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Marcellin College Newsletter 2025
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Marcellin College Newsletter
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Message from the Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal - Ms. Alisha Hunt
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Welcome to the last newsletter of the term!
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There are two opportunities for you to share your thoughts on important kaupapa/issues:
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- The proposal to replace NCEA. All information can be found at Consultation on proposal to replace NCEA - Ministry of Education, with several short videos in both English and NZ Sign Language available. The consultation closes on 15 Mahuru/September, and the link to the digital parents, family and student survey can be accessed here: https://allenandclarke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5i6eyRTZoZeEPGe
- The Marcellin College 2026 - 2028 Strategic Plan. Join us at 617 Day on 19 Mahuru/September to complete a short survey and be in to win spot prizes! For anyone in our community unable to attend our 617 Day, we will also email the survey to you to complete online. All completed surveys will go in the draw to win additional prizes!
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As we move toward the upcoming holidays, may we remember the whakataukī ‘He toa taumata rau / courage has many resting places’. Let us ensure we have ample time to rest and reflect before continuing our journey in Term Whā/Four.
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Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal
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2026 Enrolments are Open!
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ATTENDANCE DUES
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SCHOOL ATTENDANCE DUES
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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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.
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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.
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Application forms for this assistance are available from school and parish offices, or can be downloaded from the Catholic Diocese of Auckland Website:
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School Uniform Survey
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Wairua o te Whānau / Family Spirit in Week Seven of Term Three:
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Year 10: Halaevalu Tongotongo
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Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work in Week Eight of Term Three:
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Year 7: Landen Luamanuvae
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Year 9: Losimani Taufalele
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Faculty Awards
Creative Arts - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
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- Faapaia Fomai
- Fomai Fomai
- William Walker
- Rhys Jenkins
- Nathan Tamangaro
- Maidyn Afato
- Melissa Nethuli
- Riley Matencio
English - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
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Peyson Tautasi Richard Hipa
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Health & PE - Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work
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- Eliesa Mausia
- Casmir Siatulau
- Raphael Perillo
- Elizabeth Cormier
- Niko Duran Lu
- Viliami Tu’ima
- Vincent Leiataua
- Minerva Finefeuiaki
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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).
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To assist with the success of your child, it is important that they:
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- Create a study timetable (The BEST Way to Revise for NCEA Exams - StudyTime NZ)
- Review/revise materials shared by their teachers (Revision strategies)
- Attempt past NCEA exam papers (Find past digital external assessments » NZQA).
- Seek assistance from kaiako/teachers
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Senior Practice Exam Timetable
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Rāhina/Monday 6th Whiringa-ā-nuku/October is a normal school day for senior ākonga who are expected to be in timetabled classes for revision lessons. Exams will operate between Rātu/Tuesday 7th - Rāmere/Friday 10th Whiringa-ā-nuku/October.
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NCEA Assessment Rules for Ākonga:
Absence: If ākonga are absent from the Practice Exams for any reason, there is no further opportunity to sit the exam due to authenticity reasons.
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Important Notes About Practice Exams and Derived Grades
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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:
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Leaving the exam for a toilet break more than once
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A toilet break that lasts more than five minutes
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Leaving full-screen mode in a digital exam
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Communicating with or disturbing other candidates/ākonga in any way
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Accessing a mobile phone or digital device of any sort (including a watch)
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Year 7-9 Tasters
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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.
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Senior NCEA Summary Reports
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There will be one final report emailed home to all Yr 11, 12 & 13 whānau on Rāmere/Friday 1 Whiringa-ā-nuku/November which will be an NCEA summary report. This will show all achievement for the year and practice exam results (used for NZQA - Derived Grades if needed). The report will also show whether ākonga have gained their NCEA level already and how many remaining credits there are available in the external assessment (exams).
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Digital Literacy and Numeracy Corequisite Results
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Results from the Mahuru/September digital literacy corequisite assessments will be made available on 9 Whiringa-ā-nuku/October for READING, and 20 Whiringa-ā-nuku/October for WRITING and. Ākonga will need to log into their NZQA account to view these results: NZQA - Ākonga Login Steps.
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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.
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Gateway credits are excluded as they do not count toward specific subject achievement.
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Pastoral & Engagement News
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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.
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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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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.
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Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Engagement)
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The TechArt Show is back!
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The TechArt Show is an event that showcases the mahi of our talented Technology and Visual Art ākonga. It will be held on Thursday the 23 October from 4-6pm. Snacks and refreshments will be available as you view the work on display.
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All whānau, ākonga and kaiako are welcome to attend this event and share in the successes of our ākonga.
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TechArt Show 2025
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Thursday Oct 23rd
4-6pm in the whare pukapuka
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Join us in celebrating the awesome talents of our Art and Technology ākonga
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Shakespeare and Sword Fighting
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Year 10 drama students choreographed a sword fighting scene as part of their study of Romeo and Juliet. Led by world renowned stunt coordinator and actor Alexander Holloway, a fight director for the Pop - Up globe, students aquired skills to safely brandish steel weapons and recreated the Montague and Capulet fight in the opening scene. The students learnt sword safety and movement based duel fighting; gaining confidence, physical awareness and a love of all things Shakespeare!
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English / Creative Arts Teacher
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KBB Music Festival 2025 - Marcellin College Jazz Saints
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This year our Marcellin College Jazz Saints competed at the KBB Music Festival for the second time after securing a Bronze last year.
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This year's goal was to better that and to continue the development of our students' performing abilities and confidence in this space, which is new for them.
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They gave a fantastic performance at the competition stage which was attended by lots of our parents and came away this year with a SILVER for their efforts.
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We want to dedicate this to 8 of the band members who are year 13s and leaving at the end of this year.
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Teacher in Charge of Music
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Gala Music Concert
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Last Wednesday saw the launch of our first Annual Music Gala Concert held at the school gym.
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It was well attended by parents, friends and families, providing a great atmosphere for our performers. Our special guest was Caitlin Smith who is considered one of NZ's best vocal coaches and performers of jazz, soul and more.
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Joel Shadbolt Music Visit
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Last week, some of our Music students had the opportunity to work with and learn from L.A.B frontman Joel Shadbolt. Joel helped out with songwriting, performance tips discussions and more over two fantastic days with our students.
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Marcellin College Jazz Series Performance at Pah Homestead
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617 Day
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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.
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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.
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Sports News - Winter Tournament Week
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Upper North Secondary Schools (UNISS) Netball Tournament
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Being captain of the Marcellin College netball team at the UNISS tournament was one of the most intense and rewarding things I’ve done in high school. Going into the week, I knew it would be competitive; we were up against some of the best teams from across the Upper North Island. With early mornings, back-to-back games, team talks, recovery, and the need to keep our energy up, it was challenging, but I loved it.
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As captain, I wasn’t just focused on my own game. I had to think about the team as a whole, making sure everyone was locked in, encouraging people when their heads dropped, helping us reset after tough games, and celebrating the wins, big or small.
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I really tried to lead from the front, both in how I played and how I carried myself off the court. One of the hardest parts was picking the team back up after losses. It’s so easy to get in your own head or let frustration take over, especially when we knew we could have done better. But that’s where I really felt the responsibility of being captain—finding the right words to say, keeping the mood up, and reminding everyone why we were there. And sometimes, it wasn't even about saying anything, just showing up with the right energy.
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By the end of the week, I was exhausted but also super proud. We didn’t come away with a trophy, but we grew a lot as players and as a team. For me, I learned so much about leadership, resilience, and how to support others under pressure. It wasn't perfect, but it was real, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
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National Rugby League Competition
Being captain of the Marcellin College 1st XIII Rugby League national team was one of the proudest moments of my life. I had the chance to lead a group of talented young men through a tough but unforgettable three-day tournament. We played against some of the best rugby league schools in New Zealand, with two games each day from Friday to Sunday.
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Every day was hard, not just on our bodies, but on our minds too. Each morning started early with warm-ups, team talks, and recovery before heading straight into games. It was non-stop. We didn’t get much time to rest, but we all knew why we were there. Even with all the pressure, it’s something I’ll never forget, not just because I love footy, but because I got to lead a team that gave everything for each other and for our school.
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I really enjoyed being captain, not because of the title, but because of the boys. I liked being someone they could trust, someone who could lift the team when things got hard. I liked bringing everyone together before games, having quiet chats with the boys after a loss, and making sure no one felt left out. I didn’t want the spotlight; I just wanted to support the team in any way I could.
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Being captain wasn’t just about making decisions or playing well. It was about keeping the boys together-focused, positive, and ready to fight for each other. During the tournament, I was always checking in with the boys. Some needed a boost; others just needed a reminder of why we were there. There were times when things felt like they might fall apart, especially after a tough loss or when we were tired and frustrated. That’s when I knew I had to step up. Sometimes that meant pulling someone aside for a quick talk. Other times, it meant speaking to the whole team and bringing the energy back.
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Whether it was hyping up warm-ups, keeping spirits high in the changing room,
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or pushing myself in a tough game, I always tried to lead by example. I wasn’t trying to be the loudest or the hero. I just wanted to be solid and dependable for the boys.
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One of the biggest things I learned is that leadership isn’t just about being in front. It’s about listening, being honest, and making sure no one feels left behind. It’s about caring for your teammates and creating a space where everyone feels supported, especially when things aren’t going well.
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Even though we didn’t win every game, I was proud of the boys after every match. The effort, the heart, and the way we stayed together showed the kind of culture we’re building at Marcellin - one built on pride, hard work, and unity. We’re not a big school, and a lot of people don’t expect much from us in national tournaments. But this team proved we can compete. We showed up, played with courage, and gave it everything. Being part of that, and helping lead it, meant a lot to me.
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I truly believe what we achieved wasn’t just about this one tournament. We showed what can happen when a team believes in each other, works hard, and never gives up. I hope what we did inspires future Marcellin boys to aim higher, believe in themselves, and keep raising the bar, because I truly believe this is just the beginning.
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National League Tournament - Community Sponsors
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We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our generous community sponsors who have stepped forward to support our First XIII Rugby League team who have competed in the National Rugby League competition over the weekend.
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- Pak’nSave Royal Oak, and especially Lily and Michael, for their $300 food donation;
- The Warehouse Royal Oak, and especially Callum, for their $300 store credit;
- Sanitarium for their $50 food voucher.
These contributions have helped ensure our boys were well-nourished, supported, and ready to represent our school with pride during the tournament.
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As a Catholic school, we are proud to see local New Zealand businesses embodying the values of aroha, generosity, and service. These businesses showed the true Marcellin spirit of helping one another and standing with our young men.
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Fa’afetai tele lava, mālō ‘aupito & THANK YOU to Pak’nSave, The Warehouse, and Sanitarium for your kindness and support.
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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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- Child Protection Board Review
- Abuse Recognition and Reporting Board Review
- Food and Nutrition
- Safety Checking Board Review
- Police Vetting
- Missing Student Procedure
- 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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Insite BYOD Offer
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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
Term Three (14 July - 19 September)
(Papua New Guinea Language Week 7 - 13 September)
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- 10 September - Year 11 Production
- 11 September - Year 12 Retreat
- 12 September - Year 7 & 8 Fun Day
- 12 September - 10GEO Maungakiekie
(Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 15 - 22 September)
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- 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)
(Fijian Language Week 5 - 11 October)
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- 6 - 10 October - NCEA Practice Exams
- 7 October - Our Lady of the Rosary (School Chapel)
- 13 - 17 October e-asTTle Testing (Year 9 & 10)
- 13 October Year 7-9 Taster Report
- 17 October Year 10 Retreat
(Niue Language Week 19 - 25 October)
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- 20 October - Year 7-9 Taster Report
- 22 October - Vaccination ( Year 7 & 8)
- 23 October - TechArt Show
- 24 October - Sports Prizegiving
(Tokelau Lanugage Week 26 October - 1 November )
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- 27 October - Labour Day (School is Closed)
- 28 October - Year 7-9 Taster Report
- 29 October - Thanksgiving Mass
- 30 October - Senior Prize Giving
- 31 October - Staff Ony Day
- 3 November - MS Full Reports
- 3 & 4 November - NUM Credits Catch up (TBC)
- 4 November - 2 December NZQA Exams
- 3 November - Year 7-9 Taster Report
- 5 November - Year 9 Immunisations
- 5 & 6 November - Champagnat Marist
- 14 November - Pasifika & Māori Achievement Dinner
- 15 November - Year 7-10 Show (Rehearsal)
- 17 November - MS Full Reports
- 22 November - Year 7-10 Show (Rehearsal)
(Solomon Language Week 23 November - 29 November)
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- 25 November - Year 7-10 Show #1
- 26 November - Year 7-10 Show #2
- 26 - 28 November - Junior Exams
- 27 November - New Whānau Enrolment
- 2 & 3 December - Big Day Out
- 4 December - Big Day In
- 5 December - MS Prize Giving
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5 December 2025 last day of Term 4
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Summer Netball
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Auckland Brick Show - School's Competition & Ticket Giveaway
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Need something to do these school holidays? Create and enter your very own LEGO creation inspired by our Auckland Brick Show theme ‘CELEBRATION’ and enter the competition to win a $100 Toyworld voucher for you and LEGO your classroom teacher!
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But that’s not all, finalists will win a family pass and have the opportunity to feature their creations at the Auckland Brick Show 2025 September 27-28 at Auckland Netball Centre in St Johns.
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Special 20% off Early Bird ticket prices are available on Eventbrite till September 19. Door sales will be available on the day.
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Head to www.aucklug.co.nz for competition details and to submit your entry. Entries close Sunday 21st September.
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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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