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30 September 2022
Marian College Kapa Haka

From the Principal


He mihi maioha, Faa-talofa atu, Greetings,

The end of the term is a chance to reflect on and acknowledge the efforts of our students and staff.  We have come through many significant impacts of Covid-19 and illness in the community this term, including the removal of the ‘traffic light’ framework and the mask requirements.  It now seems to have changed so quickly to Spring, blossom trees in Hagley Park, daylight saving, and the term break beginning today.

We can be very proud of our school community over the past term and again thank our parents and whānau for your support.  Recent highlights for us included senior drama class performances, the Fia Fia evening where our Pasifika group performed beautifully for family and friends, and the stunning participation in Tūhono by our Kapa Haka group.  Thank you to our staff, tutors, and family members who continue to give generously of their time and skills to make these events possible.

At whānau assemblies, we have presented Diligence awards to 200 senior students.  Teachers recognised the work ethic, commitment, and perseverance of these students in a wide range of subjects.  They are great role models for junior students.  There is no secret to successful learning - regular attendance and hard work are the cornerstones to developing a joy of learning and attaining personal goals.  Of particular note, this year is the very high attendance level of Year 9, who have been involved in school life and are making the most of new opportunities.  At present, I am meeting each of the Year 9 2023 students and their families, and you probably know that I always enjoy a chat and the chance to welcome new families to our whānau.  The Year 8 students all say they are looking forward to trying new things and making new friends.  That is a very good sign and reflects exactly what we know - that school is always about people and positive relationships.

Best wishes for a restful term break.


With faith in our future,
 
Mary-Lou Davidson (Mrs)
Principal 
Important Dates to Note

Marian College Office is closed over the holiday break

Senior Exams

Monday 17 to Friday 21 October

Learning From Home Days
Monday 17 October - Year 9
Wednesday 19 October - Year 10


Colours Assembly
Wednesday 26 October, 11.55am - Xavier Hall.  Students will be notified via email if they have been successful and invites to parents/caregivers will follow.  Please note new date and time due to the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day
In this Newsletter:

Special Character

Josephite Colloquium
I had the pleasure of attending the Josephite Colloquium in Auckland which is run by the Sisters of St Joseph.  The colloquium was a chance to further my understanding of the Josephite culture, Saint Mary MacKillop, and Fr Julian Tenison Woods.  Marian is a Josephite school and Saint Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph are wonderful role models for our students and staff.  It is important for us all to understand what living the Josephite spirit is all about.  The Josephites have a strong history in New Zealand and it was great to share this learning with other educators from around New Zealand. 
We were hosted at the Franciscan Retreat Centre in Auckland and visited the Mary McKillop Centre in Mission Bay.  It was lovely to reconnect with Sister Colette Forde who has a long connection with our College and she looks forward to coming to the new school opening in 2023.
Mrs Anna Perry
Head of Social Studies Learning Area 
Young Vinnies Morning Tea with Age Concern
Recently, the Young Vinnies team had the opportunity to spend some time with the Age Concern group.  Age Concern is an organisation that helps connect, empower, support, and respect older people in an inclusive community.  Their main aims are to promote health, safety, and independence and to reduce isolation and vulnerability.  Marian College has been hosting morning tea with clients of Age Concern once a term every year but we were unable to do this during Terms 1 and 2 of  2022 due to Covid restrictions.  Meeting with them is a positive for us all - we learn that it is in giving that we receive and they have a great time meeting us.  We played some bingo, and had lots of fun eating and chatting with them.  It was great to hear stories of their lives, and lovely for us to be active listeners for them.  On the Tuesday of the same week, it was St Vincent de Paul’s Feast Day.  It fitted nicely as we commemorated the feast of St Vincent de Paul by giving up our service and time for the people who needed it most.
Ellen Scott  
Youth Mass at St Bede's College
The North Parish Youth group and St. Bede's Colelge have collaborated to run a Youth Mass at St. Bede's Chapel on Sunday 2 October, 5pm.  Some of our Marian students will be a part of the liturgy and Eucharistic celebration.  You are warmly invited to join us.  There will be a time of fellowship after the mass at the St. Bede's Performing Arts Center for the senior youth group.
Year 9 Retreat
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
 (except October which will be on the 4th Sunday - 23 October)
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 the family of Mrs Jane Dickie, former Guidance Counsellor at Marian College;  Kaziah (Year 11) and Tamia (Year 13) Fenika - Great grandmother.


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

Congratulations

Kapa Haka

“Kia hiwa rā!” Congratulations to our Kapa Haka who performed at Tūhono Kapa Haka competition recently and gained third overall.  Maia Viliamu continued to tutor the kapa with Matua Jacob playing the guitar. 

The kapa performed three items for the competition, Waiata Tira (choral song), waiata-ā-ringa (action song), and a haka.  Maia composed the waiata tira, ‘Matua Wahine’.  This waiata is an acknowledgement of the strength of Mary the Mother of God and her achievement and our achievement as women.  Our Waiata-ā-ringa was ‘Kia Hiwa Rā’, composed by Wira and Rena Viliamu.  They composed this waiata for Marian College when Matua Wira was our Kapa Haka tutor.  Lastly our Haka was ‘Ko Uhia Mai’.  This haka was composed for the Black Ferns.  It speaks of wahine uniting in strength and overcoming the challenges that lay in front of us.  We placed second in the waiata tira, fourth in the waiata-ā-ringa and third in the haka.  The haka was impressive, as it was an all female haka against co-ed schools. 

Papaki kau ana ngā tai o te mihi ki a koe Maia.  We thank Maia for her time, commitment, and aroha she has shown to our kapa this year.  We also thank Matua Jacob and Whaea Myra for their time and aroha for kapa haka at Marian. 

Fia Fia Night
Talofa and warm Pasifika greetings,
Thank you to everyone who came to support our students at the annual Marian College Fia Fia night.  We had a great turn out and it was lovely to see all of the Marian College aiga in attendance supporting our young people.  It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all and the girls delivered a spectacular performance with the help of our tutor Albany Peseta from Tama Mai Saute.  Some highlights for me were Ahli Mulipola's grandmother's beautiful opening prayer, Lydia and Neveah Iosefo's Cook Island dance, and the girls singing Ue e Manumalo to bless the food that was shared after the performances.  I would like to thank our student leaders Tamia Fenika and Lydia Iosefo for doing the behind-the-scenes organisation, Bernie and Maria Ilalio for their amazing choreography and tutoring, and our student MC's for the evening Uzeyla Faamoe and Tyrah Filoialii.  I wish to acknowledge our leaving Year 13 students, thank you for your service and significant contributions to the Pasifika group at Marian College over the years.  I know this year has not been what you expected, but you will forever be a part of that legacy and you are welcome back anytime.  We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 1, 2023 - hopefully we will be back on the Polyfest stage to perform for you all!

 
Click here to view their performance.
Mrs Kalina Harmer-Campbell, Teacher in Charge of Pasifika
Marian College Netball Prizegiving
A big thank you to all those players, umpires, coaches, managers, parents, and supporters who attended on Tuesday evening.  We were so impressed with the turnout.  It was fantastic to hear from every coach about their season and to have each team present the coaches' awards.  A special highlight was the impressive presentations from our student coaches, who proved they had done an amazing job this season and knew their players well.

Congratulations again to our D team who were runners up in Under 19, Division 2, and happy retirement to Chantelle McCrostie who finishes after coaching five years for Marian.  A particular thank you to our committee who worked hard for all teams.  Special mention to President Liona Stanicich, Treasurer Chris Woods, and Secretary Denise Ryan.

Check out the netball Facebook page next week for a summary of the season.

Our major awards were as follows:
Contribution to Umpiring:           Hannah Swain
 
Coach of the Year:                     Tessa Jamieson-Timo
                                                   Roza Litten
                                                   Ella Mackie
 
Contribution to Netball:              Tiana Purdon
 
Personality trophy:                     Lydia Iosefo
 
Young Emerging Player             Charlotte Peterson
of the Year:       
 
Senior Player of the Year:           Uzeyla Faamoe
Congratulations and all the best to Diana Tuipulotu, Azaria Moolio and Tayjuan Faataape-Tuiloma who have been selected in the Scorpions Under 18 Rugby League squad which is a South Island team.  They leave today to play in the National Youth tournament. 
Congratulations to Beth Andrew who competed in the NZCAF National Aerobics competition recently.  Beth, in Year 9, was the youngest in a large group of secondary school-age girls.  Her goal leading into the competition was to make the finals and fortunately, she did and competed again on Sunday at the finals gala where she placed fourth.  Well done Beth! 
Congratulations to Katerina Sumner who played recently in the Developing Sox U15 Girls Softball Team (U16 Queensland State Championship). 
Congratulations to Manea-Faith Waaka and Diana Tuipulotu who played in the Mahuika Rugby 7's tournament last week.  Playing as part of an invitational side under the St Margarets College banner, the team beat Christchurch Club in the final.  Congratulations.

School Life

Year 11 Clowning Around
Year 13 Ski Trip
Recently our Level 3 PE class travelled to Porters Pass as part of their Safety & Risk Management achievement standard.  The students spent two beautiful sunny days up the mountain, learning to ski as well as analysing the safety required for this skiing experience.  This is always a fun and positive way to end their Physical Education journey at Marian College.

Thanks to Miss Megan Shea and Miss Stephanie Post for the work that went on behind the scenes to organise this trip.
Te wiki o te reo Māori - Māori Language Week

Te wiki o te reo Māori was celebrated with competitions and kupu o te rā (word of the day).  Our focus was on the correct pronunciation of the whetū of Matariki and understanding of what each whetū represents.  The staff presented a Waiata at assembly.

Congratulations to the winners of the competitions, especially to Anna Tuges - Year 12 (right) and Janel Niala Year 9 (left), winners of the Matariki hunt. 

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

Important Information

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
From the beginning of 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. 
Second-hand Uniforms
Our annual second-hand uniform sale will be held on Friday 4 November.  Parents who wish to sell or donate good quality second-hand uniform items, which are clean and in good condition, please deliver to the Marian College Office.  These are sold on behalf of the PTA and a percentage is retained to support their fundraising. 
 
Please note that we are unable to accept the cream winter blouse for resale as the white monogrammed blouses are now being worn.
Jazz Band News
Our wonderful Jazz Band director, Frankie Daly, has been awarded a place as pianist in the NZ Royal Army Band.  This is a very exciting opportunity for Frankie, and we look forward to seeing her playing in uniform with the title of 'Private Daly'.  Unfortunately, this means she is no longer able to direct the Jazz Band. 
Frankie has nurtured and mentored this group for the past seven years and is responsible for its incredible success.  We are very sad to be losing her, and very grateful for all she has contributed to Marian College.  On a positive note, Hannah Everingham is stepping into Frankie's shoes as band director.  Also a Marian past pupil, Hannah is a very gifted musician and she is excited to get stuck in at their first practice together this week.  We wish Frankie all the best, and welcome Hannah into the fray!
Ms Miranda Scott, Head of Music Learning Area
Marian College Library Update
You can visit our school library blog and access the school library catalogue through the school website.  The blog has information on Popular Reads, new titles and links to research and study sites.  The Library also has a range of study guides that can be issued. They are on the display trolley in the library. 
From the Guidance Counsellor
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!
Trophies
Our senior and junior prizegivings are fast approaching and an email has been sent to all senior trophy winners from 2021.  Thank you to all who have returned trophies.  All remaining trophies (including juniors) are to be returned to the school office on the first day of Term 4 - Monday 17 October.
Student Leadership
In Term 4 applications will be called for all leadership positions for the College in 2023.  All positions except Head Girl and Deputies can be applied for.  Application forms and job descriptions for the positions will be available for downloading from the school website and will also be emailed to all Year 12 students.  Applications and voting for these positions will take place in Term 4.
Term Dates
Term 325 July - 30 September
    
Term 417 October - 14 December
     Monday 17 October - Year 9 Learning from Home Day
     Wednesday 19 October - Year 10 Learning from Home Day
     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

In the Community

Marian College Board of Trustees Update
Congratulations to our five new members of the Board, parent representatives Chelsea Houghton, Louise McKay, Matt Malone, staff representative Clare Kelly and student representative Tessa Jamieson-Timo.  We look forward to welcoming them to our next Board meeting, alongside the returning Board members Maria van de Plas and Debby Rosevear.  The Proprietor's representatives Danny Nicholls, Sister Eleanor Capper, Terry Naylor and Carmel Gregan-Ford continue in their roles.
 
I’d like to acknowledge those who have stepped down from the Board, firstly Jan Paterson who has given nine years’ service to the Board, five of those as Chairperson.  Jan has been involved from the beginning in the planning of the new school, and is one of those responsible for the appointment of Principal Mary-Lou Davidson.  We will miss her expertise and look forward to inviting Jan back for the opening of our new home.  We also farewell our staff representative Anne Dick who has been on the Board for seven years, Anne has shared her financial knowledge and has been a valuable member of the finance committee.  Thank you to Jonathan McKenzie who has been a valued member of the Board, with his computer skills coming in very handy on more than one occasion!  We also say goodbye to our student representative Brie Benns who has been a wonderful representative for the students, her enthusiasm and monthly reports to the Board made her a wonderful advocate for the students at Marian College.  Thank you to you all for your passion and commitment to the Marian College Board.
 
The Board would especially like to acknowledge the excellent report we received following the recent Special Character Review, “a faith community led by a committed Principal and staff who focus on the Catholic Special Character in every possible way”.  A special mention to Myra Fidow, Director of Ministry and the Special Character team, for the extraordinary amount of work they do.
 
As we work towards moving to the new school site in 2023 there is much to be done, we are blessed to have such committed staff and Senior Leadership Team dedicated to ensuring our students are achieving their potential and providing an environment that makes Marian College the special place it is.
 
"It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."  Queen Elizabeth II
 
Noho ora mai
 
Carmel
Board Chair 

 
New Marian College Board of Trustees
Left to right:  Clare Kelly, Matt Malone, Danny Nicholls, Tessa Jamieson-Timo, Debby Rosevear, Louise MacKay, Terry Naylor, Sr Eleanor Capper, Chelsea Houghton, Maria van der Plas, Mary-Lou Davidson, Carmel Gregan-Ford
Passing Exams On-Line Learning Programme
- Helping Senior Students Improve Their Exam Results

Dear Parents,
 
Final exams are approaching fast!
 
To support our seniors with their exam preparation, Patrick Sherratt, from Innervate Education, recently facilitated a study skills seminar at our school called Passing Exams.  Our students highly rated their attendance to this seminar.  However, not all our seniors were able to attend.  For this reason, Patrick has condensed all the content into an on-line learning programme – ten units each with a PDF document download that can be accessed at any time.
 
The Passing Exams programme presents a 5-step “how to study” approach – everything your teen needs to know for how to improve their exam preparation and ultimately results.  Within these steps, Patrick also presents solutions to common challenges your teen may experience in the lead-up to their exams next term.  Within the programme are suggestions for how to:
  • improve motivation,
  • reduce distractions,
  • optimise memory retention and recall
  • reduce exam nerves…. and more
 To get an overview of the programme, simply visit: http://howtopassexams.com/.  We hope this programme will be a useful resource for your teen as we move towards our end-of-year external exams.
 
Thank you.
 
Patrick Sherratt
Education & Training Specialist
Innervate Ltd 
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