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27 May 2022

Academic Colours Award Winners

From the Principal

He mihi maioha, Faa-talofa atu, Greetings,

We have been enjoying the opportunity to celebrate and participate in many school activities over the last two weeks. This week's assembly recognised Samoan Language Week and the student-led Liturgy was beautiful and much enjoyed by the whole school.

We had the pleasure of being visited by the Catholic Education Office review team, Mr Mark Gregory, Ms Alana Dawson and Mr Tony Shaw. They met with staff, students, parents and Board members, and their response was very affirming of our Marian Special Catholic Character. It is easy to find connections within Catholic education, especially as Mr Gregory was Principal at St Joseph’s Papanui, Mr Shaw was Principal at Catholic Cathedral College and Ms Dawson is the Director of Religious Studies at Roncalli College in Timaru. We will share their report with our community once it's received.

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael Gielen as our new Bishop and we look forward to meeting him and welcoming him to Marian College. As a result, Archbishop Paul Martin will move to Wellington to fully take up his new role there. We are hugely grateful to Archbishop Paul who promised to provide a new home for Marian College and he certainly fulfilled that promise. His vision was to locate Marian in the North Parish hub near our brother school St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Primary. He has provided us with a permanent home and a positive future full of new opportunities. He also approved the innovative design of our school, and we know how fortunate we are to have his support and commitment to our students and whānau. Our prayers go with Archbishop Paul, and we will hold a front row seat for him at the opening of the new school.

Thank you to all the students who were tour guides and helpers at our Open Day last week. We had a very large number of families visiting, who had the chance to meet staff and students and get a sense of Marian and our school culture. It was a busy and positive event and our students are always happy to talk and are proud to share their experience of Marian. Enrolments are well underway closing on 29 July, and the information can be found on our website.

With faith in our future,

Mary-Lou Davidson (Mrs)
Principal

In this Newsletter:
Special Character
Important Information
Congratulations
School Life
In the Community

Special Character

Special Character

The Marian whānau spent some time this month focusing on Our Lady. Our Special Character group wonderfully depicted the universality of our faith on their notice board and have shown us how devotion to Mother Mary is so alive all over the world. The prayer “Hail Mary” has been translated in Māori, Samoan, Polish - these were shared by students who affiliate to these cultural groups. We continue to pray to Mary to help us to live out our gospel verse for the year - to love one another just as her Son loved us!

Alpha Programme

We are all at different stages of our faith journeys, if you have questions about faith, God and exploring meaning in life come and give the Alpha course a go! It consists of six weeks of course material and sharing to deepen our understanding of faith in a relaxed setting. No pop quizzes! Come to the first week and get a feel for what’s on offer. Click here for more information.

Zoom Alpha - starting Wednesday 11 May 7:30pm
Dessert Alpha - starting Thursday 12 May 7pm, St Albans
Dinner Alpha - Starting Sunday 15 May 5pm Richmond

You are still welcome to join groups after the start date.

We are praying for...
We remember students, staff, and members of our Marian College community who are currently in hospital or unwell.

We also remember especially students, staff and their families who have lost loved ones recently.

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

Important Information

Covid Update

All students who were at school today were given a RAT kit containing five tests for your whānau's use. These were received from the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae.

Just a reminder about mask wearing - students are required to bring a mask every day; it is compulsory on all public transport, in some practical classes and all assemblies. We encourage students and staff to wear masks.

Teachers continue to post work on each google classroom page for students who are isolating at home. Students can email their teachers if they have concerns or need help whilst at home with Covid or in isolation.

It is winter flu season and there are other illnesses around. A reminder for students to stay home if unwell. Flu vaccinations and Covid booster are encouraged.

Stay warm and take care.

Click here to view the latest update on our new school site

Enrolment for Year 9, 2023

Enrolments are now open and can be made via our website. Information about enrolment can be found here. If you have any queries, please ring the school office, 385 8449.

Key Enrolment Dates
Friday 29 July, 1pm: Enrolments for Year 9, 2023 close

Wednesday 3 August: Ballot (if necessary)

Thursday 4 August: Letters of Offer sent to parents

Monday 15 August: Deadline for Acceptance

Click here for Portal and Report Information

The Marian College Project

To celebrate 40 years since Marian College began, we're inviting past and present Marian College whānau to share their most memorable moments and photos with us to form part of our collective history. We will share these photos and stories throughout the year on our website, social media, and newsletters. You can see some photos already on our website.

Click here to view The Marian College Project

Download the Marian App!

Marian College has a mobile app for notification of absences, notices, events and instant alerts for important news, registrations, reminders and in case of an emergency.

Go to the App Store on your Apple device or Google Play on Android and search: Marian College. Click to download and select ‘Allow’ to receive notifications. Then you are all good to go!

Click here for Important Term 2 Dates

Term Dates 2022

Term 2: 2 May - 8 July
Monday 6 June - Queen's Birthday
Friday 24 June - Matariki Holiday

Term 3: 25 July - 30 September
Monday 8 August - Special Character Staff Only Day - TBC
Monday 22 August - NCEA Teacher Only Day (no classes)
Friday 9 September - Mid Term Break

Term 4: 17 October - 14 December
Monday 24 October - Labour Day
Friday 11 November - Show Day

REMINDER: Monday 30 May - Conferencing Day

We are looking forward to meeting parents and students on Monday for individual conferences with Wā Whānau teachers. This will be a chance to discuss goals for the year and student engagement and progress. Appointments can still be made over the weekend. To book, go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz, select 'Make a booking', enter code '9t3mt'. Enter required information including student's Wā Whānau/teacher.

Congratulations

Academic Colours Award Winners

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Ko te ūpoko o Tahu Mataa te maunga
Ko Okana te awa
Ko Takatimu te waka
Ko Wairewa te marae
Ko Kāi Tahu te iwi
Ko Ngāti Irakehu te hapū
Ko Tony rāua, ko Sara aku matua
Nō Ōtautahi ahau
Ko Rebecca tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Hello, I’m Rebecca Lake. My mother is Mrs Lake, hey mum. I should probably start with
Konnichi wa waitashi wa Rebecca desu. I started at Marian College in 2013 and graduated in 2017. I am of Māori descent, yes I am white, and blonde but I am damn proud to be Māori.

It’s pretty scary to think there are no longer any students at Marian who were at school
while I was there, officially making me an old girl.

Rebecca Lake

Click here to read the full speech from Rebecca Lake.

The full list of winners can be found here.

Marian College students at the Amazing Race
organised by the Catholic Youth Team

Sofia Vergara (Year 13) has been awarded a scholarship to Village Nation Performing Arts School in Sydney. The scholarship is for two years of full-time dance and study, fully funded with the goal of gaining a Diploma in Elite Dance. This is an amazing achievement for a very talented dancer.

Jazmyne Lyth has been awarded a Yoobee College Creative Excellence Award - which was from a Visual design holiday programme. The College says these awards are only given to the top performing students from the programme and who they believe have tremendous potential for the creative industry. Well done Jazmyne - were proud of you!

Manea-Faith Waaka (Year 13) has been included in the wider training squad for the Canterbury Women's Rugby team. A marvellous achievement for someone so young. The coach of the team has identified her as an emerging player of the future which is very exciting given the spotlight on women's rugby with the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

2022 Emerging Ethnic Leaders' Breakfast

Recently, a breakfast was held for emerging ethnic leaders from schools across Canterbury. 22 schools attended with 25 different ethnicities represented. I had the privilege of attending on behalf of Marian College along with Lyka Hazel Narciso and Rikshikka Aloysius, two of our Year 13 leaders.

Lyka's leadership within Marian College includes being the Senior Asian student and across different areas of Music including the jazz band.

Rikshikka is Deputy Whānau Captain of Deans and gives a lot of her time and skills to our Special Character and Young Vinnies groups. The breakfast was an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership and for them to be inspired by other students and by those who spoke.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel addressed the room delivering an impassioned speech on the need for diversity in all areas, including the City Council and encouraged the students to continue their leadership journeys after school. The keynote speaker was Abbas Nazari, and if you're not sure who he is, I strongly recommend looking up his inspirational story. Abbas and his family were caught up in the 'Tampa Affair' in 2001, when Australia blocked the Tampa ship from entering Australian waters. His key message, learned from his harrowing refugee journey, was about how most of the time in life we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to situations and that's where leadership is found. This Ethnic Leaders' Breakfast was the first of its kind and will be a regular feature on the calendar for years to come based on the sentiment from the Ministry of Education.

Ms Clare Kelly, Year 13 Dean

School Life

Celebrating Samoan Language Week

We had an exciting school assembly this week celebrating Samoan language week which is to be officially held from the 29 May-4 June. Some of our senior Samoan students, including the Head of Special Character and Head of Service, came dressed in puletasi and introduced to us important aspects of the Samoan language and culture. We learnt that the motto of Samoa is “Fa’avae I le Atua Samoa" which is ‘God be the foundation of Samoa’. The girls presented pictures of some of the beautiful churches in Samoa and told us that Sundays were reserved for Church, family and rest. They led us in prayer in Samoan and thanked God for the gift of language and culture.

The entire school joined in singing the beautiful Samoan hymn Fa’afetai i Le Atua - a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God. Our malo (guests) were presented with ula lole – necklaces made out of sweets a common tradition in Samoa to honour and celebrate someone. We are so blessed to share and celebrate cultural diversity here at Marian! Faamanuia le Atua – God bless you!

Year 10 Camp

I have been so impressed by the feedback from camp. All the staff members who went are full of high praise for all of the girls, as everyone got into the spirit and activities.

When I asked the students about it, they could not stop smiling and even told me how much fun they had before I asked! Some really challenged themselves to step outside their comfort zones and others found their strengths in group activities. It is so great to hear them full of confidence and happiness. They are keen to go again!

This is a real testament to the students and Year 12 student leaders. They are caring and kind to one another and as a result can gain so much from every experience. What an awesome Year 10 group.

Ms Terry Vousden, Junior Dean

Year 12 Camp

Early morning on Saturday 7 May, the Year 12 Physical Education class travelled up to Boyle River with Miss Post and Miss Shea. We spent the weekend participating in activities such as two wire, high ropes, nightline, and crossing a swamp. This leadership camp gave us the opportunity to work as a team and learn how to lead outdoor activities. We had a tu meke weekend in the bush! It was truly the peak of my high school experience. On Sunday, half of us stayed at Boyle, and the other half went back home. The Year 10s arrived on Monday morning which is when all the chaos started. Three days full of singing, walking, swimming, hut building, and fire lighting were well enjoyed by all the students! It was an awesome experience to spend time getting to know the Year 10s and learning how to be a confident leader in an outdoor setting. To Miss Shea, Miss Post, Ms Clayton, and all the teachers who came to camp to look after us, we appreciate all your effort, and are so grateful we got to create some epic memories!

Riley Tyson

Careers Expo

Year 12 and 13 attended the Careers Expo at Christchurch Arena recently. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their future pathway and to help plan ahead

Ethics

This year I decided to start up an ethics club to give the students a space to express their opinions on ethical issues prevalent in the world today, and I am thankful I did. The environment of the club is truly special, with healthy discussions taking place that widens every one of our perspectives.

Recently, myself and four others competed in the Ethics Olympiad against 16 other teams where we came 5th! We could not be more proud of this accomplishment as this was our first year competing and only decided to enter the week of. Nevertheless, we gave it our best effort and could not be any happier. The day was fun, full of learning, and broadened our understanding of moral philosophy and critical thinking. I hope this is a competition Marian continues to partake in and hence why we will be training a group of younger students to compete in the middle school Ethics Olympiad later on this year.

Jasmine Rosengrave, Head Girl

Inter Whānau Activities

Despite the restrictions around Covid last term we have managed to keep the inter-house spirit alive with our Inter-Whānau competitions. We had to modify some but the enthusiasm and desire to beat the other houses is alive and well. In Term 1 we held our Wā Whānau day consisting of some athletics events and fun games. This day was won by Deans, with Brodie 2nd.

The St Patrick's Day colouring in competition saw Olivia Chambers (Year 10) take first place overall with many students recognised for their efforts. This event was won by Brodie, with Seymour runner-up.

Over the holidays we encouraged students to decorate cakes in the themes of Autumn, Mothers' Day or Easter. Many Whānau were treated to some wonderful-looking cakes to celebrate these events. Congratulations to Kayla Webb (Year 11), Lise Kirwan (Year 11), Mackenzie Johnston (Year 13) for winning the senior categories, and Arihia O'Driscoll (Year 10), Imogen Whaley (Year 9) and Charlotte O'Hara (Year 9) for winning the junior section. Brodie won the honours for this competition, with Deans as runner-up.

This term we held the Road Race and Walk with Maia Allen (Year 9) winning the road race, ahead of Sophie Davis (Year 9) and Briar Rotherham (Year 9) in the junior section. Chloe Ah Khoi (Year 12) won the senior road race, with Grace Rotherham (Year 12) and Emma O'Halloran (Year 12) second and third respectively. Takahe took out this event with Seymour runner-up.

With the spelling bee and music and dance competitions coming up this term the Whānau rivalry and fun will continue.

Points are currently:
1st Brodie - 137
2nd Deans - 118
3rd= Seymour and Takahe - 110

Miss Anne Dick, Head of House

ATTENTION!
Past Students and Staff of St Mary's, McKillop or Marian Colleges

Are you a past student or staff member?

We are currently developing our Past Pupils and Staff Network, Rauru and would love for you to join.

Head to www.mariancollege.school.nz/rauru to register.

Physiotherapy at Marian College

For convenient and timely injury rehabilitation and prevention, full physio services are available on site at Marian College during term time. Physiotherapist Rose Kennelly from Active Health will be back onsite from Week 3 (week beginning Monday 16 May), and is available for private and ACC covered appointments on Tuesdays (9.40am-1.20pm) and Fridays (9am-12.30pm).

Cost with ACC:
$25 for initial appointment - 40mins
$20 for follow ups - 20mins

Active Health are providing a discounted rate for Marian College compared to most clinics including their own in clinic appointments. To make a physio appointment contact the school office on 385 8449, call in to reception and ask Mrs Herron, or book online at www.activehealth.co.nz.

From the Guidance Counsellor

If it is an emergency or you, or someone you know, is at immediate risk call 111.

Mrs Carolyn Thomas, Guidance Counsellor

In the Community

Catholic Business Network

At the upcoming Catholic Business Network (CBN) luncheon, Bridget and Kieran Read will discuss their careers, their growth in faith and the role of leadership.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Help protect your family’s bikes from theft

Bike theft is on the rise in Christchurch with an average of four bikes reported stolen to Police every day. There’s a new tool available to help combat bike theft, called 529 Garage which helps Police return stolen bikes and e-scooters to their rightful owners.

529 Garage is a quick, free and easy-to-use portal that enables you to register your family’s bikes, with photos, descriptions and serial numbers.

Once registered, you can obtain a 529 Garage shield for your bike, which is tamper-resistant and acts as a warning sign to thieves to back off because the bike is registered and Police will have no trouble identifying it's stolen. Shields are free for a limited time and can be posted straight to your door.

If your bike gets stolen, you can use 529 Garage to send an alert to the local 529 community, and have all the details on hand to report the theft to the Police. If someone sees your bike, they can contact you anonymously through the app, or you can choose to display your contact information.

Learn more and register your family’s bikes at www.ccc.govt.nz/nice-bike.