Support During Exam Time

Exam periods can be stressful for teenagers, and parental support is crucial - finding the balance between stability and too much added pressures can be a challenge. 

Helpful Strategies 

  • Establish a Supportive Environment: Encourage a consistent study routine - it is unlikely that they will be able to concentrate for a whole day of revision so chunking the day into study and physical activity can be really helpful.   Also ensure your teen schedules breaks and gets enough sleep. A calm, organized home environment can significantly reduce anxiety. Avoid oversleeping in the morning which can impact the next night's sleep - if they are going to have morning exams then keep them in a morning routine so their body isn't confused about why they are not asleep when they go into their 8.30am exam. 

  • Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcomes: Validate their hard work and preparation. Remind them that learning is a process. Try phrases like, "I see how hard you're studying; that effort is what really matters."

  • Encourage Self-Care: Make sure they maintain healthy habits: eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, and engaging in some form of physical activity. These are vital for managing stress and focus.

  • Be a Listener: Offer a space for them to talk about their worries without judgment. Sometimes, simply listening is the most powerful support you can give.

What to Avoid 

  • Putting Excessive Pressure: Avoid making grades the sole focus or linking them to their worth. Comments like, "You must get a Merit or Excellence," or "Your whole future depends on this," are incredibly unhelpful and increase fear of failure. Pressure and stress does not allow the brain to function well and will be more harmful than helpful. 

  • Comparing Them to Others: Every student is different. Comparing their performance to siblings or peers only leads to resentment and a drop in self-esteem.

  • Micromanaging Study Time: Trust your teen to manage their schedule, even if it looks different from what you'd do. Offer help and resources, but avoid hovering or taking over their planning.

Remember: They Are More Than Grades

Please take time to remind your teen that their value is not defined by their academic achievements. They are a wonderful, complex person with unique talents and qualities that extend far beyond a report card. Your unconditional love and acceptance are the greatest resources you can provide during this demanding time.

St Joseph’s Papanui Fair - Volunteers Required

St Joseph's Papanui fair is on Sunday 2 November 2025 from 11am-2pm.  They are looking for some helpers - face painting, rock painting, hospitality.  Marian College students are invited to volunteer.  This will count towards service.  Please note, the email address was incorrect in our last newsletter.  If you have already tried to email your offer of help, can you please do so again using the correct email address - sjsfair2025@gmail.com.


Rauru

If you are a past student of Marian College, we would love to invite you to join Rauru: The Marian College Past Whānau Network.  This network is about connecting past students to the school and each other and includes mentoring opportunities, archives of our past yearbooks and photos as well as the opportunity to attend reunions and other events. You can join online at rauru.mariancollege.school.nz.


Peace Ambassador Programme Applications

Peace Ambassador applications have recently opened, and students from Marian College are welcome to apply.  For more information on this role, head to Youth Peace Ambassadors | The Peace Foundation.  Applications close Monday 3 November.  Please click here to complete the application form.