Campion College Newsletter
Week Eight, Term Two: 8 June - 14 June 2026
KARAKIA
E te Atua
As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat,
we thank you for his vision, courage, and deep love for young people.
Help us to follow his example by seeing Christ in those around us,
showing kindness to those in need, and serving others with generous hearts.
May we be people of faith, hope, and compassion.
Guide our students, staff, and whānau to live each day with purpose
and to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Bless our Campion College community
and help us to continue growing as a place where everyone is known, valued, and loved.
Saint Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us.
Mary, our Good Mother, pray for us.
Amen.
A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Tēnā koutou parents, students, staff, and whānau,
One of the highlights of this week was celebrating the Baptism of Mia Akbar, Eli Padilha, Jess Steyn, Indigo-Rose Wright, Jack Turner, and Ariel Christie-Beale, as well as welcoming Michael Slater into the Church through the Rite of Reception. These are significant milestones in the faith journey of each of these young people. As a community, we celebrate with them and their whānau and pray that they continue to grow in their relationship with Christ. It is always a special occasion when students make such an important commitment to their faith, and we are blessed to share in that journey with them.
On Monday, we gathered as a College community to celebrate the Feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. It was wonderful to come together in prayer and reflect on the life and example of the founder of the Marist Brothers. Marcellin had a deep love for young people and believed that every child should know that they are valued and loved. His vision continues to inspire us today as we strive to create a school where faith, learning, and relationships flourish.
The opportunities for our students to encounter Christ continue to grow. Next Friday sees the launch of our Youth Alpha programme. Alpha provides a welcoming space for young people to explore life's big questions, deepen their understanding of faith, and build meaningful connections with others. Alongside our Youth Masses, Mission Monday groups, Scripture Study, and parish involvement, it is another example of the many opportunities available for students to grow spiritually.
It has also been another busy week of sport. Our students have proudly represented Campion College across football, hockey, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and more. Thank you to the staff, coaches, managers, and whānau who make these opportunities possible. Participation in sport teaches resilience, teamwork, commitment, and service, qualities that help shape well-rounded young people.
Looking ahead, we have our annual Cross Country next Tuesday. I know many students have been preparing well and will be ready to challenge themselves on the course. Whether you are aiming for a podium finish, a personal best, or simply to cross the finish line, I encourage every student to give their best effort. Success is often found not in the result but in the willingness to persevere when things become difficult.
As we move through the term, I continue to be grateful for the energy, talent, and spirit of our students and staff. Every week provides fresh reminders of the many ways they contribute to the life of our College, and I look forward to seeing what the coming weeks will bring.
Yours in Christ
Karyn Sadler
Principal
ST MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT FEAST DAY MASS
On Monday, our Campion College community came together to celebrate the Feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. It was a wonderful occasion and a special opportunity to pause and reflect on the Marist values that continue to shape our school.
It was fantastic to see students, staff, whānau, and parish members gathered together in prayer and celebration. The reverence shown by our students, the quality of their participation, and the strong sense of community throughout the Mass were a real credit to our College. Thank you to everyone who helped make the celebration possible. These occasions remind us that Campion College is more than just a place of learning. It is a community built on faith, service, and relationships.
Saint Marcellin encouraged us to do all things in the way of Mary – with humility, kindness, and a heart for others. May his example continue to inspire us in all that we do.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME
Congratulations to Mia Akbar, Eli Padilha, Jess Steyn, Indigo-Rose Wright, and Jack Turner, who were baptised last Sunday. We also congratulate Michael Slater, who was received into the Catholic Church, and Ariel Christie-Beale, who was baptised on Thursday, 11 June.
As a College community, we warmly welcome these young people into the family of God. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide them with wisdom, courage, and faith as they grow in their relationship with Christ and share His love with others through their words and actions.
Michael, Jack, Fr Ritche, Jess, Indigo-Rose, Eli and Mia.
JAMMIES FOR JUNE
On Wednesday 3 June, the St Paul and St Joan of Arc Mission Monday groups hosted a Jammies 4 June mufti day to raise funds and collect donations for the poor and vulnerable in our community. The event was a great success, with 48 pairs of pyjamas, 2 pairs of socks and 2 pairs of slippers. These have been delivered to SuperGrans for distribution to those in need. In addition, we raised $567.50 which will be donated to Supergrans to purchase additional pajamas for those in need in our community.
Overall, the day was highly successful and a huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed. Together we have made a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable members of our community.
YCC DAY
We are excited to once again host our annual Mufti Day and Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday 1 July. Last year's event was a fantastic success, with students sharing their talents through music, singing, dance, and performance. It was wonderful to see so many students step up, support one another, and entertain the wider school community.
The Lunchtime Concert is a highlight of the year. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their talents, build confidence, and celebrate the gifts and passions that make our community so special. Students are invited to wear mufti for a gold coin donation. Funds raised will be donated through Caritas and will support Takuilau College in Tonga, the focus school for YCC Day 2026.
We look forward to another memorable day of music, creativity, generosity, and community spirit. Whether performing on stage or cheering on friends from the audience, we encourage everyone to get involved and help make this year's event another great success.
YOUTH ALPHA - AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE FAITH
Campion College is excited to be offering Youth Alpha for our students beginning next week. Youth Alpha is a welcoming and engaging series designed especially for young people who would like to explore the Christian faith, deepen their relationship with God, or simply ask questions about life and faith in a safe and supportive environment.
Each session includes very simple kai, a short video, and simple, and honest conversation in small groups where every question is welcome.
We warmly invite any student who:
would like to deepen and grow in their faith;
has questions about God, the Church, or the meaning of life;
is curious to learn more about Christianity and our Catholic Faith; or
would enjoy connecting with other young people on a similar journey of faith.
When: Every Friday, beginning 19 June 2026
Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm (after school)
Where: Mackillop 1
Participation is voluntary, and there is no cost to attend. We encourage guardians and whānau to have a conversation with their youth about this opportunity.
If you would like further information, please contact:
Mrs Simmer (tamin.simmer@campioncollege.school.nz) or
Mrs Antony (alphonsa.antony@campioncollege.school.nz)
We look forward to journeying alongside our young people as they explore faith, friendship, and life's big questions.
BADMINTON
Congratulations to our Campion College boys who competed in the Secondary Boys' Badminton Tournament. Our Campion Gold team achieved an outstanding result, finishing 3rd overall after a series of highly competitive matches against some of the region's strongest teams. Equally impressive was the performance of our young Campion Green team, who finished 7th overall and showed tremendous determination, skill, and potential throughout the tournament.
Both teams represented Campion College with pride, displaying excellent sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork. They fought hard in every match and should be very proud of their achievements.
Campion Gold (3rd Place):
Save Tokainamena, Corbin Keown-Wohnsiedler, Harfateh Singh, and Rian Lewis.
Campion Green (7th Place):
Joash John, Hans Ashford Dela Torre, Si Manloloyo, and William Sue.
Well done, boys!
KĀINGA CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
Congratulations to the following students who were recognised at our recent Kāinga Celebration of Learning:
Commitment
- Riley Slater
- Fenn Horne
- Indy-Rose Blaker-Kilpatrick
- Max Allan
- Orlando Johnchoeun
Community
- Luke Allpass
These students have consistently demonstrated our Campion College values through their attitude, effort, and contribution to our school community. We are proud of the way they represent their Kāinga and encourage them to continue striving for excellence in all they do.
COLLEGE BALL - SAVE THE DATE!
The Campion College Ball is one of the highlights of the senior school calendar, and we are pleased to confirm the details for 2026.
Date: Saturday 29 August
Time: 7.00 pm – 11.00 pm
Venue: Bushmere Arms
The Ball is open to all Year 12 and 13 Campion College students and their partners. We encourage students to save the date now and look forward to an enjoyable evening celebrating with friends and classmates.
Further information regarding tickets, partners, and expectations will be communicated in the coming months.
HOCKEY FUNDRAISER
Support our Campion College 1st XI Hockey Team as they raise funds for Tournament Week!
The team is currently selling tickets in a firewood raffle, with one lucky winner taking home 2 cubic metres of quality mānuka firewood, valued at $440.
Tickets are just $5 each, with all proceeds going towards supporting the team's travel and participation in Tournament Week. Thank you for supporting our players as they represent Campion College.
The team is also selling Em's Power Bites for $12 per bag:
- Em's Power Bites Choc Oat (8 pack)
- Em's Power Bites Blueberry Choc (8 pack)
- Em's Power Bites Cranberry Choc (8 pack)
From the Em's Power Cookies® family, Power Bites™ are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for busy people, busy parents, active kids, and anyone needing energy on the go. They are ideal for sports, work, or play.
COMMUNITY NOTICE
TERM DATES 2026
Our dates for when the College is open for instruction in 2026 are:
Term 2
Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July
NB: Matariki occurs during the term break.
Term 3
Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September
Term 4
Monday 12 October to Monday 7 December
School is closed:
Monday 27 October: Labour Day
Teacher Only Days: Please note that there are two further teacher only days. Dates are yet to be finalised.
FACEBOOK PAGE, INSTAGRAM & COLLEGE APP
Keep up to date with all the wonderful things we are doing on our new Campion College Facebook Page. Head over to Facebook to check it out here.
Instagram page is another place you can keep up to date. Find us here,
If you haven't yet downloaded our College App, please do so. It's an easy way to stay on top of school admin.
STUDENT SUCCESSES
We love to hear about and celebrate our students' achievements.
Please share info and/or photos with karyn.sadler@campioncollege.school.nz
PARISH MASS TIMES
Our church is St Mary, Star of the Sea. We are fortunate to have our church onsite. Our parish Mass times are:
Tuesday 5.30 pm
Wednesday and Thursday 9.00 am
Friday 12.10 pm,
Saturday 9 am and Vigil Mass 6.00 pm
Sunday 9.00 am
Children’s liturgy at every Sunday 9.00 am
Email: office@campioncollege.school.nz
Location:41 Campion Road, Te Hapara, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 06 8679309