Campion College Newsletter

E te Atua,

We thank You for our Campion College community and for the many gifts,

talents and opportunities You place before us.

Guide us as we learn, grow and look to the future.

Help us to listen to one another, to value every voice,

and to make decisions that serve the good of all.

May we continue to be a community grounded in faith,

strengthened by belonging,

and committed to helping every young person become all that You call them to be.

Bless our students, staff, families and whānau,

and keep us always mindful of the needs of others.

Amen.

Tēnā koutou parents, students, staff, and whānau,

From time to time, I think it is important that we take a moment to look beyond the busyness of school life and remind ourselves of the bigger picture: what we are working towards as a College and, most importantly, why.

Our current Strategic Plan is centred around three key areas: Faith and Formation, Learning and Achievement, and Belonging and Wellbeing. Underpinning these is our vision of “Excellence for the good of all, grounded in faith, belonging, and the development of the total person.” These are not intended simply to be words in a document. Our strategic priorities should be visible in the everyday life of Campion College.

We see Faith and Formation through prayer, liturgy, service and the increasing opportunities for our young people to lead and live out our Catholic values. We see Learning and Achievement through our continued focus on high expectations, quality teaching, literacy and numeracy, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to experience success. We see Belonging and Wellbeing in our focus on attendance, relationships, student leadership and creating a College where every young person feels known, valued and connected.

Looking through this week's newsletter, there are many examples of these priorities in action. The challenges and relationships developed through our Year 8 ski trip and Year 12 PE camp, students representing Campion through sport, our Values in Action recipients, and the 224 students who achieved attendance of 95% or above in Term 2 are all examples of what it means to educate and develop the total person.

As we continue this work, we are also beginning to look ahead. The Government has recently made changes to the regulations governing school strategic planning and reporting. From 2027, Boards will be required to have at least three strategic goals, including a specific goal focused on educational achievement in reading, writing and/or mathematics. The changes are intended to strengthen the focus on student achievement and create a clearer connection between school priorities, student outcomes and the way progress is measured and reported.

This means that our Board and I will shortly begin the process of developing Campion College's next Strategic Plan. An important part of this process will be listening to our community. Our College belongs to all of us, and we want our next plan to reflect both what we value about Campion now and our aspirations for its future. We will be seeking the voices of our students, staff, parents and whānau, parish and wider community.

We will be asking some important questions. What do we want for our young people? What should we protect and strengthen about Campion? Where can we do better? What should a great Catholic education at Campion College look like for the young people we will serve in the years ahead?

While regulations and educational priorities will continue to change, there are things that will remain at the heart of who we are. Our Catholic character, our commitment to our community, our high expectations for learning and achievement, and our belief in educating and developing the total person will continue to guide us.

I look forward to sharing more about the consultation process soon and, most importantly, to hearing from you.

Yours in Christ

Karyn Sadler

Tumuaki - Principal

We were delighted to celebrate our Principal’s Attendance Awards for Term 2, recognising the importance of being at school, ready to learn and making the most of every opportunity.

An impressive 224 students achieved attendance of 95% or above during Term 2 – a fantastic achievement and something well worth celebrating!

All eligible students went into our live prize draw, with three names drawn at random. Congratulations to Hamish Mishra, Sam Curley and Kale'a Derr, who each received a certificate and a $50 Warehouse voucher. Well done to all 224 students who achieved 95% attendance or above. Every day at school matters, and your commitment to being present and engaged in your learning makes a difference.

Ka mau te wehi!

We are pleased to introduce our nominees for the position of Student Representative on the Campion College Board.

Putting yourself forward for a leadership role takes courage, and we commend each of our nominees for their willingness to represent their fellow students and contribute to the ongoing life and direction of our College.

Below, each nominee has shared a little about themselves and why they would value the opportunity to be the student voice on our Board.

We wish all of our candidates the very best for the upcoming election.

Kia ora everyone, my name is Charlotte Kingsford, and I believe I would be a strong candidate for the Student Board Representative because I am approachable, confident, and genuinely care about making sure our voices are heard.

Being captain of the Senior A netball team and a House Captain for the past two years has given me valuable leadership experience and taught me how important it is to listen to others and take responsibility. I feel that I am easy to talk to, and I would make sure students feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns, ideas, and suggestions.

I am confident in asking questions and putting ideas forward when I think something could be improved. If I were chosen, I would make sure I represent the voices of all students and bring their ideas and perspectives to the Board.

I would be proud to represent our students and our school, and I would do my best to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard. Thank you for your consideration.

Over the years I’ve spent at Campion, since Year 7, it has become more than just a place I attend school every day. It’s a place where I’ve learned, made memories, and grown within the community around me.

I’m not going to tell you I’m perfect, or that I’m better than anyone else running. I’m simply asking you to vote for me because I care about Campion. I care about the people who make this school what it is, and after everything Campion has given me over the years, I’m ready to give something back.

I’m strong in what I believe in, but I understand that being a representative isn’t about always getting your own way. It’s about being willing to listen, keeping an open mind, understanding different perspectives, and contributing to decisions that are in the best interests of Campion.

If I’m elected, I want to support this community as it continues to grow and improve while making sure students feel like they are part of that process. I want students to know that their ideas, concerns, and opinions are heard, valued, and taken seriously.

I’ll bring integrity, courage, honesty, and empathy. I won’t promise that I can improve everything, because I know I can’t. What I can promise is that I’ll put in the effort, speak up when it matters, and represent you to the best of my ability.

I would really appreciate your vote to be the student voice on the board. Thank you.

Hi, I’m Alia, and I’m standing for Student Representative because I believe students’ ideas shouldn’t just be heard - they should lead to action. After three years on the Student Council, I’ve seen firsthand that students have great ideas, important concerns, and things they genuinely want changed, but too often, those ideas don’t make it past the conversation. I want to be the person who takes them further.

Here are some of the things I will push for when you vote for me as your student rep:

• More classrooms and learning spaces

• Upgrade/more bathrooms

• Reducing caflation

• More uniform options, such as allowing long sleeves under blouses

• Lockers for students

• New water fountains (to maintain students' health because I care about you)

• 
  

I’m committed to this school and making sure students’ voices are heard where it matters. Vote for me, and I’ll make sure your voice reaches the people who can make a difference.

The Year 8 Ski Trip for 2026 was certainly up there with the best of the best! Five days of amazing weather, great snow, new challenges and plenty of memorable moments made for a fantastic experience for our students. For many, skiing was a completely new skill. Over three days on the mountain, it was incredible to see the progress made, with most students learning to turn, traverse and stop confidently. Happy Valley provided excellent conditions for learning and practising new skills, while those ready to venture a little higher were able to experience the Rock Garden with the support of our fantastic parent helpers.

We were particularly proud of the behaviour and attitude of our Year 8 students. They embraced the challenges, supported one another and were wonderful ambassadors for themselves, their whānau and our College.

There was also some valuable learning beyond the ski field. With phones and devices put away, students enjoyed spending time together playing chess, cards, pool and table tennis. The physical challenge was significant too, with students walking to and from the lodges and spending three full days on their feet on the mountain. It was wonderful to see their determination and resilience.

A particularly special part of the trip was the power of karakia. Students shared prayers for safety, good weather, fun and friendship, providing meaningful moments of reflection and connection throughout the week.

A huge thank you to our wonderful parent helpers, Ravi, Waldo, Sarah, Kane, Ben, Tom, Pete and Don, whose support helped make the trip such a success. We are also incredibly grateful to Kōkā Gina, Matua Jack, Mrs Heuser and mr Naden for their excellent organisation and leadership, sharing the mahi before, during and after the camp.

Our thanks also go to Hindmarsh Buses, Whakapapa Ski Field, and our three ski lodges — Graduates, Ski Racers, and Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Clubs — for their support and hospitality.

Perhaps one of the greatest outcomes has been the relationships strengthened along the way. Students and staff returned to school with new connections, shared experiences and some very special memories. A wonderful Year 8 experience!

Last week, 19 of our Year 12 PE students headed to Blue Mountain Adventure Centre for an unforgettable outdoor education experience. Throughout the camp, students took part in a range of challenging activities designed to develop social responsibility, teamwork, resilience and leadership. These included whitewater rafting, rock climbing and bouldering, mountaineering, and an overnight experience in the snow. It was fantastic to see our students embracing each challenge with enthusiasm and positivity, showing initiative and supporting and encouraging one another along the way.

A very special thank you to Mrs Gavin for her outstanding leadership of the camp. The organisation, commitment and care required to provide an experience like this for our students is significant, and we are extremely grateful for the time and energy she put into making the camp possible.

We also thank Dan Hearn, who joined us as our parent helper and threw himself wholeheartedly into every aspect of the camp.

Finally, we are incredibly grateful to the generous sponsors who supported our students to attend. Your contribution helped make this opportunity accessible and gave our students an experience and memories that will stay with them for many years to come.

It was great to welcome Gisborne Intermediate for our annual Sports Exchange on Wednesday 9 August, with students competing across Rugby, Netball, Hockey and Football. There was plenty of competitive spirit throughout the day, along with some great examples of teamwork, sportsmanship and students supporting one another. The final result was 2–2, with Campion taking the wins in Football and Hockey, while Gisborne Intermediate secured the wins in Rugby and Netball.

Days like this are about much more than the final score. They provide a great opportunity for our students to represent their College, build connections and enjoy some healthy competition. We were really proud of the way our students represented Campion, both on and off the field.

A special thank you to our senior students who stepped up to referee and umpire throughout the day. It was great to see them taking on these leadership roles and giving back to our younger students.

Thank you also to Mr Tee, Mr Hart, Miss Read, Mr Adams, Mr Scott and our Sports Coordinator, Jo Allan, for the organisation and support that went into making the day possible. Well done to everyone involved, and thank you to Gisborne Intermediate for another great day of sport. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

Our Year 11–13 school examinations will take place from Monday 12 October to Thursday 15 October. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and ensure students know the day and time of each of their exams.Important information:

• If you are timetabled for two exams in the same session, please see your Learning Mentor or Mrs Hyland by Thursday 10 September.
• Exams can only be sat at the times stated on the examination timetable. Please check with your teachers if you are unsure of your exam dates or times.
• Any application for a variation to an exam time or day must be made to Mr Deane by Thursday 10 September.
• (D) indicates a digital exam and (P) indicates a paper exam.
• All examinations will be held in the Gym.
• Students must arrive at the Gym 15 minutes before their examination begins.
• Correct school uniform must be worn.
• Each examination session is three hours, and students may use the full three hours if they wish.
• Students must remain in the examination for a minimum of one hour per standard.

During the examination period, Year 11–13 students are not expected to be at school unless they are sitting a timetabled examination or choosing to study onsite.

Students who choose to study at school must be in correct school uniform and must sign in and out at the school office.

We encourage all students to check their examination timetable carefully, prepare well, and speak with their teachers if they have any questions or concerns.

It was wonderful to celebrate another group of our Kāinga students in Week 4 who have been recognised for the way they are living out our Campion College values through their learning, relationships and everyday actions.

Congratulations to:

Commitment: Eve Fisher and Kane Nepe
Community: Taeyang Jeong and Hudson Walker
Compassion: Tylar Dear and Lukas Padhila

These recognitions celebrate more than achievement. They acknowledge the positive choices, effort, kindness and contribution our rangatahi bring to their Kāinga and our wider College community.

Tino pai to mahi, Eve, Taeyang, Kane, Hudson, Tylar and Lukas. We are very proud of you!

At Campion College, our values of Commitment, Community and Compassion are at the heart of who we are, and it is always a pleasure to recognise students who bring these values to life through their everyday actions.

This week, we were delighted to present Values in Action certificates to the following students:

Jackson Farr – Compassion shown to others
Zeva Peard – Community, Compassion and Commitment
Bella Swann – Commitment to learning
Anahi Foothead-Walters – Commitment to learning
Jazz Turner-Williams – Commitment to learning
Clover Edwards – Compassion shown to others
Olivia Park – Commitment to learning

Congratulations to each of these students. Whether through showing kindness and care for others, contributing positively to our community, or demonstrating commitment to their learning, they are wonderful examples of our College values in action. Tino pai to mahi!

Congratulations to our Campion badminton players who competed in the Badminton Eastland 2026 Junior Tournament over the weekend. With 65 junior players competing across the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 age groups, it was fantastic to see so many of our students achieving excellent results.

A special congratulations to:

Vin Barry – U13 Boys Singles Championship Runner-Up and U13 Mixed Doubles Championship Runner-Up
Matej Sahota – U13 Boys Singles Plate Runner-Up
Amanda Macmac – U13 Girls Singles Championship Winner and U13 Girls Doubles Championship Winner
Daphne Dela Torre – U13 Girls Singles Championship Runner-Up and U13 Girls Doubles Championship Runner-Up
Andi Manangan – U13 Girls Doubles Championship Runner-Up
Joash John – U15 Boys Singles Championship Runner-Up and U17 Boys Doubles Championship Runner-Up
Jethro Hancock and Aarush Sharma – U15 Boys Doubles Championship Runners-Up
Juliana Tolentino – U15 Girls Singles Plate Winner
Hans Ashford Dela Torre – U17 Boys Singles Plate Winner
Drew Mclean – U17 Boys Singles Plate Runner-Up
Kushan Goniya Malmage – U17 Boys Singles Special Plate Runner-Up
Arshpreet Kaur – U17 Girls Singles Plate Runner-Up
Cema Loma – U17 Girls Doubles Championship Runner-Up

There was some extra excitement for Aarush Sharma, who was also the lucky winner of the special badminton racquet draw!

Ka mau te wehi to all of our players. We are incredibly proud to see so many Campion students representing our College and achieving such impressive results. Thank you also to the whānau, volunteers and Badminton Eastland team who supported our young players and helped make the tournament such a successful weekend.

This week our Campion College students took part in the 2026 Caritas Challenge, putting their faith into action while learning more about the realities faced by communities around the world. Seven stations represented Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati, with students completing a range of fun challenges while learning about the needs and experiences of people in each country.

There was plenty of laughter and friendly competition, but behind the fun was an important message. The Caritas Challenge encourages our rangatahi to think beyond themselves, recognise how fortunate we are, and consider our responsibility to stand alongside those experiencing poverty and injustice.

Through participating and fundraising, our students demonstrated solidarity, compassion and service, important principles of Catholic Social Teaching and values we seek to live every day at Campion College. A huge thank you to everyone who organised, supported and participated in today's challenge. It was a fantastic example of our young people learning that even small actions can help make a difference. 🌏❤️

Faith in action. Compassion for others. Standing together for a more just world.

Thank you to Jess Steyn for sharing her reflections on the day.

We are very fortunate to have a strong relationship with Gisborne Riding for the Disabled (RDA), with a number of our students benefiting from the wonderful opportunities and experiences their programme provides. This year, Gisborne RDA has been selected as one of the local community groups taking part in Z Energy’s Good in the Hood campaign.

Until 14 September, customers shopping at Z may receive a token to vote for one of the selected community groups, with $5,000 being shared between them at the end of the campaign. So, if you are stopping at Z over the next few weeks and receive a token, we would love our Campion whānau to consider giving their vote to Gisborne RDA.

Every token helps support the fantastic work they do for tamariki and young people across our community – including our own Campion ākonga. Keep an eye out for Gisborne RDA and pop them your vote!

Our dates for when the College is open for instruction in 2026 are:

Term 3

Term 4

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.

We love to hear about and celebrate our students' achievements.

Please share info and/or photos with karyn.sadler@campioncollege.school.nz

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