Greetings of Peace and Love! 

As we reflect on the message of God’s love (John 3:16) where it is said that “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ, may we as a school community see our true worth as God’s beloved.  It is our vision to make everyone see that they are “Beautifully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139: 14) by God.   

We recognise every effort, gift and talents each one brings no matter how big or small it is; we see each one as important in building the community of God.  May this year of Aroha fill each one of us with light that we may share this light to everyone we meet. We have just started the year, but we have done so much as a school community.  Here are some of the activities that we have done at the start of term 1:

Dedication Mass
Our staff always commence the year coming together in Christ the King Parish to celebrate the Eucharist together with the different Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Auckland.  Bishop Steve blessed the staff for their year ahead in their important work shaping the next generation, in addition to recognising the unification of the church and school in shaping minds and hearts.

Opening and Ash Wednesday Mass
The Opening Mass was on Wednesday 18 February at St Luke’s Parish and was presided over by Fr. Benedict Francis.  He reminded the school of the importance of Lent and the value of doing Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. The head prefects washed the hands of the youngest members of our school to signify their intention to serve the school community and together with Fr. Benedict, we blessed the two head prefects as they begin their leadership journey this year.

Year 13 Retreat
The retreat was held on Friday 20 February and begun with a dawn Mass at Barry Curtis Park.  Mass was presided over by Fr. Jean Paul Abou-Naum who blessed the students for their final year at school and shared his life story – the decision to become a priest after a career in the military’s special forces. This was followed by a day of activities, designed to allow students to delve deeper into their faith, connect with each other and safely share.  It begun with Fadi Yalda sharing his journey, as he chose to see love and God in everything, despite his early struggles in life as a refugee.   Thank you to all the staff who helped facilitate this special day for our students, especially, Cedric Piggin, Dan Bidwell, Beth Kubala and Kieran Gutry who led each activity.

Lunchtime Mass on Wednesday – we have moved our lunch time Mass to Wednesday this year and they are held in St Luke’s Parish.  All students are encouraged to attend.  

Pompallier Shield
We are very excited to be hosting the Pompallier Shield on Friday 1 May 2026 with the Leader of Mission and Identity (ADRS) leading the preparations.

Altar Servers and Ministers of the Word, CSYMI Leaders and our Young Vinnies students have all been working hard in the background planning for the year ahead and actively training in areas to help facilitate their work this year.  Thank you to all these students who give so generously.

Local Youth Minister
We are blessed to have a Local Youth Minister this year.  Hannah Ernstzen (Year 13, 2025) has commenced her work with the CSYMI, retreats and small group sessions, with the aim of building a community of faith.  

Here is the schedule of Special Character activities for the remainder of term 1:

Yours in Christ though Mary,
Mr. Omar Leo Tamayo
Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy (DRS)