Marian College Board of Trustees​​​​​​​

Board Update March 2025


It is hard to believe we are already well into our second year in Lydia Street, it really does feel like home now.  A visitor recently made the comment that they felt so welcome when they visited Marian College, starting from the smiling face at reception through to the staff and students being so gracious and friendly.  This is a wonderful reflection of the Catholic Special Character, values and loyalty that Marian prides itself on.

It has been a positive start to 2025 for the College, as we celebrate our excellent NCEA results, and welcomed the team from the Education Review Office to the school.  We look forward to receiving the report early in the second term.

Of course, the success of our students is a testament to the dedication and hard work of, not only the students, but the staff of the College who continue to deliver high quality education and are committed to ensuring the students achieve to their potential.  We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated team.

For Marian College the year ahead promises to be one of growth, achievement, and continued success — not only for our students, but also for our wonderful staff, and the broader school community.  It has been very encouraging to see large numbers of parents and caregivers attending various College events already this year.  As a Board we are looking to enhance partnerships and meaningful relationships with our Marian College community.

This year sees the Board elections in September.  We welcome anyone who might be considering putting themselves forward.  Please do not hesitate to contact myself, or any of the current Board members, if you would like to know more or have any questions.

As the year progresses, we will continue to uphold the values of courage, commitment, perseverance and respect that define Marian College.  We’ll embrace new challenges with optimism, and together, we will continue to support our vision for  Marian College that it is a Catholic community with a love of faith, learning and service for the common good.

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


Noho ora mai


Carmel Gregan-Ford

Board Chair

Meeting Dates 2024

The Board meets monthly, 5.30pm, on the following dates in the Marian College library.  Anyone interested in Marian College is welcome to attend.

Tuesday 27 February

Tuesday 26 March

Wednesday 30 April

Tuesday 29 May

Tuesday 25 June

Tuesday 30 July

Tuesday 27 August

Tuesday 24 September

Tuesday 29 October

Tuesday 26 November  

​​Our Board

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


Chair

Carmel Gregan-FordCarmel 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 rsjSr 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 PlasMaria 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.

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Chelsea HoughtonChelsea 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 MaloneMatthew 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 MaynardMolly has been elected for 2023-24, and is in Year 12 this year.

Principal 

Mary-Lou DavidsonMary-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.