Marcellin College Newsletter 2025
Issue No. 03
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Marcellin College Newsletter

Message from the Tumuaki/Principal -

Ms. Maria Prescott

Our school Lenten journey began with a beautiful Ash Wednesday school Liturgy led by our Special Character and La Valla prefects, as well as our Kaitiaki La Valla leaders. You can read more about our Special Character and La Valla prefects in their profiles below.

Support our annual Bake Sale to raise funds to support the Caritas Lent appeal this year by sending your tamariki / child with some money next Rāmere / Friday 21 Poutūterangi / March. The Rāpare / Thursday lunchtime Masses and the Stations of the Cross every Rāmere / Friday lunchtime are opportunities for all kaimahi and ākonga to pray during this Lenten season. Ngā mihi kia koutou to our Special Character and La Valla prefects who are leading this. There are lots of Lenten activities that you can do with your whānau and tamariki - click here to access the Caritas Lenten 2025 resources.

With only four more weeks of the term left to go, our ākonga have been very busy in the classroom. 10BST (Business Studies) have been selling the products they have developed in class as part of the Deloitte Grow Programme, and the 11SCI (Science) are preparing for their first internal assessment, looking at Chemical Reactions.

Ngā mihi kia koutou to all our current and prospective whānau who came out to the Meet our Kaimahi / Staff / Open Day event this week. Congratulations to the following whānau who registered and won the $50 Prezzi cards:

Robaldo whānau, Parco whānau, Young whānau, Bishop whānau, and Mapa whānau.

Enrollments for 2026 are now open, and online registration can be accessed on our school website.

Our ākonga are also busy preparing for Athletics day next Rāhina / Monday 17 Poutūterangi / March with their Whānau chants led by our Whānau prefects and Whānau kaiako leaders! Please read the email that has been sent to you by the Sports Director Mr David Aiolupotea as it contains important health and safety messages. We look forward to sharing the highlights of these days on our school Facebook and Instagram pages, so make sure you follow us (see school website for links).

Your support in getting your tamariki / child(ren) to school is so important. 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%.
Our school attendance rates so far are:

Term One, Week Two: 84.3%
Term One, Week Three: 86.6%
Term One, Week Four: 88.3%
Term One, Week Five: 83.2 %
Term One, Week Six: 85.2 %

Ākonga who have been attending regularly have been acknowledged in their Year level assemblies, and next week, the Whānau with the highest attendance will be rewarded with Whānau points each week!

Ngā mihi kia koutou whānau for the key role you play in our Marcellin whānau! We are very grateful for your trust, care and support for our school.

Rapu i te pai / Seek the Best Marcellin whānau

Me inoi tātou / Let us pray:

E Wairua Tapu, Holy Spirit, as we begin our Lenten journey,
reveal to us what we need to change in ourselves and in the
world. Inspired by Jesus’ time in the desert, strengthen our
faith and resilience. As we spend time together in prayer
and reading the Gospel stories, speak to our hearts and
nourish us, we pray.

Āmene

Ngā manaakitanga Marcellin whānau,

Maria Prescott
Tumuaki / Principal

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The School Tuckshop will be closed until further notice.

We have been informed that the school tuckshop, operated by Libelle Group Limited, will be closing as the company goes into liquidation. The tuckshop will officially close on 14 Poutūrangi / March 2025.

As a result, ākonga will no longer be able to purchase food at school. Please ensure they bring their lunch from home or purchase food before arriving at school.

Our Executive Officer is actively working to find a new provider to ensure ākonga / students continue to have healthy food options available.

In the meantime, we will continue offering our Breakfast and Lunch Programmes:
  • Breakfast Club (sponsored by Sanitarium) is available at interval outside the Chapel during the warmer months.
  • Lunch Programme (sponsored by KidsCan) runs every Rātū / Tuesday and Rāmere / Friday lunchtime.
  • Muesli bars and fruit cups are available from the Student Services Centre every day.
Marcellin College is not part of the Te Hōtaka Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme, and we are grateful for the generous food donations from local businesses.

Prefect News

Marcellin College 2025 La Valla Prefects

1. Krizette Ramos

2. Gracedarling Lino

3. Noah Collins

4. Tomasi Taufa

5. 'Elisiva Tu'imoala

6. Katrice Soriba

Celebrating Ākonga Success

Rotary Science, Technology Forum scholarship - Gracedarling Lino

The Rotary National Science and Technology Forum is an annual event for Year 12 rangatahi who are interested in Science, Mathematics and Technology careers. Over 150 rangatahi come together for two weeks and experience the tertiary level of these courses, which includes lots of hands-on experience.

The Rotary National Science and Technology scholarship recipient was La Valla Prefect Gracedarling Lino. She attended the two-week intensive camp in Kohitātea / January this year. Ngā mihi kia koutou Maungakiekie Rotary for the full scholarship.

"The Rotary Science Forum was an amazing experience, and one that I won't forget for many many years to come. I got to see the different facilities in AUT, Auckland University and Massey University. I met amazing people, the interactions were genuine, and the other students were always open to making new connections. I was able to strengthen different skills there, especially time management, social skills and team bonding. I also finally decided which career pathway I want to take too. I still wish that the Forum went on for another 2 weeks, the time I spent there went by in the blink of an eye. Don’t hold yourself back and let the duration of the Forum intimidate you. I strongly recommend you go because an opportunity like this only comes around once in a lifetime".

Gracedarling Lino (Year 12 ākonga / student)

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 4, 5 & 6 of Term One:

Week 4 - Ngāwari / Simplicity
Year 7: Franz Gabriel
Year 8: Angeline Sijo
Year 9: Iva-Iliganoa Sulu Kiripati
Year 10: Moana Pulu
Year 11: Kierstin Idago
Year 12: Amal Singh

Week 5 - Wairua o te whānau / Family Spirit
Year 7: Yuwini Basnayake
Year 9: Sienna Poalaga
Year 10: Grace Cains
Year 11 : Minerva Finefeuiaki
Year 12: Tess Sebastian
Year 13: Lingiahi Ula

Week 6 - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
Year 7: Tuvale Gray
Year 9: Peyson Tautasi Richard Hipa
Year 10: Denise Almonte
Year 11 : Stephanie Baynosa
Year 12: Kasmira Stowers
Year 13: Elisiva Tuimoala

Faculty Awards

Commerce
  • Desiree Leota - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
  • Alec Luatutu - Aroha ki te Mahi /Love of work
  • Neeharika Bala - Aroha ki te Mahi /Love of work
  • Jr Lemoe-Hohepa - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
  • Halo Roache - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
  • Rhys Jenkins - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
  • Denise Almonte - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
  • Noah Ah Sam - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of work
Creative Arts

Visual Art
  • Chino Enrico Deguerio - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
Music
  • Trixie Denise Lazaro - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
  • Raevyn Tae - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
Dance
  • Iva-Iliganoa Sulu Kiripati- Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
  • Mani Pole - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
Drama
  • Antonio Pantitanont Costa - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
  • Kilieni Kautai - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
  • Bea Caramat - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work

Special Character News

Kia ora, Mālō e lelei, and blessings to our Marcellin whānau,

Last Thursday and Friday, our Year 9 students had an unforgettable experience at their annual retreat at LOGOS Whānau Maria. This special time allowed our ākonga to step away from the classroom and focus on whanaungatanga, faith, and personal growth. The retreat’s theme of belonging and connection, with a strong emphasis on identity, encouraged students to reflect on who they are, where they come from, and how they can contribute to the Marcellin College community.

Through a mix of fun games, reflections, and team challenges, students built strong connections with one another while exploring the values that will guide them throughout their journey at Marcellin College. LOGOS provided an engaging and welcoming space where students felt safe, supported, and encouraged to grow in their faith and relationships.
A huge thank you to the amazing LOGOS team for leading this experience with energy, wisdom, and aroha. We look forward to seeing our Year 9's carry these lessons with them as they continue their Marcellin journey!

Jeanavieve Pome’e
Director of Religious Studies

Curriculum News

Progress Reports

On Rāmere/Friday 21 Poutūterangi/March whānau of all Year 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’.

Year 7 Science Class

Our year 7 ākonga have been learning about Solar Energy in their science class. Here are some of our students making model solar ovens. The students enjoyed the activity and are looking forward to trying them out.

Pastoral & Engagement News

Health and Safety: IMPORTANT REMINDERS


To read the following Marcellin College Policy and Procedures on SchoolDocs
  1. Visit the website https://marcellin.schooldocs.co.nz/index.htm
  2. Enter the username (marcellin) and password (seekthebest)

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.

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.

Ākonga / Student Drivers

A reminder to whānau that if your tamariki / child(ren) is driving to school, they must:
  • 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.

Thank you for supporting a safe school environment.

Welcome - New SWiS (Social Worker in Schools)

Talofa lava and Tēnā koutou,

My name is Liz Halapua and I am the Social Worker in Schools (SWiS) at Marcellin. I have been a SWiS for 4 years and have worked mainly in primary schools in Central Auckland. I am employed by the Anglican Trust for Women and Children (ATWC) but based in schools. I am Samoan (Faga, Savai’i)/European and am married with 2 young children. I love music, sport, family, food, culture, activism, and my faith/spirituality.

A little bit about my role: A school social worker is someone who helps students and their families to overcome barriers to education and wellbeing. This could look like many things – emergency food boxes, whanau advocacy and help with navigating government agencies and systems (Oranga Tamariki, WINZ, Kainga Ora (housing), etc), transitioning/settling into school, emotional regulation, help with accessing other services that offer support for specific needs (eg budgeting, mentoring), goal setting for the future and social/friendship skills. I can work with students one-on-one or as a group. The SWiS service is free and confidential.

I am at Marcellin College every Wednesday in the Whānau Room. Students and/or families are welcome to pop in for a chat or email me to book an appointment elizabethh@atwc.org.nz.

Ia manuia,
Liz

KiVa Reminder - Anti Bullying Program for Our Junior School

At Marcellin College, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all our ākonga. This year, our KiVa anti-bullying programme is off to a great start, reinforcing the importance of kindness, respect, and standing up for one another.

We encourage all ākonga to speak up and speak out against bullying—whether it’s happening to them or someone else. Tackling bullying is a shared responsibility, and together as a school community, we can create a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

To our whānau, we ask for your continued support in reinforcing this message at home. By working together, we are not just preventing bullying—we are shaping our young people into strong, compassionate future leaders, men and women of service and Gospel values. This aligns with the Marist pillars of simplicity, humility, presence, in the way of Mary and love of work, which guide our students to live out their faith and values in everyday life.

Let’s continue to stand up for what is right and live out our Marist values of whanaungatanga, respect, and service in all that we do.

Jeanavieve Pome'e
Senior Leader

INSITE Technology - BYOD Offer

Digital

School Policy - Reviews

Kia ora koutou whānau,
Please visit the link below to see the school policies and the current policy under review for this term are:
Term 1 review topics

  • Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy
Board review
  • Safety Management System
Board review
  • Risk Management
Board review
  • Worker Engagement, Participation and Representation
  • Health Care
Board Review
  • Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries and Illness

All reviewers
  1. Visit the website https://marcellin.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (marcellin) and password (seekthebest).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Download the Marcellin College School App

KAMAR parent portal

Community Events and Notices

Marcellin College Upcoming Events

Term 1
Week 8
  • Athletics Day - Monday 17th March
Week 10
  • Year 13 Retreat - Wednesday 2nd April 2025

Marcellin College Vacancy - Ara-Pathways Advisor

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated Ara-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.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate to join a supportive staff with a great wairua o te whānau / family spirit.

A willingness and ability to take part in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school shall be a condition of appointment.

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.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via the seek website or any queries email, the Operations Manager, Lavinia Pone on ponel@marcellin.school.nz

Marcellin College Vacancy - Whānau Attendance & Engagement Liaison


About the role
We are seeking a Whānau Attendance and Engagement Liaison who can develop strong relationships and engage positively with the whānau of targeted groups with attendance concerns.

You will assist in meeting with staff, students, parents/caregivers to identify attendance issues and possible solutions. You will be required as an interpreter/translator, advocate for whānau / families who need support, make home visits and attend whānau / family information evenings and meetings.

What we are looking for

This is an opportunity for an experienced Attendance & Engagement Liaison with the following skills:

Essential skills:
  • An understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
  • An understanding of the MOE attendance requirement for students.
  • Knowledge of factors impacting school attendance and ākonga engagement
  • Proven experience working with youth, whānau, and communities, particularly Māori and Pasifika.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a school and community context.
  • High level of cultural competency and inclusivity.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records.
  • Be solution-focused and creative.
  • Availability for training / professional development when required.
Desirable skills:
  • Experience in education, social work, community engagement, or youth work.
  • Familiarity with school attendance systems and processes.
  • Knowledge of local support agencies and services.
  • Fluency or proficiency in Te Reo Māori and/or a Pasifika language.
The role is up to 20 hours per week based on the school year term, Monday to Friday but some home visits will need to be outside of normal business hours. Working hours are flexible. This job is fixed term only for 2025.

A current and clean driver’s license is required, and upon a successful Police vetting process.

If this sounds like you please apply with a cover letter, current CV, including the contact detail of 2 referees.

For more information about the role please email Lavinia Pone, Operations Manager at Marcellin College: ponel@marcellin.school.nz

Only candidates who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered.

Marcellin College Book Quiz

Gently Loved Markets

AT Road Works Notice - Marcellin College - Crossing Upgrade

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