Dear parents, caregivers, and whanau

Last week, I was in the North Island along with two other Roncalli staff members and six Roncalli students participating in the Awa Run. The Awa Run is an annual event organised by the Marist Network for its nine secondary schools to raise funds for the Next Door Trust.

This trust provides funding for disadvantaged students to attend one of our network schools throughout the country. I am delighted to report that the Roncalli community raised a grand total of $11, 211. This is a significant sum of money that will change the lives of some young people. Thank you to all who have supported this cause.

On 21 November, The College hosted an orientation day to welcome our new Yr 9 cohort for 2025. We were very impressed with this group of eager students and admired their positive attitude and support for one another. We look forward to formally welcoming them to the College with a mihi whakatau on 3 February.

This year we will farewell several Roncalli staff members.

Mr David Hines and Mrs Kelby Hackler, who have been with us for 5 years, are planning to travel to Europe to teach in an international school.

Ms Kim Wheeler, who has been with us for 6 years, will be moving to

Christchurch and has accepted a teaching position at St. Bede’s College, one of our Marist Network Schools.

Ms Kate Jones, a Roncalli past pupil and current Religious Studies teacher, will be heading to Australia after a year at Roncalli.

Mrs Frankie Pullar, a valued English and Drama teacher since 2015, who has been on maternity leave for the past 2 years, has officially resigned her position.

Mrs Joanne Parsons, a long-serving staff member at Roncalli College (16+years) will be officially retiring but will continue in a relief capacity.

Mr David Costello, who has been at Roncalli for 7 years, will be semi-retiring but will also be working in a relief capacity when needed.

Ms Emma Goddard, our Sports Coordinator, will be moving up to Tauranga with her partner and is currently looking for a position in that area.

We are very fortunate to have such dedicated, talented, and caring staff and we wish them happiness and success as they begin a new chapter.

We have appointed the following staff for 2025:

Ms Anne Bailey - Ms Bailey is an experienced English teacher who comes to us from Kingsway School in Auckland where she has taught in both the middle school and senior school.

Ms Katie Fisher - Ms Fisher has been a teacher at New Brighton Catholic School in Christchurch during 2024. Prior to that she worked for several years for the Marist Asia Foundation in Ranong, Thailand where she had responsibilities ranging from teaching to mentoring local staff.

Ms Vanessa Carney - Ms Carney is an experienced teacher who is coming to Roncalli from Westlake Girls’ College in Auckland where she is currently the Teacher in Charge of Art. She has also been a teacher at McAuley High School, a Catholic school in Auckland.

Mr Quentin Opperman - Mr Opperman is currently Head of Science at Vanguard Military School in Auckland and has extensive experience in student mentoring and leadership. Mr Opperman will be teaching both science and maths.

Miss Emily van der Hayden - Miss van der Hayden is a Roncalli past pupil and will be taking over the Sports coordinator role.

At a time when it is very difficult for all schools to find good teaching staff, we are very fortunate to be able to appoint such a talented lineup. I am very pleased with our new staff appointments, and I know they are very excited about joining our school community.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires

Thank you all for your on-going support during a very busy 2024. It is a privilege for me to lead such a strong and caring community. I wish you all a happy, restful and healthy holiday season and I look forward to 2025.

Chris Comeau