Pompallier Shield 2024
Friday the 3rd of May was a significant day for our college. Rosmini had the unique privilege of hosting the 2024 Pompallier Shield. This is a very prestigious competition for the 16 Catholic secondary schools in the Auckland Diocese.
Planning for the event began months ago with our DRS, Mrs Lynne Van Wyk at the helm. Lynne and Ms Olivia Fernandes, HOD of Religious Education, had an army of student volunteers, capably led by Oliver Simpson, and staff volunteers from all departments of the College who pitched in to coordinate parking, catering, ushering, judging and a range of other responsibilities. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the fraternity and community spirit of our rangatahi and kaiako.
It was a joyful afternoon, where moving Orations on the importance of service to young Catholics in our community with powerful resolutions riveted the audience, and Scripture readings in English and Te Reo Maori were read. Our kura also had a junior and senior Te Reo Maori Scripture section for the first time.
Students sang with passion and dynamism and a spirit of camaraderie was built with music and singing all around. Our Waiata choked up many as our students dedicated their performance to Owen Hughes.
The event was indeed a testament to Katorika kura (Catholic schools). We are grateful to the teachers who dedicated their time preparing our students to participate in this event in the secondary Catholic schools across the Diocese of Auckland. Their passion, drive, and talent have enabled our students to spread the word of God to their peers and community.
Our students represented us well, competing in all six categories:
- Senior Oratory - Anthony Angelo
- Senior Scripture - Jairus Joseph
- Junior Oratory - Quillan Drum
- Junior Scripture - Lemuel Joseph
- Te Reo Scripture - Jameer Reed
- Waiata
Jairus Joseph came fourth in the Senior Scripture category and Lemuel Joseph came third in the Junior Scripture category. What a proud moment for the Joseph brothers.
St Mary’s College was the winning school, and its junior orator earned a perfect score of 300.
Sacred Heart College will host the Pompallier Shield Competition in 2025.
Our manuhiri (visitors) thoroughly enjoyed the competition and were so complimentary of our school. Many commented on the kindness and charitable spirit of our boys. Well done to the teachers and students involved for all the time and effort put into running such a prestigious event. Special thanks and congratulations for the event's success go to Mrs Van Wyk, Ms Fernandes, Oliver Simpson and the Student Volunteer Army.
