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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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What a wonderful occasion it was to celebrate our first school Mass and the commissioning of our Prefects and senior leaders at the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph. Our Prefects proudly represented our kura / school at the launch of the Association of Champagnat Marists in Aotearoa last week. The organising committee acknowledged our prefects for their service and friendly interactions, making Jesus Christ known and loved. You can read more about this event by clicking on the following link: https://champagnat.org/en/the-launch-of-the-association-of-champagnat-marists-in-aotearoa/
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Congratulations also to our senior ākonga, who were recognised at our annual Academic Assembly for Merit and Excellence endorsement in 2024!
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Next week is the halfway point of Term One. Our ākonga are settled into routines and class work. Thank you to our whānau for your continued support, particularly with informing the school when your tamariki / child is absent, late or in the incorrect uniform. All ākonga are now expected to have their full correct uniform, stationery and device to be ready to learn for each lesson.
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Attendance and being on time every day is key to ensuring your tamariki / child(ren) ‘Seek the Best’ of every opportunity AND be the best that they can be. Our attendance rates are steadily increasing each week. The Government has set a target of 80% of students attending school more than 90% of the Term by 2030. To achieve this, schools need to reach an average daily attendance rate above 94%.
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Our school attendance rates so far are:
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Term One, Week Two: 84.3%
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Term One, Week Three: 86.6%
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Term One, Week Four: 88.3%
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Senior ākonga are beginning to prepare for their first NCEA internal assessment. For each subject, they should have a Course Outline with details about the Standards being assessed, the number of credits available for the course and assessment details. Take the time to go through these Course Outlines with your tamariki and if you have any questions about your tamariki / child(ren)’s attendance and progress, please email the Kaiārahi in the first instance.
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We look forward to seeing all our whānau at the Meet the Kaimahi and Whānau Information evening on 12 Poutūterangi / March beginning at 4.00pm. A Google Form survey will be sent to all Years 10 to 13 ākonga and their whānau to write down any questions you may have for the evening.
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As part of the Prayers of the Faithful at the Dedication Mass, we prayed for our Prefects and ākonga leaders, for the world, for our dedicated Catholic school kaimahi / staff and Marcellin whānau, for those who have died and for the sick and suffering. We remember Pope Francis at this time of sickness and pray the prayer that kaitiaki classes read this week:
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We come before You in prayer, lifting up Your servant, Pope Francis, in his time of need. You are the Source of all healing, and we ask You to surround him with Your loving presence, granting him strength and recovery. May Your divine grace rest upon him, restoring his health and filling him with renewed vigor to continue leading Your Church with compassion and wisdom.
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“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 30:17)
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We place Pope Francis into Your hands, trusting in Your eternal care. May he be comforted by the love of the Church and the prayers of all the faithful. We ask, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that his recovery be swift, and his spirit be strengthened in Your peace. May Your will be done in his life, O Lord, and may Your healing power be with him always.
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We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
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Credit: Caritas Jerusalem
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Ngā manaakitanga Marcellin whānau
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Message from the Presiding Member
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Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025!
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As we kick off this new year, let’s take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work and amazing achievements of 2024. Thank you to our wonderful students, staff, and whānau who contributed so much last year. We are looking forward to the year ahead!
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On behalf of the Board, I welcome all our new and returning students and staff who have chosen Marcellin as their school of choice. We are also very happy to welcome Catherine Bamber-O'Malley to our Board as a Proprietor's Representative. We look forward to leveraging her skills, knowledge, and experience she brings to our Kura.
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Looking ahead, let us embrace 2025 with purpose and passion, guided by our vision to "Transform lives through faith, knowledge, and education, founded on Marist traditions."
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May this year be one of inspiration, perseverance, and excellence. Together, we continue to strive for excellence and seek the best for our school community!
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New Proprietor Representative
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Kia ora, Marcellin College whānau,
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I am delighted to be able to introduce myself as a new Proprietor’s Representative on the Marcellin College Board. My connection to this community began long before this appointment—through my husband, who worked here and always spoke so highly of the people, the values, and the rich spirit that defines Marcellin. In many ways, it feels like I already knew the heart of this place before stepping into this role.
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I come to you with a deep passion for Catholic education, having served in curriculum and pastoral leadership roles within charism-led Catholic schools in the UK, Philippines and now here in the land of the long white cloud! My journey has taken me through Baradene College, and currently, I serve as the Foundation Deputy Principal at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College. I am passionate about nurturing faith, the pursuit of excellence and helping all young people grow to be the person God is calling them to be.
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I am excited to walk alongside you all—staff, ākonga, whānau, and the wider community—as we continue to strengthen Marcellin’s mission and values and seek the best together!
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Proprietor Representative
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New Staff
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Welcome to Sr Salome Ioane rsm, who joined us this year as a part-time Guidance Counsellor and to Mr Colin Webster (SENCO) working with our āwhina ako / learning support .
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My name is Sr Salome Ioane rsm. I am a Sister of Mercy, a Samoan, living and working in New Zealand. I started my religious journey in Samoa in 1986 and 37 years of profession. I started teaching at Paul VI College, Leulumoega in 1988 and in 1998 I came to New Zealand and taught at St Mary’s College, Ponsonby. In 2001 I went back to Samoa to be a teacher and Principal at Paul VI College. I came back to New Zealand after 6 years and worked at McAuley High School as a Teacher and Chaplain for more than 10 years. I decided to change my ministry to Counselling and completed my training at Auckland University 5 years ago. During my training time, I worked as a part-time counsellor at Marcellin College for one year and that was when I felt a calling to come back to Marcellin College if and when time permits. For the last three years, I was a School Guidance Counsellor at Epsom Girls Grammar School and this year, I am happy to once again work in our Catholic System, at Marcellin College as a Guidance Counsellor and as a school chaplain. A quote from the Sisters of Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley:
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We have one solid comfort amidst this little tripping about,
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our hearts can always be in the same place,
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Faafetai tele. Blessings and Prayers always for our Marcellin College whānau.
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I am the SENCo working with ākonga in Āwhina Ako. I support ākonga who have a range of diverse learning and behavioural needs. I work collaboratively with kaiako and whānau to provide learning programmes that are strength based for ākonga. '
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Ehara taku toai te toa takitahi, he toa takitini' - my strength is not as an individual but as a collective.
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Colin Webster
Kaiarataki Pou Akoranga/SENCoĀwhina Ako
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Prefect News
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Head Prefect Profiles
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Head Boy - Eric Mapa
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Head Girl - Mary - Jane Taito
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Deputy Head Boy - Viliami Tu'ima
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Deputy Head Girl - Margaret Finefeuiaki
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Champagnat Marist Student Leadership Forum
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The 18th edition of the Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum in Ōtautahi/Christchurch took place from 20th-23rd February this year with 38 student leaders across 10 of the 11 schools’ network in attendance. Our Head Boy, Eric Mapa, and Head Girl, Mary Jane Taito, represented Marcellin College for 2025.
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The time together in community was spirit-filled and the 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, 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. We are stronger together!
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Special Character News
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Dedication Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Kia ora, Mālō e lelei, and blessings to our Marcellin whānau,
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It was a privilege to gather as a school community for our Dedication Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a beautiful and faith-filled occasion where we commissioned our Prefects, Eucharistic Ministers, Cantor Leaders, and BOT Student Representative. This Mass was a special moment of prayer, reflection, and blessing as we entrusted our student leaders to serve with faith, humility, and a spirit of aroha.
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A heartfelt thank you to Father Craig for hosting and leading us in this sacred celebration, as well as to Sr. Salome, Eden Ward, Jess Stenberg, Dr. Ahsam, and all those who contributed to making this liturgy such a moving experience.
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Special acknowledgment to our Special Character / La Valla team, Marina De Silva & Cuan Pillay, whose dedication and hard work behind the scenes helped bring this celebration to life.
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As we journey through this year with our focus on "Ki te Huarahi o Maria – In the Way of Mary", may our leaders and entire school community continue to be inspired by Mary’s example—leading with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith.
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Jeanavieve Pome’e-Vaipulu
Director of Religious Studies
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Upcoming events in Special Character
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6/2/25 & 7/2/25: Year 9 Retreat
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Jeanavieve Pome’e-Vaipulu
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(Director of Religious Studies)
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Attendance Dues are compulsory payments at all Catholic / Integrated Schools.
Payments should have already begun for 2025.
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An urgent reminder that a condition of enrolment at any integrated school such as Marcellin College, is a legal requirement for whānau / parents to pay Attendance Dues. Marcellin College collects Attendance Dues on behalf of the Proprietor.
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All whānau / parents and caregivers must commit to paying something (e.g. $20 per fortnight automatic payment) towards the cost of your tamariki / child(rens) education at Marcellin College, as stated in the Attendance Dues Agreement that whānau signed at the enrolment interview. Financial Assistance is available to assist whānau who may need financial support.
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Whānau who are not making regular payments risk their tamariki being removed from the school roll as per the Attendance Dues Agreement. Furthermore, the proprietor will refer overdue accounts to a debt collection agency, which puts more pressure on whānau. To prevent this, it is imperative that regular communication with the Executive Officer, Tiffany Wood and the Tumuaki, Maria Prescott to develop a payment support plan.
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Curriculum News
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BYOD Reminder
This is a reminder that we are a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, and all ākonga/students (Years 7 to 13) need a digital device that is supplied by whānau/families to support the blended learning approaches and digital assessments in class. With the NZ Curriculum refresh currently taking place, all NCEA assessments have been written as digital first. This means they are designed to be both accessed and completed on a laptop.
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Marcellin College has a relationship with Noel Leeming (Royal Oak) who offers various payment plans on BYOD devices. Conbrio offers refurbished devices at lower prices. PB Tech offers competitive prices on a range of devices and accessories. Devices must be a minimum of 14 inches, and MacBooks, iPads and Tablets are not recommended devices for our ākonga.
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All subjects and courses have their lessons uploaded to the digital learning platform Google Classroom. Links to all Google Classrooms can be accessed via the school website by clicking on the Distance Learning tab.
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Meet the Kaimahi - Whānau Information Evening for Yr 10, 11, 12 & 13
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On Rāapa / Wednesday 12 Poutūterangi / March from 4 pm - 7 pm there will be an opportunity for Yr 10, 11, 12 & 13 ākonga and whānau to meet kaimahi and learn about NCEA, University Entrance, and pathways. More information will be shared closer to the time.
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Literacy and Numeracy Corequisite Requirements
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Literacy and Numeracy corequisites are now mandatory. If ākonga do not achieve the Literacy and/or Numeracy corequisites they will not be awarded NCEA Level One, Two, or Three.
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Any Year 11, 12, or 13 ākonga who does not yet have these corequisites will sit these on the following rā/days:
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- Rātū/Tuesday, 27 Haratua/May (Reading)
- Rāapa/Wednesday 28 Haratua/May (Writing)
- Rāpare/Thursday 29 Haratua/May (Numeracy)
There will be two preparation rā/day before this, held on:
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- Rāapa/Wednesday 12 Poutūterangi/March
- Rāapa/Wednesday 21 Haratua/May
- Year 10 ākonga will have the opportunity to sit these corequisites in Mahuru/September.
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Progress Reports
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On Rāmere/Friday 21 Poutūterangi/March whānau of all Yr 7 - 13 ākonga will receive a progress report via email. This report will give whānau a snapshot of where ākonga are at, academically, halfway through Term Tahi/One. Each kaiako/teacher will give a grade of either ‘Meeting Expectations’ or ‘Not Yet Meeting Expectations’ for both ‘Effort’ and ‘Progress’.
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Kāhui Ako - Auckland Central CAtholic (ACCKA)
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Marcellin College is excited to be part of the Auckland Central Catholic Kāhui Ako (ACCKA) this year. The ACCKA is preparing for a malaga to Samoa later this year and are in urgent need of stationery and hygiene packs. Donations can be dropped off to the Student Services Centre before the end of Term One. This will then be taken to Marist College to support the collective efforts of ACCKA.
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Pathways - Ara Office
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Co-Curricular News
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Sports Update
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Talofa lava and welcome back to another exciting year of sports! We've hit the ground running with the start of the summer season. Last week, both our Tag girls' and boys' teams competed in the Central Western Zone Premier competition—an exciting first for us, as we faced off against the best teams in our zone. Our senior girls secured one win out of five games, earning their place in the Premier competition for another round. Our boys, who competed against strong teams like Westlake, St Paul’s, and Kelston, played their hearts out. Although they were just shy of victory, their positive attitude and great team spirit showed great promise for the future.
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Additionally, both our senior boys' and girls' volleyball teams have been competing weekly in the Central (Boys) and Central Western (Girls) Zones. The senior girls have made an incredible achievement by moving up a grade, which brings tougher challenges each week, but they’re rising to the occasion! You can follow their results and upcoming draws on the College Sport website by selecting Marcellin College as the organization.
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This term, we're also looking forward to our school Athletics event, which will be held at Mt Smart Stadium on March 17th. A payment of $10 will be required to cover transport and venue hire costs.
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We still need coaches for several of our winter sports teams, including Netball, Basketball, Football, and Rugby League. If you’re interested in coaching, please don’t hesitate to contact us at aiolupotead@marcellin.school.nz.
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Year 11 Art trip to Māngere Mt. Education Centre
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On Thursday 19th February, Ms Gurrung-Diaz and I took the 18 Year 11 Art ākonga to the Māngere Mountain Education Centre for two morning workshops. These were Ronoā rākau
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(medicinal plants) and traditional Māori kai.
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We played a rākau stick game to start, and then were shown harake, mingimingi, tarata, koromiko and manuka plants, with explanations of how and why these plants were and are used.
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In the second workshop we got into the gardens. I was supposed to tell the kids to have some garden shoes! We were shown the hue (gourd plant) growing, and shown how to pollinate the wahine flower with the tama. Some ākonga were given a pitchfork and dug up waiporo rīwai (potatoes), and a Tongan variety of sweet potato. Ākonga were then able to go into the takinga pataka to see hue and kai drying.
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This trip was hugely informative and well facilitated, with plenty of hands-on experiences. It was perfectly aligned with our Year 11 curriculum and the ākonga seemed to enjoy it.
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Pastoral & Engagement News
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Health and Safety: IMPORTANT REMINDERS
To read the following Marcellin College Policy and Procedures on SchoolDocs
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Enter the username (marcellin) and password (seekthebest)
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Supervision Before and After School
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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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At Marcellin College, pastoral care is guided by Ngā Ākoranga Pāpori Katorika (Catholic Social Teaching), with a strong focus on Te Mana o te Tangata (Human Dignity). We believe every ākonga is made in God’s image, and we are committed to respecting and upholding their dignity in every interaction.
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As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) school, we prioritise strong, respectful relationships and take a restorative approach to conflict resolution. Our behaviour management practices ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
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Our Behaviour Management Guidelines:
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Clear expectations for behaviour are shared with students, staff, and parents/caregivers.
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The school community is encouraged to recognise and respond appropriately to bullying, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour.
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Staff, including relievers, coaches, and tutors, foster positive learning environments and relationships.
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Behaviour management strategies are applied consistently, with a focus on maintaining student dignity.
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De-escalation techniques are used when managing challenging behaviour, and physical restraint is only used by authorised staff when necessary to prevent harm.
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Serious misconduct is addressed following Ministry of Education guidelines for stand-downs, suspensions, or exclusions.
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Individual plans and support strategies are developed for students with specific behavioural needs, involving staff, families, and external agencies where required.
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Seclusion and corporal punishment are strictly prohibited.
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Thank you for supporting a safe school environment.
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Kiva Reminder – Anti-Bullying Program for Our Junior School
Kia ora Marcellin whānau,
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A reminder that our Junior School is continuing to engage with KiVa, an important anti-bullying program designed to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all ākonga. KiVa focuses on preventing bullying, empowering bystanders, and promoting respect and kindness within our school community.
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This program aligns with our Catholic values, particularly human dignity and solidarity, reminding us that every person deserves to feel safe and valued. Through classroom discussions, activities, and support strategies, our students are learning how to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying in a positive way.
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Let’s continue to build a school where everyone is treated with aroha, manaaki, and respect.
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Jeanavieve Pome’e-Vaipulu
Senior leader & Director of Religious Studies
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Digital
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School Policy - Reviews
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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
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Board review |
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Board review |
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Worker Engagement, Participation and Representation
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Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries and Illness
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- 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
- ID Photos - Friday 28 February 2025
- Year 9 Retreat - Thursday 6th March & Friday 7th March 2025
- Meet our Kaimahi - Wednesday 12th March 2025
- Athletics Day - Monday 17th March 2025
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Current Vacancies
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Marcellin College Receptionist / Student Services Assistant
Marcellin College is a vibrant Year 7–13 co-educational Catholic state integrated school, founded by the Marist Brothers and situated in park-like grounds near Royal Oak, Auckland.
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We are seeking an optimistic and energetic receptionist / student services assistant to help keep our school running smoothly and efficiently.
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- You will be the first point of contact for our ākonga / students, whānau / parents and visitors, providing exceptional customer service and administrative support.
- You will assist in ākonga / student -related systems including enrolments, school prizegiving, student taxi processes and support the other members of the admin team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a receptionist / student services assistant with experience working within a school:
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- effective and professional communication skills
- friendly and approachable attitude to provide excellent service to ākonga / students, whānau / parents and caregivers, kaimahi / staff and visitors
- proficiency in Google Workspace
- familiarity and knowledge of the student management system KAMAR an advantage
- ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively to keep the office running smoothly
- efficient record-keeping and maintaining organised systems for ākonga / student files and administrative tasks
- effective team work and collaborative skills to work well with kaimahi / staff to support the overall functioning of the school
The role is (37.5 hours a week) full time, permanent for 40 weeks each year with the core hours being between 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (term time only) .
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For more information about the role please email Lavinia Pone, Operations Manager at Marcellin College: ponel@marcellin.school.nz
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Applications close 7 March 2025.
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Only candidates who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered. A current and clean driver’s license is required, and upon a successful Police vetting process.
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Marcellin College - Ara-Pathways Advisor
Marcellin College is a vibrant and popular Y7–13 Catholic college, founded by the Marist Brothers and situated in park-like grounds near Royal Oak, Auckland.
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We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated Aras-Pathways Advisor who has previous experience in a school environment, with careers experience desirable. You will have an understanding of the qualification framework, ITO’s, industry training and enjoy working with young people.
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This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate to join a supportive staff with a great wairua o te whānau / family spirit.
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A willingness and ability to take part in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school shall be a condition of appointment.
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This is a permanent role with 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, and term time only. You are required to have your own vehicle and a full-drivers license.
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Junior Netball Give it a Go days
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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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