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

associate principal

Mr Dermot English

Language as our World

Malo e lelei and welcome to the end of Lea Faka Tonga

I feel at a disadvantage during these language weeks as I only speak one language. Many in this community speak two, and sometimes three. That means they have a more developed brain, with stronger connections, and a broader intelligence. There are some thoughts that you can only have if you know Tongan, or Samoan or any other language, as some ideas do not translate. Even the structure of a language expresses a way of seeing the world, so our world view is contained in our language. De La Salle College acknowledges this by being one of the very few schools in the country to have 3 Pacific languages to Year 13 level.

Mr Sailosi gave a talk to the staff this morning, in which he outlined some of the values of Tongan Culture, such as Respect (Faka‘apa‘apa), Service (Ngaue’i), Hard Work (Ngaue Mālohi), Community-mindedness(Fevahevahe‘aki), Discipline with Dignity (Fakatonutonu’I, kihe ngeia ‘oe fanau), Forgiveness (Fa’a fakamolemole), Humility (Fakatatali), Gentleness (Anga Fakatokilalo) and Patience (Anga Mokomoko)

It is remarkable how much these match the values of John Baptiste De La Salle himself and the values that a Lasallian teacher should have. If we want to live our own culture and that of De La Salle College then we can continue to do our best to put these in to practice, in our school work, attendance, uniform, how we related to boys and staff and in our spiritual life.

curriculum

Deputy Principal Curriculum- Mr Phil Doyle

2026 Course Selection

Reminder that Year 9 – 12, 2026 Course selections are now due.

Practice Exams Week 8

Tips for Exam Success

Often what we tell ourselves about exams, is a subtle, seductive yet sabotaging lie. And the lie is this: If we cannot learn something, or if we get a bad grade in our exam, it is mainly due to our own level of intelligence.

This idea is completely wrong and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy for many intelligent students who are capable of success. When we do badly in an exam, we have been taught to think it was our brain that’s the issue, rather than it being an issue of strategy.

Like getting fit, exams taking is a skill that we can master. When training to get fit, it isn’t who you are that’s holding you back. Instead, it’s what you are doing (or our lack of strategy) that is holding you back.

Figure out what you know and what you need to know.

Ask your teacher or download a checklist from the NCEA website that covers the points you need to know for the standards and subjects you’re studying. For each point on the checklist, test yourself by writing a brief overview of the concept.

Work in sprints.

On your first day of training for a marathon, you wouldn’t go out and run 42kms. You would burn-out quickly due to a lack of prior training, and you would probably be put off running for a long time. The better route to success would be to slowly work up to running the 42kms by running a bit further every day.

Do past exam papers in exam conditions and reflect on past exams.

We often want to avoid putting themselves under such stress until it comes to exam time. However, it’s so important that students practice sitting past exams in exam conditions to get used to the pressure of exams. If you don’t have time – time your self for a question at a time. Do you answers the easiest or hardest questions first? Do you take 10 minutes to read and make notes before starting? Do you use planning strategies before starting writing?

Plan out your exam answers.

Ask yourself: ‘what do I need to get good grades in my exams?’ We often think that a sound knowledge of the subject content will be enough to guarantee you good grades. This is a misconception that many of us hold about exams. Content knowledge isn’t the only guarantee of success in exams. Knowing how to structure your answers is also vital to exam strategy.

Create an exam strategy.

Just like professional athletes create a ‘game plan’ for game day, students should create an exam strategy for their own game day (exam time)! Top sportsmen have a routine before they start a sports match to get them motivated and get their mindset ‘in the game’. You should do the same before exams. Think of a routine that you can do before exams to get into the zone.

Create an exam ‘cheat sheet’.

Before I share this next tip, a quick disclaimer: this is not encouragement to cheat on your exams!

However, before you sit your exams, you should create a cheat sheet. A cheat sheet is a one or two-page summary sheet of the essential information that you need to know for a subject. For English, note down some quotes on your cheat sheet. For Maths, note down some of the equations you need to remember. Anything you think is essential – put it on the summary sheet.

Good luck for your exams

*Ideas taken from https://inspirationeducation.co.nz/

Academic Year 7/8

Assistant Principal- Mr Herbert Tanuvasa

This week we have been blessed to celebrate Tongan Language Week across the College. The week began with a moving flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, reminding us of the pride and dignity that comes with carrying one’s culture. I have to say…I do miss the flag waving, car parades of the Mata Ma’a Tonga supporters tooting their horns all over the place. Maybe next year for Tongan language week we should a cover the school in red and have lunchtime dance celebrations!

At assembly on Friday, we had lots of awards and for us in Year 7/8 we had a couple of millionaires and one MULTI millionaire! Well done to our boys with their reading. Another highlight during assembly came when our Tongan Cultural Group (led by Mr Folau) took the stage. Their powerful singing was supported by brass instruments (a hallmark of Tongan music and wasn’t the movie Red, White and Brass touching!) filled the MPC with a spirit of pride and unity. At lunchtime, the celebrations continued with a wonderful feast prepared by our Tongan staff, showing the generosity and hospitality at the heart of their culture. As a Samoan we often bemoan that once we were ruled by Tongans…but hey…if they are going to feed us big then come back and rule us lol! It was also encouraging this week to see so many of our young men wearing red in recognition of Tonga.

Our Year 7 and 8 students this week also joined the festivities, practicing traditional Tongan dances throughout the week (making the most of our the PPTA strike day on Wednesday). Despite coming from different backgrounds, the boy’s enthusiasm shows how cultural celebrations can strengthen our sense of community and excellence, while encouraging the boys to take pride in the heritage of their brothers. While De La Salle has long been known as a South Auckland Catholic school with a strong Samoan presence, it is encouraging to see more Tongan students joining our roll each year. This growth adds to the richness of our school family and reflects the values of faith and service that unite all Lasallians.

As we celebrate the life and culture of Tonga, we also pause to remember those in our Lasallian family who have passed on. We recall people like Taniela Moa, a proud Tongan old boy and international rugby player whose legacy continues to inspire. His sons now attend De La Salle, including Tevita Moa in Year 7/8, who is an incredible student. I have great respect for this young man, he has real maturity and carries himself with humility and purpose. I was only half the person he is when I was his age.

Also at this time, we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to all families in our community who are grieving (in particular, we stand with one of our own Year 7/8 teachers, Ms Felise, whose father passed away on Tuesday morning). We honour the memory of those who have left us, and in the spirit of faith, service, community, and excellence, we stand with the families during this of loss.

“ʻOfa atu pea ‘Amanaki ki he ʻAho ʻApongipongi”

“With love and hope for tomorrow” (ties to Lasallian Journey of Hope).

“Ko e meʻa kotoa pē ‘oku mou fai, fai ia ʻi he ‘ofa” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

“Koe La Salle mo e ʻOfa, ʻAmanaki mo e Fakaʻapaʻapa”

“La Salle with Love, Hope, and Respect.”

In Christ

hawaiian youth ambassadorS programme

This September, one of our students, John Faifili will proudly represent De La Salle College on the Hawaiian Youth Ambassadors Programme, led by Sea Cleaners. The programme brings together young leaders from New Zealand, Australia, Seattle, and Hawai‘i to learn about ocean conservation, cultural exchange, and community action.

Our student will join peers in hands-on marine restoration projects, leadership workshops, and cultural experiences, gaining skills and insights to bring back and share with our school and wider community.

*image L-R: Mr Hogarty-College Principal, John Faifili - 13WFO, Mr Hayden Smith-CEO SeaCleaners