Champagnat Marist Student Leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand Gather in Ōtautahi for 19th Annual Servant Leadership Forum
- maristbrothers
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
From 19–22 February, 39 student leaders from across the Marist schools of Aotearoa New Zealand gathered for the annual Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum.
Daniel Dungey, Partnerships Coordinator for New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, reflects on this enriching and inspiring event.
Our annual Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum in Otautahi Christchurch took place from 19-22 February this year with 39 student leaders across 10 of our 11 schools’ network in attendance.
The 19th edition of this student formation experience on ‘Servant Leadership’ was yet again enhanced with each of the 10 schools having an accompanying senior staff member to journey alongside their rangatahi (young people).
Our network of belonging continues to grow through new and authentic relationships that in turn will seek our Marist student leaders and educators to explore practical ways to keep our founders dream alive to the communities whom we serve. To make Jesus Christ known and loved is to make one another known and loved. We are stronger together!
Our time together in community was spirit-filled and we ensured that our Champagnat Marist Way to Jesus was not just a head journey but a journey of the heart. The programme consisted of ‘beginning stories’ of Jesus Christ, Marcellin, our Catholic faith in Aotearoa and of self. A balance of group activities and self-reflection was well received while the organising and celebration of our youth mass was a real highlight.
Many people contributed to the success of this programme. Amy Aukusitino and I are extremely grateful to:
Martin Brennan, Xavier College Old Boy, for his ongoing support and leading an authentic workshop session on ‘Servant Leadership – You Don’t Need a Badge to Lead’.
Fr Alister Castillo for joining and leading us in community for our Saturday evening Mass.
The ‘Special 10’ staff and their Mary-inspired ‘YES’ to be part of this wonderful journey.
Our Champagnat Marist Principals and DRS’ who prepared and supported their student leaders.
Ms Lee-Ann Nanai (Principal), Danny Nicholls (Deputy Principal), Janet Zapanta (DRS), Matua.
Jarrod Satherley & Whaea Ariana Collier and the Catholic Cathedral College whanau for their welcome and hospitality upon our arrival into Christchurch on the first day.
The various responses from the student leader’s evaluations forms reaffirmed the significant impact that this gathering had on our rangatahi. Some examples included:
The most valuable aspect the deepening of my faith – it has instilled peace, love and compassion within me.
I was inspired by how others are ‘living the Marist values’ and how we leaders can promote this back in our schools upon our return.
This programme really helps those going into leadership roles – to build up their confidence more, get a better understanding of their role and how we can share the light of Christ in us with others.
Getting to hear all our schools’ traditions and practices. This is inspiring us to create more of our own.
It’s not every day that you come together with like-minded youth who want to make a difference in the world by following Jesus’ in Mary’s Way. Marist has so much more meaning for me now.
The forum taught me the simplicity of my strengths and easy, humble ways to share them with others.
-Daniel Dungey, Partnership Coordinator, Aotearoa NZ, Fiji, Samoa, & Kiribati
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