2026 Pompallier Shield
The Pompallier Shield is an annual competition for Catholic secondary schools from across the Auckland Diocese. Students represented the school in a range of categories, including oratory, scripture proclamation, Māori scripture proclamation, and waiata. It was held at Sancta Maria College on 1 May this year. This year, our school proudly participated in every competition category, demonstrating our students' enthusiasm and dedication.
The following students from our school took part in this year’s competition:
- Senior Oratory - Meng Zeng
- Junior Prepared Speech - George Pidgeon
- Senior Scripture Proclamation - Lemuel Joseph
- Junior Scripture Proclamation - Noel Joseph
- Senior Māori Scripture Proclamation - Kane Te Whiu
- Junior Māori Scripture Proclamation - James Boyle
- Waiata - Brodie Tofilau, Matthew Poi, Halatoa Vave, Izack Faeonovai, Xavier McCarthy, Benjamin Mahoni, Aaron Ng Lam
The performances across all categories were especially memorable. Kane Te Whiu and James Boyle delivered their Māori scripture proclamations with sincerity and confidence, showing a deep connection to both faith and culture. Lemuel Joseph and Noel Joseph, in the scripture proclamation categories, also shared thoughtful reflections on Catholic teachings and demonstrated their personal understanding of faith through the way they presented the Scriptures.
Our Waiata group, led by Izack Faeonovai, also gave a heartfelt performance. In the week leading up to the competition, the group spent many hours practising together, and their commitment and teamwork were clearly reflected in their performance on the day.
Our two oratory students also represented the school with confidence and insight. Meng Zeng (Year 13) talked about the ethical issue of modern society—whether love is a choice based on feelings or a moral responsibility. As both his first and final time participating in the Pompallier Shield, he reflected that what stood out most was the strong sense of brotherhood throughout the day. As he shared, “When the Waiata group performed, I saw Rosmini brothers cheering and supporting them in the audience, and I was deeply moved by the bond between brothers while also feeling very proud to be part of the school community.” He added that participating in the event was one of the best decisions he had made. It not only gave him valuable speaking experience and meaningful memories but also helped him grow in his faith journey. He reflected, “Through preparing my speech, I felt that some of my own questions about faith were gradually answered, and I could not help but believe that this experience was part of God’s plan for me.”
Although we did not take home the Pompallier Shield this year, the effort, courage, and commitment shown by all students were truly commendable. Congratulations to St Mary's College for winning this year’s shield.
Once again, we are incredibly proud of everyone who represented our school and contributed to the strong spirit of faith, participation, and community throughout the event.
Photos by Jack Lamont
