Wellbeing at Marian College

The Marian College Wellbeing Team

Student wellbeing is a priority for Marian College.  We value the parent/school partnership in educating the young women in our care and our staff strive to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

​​​​​​​The wellbeing team includes students across all year levels and is headed by a senior student. Every year the students contribute their own style of leadership and plan on-going activities and events designed to raise awareness and enhance wellbeing at Marian.

In 2023 the Wellbeing Team leader is Kelisha Loder

Click here to view five things students can do as part of their daily life to build resilience, boost wellbeing and lower the risk of developing mental health problems. ​​​​​​​

Sanitary Products

Being able to go to school every day is important for overall wellbeing. It provides a safe environment where children and young people can grow and learn, build social connections and a sense of belonging, and develop their potential.  It has long-term impacts on health, employment opportunities and life choices.

Access to period products removes one of the barriers that prevent children and young people from regularly attending school.  Providing free period products is one way the Government can directly address poverty and positively impact children’s wellbeing. 

At Marian we actively make sure students have access to period products. We have dispensers in the bathrooms providing students with tampons and pads. Student volunteers from the Wellbeing Team regularly fill these up. We also provided boxes of products in each Wā Whānau which students are able to access at any time.

Kia Maia and Mana Wahine

Respect for self and respect for others are emphasised at Marian College and individual responsibility is encouraged.

In 2017, Marian introduced two new courses: Kia Maia and Mana Wahine. Kia Maia is a course for Year 9 students which focuses on wellbeing,  character strengths, use of money, nutrition and sleep, body image, digital safety, and developing study and life skills.

The Mana Wahine course aims to promote strong Marian women. Specifically for Year 12 students, the course teaches wellbeing, relationships and sexuality education, life skills, careers, financial literacy and service.


Pastoral team

Marian College’s pastoral team includes the deputy principal, guidance counsellor, deans, pastoral chaplain, Wā Whānau teachers and careers advisor.

The deans take a particular interest in the development and progress of students in their care.

The guidance counsellor is available to students and their families to confidentially discuss issues of concern. Students may be referred to external support agencies as appropriate.


Bullying

Bullying and challenging student behaviour is a problem that affects every school, especially in the ever changing world of social media. Marian College takes bullying seriously. We have anti-bullying prevention measures in place and are proactive in intervening in a restorative manner.

If a parent or student has concerns regarding bullying please contact your Wā Whānau​​​​​​​ teacher or dean.

More support services

If it is an emergency or you, or someone you know, is at immediate risk call 111.

For those who need support and assistance, please reach out and speak to trained mental health professionals via the following well-being and support services:

  • Child, Adolescent & Family (CAF) Emergency Team (Business hours) 0800 218 219 - press 2
  • Crisis Resolution, Freephone 0800 920 092, (After hours), 7 days a week
  • Lifeline – 0800 543 354
  • www.sparklers.org.nz 
  • www.sparx.org.nz (help with anxiety and low mood)
  • Safe to Talk (If affected by sexual harm) 0800044334; Txt 4334
  • Aviva (family violence services) 0800 284 82 669
  • Asian Helpline – 0800 862 342
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
  • Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
  • Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 support from trained counsellor
  • What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (5–18 year olds) phone counselling Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. 
  • Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 for young people up to 18 years of age - open 24/7
  • www.thelowdown.co.nz or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
  • Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389.​​​​​​​
  • Outline (Sexuality and Gender Identitiy) 0800 688 5463 www.outline.org.nz
  • RainbowYOUTH    www.ry.org.nz, call 09 376 4155 or info@ry.org.nz.
  • InsideOUT www.insideout.org.nz
  • Don't Get Sucked In (Vaping Education) https://dontgetsuckedin.co.nz/

COVID-19

There's so much going on at the moment it can be hard to know what to think, and many of us are having lots of different emotions in our homes and at school. ​​​​​​​

There sure are a lot of different emotions flying around. It’s all right if you’re feeling a bit worried or a tad on edge. This is completely normal, in fact it’s how our minds are wired to react to potential threats.

Please remember that:

  • It’s normal to feel worried sometimes - you’re not alone.
  • There are small things we can do to look after ourselves and others, even when times are tough.
  • Keep being kind, take breaks from the news and social media, and spend time doing the things that make you feel good.

He waka eke noa - we’re all in this together.

Other Useful Resources​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Netsafe has a huge amount of information for parents, students and schools to use to support safe practices on social media.

The Bullying Free NZ website has some very useful information regarding bullying and ways to combat this.