Marcellin College Newsletter 2025
Issue No. 14
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Marcellin College Newsletter

Message from the Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal - Ms. Alisha Hunt

This week, we welcomed our new Board, whilst thanking those who selflessly gave their time and expertise as part of our previous Board. Liz Hanrahan, Claudia Koenig, and Richard Brown, thank you for your service. You leave a lasting legacy and big shoes to fill!

This year, in collaboration with the new Board, we are developing our strategic plan for 2026-2028. This plan will serve as our roadmap for the next three years, outlining our goals, key priorities, and the actions we will take to achieve them. Our kura/school is at its best when there is a strong partnership between kaimahi/staff, ākonga/students, and whānau/family. Your input is invaluable as we shape the future of our kura.

Here is the timeline for the development of our strategic plan:
We look forward to working together to create a plan for the next three years that puts our motto of "seek the best" into practice.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Alisha Hunt
Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal

2026 Enrolments are Open!

More details are available on our school website: www.marcellin.school.nz

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Process for 5.4 Preference Criterion has been updated and can take over a week to process, please read through the link here – Process for Criterion 5.4 Preference of Enrolment Applications. We have dedicated staff to help you complete the application form - contact us today!

ATTENDANCE DUES

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE DUES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available to assist families who may need financial support with the payment of Attendance Dues for preference students attending both primary and secondary Catholic schools in Auckland Diocese.

Families facing financial difficulties can contact their school office, their Parish Priest, or Auckland Common Fund Ltd at the Catholic Diocese of Auckland on 09-360-3040 for further information.

Application forms for this assistance are available from school and parish offices, or can be downloaded from the Catholic Diocese of Auckland Website:

https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/catholic-schools-2/

School Uniform Survey

Please click on here for the brief survey regarding our school uniform. Please note that the purpose of this survey is not to change the uniform itself, but rather to gather your feedback on our current uniform provider. Your input will help us determine if a change in provider is necessary to improve the quality, fit, and accessibility of our uniforms.

The survey also includes an optional section for you to share any other comments you may have about the uniform. Your thoughtful responses are greatly appreciated and will help us make the best decision for our school community.

Ākonga Success

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:

Wairua o te Whānau / Family Spirit in Week Five of Term Three:
Year 7: Olivia Nishad
Year 9: Temaleti Hakaumotu
Year 10: Tom Kasipale
Year 11: Kyle Bendall
Year 12: Kasmira Stowers
Year 13: Julianne Sigua

Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work in Week Six of Term Three:
Year 7: Eden Park
Year 8: Monaliza Mekonen
Year 12: Peyton Rutene-Talamaivao
Year 13: Mary Jane Taito

Faculty Awards

Social Sciences - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
  • Lethabo Mathobela
  • Azelynn Jackswell
  • Kenshu Yeng Tung
  • Shaughn Culvilla
  • Sabine Penitani
  • Riley Mantencio
Technology - Ki te Huarahi o Maria / In the way of Mary
DGT
  • Ema Veikoso (9DGT)
  • Jodeci Lagofaatasi (9DGT)
HOS
  • Merickal Blackmoore (11HOS )
  • Talen Delany (12HOS )
  • Desiree Leota (13HST)
MTI
  • Vincent Leiataua (11MTI)
  • Antonio Mapa (12MTI)
  • Laisa Tuivua (13MTI)
Commerce - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
  • Pasene L Fomai
  • Frayah Fau
  • Talita Finefeuiaki
  • Kierstan Idago
  • Agape Fineanganofo
  • Juvel Jaison
  • Aaron Singh
  • Sarah Vaka

Ako / Curriculum News

Maths Week 2025 at Marcellin College

In Week 5, Marcellin College celebrated Maths Week with a range of fun and engaging activities for both ākonga and staff. Each day featured a quiz for ākonga, while staff tested their problem-solving skills in the Codebreaker Challenge. Classes enjoyed lively maths quizzes, as well as the lunchtime challenge—designing and building the strongest bridge using limited materials.

It was a hugely successful and enjoyable week that showcased creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. A big thank you to all ākonga and kaiako for their enthusiasm, support, and contributions in making Maths Week such a memorable event!

Science - Investigating how strong the wind is by making a model anemometer

Our year 7 ākonga / students have been learning about the weather. They have learnt about the water cycle, made models, observed clouds and measured temperature. This activity shows how students worked in small groups to make their model anemometers and test them in three wind conditions using a small fan (breeze), a bigger fan (strong wind) and a hair dryer emulating wind gusts. Ākonga / Student engagement was high and we learnt about models, wind and measuring wind.

Mahuru/September Digital Corequisites

Any Year 11, 12, or 13 ākonga who did not achieve either Reading, Writing, or Numeracy in Haratua/May will have the opportunity to sit these again in Mahuru/September. Year 10 ākonga will also have the opportunity to sit these, unless whānau have decided that their tamaiti/child is not ready and will sit these as Year 11 in 2026.

These are the dates for the upcoming digital corequisites:
  • Rātū/Tuesday 2 Mahuru/September: literacy (reading) periods one, two, and three
  • Rāapa/Wednesday 3 Mahuru/September: literacy (writing) periods one, two, and three
  • Rāpare/Thursday 4 Mahuru/September: numeracy periods one, two, and three
A reminder that ākonga must provide their own device to sit the upcoming Literacy and Numeracy (LIT & NUM) corequisite exams online. Please ensure the device is fully charged and in good working order before the exam begins.

These corequisites are vital, as without them, ākonga will not be awarded Level One, Two, or Three NCEA.

Senior Practice Exams

Our NCEA Practice Examinations will be held in Week Tahi/One of Term Whā/Four. This examination period will serve as a crucial component of the learning process, and the results could be used as a Derived Grade if your child is absent for valid reasons in the November NCEA Examinations (NZQA - Derived Grades).

To assist with the success of your child, it is important that they:
  1. Create a study timetable (The BEST Way to Revise for NCEA Exams - StudyTime NZ)
  2. Review/revise materials shared by their teachers (Revision strategies)
  3. Attempt past NCEA exam papers (Find past digital external assessments » NZQA).
  4. Seek assistance from kaiako/teachers
  5. Look after themselves and their hauora/wellbeing (Five Ways to Wellbeing)
The NCEA Practice Exam timetable will be shared in the Week Nine newsletter.

NCEA Assessment Rules for Ākonga:

Exam rules for students: NZQA - External assessment
Absence: If ākonga are absent from the Practice Exams due to illness or other valid reasons, they will need to contact the Principal's Nominee (Ms Hunt). Medical certificates are required to allow students to sit their exam papers only if there is an opportunity to do so during the exam period. Ākonga will not be allowed to sit any exam paper they missed after the exam period due to authenticity reasons.

Important Notes About Practice Exams and Derived Grades
Schools must be able to assure NZQA that derived grades are collected in a way that mirrors the format and conditions of the externally assessed standard. This means that if an ākonga engages in any of the following, we will not be able to assure conditions and practice exam results will not be used for a derived grade:
  • Leaving the exam for a toilet break more than once
  • A toilet break that lasts more than five minutes
  • Leaving full-screen mode in a digital exam
  • Using notes
  • Communicating with or disturbing other candidates/ākonga in any way
  • Accessing a mobile phone or digital device of any sort (including a watch)

Year 7-9 Tasters

In Week 9, Year 7, 8, and 9 tasters end, with new tasters beginning on Rāhina/Monday of Week 10. These are the final tasters for the year. Whānau of all Yr 7, 8, and 9 ākonga will receive a report in Term Four, Week 4 via email with results and comments for all tasters this year. This will help ākonga select tasters and/or options from Term Four, Week 5.

NCEA Progression Requirements (Level One - Level Two & Level Two - Level Three)

To support successful academic progression, ākonga must meet minimum NCEA credit requirements at Marcellin College, with structured support and planning provided for those who do not meet these thresholds.

Gateway credits are excluded as they do not count toward specific subject achievement.

Pastoral & Engagement News

Kiva Reminder – Anti-Bullying Program for Our Junior School

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.

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.

Let’s continue to build a school where everyone is treated with aroha, manaaki, and respect.

Code of Conduct

A reminder of our Marcellin College Code of Conduct. The code is designed to ensure we uphold our values every day. I would encourage whanau and ākonga to read it regularly to ensure all our interactions and allow for a positive learning environment for everyone.

Mr Darragh
Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Engagement)

Co-Curricular News

Senior Dance showcase 'Unveiled'

Our Senior Dance showcase 'Unveiled' took place on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st of August. Our ākonga performed well and gained great experience from this performance opportunity. Many thanks to everyone who attended the shows and supported our talented Dance ākonga at our biggest shows ever!

Miss Kylie Mayall
Teacher in Charge of Dance

617 Day

It's back for 2025! "617 Day", our Marcellin College cultural festival & whānau day will take place on Friday 19th September, Term Three. The school day will finish at 1:40pm, and the festival will officially begin at 2pm. The cultural performances will commence at approximately 2:30pm in the school La Valla Gymnasium. There will be kai/food and inu/drink available from stalls on the school field which will be open until 5pm.

We would love to offer a range of food and beverages from a range of cultures at our festival. If you would like to run a stall, please contact ponel@marcellin.school.nz to register a stall.

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 3 review topics:
  • Child Protection Board Review
  • Abuse Recognition and Reporting Board Review
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Safety Checking Board Review
  • Police Vetting
  • Missing Student Procedure
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.

Insite BYOD Offer

Download the Marcellin College School App

KAMAR parent portal

Community Events and Notices

Marcellin College Upcoming Events


Term Three (14 July - 19 September)

Week 7
  • 25 - 29 August - UNISS
  • 25 - 29 August - e-asTTle Testing (Year 7 & 8)
  • 27 August - Lit/Num Ra (#3) - Year 10 & 11
  • 27 August - Music Gala Concert (Marcellin College, La Valla Gymnasium)
  • 29 - 31 August - League National
Week 8
(Chinese Language Week 31 August - 06 September)
  • 1- 5 September - e-asTTle Testing (Year 7 & 8)
  • 2 - 4 September - Lit/Num Digital
  • 4 September 13 Biology - Zoo (Trends in Human Evolution)
  • 5 September - Year 13 Drama Trip
Week 9
(Papua New Guinea Language Week 7 - 13 September)
  • 10 September - Year 11 Production
  • 11 September - Year 12 Retreat
  • 12 September - Year 7 & 8 Fun Day
  • 12 September - 10GEO Maungakiekie
Week 10
(Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 15 - 22 September)
  • 17 September - Special Olympics
  • 19 September - Senior Full Reports
  • 19 September - 617 Day
  • 19 September - Last day of Term 3

Term 4 ( 6 October - 5 December)

Week 1
(Fijian Language Week 5 - 11 October)
  • 6 - 10 October - NCEA Practice Exams
  • 7 October - Our Lady of the Rosary (School Chapel)

School Tuckshop

Year 7 & 8 PDP

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