Mālō e lelei, Talofa lava, Taloha ni, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Namaste, Ni sa bula and warm Pacific greetings.

As our Term 2 draws to a close we have mixed feelings as to only having another two terms under our ACCKA umbrella.

This term has been full of a variety of activities, gatherings and celebrations. All have been about connection and we hope that the relationships we have grown between our schools will continue. This term we thank our ASLs for their hard mahi in ensuring the success of the following:

The Kāhui Ako that our schools have been proud to be a part of is coming to a close. This decision has come following changes in Ministry direction and focus. Over the years, our Kāhui Ako has helped build strong partnerships among our Auckland Central Catholic Schools. It has enabled us to share our gifts, grow professional practice, and stay focused on what matters most—our tamariki and their learning journeys in the light of Christ.

Through shared events, collaborative learning, and strong relationships, we have seen the power of unity and connectivity in our Catholic education system. While the formal Kāhui Ako structure is being disestablished, the wairua of connection and shared mission continues.

We remain deeply committed to working together with our fellow Catholic kura. The values of whānaungatanga, service, and kotahitanga will continue to guide us as we walk forward together in faith and hope.

We give heartfelt thanks to all who have served in Kāhui Ako roles—leaders, Across School and Within School teachers, and all those who gave generously of their time and expertise. Your contribution has blessed our schools and our communities.

Rest well these holidays and reconnect with whānau and friends.

Carolynn Phillips and Michael Mullin

Well done to the winners of our Auckland Central Catholic Kahui Ako Art Competitions.

Samoan Language Week

Star Lam, Year 7 - Marist College

Our judging team said “Your dedication to Samoan Language Week 2025 shines brilliantly through your artwork. The fantastic traditional designs are stunning, and it's clear this piece holds deep personal meaning for you. Fa'afetai tele lava for sharing such a heartfelt and culturally rich creation.”

International Language Week

Soeun Park, Year 12 - Marist College

International Language Week

My artwork is inspired by minhwa (민화), a form of Korean folk art literally meaning “painting of the people” as traditionally, it was produced by commoners, not professional artists. In accordance with the minhwa style, my artwork favours symbolism over realism, including some of the Sipjangsaeng (십장생, 10 symbols of longevity) like pine trees, mountains, water, and clouds. Even though minhwa artwork is deeply rooted in Korean culture, it also demonstrates how culture is a gift that should be shared as the sharing of culture brings joy, a universal human emotion. The centrepiece of my artwork captures a joyous scene of a group of people dressed in hanbok (한복, Korean traditional clothing) and playing yutnori (윷놀이), a traditional game played on Lunar New Year. Personally, one way that my family have kept traditions alive is through playing this game. Furthermore, events are often held in Auckland, allowing others to also experience the joy of playing this game too. This shows how culture, although not material, is something that grows as it is shared. Although my experience growing up Korean in Aotearoa means that certain aspects of my culture won’t be replicated, the passing down of traditions like these creates a sense of belonging.

Our judging team said  “Your submission for International Language Week is a truly exceptional and insightful celebration of Korean culture. Your deliberate choice to emulate the minhwa (민화) style, favoring symbolism over realism, brilliantly captures the spirit of "painting of the people." The inclusion of Sipjangsaeng (십장생) symbols like pine trees, mountains, water, and clouds not only enriches the piece with traditional meaning but also demonstrates a deep understanding of Korean artistic heritage. The centerpiece, depicting figures in hanbok (한복) playing yutnori (윷놀이), conveys your message that culture is a gift to be shared. It's especially touching to learn how this traditional game is a personal family tradition, highlighting how such practices foster a vital sense of belonging even while growing up Korean in Aotearoa. Your artwork beautifully illustrates how culture flourishes and strengthens through shared experiences.”

Alyson Sio (Christ the King) 1st  Place in the Years 3-4 category.

Topic: My Culture.

 Blake Taifinofu (Monte Cecilia) 1st Place in the Years 5-6 category.

Topic: My Identity

Joanne Vignarajah (Marist College) 1st Place in the Years 7-8 category. 

Topic: My ‘service’ in action.

 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xS7HezYOtyjOf75HERl7gWCZxbOGqKkY?usp=share_link

 

 

At Marist Primary, our Matariki celebration on June 18 was a beautiful reflection of our school’s vibrant spirit and strong sense of community. We were honoured to be joined by kaumatua Manuel Beasley, a respected vicar for Māori, who described our celebration as "among the best of the Matariki celebrations that I have ever attended." He praised the warmth of our school community and the efforts of our staff and PTFA in bringing the event together.

The morning began with performances from our kapa haka rōpū. Our juniors charmed the audience with waiata like the "Matariki Macarena," while our seniors impressed with powerful renditions of "Te Iwi E," "E Minaka Ana," and "Matariki."

One of our students, Lucia O’Connor, shared: “Matariki is about celebrating the nine stars. It’s a good time for celebrating with family and friends and waking up early to see the stars.”

After the performances, students, staff, and whānau gathered to enjoy kai together in the spirit of kotahitanga.

Mānawatia a Matariki!

Across three nights and one afternoon in May, Marcellin College went on a thrilling and heart-warming journey to Motonui, following the strong-willed Moana as she set sail to save her village and discover the truth about who her people were and still are. No adventure would be complete without sidekicks - thankfully, Heihei, Pua, and the legendary demigod Maui were there to lend a hand.

On May 26th, our dedicated Primary WSLs and the Primary ASL Lead came together for a purposeful session focused on deepening their understanding of leadership roles within the school. The group explored their individual and collective inquiry foci, engaged with a professional reading on leadership, and began planning follow-up meetings to further align on their goals. With several new WSLs joining the team, this was also a valuable opportunity to build relationships, foster open discussion, clarify roles, and strengthen our leadership network across the Primary years.

Primary ASL Team

Here at Hata Maria Hui Kōrero te Kura Katorika our years 6-8 drama club students have been working on a drama for the upcoming Patiki Matariki Festival at Avondale College. Our drama is called Tūmanako, a story of hope. It is a story of hope for a better world, where people find connection and meaning beyond material distractions. This ties in beautifully with our Jubilee Year and its theme of "Pilgrims of Hope."

Wednesday, 18th June at 6pm, St Joseph’s Church, Grey Lynn, a gathering of students, staff and families came together to celebrate our ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Mass for one another, for our Pacific nations and for our kāhui.

A strong sense of connectedness was felt, through the vibrant and melodious hymns that were sung and played by our very talented student-led music director, Josiah Tupa’i from St Paul’s College and well-supported by college members. Reverent prayers and readings translated and eloquently expressed into their precious Pasifika mother-tongues by many of our students with the help of their parents and staff.

The beautiful bible and offertory processions led by our colleges, Marist and St Mary’s to signify the important parts of the mass and, a fitting homily highlighting the importance of ‘staying connected’ as a kāhui, through faith and Christ, which was conducted by Father Tino. We were also blessed with the presence and assistance in the mass by Fr Marchellino and Fr Martin – what a trifecta!!

Thank-you to all our schools who participated especially, those who held special parts in the mass. Grateful to our families, staff and dignatories who attended this momentous occasion. 

‘Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toirua!’

Please see attached for a basketball league that is being started up at SPC that's open to boys and girls teams from around Auckland.