Marcellin College Newsletter 2026
Issue No. 10
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Marcellin College

Newsletter

Newsletter No. 10
27/03/2026

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

NO HOMEWORK, NO PROGRESS

KNOW HOMEWORK,

KNOW PROGRESS

A message about study beyond the classroom

In a previous life I was part of a boarding school which had students studying 15 hours per week beyond the classroom learning. One hour before dinner. Two hours after dinner. Not always popular among the students but real progress in learning was made.

The time doing 15 hours per week homework or study was driven a desire for academic and personal success by the parents and by the teachers.

It was a deep seated belief that learning is on a continuous treadmill, never ending and always open to new ideas.

It was also driven by the belief that a school’s main job was teaching and learning.

So what’s changed?

Nothing much really.

Parents expect their children to succeed in life with a good education at its base.
  • Students need to work hard and consistently at their studies
  • There is still the belief that learning is continuous, at school and at home!
Marcellin College expects good learning on a daily basis. Marcellin College expects there is learning at School and at Home (Homework!)

The reality is without homework set and worked upon there is little progress in learning.

Thanks for the recent support at parent meetings. 85% at year 13 and 64% at year 12.

Another good week.

In His Peace,

K.F.Fouhy
Acting Principal

IMPORTANT DATES: Week 9

Monday 30 - Thursday 2 April

MONDAY 30 MAR:
  • Year 13 Retreat
Time: Depart school at 9.15am walking to and from the centre. (Venue: St Francis Friary and Retreat Centre, 50 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland)
  • Full School Assembly
Time: 12.50pm Venue: College Gym
  • Guest speaker
Marcellin College Jazz Band Performance
  • Auckland Vinnies Schools Support Collective
Time: Depart Marcellin at 3.30pm (Venue: St Peters College, Auckland)
  • Junior Open Debating
Time: Depart Marcellin at 3.30pm. (Venue: Lynfield College, Auckland)
  • Junior Rugby U15 Parent Meeting
Time: 6.30pm (Venue: College Library)

TUESDAY 31 MAR:
  • Tauranga Jazz Festival
Time: Depart Marcellin 6am by school van (Venue: Bethlehem, Tauranga)
  • Year 10 Assembly
Time: 8.40am (Venue: College Gym)
  • Year 13 Assembly
Time: 8.40am (Venue: College Chapel)

    • Senior Open Debating
    Time: 6.30pm (Venue: Avondale College)
    • 1stXIII Rugby Parent Meeting
    Time: 6.30p (Venue: College Library)

    WEDNESDAY 1 APR:
    • Tauranga Jazz Festival
    Time: 7.30pm students and staff arrive back at Marcellin College (Venue: Bethlehem, Tauranga)
    • Year 12 Assembly
    Time: 8.40am (Venue: College Gym)
    • Year 9 Assembly
    Time: 8.40am (Venue: College Chapel)
    • Premier Junior Debating
    Time: 3.30pm (Venue: College Drama Room)

    THURSDAY 2 APR:
    • Year 7/8 Assembly
    Time: 8.40am (Venue: College Gym)
    • Year 11 Assembly
    Time: 8.40am (Venue: College Chapel)
    • Holy Thursday Liturgy
    Time: 2.15pm (Venue: College Gym)
    • Newsletter No.11 issue emailed home.
    FRIDAY 3 APR:
    • Good Friday - School is closed
    Term 2 Commences - Monday 20 April 2026 at 8.40am

    Congratulations

    Polyfest 2026

    What an incredible week it has been! We are bursting with pride as we celebrate the achievements of our ākonga at Polyfest 2026. They poured their hearts and hundreds of hours of practice onto the stage, representing our kura with immense mana and grace.

    This year, we were well-represented across the festival with four groups:
    • Indian Group
    • Filipino Group
    • Samoan Group
    • Tongan Group
    A special mention must go to Kilieni Kautai (Year 13), who delivered an articulate speech on the Tongan stage. Her topic, "How can other people know that I am a Tongan?", explored important themes of identity, and Kilieni represented our kura with great poise.

    While the true reward is the connection to culture and community, we are thrilled to announce that two of our groups were recognised with awards:

    Group
    Award
    Placing
    Tongan Group
    Ma’ulu’ulu
    2nd Place
    Indian Group
    Interpretation of Theme
    3rd Place


    Whether they walked away with a trophy or not, every single ākonga maintained a high standard of performance and behaviour, proving themselves to be fantastic ambassadors for our kura.

    A massive whakawhetai (thank you) to the tutors, staff, and whānau who supported our performers behind the scenes. We couldn't have done it without your tireless energy and commitment.
    Congratulations to Matthew Meija and Siosaia Poulivaati for stepping up to help with the Tongan Group Fia Fia night. They showed true servant leadership.

    Shinagawa Student Farewell

    We bid our farewell to the Shinagawa students two weeks ago, they were a joy to have here. During their farewell they showed us a famous Japanese dance and sang songs for us. It is great to see a different culture in its brightest form, all of the students are very talented. We gave the students their awards and had some pizza with them to conclude their journey in New Zealand with us.

    (Cecilia Koenig Year 11 Ākonga)

    As we wish the Shinagawa students safe travels on their departure, we look back on the special time we shared with them. Throughout their short visit here at Marcellin College, we were able to build a strong meaningful friendship with them, as they shared with us traditional dances and cultural songs whilst exchanging gifts with one another. It was a wonderful experience to collide with different cultures as we carry these moments in hopes they can return home safely with a positive experience from our kura.

    (Juriell Balabat Year 11 Ākonga)

    Marcellin College: Auckland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships

    What an amazing display of talent from Marcellin College at the 2026 Auckland Athletics Championships. Held over two days at Mt Smart Stadium in perfect conditions, our school was represented by eight incredible athletes, a significant jump in qualifiers from previous years.

    A special mention must go to Eddie Meredith for a standout performance in the senior boys High Jump. Eddie recorded a new Personal Best of 1.70m, placing an impressive 5th overall in a highly competitive field of 21 athletes. Finishing just 17cm shy of the top spot is a remarkable feat at this level.

    A huge thank you to all our athletes who gave their absolute best and represented our Kura with such pride. Thank you to the parents who so supportive on in the stands, THANK YOU!!

    NOTICES & OPERATIONS

    PARKING
    • Registration for drivers: All student drivers are required to have registered (with car details) with the Deputy Principal, Mr.Darragh.
    UNIFORM and GROOMING:
    Marcellin College has a college uniform which is expected to be worn with pride by every student all times. (From Home , At College, From College until they return home).
    Thank you for your family support here.
    • Ties for both Male and Female Year 11, 12 and 13 students are expected to be done up to the highest button. White t-shirts are NOT showing under Junior shirts.
    • Only regulation uniform items are permitted.
    Marcellin College students have dignity and grooming standards to uphold.
    In His Peace,

    K.F.Fouhy
    Acting Principal