"We are what we repeatedly do, Excellence is not an act, but a habit". Aristotle

Recently, we held our first academic assembly for the year to acknowledge and celebrate those senior students who gained NCEA Level 1 & 2 Merit and Excellence Endorsements in 2017. We are very proud of their accomplishment and encourage them to continue to strive to do their best again this year. We also challenge our new yr 11 cohort and those who missed out on an endorsement to make it a goal for 2018. When you focus on getting the little things right every day, the big things take care of themselves. As Aristotle wrote, "We are what we repeatedly do, Excellence is not an act, but a habit".

Congratulations to McAuley for winning the academic shield, the first of the house points for 2018. McAuley received the top overall points for NCEA merit and excellence subject and certificate endorsements.

Our 2018 student leaders have had a very good start to the year. They began by attending Marist Youth Leader in mid-January which is a week-long leadership course run by Fr. Mark Walls and the Marist Team at Hato Paora College in Fielding. This unique leadership opportunity was attended by student leaders from all 9 Marist network schools throughout New Zealand and focused on principal centred, servant leadership. Our leaders returned from this experience with enthusiasm,  skills, new friendships and many ideas they intend to put into action this year. We have already seen this impressive group in action at the Yr 13 Retreat, Assemblies, our Mihi Whakatau, Swimming Sports and Athletic Sports.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Jayden Walker, yr 10, who has been offered a soloist role with the New Zealand Opera in the production of Tosca. Opening night is March 8th at the Theatre Royal in Chritstchurch and we wish Jayden and the cast all the best for a successful tour.