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Marcellin College Newsletter 2025
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Marcellin College Newsletter
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Message from the Tumuaki / Principal - Ms. Maria Prescott
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Book Week was a wonderful adventure filled with imagination, creativity, and a celebration of stories that bring us together. Fạiȧkseˈea / thank you to award-winning author Shilo Kino (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto) who spoke at our school assembly about the importance of telling our OWN stories. Her debut novel The Pōrangi Boy won the Young Adult Fiction award at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults in 2021. Book Week finished with an ‘Adventure book’ themed costume competition - congratulations to Deputy Head girl Margaret ‘Lorax’ Finefeuiaki and Mrs ‘Tigger’ Withers who won best dressed! Fạiȧkseˈea / thank you to Ms Finau, our school librarian and the librarian leaders for organising the fun-filled week.
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Foundational literacy is key to every ākonga success, helping build the critical reading and comprehension skills needed across all subjects. The NCEA Corequisites are just two weeks away, and Book Week reminds us of the importance of reading regularly to strengthen understanding and boost confidence for the assessments ahead.
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We have noticed an increase in student illnesses recently in our attendance records, and we encourage everyone to take simple steps to stay healthy. Regular handwashing, staying home when unwell, keeping hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and getting plenty of rest can make a big difference. Let’s work together to keep our school community safe and well.
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Regular attendance is very important for ākonga success—every day at school helps build knowledge, confidence, and strong learning habits. If your tamariki is unwell, they can still keep up with their learning through the online learning platforms like Google Classroom and Education Perfect. Whānau must notify the school of any absences so we can provide the right support. We are blessed to have our dedicated Whānau Engagement Liaison, Aukuso Victor, who plays a key role in strengthening the connection between Marcellin College, our ākonga, and whānau—supporting attendance and fostering a strong, united learning community.
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Next week I look forward to singing along with you all at the school production - Moana Jnr, showcasing the incredible gifts and talents of our akonga! Whānau support means the world to our performers, don’t miss out, purchase your tickets today eventfinda.co.nz Fạiȧkseˈea / Thank you to our kaimahi and ākonga crew and performers for your efforts!
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As we journey through the Easter season, this Sunday’s Gospel from John 13:31–33a, 34–35 reminds us of Jesus’ call to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This message of aroha / love was lived out by St Marcellin Champagnat, who, like Mary, responded to the needs of others with compassion, humility, and a deep faith in God. As a Marcellin whānau, we are called to follow their example—serving one another with gentleness and love, and making Jesus Christ known and loved in our whānau and wider community.
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May God’s blessings be with all in our Marcellin whānau.
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Fạiȧkseˈea Fonua Ola!
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fonua Ola for their generous donation of seven laptops to support our ākonga. As an organisation grounded in the vision of Pacific pioneers and committed to empowering families across Tāmaki Makaurau, Fonua Ola continues to uplift the next generation through practical support and deep community care.
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Your gift will make a meaningful difference in the learning journeys of our ākonga, helping them ‘Seek the Best’. Fạiȧkseˈea / thank you for walking alongside our Marcellin College whānau with such generosity and heart.
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New Staff
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Whānau Attendance and Engagement Liaison - Mr Aukuso Victor
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My name is Aukuso Victor and I am happy and honoured to take over the new role of Whānau Attendance and Engagement Liaison. I have been involved with Marcellin College for the last 15 years. All my children went through Marcellin College and myself is a product of Marist education.
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The key to the success of St Marcellin Champagnat’s work was his ability to relate to other people and to communicate with them. I encourage you dear whānau to get involved with your child’s education, be visible and communicate with the school.
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In my new role as Whānau Attendance and Engagement Liaison, I will be visiting our Marcellin community a lot and please, if you see me pulling up in your driveways or knock at your front doors, do come and korero/ talatalanoa.
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Looking forward to work together with everyone in the Marcellin College Aiga.
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Optima Quaere - Seek the Best.
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2026 Enrolments are Open!
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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
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Ngāwari/Simplicity - Week One of Term Two:
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Year 7: Dagmawi Tewodros Kebede
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Year 13: Gracedarling Lino
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Aroaro/Presence - Week Two of Term Two:
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Year 9: Iva Ilaganoa Sulu Kiripati
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Year 13: Heshalyn Punzalan
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Faculty Awards
- Yuwini Basnayake - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Attention to detail)
- Titan Keil - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Lingi Angilau - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Excellent work in class)
- Jose Rafael Padilla - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Diligence)
- Lesina Malaesilia - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Working to the best of her ability)
- Joziah Mariota - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Working to the best of his ability)
- Ruby Cowen - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Working to the best of her ability)
- Etienne Burac - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Working to the best of his ability)
- Tuvale Gray - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Luke Koenig - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Peyson Tautasi Richard Hipa - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Taupeavai Ma'asi - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Aysha Feata - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Etienne Burac - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Henry Sloan - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Opeloge Ah Sam - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work (Year 12 History)
- Kyle Bendall - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Raphael Perillo - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Micah Kirsten Igtanloc - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Jahkiwa Tufunga - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Rikihana Walker - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Reniel Delica - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- 'Afa Masunu - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
- Joseph Manase - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
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Special Character News
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"Habemus Papam" - "We have a Pope". It was an exciting time in our Catholic Church as all eyes were on the chimney in St Peter’s Square awaiting to hear the results of the Conclave. Pope Leo XIV's first words to the world was ‘Peace be with you’. He has confirmed that choosing the name Leo takes inspiration from Pope Leo XIII who wrote the encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum’. This encyclical addressed the Industrial Revolution and the conditions of workers. Pope Leo XIV has noted that today we are also in an Industrial Revolution of a different kind. Artificial Intelligence challenges our world and we need to recognise the dignity of all human beings.
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As Catholics, we are encouraged to pray for our Pope. In our school community we have being praying this prayer:
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“Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. Amen.”
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Please take the time to pray this with your whānau.
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This term has already been so busy. On Rāmere/Thursday 1st Haratua/May the annual Pompallier Shield Competition was held at Sacred Heart College on Thursday 1st May. This is a competition in scripture, waiata, speech, and oratory. It was between all the Catholic Schools in the Auckland Diocese.
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Many thanks to the following ākonga who participated in the competition:
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Senior Oratory: Aylen Pua-Valenzuela
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Senior Māori Scripture: Jamesyn Mackie-Fuiava
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Senior English Scripture: Semu Asotau Fa’alavaau
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Junior Speech: Rafel Mathew
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Junior English Scripture: Elza Huiarangi
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Junior Māori Scripture: Erin Setu
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Waiata: Uaealesi Timoteo, Jane Finauvala, Janine Evile, Jayden Pandah, Christian Fomai, Rikihana Walker, Sarah Vaka, Felicity Pomee, Zion Seniwaitui, Jacob Sanonu
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All ākonga worked hard in preparing for a tough competition and we are so proud of them all.
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In Week 2, we celebrated New Zealand Sign Language week. Our Special Character and La Valla Prefects welcomed ākonga into the school with a card that showed the ‘Jesus Loves You’ in NZSL. They were also given a lollipop.
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This week we prepare for our Year 7 Retreat on Rāmere/Thursday 15 Haratua/May and Year 8 Retreat on Rāpare/Friday 16 Haratua/May. Please pray for our beautiful ākonga as they spend the day in prayer and reflection.
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As we move into the final weeks of the Easter season, we continue to remember Jesus’ Resurrection and his message of hope. We are Easter people and ‘Alleluia’ is our song.
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In this Month of Mary, we pray that we are all inspired to live lives of faithful discipleship. This is our prayer for our kura:
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"O Mary, mother of Jesus, and our mother, help us to be faithful disciples of your Son. Like you, may we hear the Word of God and put it into practice. Grant us the grace to follow Jesus closely, to carry our crosses, and to live a life that reflects his love and teachings. Intercede for us with your Son, that we may grow in holiness and be true disciples in all that we do. Amen."
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May we all be blessed by the hope of our Risen Saviour Jesus Christ.
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Acting Ringatohu Akoranga Hāhi / Director of Religious Studies Term 2 2025
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Curriculum News
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Year 11, 12, and 13 Literacy and Numeracy Digital Corequisites
In Week 5 of Term Two, all Year 11, 12, and 13 ākonga who did not gain the literacy and numeracy corequisites last year will sit the first digital corequisite attempt for 2025. Before this, another literacy and numeracy preparation day will be held on Rāapa/Wednesday, 21 Haratua/May. The confirmed days and times for these corequisites are:
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Rātū/Tuesday, 27 Haratua/May: literacy (reading) periods one - three
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Rāapa/Wednesday, 28 Haratua/May: literacy (writing) periods one - three
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Rāpare/Thursday 29, Haratua/May: numeracy periods one - three
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Ākonga will need to arrive at school on time and with a charged device for these days. There will be a second and final attempt in Term Three for ākonga to achieve the literacy and numeracy corequisites for 2025.
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These corequisites are vital, as without them, ākonga will not be awarded Level One, Two, or Three NCEA.
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Engagement Reports
Whānau of all Year 7 - 13 ākonga will receive another engagement report via email in Term Two, on Rāmere/Friday, Weeks 4, 6, and 8. The purpose of these is to keep whānau regularly informed about their child's engagement in their learning. We encourage you to have a positive and constructive conversation with your child about their engagement in each of their subjects. Here is a reminder of the criteria for engagement:
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The criteria for Engagement in Learning are:
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ALWAYS - completes classwork; participates actively in class; manages self effectively
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USUALLY - completes classwork; participates actively in class; manages self effectively
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SOMETIMES - completes classwork; participates actively in class; manages self effectively
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NEEDS REMINDERS - to complete classwork; to participate actively in class; to manage self effectively
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Academic Reports and Progress Hui
All ākonga will receive a full report in Week 7 of Term Two. This will be followed by two progress hui afternoons, on Rāapa/Wednesday, 18 Pipiri/June and Rāpare/Thursday, 19 Pipiri/June from 2 pm - 6.30 pm. Make sure these dates are in your calendar now!
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Pastoral & Engagement News
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As we continue through the term, I want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support of our ākonga and our Marcellin College community. Our focus in the pastoral space remains on attendance, wellbeing, respectful relationships, and high expectations.
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A few important pastoral reminders:
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All students are expected to wear the correct uniform each day, including proper footwear and grooming. Wearing the uniform with pride reflects our values and school spirit.
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Attendance and Punctuality:
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Being present and on time to each class is a key part of student success. Regular attendance also helps build positive habits for life beyond school.
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At Marcellin College, we are proud to be a KiVa school — standing together against bullying and promoting a culture of kindness, courage, and respect. Through the KiVa programme, we teach our ākonga not just to avoid harmful behaviour, but to stand up for others and create safe spaces wherever they go — in class, online, and in the wider community.
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Every student has a part to play in building an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we make a difference.
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Our Deans, Whānau Leaders, and Pastoral Team are here to support students and families. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or support.
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Lastly, we’re excited to announce the upcoming Year 12 and 13 Ball, which will take place on Saturday 28th June. This is a special evening for our senior students to come together, celebrate their journey, and represent Marcellin with pride.
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A reminder that attendance at the Ball is a privilege, and students must continue to meet the expectations set out in the Senior Code of Conduct, including behaviour, attendance, and punctuality.
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We’re looking forward to a beautiful and joy-filled evening with our seniors!
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Jeanavieve Pome’e-Vaipulu
Acting Deputy Principal
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Counselling Appointments
If you wish to make a counselling appointment, you must email the counsellor and wait for a response.
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Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: email Ms Hyde-Hills (also email Ms Hyde-Hills if you want to see Rob)
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Thursdays and Fridays: email Sr Salome
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Health Clinic
Please consider the following for the winter season:
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1. If you have asthma or think you might have asthma, please come see us at the health clinic so that we can assist you in keeping asthma under control.
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2. Influenza and covid-19 vaccines are highly recommended to protect us against serious winter illnesses.
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3. If you are unwell, please stay at home to stop the spread of infection to others.
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4. Cover your sneeze, wear a mask and keep a good hand washing habit.
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Co-Curricular News
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Piano Recital
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Our Marcellin College music department hosted its first ever formal Piano Recital for our piano students at Lewis Eady studios in Remuera this week. It was a lovely night for 8 of our most talented and brave pianists, who stepped up to play on the beautiful full size Steinway Grand piano in front of a packed room of parents and family and supporters.
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All our students gave great performances and made their families proud.
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Thank you Semu Asotau Fa'alavaau, Noah Ah Sam, Ayva Collins, Iyla Filoa, Vincent Leiataua, Jorge Gascoigne, Desire Maketi and Xzaviah Neru for the great performances they gave.
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Year 13 Sport Science - Vector Wero Whitewater Rafting
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At the end of Term One the two year 13 Sport Science classes visited Vector Wero White Water Park. The ākonga participated in stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
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The purpose of the trip was to gain three credits by completing the achievement standard “3.7 Analyse Issues in Safety Management for Outdoor Activity to Devise Safety Management Strategies”.
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The ākonga had an epic time and really enjoyed pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in some real world learning.
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Sports News
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All our winter sports teams are back in action and off to a strong start. Netball teams have hit the court with energy and determination, showing great promise in their grading games. Our basketball teams have carried their impressive 2024 form into the new season, continuing to shine. Meanwhile, the football team hasn't missed a beat after moving up a grade, opening their season with a dominant 9–1 victory. A fantastic start all round.
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Our teams are off to a fantastic start this winter season, and now we need you on the sidelines! Your support makes a big difference whether it's cheering on a goal, a basket, or a great play. Let’s bring the Marcellin spirit to every game and show our teams we’re right behind them. See you there!
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A huge thank you to Joseph and the Auckland United Football Club for their generous donation of 12 brand new Adidas footballs to support our football program, we’re incredibly grateful for your kindness. We also want to give a special shoutout to our amazing ex-students Atelea Filo, Grace Collins, Vika Paea, and Sesilia Havili for stepping up to support our Netball and Rugby teams. We truly appreciate your time, energy, and continued connection to our community.
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Follow our Marcellin Instagram page for all updates around sport
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Lesina Kautai - Sports Captain
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Moana Jr Production
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Disney’s Moana JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.”
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This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
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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
- 21-24 May - Moana Jr Production
- 21 May - Lit / Num Preparation Ra (Year 11) #2
- 27 May - Literacy Digital Corequisite Reading
- 28 May - Literacy Digital Corequisite Writing
- 29 May - Numeracy
- 30 May - Curriculum Rā ( Teacher Only Day) - School is closed
- 1 June - 7 June Samoan Language Week
- 2 June - King's Birthday
- 4 June - NCEA Music Night
- 6 June - Champagnat Feast Day
- Mass & Whānau Singing Competition
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- 8 June - 14 June - Filipino Language Week
- 9 June - Senior Love of Work Week
- 13 June - Achievement reports emailed
- National Dance Challgenge
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- 14 June - Bollywood Showdown
- 18 June - Careers Expo
- 18 & 19 June - Progress Hui Evenings
- 20 June - Matariki - School is closed
- 25 June - Dancing with the staff
- 27 June - Curriculum Rā (Staff Only Day) - School is closed
- 28 June - School Ball
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School Tuckshop
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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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