her mother, who died 1 month before my mother was married. Her father died when she was 15. She then married my father and had 12 children, of whom I am the 11th. She was a founding member of the NZ Farm Workers Union and fought many battles in local politics to help provide for our isolated rural community. My father’s mother died of tuberculosis aged 29, two years after she lost a 6-year-old daughter to the same disease.

These women lived very hard lives but always fought and strived to provide the best for their children. This hasn’t changed and is still true of the DLS community. It was a privilege to have so many mothers in this morning for the school Mother/Son breakfast. I know many more wanted to come. The boys know how important you are, and you hold the number one place in their hearts. I carry within me the efforts, love and suffering of my mother and grandmothers, the people who made me who I am.

special character

Assistant Principal Mission- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua

Pope Leo XIV

On this significant day in the Catholic Church, we rejoice in the news of the election of Pope Leo XIV! Bishop Steve Lowe, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, has expressed great trust in the Holy Spirit and the College of Cardinals, affirming that Pope Leo XIV is the right leader for the global Church at this time.

Pope Leo XIV

Our 267th Pope brings with him a deep commitment to faith, compassion, and unity. Pope Leo XIV is well-known for his work in promoting social justice and a deep care for the most vulnerable in society.

For his inaugural address as the Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized humility and unity, staying true to the values of love and service taught by Christ. As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate the direction he will lead the Church in the years ahead.

As a school community, we join in prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as he leads the Church with grace, humility, and a spirit of service.

Young Vinnies commissioned to lead with service

At the end of April, our Young Vinnies team had the privilege of attending the annual Commissioning Mass for Young Vinnies leaders from schools across the Auckland Diocese. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Steve Lowe at the Cathedral, was a meaningful occasion for our students as they were commissioned for their leadership roles within the Vinnies program.

The Mass was also dedicated to the memory of Pope Francis, whose legacy continues to inspire the Vinnies mission of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of service and compassion in our community.

We are proud of our Young Vinnies leaders and our Vinnies Ignite leaders (past pupils of De La Salle) and the role they play in making a difference in the lives of others. Their dedication and commitment reflect the core values of our school and the wider Vinnies community.

Pompallier Shield 2025: A Proud Achievement

On the 1st of May, Sacred Heart College hosted the Pompallier Shield, a Scripture competition for all 16 Catholic Secondary schools in the Diocese plus Pompallier College from Whangarei. Our boys represented our school with exceptional pride and dedication in various categories. Well done to them all for their hard work and commitment:

Maori Senior Scripture – 3rd place Elijah Hunt

Waiata – 1st place Cyrus Holloway, Tony Ulberg, Christian Letufuga, Blessing Elisala, Kitione Setefano, Fred Sola, Cyprian Tolovae-Mafi, Simote Lokotui, Junior Tolovaa and Senio Brown.

Additional Notable Contributions to Overall Placing:

Junior Oratory: Elijah Tuala
Senior Oratory: Cadell Armstrong
Junior Maori Scripture: Hemi Timoti-Hohaia
Junior English Scripture: Solomone-Palavi Tahaafe
Senior Scripture: Jordan Etei-Michael

We are incredibly proud of our team's achievements and the collective effort put into each category. In the overall standings the results were as follows:

3rd Overall – De La Salle
2nd Overall – St. Peter’s
1st Overall – St. Mary’s

A special thank you to our dedicated teachers who helped coach and guide our students: Mrs Fernandes, Mr Tanu Ngan-Woo, Mr Sailosi, and Mr Williams-Folau, and to Campus Minister Mr Anthony Ngan Woo. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to our families for their unwavering support.

We are immensely proud of our boys and their accomplishments in this year’s Pompallier Shield. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Live Jesus in our Hearts forever

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

Scholars in the Spotlight

This week's Scholar's in the Spotlight are 7MIGUEL for outstanding writing and use of the Writers' Wall. A special mention goes to Alexzander Pasco, David Perez, and Evan Vili for such a clear and informative report on the Writing process in 7MIGUEL. Well done 7MIGUEL and Mrs Felise!

Alexzander Pasco, David Perez, and Evan Vili

In 7FEL, we have an independent writing process called the Writers’ Wall. It gives us an eight-stage process to teach ourselves how to write like a real author. Mrs Felise was kind enough to make us names with Velcro on the back, and we move them into each box until you kua mutu (finished).

First, we have our draft, where we handwrite a practice of what we are trying to write. Once you are finished with your draft, our next step is to self-edit your draft (looking for any mistakes or any words that need to be changed).

Now we move over to buddy edit, where we get a buddy and a checklist that tells us what we need for whatever genre of writing we are doing, then check your buddy’s writing and see if their writing agrees with everything on the checklist.

Next, you copy your draft into word document. You can make changes to make it better than the draft.

After that, our next step is to get some ChatGPT feedback using AI. To do that, you need to search up “ChatGPT” on your laptop and type in something called a “prompt”. A prompt is where you want to ask an AI bot for help on a specific topic. This "prompt engineering" is another thing that we are learning in 7FEL.

Then you go to the teacher feedback stage, where Mrs Felise is going to check your work give your ChatGPT feedback, and then give you her own feedback on whatever you need to be edited or fixed.

When you finish making changes with Mrs Felise, you go to the publish writing stage, where you get a piece of refill paper and copy your Word doc onto the refill paper.

When you have finished writing your published writing, you have officially completed and finished the eight-stage process of the writers’ wall. Thank you for reading and getting to know 7FEL Writers’ Wall and getting to know how to use it. Thank you!

The following list contains all the different styles and genres of writing that 7FEL have finished and what we are learning; Finished: Persuasive, procedural, prayer, and haiku poems/writing. Learning: Allegory poems

Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities [Lit/Num CAA]

There are only two weeks to go before the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities. Students will sit one test per day. The test must be completed in one session. Most students take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete.

Year 11 20 May - 22 May
Year 10 27 May - 29 May

There are a small number of students who will sit the tests on other days because of other commitments. However, NZQA only allow students to attempt the test in the 2-week window indicated. If you haven't already, please make contact with your Homeroom teacher if your son will not be able to sit the assessment of the designated days.

It is great to see that all Year 10 to 13 students enrolled in the Reading, Writing and Mathematics CAA have now logged into NZQA in preparation for the digital tests. Thanks also to those families that have informed school that their son will require assistance with a laptop in the day. Please email your son's homeroom teacher if your son will need access to a laptop on the day.

Teachers have been helping students prepare in class. You can support your son at home by looking for opportunities to practise reading, writing, and maths at home. You can also encourage your son to attempt the practice tests and practise using online assessments. Past exams and practice tests can help them get comfortable with the NCEA co-requisite, so that they feel confident and prepared for their assessment at school. There is more information at https://www.education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/schools-year-0-13/understand-your-childs-learning/ncea-literacy-and-numeracy-co-requisite-guide#how-you-can-support-your-child-1

pastoral

by Miss J Stauffert- Guidance Counsellor

Pink Shirt Day: Raising Awareness to Combat Bullying

As we approach Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and its impacts, it is important to reflect on the severity of bullying in New Zealand. With the third-highest rates of school bullying out of 36 OECD countries, this issue affects many students. In fact, according to the 2018 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) survey, one in three students in New Zealand reported being bullied at least a few times a month. Bullying does not just affect the individual being targeted; it also has lasting consequences for the person doing the bullying. The effects reach far beyond the schoolyard, impacting everyone involved in significant ways.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is intentional, repeated behaviour aimed at harming or intimidating someone. It involves a power imbalance where the bully seeks to exert control over the victim. Bullying can be overt, such as physical aggression or name-calling, but it can also be more subtle, such as exclusion, spreading rumours, or online harassment. The key element in bullying is that it is not a one-time event; it happens repeatedly and with the intent to hurt or belittle someone.

The Impact of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms—verbal, physical, social, and even cyber. Regardless of the type, it is harmful and can leave scars that last a lifetime. Studies show that students who are bullied are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. It is not just the victim who is affected, however. Bullies themselves are more likely to engage in violent behaviour, struggle with relationships, and even face legal trouble as they grow older. It is a cycle that, unless broken, perpetuates hurt and harm.

How Parents Can Help

1. Bring awareness to your child about bullying

Talk to your child about what bullying is and what it looks like. Discuss both the emotional and physical harm it can cause and help them understand that bullying is never acceptable. Encourage your child to report any incidents they witness or experience and reassure them that they will be supported. Explain that bullying is not just about being mean, but about a power imbalance that can deeply affect people’s lives.

2. Support your child if they are being bullied

If your child comes to you with concerns about bullying, take their feelings seriously and respond with compassion. Telling a child to "toughen up" is common and may seem like a way to build resilience, but it can dismiss their feelings and discourage them from opening-up in the future. Instead of helping them cope, it may leave them feeling isolated or ashamed, when what they need most is support, understanding, and guidance on how to handle difficult situations. Listen to their experiences without judgment, and work together on a plan to address the issue. This could include talking to a teacher or school counsellor, setting up a meeting with the bully’s parents, or even exploring peer mediation programs. Let your child know that they are not alone and that they have the power to stand up for themselves.

3. Support your child if they are a bully

If your child is the one bullying others, it is important to address the behaviour early on. Instead of just punishing them, try to understand why they are acting out. Often, bullying stems from insecurity, frustration, or a lack of emotional coping skills. Teach your child empathy by encouraging them to see things from the other person’s perspective. Discuss alternative ways to deal with conflicts and provide guidance on healthy ways to express emotions.

4. Teach your child to be a proud upstander

Being an upstander means standing up for what is right, especially when witnessing bullying. Encourage your child to be a positive influence by standing up for others who are being bullied, offering support to those who need it, and reporting bullying to trusted adults. Let them know that they do not have to fight alone and that their voice can help create change in the school community.

Thank you for the vital role you play in helping us create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students. Through awareness, support, and action, you are helping to shape a culture where bullying has no place and build a community where respect and kindness are the norm.

Academic Year 7/8

Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

Kia ora whanau!

Term 2 started last week and in the Year 7/8 faculty we hit the ground running with the Blake Trust coming in on the first day taking our students into VR worlds, exploring the environment. This was followed by our Year 8 Brotherhood camp where the Year 8 students engaged in activities that challenged them on so many levels. Many thanks to our parents who helped make this camp successful.

There are a lot of changes happening right now in education, so the upcoming middle of the year reports will be the last time we use the old terminology for levels. Our end of year reports will have different wordings for the levels, notably PL (Phases of Learning). This is happening right across New Zealand and eventually all the curriculum areas will switch over. No need to think about it too much for now as I mentioned before, the mid-year reports next month will be the old format you are accustomed with.

Anyway, for our Year 7 students, the video below is what the camp you will be doing in 2026.

In Christ

intermediate school

Moth Vine Pod Competition

The year 7/8’s ran a moth vine pod competition in Term 1. Our goal was to collect as many pods as possible from our community. In the end we collected in over 11,000 pods. Moth vine is one of Auckland’s worst weeds and each pod can contain up to 1000 seeds. Congratulations to 7KUR on being the winning class – pizza’s will be delivered to your class this week.

Individual congratulations to the top 3 students for collecting the most pods.

7KUR Phenix – 1st
7AND Siosaia – 2nd
8ABR Zahrleon – 3rd

Thank you to all the students who made the effort to collect and bring into our College the Moth Vine Pods.

senior opens debating

Round 2

Tuesday 5 May was Round 2 of the Senior Opens debating competition hosted at DLS College.

Motion: THW ban people over 70 from running for office.

AFF DLS 1 (12TAN Elijah Wilson, 12TAN Teinakitea Sionetama and 12TAN Okusi Katoa - TEAM TAN) vs Kings College 1.
DLS win.
AFF DLS 2 (11UAL Motusaga Paleso'o, 11KUS Damien Kalolo and 11UAL Lelava Sauioge) vs Kings College 2.
DLS win.

Y9FAR debater Ma'umagaisiva Su'a jumped in to fill for another Kings College team tonight and also picked up the win. Huge achievement for Ma'umagaisiva who has great potential in the debating space at such a young age.

Special thank you to the rest of the DLS debate team for helping to facilitate tonight especially our host 11WEN Lyriq Pavihi and our student adjudicator, 11VER Steve Roberts. Service hours will be entered.

Well done to all our debaters for their great efforts, in hosting and competing in tonight's Senior Opens competition.

campus minister - Mr Anthony Ngan-woo

A warm Lasallian welcome to Mr Anthony Ngan-Woo who joins the College as the new Campus Minister. Here's a little about him

My name is Anthony Ngan-Woo and am of Samoan Chinese descent. Hailing from the villages of Leauva'a, Saleaula, Lefaga, Tanumalala, and Solosolo. Born and raised in South Auckland and am a proud parishioner of St Joseph's & Joachim Catholic Church Otahuhu. Currently finishing off my tertiary studies in secondary school education and am super privileged to be join the staff here at DLS serving as the school's Campus Minister.

Quick Fire 3

Fun Fact- My paternal grandfather is full chinese and hails from the Guangdong Province - Canton in China. I can only speak fluent Samoan at the moment but would love to learn more of my Chinese heritage and also learn either Mandarin or Cantonese.

What is your favorite thing about working for De La Salle College so far- Being part of the school community not only in pastoral care but also immersed in every aspect of the Lasallian culture and brotherhood. As a future aspiring high school teacher, being at DLS has helped me set my foot in the door but also foresee the joy plus value in working within the secondary school education.

Name someone you admire and why- Can't leave one out without mentioning both. I admire my parents for their hard work and sacrifice they have both made for me throughout the years. To my father for always showing me what hard work looks like and teaching me what it means to be a man who provides and protects. And to my mother for showing unconditional love and support to me and my siblings in all that we seek to do and even with our shortcomings. I wouldn't be the man I am today without them.

gateway & careers

Year 13 Barbering Course happening here in our Careers Room, every Monday.

Limited spaces available- please email the careers department for more information careers@delasalle.school.nz

notices

1st XV play away at Auckland Grammar I 2.30pm kick off

Turn Your Old Laptop into a Chromebook! Do you have an old Windows laptop that still turns on but is running slow? Mr. Lin can turn it into a Chromebook — perfect for schoolwork and online learning. Important: The laptop must turn on and the screen must work. All files will be deleted, so back up anything important. I cannot fix broken laptops. We cannot trade or swap laptops. Interested? Email Mr. Lin at LinA@delasalle.school.nz Let’s reduce waste and support learning! This upcycling initiative will restart in Term 2. Mr Lin