On the chilly morning of Friday 3 May 2024, the Pompallier Candle was set ablaze, symbolising the start of the annual Pompallier Shield competition. This year, select students from Sancta Maria College and fifteen other Catholic schools in Auckland gathered to compete in various categories revolving around our Catholic faith. With the hosting school rotating yearly, 2024’s competition was held at Rosmini College in Takapuna.
These students represented us in the following categories:
- Junior Māori Scripture – Isabella Alipate-Roberts
- Junior Scripture – Zoe Martis
- Junior Oratory – Ruiqi Jiang
- Senior Scripture – Ethan Karl
- Senior Oratory – Jemma McGregor
- Waiata/Himene– Leilani Davies, Georgia Cuer, Kayla Jones, Eliyana Eliki-Jones, Ariana Mehau-Lave, Aita Ah Wā, PJ Afamasaga, Aniseto Paselio, Madison Isaia, and Jonarren Ngan Woo-Pulevaka.
At 11am, our students departed from Sancta Maria College to Rosmini College. Shortly upon arrival, we escorted ourselves into the auditorium to begin our day with a Pōwhiri; followed by the tradition of lighting the Pompallier Candle. At 2:30 pm sharp, a bell resounded in the air and eager students from numerous schools dispersed to their allocated buildings to compete in their categories – everyone displayed their God-given talents, represented their school with pride, and supported their peers. Finally, at 5:30pm, students’ anticipation peaked at the announcement of the winners.
Congratulations to Zoe Martis who placed an astounding 1st in Junior Scripture, Ruiqi Jiang who placed 3rd (tied with Sacred Heart) in Junior Oratory, and Waiata/Himene, “Te Ara a Maria”, who placed 3rd. We also congratulate the other students who participated.
Ultimately, the Pompallier Shield was a memorable opportunity for students to exhibit gifts and represent Christ through their talents while honouring their school. Thank you to the remarkable teachers for their unconditional support during this excursion: Mr Tamayo, Ms Hiddleston, Ms Oliver, and Mr Rimamate.
We hope next year’s Pompallier Shield will be as outstanding. Good luck to the students partaking in the Pompallier Shield for 2025 in Sacred Heart!
