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Marcellin College Newsletter 2026
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Marcellin College
Newsletter
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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Striving for Academic Excellence: Getting the Basics Right
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Following on from my reflection on our five focus areas, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly about our drive toward academic excellence at Marcellin College. High expectations and strong daily habits are the foundation upon which our young people build their success.
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To thrive academically, we must get the basics right every single day.
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Creating a Culture of Daily Reading
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Academic success begins with literacy. We expect every student at Marcellin to read for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. Reading sharpens critical thinking, expands vocabulary, and directly underpins achievement in every subject. Reading is so central to what we do that even our staff have a book club to encourage our own reading habits!
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Curriculum & Pathway Expansion for 2027 and Beyond
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We are making strategic shifts to ensure our students remain competitive and well-prepared for their futures:
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- Six Subjects in Years 12 & 13: From 2027, senior students will take six subjects instead of five. This keeps tertiary and career pathways open longer, giving students space to explore their strengths.
- Compulsory Year 12 English (2027): With six subjects in place, Year 12 English will become compulsory to ensure strong literacy skills for all leavers.
- Compulsory Year 11 Science (2028): Moving into 2028, Year 11 Science will become compulsory (it remains optional but strongly encouraged for 2027).
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Embracing "Love of Work" as School Exams Approach
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Our Marcellin NCEA practice exams take place in the first week of Term 4. Revision and study routines should be well underway by now.
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In our Marist tradition, we speak often of Love of Work - a pillar that calls us to show dedication, discipline, and pride in everything we undertake. For our young people, Love of Work right now means sitting down with a plan, minimising distractions, and putting in the deliberate effort required to succeed.
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At Marcellin College, we seek the best, we do not settle for doing just enough. 60 credits is the minimum requirement for NCEA. We want our students aiming for Merit and Excellence endorsements right up until the final assessment, so all practice and NCEA exams are compulsory for all NCEA students.
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You can support your child at home by helping them establish a dedicated, quiet study space and draft a clear revision timetable. Encourage balance by helping them structure their daily routine to include dedicated study blocks alongside regular exercise, nutritious meals, and healthy sleep habits.
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Year 13 Graduation Traditions
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This commitment to compulsory exam attendance directly ties into a new graduation tradition we are introducing for 2027 - a Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner with parents in attendance. To be eligible to attend and celebrate with their families, Year 13 students must achieve full course completion. Course completion requires attending all school practice and official NCEA external exams.
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We look forward to celebrating our Year 13 graduates and their families, so please support us in ensuring your young person meets these standards.
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- To our UNISS Netball team girls for an outstanding tournament week in Hamilton. It was great to be courtside to cheer them on and to see them win their game on Wednesday morning. The sporting spirit displayed by our girls represented Marcellin College with immense pride.
- To our students who took part in the Senior Dance Showcase last week.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Years 11–13 Parent Evening: 'Preparing for NCEA Exams'
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- Date: Wednesday, 16th September (Week 9)
- Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: College Gym
- Attendance: All parents of senior students are expected to attend as we outline essential strategies for the upcoming exam season.
If you have any questions ahead of the evening, please reach out directly to the Year Level Dean:
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- Year 11 Dean: Mrs. Maglalang (maglalangm@marcellin.school.nz)
- Year 12 Dean: Ms. Diaz (diazm@marcellin.school.nz)
- Year 13 Dean: Mr. James Leavasa (leavasaj@marcellin.school.nz)
Optima Quaere - Seek the Best
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IMPORTANT DATES: Week 8 - Term 3
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Monday 07 September - Friday 11 September
Papua New Guinea Pldgin Language Week
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- Te Kura Practice Exams, Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm, Venue: Rm 12
- Senior Girls Assembly, Time: 1.15pm, Venue: Gym
- Navigators mentoring (A7&8, B13), Time: 8.45am Venue: Chapel
- Year 12 Retreat, Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm Venue: St Francis Friary
- Year 11 Run, Time: 12.30pm - 3.00pm, Venue: Lovelock track, Mt Roskill
- Navigators mentoring (B7&8, A13) , Time: 8.45am Venue: Chapel
- Southside Debating, Time: 4.00pm, Venue: De La Salle College
- Navigators mentoring (M7&8, M13) , Time: 8.45am Venue: Chapel
- Cultural Workshop, Time: 9.00am - 12.30pm Venue:
- Navigators mentoring (P7&8, P13) , Time: 8.45am Venue: Chapel
- 13SPS Fun Day , Time: 12.30pm - 3.15pm, Venue: Gym
- La Valla Games Nigh , Time: 6.30pm, Venue: Gym
- Badminton Open Boys, Open Girls & Open Mixed Team , Time: 3.30pm, Venue: Badminton Stadium
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Congratulations
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New Zealand Secondary Schools Fencing Nationals
The NZ Secondary School Nationals were held at Te Pai, Henderson last weekend. 37 epeeists from all over the country competed - including Jose Padilla (Year 10) who finished 7th overall.
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Jose has been training hard, and fenced well for an amazing result!
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Fencing requires a lot of tactics and strategy as well as physical speed and strength.
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Jose Padilla finished 7th overall out of 37 Epeeists
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Senior Dance Showcase
Our annual Senior Dance Showcase took place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th of August, with both performances completely sold out!
Our senior students poured their hearts and hard work into every routine, delivering impressive performances while gaining invaluable stage experience.
Whakawhetai ki a koutou / many thanks to the families, staff, and friends who came out to support our dancers and make both evenings such a resounding success.
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We are incredibly proud of our talented dance students!
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Curriculum
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September Digital Corequisites
Year 10 students plus any Year 11, 12, or 13 students who did not achieve either Reading, Writing, or Numeracy in May sit these tests again in Week 9:
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Tuesday 15 September: literacy (reading) periods one, two, and three
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Wednesday 16 September: literacy (writing) periods one, two, and three
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Thursday 17 September: numeracy periods one, two, and three
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We will also have one final preparation day for these corequisite tests, on Wednesday 9 September.
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A reminder that students must provide their own device to sit the upcoming Literacy and Numeracy (LIT & NUM) corequisite exams online. Please ensure the device is fully charged and in good working order before the exam begins.
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These corequisites are vital, as without them, students will not be awarded Level One, Two, or Three NCEA.
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Senior Practice Exams
Our NCEA Practice Examinations will be held in Week One of Term 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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Seek assistance from teachers
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The NCEA Practice Exam timetable will be shared in the Week Nine newsletter.
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Term Three Support
A reminder of the initiatives we are rolling out this term to help students and their families stay on top of learning:
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Library Homework Club: Drop-in support, quiet study space, and extra assistance available after school in the library every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Whare Pukapuka / Library Homework Club.
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Year 11, 12 & 13 Parent Evening: Join us to ensure that we can partner together to navigate NCEA, exams, and expectations for the remainder of this year: Wednesday 16th September, 6.30 pm, in the La Valla Gym.
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Senior Study Tips (Yrs 11–13): Year 11–13 students will receive weekly emails every Monday, featuring evidence-based study techniques and revision strategies.
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Deputy Principal Curriculumn
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Upcoming Open Days
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These events offer the opportunity to explore campus facilities and see first-hand what it would be like to attend the institution. All are welcome. Generally there are information sessions about different programmes and there is the opportunity to speak to current students and staff in each faculty.
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Unitec Campus Open Day - Saturday 5th Sep 2026 (10:00am – 2:00pm) Register HERE
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Mt Albert Campus: 139 Carrington Road, Mount Albert
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Waitākere Campus: 5 - 7 Ratanui Street, Henderson
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What to expect: Tour world-class workshops, explore the grounds, and chat with industry-experienced tutors about certificates, diplomas and degree programs.
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New Zealand School of Tourism - Wednesday, 9th Sept 2026 (10:00am - 2:00pm) Register HERE.
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NZST Auckland City Campus: 360 Queen St, Auckland Central
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What to expect: If you are interested in tourism, flight attending, travel or hospitality, this is an opportunity for you. Explore the interactive training facilities, meet the tutors and see what life is like studying at NZST.
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Tāmaki Campus: Building 1, 19 Lambie Drive, Manukau
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What to expect: Expect interactive learning demonstrations, campus tours, career advice, and free kai while discovering what tertiary study at Awanuiārangi is like.
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Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) Open Day - Saturday 12th Sep 2026 (9:30am – 12:30pm) Register HERE
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MIT Manukau: 25 Davies Avenue, Manukau
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MIT TechPark: 58 Manukau Station Road, Manukau
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What to expect: Experience state-of-the-art nursing labs, digital technologies spaces, and New Zealand’s largest trades training facility in action.
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University Transition Summer Programmes for Year 13s - Applications now open.
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Year 13 students planning to attend university in 2027 can undertake a six week university preparation programme over the summer at either AUT or the University of Auckland.
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These programmes help students to:
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- Familiarise themselves with the campus and student support services available.
- Learn about university level study, how to structure assignments, find resources, and reference correctly.
- Complete a 100-level university paper, with points that may count towards their degree (general education course).
- Meet other students and be a part of fun activities.
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Undertaking a summer prep programme at either of these universities does not require the student to commit to studying further at that university. Students can then go on to the university of their choice (although the points may not count at another uni).
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AUT UniPrep Programme – Open to all students starting university in 2027, it is held at AUT’s South Campus (Manukau) and is completely FREE.
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University of Auckland- Three programmes to choose from- one designed for Māori students, one designed for Pacific students, and a general programme.
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The programme costs vary but budget for approximately $1100 - $1500. Scholarships are available for students experiencing financial hardship- Kokiri Raumati Scholarships (applications open late Nov / early Dec).
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It’s always worth having a look at the Tahatū Career Navigator site for ideas and inspiration. Students can take an interest quiz to help identify good career matches for them. There is also a new Path Finder tool that helps outline the journey for a variety of careers.
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Pastoral Care
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The 2027 Prefect Selection and being a positive role model
This week I am pleased to share that the selection process for our 2027 Prefects is now underway. Student leadership is a vital cornerstone of our school culture. It bridges the gap between year levels, provides a strong voice for our student body, and helps shape a supportive environment where every individual feels valued and heard.
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When student leaders step up, their positive impact resonates across the entire school. They bring fresh energy to school initiatives, champion inclusivity, and foster a genuine sense of belonging. Beyond organising events or leading assemblies, effective student leaders set the tone in the corridors, classrooms, and around the whole school. They demonstrate what it means to be empathetic, approachable, and active listeners who uplift those around them.
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At its core, good student leadership is defined not by a title or a badge, but by service and integrity. It is about leading by example - showing resilience in the face of challenges, taking accountability, and encouraging peers to reach their full potential. Anyone in our community can be a role model; leadership happens in the quiet everyday choices to offer a helping hand, speak up against injustice, or simply do the right thing when no one is watching.
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Our student leaders are expected to uphold our high standards of behavior and embody our core Marist pillars - living out presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work, and the way of Mary. By grounding their leadership in these values, our prefects inspire others to strive for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage all students considering a leadership role to step forward, and we look forward to supporting our future leaders as they undertake this meaningful journey.
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A Gentle Reminder on Attendance & Winter Illnesses
Over the past few weeks, we have noticed a drop in regular attendance across several year levels. With winter colds and seasonal bugs making the rounds, we fully understand that keeping healthy can be a challenge at this time of year.
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To help look after one another and keep our whole school community safe, we kindly encourage families to keep students at home whenever they are feeling unwell or showing symptoms. Resting up at home ensures a quicker recovery and helps prevent the spread of illness in the classrooms.
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If your child is going to be absent, please remember to notify the school office as early as possible on the day. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support in keeping our community healthy, safe, and well-cared for.
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Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care
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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 the Business Manager, Peyton Hepi at hepip@marcellin.school.nz, 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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Optima Quaere - Seek the Best
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