INVITATION

We have pleasure inviting all parents/caregivers to our

Colin House Mass

Friday 23rd October 8:45am School

Gymnasium

YEARS 7 TO 13

MARIST COLLEGE

Catholic School for Girls Term 4 - Number 1

Friday 16th October, 2015

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is pleasing to see that students have settled quickly to work as Term 4 begins. I am certainly pleased to be back and in my normal routine after unexpected surgery last term. My gratitude to Mrs Cecilia Adams who stepped into my role while I recuperated.

In just over three weeks Year 11 – 13 students will be on study leave preparing for external examinations, Year 9 and 10 students sitting examinations and Year 7 and 8 having final assessments. It is vital therefore that students have an organised study programme in place and other activities are minimised to ensure that they go into the exam room well prepared and confident that they will achieve to the best of their ability.

At this time of year we hear about a lot of student success in all sorts of endeavours. Special congratulations to Mirabai Pease and Hannah Brown who have been selected to attend the Globe Theatre in London next year, and to past Deputy Head Girl, Gabriella Solomona who is about to make her stage debut with the Auckland Theatre Company. Marist has become such a great incubator for Performing Arts Careers.

The Charity trip to Samoa was a wonderful experience for a group of students and I thank Mrs Makerita Tagomoa most sincerely for organising this and Miss Stacey McKay, Mrs Rebecca Ronald and Mrs Alison Fowkes for accompanying the girls.

I do hope that you are able to attend some of the important end- of- year events that are coming up, starting with the Colin House Mass on Friday.

Regards,

Monica Johnson Monica Johnson Principal

WAKE UP THE WORLD WORLD MEETING FOR YOUNG CONSECRATED WOMEN AND MEN

The opportunity to be in the midst of several thousand young, religious men and women for a week in Rome brought me great joy and renewed enthusiasm as a Marist consecrated Sister. I was deeply inspired by the sharing of many young religious people about their lived experiences both in community and in mission. Some of the key speakers in the conference really affirmed the importance of my life in communion, first of all with God, then with each other and with the people I am called to serve.

The highlight for me in this week of meetings was the morning when we had an audience with Pope Francis. I felt so blessed listening to him speaking to us with such passion and encouragement as the shepherd of our Catholic Church about important matters that young consecrated people must be aware of and adopt in our lives. It was an overwhelming experience not only seeing Pope Francis but also reaching out and greeting him in person.

In my short time in Rome, I also had the opportunity to visit some important places including climbing up to the Dome at St Peter’s Basilica. I could not help but notice that the statue of Mary is one of the dominant features of Rome so it

was a wonderful reminder of her significant role in the life of all Marists and the Church. Overall, I felt so privileged and proud to be a Catholic throughout my time over there.

I am very grateful to our school for giving me the opportunity to attend this meeting. I am indeed renewed and re-energized by the experience.

Mᾱlō ‘aupito and blessings, Seini Fatai SM

31 Alberton Ave, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025 Ph: (09) 846 8311 Fax: (09) 815 1441 www.maristcollege.school.nz E-mail: admin@maristcollege.school.nz

DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES APPROACHING

A reminder to all families that school fees must be paid in full by 1 November. After this date all overdue accounts will be forwarded to the Diocese for review unless there is a prior arrangement with the school for an extension. Any queries please phone the Accounts Administrator, Yolande Hunt on 846-8311 ext 703 or email y.hunt@maristcollege.school.nz.

KEY DATES

WEEK 2 (B) Oct 22nd Th Singing Cup Finals, 6:30pm The

Atrium, gold coin donation entry 23rd F Colin House Mass, 8:45am Rotation 7-4

WEEK 3 (A) Oct 26th M LABOUR DAY - School Closed 27th T HPV Catch Up Yr 7 & 8 Touch Central Zone Champs BOT Meeting 7:00pm 28th W Yr 9 students visiting from Heian

College (Japan) Performing Arts Evening, 6:30pm 29th Th Yr 7 & 8 Waterpolo NI Champs

until 1 Nov 30th F Senior Prize-Giving 12.45pm Rotation 1-5

DEFENCE CAREERS EXPERIENCE

During the October holidays, Bella Williams (Year 13), attended a 3 day live-in Defence Careers Experience at their Leadership centre in Whangaparaoa. The purpose of the experience was to give the 120 young people involved an idea of what life might be like serving in the New Zealand Defence Force.

Bella participated in many activities, which included Leadership, Teamwork and Military Physical Training, visits two naval vessels and to the RNZAF Auckland base. Defence Careers noted that Bella stood out amongst her group, being a confident, attentive, and motivated individual who attempted every aspect of the experience. She has the traits that the defence careers look for.

Bella has wanted to join the Air Force for as long as she can remember and every extra-curricular activity she has participated in has contributed to the amazing young woman she is today. Bella will be applying for the next NZRAF intake in 2016 and is to be commended for her pursuit of her passion.

Well done Bella and best

wishes for your future.

CAREY PARK FAMILY FUN DAY

Join us to celebrate our 70th Birthday at Carey Park with a day of family fun! Come along and enjoy free entry, food and activities including our flying fox, climbing wall, bouncy castle and more!

Where: Carey Park Christian Camp, 397 Henderson Valley Rd

When: Saturday 14 November 2015, 10am – 3pm

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

Do you have 2nd

hand uniform you would like to sell or donate? Please drop in to the school office. The school can sell on your behalf for a 15% commission. Please include your contact details, items for sale and your bank account number.

WELLINGTON ‘WOW’ TRIP, 2015

It was a happy band of Senior Fabric Technology students and various members of staff who set off to the Wellington Wearable Arts Event on Thursday 8

th

October. For some, it was for the second time, for others, it was for the exciting first time. Arriving in Wellington with plenty of time to spare, our first activity was to visit Te Papa, which was just a hop, skip and a jump from the YHA accommodation. We were all quite awe struck with the wonderful Gallipoli exhibition. The displays were on a massive scale and we could not get over how realistic they were…someone said “Better than Madame Tussauds”.

After refreshing ourselves with plenty of Pizzas, we set off for the WoW show, where, as Ms Suuring declared, we were thoroughly “Wowed!” With the costumes, the laser lighting, the wonderful box dancing and the fearless trapeze artists, it was breath taking. The following day offered another breath taking

event, ‘The Great War Exhibition’ in the Old Dominion Museum Building. This exhibition was a highly professional affair, and we felt very privileged to experience a guided tour. Following this was an exploration of Wellington’s Cuba Mall area, then ‘Demented Architecture’ at Wellington Gallery. There was something for everyone, whether building with Lego or colouring in a set pattern ala Susan King style. After the Art Gallery it was a trip on the Cable Car to view Wellington from on high.

So, after all these activities it still was a happy, yet weary, group who flew back to Auckland late Friday night.

SINGING CUP COMPETITION – FINALS

Congratulations to all finalists who will compete for the prestigious cup. The Finals will take place on 22 October, 6.30pm in the Atrium . The Jazz band will be performing during the evening while adjudicator Helen Aichison selects the winner in each category. Entry gold coin donation.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Te Aute Kerrison who has been selected for the Tag20 Rugby U20’s team to play in the upcoming Tag20 Rugby MPC and Tasman Challenge competitions to be held in the Gold Coast.

SAMOA SERVICE ABROAD TRIP 2015

In September, a group of 25 headed off to the beautiful island of Samoa. During our seven day stay we saw amazing land features, tasted a range of wonderful island cuisine, watched the colourful cultural items being performed and listened intently to the heartfelt stories from staff and students of the schools we donated our educational resources to. Apart from the work in schools, we managed to fit in some sight-seeing such as swimming at Piula Cave, the Le T͐o Sua OceanTrench, Lalomanu, the Turtle Sanctuary plus experience the Canopy Walk in Falealupo, watch the Blowholes in Alofaaga and be entertained by a spectacular cultural event at Le Manumea Hotel.

Many of the girls have taken away more than just memories, newfound friendships and off course ‘selfies’ but it was an opportunity to deepen their own faith – According to Acts 25:30 The Lord says that ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. It was also a chance to define what true Marist stewardship is all about gaining a better sense of the words ‘appreciation’ and ‘gratitude’. By the time the girls boarded the plane home, they were exhausted both spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Many thanks to the helping hands – staff members Ms Rebecca Ronald, Miss Stacey McKay, Mr Nigel & Mrs Alison Fowkes, Mr Mafa Papali’i and 17 wonderful Marist daughters and their loving families for their open hearts and open-minds to support this trip. God bless you all.

‘Fa'avae i le Atua Sāmoa’ - "Samoa is founded on God". Makerita Tagomoa-Papali’i

Student Comments: ‘This trip has opened my eyes to the sacrifices my parents have made for me.’ ‘Has definitely changed my outlook on Samoa.’ ‘Give without expecting anything in return.’ ‘A great insight into Samoa not just the usual stuff but off the beaten track.’ ‘The most humbling experience I’ve ever had.’ ‘My thoughts and prayers and love remain with the blessed, happy and beautiful kids I’ve met here.’ ‘10/10 for this trip!’