Millie
Hi, my name is Millie and I am a 2.5 year old Miniature Schnauzer. I started at Marist in April 2019 as a 12-week-old puppy. I attend the Centre every day and provide companionship and support when needed. I love going for walks at the beach with the students and they are responsible for my training, feeding and picking up after me at the beach (if you know what I mean).
Cherie
Kia ora, my name is Cherie Jaeger and I am the Principal at Marist Alternative Education Ltd. I am mum to 4 children of my own and nana to one awesome grandson. I also have up to 27 students here at Marist who become my extended whanau whilst they are here at Marist and into their futures. I feel privileged to lead a such great team and my vision is that our students develop a sense of belonging, a hope for their future and a love of learning through the embodiment of the Marist Pillars and whakawhanaungatanga.
Francesco Marignoli
Kia Ora! Here is Francesco or “Frankie” as everyone calls me at Marist. I’m a 26-year-old Italian guy who moved in New Zealand almost 3 years ago. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Management in Milan, and I’ve always been passionate about helping people, especially those who have not been too lucky so far. I have a background in working with people with disabilities and Marist gives me the opportunity to explore a new field, to have fun and to teach our amazing students. I especially enjoy being able to help them be supported in the right way to reach their full potential. I recently became a new dad, and this has made me connect even more with this land and it’s beautiful people and I have since a started calling New Zealand my “home”.
Conrad Smith
Hey hey! I am a 25 years old teacher aide at Marist. I have a passion for all things creative, arts and education with the hopes of one day being a fully qualified arts teacher. I have been a coach of Water Polo for over 10 years, coaching a range of aged kids from 10 to 18 as well as also being a swim instructor for 8 years teaching all ages (babies to adults). I enjoy working at Marist because it feels like a family and no two days are the same.