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Marcellin College Newsletter 2026
Term 3, Issue No. 10
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Marcellin College

Newsletter

Newsletter No. 10
25/09/2026

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

End of Term 3 Reflection

As Term 3 finishes, I want to thank our staff, students, and families for a wonderful term together - my first full term at Marcellin College. It has been packed with highlights across sport, music, dance, drama, debating, spoken word, and more, showcasing the vibrancy of our Marcellin community. Key message - get involved in school life!

Cultural Week and 617 Day
In previous years, our community celebrated "617 Day" during Term 4. While a great tradition, Term 4 requires an academic focus as our senior students prepare for NCEA exams. To ensure our cultures are celebrated properly without distracting from exams, we moved this to Term 3 as Cultural Week. It was lovely to see our students dressed in traditional attire and participating in activities throughout the week. Looking to 2027, we plan to move this celebration to Term 1.
Strategic Survey
If you have not already, please complete the short parent survey sent out last week. Your input directly shapes Marcellin College's strategic direction for the coming years.

Term 4 Key Dates
  • Week 1 (12/10 – 16/10): Tuesday - Friday Senior exams.
  • Week 3 (26/10 – 30/10): Friday 30th Oct 6.30pm - Sports and Music Prizegiving
  • Week 4 (02/11 – 06/11): Thursday 5th Nov 6.30pm - Senior Academic Prizegiving
  • Week 5 (09/11 – 13/11):
    • Monday, 9th Nov (9 - 12pm) New Students Orientation Morning.
    • Tuesday, 10th Nov NCEA External Examinations begin.
  • Week 8 (30/11 – 04/12): Monday - Wednesday Junior Examinations.
  • Week 9 (7/12 - 11/12): Friday 11th Dec 10am - Junior Prizegiving (school ends 12pm)
For our senior students - make time for study each day. For our junior students - make time for reading each day.

I wish all our families a safe, restful break. See you back for Term 4 Monday 12th October.
Optima Quaere - Seek the Best

Ms. Rosanna Fouhy
Principal

IMPORTANT DATES: Week 1 - Term 4

Monday 12 October - Friday 16 October

MONDAY 12 OCTOBER:
  • School Assembly, Time: 12.50pm Venue: Gym
TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER:

      • Year 10 Assembly, Time: 8.45am Venue: Drama
      • Senior Exams begins in Hermitage
      • Homerooming begins for the Middle School
      WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER:
      • Year 9 Assembly, Time: 8.45am Venue: Chapel
      • Senior Exams
      THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER:
      • Year 7 & 8 Assembly, Time: 8.45am Venue: Drama
      • Senior Exams
      FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER:
      • Senior Exams

      Curriculum

      Academic Support

      A reminder of the initiatives we have started to help students and their families stay on top of learning:
        • Library Homework Club: Drop-in support, quiet study space, and extra assistance available after school in the library every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Library Homework Club.
        • Senior Study Tips (Yrs 11–13): Year 11–13 students will receive weekly emails every Monday, featuring evidence-based study techniques and revision strategies.
        • Senior Tutorials (Yrs 11–13): Year 11-13 students to attend additional tutorials in the upcoming holidays: Senior Tutorials 2026

      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). Attendance at Practice Exams is mandatory.

      To assist with the success of your child, it is important that they:
      1. Create a study timetable (The BEST Way to Revise for NCEA Exams - StudyTime NZ)
      2. Review/revise materials shared by their teachers (Revision strategies)
      3. Attempt past NCEA exam papers (Find past digital external assessments » NZQA).
      4. Seek assistance from teachers
      5. Look after themselves and their hauora/wellbeing (Five Ways to Wellbeing)
      Ms. Alisha Hunt,
      Deputy Principal Curriculumn

      Pathways

      Upcoming Open Days

      ITC (International Travel College) Open Days
      The ITC Open Days are free online and campus events designed for prospective students, families, and school staff to explore study options and career pathways in travel, tourism, and aviation.

      Online Information Sessions (Register HERE): Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM or 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

      Auckland City Campus (On Campus): Thursday, 1 October 2026 or Thursday, 8 October 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Level 4, ITC House, 9 City Road, Auckland City.

      Skills Group October School Holiday Open Days
      Skills Trades Training & Skills Institute is opening its campuses for students to come along, explore our programmes and get a feel for what studying with us could look like.
      Students will have the chance to:
      • Explore our campuses and training facilities
      • Chat with our team about 2027 study and career pathways
      • Find out more about our programmes and entry requirements
      • Have a go at a hands-on practical activity
      • Bring along family or friends to help them explore their options
      • Enrol on the day
      Open Day Dates for Skills Trades Training
      This is a perfect opportunity for any students wanting to explore the pre-trades and apprenticeship pathways next year. The Open day is hosted in sessions, and each session includes a tour of our facilities and an information session.

      There are two Open Day dates available: Thursday 1 October and Thursday 8 October.
      Both our Electrical and Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying campuses will be open on both dates. You can choose the date, campus and session time that works best for you.
      Click here to register for Skills Trades Training open day.

      Electrical Campus –18 Business Parade North, Highbrook, Auckland
      Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying Campus – 364 East Tamaki Road, East Tamaki

      Open Day; Skills Institute - Wiri & Ryan Place campus
      Thursday 1st October, 10am to 1pm.

      Come for a tour of the campuses, meet the Skills Institute community and discover our pathways. This is a perfect opportunity for any students wanting to explore pathways and programmes in some of the most in-demand sectors.

      The Manukau campus (Ryan Place) will be giving tours of our Hairdressing programmes, and the opportunity to discuss pathways with our Student Support Advisor.

      The Wiri campus (Kerrs Road) will be giving tours and information sessions on;
      • Cookery
      • Hospitality
      • Healthcare
      • Nail Technology
      • Information Technology
      • Uniformed Services
      • Foundation Skills
      • Intensive Literacy and Numeracy
      There will be scheduled information sessions at 10.30am and 12pm

      Click here to register for Skills Institute Open day.

      2027 High School Leavers Scholarships- Crown Institute

      For the 2027 academic year, Crown Institute will award scholarships of up to NZ$3,000 to eligible students enrolling in programmes commencing in February 2027. Application form and more details are on the website HERE. Applications close Friday, 16 October 2026.

      Unitec Scholarships for School Leavers

      Unitec has a number of dedicated scholarships for School Leavers commencing full-time study at Unitec. The scholarships help cover education-related costs and provide opportunities to connect to various induction and mentoring opportunities.

      1. Te Pou Angitū Scholarship
      This scholarship supports Māori ākonga new to Unitec to pursue their education goals with Unitec.
      Closes 10 March 2027

      2. Pacific Success Scholarship
      This scholarship supports Pacific ākonga new to Unitec to pursue their education goals with Unitec.
      Closes 10 March 2027

      3. Āheinga Equity Scholarship
      This scholarship is to encourage disabled and neuro diverse ākonga to pursue their studies at Unitec.
      Closes 17 February 2027

      Tahatū Career Navigator

      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.

      Music

      We had a great event last week Thursday with our first ever BANDSTAND Music event with guest bands from Epsom Girls, Diocesan Girls and One Tree Hill College joining 6 of our own school bands performing to an enthusiastic and supportive crowd.

      Dr. Opeloge Ah Sam
      Director of Music

      Tahiti Music Exchange

      Some of our selected music students from years 10 - 13 enjoyed a fantastic day of sharing music and culture when they hosted a group of music students from Lyceé Paul Gauguin school in Papeete, Tahiti.

      Both sets of students shared dance, music and spent some time composing songs that was inspired by today's exchange and connection and also gave a short performance in the Music Room during lunchtime.

      Our music students are looking forward to one day returning the visit to Papeete.

      Sports

      Coaches Needed for 2027

      Due to rising sports participation, we urgently need additional coaches to support all of our teams. If you can help, please contact Director of Sports, David Aiolupotea at aiolupotead@marcellin.school.nz.

      Mr. David Aiolupotea
      Director of Sports

      Pastoral Care

      Pastoral Care Update: Finishing Strong and Reconnecting Well

      As Term 3 draws to a close, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the positive momentum across our school community. It has been a full and active ten weeks, and our students have shown commendable commitment both inside and outside the classroom.

      Celebrating Progress: Attendance and Punctuality
      Two areas where our community’s effort has truly shone this term are attendance and punctuality. We have seen a noticeable, positive shift in our overall attendance figures - a direct result of students prioritizing being present and whānau supporting consistent daily routines. Every day in class matters, and this strong attendance forms the foundation for both academic progress and social well-being.

      Looking Ahead: Term 4 Exams & Mindful Preparation
      With Term 4 fast approaching, our senior students naturally have their eyes on upcoming external exams. While focused preparation and study are essential, peak academic performance goes hand-in-hand with mental clarity and physical well-being. The upcoming break is not meant to be two weeks of non-stop studying, but rather a vital chance to find balance.

      Making the Most of the Break:
      • Disconnect to Reconnect: Encourage your young people to set aside devices, step away from study desks, and enjoy quality, screen-free time outdoors and with family.
      • Restorative Routines: Maintaining steady sleep patterns during the holidays ensures students return for Term 4 recharged, relaxed, and mentally prepared to tackle their external exams with confidence.
      • Reflect and Reset: Take time together to acknowledge the hard work put into Term 3 before turning your focus to the final stretch of the year.
      Thank You & Best Wishes
      Pastoral care relies on a strong, collaborative partnership between home and school. I extend my sincere gratitude to our students, parents, and whānau for your unwavering support, encouragement, and community spirit throughout this busy term.

      I wish all our families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for Term 4!

      Nga mihi,
      Mr. Mike Darragh
      Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care

      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 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.

      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/attendancedues/

      Marcellin College - Own your own device

      Optima Quaere - Seek the Best

      Ms. Rosanna Fouhy
      Principal