Marian College

Gabriella McKey - Head Student

Good evening. My name is Gaby McKey, and I have had the privilege of being the head student for 2024 at Marian College at Mahutonga. I think back to the person I was in year 9 - bright-eyed, nervous, excited for this new part of my life. Before I knew it I was welcomed into the Marian family with open arms, and little did I know just how supportive this family would be as I began my journey of discovering who I am.

High school is no easy feat. No matter how it may seem everyone has high and low points, but something I have learnt is that through courage, commitment, perseverance, and respect these challenges can be overcome. I am so grateful for all the staff, senior leadership team, and my dean, Whaea, for being living representations of these values and how I can carry them in my own life. Without them I would not be standing here today feeling proud of all the things we’ve accomplished during our time at high school, and I don’t think I could thank them enough for the difference they have made in my life.

Through the values Marian has taught me, and my faith Marian has helped me build, I have felt blessed to be in a position where I could make a difference in my school and wider community. My most meaningful and happiest moments weren’t when I was on my own, but rather when I was with this family collaborating, laughing, and celebrating when we saw one of our projects or ideas successfully come to life. So, for the future leaders of this school, never forget that you are not alone in this journey and the world does not solely rest upon your shoulders. We hope our theme of Matariki this year has reminded you that you all bring something to the table that makes our school shine brightly, and thank you for supporting our initiatives like the Move-It Challenge that remind me I can shine too.

Marian College has allowed me to grow and I’ve learnt so much about myself in one year than I have at any point in my life. Thank you all for allowing that to happen, and I wish you all the best in being the future of Marian College.

Deputy Head Student, Senior School: Luatimu Taaso

E muamua ona sii le viiga ma le faafetai i le Atua ona o lona alofa ma lana agalelei ua mafai ai ona tatou potopoto faatasi i lenei afiafi.

Talofa lava my name is Luatimu Taaso and I have had the privilege of being the deputy head student overlooking the senior school this year.

They really weren't lying when they said make the most of your time at school because it goes by really fast it only felt like yesterday we had started school. Over these past five years at Marian I have been blessed with many opportunities, meeting new people as well as making lifelong friends. Walking in here as a Year 9 I never would’ve thought I would be where I am today.

The quiet Year 9 who always followed her sister around ready to follow in her footsteps. But that all changed in Year 11 as I gained more self confidence in public speaking as well as in myself. I said yes to all the opportunities and accepted the challenges that came with it. As a Year 12, I was blessed to be co-head of the Pasifika group which was also the last time we performed for our beloved Mrs Prasad. It has been a blessing to see our school grow culturally, especially in our Pasifika group.

I hope that as the head students of this year we have fulfilled our service and duties to the fullest. So to our Year 11s make the most of the opportunities you are given because it's never too late to try new things and get involved. To our Year 12s, as you head in to next year you're now the leaders of school so back each other in all you do and keep the sisterhood alive. To our Year 13’s, the class of 2024, we made it!!! Here's to all the memories, laughter and tears. All the best to you all as we set foot in our new journeys and walks of life. I love you all and truly grateful to have crossed paths with you all.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my teachers and staff for putting up with me especially Whaea, my school mum and god mother, thank you for all the guidance and words of wisdom you have taught me throughout my high school journey. To my head student sisters - it has been a blessing to have worked alongside you three. I am beyond grateful to have such a loving and caring team backing each other in all we do.

Thank you to the girls who got me through high school, especially my bstfr Tiera. Lastly, to my family, to my parents faafetai tele lava mo le lua alolofa, o fautuaga aemaise o talosaga molia i lea aso ma lea aso mo au le afafine faatauvaa. Thank you for your guidance, yous have always told me to put God in the centre of everything I do, to try my best and to never give up. I hope I have made you proud. To my siblings, thank you for always pushing me to become the best version of myself and for being my number one supporters. I don't know what I’d do without yous. To my Uncle Bob, aunties and cousins thank you for all the love, prayers and encouragement from the beginning till now I love you all, truly blessed to call yous my family.

Good luck and best of wishes to you all.

Faafetai faafetai tele lava God Bless

Talofa Lava, Kia Ora. Ko Tessa tōku ingoa.

My name is Tessa and for one last time, I have had the greatest privilege of being one of the Deputy Head Students for 2024 overlooking the junior school.

Choosing Marian College in 2019 has become one of the most significant choices I have ever made in my life, and this college, these staff, you my students and friends, and more importantly all of you in this wider Marian community have become my family and will stay with me as I continue to life outside of school. There are too many mana wāhine in this room that I owe appreciation to, so, just know if you have ever seen my face before or heard my voice, this one's for you.

Marian College is a kura of love, we are the people and not the place. I can confidently say that I can look at every single person in this room in the eye, and find that love. Thank you to my mum, my dad, my brothers, all my grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends for instilling this love in my life too. I remember all the way back to being welcomed in 2019 with a red letter from some Year 12 students who were excited to meet me, and having one of the greatest, funnest, and purest days of my school life on the first day of school is maybe the best entry to high school life ever.

Marian College has given me a plethora of older sisters and role models that I have seen come and go since 2020. How weird is it that as I watched them grow up and leave through Marian, thinking to myself, “Gosh, they are so old... that could never be me...” and now, unknowingly I find myself in that position, at the epitome of that story. I, as all of us here, was blessed with sisters, both older and younger, and a large handful of motherly figures in the Marian College Rowing family, in the Marian Netball community, Catholic, but importantly in every single classroom and building I have entered since 2020.

How lucky am I to have experienced the juniors, my juniors from this role, seeing how much light they can bring to this college. To the Year 11 and Year 12 cohort, I am in awe of what you all do. This year you have all stepped up to be leaders in all aspects. All of you, Year 9 through to 12 are the future of this college, the future of this country, and this world. Hold strong to what you believe in, find things you love and take pride in your passions. You are all supported and every single one of you has endless potential - I have seen it firsthand. Don’t you dare, for even one second, doubt yourself.

To my sisters who sit here today that we speak on behalf of, Year 13, no words could ever express how proud I am of you all. Whatever your future holds, let yourself accept what comes. However sad I am to leave, however scared I am to be away from this whānau, I just remember how lucky am I, and all of us, to have found the family we are all a part of. This being Marian College.

Good evening. My name is Ella Malone and I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as Head of Special Character this year.

When I think of Marian College, I think of community and family. I think of perseverance, respect, courage, and commitment - a commitment to growing each student into a confident, compassionate, faith-filled and capable young woman, inspired by Mary. Serving as Head of Special Character this year has been a deeply rewarding experience. Although my faith journey began before I arrived at Marian, my time here has strengthened and supported that journey. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow in both my faith and leadership, and this growth is something I will carry with me into the future.

To my fellow Year 13’s, it’s been an absolute privilege to witness your talent, your gifts, your leadership, and your growth over our senior years. I’m excited to see where our paths lead us! To our teachers, thank you for your dedication, guidance and patience. You’ve not only taught us in the classroom but have gone above and beyond to support us as individuals, helping us to grow in confidence and character. To our senior leadership team, and our dean Whaea, who embody the spirit of love and care that we strive for at Marian, thank you for your dedication and service to us and the school community. I am especially grateful to my parents for their love and support, and the sacrifices they have made to help me get to where I am today.

To Year 11 and 12, as emerging leaders, know that this school, this time, and this community are all gifts. Don’t rush through it; embrace it. Cherish the friendships, the lessons, and the toughest moments. Allow your faith to guide you through challenges and inspire you to grow, it will be a source of strength and support in your journey ahead.

For us Year 13’s, preparing to leave Marian College, there is a mix of excitement and sadness in our hearts. This school has been a second home; full of memories, experiences, friendships, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to put into words. Saying goodbye is not easy, but as we go forward, we carry the spirit of Marian with us always.