in this issue
TERM 1 WEEK 8- COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
College Principal - “Creating strong young men is always better than trying to fix broken ones"
Associate Principal - "The Switch"
Special Character - Ministry & Mission
Deputy of Curriculum - Curriculum
Deputy of Pastoral - Pastoral
Academic Year 7/8
Literacy Centre
Intermediate School
2025 Race Unity Speech Competition
Year 10 Poems
De La Salle College Wrestling Team- Auckland Novice Tournament 2025
Notices
Enrol Now
Contact Us
“Creating strong young men is always better than trying to fix broken ones”
Mr Myles Hogarty
College Principal
Greetings,
It is almost ironic that in an age of unprecedented wealth and opportunities for New Zealand school age students, there also lurks in the shadows – the twin mental health issues – anxiety and depression.
I suspect these issues are growing.
It is tempting to link diet, lack of exercise , lack of sleep, device dependency and social disconnection with these issues. I am sure everything is linked somehow.
My observation is that young men generally do not respond to change very well.
Changes in a young man’s life like, the Parental break up of a relationship, a significant death in the family, absentee parents – a clash of parenting style, an unsympathetic coach or teacher, are just some of the conditions that surround a young man and may cause him to lose focus on his schoolwork and co-curricular activities.
I am very sure that “being in love” with a digital device for everything in life – is not mentally healthy.
Young men as I have previously stated, need to have far more device-free time, speak more to their family and friends in person and regain their personal link to their community.
De La Salle’s success as a school depends on an emphasis on “Community” in many ways, through its learning community, Sports teams, Cultural groups, Special Character groups, Leadership groups and Parent Partnerships. These are all designed to provide our young men with a strong connection to his own local community and protect him from becoming isolated in a virtual world of social networking and “faceless” communities.
A positive community allows young men to smile, talk, try things, fail, succeed, ask for help, be supported and know that they are valued through the connections to family, friends and teachers, their “real” community.
The College offers our young men many opportunities to engage in global learning and have access to global communities, many of our students are able to access these also in their own homes, however we must not let our students disconnect from the strong values that being a member of a school and family community can provide them.
Practicing and playing with your friends in a Rugby or Basketball team, preparing and delivering a Debate, performing the College Haka and playing music in a band with your peers is the best way to strengthen the connection to your real community. One that has a face, one that you know and recognise the members of, a community that shares the same values that you are taught in your family and school.
I think there is a distinction to be made being mentally healthy and mentally fit as there is in being physically healthy and/or physically fit.
I certainly don’t claim to be a psychologist – but it appears to me that we should all do more about being mentally fit.
Trigger points for anxiety and possible depression include unfinished business in a parental break-up, the death of a grandparent and the exposure to drugs and other harmful substances.
At De La Salle we speak often with our staff and young men of the power of Hope in their lives and how this is woven into their faith and spirituality, the loss of hope and failure to see positives in their future is what can play with the mind of a young man.
De La Salle College tries to help all our young men stay mentally fit by the following means:
A secure daily school routine, maintaining structure and stability for students
- The daily College structure and routines are the “rock” for our young men
- An insistence on every boy contributing hours of time as Service to the community.
- Regular opportunities for daily prayer, reflection and Retreats
- A tough stance on drugs, violence and anything that degrades the human person.
- An early warning mechanism about class engagement with our Weekly Note and regular parental communication to strengthen school-home relationships
- Building opportunities for all boys to ‘own’ their school through their participation in co-curricula sport, music and service.
- Creating an inclusive College community where every boy is respected.
The next two weeks of the term have many events that contribute to the success of our vibrant community, Fiafia nights, Career Expo, Parent Partnership evenings, Winter sports practices and Polyfest performances.
I look forward to seeing you all at these important community events in support of our young men
God Bless
associate principal
Mr Dermot English
THE SWITCH
Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending the 8.30am mass at St John’s Otara. About 25 of our boys were there in uniform to be part of the wonderful momentum of a congregation that really knows how to sing. Two thoughts came to mind. One, that De La Salle College is lucky to have students that come from strong faith communities such as St John’s. They bring their faith, their resilience and all the hard-won character and wisdom of their families
The second thought, as I listened to the choir lifting the roof, was about the switch. Here were boys really singing because of the context that they were in. They flicked the switch.
When boys sit down in front of their Polyfest tutor, all of a sudden the switch is flicked, and they can sing three times as good as they do at a school mass. When boys want to make a team, they flip the switch and up their normal effort. When boys recall the commitment of their families to their education, they flick the switch and get motivated
I’m sure parents see this at home, where motivation can go from zero to 100 at the flick of a switch. The motivators are often hard-to-measure factors such as a sense of belonging, a sense of being valued and seen, and trust that the person asking for your effort has your best interests at heart. Lets do the best to provide that for our boys so that they can step well beyond what they thought possible.
special character
Assistant Principal Mission- Mrs Teuila Vaotuua
Year 7 & 8 Retreats
A Spiritual Journey for Our Youngest Brothers
Over the past two weeks, our youngest students in Years 7 and 8 had the opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection in the chapel, guided by our new Campus Minister, Mr. Anthony Ngan Woo. These retreats, centred around the theme "Great Brothers Grow into GREAT MEN," offered our students a time of reflection and growth.
The retreats began with a liturgy, engaging the students in a shared experience that placed them in the Holy presence of God. This moment allowed them to reflect on their surroundings, the sacred space, and their spiritual journey. The focus of the retreat was on the life of St. De La Salle, the patron saint of our school, as well as the lives of the house saints: St. Solomon, St. Benuildus, St. Mutien, and St. Miguel. This provided the students an opportunity to connect with their personal saint and gain a deeper understanding of the Lasallian history and the global community to which they belong.
To close the retreat, the students participated in a fellowship session, which emphasized pastoral care and encouraged them to view the school as a "home away from home." This session focused on nurturing an attitude that embraces the core values of Faith, Service, Community, and Excellence.
Lunchtime Mass: A Special Tribute to Lil-Bouvalu Lyden
This week, we gathered for a lunchtime mass in the MPC, offered for the soul of Lil-Bouvalu Lyden. Lil-Bouvalu's mother, Danira, joined us, and we were honoured to present her with a candle, blessed by our celebrant, Fr. Anthony Tran. The candle symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world, and we are reminded to focus on his light in the face of our grief and loss. Lil-Bouvalu was a precious son, brother, student, and friend, and we continue to pray for his soul and the comfort of his family.
The mass also served as an opportunity for all our Polyfest groups to come together in prayer before their final performances. Many students attended, receiving spiritual nourishment as they prepared for the upcoming event. During the mass, we were reminded that we are all tempted daily by challenges, particularly in the face of the harmful influences of social media. The mass encouraged us to confront these challenges as Jesus did: by calling on God’s power. In a world where social media can target and harm our loved ones, we ask God for the strength and grace to face these modern temptations and heal our wounds, bringing peace into our hearts.
Live Jesus in our Hearts forever
curriculum
Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle
Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities
To achieve NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3 students are required to meet a Literacy and Numeracy Requirement. There are two pathways to achieving this requirement – one from designated standards and credits, the other by completing the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities [CAA]. There are three CAA Literacy – Reading, Literacy – Writing, and Numeracy/Mathematics. You may have seen in the media that many students across New Zealand struggled to meet this requirement, and many NZ schools saw NCEA Level 1 achievement rates plummet. However, with good planning that was not the case here at De La Salle College. De La Salle finished with a NCEA Level 1 pass rate of 69% compared to a national pass rate of only 46% - a difference of 23%.
Planning has now started again for the next round of Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities for 2025. We have approximately 75 Year 10, 60 Year 11, 15 Year 12 and 3 Year 13 students attempting the Literacy and/or Numeracy Common Assessment Activities in May this year. This is Week 4 of Term 2. Students who have not achieved or not attempted the CAA will also have another opportunity in September 2025.
It is important that our young men sit the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities when they are ready to do so. This will provide our young men with the best opportunity to be successful and have a positive assessment experience. Our teachers use classroom observations, conversations, formative assessments and PAT tests and PaCT judgments. Our experience over the last two years has shown that we tend to make the right decisions, and the majority of students entered are successful. However, we do not exclude any students from the assessment if they want to attempt. If your son is not down to sit the assessment in the May window and you think he should, please contact your son’s homeroom teacher.
The Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities are digital assessments. Students must have access to a laptop or device to complete the CAA. If your son does not have access to a device, please start making contact with the school now so we can plan to support your son.
Supporting students with the content of the CAA will happen at school. However, parent help at home is greatly appreciated. In fact, practising reading, writing and using numbers will help to improve your son’s skills for school and daily life regardless of the CAA. Attached is the guide provided from NZQA for students and families. There are study workbooks available. Students also need help with how to create their NZQA account. This cannot happen till after 7 April. Teachers will be especially supporting Year 10 students to create NCEA student login and access accounts for the first time. Ensure your son’s laptop has Google Chrome installed on your device. FIND PAST DIGITAL EXAMS: Instructions on how to access past LIT/NUM digital exams:
Enter NSN, Verification code and access code to enter the exam from below (students can't save their answers )
NSN: View2024
Verification code: Tw3nty/24
Access code: 0000
There is also an excellent resource provided by the University of Auckland to support the Numeracy test - https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/study-with-us/application-admission-education-counselling-social-work/info-for-applicants/tips-and-advice-for-the-numeracy-test.html
Literacy and Numeracy Timeline
Weeks 10 and 11 Term 1
Creating NCEA student login (and/or) logging into your account. (Teachers at school will support this process)
Students and families for each exam will be emailed.
Year 10s will be practising exam questions in classes
Years 11 - 13: Workshop for Reading/Writing/Numeracy taking place in extended homeroom and during Wednesdays P3 .
Weeks 2 and 3: Term 2
Checklist for Device and exam process. Please note: Students can bring headphones to access text to speech functions (Polly) for Writing and Numeracy
Year 10s will be practising exam questions in classes
Years 11-13: Workshops for Reading/Writing/Numeracy taking place in extended homeroom and during Wednesdays P3
Term 2 Week 4: EXAM DATES:
Exam timetable will be posted here, once confirmed by NZQA. Please check here for an update.
Any patai / questions? Please contact your son’s Dean or me doylep@delasalle.school.nz for more information.
pastoral
Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles
Supporting Your Son in Balancing School and Extra-Curricular Activities
Over the past few months, our students have been putting in tremendous effort preparing for Polyfest, and soon we will be entering the busy sports season alongside other extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and service commitments. While these experiences are valuable in shaping well-rounded young men, it’s important that students also maintain a balanced approach to their schoolwork.
As parents, you play a crucial role in helping your son manage his time effectively. Here are a few ways to support him:
- Encourage Planning & Time Management – Help your son set up a simple weekly schedule that includes time for schoolwork, practices, and rest. Using a planner or a digital calendar can be a great way to keep track of deadlines and commitments.
- Set Clear Priorities – Remind him that schoolwork should always come first. While extracurricular activities are important, academic success ensures he remains eligible for these opportunities.
- Check In Regularly – Take a few minutes each day to ask how he is managing his workload and commitments. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can help relieve stress.
- Encourage Rest & Well-being – Late-night study sessions after long practices can lead to exhaustion. Ensure he is getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking short breaks when needed.
- Communicate with Teachers & Coaches – If your son is feeling overwhelmed, encourage him to speak with his teachers or coaches. They can help him find solutions, whether it’s adjusting training times or getting extra support for schoolwork.
- We want our students to thrive in all areas—academically, athletically, and personally. With the right support at home and school, they can enjoy the benefits of their extracurricular activities while staying on top of their education.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our young men succeed!
Academic Year 7/8
Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa
Connection
Week 8 has finished and school is really ramping up with Polyfest fast approaching. We are in that strange no-man’s-land where anticipation meets expectation. Often, this mix can be exhilarating; other times, it can be paralysing! Performance as most of us know very well, is a double-edged sword.
How do students deal with the anxiety that arises from the pressure and expectation to perform?
Māori approach nervousness associated with performance through three stages. Te Ihi represents positive energy or power. This is followed by Te Wehi, the emotional awe or response to that energy. Finally, they believe in Te Wana as the end process in handling these nerves — where a person accepts the collection of all this energy as a “unity moment,” connecting them to both their environment and their kaupapa. Therefore, for our students, the act of performing at Polyfest is a connecting experience. Win or lose, the students will have made a connection to their culture — and that is what really needs to be celebrated.
Our Year 8 Tag team went through this experience this past Tuesday at the Auckland Champs. They may have been disappointed to lose their semi-final, but they can take from the experience the connections they made — and how sport, though competitive, is also unifying.
This is the lesson in everything we do. There is nothing done in vain. Everything is connected. We need to rejoice in our tribulations and disappointments, because both are ultimately connecting experiences. As long as students are moving forward and trying things out — regardless of whether they succeed or fail — they need to be applauded for connecting.
In the Year 7/8 department, I am inspired every week by staff and students trying new things. A Year 7 student in another class inspired me by walking past and saying hi. He didn’t need to — and he had never done so before, but he stepped out and did it. A teacher inspired me by bringing in six handsaws to cut some of our overgrown bush. They are not cheap tools and sourcing them would not have been easy. The teacher didn’t have to go and do all this stuff because it is not an expectation, but he did. Anything new students or staff try out, though stressful, is inspirational for those watching.
Romans 5:3 says: “...rejoice in our tribulations, for it produces endurance.” Let us applaud anyone who is giving something new a go. A new endeavour may be nerve-racking for a student, stressful for a parent, or chaotic for a teacher — but ultimately, whatever the outcome, it is connecting.
In Christ
Thursday 20 March in the evening, was the 2025 Race Unity Speech competition hosted at MIT, Otara. The theme of this years competition was Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau, The Great Ocean of Diversity.
Teinakitea Sionetama - 12TAN delivered a powerful speech on the importance of cultural expression at school and in the workplace while also reflecting on his experience as an afakasi growing up in Aotearoa.
Motusaga Paleso'o - 11UAL delivered an inspirational speech exploring the obstacles young Pasefika students face. Motusaga celebrated his Samoan heritage emphasizing the importance of cultural expression through events like Polyfest.
Both students were phenomenal. Using their voices to highlight important racial issues as youth in Aotearoa!
A massive well done to Motusaga and Teinakitea on their awesome efforts! Special thank you to our teachers and families who came out to support our La Sallian orators!
Mr Wendt
year 10 poems
Camp Adair
De La Salle College Wrestling Team
Auckland Novice Tournament 2025
The De La Salle College Wrestling Team competed in the 2025 Auckland Secondary Schools Novice Tournament on Monday, 24 March at Liston College. Our team included students from Years 7 to 13, many of whom were participating in a wrestling competition for the first time.
The boys faced tough competition but showed great perseverance and determination in each of their matches. Team captains Latu Enoka and Jordan Halalele, along with Vice-Captain John Faataape, provided outstanding leadership, cornering and supporting our new wrestlers throughout the day.
The team proudly displayed our school values of Faith, Excellence, Service, and Community—not only in the way they represented De La Salle, but also in the way they supported each other and engaged respectfully with athletes from other schools.
These wrestlers, along with returning athletes from last year, will go on to compete at the Auckland Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships on Friday 4th of April at Dilworth Senior College with the goal of reaching the podium and qualifying for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships in August.
Below are the competition results and a selection of photos, captured and edited by Year 13 student Isaac Ete-AhKen
notices
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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
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Website: www.delasalle.school.nz
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
Credits:
Thank you to all who contributed