Campion College Newsletter

KARAKIA

E te Atua,

As we come to the end of another term,

we thank You for the many blessings we have received

For opportunities to learn, to grow, and to support one another.

Thank You for our students, staff, and whānau,

and for the way our community continues to live our values of

Commitment, Community, and Compassion.

As the holiday break begins, bless our families with rest, renewal, and time together.

Keep everyone safe in their travels and refresh us in body, mind, and spirit.

As we approach Matariki, help us to remember those who have gone before us,

give thanks for the present, and look to the future with hope.

May we return next term ready to continue serving one another with kindness,

courage, and faith.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Tēnā koutou parents, students, staff, and whānau,

Well, we made it! Eleven weeks (the longest term of the year) and somehow we've reached the finish line. It has certainly been a full term, but one that has also been rich with learning, opportunities, achievements, and moments of connection.

What has impressed me most isn't simply what we've accomplished, but how we've accomplished it. Throughout the busyness of the term, I've seen our students and staff continue to treat one another with kindness, patience, and respect. I've seen resilience when things have been challenging, generosity when others have needed support, and a genuine willingness to contribute to our College community.

Our achievements this term have been many. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, through cultural pursuits, service opportunities, or the many hands-on learning experiences that have filled our calendar, it has been wonderful to see our students embracing opportunities and representing Campion College with pride.

None of this happens without an incredible team of staff. I'd like to sincerely thank every member of our College team for the care, professionalism, and generosity they bring each day. Teaching is about so much more than delivering lessons. Our staff coach teams, organise camps and trips, support students and whānau, lead extracurricular activities, and invest countless hours behind the scenes to ensure our young people thrive. I am incredibly grateful for everything they do.

This term we also farewell Mr Vorster, Mrs Vorster, and Mrs Bava. Each has made a valued contribution to the life of Campion College, and we thank them for the commitment and care they have shown our students and our community. We wish them every blessing as they begin the next chapter of their journey.

Although Matariki falls during the holiday break this year, it offers us a timely reminder to pause and remember those who have gone before us, to give thanks for the present, and to look ahead with hope. I hope you all have the opportunity to enjoy this special time with your whānau, and we look forward to celebrating Matariki together as a College early next term.

Finally, thank you to our students, families, and wider community for your continued support throughout the term. I wish everyone a safe, restful, and well-deserved holiday. I hope you find time to recharge and enjoy the company of those who matter most.

Yours in Christ

Karyn Sadler

Principal

MODEL UN

On Tuesday, June 23rd, the Parish Centre was transformed into a hub of international diplomacy. From 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, 60 passionate students from Campion College, GBHS, GGHS, and Lytton High School joined forces for the annual Model United Nations.

The delegates fiercely debated a complex resolution regarding free trade for developing nations. It was a day of intense negotiation, with strong wills and forced hands on display. While competition was tough, the delegates representing Japan, Kenya, and the USA stood out for their exceptional public speaking and strategic diplomacy.

Our students conducted themselves brilliantly throughout the day, showcasing outstanding collaboration, critical thinking, and respect for their peers. After hours of intense debate, the resolution was ultimately passed—leaving everyone already excited to see how our future diplomats will tackle the challenges of Model UN 2027!

VALUES IN ACTION

Congratulations to the following students who were recognised with Values in Action Certificates this fortnight. These awards celebrate students who consistently demonstrate our Campion College values of Commitment, Community, and Compassion in their everyday actions.

A special congratulations to:

Leitu Key – for demonstrating a strong Commitment to her learning.
Nehoa Katoa – for his Commitment to Community.
Jovannah John – for consistently living all three of our College values: Commitment, Community, and Compassion.
Ruby Hicklin – for her Commitment to Learning and the strong sense of Community she shows to others.
Anna Chung – for her Commitment to Learning.
Holly Somerton – for her Commitment to Learning.
Jobe Blandford – for demonstrating Community through his positive contributions beyond the classroom.
Giannina Camero – for her Commitment to Learning.
Morgan Marie Tamatea – for her Commitment to our College Community.

Well done to all of our recipients. Thank you for the positive example you set for others and for the way you bring our Campion College values to life each day.

SAINT LUCY - JUST DANCE!

On Thursday 25 June, our St Lucy Mission Monday group hosted a fun Just Dance session at lunchtime.

What began as a small initiative to help girls build friendships and create a sense of fellowship, particularly for younger and new students, has now grown into an activity open to the whole school. The Mission Monday group recognised the importance of creating a safe and welcoming space where students can connect, have fun, and experience a genuine sense of community.

As students who once experienced the challenges of starting at intermediate and high school themselves, they know how much simple moments like these can strengthen a sense of belonging and remind everyone that they have a valued place in our Campion College whānau.

It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout, with students encouraging one another, sharing plenty of laughter, and creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the lunchtime.

NZ CHINESE LANGUAGE CELEBRATION

Campion College was proud to be part of this year's New Zealand Chinese Language Week celebrations at the HB Williams Memorial Library.

Mrs Li, together with students Vin Barry, Camille Sue, and Cindy Chen, led an engaging community session celebrating Chinese language and culture. As 2026 is the Year of the Horse, Vinnie shared the story and symbolism behind the Horse in the Chinese zodiac before participants enjoyed creating their own paper horse craft.

The celebrations also included a photographic exhibition showcasing images from Rizhao, Gisborne's Chinese sister city, marking the 30th anniversary of the friendship between our two cities. The exhibition highlights the beauty, culture, history, and development of Rizhao while celebrating the strong connections between our communities.

A huge congratulations to Mrs Li, Vin, Camille, and Cindy for representing Campion College with such enthusiasm and pride. Thank you for helping to promote cultural understanding and celebrating the richness of our diverse community.

TERTIARY WHĀNAU EVENING

Campion College was delighted to once again host this year's Tertiary Whānau Evening, welcoming students, whānau and rangatahi from across the Tairāwhiti region. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout, reflecting the commitment of our young people and their families to exploring future pathways.

Representatives from universities, tertiary providers, research organisations and the New Zealand Defence Force shared valuable information about study options, scholarships, accommodation, internships and career opportunities. The evening provided students and whānau with an excellent foundation as they begin making important decisions about life beyond school and prepare for upcoming university open days.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of the presenters who travelled to Gisborne to support our rangatahi, and to everyone who attended. It was a privilege for Campion College to host this important regional event, and we hope everyone left feeling informed, inspired and excited about the opportunities ahead.

YCC DAY CONCERT

Our YCC Day Lunchtime Concert was a full house, with students packing Hato Maria to enjoy an afternoon of fantastic entertainment.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event. It was wonderful to see so many students cheering on their peers and helping to create such a positive atmosphere. A special highlight was seeing several new bands emerge onto the Campion music scene. The confidence, talent and enthusiasm on display were outstanding, and we look forward to seeing these groups continue to grow and perform in the future.

Well done to all of our performers for sharing your gifts and making the concert such a memorable success!

CAMPION CRUSHERS BASKETBALL

Congratulations to our amazing Learning Support Centre Campion Crushers, who wrapped up their 10-week basketball league at the YMCA on Wednesday. The team has shown fantastic commitment, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the season, representing Campion College with pride both on and off the court. At their final game, each player was presented with a certificate to acknowledge their participation and achievements.

To top it all off, the Campion Crushers also earned the unofficial title of the best-dressed team in the league! Looking sharp in their team uniforms, they certainly made an impression while demonstrating what it means to be part of the Campion whānau.

A huge thank you to our Learning Support team, supporters and whānau who made this wonderful opportunity possible. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our Campion Crushers. Ka rawe!

HANDS ON LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOMS

Learning came to life across Campion College this week as students rolled up their sleeves and embraced hands-on experiences in the classroom.

Our senior science students explored the fascinating world of DNA by constructing models with Play-Doh, bringing complex genetic concepts to life through creativity and collaboration. In the Food Technology room, students put their culinary skills to the test, preparing a range of dishes while developing practical techniques, teamwork and confidence. Meanwhile, in the Technology Construction workshop, students were busy designing, measuring and building projects, applying their knowledge through authentic, practical learning experiences.

These hands-on opportunities encourage curiosity, deepen understanding and help students connect classroom learning with real-world skills. It has been fantastic to see such high levels of engagement, creativity and pride across our learning spaces.

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