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2 September 2022
Hockey Tournament Team with Coach Miss Anne Dick

From the Principal


He mihi maioha, Faa-talofa atu, Greetings,

Spring has arrived and we are enjoying the sun and warmer days.  This has been tournament week across the country and our netball, hockey and climbing teams have enjoyed very positive experiences being together and competing.  Netball has been in Timaru and Hockey in Nelson.  More details will follow, and we are eagerly awaiting today’s result of the First XI hockey team, who are in their competition final.  Thank you very much to staff, coaches, managers and parents who have supported these teams, and to all who assisted with Winter sport.  We offer over 30 sports at Marian, thank you to our Director of Sport Miss Megan Shea, and Sports Co-ordinator Mrs Bronwyn Bennie.  There is much to learn from sport about teamwork, courage, co-operation, resilience and the highs and lows of competition.

Staff and students were recently invited to a special hui with Bishop Michael, for our Kahui Ako Catholic schools.  It was called “Chosen - to know, to grow, to go out”.  The focus is on our schools and parishes working together to evangelise and encourage our students and school communities in their faith development.  Bishop Michael, Fr Mark Walls, Fr John Adams and other key speakers were inspiring.  It was also a chance to get to know each other, particularly as we move to our new school.  We look forward to working together and thank Mr Matt Malone, Mrs Megan Stewart and St Bede’s College for their organisation, and to all involved for their commitment to this positive initiative.

With faith in our future,
 
Mary-Lou Davidson (Mrs)
Principal 
Marian College is closed on Friday 9 September
for Mid-term Break
In this Newsletter:

Special Character
"Chosen - To Know, To Grow, To Go Out"
Recently, we travelled with other Marian College students to the stunning and welcoming grounds of St Bede's College.  We started the day right with a lovely Mass in their chapel supported by beautiful multicultural songs sung by Marian College and St Bede's College students.  During the day, we got the opportunity to listen to Bishop Michael along with speakers Tonya and Sam who shared their stories about the importance of opening the doors of faith to young people through evangelisation.  In the afternoon, speakers Tonya and Sam spoke about what it means to be a truly good leader in which they shared their own experiences of the best way to do this.  It was refreshing and inspiring to have such fruitful conversations with, not only our own Marian peers, but also with St Bede's students whom the majority of us had never met before.  We believe that the messages we learned from this retreat will be put into practice as we were reminded to constantly strive for ways to strengthen our community.  We are very thankful for the kind hospitality of St Bede's (especially the delicious food they provided), and look forward to hopefully having a similar retreat in the future.
Ellen Scott and Gabriella McKey
Haerenga ki te Marae - Marae Trip
The Year 11, 12 and 13 Te reo Māori classes went to Rāpaki Marae to learn more about Rāpaki and Ngāti Wheke.  Our haerenga commenced with a pōwhiri, where Matua Jacob was our kaikōrero/speaker on the paepae/orators bench. 

Ākonga/students were also taught how to make parāoa parai/fried bread by Matua Dwaine Max.  We had a large hākari/feast together with the hau kāinga of the marae (people of the marae).  He mihi nui ki a Matua Dwaine Max, for sharing your cooking skills and spending the day with us. 
Combined Schools' Alpha Youth Series
The Alpha Youth Series is a collection of engaging sessions where young people online or in person, engage with conversations about the big questions of life, faith and meaning.  Like every other version of Alpha, the youth series creates an open, honest and safe environment for our young people to share their points of view. 

Marian College hosted the Alpha Youth Series this year for all Catholic high school students in Christchurch.  We started our nine weeks of Alpha at the end of June, meeting every Sunday from 5-7pm.  Our core elements consisted of time for connections with one another, which is usually over shared kai at the start of each session and a little icebreaker.  Then we watch a video together, followed by discussions in our small groups to share thoughts and ideas aroused from questions inspired by the video, and a game to close the session with.  Some of the topics we discussed were ‘Why did Jesus die?’, ‘Why and how do I read the bible?’ and ‘Who is the Holy Spirit and what does He do?’

On Sunday 21 August, the Alpha Youth Series came to a close.  Although accompanied by sadness, it was the beginning of a journey with Christ for each and every person that attended this programme.  We had approximately 30 people coming in and out every Sunday from all across the five Catholic secondary schools!  It has been a privilege serving and leading Alpha for the past months, and if given the opportunity, I would do it all over again!
Here’s what some of our Alpha participants said about their nine week faith journey:

“It helped me get deeper in my faith.  It is a good age group to be able to discuss things”

“I have learnt a lot about myself through these weeks at Alpha”

“There are people who you can relate with - it is nice to be open about Christianity”

“We all come from different backgrounds but we come together.  Our discussions felt very organic, I felt we connected on a deeper level”
Maria Ilalio, Head of Special Character
Daffodil Day
Daffodil Day was supported by a 'kei a koe te rā', where staff and students were encouraged to wear kōwhai/yellow and donate money to support the Cancer Society.  He mihi nui ki a koutou - thank you all who supported the day.  We raised $610 to donate to the Cancer Society. 
Family Masses in our Parishes
Every Mass is for everyone. But Family Masses have a special emphasis on inviting families.  You may not have been to Mass for a while; come along and join other families and the Parish family for a joyful celebration.  If you are unfamiliar with going to Mass, or have any questions, don't hesitate to make yourself known to the hospitality teams at the parish.  God loves all of his children and knows them by name; come along and hear some of the Good News He has for you!
 
Christ the King - 9am every Sunday
St Mary's Pro-Cathedral - 9.30am every 3rd Sunday of the month
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 students, staff and their families who have lost loved ones recently, especially Anna (Year 11) and Sophie (Year 10) Cowens - Aunty;  Daisy Keene (Year 11) - Grandmother. 

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

Congratulations
Congratulations to Hannah King who recently competed for Aquagym Swim Club in the New Zealand Short Course Championships held at Sir Owen G Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland recently.  Hannah raced very well with a big programme, gaining new personal bests. She placed 1st in 200m breaststroke and 3rd in 800m freestyle in the 16 year old age group.
Big congratulations to Hannah on this national achievement.
Congratulations to Lauren Sheere who has been selected for the New Zealand Age Group Trampoline Team to compete in the upcoming World Championships in Bulgaria.  Lauren will compete in the U15-16 individual and U17-21 Synchro categories.  We wish you all the best  Lauren.   
Congratulations to Abbey Beaumont-Hall and Charlotte O'Hara who took part in a team of 4, and came second in the Kane Shiel, which is a time handicapped team swimming event that has been held for many years at Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre. 
There were around 45 teams that ranged in age and abilities - from young teams like Charlotte and Abbey's, top athletes and elderly swimmers that have raced in it for years.  Each team swims their first race, gets their time and then is applied a handicap.  When racing in the next rounds, they must stay within 3 seconds of their original time.

Photo of the Team receiving their runners up cup from Don Shepherd, Kaiapoi Swimming Club stalwart.

School Life
Jazz Thornton at Marian College
We were lucky enough to have the Revolution Tour visit our school on Monday. They brought with them Jazz Thornton who spoke about her life and shared some positive messages about wellbeing and mental health.  Check out the photos. 

Ethical Stance Survey
The National Centre for Religious Studies, the Centre for Science and Citizenship, and The Nathaniel Centre wish to understand young peoples' thinking about some significant issues of our times.  To do this, they have invited Year 13 students from across the country to take part in a short, anonymous online survey called “What Is Your Stand?”  Each question in the survey outlines a particular issue and asks the student where they stand on this issue.  They are then asked to provide reasons for their stance.  The results will provide insights into the ways that young people are responding to the world in which they find themselves and the ethical issues that arise here.  The survey is the second phase of a larger project in which the researchers will explore (via focus groups) how young people are conceptualising and navigating the ethical challenges with which they are confronted.  Year 13 students at Marian College were invited to take part in the survey recently.
Click here to view the latest update on our new school site

Important Information
Marian College Board of Trustees
Parent Trustee Elections for the Marian Board of Trustees 2022 
Just a reminder to vote in the Marian College Parent Trustee Elections.  Nominee profiles were emailed 10 August and voting forms were posted also on 10 August.
  • If you are hand delivering your vote to the Marian College office, it must be  received before 4pm on Wednesday 7 September.
  • If posting (PO Box 27-064, Shirley, Christchurch), it must get to the school by Monday 12 September, before 4pm.
___________________________________________________
New Board Student Representative
Congratulations to Tessa Jamieson-Timo who was elected as Student Trustee, September 2022 to August 2023.  Tessa will run the Student Trustee Council, which gives our students a voice in school decision-making and a chance to introduce new ideas. 

The Board gratefully thanks Brie Benns who finished her term of office at the August board meeting, for her work as Student Trustee. 

NCEA Changes for 2022

The Ministry of Education recently announced changes to NCEA that recognise the impact that student and teacher absences, due to COVID-19 and other winter illnesses, have had on teaching, learning and assessment this year. 

To acknowledge this impact, NZQA and the Ministry of Education have announced that for 2022, NCEA students will be entitled to 1 Learning Recognition Credit (LRC) for every 5 credits earned through assessment, up to a maximum of ten credits at level 1 NCEA and 8 credits at levels two and three of NCEA.  A further change for 2022 is that for a Certificate Endorsement, students will need 46 credits at Merit or Excellence level, instead of the usual 50. 

University Entrance (UE) requirements have also been modified.  Students will now need 14 credits in each of two UE Approved Subjects, and only 12 credits in a third UE Approved Subject.  For University Entrance, students will still need to attain NCEA Level 3 and meet the regular literacy and numeracy requirements. 

Further information about these changes can be accessed at the following link: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-ncea/changes-to-ncea-and-ue-for-2022

We believe these changes are a positive step towards supporting our students through the disruptions they have experienced this year.  It is also very important that all of our students attend school as much as possible over the remaining weeks and that they prepare carefully for their derived grade examinations in Week 1 of Term 4.

Ms Victoria Spencer, Deputy Principal Curriculum
Options Afternoon and Subject Selection for 2023
The Marian College options information session will take place on Tuesday 13 September for Year 11 and 12 students.  During this afternoon, Year 11 and 12 students will be given the opportunity to visit staff and find out crucial information on subject choices for 2023. 

School will finish at 12.35pm for Years 9, 10 and 13 on this day.  Information about subject options for Year 9 and 10 students will be given during class time in the same week. 
 
On this date, students will also be given information about how to complete their course selections for 2023 through the portal and the course booklet will become available on the school website.  Students who will be in Year 12 and 13 next year are asked to have their subject choices submitted by the end of Friday 23 September and the 2023 Year 10 and 11 students must have their subject choices submitted by the end of Friday 30 September. 
DUX of Marian College
The Award of Dux is a very important part of our academic year.  The Dux of the College is our highest achieving scholar for the year and we are always extremely proud of the achievement of this student.  Please read the information below which makes our Dux procedure clear:
  • The Award of Dux is based on Level 3 and above NCEA results that have been submitted by the due date of the current year.  Level 3 or above results from another year may also be included.
  • The submission date for all grades for 2022 is Wednesday 26 October.
  • Results are submitted by the classroom teacher and include classes delivered by outside providers, such as Distance Learning Courses and Te Kura.
  • The students with the best NCEA results, on that date, will be ranked for each subject.  A Grade Point Average (GPA) analysis will also be carried out as an indicator of the top performance.
  • The Marian College Senior Leadership Team will meet to determine the Dux from the information collected.
  • The Dux will be announced at Senior Prizegiving.
Working papers will be retained until Thursday 6 April 2023.
Uniform
Winter uniform is to be worn for the remainder of this term.  From Term 4, students are required to wear summer uniform.  Please ensure that you check the length of the summer uniform in advance as students grow during the change of seasons.  A reminder that blazers are compulsory to be worn to and from school each and every day. 
Colours Applications
The criteria for students is now available online on the school website.  Once students have joined the appropriate classroom pages applications are to be completed and are due at 3pm on Monday 12 September.   
 
Students have the ability to apply for School Colours/Excellence and National Colours and in both summer and winter sport, Special Character and Cultural.  Some colours are not available to apply for in 2022 due to Covid-19 disruptions, and this is stipulated on the criteria. 

Once awarded, the Colours Assembly will take place on Monday 26 September at 11.45am in the  Xavier Hall.  Students will be notified via email if they have been successful and invites to parents/caregivers will follow.
Mask Wearing at Marian College
Today is the last day of this compulsory mask period.  From Monday 5 September while it is not compulsory to wear masks, it is strongly recommended that they be worn.

Thank you for your support, it has made a difference in keeping our school community well.
Marian College Netball Club Prizegiving - Save the Date

A reminder the Marian College Netball Prize Giving will take place on Tuesday 27 September at 5pm in the hall.  All players are expected to attend and parents and supporters welcome.

Marian College Rowing Open Day

We are running an Open Day on Sunday 18 September, from 10am-12noon, at the Avon Rowing sheds located at Kerrs Reach.  This is designed to give your daughter and you, as parents some insights into what is involved in rowing.
 
The programme for the day is as follows: 

  • Meet and greet.  Information booklet available to parents about Marian Rowing and the details  involved
  • New rowers will be shown basic rowing techniques on rowing machines (ergs)
  • New rowers will have an opportunity to then have-a-go in a boat accompanied by experienced rowers
  • Opportunity to meet other parents of current rowers
  • Opportunity to meet coaches.

A light morning tea will be available.
School Photos
Hard copies of photos plus order forms have been given out to students.  Parents/ caregivers are able to order photos online at this link.  Orders need to be submitted by Wednesday 14 September.
Updating Contact Details
If you have had any changes to your contact details - address, landline, cell phone number or email - can you please make these changes via the parent portal, or email exec@mariancollege.school.nz.
School Attendance - getting students to attend school
There continues to be a real focus on our tamariki and rangatahi being present, participating and progressing in education.  A nationwide school attendance campaign has been launch by the Associate Education Minister.  The campaign was filmed on 5 August, simultaneously in nine schools across New Zealand, capturing a typical school day experienced by our tamariki across the country - Every School Day is a Big Day.

Going to school every day is really important for our tamariki to achieve their aspirations.  As parents and caregivers, we play the most important role in helping our ākonga to regularly attend school.  It's up to us to make sure our children attend and engage in learning from when they first start school until they are 16.  Click here for tips for Parents and Whānau on getting students to attend school.
The Impact of TikTok on Young People
It’s no secret that TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms among kids and teens today. With its short-form, engaging videos, it’s easy to see why. But as with any social media platform, there are risks involved in using TikTok.....click here to read the rest of this very interesting article.
Click here for Portal and Report Information
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!
Term Dates
Term 3:  25 July - 30 September
     Friday 9 September - Mid Term Break

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

Last day for Senior students:  Tuesday 1 November
Last day for Junior students:  Wednesday 14 December

Term 1 2023 begins: Tuesday 31 January 2023
Click here for Important Term 3 Dates
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.  You will be able to connect with past classmates, find out more about our exciting new school project and events and possible reunions at the new school, and share your memories.

Head to www.mariancollege.school.nz/rauru to register.
We would strongly encourage past pupils to join the Rauru mailing list for the purpose of inviting you to the new school opening in 2023
Past Student News
Past Student Rebecca Lake has been acknowledged in the University of Canterbury's 'Celebration UC Graduates' recently.  Congratulations Rebecca - we are very proud of you!

Taking sport into account with studies and a new career
Rebecca Lake (Ngāi Tahu) is freshly back from Europe where she captained the New Zealand Women’s University Futsal team competing at the World University Championships in Portugal.....click here to read the full article.
Careers - Getting Women into Trades
Registrations are now open for our Wellington Getting Women into Trades event.  This popular free event promotes a career in the trades and potential training pathways to women.  There are hands on “Give it a Go” activities to try all sorts of trades related activities from driving an excavator to putting up a scaffold, assembling a toilet or winching a vehicle.

Exhibitors from trades training, industry and employers will be on hand during the activities to discuss the ins and outs of different trades and their training and career pathways with the attendees.

The activities are followed by food, a keynote address and a panel discussion featuring speakers at various stages of their trades journey.

Spaces are limited so please sign up quickly to avoid disappointment.

Date: Tuesday 27 September 2022
Time: 3pm to 7pm
Address: Air Force Museum of New Zealand 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch
Parking: Plenty of free parking is available at the front of the Museum
FREE Ticket registration: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/christchurch-getting-women-into-trades/christchurch
Further information: https://www.womenintradesnz.com/
Mrs Julie Blackwell, Careers Advisor

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