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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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Term Three is officially underway, and we're pleased to report an attendance rate of 81.3% this week! While it's great to be over 80%, the Ministry of Education's target is 90%, and we believe we can achieve that together. Regular attendance is directly linked to ākonga achievement, and we want all our ākonga to "seek the best" and reach their full potential. Let's make 90% our collective goal!
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Our recent school ball was a spectacular event, and you'll find more details about it later in this newsletter. A huge whakawhetai/thank you to Miss Jess Stenberg and Ms Jeanavieve Pome’e for their incredible hard work in making it such a memorable night for everyone!
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The start of a new term is always an excellent opportunity for a fresh start. We encourage all ākonga to set clear learning and personal goals for the next nine weeks. It's also crucial for ākonga to be aware of their upcoming assessment deadlines. Term Three is academically the busiest, especially for our senior ākonga, as they balance internal assessments with preparation for external exams. Let's support them in making this a term of significant progress and success. Our kaiārahi are always available to support you and your tamaiti/child in any way. Please feel free to contact them as follows:
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We look forward to seeing you at our inaugural 617 Day on 19 Mahuru/September and working together as a Marcellin community.
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Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou
ka ora ai te iwi.
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With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
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Tumuaki Whakakapi / Acting Principal
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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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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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Ngāwari / Simplicity in Week Nine of Term Two:
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Year 12: Peyton Rutene-Talamaivao
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Curriculum News
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Digital Corequisite Results
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Corequisite results were released on 25 Pipiri/June for Reading, and on 14 Hōngongoi/July for Writing and Numeracy. Ākonga can view these results either via their NZQA Login or KAMAR login.
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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 decide that their tamaiti/child is not ready and will sit these as Year 11 in 2026. Letters will be emailed home to whānau of Year 10 ākonga who are not yet achieving at the level aligned with achievement of the corequisites within the next few weeks.
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These are the dates for the upcoming digital corequisites:
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Rātū/Tuesday 2 Mahuru/September: literacy (reading) periods one, two, and three
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Rāapa/Wednesday 3 Mahuru/September: literacy (writing) periods one, two, and three
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Rāpare/Thursday 4 Mahuru/September: numeracy periods one, two, and three
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Ākonga will need to arrive at school on time and with a charged device for these days.
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These corequisites are vital, as without them, ākonga will not be awarded Level One, Two, or Three NCEA.
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Specific logistics will be emailed to all ākonga and whānau involved closer to the time.
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There is a preparation rā/day that will be held on Rāapa/Wednesday 27 Hereturikōkā/August, where ākonga will spend periods 1, 2, and 3 preparing for literacy and periods 4 and 5 preparing for numeracy.
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Pastoral & Engagement News
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Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that all our ākonga and whānau had a restful and restorative break. As we begin this new term, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the warm and generous welcome I’ve received from the Marcellin College community. It has been a pleasure getting to know our wonderful ākonga and dedicated staff over the past few weeks, and I look forward to continuing to serve and support our kura as we work together to provide the very best for our young people.
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Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principal Pastoral & Engagement
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Uniform reminders
As we settle back into routines, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of our expectations around uniform. At Marcellin College, we expect every ākonga to wear their full and correct uniform at all times. This not only reflects pride in our school but also demonstrates discipline, unity, and respect — both within our college and to the wider community. Uniforms should not be modified in any way.
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Blue shirt with Marcellin College crest on collar
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Navy school shorts with crest
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Optional white singlet ONLY
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Blue blouse with Marcellin College crest on collar
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Knee length school navy skirt with crest
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LONG sleeved white school shirt with Marcellin College crest & school tie – shirt to be tucked in
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Navy School trousers with crest
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Optional white singlet ONLY
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SHORT sleeved white school blouse with Marcellin College crest on collar & school tie
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LONG school navy skirt with crest
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Acceptable footwear at Marcellin College are plain black leather shoes. The shoes must come below the ankle (boots are not allowed). There is to be no fancy trim or extreme styles. Canvas shoes are NOT permitted.
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Makeup, including nail polish and false eyelashes, is not part of the Marcellin College uniform and should not be worn at school. Additionally, boys are expected to be clean-shaven. These expectations form part of the standards we uphold to ensure consistency and a strong sense of belonging for all.
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Attendance
At Marcellin College, we see regular school attendance as a key foundation for ākonga wellbeing and success. When ākonga are present and engaged in their learning every day, they build strong relationships, develop consistent routines, and are more likely to feel connected to their peers and teachers. This sense of belonging is a vital part of wellbeing — and aligns with our Marist Pillar of Wairua o te Whānau / Family Spirit, where every ākonga knows they are a valued part of our whānau.
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Research and our own school data consistently show that high attendance rates are directly linked to higher achievement. Simply put, the more time ākonga spend in class, the more opportunities they have to learn, grow, and succeed. Our Marist Pillar of Aroha ki te Mahi / Love of Work reminds us that commitment and perseverance matter — and showing up, every day, is the first step in developing those habits.
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We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable. However, we encourage whānau to work with us to ensure that ākonga attend regularly and return promptly after any time away. Together, by being present - Aroaro / Presence is another of our key Marist Pillars — we can support our young people to flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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A reminder that school starts at 8.40am every day and all ākonga should be in their kaitaiki by 8.45am.
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Spotlight on Kaiārahi - Mr Kameli Delana (Year 9)
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Bula Vinaka! My name is Kameli Delana, and I have the privilege of being the Year 9 Kaiārahi this year. I am of proud Fijian descent, and I carry with me the values of veilomani (showing love and care) and vakarokoroko (showing respect and honour). As a Physical Education teacher, I’m passionate about helping young people grow—not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and socially through sport and movement. I believe sport teaches important life skills like resilience, teamwork, and leadership. I’ve also been involved in coaching rugby at both club and representative level, where I’ve seen how belief in each other and strong relationships can transform individuals and teams.
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One goal I have for our Year 9s this year is to create a culture of respect—where every ākonga feels accepted, supported, and proud of who they are. I truly believe in the power of relationships, and one quote I live by is: “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt. A Bible verse that continues to guide me is from 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” I’m looking forward to walking alongside you all this year and supporting your journey through high school.
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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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A Night to Remember:
Marcellin College Masquerade Ball 2025!
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What an absolutely incredible night we had at our annual School Ball on Friday, June 27th, 2025, held at the stunning Ellerslie Event Centre! The theme, Masquerade, truly transformed the venue into a magical wonderland. The decorations were simply breathtaking, with elegant drapes, sparkling lights, and mysterious masks creating an atmosphere of enchantment around every corner.
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Our ākonga certainly made the most of the many dancing and photo opportunities, capturing unforgettable moments at our popular 360 booth, the always-fun photo booth, and the beautifully designed photo backdrop. The energy and enthusiasm our students brought were truly the highlight of the evening. These are memories our ākonga will undoubtedly cherish forever. What a fantastic way to cap off Term 2!
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We'd also like to give a huge congratulations to our prize winners of the night:
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Prince: Daniel Clay Princess: Felicity Pome'e
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Cutest Couple: Viliami Tu'ima & Lesina Kautai
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Best Dancer: Margaret Finefeuiaki
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Best Dressed Male: Jayden Pandah
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Life of the party: Martha Maamaloa
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Best Dressed Female: Elisiva Tuimoala
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Best Dressed Teacher: Ms Pome'e
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Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 School Ball such a resounding success!
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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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Ara / Pathways News
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We are halfway through the academic year and we have been very busy in the Ara / Pathways office.
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We have started a Careers Communication Hub on Google Classroom to keep Year 11 - 13 ākonga up-to-date on the various tertiary information sessions and experiences on offer. We include information on scholarships, employment opportunities, apprenticeships, vocational pathways support, extra-curricular courses, Gateway and more.
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In June we held a very successful Careers Expo morning in which we saw 20 tertiary providers come to our school to provide personalised advice for possible future study and career options.
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In the Gateway space, ākonga have participated in study and work experience in locations including Woolworths, Bendon Ltd, Skycity Kitchens and Cordis Hotel.
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The government has launched a new career navigator website- tahatu.govt.nz. There is a wealth of information on qualifications, courses and careers; as well as an interest quiz that ākonga have been encouraged to take.
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Ākonga are always welcome to drop into the Ara /Pathways office at interval, lunchtime or by appointment for advice. It’s never too early to start thinking about the future!
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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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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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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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Year 7 & 8 PDP
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Secondary School Art Awards 2025
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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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