As we come to the end of another busy term, we want to take this opportunity to thank all our teachers, support staff, students, and whānau across our Kāhui Ako for the incredible mahi you do every day. Your commitment, creativity, and collaboration ensure that our learners are supported, challenged, and nurtured in their faith and learning.

We especially acknowledge the time and energy that goes into strengthening connections across our schools – whether through professional learning, shared initiatives, or community events. It is through this collective effort that our Kāhui Ako continues to grow and flourish. A special thank you to our amazing Across School Leaders who lead and facilitate with such passion.

Ngā mihi nui for your dedication and the heart you bring to your work. We wish you a restful break and look forward to continuing our journey together next term and taking opportunities to gather to celebrate as the ACCKA and in its final term.

We are confident that the connections made over the years will continue to grow, even outside the Kāhui ako channels. Catholic Education is strong and well when we witness the faith and commitment of our staff, whānau, tamariki and ākonga. Our Pasifika and Māori Masses are testament to this. 

Kia kaha it te wairua, kia hono i te whānau me te hāpori, kia ū ki te whakapono i roto i a te Karaiti. Be strong in spirit, stay connected in family and community, remain steadfast in faith through Christ.

Term 3 week 9 Marist School celebrated Marist Cultural Week culminating with the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary on the 12th Sept, it was also Social Justice Week.

The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, is a special day in the life of the Church and in the story of the Marist family. 

For Marist schools, this feast holds deep meaning. The early Marists chose Mary as their model and guide, entrusting their mission to her care. They believed that, just as Mary quietly and faithfully carried out God’s work, so too should they serve with humility, love, and courage. The Holy Name of Mary reminds us of the strength, gentleness, and protection of our Mother. In invoking her name, we are invited to turn to her in times of need, to follow her example of faith, and to continue building communities of compassion and hope.

For our school community, this feast is a moment to pause and reflect on the Marist spirit that underpins all we do – a spirit of family, simplicity, and care for others. Just as Mary stood beside her Son, we too are called to stand beside one another in support, faith, and love.
Let us pray that Mary, our Mother and model, continues to watch over our children, staff, and families, guiding us ever closer to her Son, Jesus.

The week was a week to provide outreach to others less fortunate in our communities; to really put in to action the Catholic Social Teachings.

We collected Cans for Christmas for the St Vincent de Paul foodbank drive and held a Marist Café to sell baking to fundraise for the St Mary's Mt Albert Parish Foodbank ( another supporter of St Vincent de Paul's Foodbank). We collected 75 cans and $1000.00 for St Vincent de Paul. 
On Friday we celebrated our feast day with a joy filled Marist Cultural mass demonstrating the diversity of our community. Our tamariki and kapa haka group, under the tutelage of Whaea Liv was outstanding.

We are blessed to be called Marist and are grateful to the Marist Sisters for saying 'yes' to be like Mary in this world.

Kia ora e te whānau, 

What a truly uplifting and spirit-filled occasion we shared at Te Miha Māori, celebrating the vibrant Catholic whānau of Tāmaki Makaurau. The sacredness of the liturgy, woven with the beauty of te reo Māori, waiata, and tīkanga, reminded us of the deep spiritual and cultural roots that bind our community together. Our grateful thanks to Pa Frank Bird and Pa Marchellino Park for co-celebrating.

Te Miha Māori was more than a Mass—it was a living expression of unity, whakapono, and aroha. The fusion of Catholic tradition with Māori spirituality created a space where all could feel seen, heard, and spiritually nourished. From the mihi whakatau that welcomed us into the sacred space of St Mary’s Parish, Mt Albert to the final waiata every moment was steeped in reverence and joy.

A special mihi to the incredible students who led with grace, mana, and maturity beyond their years. Whether they were proclaiming the Word, performing kapa haka, or supporting behind the scenes, their presence was powerful and inspiring. They embodied the values of service, leadership, and faith, reminding us all of the bright future ahead. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kāhui Ako, whānau, and school leaders who nurtured and guided our rangatahi. Your dedication made this celebration possible. Te Miha Māori was a testament to what happens when community, culture, and faith come together in harmony.

Let us carry the wairua of this day forward—into our classrooms, our homes, and our hearts.

You can find more photos in the link below.

St Dominic's Blockhouse Bay's annual Book Week celebration was a great success, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces. Our students and staff really embraced the spirit of the week, with an incredible variety of creative costumes bringing some of our favorite literary characters to life. The Scholastic Book Fair, held in the library, was a highlight, buzzing with excitement as students eagerly explored new worlds and discovered their next favorite book. It was a week filled with fun, but more importantly, it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of reading and the joy that books can bring to our lives. 

‘The main purposes of speech competitions are to improve communication skills and build confidence through practice and constructive feedback, while also fostering originality, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Competitions provide a platform to hone public speaking abilities, express oneself clearly and persuasively, and learn from other participants and judges in a supportive, challenging environment’. 

Public speaking takes time and effort to prepare, practice and present a speech to an audience of peers, staff, whānau and judges. It is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’. However, we were privileged to ‘provide feedback’ to some incredibly amazing speeches at Good Shepherd and St Dominic’s schools. The speech topics varied, the calibre high. Congratulations to all participants who did themselves proud. Kia kaha!!

Thank you to the other judges that supported the competitions - Riley Watson (St Peter's College Head Boy) and Sinai Siakumi (Marist College teacher).

Hub 2 Presents: The Selfish Giant

Hub 2, our enthusiastic Year 4 & 5 akonga, are excited to present The Selfish Giant, adapted from the story by Oscar Wilde. This performance brings to life a story of transformation, generosity, and love—core values that link to our Catholic faith.  Just as the Giant’s heart softens when he welcomes the children back into his garden, we are reminded of Christ’s call to open our hearts to others and live with kindness.

The play has been a journey of growth for our students. Gianni, who played one of the Giants, shared: “It was really fun being the Selfish Giant and I had to lift my confidence.” Ivy, who played one of the children, said: “My favourite part being a child was that I got to act and sing with my friends.” This production is especially exciting as it features original songs and music written by Miss Marie Walker, alongside Hub 2 Kaiako-Miss Brya Lister, Mrs Marie Walker, Miss Lelei Bergin, and Mrs Wolfgramm.

Each day was filled with gratefulness and goodness, connecting with people, culture and faith.  Feedback gives insight and understanding:

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this combined Malaga group … I believe that every participant on this Malaga would have returned home with an enhanced worldview, a renewed value toward serving others, and having had a life changing experience that will be remembered forever.”  (Glenn Stanbridge, St Paul’s College, Director of Music)

“Mission Work, Itinerary, Cultural Experiences:  My daughter has come back missing the children and the work in schools and with SVSG was the highlight of her trip back to Samoa. She is more appreciative of what she has here in NZ” (Marist College parent)

“Appreciated the invitation to parents that were in Samoa to visit SVSG with the girls on the Sunday to see first-hand what the girls experienced and the main purpose of what the trip is all about. Great to see the connections made with all the girls and staff that were on the trip. You can tell that it was a successful trip and how life-changing it was for everyone involved.” (Parent in Samoa)

The article and photos, also sums up what was a very memorable malaga/trip that took place.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C4aBDAKQ8/

Talofa! Looking for some more of God’s disciples to join the next Malaga Tautua (Service Trip) back to Samoa. No experience required. The only two things you need, is an open heart and an open mind.

Each of our five central Colleges came together last week to remember those who are victims of trafficking. Our Catholic Colleges continue to educate and promote the mission and message of Christ in our own ways and in our own school mottos;

St Mary’s College  – Mother of Mercy

Marist College  – to Jesus through Mary

Marcellin College – Seek the best

St Paul’s College – Take courage, be a man

St Peters College - to love and to serve

All of these mottos are a reminder of the legacy and expectation that we as seniors and leaders in our school communities carry – to be the change in the world; a world in which we want to see all people given the right to the same freedoms we have. We offer this Mass today for those around the world who are trapped in all forms of slavery and injustice.

Riley Watson, Head Prefect

This event was another way for each of the Catholic schools in the central region to come together in celebration. Starting off the event with Mass and the celebrant, Fr Frank, allowed us to open the space off in the right way. Then quickly moving the guests to the library, we all enjoyed a meal together. Once finished, we moved back to the chapel for our Reflection activity. This simple activity enabled each person to properly sit in their thoughts and record them together onto the various prompt boards. Overall, it was a success and definitely was received by the schools positively.

James Sharrow, Prefect

Please find some links below to our Language Week resources.