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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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Although Term Two has been short (nine weeks), it has been very busy, especially in these last three weeks. The Creative Arts, in particular, have offered our ākonga several exciting experiences. Dr Ah Sam took the Marcellin College Voices to The Big Sing on 11 Pipiri/June, and then to Melbourne for six nights from 19 Pipiri/June. Miss Mayall took a crew of dancers to the National Dance Challenge, securing a gold award on 13 Pipiri/June. Miss Johnson and Mrs Latu then took a separate group of dancers to the Bollywood Competition, walking away with the Bollywood Spirit award on 14 Pipiri/June. Also on the evening of 13 Pipiri/June, our La Valla Bingo Night was held onsite in the gym, successfully raising over a thousand dollars!
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On Rāapa/Monday 16 Pipiri/June, we formally welcomed Mike Darragh and his whānau to our Marcellin whānau with a Mihi Whakatau. This was a whole school event, with representatives from Māngere College present to gift their taonga (Mike) to our kura. Directly after the Mihi Whakatau, Ms Pome’e facilitated a whanaungatanga session between our prefects and prefects from Māngere College, to strengthen the relationship between our two kura. On 18 and 19 Pipiri/June, we held our annual Academic Progress Hui in the gym. It was great to see families and ākonga speaking with kaiako, working together to support learning and achievement. Also on 18 Pipiri/June, we held our Careers Expo in the gym, with timetabled slots for all Year 10, 11, 12, and 13 ākonga, as well as an opportunity for Year 7, 8, & 9 ākonga to visit during morning tea. 18 Pipiri/June proved to be one of our busiest days this term, with the Auckland Central Catholic Kāhui Ako Pasifika Mass being held that evening, at St Joseph’s Church in Grey Lynn. Mrs Rodrigues took some of our senior Pasifika ākonga to take part in this Mass.
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Unfortunately, on 20 Pipiri/June, Reverand Monsignor Joseph Damien Stack, a very proud old boy of Marcellin College, passed away, aged 76. A Vigil Funeral Mass was held at St Mary’s Tauranga, on 26 Pipiri/June, and a Requiem Mass held at St Patrick’s Church, in Te Awamutu, on Friday 27 Pipiri/June. Reverand Monsignor Joseph Damien Stack will be laid alongside his brothers in the priesthood in Ōhaupō Catholic Cemetery as his final resting place.
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Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
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and let perpetual light shine upon him.
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Become a Board Member!
There is also a free online webinar for anyone curious about what it means to be a school board member and to understand how you can make a difference. Each session covers:
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What a school board is and what it does
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What attributes make a good board member
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How board members are elected
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What steps to take for those interested
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Where to find information and support.
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Sign up at Eventbrite. A board’s strength comes from its community – your voice and experience matter!
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Student Council
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As Term 2 comes to a close, the Student Council is proud to celebrate a term full of energy, initiative, and positive change. One of our biggest focuses has been Sustainability, with the House Rubbish Competition in full swing; encouraging students to take pride in our environment and work together to keep our school clean. The friendly competition has sparked real change, and we’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm from all houses!
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We also introduced lunchtime card games, which quickly became a favourite of our students. It’s been heartwarming to see students from all year levels connecting, laughing, and enjoying a well-deserved break in the middle of busy school days.
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Thank you to everyone who got involved, supported, or simply showed up with a smile. The Student Council is excited to keep building on this momentum next term; together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected school community.
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2026 Enrolments are Open!
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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.
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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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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 for
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Ki te Huarahi o Maria / In the way of Mary in Week Seven of Term Two
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Year 7: Lethabo Mathobela
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Year 8: Azelynn Jackswell
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Year 9: Kieran Clive Campos
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Year 10: Kal-El Tuimalatu
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Wairua o te Whānau/Family Spirit in Week Eight of Term Two:
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Year 7: Maria Lara Coelho
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Faculty Awards
Congratulations to the following ākonga for demonstrating the Marist Pillars in the following faculties.
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Year 7: Franz Gabriel, In the Way of Mary
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Year 8: Azelynn Jackswell, In the Way of Mary
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Year 9: Kaylee Briz, Love of Work
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Year 10: Ayla Tuiletufuga, Presence
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Year 11: Hanna Alex, Love of Work
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Year 12: Abel Mathew, Love of Work
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Year 13: Roanne Martin, Love of Work
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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
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Year 8: Tiare Bentley- Love of Work
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Year 9: Sienna Poalaga - Love of Work
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Year 10: Akeisha Angeles- Love of Work
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Year 12: Edlawet Yirga - Love of Work
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Year 12: Sinama Tupou - Love of Work
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Special Character
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Week 9 already! It has been a very busy term for our Special Character and La Valla teams! They have worked hard to provide multiple service and faith opportunities, to help ākonga and kaiako have meaningful encounters with Christ, through words and actions.
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A huge thank you to all those who attended our La Valla Bingo Night! We were able to raise approximately $1200 on the night. This will go toward our service projects for this year. Many thanks to all those who helped organise the event, especially the team of La Valla Kaitiaki Leaders who with the support of Miss De Silva and Mr Pillay were able to deliver a successful event. Thank you to all kaimahi who provided everything we needed for the prizes, their time and support too.
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Our lunch programmes have been strong and we have managed to provide approximately 50 lunches for our ākonga on Rātū/Tuesdays and Rāmere/Fridays. Thank you to our La Valla and Special Character Prefects for committing to this programme. We look forward to expanding this next term!
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Last week, our La Valla Service Group started to volunteer at the St Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Onehunga. This is a great way for them to see how food insecurity affects Tāmaki Makarau and to give back to our local community. We hope to engage with this more next term.
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Our Sacramental Programme has begun and we have 19 ākonga preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This Mass will be on Rāpare/Thursday 7 Here-turi-kōkā/August. Please pray for our ākonga as they prepare for this.
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On Rāapa/Wednesday 18 Piripiri, our Pasifika Prefects and Daisy Puni represented our kura at the ACCKA Pasifika Mass at St Joseph’s in Grey Lynn. Marcellin College is part of the Auckland Central Catholic Kahui Ako. Along with 15 other Catholic Primary and Secondary schools, we celebrated our Pasifika identity and prayed together as a community. It was a wonderful night of prayer and whanaungatanga.
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It has been a great term and we have loved serving you as Co-DRS’s this term. We pray that you all have a restful school break.
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Mrs. Karen Rodrigues and Mr Cuan Pillay
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Acting Ringatohu Akoranga Hāhi / Director of Religious Studies Term 2 2025
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Curriculum News
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Tasters (Years 7, 8 & 9) and Options (Year 10)
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This Rāmere/Friday Year 7, 8 & 9 tasters end, with new tasters beginning on Rāhina/Monday 14 Hōngongoi/July (Week One of Term Three). Semester One Options also end for Year 10 ākonga, with Semester Two Options beginning on Rāhina/Monday 14 Hōngongoi/July (Week One of Term Three).
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Digital Corequisite Results
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Corequisite results were released on 25 Pipiri/June for Reading. Results for the Writing and Numeracy corequisites will be released on 14 Hōngongoi/July. 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 Mahuru/September.
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Pastoral & Engagement News
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As Term 2 wraps up, our kura has been busy! In the pastoral space, we're thrilled to share that we've successfully gathered valuable feedback from you our whānau regarding high expectations, which will help us continue to foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
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It was wonderful to connect with so many of our whānau at our recent progress evening. These conversations are so important in strengthening the partnership between home and school, in rowing the Kalia/canoe together.
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We also extended a warm welcome to our new Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Principal, Mike Darragh. Mike has already hit the ground running, and we're excited about the expertise and passion he brings to our leadership team. In Term 3 we have amazing things planned, and to kick start the excitement, we would like you all to save the date for our Whānau Day!
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Loto hounga’ia / gratitude and thanks for all the mahi this term. And as I step out of this role I leave you all with a Tongan proverb that resonates so well with our school’s vision.
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Which translates to “Strength in unity”
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This proverb beautifully illustrates the power of unity, drawing a parallel to the synchronized rowing of a Kalia/canoe. When rowers work in perfect harmony, their collective strength propels the canoe swiftly and efficiently towards its goal, making it stand out. This resonates deeply with our community's efforts to ensure our students get the best of education and experience in education.
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Salamat po, Whakawhetai and Mālō ‘aupito🫰
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Ms Jeanavieve Pome’e-Vaipulu
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Tumuaki Tuarua Whakakapi / Acting Deputy Principal
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Counselling Appointments
If you wish to make a counselling appointment, you must email the counsellor and wait for a response.
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Health Clinic
Suggestions as the cold season is approaching:
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1. If you have asthma or think you might have asthma, please come see us at the health clinic so that we can assist you in keeping asthma under control.
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2. If you are unwell, please stay at home to stop the spread of infection to others.
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3. Cover your sneeze, wear a mask and keep a good hand washing habit.
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Co-Curricular News
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National Dance Challenge
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On Friday 13th June we had a group of Year 12 ākonga represent Marcellin College in the National Dance Challenge. Our ākonga took culture to the stage in the Variety category, bringing a different element to the competition.
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The group Jammies, consisting of Patricia Bocaya, Sofia Duran Lu, Hope Ofakineiafu, Mele Pope, Kasmira Stowers & Mejock Yor came away with a Gold Challenger Award!
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Bollywood Showdown
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On Saturday 14th June our school proudly made its debut at the prestigious Bollywood Showdown competition in Auckland. Bollywood Showdown is the biggest Indian High School Dance Competition. Despite being the very first time Marcellin College has entered the event, the group performed with passion and dedication.
At the prizegiving, our group was recognised with the Spirit Award, celebrating and honouring their vibrant energy and true Marcellin spirit. This trophy reflects our school motto Seek the Best through passion, dedication, and pride. We look forward to entering the competition again next year!
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Melbourne Choir Trip
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For the last 7 days - Our school choir "The Marcellin College Voices" have been on a short exciting tour of Melbourne and Ballarat in Australia led by Dr Ah Sam and 3 other staff Mr Nakaora, Ms Maglalang and Ms Ward as well as 6 other parent helpers.
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It was a fantastic trip full of learning, growth and new experiences. The Choir performed at the Shrine of Remembrance, a public concert at St Johns Southgate, Ballarat Grammar, Hillcrest Christian College. They also attended a fantastic concert by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a lovely welcome dinner at the 5 star Conservatory Restaurant at Crown, visited the National Gallery of Victoria, Sovereign Hill Gold mining town and more.
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All staff and students returned home safely on Wednesday June 25th. They represented Marcellin College, themselves and their families with pride and distinction through their behaviour, performances and interaction with members of the public and and hosts schools in Melbourne.
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Lost Property Notice
We kindly ask that you clearly label your child’s belongings. School Lockers are available to hire each year to help ākonga keep their belonging safe.
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Each day, our Health and Physical Education kaiako find jackets, jumpers, and PE gear left behind in the changing rooms and around the gym. Unfortunately, every year we end up discarding unclaimed clothing and footwear.
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If your child has lost an item of their school uniform, PE gear or other non uniform items please check with student services or the gymnasium.
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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
- 14 July - Term Three Starts
(Vanuatu Language Week 27 July - 02 August)
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- 28 - 29 July - 13Geography Trip to Rotorua
- 30 July - Open Day Tours
- 01 August - Year 12 Retreat
(Cook Islands Māori Language Week 03 August - 09 August)
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- 05 August - Sports Photos
- 07 August - Sacramental Mass & Haka Competition
- 08 August - Mackillop Feast Day
- 11 August - Senior Option Selections Open
- 15 August - Staff Only Day
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School Tuckshop
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Does your child love to dance? Are you looking for a comprehensive school holiday program for the July school holidays? The Classical Collab have an incredible opportunity for you! For dancers aged 7 and up, come and join our youth company and see what it’s like to dance and create in preparation for a performance at the incredible Q Theatre on the last day.
https://www.theclassicalcollab.co.nz/projects/current
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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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