The NNMS was launched in 2005 to give a sense of solidarity in their Marist identity to the member schools. The member schools of the National Network are those in which the Marist Fathers and Marist Sisters have traditionally taught. They are: · Pompallier Catholic College, Whangarei · Marist College, Auckland · St John’s College, Hastings · Hato Paora College, Feilding · St Patrick’s College, Silverstream · St Patrick’s College, Wellington · Challenge College, Wellington · St Bede’s College, Christchurch · Roncalli College, Timaru. As well as these New Zealand schools, three Marist schools from Australia attend MaristYouthLeader and have some contact with the JC Colin Project. These schools are: · Marist Regional College, Burnie, Tasmania · Marist Sisters College, Woolwich, Sydney · St John’s College, Woodlawn, Lismore The aim of the National Network of Marist Schools, and indeed of all the programmes and events run by the JC Colin Project on behalf of the NNMS, is to allow each school in the network to be as deeply Catholic and Marist as it can be. The JC Colin Project, named after the Founder of the Society of Mary, is an organization set up by the New Zealand Province of the Society of Mary to serve young Marist leaders. Originally, in 2004, the team consisted of four Marist priests, Fr Thige O’Leary, Fr Kevin Murphy, Fr Mark Walls and Fr Pat Brophy who was the team leader. As the team’s ministry has evolved, the make-up of the team has changed, and in 2009 it consists of Mrs Lorraine Wilson (nee Fairfield), Mr Nick Wilson, Mr Gerard Tully, and Fr Mark Walls who is the team leader. Essentially the JC Colin Project contracts to the National Network of Marist Schools. These are the programmes, events and services it presents: · MaristYouthLeader · Young Marist Neighbours · Young Marist Heroes · Faith Journey for Parents and Students · Marist Education Forums · Individual school visits · The Easter Event · The “Growing DRS’s” programme · Gap scheme (with Challenge 2000) · Consultancy for Senior Management and School Boards · Support for College Retreat programmes · Group and Individual Mentoring for young leaders · Teacher supervision · Young Leader group training · Support with School Sacramental programmes · Sacramental chaplaincy in schools