Marian College

Marian College Board of Trustees

Board Update April 2024

It has been an incredibly exciting time for Marian College and as a Board, we couldn’t be prouder to see the students and staff settled in their “new home”. In the words of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, “A little patience will, in the end, be rewarded”. The monthly Board meeting agenda has transitioned from decision-making around the new build to the business as usual of student achievement and other governance issues. It is encouraging to see the interest in the school from outside groups and to be able to share our wonderful facilities with the community. Marian College has always been known for our hospitality, and now with purpose-built facilities, we are excited to have a space where we can welcome guests, friends, and whānau to the College.

Further to this the Board would like to acknowledge the many staff and students who have gone above and beyond to support the College as it hosted several events in the first term of this year, including the Bishop Lyons' Shield Competition and the Reunite past student event. This is role modelling service, for which Marian has a long tradition of serving the community and those in need.

The Board would also like to acknowledge the passing of Shareen Prasad earlier this year. Shareen was a much loved and respected long-serving staff member of Marian College, many of the staff having worked alongside Shareen for many years, her humour and dedication to her students and supporting the Pasifika students were remembered with some lovely tributes from both staff and students at the Fiafia night and Polyfest performance.

The Board looks forward to continuing to support the staff of Marian College in their work empowering students to be the best they can be, we are blessed to have such a dedicated team.

Tē tōia tē haumatia - Nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce, and a way of doing things.

Noho ora mai

Carmel Gregan-Ford

Chair

Marian College Board of Trustees

Our Board

Our Board of Trustees is made up of 12 experienced people who are passionate about leading Marian College.

Chair

Carmel Gregan-Ford | Carmel is a registered nurse and has spent many years working in a variety of educational and leadership positions in healthcare and NGOs. Carmel has a son and two daughters, her youngest daughter is in her final year at Marian College. Carmel has more than ten years of governance experience and has been on the Marian College Board for six years.

Proprietor's Representatives

Sr Eleanor Capper rsj | Sr Eleanor has been a Proprietor's Representative on the Marian College Board of Trustees since 2007. She has been Assistant Congregational Leader, Sisters of St Joseph in Sydney and has a long association with the Catholic Education Office. Sr Eleanor was McKillop College Principal for three years and Marian College Principal from 1982-1995.

Iovino Fidow | Iovino has two daughters who are past students of Marian College.

Deputy Chair

Danny Nicholls | Danny is the Principal of Te Matauru Primary in Rangiora and is in his 17th year of Principalship, 12 of these being in Catholic education in the North Island. He also serves as a Proprietor's Representative on the St Patrick's Kaiapoi board. Danny brings a strong background of educational experience alongside a genuine commitment to Catholic Special Character. Danny and his wife have three children.

Parent Trustees

Maria van der Plas | Maria is Plunket’s South Island Clinical Services Manager. She is a past student of Marian College and Maria’s daughter is a graduate.

Debby Rosevear | Debby is an administration manager for Kōtuku investments and has one son and two daughters – both daughters are graduates of Marian College.

Chelsea Houghton | Chelsea has a wealth of governance experience, serving on the Board of Directors for Kidsfirst Kindergartens and as the chair of the Takahē Collective Trust. She runs a communications company, Grow Creative, specialisng in education, arts, business and technology sectors and is particularly passionate about encouraging women in these sectors. Chelsea has five children, including three daughters whom she is excited to see come through Marian College within the next decade.

Louise MacKay | Louise is a teacher and DRS at St Francis of Assisi Catholic School where her three children attend. She has served on boards at both the preschool and primary school levels and is committed to ensuring Marian College is a supportive, inclusive, challenging, and happy school environment where students can achieve their full potential.

Matthew Malone | Matthew is the deputy principal at St Joseph’s School in Rangiora after spending 15 years as a teacher and head of faculty at St Bede’s College. Matthew has previous board experience as the proprietor’s representative and as a board chair. He is committed to the mission of Catholic education to provide every student with the opportunity to know Christ and achieve their true potential.

Staff Trustee

Clare Kelly | Clare has taught at Marian College for six years. She teaches Mathematics and Commerce and is the Year 13 Dean.

Student Trustee

Molly Maynard | Molly has been elected for 2023-24, and is in Year 12 this year.

Principal

Mary-Lou Davidson | Mary-Lou has taught at Marian College for 24 years and has been Principal for seven years. As Principal of our College, Mary-Lou acts as the Board's chief executive and manages the school according to the Board's direction and policies.

Contact us

The Board of Trustees is the Crown entity responsible for the governance and control of school management. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.

The Marian College Board of Trustees includes elected members, parents, a staff and student representative, the Principal, and appointed members representing the Bishop, who is our school’s Proprietor.

The Board Secretary is Kath Murray who is also the Principal’s PA.Email board@mariancollege.school.nz for inquiries and information.