Kia ora whānau,

Curriculum Update
We are incredibly proud to share our 2025 Corequisite Literacy and Numeracy results, which show continued and significant progress for our akonga at Sancta Maria College. 

The Literacy and Numeracy Corequisites are national assessments for Year 10 students that ensure every learner in Aotearoa has the essential reading, writing, and maths skills needed for future study, work, and life.  

This year, 143 Year 10 students participated in the national Literacy and Numeracy Assessments, and our results once again sit well above the national averages across all three core areas:
2025 Year 10 Literacy and Numeracy Achievement Summary: 

The 2025 Year 10 Literacy and Numeracy results show strong, sustained growth across all core areas, with students achieving between 19–26 percentage points above the national averages. These results carry even greater significance when we consider that this cohort began their Sancta Maria College in 2021, directly after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Their outstanding progress reflects four years of rebuilding, momentum, and achievement. It’s a story not only of academic growth, but of leadership, resilience, a sense of belonging, and the collective strength of our school community. 

Our Year 9 and 10 ākonga have also participated in common assessments within each subject, which we have now formalised this by running them under exam-style conditions. We hope this will build our learners assessment literacy so that they understand the expectations of working under time pressure to write structured responses.  Additionally, these assessments act as low-stakes preparation, reducing anxiety and improving confidence before NCEA externals. Students who qualify for SAC (Special Assessment Criteria) have also been able to trial this properly before any NCEA assessments. Once again, our ākonga have shown excelled and learned valuable lessons along the way regarding how to study and prepare for a different type of assessment. 

EOTC Update
Term 4 has been packed with memorable experiences for Years 7-10, especially during our Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) week. These activities enrich classroom learning and help build self-confidence, social skills, and lasting memories. 

• Year 7 students have had a lot of fun participating in activities organised by our staff and Big Foot adventures. The week culminated with a trip to Rainbows End. 
• Year 8s had an exciting camp at YMCA Camp Adair in Hunua, where they stepped out of their comfort zones and showed resilience in a variety of activities. 
• Year 9 students experienced local history with trips to Rangiriri Pā, Tōtara Point, Duder Regional Park, and even the movies! These activities tied directly into their learning of Aotearoa NZ history. 
• Year 10s enjoyed a week at Ngāruawāhia Christian Youth Camp, developing strong bonds as a year group through fun and teamwork. 

A huge thank you to all the families for supporting their children in these experiences, and to our dedicated staff for making them possible! 

Transition visits 
We have really enjoyed having the Year 7 cohort for 2026 coming to our college for a fun-filled transition morning and then meeting all our new whānau later in the week. We understand how important the transition day is for our families. We have also been very grateful to the support from St Marks Catholic School, Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School and Our Lady Star of the Sea School.  

Prizegiving and Recognition
We concluded the year by celebrating our students’ hard work and achievements at the Junior School Prizegiving and Years 7-10 Recognition Assembly. It was a joy to honor the successes of our students. Congratulations to all the award winners and their whānau! Please click the following links for the full list of prizewinners:

• Junior School Special Character and Trophy Award winners for 2025 | Sancta Maria College
• Junior School top scholar award winners for 2025 | Sancta Maria College
• Junior School award winners for 2025 | Sancta Maria College
• Junior Recognition Award winners for 2025 | Sancta Maria College

As we come to the end of another full and vibrant year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff, students, student leaders, and whānau for the support, generosity, and genuine partnership you’ve shown throughout 2025. Your commitment to our young people and to the life of our school continues to shape a community we can all be proud of. As we look ahead to 2026, I’m filled with optimism for the opportunities it will bring – fresh beginnings, new learning, and continued growth for every one of our learners.  

May this Christmas and holiday season be a time of rest, joy, and renewal for you and your families. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, refreshed and ready for the journey ahead. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Reshmika Lal
Deputy Principal (junior school)