Campion College Newsletter

KARAKIA

Loving God,

We thank You for the example of Blessed Carlo Acutis,

a young person who showed that holiness is possible in everyday life.

Help us to follow his example by placing You at the centre of all that we do.

Give us the courage to live our faith with joy, to use our gifts in service of others,

and to seek what is good and true.

Like Carlo, may we recognise the importance of prayer, the Eucharist,

and caring for those around us.

Help us to use technology wisely, to build others up with our words and actions,

and to be witnesses of Your love in our families, our school, and our community.

We ask Blessed Carlo to pray for us, that we may grow in faith, hope, and love each day.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Tēnā koutou parents, students, staff, and whānau,

As many of you may have seen in the news or read in recent headlines, education in New Zealand is currently undergoing significant change. Across the country, schools are implementing refreshed curricula, structured approaches to literacy and mathematics, and a renewed focus on ensuring all young people develop strong foundations in knowledge and skills.

While educational approaches and terminology may evolve over time, one thing remains unchanged: learning requires effort. There is no substitute for attending school regularly, engaging in learning, asking questions, practising skills and persevering when things become challenging. The habits students develop each day – attendance, effort, organisation and resilience – continue to be the building blocks of success.

As Principal, one of the things I enjoy most is spending time in classrooms and around the College seeing learning in action. Whether it is students grappling with a challenging Mathematics problem, refining a piece of writing, conducting a Science experiment, rehearsing for a performance, preparing for an assessment, or learning a new waiata, I am continually reminded that growth often occurs when students move beyond what is comfortable and embrace challenge.

At Campion College, we are working hard to provide opportunities for students to grow in all areas of their lives. Academic achievement is important, and we want every student to experience success in the classroom. Equally important are the opportunities our students have to develop confidence, resilience, leadership, creativity, compassion and a sense of service. Through sport, culture, faith, kapa haka, the arts, service opportunities and the many other experiences available to them, we seek to support the development of the total person.

As I reflect on the many activities taking place around the College each week, I continue to be impressed by the willingness of our students to get involved, challenge themselves and give things a go. Whether representing the College in sport, performing on stage, contributing to cultural events, serving others, or striving for personal excellence in the classroom, our students continue to demonstrate the qualities that make our community such a special place.

These experiences, alongside their learning in the classroom, help prepare our young people not only for qualifications, but for life beyond school. They are learning how to work with others, overcome setbacks, contribute positively to their communities and continue growing throughout their lives.

Thank you to our staff, whānau and wider community for the encouragement and support you provide our young people. Together, we are helping them become capable, confident and compassionate young adults who are ready to make a positive contribution to the world around them.

Yours in Christ

Karyn Sadler

Principal

ST CARLO ACUTIS

Over the weekend, the Camero family travelled to Rotorua to visit the relics of St Carlo Acutis. Accompanying them were their children, including Giannina, one of our Year 7 students at Campion College. The relics were welcomed to St Michael's Church before being taken to St Mary's Church, providing many families with a unique opportunity for prayer and reflection.

St Carlo Acutis has become an inspiration to young Catholics throughout the world. His love of the Eucharist, commitment to prayer, and desire to share the Gospel through modern technology continue to resonate strongly with young people today.

The Camero family described the experience as a great blessing and were grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the relics and deepen their connection to this remarkable young saint.

We thank the Camero family for sharing their experience with our Campion community.

VALUES IN ACTION AWARDS

One of the highlights of our assemblies continues to be recognising students through our Values in Action Awards. The challenge each week isn't finding worthy recipients, it's narrowing the list down! Across classrooms, on the sports field, around the grounds and in everyday interactions, our staff are seeing countless examples of students living our Campion values of Commitment, Community and Compassion.

These awards celebrate the students who consistently make a positive difference through their actions. Often it is the small acts of perseverance, service, encouragement and kindness that have the greatest impact on those around them.

Congratulations to this week's recipients. Thank you for the way you contribute to making Campion College a place where people feel supported, connected and valued. For all students, remember that the little things matter. Keep bringing the three C's to life each day—you never know who you might inspire.

Rithwik Chandra – Commitment to learning & community shown to others

Damian Donnelly Collins – Compassion shown to others

Natalie Mutyamaenza – Commitment to learning

Jack Turner – Commitment to learning & compassion shown to others

Ariel Christie-Beale – Commitment to learning

Kayla Quimpo – Commitment to learning

Seth Wildman – Community & compassion shown to others

Jasper Sutherland – Community shown to others

Kharn Tamatea – Building community with others

Albie Matthews – Building community with others

SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST FINALS

Congratulations to our talented Campion College musicians who represented the College with pride at the Tairāwhiti Smokefreerockquest Regional Finals.

All three of our bands — Tombstones of Tomorrow, Hy on Lyfe, and Radio Silence — delivered outstanding performances, rocked the crowd, and showcased the incredible musical talent we have at Campion College.

We are especially proud of Year 8 student Nehoa Katoa, who received the Musicianship Award in recognition of his exceptional bass playing as a member of Tombstones of Tomorrow. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Nehoa's dedication and talent.

A special congratulations also goes to Summa Feterika, who won the Solo/Duo section at the regional competition, and Rosie Sutherland, who placed second in the Solo/Duo category.

Well done to all of our performers for their hard work, courage and commitment. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented themselves, their whānau and Campion College on the regional stage.

OPEN MIC

Every second week, students gather in Hato Maria 5 for our Campion College Open Mic Lunchtime. Open Mic provides a relaxed and supportive opportunity for students to share their talents, whether that be singing, playing an instrument, performing spoken word, comedy, or any other creative expression. It is a chance to step outside your comfort zone, build confidence, and entertain fellow students in a welcoming environment.

One of the great strengths of Open Mic is that it celebrates participation as much as performance. Whether you are taking the microphone or simply supporting from the audience, everyone contributes to creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere. We encourage all students to come along, enjoy the performances, and perhaps even consider having a go themselves!

CONGRATULATIONS, LUCY HANDS

Congratulations to Lucy Hands, whose photography is currently on display as part of the She Creates Tairāwhiti Art Exhibition at the HB Williams Memorial Library. Lucy’s exhibition features a collection of stunning landscape and seascape photographs, capturing the natural beauty of our region through her creative lens. Her work demonstrates both technical skill and an eye for detail, reflecting the passion and dedication she brings to her photography.

We are incredibly proud of Lucy for sharing her talent with the wider community and wish her every success with the exhibition. We encourage whānau and community members to visit the HB Williams Memorial Library and view the wonderful work of this talented young photographer.

LITERACY AND NUMERACY ASSESSMENTS

Students who sat the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) in May will soon be able to access their results and, for those who completed the assessments digitally, view their completed assessment scripts online.

NZQA has advised that students who attempted one or more of the Reading, Writing, or Numeracy standards digitally in May will be able to view their completed digital assessments through their MyNZQA Learner Login when results are released.

Results for the Literacy Reading CAA will be released by NZQA on Tuesday 23 June and can be viewed through students' MyNZQA Learner Login. Results for both the Literacy Writing CAA and Numeracy CAA are scheduled to be released on Monday 20 July.

NZQA will continue to provide personalised feedback reports for students who did not achieve a Literacy or Numeracy standard, and schools will continue to have access to consolidated feedback reports. These reports are most useful when considered alongside the student’s completed assessment and the assessment schedules, which will be released on 27 July.

Students should be aware that markers do not leave comments, annotations, or other physical marks on assessment scripts. As with returned scripts for end-of-year examinations, students will only see the assessment questions and their own responses. Information on how to download completed assessments from MyNZQA is available on the NZQA website.

We congratulate all students who participated in these assessments and acknowledge the effort they have put into achieving this important qualification requirement.

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.

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.

BUY TICKETS HERE

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.

PURCHASE HERE