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OPENING MASSYEAR 9 POWHIRI MARIST 200 PILGRIMAGE
Pg. 4Pg. 13
HEAD STUDENTS AND LEADERS FOR 2017
SJC ROWING - MAADI CUP 2017
THE EAGLETERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9
PREPARING YOUNG MEN FOR LIFE
www.stjohns-hamilton.school.nzwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 92 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
DEAR PARENTS AND COMMUNITY OF SAINT JOHN'S COLLEGE
"While sometimes we have to overcome barriers
as we journey with our young men, we work
together for the benefit of the boys. "
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I write this from Pangaru (up towards Kaitaia) as one of the members of the Marist 200 pilgrimage. We are paying respects at the resting place of Bishop Pompallier, who was the Marist priest who brought Catholicism to our shores and enabled the Marist Brothers to begin their work here in New Zealand.
As a Marist school we owe a debt to the Marist order who were formed by Marcellin Champagnat 200 years ago in France. Today there are 3500 Brothers throughout the world and while Marist brothers have not taught at Saint John's for some thirty years we still embrace the charism of Marcellin, Our five pillars are not just part of our culture but are the foundation on which we are built.
The pillars make our Marist Catholic ethos accessible to our young men, they give us a way of expressing what otherwise might be difficult to grasp. It is easy to dismiss or forget our roots as ancient history, but our Marist Catholic beliefs are what set us apart from other schools and we enjoy a special place that cannot be replicated in a State School, I know this because I have tried.
The year has started very well with families continuing to show their support for what we do by entrusting us with their sons. We do not enrol boys in Saint John's, we enrol families and like any family, once you are part of us you have a place for life.
We are proud of our academic results, which as you will see in this publication, are the best for four years running. Indeed it is becoming difficult to keep topping this as we are now in the high 90's! This is a reflection of who we are, by looking after not only the capable, but all of our young men. We continue to build on our success and raise the bar with our expectations and our boys respond. Over my career, the young men of Saint John's are the most well-mannered, warm and caring students I have ever worked with. We all know that young men respond to strong leadership and direction, they want to do well but need structure and high expectations and to be given challenges to strive for. They need to know that they matter and have a place and a future in this world. Saint John's College offers this and more.
The feedback I get from you, our community, is that you enjoy the frequent and open communication from Saint John's and in turn I thank you for your interest and feedback. While sometimes we have to overcome barriers as we journey with our young men, we work together for the benefit of the boys. It is a simple formula, we both want the same thing for them.
As a community we are excited by not only where we are positioned as a College but for the future possibilities that lie ahead. We look forward with faith and hope.
God Bless.
- Shane Tong, Principal
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 3www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
– John:3 16-17
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In the Way of Mary is our Marist pillar focus for this year. We are called to respond to God’s
call by saying ‘yes’, just as Mary did when confronted with the news that she had been
chosen to give birth to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. Acting humbly, living justly, showing
tolerance and acceptance are but a few virtues required of us as a Marist community.
In Jesus’ time, some Jewish leaders belittled women. Speaking with them was deemed a
waste of time and a diversion from the study of the Torah. Speaking with women in public
could lead to gossip and criticism, hence it was avoided. Yet, Jesus ignored these traditions
by affirming and elevating women, both during his ministry and by the fact that they were
the first witnesses of his resurrection. Women, including his Mother Mary, accompanied
Him on his way to Calvary and stood at the foot of the cross, as he declared, “it is finished.”
During this Easter season, the centurion’s conviction, “Surely he was the Son of God”
reminds us of the mighty God whom we serve. Our focus turns to Good Friday; a day of
immense suffering, yet those six hours of Jesus’ torture equate to deliverance, forgiveness
and purpose for humanity. His own disciple betrayed him, his friends abandoned him and
his fellow citizens clamoured for his death. Each time we sin, we betray him, scourge him
and pound a nail into his hands. Yet, when we think of the crucified Christ, our faith helps
us to see beyond the cross to His resurrection. Jesus offers hope to those who fear death,
as He offers us the promise of eternal life.
May the victory and Spirit of Christ fill our hearts and home during this Easter season.
- Mrs Sonja Maree, Director of Religious Studies
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TODAY!
Would you like to help people in need?
Vinnies kids shop in Frankton are in need of more volunteers for their op shop, it is a good way to help out the wider community and also gain yourself some experience to
put in your cv!!!
Enquire today and do a good deed.
Society of St Vincent de Paul222-224 Commerce Street
Hamilton 3204
Contact:Shop: 07 847 4044
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 94 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
MARIST 200 PILGRIMAGEAcross a four day period, 17 students ranging from Year 11 to 13 were led up north
accompanied by Mr Sparrow, Mr Tong, Mrs Maree, Mr Paul Honiss and Brother Doug. The
pilgrimage was one the events planned to aknowlegdeg 200 years of Marist education. The
group were exposed to the extensive impact that Bishop Pompallier had upon his arrival
and residency in New Zealand during a pilgrimage to the Hokianga region.
The pilgrimage took the group to LaValla, Tuakau, where several Marist brothers lived;
Panguru to Ngatimanawa Marae, St Mary’s Church at Motuti which is the resting place of
the remains of Bishop Pompallier; Kaikohe to visit Marist Brothers living and working within
the community and finally Paihia, Russell and Waitangi.
This pilgrimage has shown the immense devotion and love that Bishop Pompallier and the
Marist brothers had and still have towards the Catholic faith, and how they made it their
mission to better the world around them. Pompallier’s impact has left a permanent mark
in the history of New Zealand, and I know that I speak for everybody that was part of the
pilgrimage group, when I say that this journey was truly humbling and an experience none
of us will forget.
James Ranapiri
Special Character Leader
NZ MASTERSSporting success is not just restricted to our young men. We would like to congratulate one of our teachers; Mrs Samantha Fairweather on her selection for the NZ World Masters Track Cycling Team. This is the first time that New Zealand will host the World Masters Games and cycling will take place at the Avantidrome 26-28 April.
PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICESPhysio is on site Monday 11.00am - 1.00pm and Thursday 11.00am - 1.00pm each week, please book your appointments with Mrs Petrin in Student Services
BRAIN BEE TEAMSeveral Year 11 students, in their own time, are participating in the 2017 Neuroscience Competition. This is run by the University of Auckland. The first round was held during Term 1 and the students did well to complete it in the time given.
Dominic BeatonHarry JonesSacha ChoytooaAnthony PereraSeshan WeeraratneSebastian ManningMarcus RidgwayLucien de GrootNathan PookKeenan SandersLuca MecchiaConnor FlemingSebastian TuisamoaDwayne CarvalhoAlvin RajanTobias Mills-van ReeCallum AdamsMaverick BaldagoJoshua Frires-Carroll
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 5www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
STUDENT LEADERS 2017
We congratulate the following young men on their appointment to school leadership roles.
HEAD BOY Sam Pou
DEPUTY HEAD BOYS
Travis Glassie Jakob O’Flaherty
SPECIALCHARACTER
LEADERS
Raea Bainbridge James Ranapiri
SPECIAL CHARACTER
TEAM
Thomas St Pierre Matthew WheatleyHymiejohn MaggofCoran PlayleMark Paca Damon LovellJacob Flanagan
ACADEMIC LEADERS
Timothy Manning Aidan Rowlingson
SPORTSLEADERS
Nicholas Farrell Benjamin Burgess
CULTURAL LEADERS
Christian Tong Tyrell Tamaki
INTERNATIONAL LEADER
Jiahao Hu
MĀORI LEADER Tuari Peita
PASIFIKA LEADERS
Ilaiakimi Finau Joseph Tauheluhelu
BOT REP Dylan Ryan
LEARNING SUPPORT
LEADERMatthew Donderwinkel
HOUSE LEADERS:
CHANELMitchell Whelan Hayden Mulgrew
MARCELLINDrew Ngapo Zane Sheeran
POMPALLIERJoshua Stevens Nicholas Fitzgerald
RONCALLIJoseph Downey Jordan Cooper
PREFECTS
Joshua Muller Brendan SandersTe Manaaki Paki-NepiaNathan CarrascoNick van Baar
L-R: Travis Glassie (Deputy Head Boy); Mr Shane Tong (Principal); Jakob O’Flaherty (Deputy Head Boy); Sam Pou (Head Boy)
Head Students and Leaders 2017
YEAR 8 INFORMATION EVENINGOur Year 8 Information Evening for families wanting to enrol their son in Year 9 from 2018, will be held Tuesday 16th May starting at 6.30pm in the school gymnasium. Enrolment packs will be available from contributing Catholic schools from this date or alternatively, packs can be collected from the school office. Enrolments need to be completed and returned to the school office no later than the last day of term 2.
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 96 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGEThe start of the year has again seen its fair share of highlights for our College. Our new
students appear to have settled in well and I have personally received great feedback from
parents, particularly of year 9 boys. With this in mind I would like to take this opportunity to
welcome all new families to our community, I encourage all of you to get involved as much
as you can in school life. We greatly value the support we get from our greater community
and in fact it is this involvement that makes Saint John’s College the special place it is.
You may well have seen recent publicity regarding our outstanding NCEA results, these
pass rates have increased year on year for the past five years to the point where they far
exceed the national average for not only schools within our decile rating, but schools in
general. I would like to congratulate Mr Tong and his leadership team for their continued
focus in this area but in particular to the dedicated teachers and support staff that put the
vision of the Board and Senior Management into practice. We are truly blessed with a team
of educators who have shown time and time again their passion for seeing improvement
in our lads. This has been recognised in these outstanding results and our community is
extremely grateful.
We have also seen recent social media activity in relation to a letter written to the school
regarding the exemplary behaviour shown by a group of Saint John’s students on one of
our public bus services. We would like to think that this sort of behaviour is endemic in our
students but the truth is it takes effort from not only the standards set within the College
but also the role models these lads have at home. Sadly courtesy and manners appear to
be less evident in our young people today so it is heartening that these characters are still
alive and well at Saint John’s.
Of course great academic results and fine young men don’t come easy and it takes a
planned and dedicated approach from all involved to ensure the vision of Marcellin
Champagnat is brought to life. This vision also comes at some expense that sadly the
budgets allowed to schools in New Zealand does not always cover. The generosity of our
community in paying their school donations is what allows us to provide high standards
of teaching, low clas sizes and resources for those who need it. All this puts a strain on
the Boards finances and we are reliant on this generosity to continue to deliver the high
standards set.
We are about to embark on a major redevelopment of the schools facilities thanks to the
support of the Diocese. I hope to bring you more details and some preliminary concept
plans in the next edition of the Eagle. Again, this project would not be possible without
the generosity of our community in particular the payment of our Building Donation. Sadly
the level at which the School and Building Donations have been paid has been in decline
in recent years. If we are to maintain the current level of educational support with facilities
to match, we are reliant on these donations to be paid. I encourage you all to do what you
can to help us ensure our high standards continue. Our young men deserve it.
God Bless,
Brendan Lally
Chairman, St John’s College Board of Trustees
2017 TERM TWO – KEY DATES
Monday 1 May Teachers Only Day – No Students
Tuesday 2 May Term 2 Starts
Tuesday 16 May Year 8 Information Evening
Monday 5 June Queen's Birthday – No School
Tuesday 6 June MC Day
Friday 16 June Fieldays Friday
Friday 7 July End of Term 2
Monday 24 July Teachers Only Day – No Students
Tuesday 25 July Term Three Starts
LITURGY MUSICThe Liturgy Music group has started with
gusto for 2017. With the Opening Mass
being early in week 3 there was little time
to prepare. The group rehearsed hard over
several lunchtimes to be ready and played
very well in the mass.
This year the group has welcomed the
addition of two Year 9 guitarists – Daniel
Nobilo and Maxwell Hayes. Felix Minhinnick
(Yr 12) has taken over on the drums and Mrs
Donna McHugh is playing the flute. This
brings the total group to Piano, Flute, 6
Guitars, Bass, and 8 Singers.
As well as playing at the weekly Wednesday
mass at school and the full school masses,
the group will be playing once every month
at a Sunday mass at the Cathedral. The
mass time will vary (and include the Saturday
vigil). It is exciting for the group to have the
opportunity to play in the Cathedral Parish
and shows the steps the group has taken in
the last 12 months.
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 7www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
ST JOHN’S COLLEGE MĀORI GRADUATE PROFILE
HATO HOANI HAKAThis year we have a new school haka that is being introduced to the boys. This haka was
composed by Matua Dwayne, our Teacher in Charge of Te Reo Māori in consultation with
kaumātua. We now have a haka that is specific to who we are and that acknowledges our
special character. The boys in the Whānau class have been going into form classes each
week to teach the new haka to the whole school in preparation for the inter-house haka
competition. If you are keen to learn it yourself or learn more about it’s meaning, then go
to our school website and you will find the words and video along with the meaning.
E-SPORTS COMES TO ST JOHNS
The High School League (HSL) is a free national eSports competition for New Zealand
High Schools. The 2017 High School League will see 50 High School teams competing
from Auckland, Waikato/ Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The first
HSL competition convenes over 12 weeks from March 6th to the Grand Final on June 9th.
The team are looking forward to the challenge and have been discussing tactics and
gameplay, ready for the first game on the 6th March against Rotorua Boys. Some of the
games will be recorded for post game viewing and others will be streamed live. We will
post information and results on the school's Facebook.
If you are interested in finding out more, visit the Letsplay.live website. Here you will find
out about the philosophy of the competition and the rules.
Te Āhua o te Ākonga i Puta i Hato H
oani
HOLISTIC VALUESNgā Ritenga
APPRECIATION OF WAIKATO /
TAINUI KAUPAPAHinana Ki Uta, Hinana Ki Tai
SELF IDENTITYTuakiri Whaiaro
WHĀNAU
FOLLOW MARAE TIKANGA
Whai Tikanga Marae
CONTRIBUTES TO SOCIETY
Whakamahiri Hapori
ACHIEVES AS MĀORI
Kia Angitu Hei Māori
CONFIDENT MĀORI MARIST
MANTāne Marihi Maia
SYMBOLISES HAUORA
He Tohu Hauora
LEADERManukura
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Kairangi Mātauranga
This year our school has unveiled a
new initiative which helps support
the holistic achievement of our
Māori students. From the time a
Māori student walks in our doors he
will have this ideal, of what we as a
whānau believe would benefit him,
until he leaves the same door at the
end of Year 13. These posters are
on display in every learning space
throughout the school for students
and teachers to use as a tool of
inspiration.
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 98 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
2017 ATHLETICS SPORTS DAY The St John’s College Athletics Sports Day is the first House event of the year. Even though
attendance numbers appeared to be down on previous years, the level of participation was
outstanding. There were record numbers of students in the 100m and the Javelin. In fact,
participation rates were so high some popular events such as the steeplechase and House
relays had to be bumped from the program. House leaders did a great job of generating
house spirit by creating banners and decorating their House areas. There was a colourful
array of participants, a casual observer may even have mistaken the day for Sacred Heart's
Athletic Sports Day given the number of tutu’s and bikinis worn. The Finau and Sinclair
families impressed throughout the day and left an indelible reminder of their efforts on our
record books. An amazing six records were broken on the day. Thanks to all those who
participated, officiated and helped run and organize another memorable event.
Records broken:
• Jonte Rikiriki broke the junior Long Jump record with a distance of 5.62m. The
previous record was 5.54m and set back in 1970 by M. Clarkin.
• The 300m for junior boys was actually broken twice, first by James Findlay and then
again in the very next heat by Amilame Finau in a time of 42.41
• The 400m intermediate record was also broken. P. Dalboth held the previous record,
which was set in 1971 and beaten by Joseph Sinclair in a new time of 53.56.
• Hayden Mulgrew surpassed the old school senior 400m record as well which was set
by M. Finn in 1978 with a time of 52.31.
• William Sinclair (who also holds the intermediate boys 800m and junior boys
steeplechase records) took nearly ten seconds off the senior boys 1500m record with
a time of 4.13.78. J. Roberts set the previous record in 1973. The most exciting race
of the day was the 800m. Hayden Mulgrew and William Sinclair battled it out all the
way along the final straight for the closest of finishes. Both boys broke the school
record but it was William Sinclair who crossed the line first in a time of 2.00.87
SWIMMING SPORTS
Swimming sports were held on 8 March, with some promising young men swimming in the competitive events. We have gained some great new junior swimmers in the school. Boston Haddon Yr 9 student swam exceptionally well, as did Nye Linton and Matt Foster in the Intermediate age group, and William Sinclair and Thomas Coombes in the senior age group.
Twenty boys qualified to represent St John’s in the Waikato Secondary Schools event; this is the biggest team that we have ever sent through. We would also like to congratulate Nye Linton and Thomas Coombes on their recent medals at the NZ Div 2 Competition.
NEW ZEALAND TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to William Sinclair, Joseph
Sinclair and Tevita Finau who made St
John’s College and the wider Waikato
Bay of Plenty community proud at this
years Jennian Homes New Zealand Track
and Field Championships. William Sinclair
gracefully pacing himself in the U18 Mens
steeplechase in second place, charged down
his opponent with 50m to go and secured
the gold medal with a time of 6:10.05. Tevita
Finau defied gravity with his 1.86m high
jump which earned him the silver medal in
the Mens U20 competition. Blood lactate
didn’t stop the Sinclair boys who were both
in the Waikato Bay of Plenty 4 x 400m relay
teams that took home medals. William
Sinclair with the bronze medal in the U20
Mens squad and Joseph Sinclair with the
gold medal in the U18 Mens squad. Well
done men!
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 9www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
SOFTBALLOur young men played exceptionally
well in the finals of the Open College
Boys Competition taking home the 2nd
Place Trophy in the Open College Boys'
Competition. Five of the boys in our softball
team are year 9's and the majority have
never played softball before. The opposition
had a number of boys who play in the Men’s
League on weekends so a huge feat for our
boys to give them a run for their money!
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 910 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
SJC ROWINGSt John’s Rowers have gone from strength to strength over the last 6 months. The team
have been hugely competitive and have shown stamina, dedication and commitment to
place well over a number of regattas held throughout the summer.
One of the early highlights for the team was placing in the top 8 of the North Island
Secondary Schools Championships over 8 different races and in the top 16 over 5 different
races. Where other secondary schools have previously dominated, St John’s is now up
there.
Maadi cup, the colloquial name for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships
was held at Karapiro this year. Our young men made the most of the home advantage,
with Benjamin Burgess and Dylan McLeod winning gold in the Boy’s U18 Lightweight 2x;
and Finn Hamill and Mitchell Evans earning a silver in the Boy’s U18 Novice 2x. In total,
17 crews were entered with crews qualifying for 5 A Finals, 7 B Finals, 1 C Final and 1 D
Final. Overall, St John’s placed 18th of 95 schools for overall points. These results are
unprecedented for our young men and have shown others that St John’s Rowing is a
competitive and well-tuned team.
Rowing is a huge commitment, not just for the rowers but for the parents/caregivers and
coaches too. A big thank you must go out to our parent committee who have helped with
the background logistics. Mr Drew Tierney is the driving force behind St John’s College
Rowing and the strength of the team is a reflection of his dedication and commitment.
Mr Tierney is supported by the coaching team consisting of Sean McVerry (Director of
Rowing), Jarrod Fleming and Kieren McGirr. The coaching team brought a different focus
to the team this year and instilled a passion and commitment in our young men that will
last beyond their school days.
With the season coming to a close at the end of Maadi, the rowing team now focus on
keeping fit over the winter months. During terms 2 and 3 there will be opportunities for
students who might be keen to row, to join a no obligation learn to row programme. This
generally runs once a week. Information about learn to row will come out during term 2.
TUTOR AVAILABLE FOR NCEA LEVELS 1-3 ENGLISHIf you feel that your son would benefit from individual tutoring for NCEA Levels 1-3 English; please contact:
Dennis Hetet (former Head of English Department at St John’s College)
I have experience with both external and internal Achievement Standards, at all three levels. The payment charge per hour, will be fair and not excessive.
It must be stressed that the tutoring will be in line with your son’s teacher’s methods and purposes, and therefore will not be contradictory and confusing for your son. The purpose of tutoring is to assist and supplement on a one to one basis.
Ph: 027 280 8967Email: [email protected]
Greetings, Due to medical circumstances, I am unable to drive which means for the next little while I am having to rely on public transport. One of the most frustrating things I have ever had to do is catch a bus just after school has finished. Today I walked to the bus stop and patiently waited for the bus. At about 3.20pm, I see a large group of St. Johns students come around the corner and head to the bus stop. I think to myself, bugger there goes a quiet bus ride and a seat for myself. Having caught the bus as a school boy I understand that there is nothing to complain about. These odd 40 or so students need to get home and this is there most reliable mode of transport. As the bus arrives at the stop, they all excitedly move to be the first of their mates to get on and get themselves a seat. I'm thinking to myself that me and the ten or so public members waiting at the stop are probably going to have to wait for another bus as the one that just arrived looked as though it was going to be full. As the door to the bus opened, the St. Johns students all began to stand to the side, creating two walls of students and a wide gap leading to the door of the bus. A few of them began to point to the public members and politely urged them to hop on first. Strange I thought to myself, having been a young man their age once I knew how hard it can be to exhibit patience. Yet without a single word between any of them, or any of them having to be told by their friends, they all stood there chatting excitedly and smiling as the public took the first seats. It was hard for me to believe, you'd never expect a group of thirty young men to show such self-control, let alone away from the presence of a teacher. Yet they all did this without even seeming to acknowledge the deed they were doing. As if to them it
was hardly an effort, or as though it was as natural as slipping on jandals as you leave the house. Something you don't even consciously realize that you are doing. One student who approached me, made eye contact, grinned and politely asked if he could have the seat next to me, knowing full well that if he wanted he could sit there without even asking, as many people who catch the bus do. The courtesy was fully appreciated and It was comforting knowing the person I had to share my seat with was decent, well-spoken and polite. As the bus moved further along the route, a tired looking mother and her small child hoped on the bus. She looked miserable. I could sympathize with her knowing like me she had lacked the foresight to choose to catch a bus outside of school times. She paid her fare like everyone else and began to squeeze past a group of other high school students, who stood blocking the front of the bus. I felt a bit of frustration as she tried to move past them. Not one of them acknowledged her and tried to make room for her to move further down the bus. Then she approached the first seat which was occupied by two St. Johns students. Amazingly, the two boys immediately stood up and offered to her their seat, which with a big smile of relief on her face, she took, looking like she was amazed to have come across such decency. Again, it didn't seem like a chore or a task to these boys. In fact, it seemed like they were actively searching for an opportunity to demonstrate their politeness. Both beamed and grinned as she commented on how kind it was for them to have given up their seats. I saw that these two had learnt how rewarding it can be to help other people in need. Something I know some people will go a life time without learning. There was a very glum looking old lady near the front of the bus. She looked a bit sad and lonely. One of your students sat next to her. He smiled confidently and asked her how her day was going. I watched her perk
up a little, seemingly happy to have found an ear that wanted to listen. I looked back over five minutes later, to see four more of your students with their eyes locked on her. You would have thought she was telling them where there was a hidden stash of money by how interested they all looked. They smiled and grinned with her as she chatted on about whatever it is old ladies like to talk about. How sweet I thought it was that she found an audience in such a place you would not expect. She smiled all the way home. I hate catching the bus, truly it is not a very enjoyable experience. Today I hopped off however feeling much more uplifted and happy than when I had hopped on. It is not often good deeds are acknowledged. But when I got home I thought it would be a shame not to pass on to you what I had witnessed. I had always thought such things these students showed were not taught in school, that they were taught at home by your family. It was obvious to me though that from their school these students had learned these courtesy’s. Again I would like to admit to my amazement at the behaviour of your students. It’s strange, of all the people I meet on the bus and have met in my life so far, there are not an awful lot who take pleasure in helping people and being kind. People who show decency to others they meet, and who enjoy the company of strangers and sharing a laugh and a smile with them. Why is it that today I witnessed so many all at once? I am left feeling very hopeful, that in a few years they will join with the rest of society and carry on doing what they do. For that I am thankful for what your school will be gifting to the rest of society. something that many take for granted. I think it would be nice to have these students know that their thoughtfulness is appreciated, though they may not hear it often. Kind regards, Anonymous member of the public.
PUBLIC FEEDBACKRecently a member of the public took time to write to us to commend our boy’s on the use of public buses. While it’s not unusual to receive
positive feedback about our boy’s this letter was published on our facebook page and you could say it was well received reaching over 135,000
people, 729 shares, 3.2k likes and 366 comments. In case you missed it, the letter received follows:
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 11www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 912 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
TUAKANA, 2017Fifty-one Year 12 students volunteered and were selected as Tuakana at the end of last year. These
boys must be responsible, friendly, and be able to demonstrate both initiative and leadership to fulfil
this role well. Their main role is to assist with the two-day Year 9 Induction at the start of the school
year. This event largely depends upon the charisma and personality of the “older brothers.” Their
job is to greet the new boys, and to encourage them to start talking and making new friends with
each other. They need to keep track of all the boys in their group, and look after them as they move
from one activity to another. It’s great to see the relationships which are built over these first couple
of days. By Day 2, many of the Tuakana were playing rugby with the younger boys in the university
pool and having a great time of it! This older/younger brother relationship often continues as at least
one Tuakana from each Induction group is in Form Class with several of the Year 9 boys. Tuakana are
encouraged to keep an eye on their teina/younger brothers throughout the year with conversations,
advice, help with homework, and generally just “being present” for the boys as they make that all-
important transition into life at St. John’s.
Our 2017 Tuakana Leaders are:
Luke Barnes
Jordan Bath
Samuel Beadle
Daniel Boyd
Troy Brown
Cameron Burgess
William Burton
Reece Cateley
Jacob Cox
Caton Dooner
Benjamin Drube
Jordan Edwards
Christian Fabe
Mason Gallien
Joseph Gida
Ryan Griffiths
Corban Hall
Lars Hansen
Jacob Hastings
Joel Jaques
Shaun Johnsen
Terosita Kabwea
Matthew Kato
Caleb Laurent
Jack Levet
RIan Little
Jonathon Mahutonga
Elan McInerney
Hamish McWilliam
Lachie McWilliam
Richard Millar
Felix Minhinnick
Haydon Naish
Scott Peden
Blair Petrin
Alexander Piek
Brodie Ryan
Caleb Salisbury
Thomas Simmonds
Hayden Smedts
Leom Smith
Timothy Staincliffe
Griffin Taylor
Ciaran Thomson
Esira Tulagi
Tommy van den Bemd
Andrew Walker
Thomas Watene
Brandyn Were
Niklas Wessling
Ben Wilson
DEBATING
On Saturday the 11th of March SJC sent two
teams to the New Zealand Secondary Schools
regional debating championship for 2017.
The teams were made up of Anthony Perera,
Sacha Choytooa, and Sebastian Manning
who were in our development team and
Tim Manning, Jacob Flanagan and Dominic
Beaton who were in our Senior Team.
The competition consisted of a prepared
motion round, then two rounds of impromptu
motions, then semi-finals and finals. The
prepared motion was “That this house would
tax Property Investors”. Both teams won the
first round. The second round impromptu
motion was “That this house would legalise
Euthanasia” Our Senior team opposed this
motion and won. The development team lost
in this round.
The third Motion was “That this house
believes that only Middle Eastern countries
should be used to fight ISIS. The seniors
won this round making them undefeated
and ranked second after three rounds.
Unfortunately the development team lost, but
they did well throughout the day, especially
given they were year 11’s debating against
mostly year 13’s
In the semi-final, the senior team won against
Sacred Heart and then faced HBHS in the final
where the motion was about consumerism.
Unfortunately, we lost that debate so came
2nd overall out of 24 teams from across the
Bay of plenty and the Waikato region.
Jacob Flanagan was given a highly
commended for his efforts throughout the
day. Dominic Beaton who is in year 11 was
selected to compete in The New Zealand
National championships for the Waikato
team. This is the first time that Saint John’s
has had a student on this team, so he has
done fantastically well.
2017 INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONIn 2017 the Inter-House competition continued to grow. So far this term, alongside the
Year 9 Haka competition and year 13 Leadership competition days were the big sports
events, Athletic sports and Swimming Sports. Athletic sports once again saw awesome
participation and Chanel won both the track and field events amassing a total raw score
of 1091. The other three houses had only 23 points separating them with Pompallier on
933 Marcellin on 930 and Roncalli on 910. The Swimming sports followed the successful
format from last year with a non-competitive section running alongside the competitive
section. Again this saw the whole school involved and was an outstanding success. Roncalli
blew everyone away with very strong competitive swimmers. Chanels effort in the non-
competitive section was enough to secure a second placing. At this point Chanel have
taken the lead with 190 competition points. Pompellier is second on 153, Roncalli third on
149 and Marcellin fourth on 114.
House points are kept up to date on the School website.
http://www.stjohns-hamilton.school.nz/Community/test
OLD BOYS’ AND FRIENDS OF ST JOHN’S COLLEGE GOLF TOURNAMENT
The annual Old Boys’ and Friends of St John’s
College Golf Tournament hosted by the Old
Boys’ Foundation, was held on Sunday 26th
March at the Ngaruawahia Golf Club.
A great day was had by all with a mixture
of old boys’, staff, current parents and
supporters of St John’s College participating.
The winners on the day were the Arborline
team consisting of Julian Jaques, John
Sklenars, Richard Coombes and Ted Bain.
JUNIOR GAME FISHING SUCCESS
Congratulations to Dylan White who recently
won the Caribbean Zane Grey International
Game Fishing Tournament held in the Bay of
Islands. Dylan is the only junior to have ever
entered this tournament and is the youngest
to win. His catch of the day was a 203.7kg
blue marlin pulled in in 3.5m swells, he caught
the winning fish with a 37kg rod and reel.
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 13www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
YEAR 9 INDUCTION
January 31, 2017: for 172 Year 9 boys, this was their first day of high school at St. John’s College.
Eager faces, nervous laughter, reunions with mates from primary school, anxiousness, sweaty palms,
questions such as "Where do I go?" and "Who will I eat lunch with?"—this is the scene on Day 1.
Year 9 students met with their Tuakana in groups of about 12 after the powhiri, where they were
welcomed into the St. John’s family. They began their journey as they walked through the Hato
Hoani (St. John’s) waharoa. Their first day the new boys learned the school song and our brand-new
school haka. They met their form teacher for the very first time and got a personalised tour of the
school grounds.
On their second day, they met the PE staff, and got into some serious House competition with a
variety of games. One of the highlights for many boys was the swim in the university pool. They
showed off their bombing skills in the dive pool and cooled off in the big pool. The day finished
with a drama presentation by four staff dressed as Marcellin, Roncalli, Chanel and Pompallier, and an
introduction to our Marist pillars.
The goal of the Induction programme is to introduce the boys to the culture of St. John’s College:
we sing, we challenge with the haka; we play sport energetically, and have fun doing it. Family Spirit
and our spiritual foundations are core to what the college is about. By the time the Year 9 boys
were welcomed to the school by the older students to a thunderous haka in the gym, the ties of
brotherhood had begun.
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 914 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
NCEA 2016We are delighted to announce that once again the 2016 NCEA results
represent the best results in the history of the college, continuing the trend
that we have seen for the past four consecutive years. 100% of our students
passing Level 1, 98% passing Level 2 and 91.3% passing Level 3. Pass rates for
our Māori and Pasifika students are also well above national results:
Māori: Level 1 - 97.1%, Level 2 - 100%, Level 3 - 89.5%, UE - 57.9%
Pasifika:Level 1 - 100%, Level 2 - 100%, Level 3 - 93.3%, UE - 33.3%
Our pass rates are significantly higher than both national and decile 7 boys’
schools results. They are indicative of not only the hard work put in by the
students but also by our staff who work hard to design and deliver effective
curriculum programmes to meet the needs of our learners.
Proportions of students gaining Merit endorsements have increased
significantly at Level 1 and 2 and for the first time we have seen over 50% of
Level 1 students gain an endorsement. There has been no significant change
in endorsement rates at Level 3. Performance was once again strong with
internal assessments but we need to guide our young men more closely to
see greater success in the external exams at the end of the year.
We are very proud of what our students achieved in 2016, but we aim to make
2017 even better! Our fine young men need to understand the importance
of ensuring that every standard worked towards is their best effort, getting
things right first time and not being reliant on re-submissions to improve
their grades. It is not just the NCEA pass that is important, but the quality
of the pass. 50% of students nationally gain either a Merit or Excellence
endorsement. The reality for many students aspiring to go to university is that
they need to secure endorsements at both Level 2 and Level 3 to gain a place.
University course places are limited, as are places at other tertiary
institutions with admissions officers taking only the best applicants.
Universities use the combination of endorsements at NCEA Level 2 & 3 to
decide the value of undergraduate entrance scholarships that may be on
offer. No endorsement at Level 2 and Level 3 = no money. Even some courses
at Wintec require you to have UE (University Entrance), so it is important that
students undertake research around possible future courses so that they are
well informed about entry requirements.
All senior students have had NCEA target grades set for the year, parents
can view these by logging onto the web portal(KAMAR) and clicking on the
current year results, selecting the year level. Thank you to all those students
and parents who took the opportunity of working with us to set these targets.
It is important that students not only know their target but track their own
performance against it during the year. The key to success is hard work, effort,
perseverance and consistency.
The following Year 13 students from 2016 are to be congratulated, they strived
for Excellence during their time at the college and gained an Excellence
endorsement at NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3:
Carlos Bergonia, Alex Clare, Mathew Davy (also gained Scholarship
Accounting, Biology and Outstanding in Economics), Callum Fraser, Liam
Gilheany-Black, Troy Gouk-Macdonald ( also gained Scholarship Biology) and
Luke Mansell.
The final mention goes to Braden Kay who was successful in gaining a Physics
scholarship - the first Physics Scholarship to be achieved by a student at the
college.
Dominic Tester
Deputy Principal
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 UE
SJC 100% 98.0% 91.3% 54.3%
Decile 7 Boys' Schools 85.2% 90.4% 72.5% 52.4%
National 74.7% 78.9% 65.1% 48.7%
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 UE
2013 85.40% 87.40% 87.40% 55.90%
2014 93.20% 90.80% 72.20% 54.80%
2015 96.20% 93.50% 71.60% 46.80%
2016 100% 98.0% 91.3% 54.3%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Level1 Level2 Level3 UE
StJohn'sCollegeNCEAResults2016
SJC Decile7Boys'Schools NaAonal
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Level1 Level2 Level3 UE
StJohn'sCollegeNCEAResults2013-2016
2013 2014 2015 2016
INTRODUCING SJC’S NEWEST STAFF
At the beginning of the year we welcomed Ms Renee Hutchinson, Head of Department Languages;
Mrs Donna McHugh Teacher in Charge of Music and Mrs Petrina Curran Food Technology. We are
privileged to have these three talented ladies join our teaching staff.
Ms Renee Hutchinson – Head of Department Languages
Ms Hutchinson says that she ‘is delighted to join the staff at St John’s College in the role of Head
of Languages Faculty’. Ms Hutchinson is a local who is a graduate of Sacred Heart Girls' College,
Hamilton, and the University of Waikato. After being away from Hamilton for nearly 20 years,
studying, traveling and teaching abroad, and working at Aquinas College in Tauranga, she says
that ‘it is wonderful to be back.’ Ms Hutchinson has extensive teaching experience in the Catholic
secondary school system and internationally. Her passion for the subject of English, particularly
literature of the New World and film, will see the English Department augment its already excellent
programme. Since being at St John’s, Ms Hutchinson has found the culture and atmosphere unlike
any other school she has been in. ‘Every day I am more and more impressed by the caliber of our
students and staff. This is an outstanding school, and it is a privilege to work here!'
Mrs Donna McHugh – Teacher in Charge of Music
Mrs McHugh is also an old girl of Sacred Heart Girl’s College and during her time there she was a
member of the St John’s Irish Ceilidh group which is still going strong today. Mrs McHugh studied
Music and History at Victoria University, Wellington and completed a BA in History and Masters in
Music in Ethnomusicology. After five years living and travelling abroad, Mrs McHugh decided it was
time to move back home and upon doing so, completed her Graduate Teaching Diploma and has
been teaching ever since.
Mrs McHugh says that she is ‘enjoying the wonderful atmosphere at St John’s College from both
the students and staff, the boys have so much musical talent and there is a well-established extra-
curricular music program offering a variety of performance opportunities for our students’. The music
department will continue to grow from strength to strength and are looking forward to and preparing
for an exciting and busy 2017.
Mrs Petrina Curran – Food Technology
Mrs Curran is passionate about food and teaching and has taught Food Technology for about 10
years in both Hamilton and Auckland. She joins us as a part time teacher in our Food Technology
area. She is a graduate of Waikato University and Hamilton Teacher’s College where she trained to
teach History and English.
Mrs Curran is no stranger to St John’s College as for the last 18 months we have had the privilege of
having her as a regular reliever. When not at school, Mrs Curran keeps busy with five fantastic kids
and a great husband. She enjoys hiking, reading and traveling.
L-R: Ms Renee Hutchinson, Mrs Donna McHugh, Mrs Petrina Curran
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 9 15www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamiltonwww.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
THE EAGLE | TERM 1 2017 | ISSUE NO. 916 www.facebook.com/StJohnsCollegeHamilton
PREPARING YOUNG MEN FOR LIFE