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Marcellin College Newsletter 2025
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Marcellin College Newsletter
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Presiding Member Update - Ms. Bernie Tovio
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As we journey through the season of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal, we also find ourselves in the final three weeks of term one. During this period, we keep our Principal, Maria Prescott, in our thoughts as she takes time to focus on her health. The Board wishes Maria a full and speedy recovery and reaffirms our commitment to staff wellbeing. In her absence, we have appointed Deputy Principal Alisha Hunt as Acting Principal, with support from the wider Senior Leadership Team, management, and staff. Their collective efforts ensure continuity for our students, and the Board remains fully supportive as we navigate the remainder of the term together.
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Thank you for your continued support and wish you a wonderful weekend ahead.
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Message from the Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal - Ms. Alisha Hunt
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As we approach the end of Term One, I reflect on how well our kura has come together in whanaungatanga and Marcellin Spirit. At the start of last week, we saw this alive and well in our Athletic’s Day competition with the whole kura at Mt. Smart Stadium. Last Rāmere/Friday, we saw this again with our La Valla team’s bake sale fundraiser.
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Progress reports have been emailed to all whānau to provide a snapshot overview of their tamariki/child’s effort and progress towards learning. It is important that you contact the kaiārahi of your tamariki/child to kōrero or meet if you have any questions regarding these progress reports. Next week, we will be introducing a fortnightly engagement report to keep whānau regularly up-to-date regarding engagement in learning. These fortnightly engagement reports will be emailed home on a Rāmere/Friday in Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 of each term.
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As we continue our lenten journey, I leave you with a short lenten karakia.
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E te Atua, tō mātou Matua, tēnei tō pōwhiri ki a mātou kia whakarongo ki a Hēhu, he ngāwari tēnei tono, engari anō te whakatinana, he uaua. He whiwhinga nui kia mōhio mātou ki a koe kia rongo hoki i ō Kupu. Kia whakaae mātou ki tēnei tono kia tiria te aroha o te Atua ki te katoa.
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God our Father, you invite us to listen to Jesus, which is easy to understand but sometimes hard to do. It is a privilege to know you and to hear your Word. May we embrace the invitation to share God’s love abundantly with everyone.
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Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal
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New Staff
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We welcome 3 new staff members to our support staff team; Miss. Selina Ahki (Receptionist / Student Services Assistant) , Ms. Vianna Sue (Accounts Assistant) and Mrs Dawn Firmstone (Ara-Pathways Advisor).
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Receptionist / Student Services Assistant -
Miss. Selina Ahki
Mālo ē lēlēi and Tālofa lava, my name is Selina Ahki, I am a mother of 5 , the oldest being 18 and the youngest is 4 years old. I am of Tongan and Samoan decent, my mother hails from Ma’ufanga / Eua Tonga and my father hails from Saleimoa / Leauvaa Samoa.
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I come from a staunch Catholic family. I am very happy to join the family/team at Marcellin College this year. I have only been here for two weeks, but the role has been varied and busy.
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Life at Marcellin is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get, no two days are the same. The students are keeping me on my toes which is what I love.
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I am happy to serve you and your children. Please say hello when you see me around and if I don’t reply it is probably because I am busy running around for your children.
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I am a believer in our Samoan proverb:
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‘O le ala I le pule o le tautua’, (the path to leadership is through service)
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Mālo 'auptio / Fa'afetai lava,
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Receptionist / Student Services Assistant
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Accounts Assistant -
Ms. Vianna Sue
Talofa lava, I am honored to be a new staff member joining Marcellin College. My name is Vianna Sue, Samoan NZ born, I am named after my dear late Grandmother.
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My given nickname, title given to me by my family in my mother tongue a “taulelea” - meaning I would be the 1st point of call for anything and everything in my family, to hosting visitors, aiding with assistance, being supportive, a caregiver, an organiser, a leader, being humble and a respectful human being. I love my small family, my church and my dear 90-year-old mother.
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I join Marcellin College in my role as an Accounts Administrator.
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Ara-Pathways Advisor - Mrs. Dawn Firmstone
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My name is Dawn Firmstone and I am delighted to be joining the Marcellin College whānau as your new Ara-Pathways Advisor.
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I grew up in St Paul, Minnesota in the USA. I’ve been lucky enough to not only live in New Zealand, but I have had time living in Japan, Malta and England as well.
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My professional background is in communication studies, teaching and administration. I have a kiwi husband and two teenage children, one of whom has just started his studies at Te Herenga Waka/ Victoria University. In my free time I enjoy walking, playing tennis and the arts.
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I very much look forward to meeting you all and supporting you on your journey, whatever ara/pathway you decide to follow.
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Prefect News
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Prefect Profiles
1. Allan Victor
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Tālofa Lava,
My name is Allan Victor and I’m one of Marcellin College's Sports Prefects.
A little bit about me; I am of Samoan descent, born and raised in New Zealand. I’ve spent 7 years at Marcellin with no regrets in my time here. Respect and manners is what I’ve grown up on and I’m willing to show others how they can apply this into their lives to better themselves. I like playing any type of sports and take competition very seriously.
This year I’m hoping to encourage our young ākonga to step out of their comfort zone and try a new sport, even if they aren’t the best at it. I believe that our peers have untouched talents hidden within themselves and if I’m able to bring that out this year then I’ll gladly try to do so.
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2. Lesina Kautai
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I am of Tongan / German decent and am, the youngest sibling out of four. I have been a student here at this school for six years, with all my siblings being ex-students of this school in previous years. My passion resides in all sports but my main sport is netball. It is my love for Christ that I truly love to show and share around my peers. Having a title at Marcellin College and being known as a prefect is an honour and I show my gratitude by being the best prefect I can be. My goal as your sports prefect this year is to set high standards for our sports faculty and to inspire everyone to participate in any sport they wish, creating an encouraging environment for all to come together to learn in family spirit and presence.
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Celebrating Ākonga Success
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Marcellin Spirit Awards
At Marcellin College we use the name ‘Marcellin Spirit’ for Positive Behaviour for Learning. Marcellin Spirit teaches positive behaviour for learning by teaching expectations to all ākonga. We do this via specific Marcellin Spirit lessons, as well as by rewarding expected behaviours. We link our expected behaviours to the Marist Pillars. Our free and frequent reward system is whānau points, which ākonga can track using the MyMahi platform.
Marcellin Spirit certificates are awarded to the ākonga with the most whānau points each week of the term. Congratulations to the following recipients for Week 7 & 8 of Term One:
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Week 7 - Aroaro / Presence
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Year 8: Azelynn Jackswell
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Year 10: Kifasi Tuitavuki
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Year 11: Chiara Marie Orlain
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Week 8 - Ngāwari / Simplicity
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Year 9: Leop Athrin Lance
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Faculty Awards
- Yuwini Basnayake - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Azelyn Jackswell - Aroha ki te Mahi /Love of work
- Simon Young - Aroha ki te Mahi /Love of work
- Etienne Burac - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Talita Finefeuiaki - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Catherine Sijo - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Reyhan Alexander - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Lydia Mekonen - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Ezekiel Swami - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
- Sorona Filo - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
- Lingiahi Ula - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
- Niko Duran Lu - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
- Hope Ofakineiafu - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
- George Pome'e - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
- Mejock Yor- Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
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Special Character News
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In Week 8, I had the privilege of traveling to Hokianga, a place rich in both natural beauty and Catholic history. This inspiring journey deepened my appreciation for the foundations of our faith in Aotearoa and offered valuable insights that I look forward to bringing back to our school community.
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Walking in the footsteps of Bishop Pompallier and those who helped establish the Catholic Church in New Zealand was a moving experience. The sense of wairua (spirit) in this place reminded me of the importance of faith, service, and cultural heritage—values that are at the heart of our special character at Marcellin College.
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Beyond the historical significance, this pilgrimage was also an opportunity for reflection and renewal. I gained new perspectives that will help shape how we nurture the spiritual journey of our ākonga. Whether through service projects, liturgies, or daily acts of kindness, we can continue to live out our faith in meaningful ways.
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I highly recommend a visit to Hokianga for anyone seeking a deeper connection to our Catholic roots. It is a journey that not only educates but also enriches the soul.
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Ngā mihi,
Jeanavieve Pome’e
Director of Religious Studies
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Curriculum News
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NCEA Guidelines
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As we approach the end of the first term, senior ākonga will be submitting mahi/work towards NCEA internal assessment. If an extension is needed, please remind your taitamaiti/child that the guidelines for requesting an extension are found in the NCEA Ākonga Guidelines emailed to them in Huitanguru/February. The extension form itself is also in this document. These guidelines and supporting documents can also be found on our school website under Menu / Our College / Our Curriculum / NZQA: NZQA - Marcellin College. The supporting documents explain how NCEA works in English, Sign Language, Te Reo Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Samoan, and Tongan.
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Pastoral & Engagement News
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Health and Safety: IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Supervision Before and After School
Kaimahi / staff supervision at school begins at 8.00 am and goes until 3.40 pm. A member of the Senior Leadership team is on site from 3.30 - 4.30 pm from Rāhina / Monday to Rāmere / Friday. Ākonga should arrive at school and leave at reasonable times unless they are involved in supervised school activities, which must be communicated to whānau in advance.
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For health and safety, we ask that whānau / parents ensure their tamariki / child(ren) leave the school grounds by 3.40 pm. Any ākonga waiting to be picked up from school must wait at the front of the school by the Champagnat Chapel.
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Ākonga / Student Drivers
A reminder to whānau that if your tamariki / child(ren) is driving to school, they must:
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- have an appropriate licence and obey all road rules
- have parental permission and have completed and signed an ākonga / student driver agreement (available at the Student Services Centre)
- drive a roadworthy vehicle with current registration and warrant of fitness
- not carry passengers without express permission of the school and the passenger's parents/ whānau
- park in the designated parking area and have their vehicle details registered with the school
- not use their vehicle during the school day unless parental consent or principal permission has been given
- notify the school if their licence is suspended or cancelled.
Vehicles are parked at the owner's own risk and the school cannot be held responsible for any damage.
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Thank you for supporting a safe school environment.
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KiVa Poster Competition – Be an Upstander! 🎨✨
Marcellin College is launching a KiVa Poster Competition to promote the importance of standing up against bullying! This is your chance to showcase your creativity while spreading a powerful message about being an upstander—someone who takes action to support others—instead of a bystander.
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How to Enter:
🖌 Create a poster that highlights what it means to be an upstander and how we can create a safe, respectful, and inclusive school community.
🎭 Use art, words, and creativity to share your message—digital or hand-drawn posters are welcome!
📍 Submit your entry via email to luaj@marcellin.school.nz by THURSDAY APRIL 10.
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Why Join?
🏆 Awesome prizes - shared lunch & whānau points
📢 Winning posters will be displayed around the school and shared in the newsletter.
💙 Help make Marcellin College a place where everyone feels safe and valued.
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Let’s take a stand together—be an upstander, not a bystander! 🙌✨
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Co-Curricular News
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What a show!!! The school athletics event at Mt Smart was a resounding success, despite a few light showers that couldn't dampen the spirits of the athletes and staff involved. Instead, it seemed to energise the participants, who gave their best performances across all field and track events.
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The chant competition at Mt Smart was a highlight of the day, bringing an electric energy to the entire event. Throughout the day, all four whānau groups gathered to cheer on their peers with creative and spirited chants that echoed across Mt Smart. The enthusiasm was contagious, with students, and kaimahi joining in the fun. Each chant was more powerful than the last, fostering a sense of unity and friendly competition. It was a true display of Marcellin spirit, keeping the excitement high and ensuring everyone stayed energised from start to finish!
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The athletes showcased incredible talent and determination. The field events, including shot put, high jump, and long jump, were equally impressive, however it was discus where we saw an intense competition. Amazing performance from Moseniolo Tapusoa saw him represent Marcellin College at Auckland Champs.
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Overall, the day was a true celebration of our school athletics, where hard work, perseverance, and team spirit shone through, making it a memorable and successful event for everyone involved.
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A huge thank you to Mr. Nakaora, our sports department, and our incredible admin staff (Courtney, Peyton and Lavinia) for making the day such a memorable and eventful one!
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A special thank you to parents and caregivers for understanding our request to have no spectators due to the health and safety issues but more importantly, for allowing your child to take part in our Marcellin College 2025 Athletics Day.
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Digital
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School Policy - Reviews
Please visit the link below to see the school policies and the current policy under review for this term are:
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- Health, safety and welfare Policy Board Review
- Safety management system Board Review
- Risk management Board Review
- Worker engagement, participation and representation
- Healthcare Board Review
- Recording and reporting accidents, injuries and illness
- Visit the website https://marcellin.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
- Enter the username (marcellin) and password (seekthebest).
- Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
- Read the policy.
- Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
- Select the reviewer type.
- Enter your name (optional).
- Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
- Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
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If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.
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Download the Marcellin College School App
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KAMAR parent portal
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Community Events and Notices
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Marcellin College Upcoming Events
- Year 13 Retreat - Wednesday 2nd April 2025
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Marcellin College Book Quiz
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Gently Loved Markets
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AT Road Works Notice - Marcellin College - Crossing Upgrade
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IF YOUR CHILD IS DOING SOMETHING FANTASTIC OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL TIME, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT AND SHARE IT WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY - EMAIL YOUR STORIES (AND PHOTOGRAPHS) TO: office@marcellin.school.nz
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