in this issue
TERM 2 WEEK 8- COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
College Principal - 99% of Success is “Being There”
Associate Principal - "Social Capital"
Special Character - Ministry & Mission
ICT - Cybersafety Advise for Parents
Literacy Centre
Intermediate School
Vinnies Leaders
SOLs at Rockquest and Tangata Beats
Overcoming Obstacles, Resilience and Personal Success
Mangere Youth Fono
Science Week
Sky Watch
South Auckland Mathex Challenge- Event 3
Year 13 College Ball
Gateway
Sports
In the Community
Notices
Enrol Now
Contact Us
99% of Success is “Being There”
Mr Myles Hogarty
Principal
Greetings,
Last week the Government announced a $44 million dollar plan to tackle the enormously high level of student absenteeism in schools. This new school Attendance and Engagement Strategy sets expectations and targets to turn around years of dropping attendance rates.
The Government set a target to Increase the number of students attending school regularly from 60% to 70% by 2024, (and 75% by 2026).
I was shocked to read that the Government had set such a low target of 70% student attendance, hardly an aspirational or high standard at all. What message does the Government send to our young men and women and their parents when they say that 70% is good enough ?
Is 70% a target high enough, definitely not at De La Salle College.
70 % Attendance in simple terms means that a student will miss 12 weeks of school a year, more than one whole term of school, is this an acceptable target, I think not !! One of our College Values is Excellence, which we describe as “The daily habit of doing your best.” Being at school everyday is crucial to the pattern and continuity of learning for our young men and they certainly know that our target of 100% attendance is something that they can strive for and achieve as we have seen by the number of our young men who are recognised and rewarded at our College Prize Givings for 100 % Attendance.
Our College has very clear data that students particularly in the Years 11 to 13, who have an Attendance of over 90% are achieving highly in all of their NCEA credits, high attendance leads to high engagement in school and gaps in learning are avoided while good habits of attending are reinforced by success.
One thing is certain, if you aim to be average and your goal is mediocrity, you will achieve both.
At De La Salle neither of these are our goals or targets for our Academic work, Sport, Service, Music or our Faith.
We aim to create young men of Excellence and being at school everyday is so crucial to achieving this goal.
We have undoubtedly been through some health challenges over the past two years which has had some impact on school attendance, however before Covid we had Attendance rates in the mid 90% for our young men and we expect that this will be the case very shortly once the effects of the virus have reduced in our community.
As I write this article, today heralds the Winter Solstice marking the shortest day of the year. We are well and truly in the grip of winter but the College is a thriving place with mid-year exams and assessments continuing, sports teams keenly representing our College, Outdoor Education groups working in the Hunua Ranges, De La Salle hosting the Mathex Competition, lunchtime House competitions being keenly contested, Matariki activities as part of our Science Week and numerous other events and activities that can only be achieved by “being there.”
I wish you all a restful and reflective Matariki weekend.
God Bless
Myles Hogarty
Principal
associate principal
Mr Dermot English
"Social Capital"
Financial capital is when we have the resources to borrow or spend to get what we need Social Capital is when we have a strong community that we can draw on to help each other, open up opportunities and survive hardship.
Every second week on a Wednesday in Period 3 we have whole-school assembly, and every other week we have house or homeroom activities. Today the Year 7-10 had a very engaging and interactive Nanogirl Science presentation. Year 11s had guest speaker Esefo Collins, Auckland City Councillor and mayoral candidate. He was also very engaging and encouraged the boys to believe in themselves and what they can achieve. The Year 13s had input from three old boys, real estate agent Patrick Lapalapa, Sergeant Henry Skelton and Tyndale Fiso who works in broadcasting. They shared their stories with the boys and some advice about how to cope with life outside school.
This is great use of the wonderful social capital of the school. The values and experiences of all of our families and old boys and teachers are part of this social capital, and in my experience it’s always good when its shared. It’s not just other people that build this up, it’s you and me, so look out for that time when you can be part of sharing the social capital of this awesome community.
special character
Assistant Principal for Mission - Mr Kane Raukura
“Kia īnoi tātou – let us pray. E te Atua, God of the cycles and patterns of the universe and all living things whose ways we only begin to comprehend, open our hearts to the wonder of the natural world, to your incarnation throughout creation, and to your presence with and in us now.” Amene.
Dear Lasallians, families and friends of the College, this week signifies a major milestone in New Zealand history. You might think of our public holiday on Friday 24th June as just a day off and an opportunity to be away from the office or yard or road, it much more than that though. This week as a nation we celebrate what is known as ‘Matariki’. It is good to contemplate our sense of place in the cosmos. From the earliest humans and still today, people have always taken a keen interest in the starry skies. The constellations have been, and even though we know so much more about them now, still are, a source of wonder. From Psalm 8 we hear, ‘When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place, what is humanity that you should be mindful of us? Who are we that you should care for us?’ It is difficult to be outside on a starlit night and not be captured by a sense of wonder. The stars have practical uses too, having been used as an aid to navigation and as an indicator of the seasons.
At this time of year, the cluster Matariki, also known as Pleiades, The Seven Sisters or M45 reappears above the horizon, after having dipped below the horizon for some weeks. When this cluster, Matariki, reappeared in the very early morning sky, it signified the beginning of the New Year and people knew it was time to prepare the soil and plant crops. Other meanings were also signified in the setting and rising of this star cluster. As the star cluster set, it was a time to remember those who had died during the past year. As the star cluster rose, it was time to consider the rising of the dead who were now joining the stars of the night sky. It was a time to plan for the future, a time to look forward in hopefulness, a time to be with whanau and friends.
The advent of the New Year holds an important place in the Māori calendar and is rich with meaning. Customs vary among different iwi. While all celebrate the New year, some iwi use the rising of the star Puanga (Rigel), rather than the Matariki cluster, to signify the beginning of the New Year, as the Matariki cluster cannot be easily seen from all localities.
So this long weekend, we should be gathering in love, in aroha to celebrate, be drawn into, and pray over the wonder of this special time. Let it be our New Zealand ‘Thanksgiving’, where we remember those who have gone before and where we look forward in joyful hope to the year ahead. Take the opportunity to be with family, to hang out, to talk, to love, to eat and enjoy each other’s company. Put the work aside and rest.
PLEASE CLICK THE LINK AND LISTEN / SING ALONG TO THIS BEAUTIFUL WAIATA FOR MATARIKI: ‘He waiata Matariki’
THE NINE WONDEROUS STARS OF MATARIKI
Ki a Matariki the great star: Matariki is the star that signifies our connection to the environment, to each other and to the gathering of people. Matariki signifies hope and is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people.
Ki a Pōhutukawa. Pōhutukawa is suspended above and is a constant reminder of our treasured loved ones that passed on. May you too come to shine as stars in the night, and sparkle within storehouse of memories forever more.
Ki a Waitī, fresh water. Waitī above and Waitī below. The currents of the river swirl, the lakes ripple, and the source of Tāne-te-waiora overflows with life-giving water. Flowing waters are sustenance for the land, vitality for humanity and sustain a food basket for the people.
Ki a Waitā, salt water. Behold the great expanse that gleams green and blue beneath you. Here is the great current, the long current, the boisterous ocean and the calm ocean, and it is filled with food. Here we find food for all the multitude.
Ki a Waipuna-ā-rangi, mist and rain. Welcome the misty rain! Welcome the drizzle! Welcome the showers! Welcome the heavy drenching rain! Fall from the spring of the sacred sky, so that the plants grow and the people flourish.
Ki a Tupuānuku, everything that grows within the soil to be harvested or gathered for food. We till the soil, plant the crops and hail a copious abundance. May the soil be ever fertile, the plants shoot up and grow down to be plentiful.
Ki a Tupuārangi, associated with everything that grows up in the trees; fruit, berries, birds. The forest is thriving, lush, and bountiful. The crown of the forest is alive with the children of Tane. It gives them food and a place to rest.
Ki a Ururangi, the star associated with the winds. Let Ururangi not be a fierce and blasting wind, but instead, a gentle caressing wind so we may be revitalized and refreshed.
Ki a Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Hiwa-i-te-rangi is associated with the granting of our wishes, the realisation of our aspirations for the coming year. A multitude of immense opportunities is before us. We approach these with a determined and longing heart.
ST. JOSEPHS CATHOLIC PRIMARY – LAST OF OUR FEEDER SCHOOL YEAR 6 RETREATS
It was wonderful wrapping up our Year 6 Feeder School Retreats with Saint Joseph’s Otahuhu last week. The young men were great ambassadors for their school and asked deep reflective questions. In the morning we focussed on what it means to be Christlike and the relationship our Father is pleading to have with each and everyone of us. The boys watched a special video about a Fathers deep love for his son - Enjoy.
REMINDER: DE LA SALLE COLLEGE SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME
Big reminder to our families who have signalled their involvement and who have nominated their sons. The programme continues each week on Fridays College Chapel (3:30pm to 4:30pm).
PLEASE BE ON TIME – NO LATE COMERS AS THIS AFFECTS ALL PRESENT. ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED MUST BE PRESENT FOR 100% OF THE PROGRAM.
Looking ahead –
- Sacramental program continues
- Kairos #10 24th -26th June
Let us pray..
Matariki is a cluster of stars; Let the heavens be glad.
Matariki is a time of year; Let the earth rejoice, let the seas and all that is in them roar.
Matariki is a time of remembering; Be still and know that I am God.
Matariki is a new beginning; let the fields and all that is in them exult. Let all the trees of the forests shout for joy.
Matariki is the eyes of God; O God, what variety you have created, arranging everything so wisely. The Earth is filled with your creativity.
Matariki is a time of seeing; Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. You set the boundaries of the earth and you made both summer and winter.
Matariki is a time of rejoicing; All creatures depend on you to feed them at the proper time. Open your hand, they are well satisfied.
Amen.
pastoral
Deputy Principal- Mr Elton Charles
Year 12 Parent Fono
by Year 12 Dean- Miss Puleiku
Last Thursday, we held our Year 12 Parent Fono, that focused on different pathways for school leavers. We were blessed to have Mrs Fannon speak to parents regarding the three main pathways that students follow when they leave school.
We also had QES services Mr Bruce Tasi, Mr Doug Te Moni and Miss Rangi Joseph present some of the awesome work that they do to support students and families in the community. It is important for our year 12 students to have a solid understanding of what they want to do once they leave school and this Fono highlighted the different options available to them.
I would like to thank Mrs Fannon for her help with the Year 12 Fono. I would also like to thank the year 12 homeroom Teachers – Mr Brebner, Mr Endemann, Mrs Fernandes, Mr Finch, Ms Dromgool, Mr Pilisi, Mr Skipps, Mrs Spencer and Mr Waugh - for their constant support and hard work for their homerooms. We look forward to seeing our year 12 students work towards their goals and progressing down these particular pathways as the year goes on.
ict academy
Director of ICT- Mr John Singh
Cybersafety Advise for Parents
Teach your sons to be responsible Digital Citizens:
- Set his screen to lock automatically and always lock it when not using the device. They can unlock it with a number, pattern, or fingerprint
- Only enable Bluetooth and WiFi when you need it
- Only download software from legitimate app stores and trusted websites
- Uninstall any software or apps you don’t need any more, e.g. get rid of games that your children have outgrown
- Using ad blockers in the browser can help prevent your children clicking on any suspicious ads.
Protect personal information
- Teach your son to be careful with the personal details they share, like where they are or the school they go to. Some apps allow your location to be shared publicly, or you can lock it down to your friends. Check the privacy settings of the apps your son is using
- Don’t use personal information for passwords – they’re the first thing people check when trying to hack into accounts and can be used to guess security questions.
Not everything is as it seems
- It can seem obvious to adults, but young people often don’t realise that sometimes people aren’t who they say they are online
- Talk about why your son needs to be careful about becoming friends or communicating with people they don’t know
- Young people especially shouldn’t friend someone online that they don’t know offline without talking to you first
- Teach your son to recognise suspicious activity, like emails that are fishing for their password. Encourage them to ask if unsure.
Recently, we hosted Scholastic New Zealand representative, Rachael Hobson, at the Literacy Centre. Rachael asked to meet the three top Lexile readers from last year. Jimone Lasalo read over 5 million words last year, that is a national record, Elijah Wilson, second equal most words read ever and Jason Tran, third most words read.
Rachael was very impressed with the students’ work ethic and the way they engaged in intelligent conversation during her visit.
Congratulations, once again to these hard-working students.
intermediate school
COMMUNITY MASS
Sunday 19 June we met at St Anthony’s Mangere Bridge for our third Community Mass this term. Thanks to Keilani, Ezra and Ta’amilo for proudly demonstrating your ‘Man of Community’ value. Well done, last Mass for the term will be at St Peter Chanel Parish on Sunday 3 July.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - 3D CROSSES
By Lelava Sauioge 8KUR
Our Year 8 R.E our topic was based around the life and times of Jesus, we learnt about what he did in his time here on earth. We also learnt about some major events like: The Passover meal/The Last Supper, The Crucifixion of Jesus and more importantly Jesus’ Resurrection.
As a summary of the learning our assignment was to construct a piece of art using cardboard. We had to design a 3D structure compiled of all the things that you knew were associated with Jesus, some of us added crosses, doves, candles, Alpha and Omega, and Ichthys symbols – all from cardboard and using corrugated cardboard for texture.
After we finished our art pieces we were able to spray-paint our structures to show more depth and highlight the intricate details.
The whole experience was difficult at times because manipulating cardboard can be very tricky and we had to use glue guns to stick everything together. But the end product was very satisfying – as you can see in the photos.
A huge thank you to all our RE teachers for teaching us – we appreciate you all!
SCIENCE
By Damien 8KUR
STEM: STEM means Scientist Technology Engineer Mathematics, the people who created were by rocket lab, rocket lab is a New Zealand NASA but smaller and not as high tech and just last year they launched their rocket, and it was a success, they launched rockets in various places like Auckland, Napier etc. We were lucky enough to have a STEM ambassador from university who helped us throughout this whole process.
How it went? Some parts of this rocket challenge were quite chaotic and sometimes confusing. We had people running around asking for materials and seeing if their rocket was good and stable and if the designs were effective enough to get an excellence grade.
Going through all this we could feel the pressure, but in the end, we finally made a successful launch with our rockets. In the end we were given the opportunity to discuss why things did or did not work.
All in all a very worthwhile experience! I think we may have some future astronauts in the making – from De la Salle!
Thank you to our STEM ambassador and our Science teachers for teaching us!
Year 7/8 PUSH UP CHALLENGE
Kevin Fa’auma one of our senior leaders ran a ‘Push up’ challenge in our area last week. Each house had to meet Kevin at a specific time in the MPC and tried to do as many push ups (correctly) as possible. It was a challenge alright but not for some.
Thanks Kevin, for organising this for us. Solomon were the winners with a combined 769 push ups. Congratulations to all our boys and their efforts.
YEAR 7 RUGBY
Year 7 Rugby Team
The weather was gloomy and cloudy and yet this team still showed up, keen and ready to play their hearts out. We are all very proud of our year 7 rugby team who were meant to play at College Rifles football club against Dilworth.
But as it happened there was a neck injury on the field we were supposed to play on and they were waiting for the ambulance. So after some discussion it was decided to move our game to Dilworth Junior Campus which was close by.
Thanks to our Coaches, families and supporters for continuing to believe in us every Saturday and coming to watch and cheer us on.
HOUSE POINTS UPDATE
Year 7/8 Dean- Ms Tufuga
Our 7/8 house points are collected for tidy areas outside class- rooms, correct uniform, having correct equipment for the day and behaviour in option classes and points are deducted for lateness and misconduct. We believe that house points can be achieved on and off the sports field.
Term 1 lunchtime sports competitions
Term 2 lunchtime sport
Major points were given for our Samoa Language Week house performances.
We would like to give a massive shout out to all our teachers who ref us at lunchtimes and the seniors who turn up when they can. These competitions are not possible without referees. A big thanks to Mr Tanuvasa who organises these sports for us – very much appreciated Sir.
The Push Up Challenge definitely "Pushed Up" Solomon’s points to a whopping 1012, Mutien with 928, Miguel with 881 and the humble Benildus with 699. The way I see it – it is still anyone’s game! We have the Waiata challenge approaching and the Fred Hollows Cake Sale.
Points can be gained for the most baked goods from each house. Nothing like some healthy competition to keep everyone on their toes. We look forward to our final count in Week 10.
Good luck everyone!
FRED HOLLOWS - BAKE SALE FOR A CAUSE
The boys and staff in Year 7/8 have supported the ‘Fred Hollows Foundation’ since 2015. We have had an annual cake sale to raise money to pay for eye operations in the Pacific. Obviously, the last few years have been a struggle for everyone. So, we would like to take this opportunity to show our support for our Pacific Community this year on Thursday 7 July at morning tea.
We are asking for all our boys in 7/8 to bring some baked goods to sell at school. Everyone is welcome to come and buy. We look forward to making a sizeable donation to this wonderful charity. More details will come out closer to the day.
Thank you
Year 7/8 Staff and Students.
vinnies leaders
Teacher in charge- Mr F Tuiasau
Senior students Jarren Iuvale, Michael Gray, Pekisale Lionel Ainea and Vaughan Loli were commissioned as Vinnies leaders along with students from other Catholic schools across Auckland. Father Martin Wu led the Mass which was attended by parents, school leaders and Vinnie's Representatives. This event was a great opportunity to connect with other youth, giving practical expression of service and social justice to the most needy in our communities. God Bless
SOLS AT ROCKQUEST AND TANGATA BEATS
Congratulations to Sounds of La Salle for making it through to the Regional finals for both Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats.
Some feedback from our judges included:
“confident and connects well with the crowd, love the energy!”
“great melodies, harmonies – tight band, love the 90’s R&B vibe”
A huge thank you to our vocal tutor and mentor for SOLS – Mr. Leonard Folau for being patient with the boys and working with them to get their original song and performance together. Thank you to Mr Faalepo and Mrs Teuila Vaotuua for supporting the boys at both competitions. SOLS will be working to get their video ready for selection and entry to the National finals of the competition – so watch this space!
You can watch their performance as they walk across the stage from 29:16
overcoming obstacles, resilience and personal roads to success
This week the year 13 cohort had the opportunity to talanoa with some amazing alumni of the college from the class of 2006. Tyndale Fiso, successful radio presenter and personality, Patrick Lapalapa, esteemed real estate agent and Henry Skelton, respected police sergeant.
Our guest speakers shared their stories of overcoming obstacles, resilience and their personal roads to success (with a few laughs here and there.) The road after school will not be easy but having a plan, holding on to the core foundations of brotherhood, faith, family and God... all things are possible.
Thank you to Tyndale, Patrick and Henry for giving up time in their busy schedules to engage in meaningful Talanoa with our Y13 cohort. In order to achieve success it’s important that our students are able to see what success looks like.
mangere youth fono
Teacher in Charge- Mr O Wendt
Greetings La Sallian community,
Last week Friday, a group of the year 10 DLS debate team, along with a group of students from Al-Madinah, attended the Mangere Youth Fono hosted by Labour MP's Aupito William Sio and Lemauga Lydia Sosene. Our La Sallian's engaged in meaningful Talanoa on issues such as climate change, the price of living, public transport, gang violence and education.
Well done to year 10 students Sione Mafuahingano, Inglis Tavu'i-Lemalie, Tony Ulberg, Jordan Erie-Michael and Bonaventure Lipa-Patau for using their voice in a positive manner to speak up, raise awareness on local issues and representing our College with mana and pride.
Thank you to Ministers Aupito William Sio, Lemauga Lydia Sosene and ‘Ala Ki Hihifo Namoa for hosting our La Sallian orators.
Fight the good fight.
science week
“ Science faculty marked Science Week at the college this week. Students were provided with opportunities to engage with fun science activities which where enriching and inspiring.
Some of the activities for the week:
- Daily student and staff Kahoot quiz
- Year 7-8 – Video Meet with Rocket Lab Educational Team
- WoW Science Sessions at lunch Times
- Nano girl Assembly presentation for Year 7-10
- Matariki staff tea
sky watch
Teacher in charge- Mr A Kumar
The College held its first successful sky watch this morning at 6am. Several staff, students, and a few parents braved the cold morning to take a look at the amazing view of the moon and planets through a telescope.
The month of June features an unusual planetary configuration with all 5 bright planets aligning in order from the sun in the morning sky: First, Mercury hugs the morning horizon (starting around June 10), then brilliant Venus, followed by red Mars, bright Jupiter and finally, Saturn. And, don’t forget a 6th (3rd) planet, the one you are standing on, Earth! You’ll be able to see the 5 planets until Mercury slips away in the morning twilight in early July
We set up two telescopes for the views. Students were buzzing with "wow" after seeing detailed craters of the moon!
Thank you Mr D'Souza for setting up his personal telescope and Whaea Tania for sponsoring kai.
Thank you to Mr English, Mrs Lusa, Ms Gutschlag, Ms Kasipale, Mr Ufi and Matua Dobson – the boys appreciated your presence this morning.
south auckland mathex challenge- event 3
Teacher in charge- Mr D Kumar
It was a privilege for DLS to host the third event of South Auckland Mathex Challenge. About 9 schools took part in this challenge in Year 9 and Year 10 categories. Our college had 3 Year 9 Teams and 2 Year 10 Teams participating in this event.
It was a great opportunity for our young mathematicians to have a battle with their counterparts from neighbouring schools. One of Our Year 10 teams scoped a 2nd place in their category while one of our Year 9 teams was placed 3rd. This reflects the effort our boys have been putting in to grasp the concepts in Mathematics to apply to different situations.
DLS Mathex Team
YEAR 13 COLLEGE BALL
With the school ball around the corner, the ball buzz is in full throttle for our year 13's. Ball dance practices, ball proposals, planning of ball outfits and the lot!
Reminder to all year 13 students and families to ensure that safe and reasonable transport is arranged to and from the Hilton hotel on the evening of the ball. Please be mindful of the traffic in the city on the night. Safety is our number one priority in order to ensure all our students have the best time possible!
Those year 13 students bringing a partner to the ball this year, please pass on your partners full name to Mrs Kumar or Mr Wendt. Partners must have ID present on the night for security purposes.
Hats off to our year 13 cohort, the Junior DLS debate team, our year 13 Events Portfolio/Ball Committee Jarren Iuvale, Vaughan Loli, Vaega Ekeroma, Gabriel Toreja, Mr Hakaeagatoa, Mrs Kumar, Mrs Lusa, Ms Kuresa, Mrs Ainiu, Mrs Leau, Mrs Salanoa, Mrs Sao Taliu, Mrs Sandiko, Mr D’souza and the year 13 homeroom teachers for their fundraising efforts thus far in supporting the Class of 2022 School Ball!
2 weeks to go!
gateway
Mr Grant Hobbs - Gateway/Trades Co-ordinator
One more week to go at Warehouse and Countdown for many of the students as in students at Mcdonalds. So there are workbooks to complete for their assessments.
A number of the Trades students are doing a Site Safe course this week which enables our students to go on Work sites and also being more aware of the risks that may happen on the workplace.
The Airport students are completing their workbooks this week.
We are now inviting students from year 11 to do McDonalds, year 12 Warehouse and Countdown and year 13’s to do Spotless, Introduction to Sports Coaching, Radio, introduction to Barista as well as Airport.
So a very busy term 3 for our young men as well as working towards NCEA.
Meitaki Maata
SPORTS
Auckland schoolboy rugby: De La Salle College 'brotherhood' catches eye of All Blacks great
NZ Herald
By Bruce Holloway
De La Salle College is one of those schools that tends to fly under the radar in Auckland first XV rugby.
It's been 14 years since the Mangere East Catholic school last won the 1A division, and they remain one of the smaller outfits numbers-wise.
But they are developing a crop of handy players, as was evidenced when they defeated previously unbeaten Mt Albert Grammar 37-21 last Saturday to nudge their way to fourth on the table, ahead of this weekend's big showdown with another Catholic school, second-placed Sacred Heart.
At the ground named in his honour, All Blacks great Bryan Williams was among those watching from the balcony and was heard to express admiration for visiting De La Salle hooker and captain Valentino Taito, as well as his team mates Eddie Ieremia (No 8) and Peni Otukolo (first five eighths).
The performance of this trio was pivotal as De La Salle dominated to an extent that they led 37-7 until the last five minutes when they belatedly let their guard down and conceded two tries.
The De La Salle "brotherhood" culture is such that singling out individual performance in a team game sits awkwardly with everyone at the college, from principal Myles Hogarty down to the humble and quietly spoken boys themselves.
But when an All Black legend starts noticing, its probably worth the rest of us taking a closer look.
Otukolo had a junior background in Australian Rules football before shifting across the Tasman four years ago and coach Bond Tagaloa describes his play as "quite brilliant", both in running and kicking.
He played two games for the De La Salle first XV as a Year 12, but has really stepped up this season and has so far controlled matches really well from his favoured first-five position, though can also play fullback, depending on the team's strategy on the day.
The rangy Ieremia, formerly a lock, is recognised as perhaps the team's fittest and fastest player, often putting his backs to shame.
But coach Bond Tagaloa says one of Ieremia's less obvious qualities is his intense quest for improvement.
"He is like a sponge in soaking up rugby knowledge, and always asking what can be done differently, what can be done better?"
Meanwhile skipper Valentino, in his third season in the team, has a strong carrying game, and the respect of his peers, with his leadership touted as one of the team's greatest assets.
When he is not playing as hooker (or flanker) Taito is deputy head boy, an "excellence endorsement" student, and a member of the college's Health Science Academy.
As skipper, Taito downplayed any suggestion of Catholic rugby rivalry with Sacred Heart.
"It's more mutual respect than rivalry," he said. "There will just be two teams going hard at it."
Perhaps the other notable thing about De La Salle is that they are one of the few top schools where the coach isn't on the payroll.
Tagaloa actually teaches at nearby Viscount Primary School and coaches as a volunteer, though it remains to be seen how sustainable that amateur ethos will be long-term.
However Tagaloa is very proud of the De La Salle team culture.
"It's not just about rugby, it is about life skills, and the boys here all have their own story to tell," he said. "When one succeeds, we all succeed."
Only students doing well in all aspects of educational life are eligible for the first XV at De la Salle.
BASKETBALL
AUCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY PLAYERS JOIN IRELAND TRAINING
The second XV development team players of Auckland’s De La Salle College may be the proudest rugby teens in New Zealand after they were invited to the Ireland touring side's first training session at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.
The teenagers got a quick briefing about life on the road for a touring team, before meeting the players and then taking part in a skills session.
Ireland midfielder, Bundee Aki, went to Manurewa High School, not far from De La Salle. He says he’s happy doing his bit to pass the torch.
“Us kids from South Auckland we don't get that much opportunity... so when you do get them to take it with two hands and run with it.”
The De La Salle players received some new training kit, and honoured the team with their school song and a haka.
You can watch a short clip of their experience here
in the community
notices
ENROL NOW
De La Salle College
A Catholic School for Boys Year 7-13 in the Lasallian tradition
Creating great men of Faith - Service - Community - Excellence
- Strong Catholic Character and Lasallian traditions
- Dynamic teaching staff
- Strong academic achievements
- High expectations of every student
- Caring and Supportive Pastoral Care team
- Extensive co-curricular activities
For enrolment enquiries contact Mrs Bianca Leau
Phone: +649 276 4319 ext 816
Email: enrolments@delasalle.school.nz
Website: delasalle.school.nz/enrolments
contact us
Connect with us
Website: www.delasalle.school.nz
Facebook: De La Salle College, Auckland , La Salle Collegians (NZ)
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De La Salle College
81 Gray Avenue
Mangere East
Auckland 2024
NEW ZEALAND
+649 276 4319
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Thank you to all who contributed