As we conclude the Year of Hope, we extend our sincere gratitude to all who make up our learning community—our students, staff, families, and wider communities. Throughout the past year, we have collectively navigated change, growth, and new challenges with resilience, professionalism, and a shared sense of purpose.
Anchored in our Catholic identity, this Year of Hope has reminded us that our work is not merely educational—it is a ministry of service. Hope has shaped our decisions, strengthened our relationships, and inspired us to support one another with integrity and compassion. It has encouraged us to see potential in every challenge and to trust in God’s guiding presence in all that we do.
To our students: thank you for your enthusiasm, hard work, and openness to learning.
To our staff: thank you for your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
To our families: thank you for your partnership, trust, and continued support.
To our communities: thank you for walking with us and contributing to a shared vision grounded in faith.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence. The same hope that has shaped this year will continue to guide our mission, strengthen our collaboration, and inspire our service. May Christ, our true source of hope, bless the coming year with wisdom, renewal, and lasting peace.
Thank you for contributing to a year marked by growth, unity, and faith-filled purpose.
Assumption Mass
Thank you to our school community and whānau who helped us celebrate the Assumption of Mary in Mass today at St Luke’s Parish. We also thank Fr. Benedict Francis for presiding over Mass.
Thanksgiving Mass
The Thanksgiving Mass (Leavers’ Mass) was presided by Fr. Benedict. He emphasized the importance of being sent. After years of formation in the Catholic system, the students are asked not to be afraid to share their faith to the world. It was a wonderful celebration as the Year 13s led with their beautiful voices that made the students connection with God meaningful.
Advent Liturgy
We had our Advent Liturgy in St. Luke’s Parish on the last day of the school year. Mr. Tamayo started the liturgy followed by the reflection of the junior students. Fr. Benedict Francis also gave his reflection and the final blessing to end our academic year.
Catch the Wave Year 10 Retreat
CSYMI Leaders and some staff facilitated and guided the Year 10s in their retreat. The focus was on them understanding that they are loved by God for who they are and that they are all meant to proclaim this love of God to others. This will also be a springboard for their Year 11 topic on Youth Ministry.
Year 6 Retreat (8 December)
CSYMI students will be running Year 6 retreats on the 8th of December. They will be guided by Sam Brebner, Cedric and Omar. The students will be leading group activities and will be facilitating small group sessions.
Youth Minister
A proposal to have a youth minister was submitted. After several conversations with the Business Manager, the Diocese, the parish of St. Luke’s and St. Ignatius of Loyola College (first to have Youth Minister), the Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy has forwarded the request and proposal for a youth minister. He has outlined the objectives, tasks and financial obligations for the youth minister who will help strengthen the faith of the students and lead them to serving and being active in their own parishes, specifically St. Luke’s Parish.
SVDP Recognition (24 October)
Lucia of SVDP attended the lunch time Mass to hand out certificates to the student volunteers who gave up their time packing and cooking food for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. There were 46 students who were recognised for their active participation this year.
Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit (St. Carlo Acutis’ work)
The exhibit of St. Carlo Acutis’ work on making known the importance of the Eucharist and revealing the many Eucharistic Miracles around the world was done in our school. This is a privilege that was granted to us by the family who oversees this in New Zealand. Special thanks to Cedric Piggin and Chris Sullivan who liaised this for us.
Tagged Teachers’ Gathering
The gathering started with a mass and followed by a session that was led by the Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy. Group sessions were facilitated by the RE Teachers (Dan, Beth, Kirstie and Omar). The session was the meaning and purpose of each one in this world. This was processed carefully in the small groups who focused on our purpose to know and love God more. We also looked at how we could encourage our school community to do the same. We ended the gathering with some kai to allow for further conversation.
Formed
The Leader of Special Character, Mission and Liturgy met with the Diocese of Auckland, other DRS and Principals of other Catholic schools and Hallow and Formed providers. Formed continues to meet the needs of the College in terms of its selection and price. The Special Character Team has agreed to keep Formed for next year as this is helpful for the staff, the students and their families. After checking, the following selections are used most frequently:
- Daily Readings
- Daily Gospel Reflection
- Lives of Saints – The saints and heroes’ collection
- The Faithful – Marian apparitions
- St. Carlo Acutis
- Brother Francis
- Symbolon
- John XXIII
- The Search
- What Catholics Believe
End of Year Survey
Mr. Omar Tamayo, Mr. Cedric Piggin and Mr. Dan Bidwell developed a survey for our Year 13 students to complete, prior to leaving, re: Special Character in our school. Its purpose was to ensure the special character of the school was ‘good enough’ as well as enabling the students to provide feedback on possible improve. Here are their results:
3. Choose a couple of activities that helped you in your faith development
4. Which RE topics from Year 7 to 13 helped to deepen your understanding of God?
Meeting with St. Luke’s Parish Pastoral Council
The Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy met with the PPC of St. Luke’s to discuss partnership with Youth Ministry, Youth Activities and other liturgical services with the parish. It is the main goal of Catholic Schools to lead students to actively being involved with their parishes and this is one big step that we are making as a College to ensure a good relationship with the closest parish to our school.
World Youth Day 2027
The Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy has been meeting with the Vicar for Youth of the Diocese of Auckland. We are wanting to send our students (18 years old and above by August 2027 [current Y11s]). We are looking at ways on how to make this easy for the students, their parents and how to make this experience really meaningful for all. The World Youth Day 2027 is set in South Korea. The Vicar for Youth has given his thumbs up in linking the youth of the Diocese of Auckland with the students of Sancta Maria College. This will be a momentous event in the lives of our students as they will get to express their faith and encounter people from different countries sharing their Catholic faith.
Prayers Before, Mid-day and After
Due to the positive response we have received from the staff, the students and even the parents who are hearing the praying of the Angelus at noon time, the Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy has expressed his desire to the incoming Principal to have the prayers said before the start of day, mid-day (Angelus) and before dismissal. Currently, we have noticed that some students are creeping out of the classroom before dismissal time. It would be a good thing for students to give thanks and praise to God for the day before heading to their buses. Prayers that are said in the PA system makes people pause and it would be good if everyone stays still before heading home.
Notices from neighbouring parishes:
St Luke’s Parish
- Diocesan Marriage preparation course – are you getting married? Please book your Diocesan Marriage preparation course. Our Courses – Catholic Diocese of Auckland
- Prayer Retreat for Women: ‘Prayer and the Interior life’ from Friday 31 October (6pm) – Sunday 2 November (3pm). There will be time for Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, Personal Prayer and Spiritual direction. Early bird registrations and details are available from www.stfrancisretreatcentre.org.nz
- Legion of Mary weekly meetings are Wednesdays at 7pm in the Children’s room. Any enquiries please contact Maria Denis at mariadenis25@yahoo.com
St Mark’s Parish
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) – we would like to invite anyone who’s interested in knowing about the Catholic Faith with a view of becoming Catholic to come along to our Wednesday evening session from 7:30 – 8:30pm in the Parish Centre. Please contact the office on 09 576 7959 or Rosemary on 021 1639141 for more detail, if required.
- Chinese RCIA Class (Mandarin) in the Lyon’s Den every Monday from 9:30 – 10:30am and Chinese RCIA Class (Cantonese) in the Lyon’s Den every Tuesday from 9:00 – 11:00am.
- Sewing with Friends – join us while we do all our own mending while in each other’s company. Machines, scissors, thread and needles are all available, and of course tea and coffee. It is on the second Saturday of every month in the Lyon’s Den from 2-4pm.
- Life in the Spirit Prayer Group – join us every Thursday from 7:30 – 9:00om in the Parish Centre and enjoy a warm welcome to spend time together in prayer, praise and fellowship with the Lord and each other.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
- A new roster for the visiting statue of Mother Mary to your homes is now available in the foyer for the months of September through to December 2025. Please put your details down if you would like a time. Please contact Sandie D’Mello on dmelloswans@gmail.com for any queries.
- Life Teen Summer Camp: 14-18 January 2026 at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton. Pencil in this date and Francesca (Parish Youth Minister) will be in touch regarding registrations.
- Parish Youth News: Adoration – after 5:30pm Mass, all youth have an opportunity to experience the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Come along and encounter Christ in a new and special way, followed by some delicious food. Pick up is 8:00pm.
- St Vincent De Paul Christmas cards are now available – $5 for a pack of 5 cards and envelopes.
- 2026 Columban Calendars are also available for $15.00 from the foyer.
- Catholic Kiwi podcast: six episodes of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference’s new podcast series are now available – search ‘catholic kiwi podcast’ on YouTube or Spotify.
In Christ through Sancta Maria,
Mr. Omar Leo Tamayo
Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy (DRS)