Marcellin College Newsletter 2025
Issue No. 16
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Marcellin College Newsletter

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

Term Four is officially underway, and the countdown is on. Seniors are with us for only 12 more days, with external exams beginning in 15 days. There is still much that our ākonga can achieve in this time, and our kaiako are always available to help. Our kaiārahi are also available to support you and your tamaiti/child in any way. Please feel free to contact them as follows:
We have several important events coming up, so please add these to your calendars:
  • Year 10 Retreat 17/10
  • Year 7 & 8 Vaccinations 22/10
  • Sports Prize Giving 24/10
  • NCEA Summary Report Emailed for Year 11, 12, & 13 ākonga 24/10
  • Thanksgiving Mass 29/10
  • Year 13 Leavers’ Assembly 29/10
  • Year 11, 12, & 13 ākonga final day 29/10
  • Senior Prize Giving 30/10
  • Kaimahi/Staff Only Day 31/10
Ngā manaakitanga,
Ms. 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/

Special Character

Bula Vinaka and welcome to Term 4!

In this month of October, we celebrate the month of the Rosary. We encourage all whānau to spend time in their homes to pray this devotion to our blessed mother, asking for her intercession and protection. Pope Leo XIV has asked for us to especially pray the rosary for peace in our world. In this month of October, all RE classes will spend time in the Chapel praying the Rosary.

On Sunday 28th September, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Vincent de Paul. At the Youth Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral, the Vinnies Youth Auckland team recognised Vinnies Leaders from 16 high schools and dedicated Community Volunteers who continue to give their time generously to Vinnies Tāmaki Makaurau. Leaders were presented with Service Awards in recognition of their dedication and love. Congratulations to Tomasi Taufa, Semu Astau Fa’alavaau, Gracedarling Lino and Noah Collins for receiving these awards. We thank you for your leadership in all of our service projects this year.

Many blessings to you and your families.

Vinaka,
Mrs. Karen Rodrigues - Acting Director of Religious Studies (DRS)

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:

Ngāwari/Simplicity in Week Nine of Term Three:
Year 7: Tewodros Kebede Dagmawi
Year 8: Faiupu Seau
Year 9: Ema Veikoso
Year 10: Aden Tuiletufuga

Aroaro/Presence in Week Ten of Term Three:
Year 7: Lethabo Mathobela
Year 9: Robel Kebede
Year 10: Moana Pulu
Year 13: Dominic Mahoney

Ako / Curriculum News

Digital Corequisite Results

Corequisite results were released on 9 Whiringa-ā-nuku/October for Reading. Results for the Writing and Numeracy corequisites will be released on 20 Whiringa-ā-nuku/October. Ākonga can view these results either via their NZQA Login or KAMAR login. Any ākonga who did not achieve either Reading, Writing, or Numeracy will have the opportunity to sit these again in 2026.

Senior NCEA Summary Reports

There will be one final report emailed home to all Year 11, 12 & 13 whānau on Rāmere/Friday 24 Whiringa-ā-nuku/October, 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).

Senior Prize Giving

This year, we will celebrate the academic success of our Year 11, 12, and 13 ākonga at Senior Prize Giving on Rāpare/Thursday 30 Whiringa-ā-nuku/October from 6.30 pm. Whānau of ākonga receiving awards will receive an invite via email in the next two weeks.

Year 9 & 10 Exams

This year, all Year 9 & 10 ākonga will sit exams in their core subjects. These exams will take place at the end of the term, and will help ākonga prepare for the external assessments they will sit as part of NCEA.

NZQA Exams

External exams begin on 4 Whiringa-ā-rangi/November and run until 28 Whiringa-ā-rangi/November. Here is the exam timetable for this year:

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.

Ara - Pathways

Term 3 was very busy in the Ara/Pathways office helping ākonga make subject selections, apply for university scholarships, get ready for Gateway placements and more.

We had an exciting visit to the Meredith Connell (MC) Law offices where lawyers at different stages of their careers answered questions. One of the speakers was Crown Solicitor at Auckland, Alysha McClintock.

Head Girl Mary-Jane Taito summarised the visit:

"Visiting the MC Law Firm was a great opportunity for us as high school students interested in studying law at university. We got to see how the legal profession works in practice and hear from lawyers about their experiences and career paths. The visit gave us a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in law such as strong communication skills, critical thinking, and dedication and inspired us to pursue our own goals in the field. We also saw how law was not always an immediate option but worked out to be a great pathway. It was an experience that motivated us and made the idea of studying law at university feel even more exciting and achievable".
Mary Jane Taito, Head Girl
In the Gateway space, dedicated ākonga completed successful work placements at Royal Oak Childcare, McDonalds, Bendon Ltd warehouse, Bunnings Warehouse, Woolworths and Bidfood. We received some very positive feedback on how our ākonga conducted themselves and we are very proud of them. Some ākonga even received offers for casual employment!
In the Gateway trades area Sioi Salt completed Advanced Carpentry through BCITO with very high praise.
As always, ākonga are welcome to drop into the Ara /Pathways office at interval, lunchtime or by appointment for advice and assistance. We are here to help!

Mrs. Dawn Firmstone
Ara - Pathways Advisor

Pastoral & Engagement News

Kia ora e te whānau,

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope all our ākonga and their families enjoyed a safe, restful, and refreshing holiday break. As we begin the final term of the year, we look forward to the opportunities ahead - celebrating the growth, learning, and achievements of our ākonga, and finishing the year with pride in all we have accomplished together as a Marcellin College community.

Attendance Matters

As we settle into the term, I’d like to remind everyone of the importance of consistent attendance, especially for our senior ākonga who are preparing for their NCEA external examinations. Every lesson counts — being present ensures students can revise, ask questions, and receive feedback that will strengthen their understanding and confidence before assessments. Regular attendance not only supports academic success but also helps students maintain routines, relationships, and a strong sense of connection and wellbeing.

Wearing Our Uniform with Pride

We also remind all ākonga of the importance of wearing the full and correct Marcellin College uniform each day. Our uniform represents who we are as a community - it reflects pride, discipline, and respect for ourselves and others. Wearing it correctly, both at school and in the wider community, demonstrates our shared commitment to upholding the values and expectations of Marcellin College. As always, we appreciate the support of whānau in helping students meet these standards.

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, an important reminder to care for our hauora - our overall wellbeing. Taking small steps can make a big difference: getting enough sleep, taking breaks from screens, spending time outdoors, connecting with friends and whānau, and speaking openly about how we feel. Encouraging kindness, gratitude, and balance helps create a community where everyone feels supported and valued. Let’s all take time this week to check in with ourselves and with others because wellbeing is something we build together.
https://mhaw.nz/

Ngā mihi nui,
Mr. Michael Darragh
Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principal

Co-Curricular News

617 Day

As we kick off the first week of Term 4, I want to take a moment to look back and offer a massive thank you to everyone who made our 617 Day on the last day of Term 3 such a phenomenal success! It was a brilliant, fun-filled celebration, and it truly showcased the strength and generosity of our school community.
To our incredible parents and helpers: your time, effort, and commitment to volunteering made all the difference.

To the stall holders: the variety and energy you brought to the day created such a lively atmosphere for our ākonga - thank you.

To our dedicated staff: your seamless organisation and boundless enthusiasm ensured the day ran smoothly and safely; we are so grateful for your extra effort. And finally, to our wonderful ākonga: thank you for your enthusiasm! Your joyful participation is what makes these events so special.

It was the perfect way to conclude the term, and now, let's carry that fantastic spirit forward as we make Term 4 the best one yet!

Sports News

It has truly been a year of growth. While our senior students are now preparing for their upcoming exams, we’re excited to see our junior athletes gearing up for the summer sports season. The school holidays were a strong indication of our juniors’ dedication, as many chose to sacrifice their break to train and improve as athletes, demonstrating great commitment to their development and the season ahead.

As we approach the end of the year, we also enter a time of celebration recognising our students for their individual excellence, dedication, and commitment to their respective sports teams.

We warmly invite you to join us on Thursday, 24 October, in the Marcellin College Gymnasium, as we celebrate the sporting achievements of 2025. The event will also feature a special address from one of New Zealand’s most successful coaches, Lolo Heimuli.

Let's look at ending the year on a high and Seek The Best.

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 4 review topics:
  • Bullying and Harressment Board Review
  • Behavioural Management Board Review
  • Searches, Surrender, and Retention of Property
  • Minimising Physical Restraint Board Review
  • Stand-down, Suspension, and Exclusion
  • Staff Wellbeing and Safety
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 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)
Week 2
  • 13 - 17 October e-asTTle Testing (Year 9 & 10)
  • 17 October Year 10 Retreat
Week 3
(Niue Language Week 19 - 25 October)
  • 22 October - Vaccination ( Year 7 & 8)
  • 24 October - Sports Prizegiving (Period 5, 2.15pm)
  • NCEA Summary Report emailed
Week 4
(Tokelau Lanugage Week 26 October - 1 November )
  • 27 October - Labour Day (School is Closed)
  • 29 October - Thanksgiving Mass
  • 30 October - Senior Prize Giving (7pm)
  • 31 October - Staff Ony Day
Week 5
  • 4 November - 28 NZQA Exams
  • 3 November - Year 7-9 Taster Report (emailed)
  • 5 November - Year 9 Immunisations
Week 6
  • 15 November - Year 7-10 Show (Rehearsal)
Week 7
  • 22 November - Year 7-10 Show (Rehearsal)
Week 8
(Solomon Language Week 23 November - 29 November)
  • 25 November - Year 7-10 Show #1
  • 26 November - Year 7-10 Show #2
  • 26 - 28 November - Junior Exams
  • 27 November - New Whānau Enrolment
Week 9
  • 2 & 3 December - Big Day Out
  • 4 December - Big Day In
  • 5 December - MS Prize Giving
5 December 2025 last day of Term 4

Summer Netball

Auckland Brick Show - School's Competition & Ticket Giveaway

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!

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.

Special 20% off Early Bird ticket prices are available on Eventbrite till September 19. Door sales will be available on the day.


Head to www.aucklug.co.nz for competition details and to submit your entry. Entries close Sunday 21st September.

School Tuckshop

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