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Marcellin College

Pastoral Care - Overview

Poipoia te kākano kia puawai – Nurture the seed and it will blossom

At Marcellin College, pastoral care is at the heart of who we are. We believe that when we nurture the wellbeing of the whole person — spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically — every ākonga can truly flourish.

Our pastoral care system is comprehensive and deeply rooted in Ngā Ākoranga Pāpori Katorika (Catholic Social Teaching), especially Te Mana o te Tangata — the dignity of the human person. Each ākonga is made in the image of God, and we are committed to upholding their inherent worth and mana in every encounter.

Guided by our Marist heritage, our pastoral care reflects the five Marist Pillars: Family Spirit, Presence, Love of Work, Simplicity, and In the Way of Mary. These pillars shape how we form relationships, respond with compassion, and create a community where every ākonga feels known, valued, and supported to grow.

Pastoral care at Marcellin College is not a single programme, but a shared responsibility woven through every aspect of school life. Through strong relationships, restorative practices, and faith in action, we nurture the seed so that each young person may blossom into their fullest potential.

Across the College, a dedicated network of pastoral leaders, mentors, and support staff work together to uphold this commitment — from our Whānau groups and Kaiārahi, to our Guidance Counsellor, School Nurse, and Learning Mentors. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that every ākonga is cared for, guided, and encouraged to thrive.

At Marcellin College, every ākonga is placed into one of four whānau houses: Aubert, Benedict, MacKillop, or Pompallier.

The four whānau compete throughout the year in various fun competitions like singing, chants, haka, and athletics. The overall winner at the end of the year is awarded the prestigious Marcellin College Whānau Shield. This system encourages our Marist Pillars of Wairua o te Whānau/Family Spirit, Aroaro/Presence and Ki te huarahi O Maria/In the Way of Mary.

The year level Kaiārahi is a crucial link between home and school, focused on the holistic development of your tamariki.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Communication: Acting as the main point of contact, liaising with subject kaiako, kaitiaki kaiako, and home.
  • Wellbeing & Achievement: Actively monitoring motivation, academic progress, and the overall achievement and wellbeing of your tamariki.
  • Attendance: Monitoring daily ākonga attendance and punctuality.
  • Subject Choices: Assisting ākonga with their subject selections for the following year.

At Marcellin College, relationships are at the centre of everything we do. As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) school, we guide our ākonga with care and compassion, using a restorative, rather than punitive, approach to help them reflect, repair, and grow.

Our PB4L approach, ‘Marcellin Spirit’, is lived through our Marist Pillars each day. Through dedicated Marcellin Spirit lessons, ākonga learn what these values look like in action.

Positive choices are celebrated and rewarded with whānau points. Collected by ākonga and their whānau, these points reinforce our collective culture and can be cashed in for valued items. This system builds a school where everyone feels valued, supported, and part of something bigger: a community that reflects Christ’s love.

Marcellin College has two experienced Guidance Counsellors, both registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).

  • Sr Salome – Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
  • Ms Hyde-Hills – Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Guidance Counsellors provide a private and confidential counselling service within the school, unless there is significant risk involved. They are specialised education professionals who support ākonga in dealing with personal, social, and behavioural issues that may impact their wellbeing, learning, and school achievement.

In some instances, they may also support kaimahi/staff and families/whānau.

The Guidance Counsellor role includes:

  • Helping clients explore their difficulties and concerns, while developing their capabilities and resilience
  • Fostering conditions in which a client can grow and develop as a person
  • Offering leadership and sharing expertise in promoting positive relationships
  • Promoting awareness of and respect for difference
  • Advocating for those who are disempowered

Our School Nurse supports ākonga wellbeing by responding to emergency situations within the College and assessing students who are unwell. The nurse also coordinates specialised health-related programmes, conducts health assessment sessions, and develops management plans for ākonga living with chronic illnesses.

Available services include:

  • Doctor
  • Physiotherapist
  • Dental Care
  • Asthma Auckland Unit
  • Vision Tests
  • Hearing Tests
  • Health Assessments
  • Pacific Outreach Team

Our Ara / Pathways Advisor works alongside ākonga to support their future aspirations and career pathways.

Support includes:

  • Guidance on tertiary study, trades pathways, and career opportunities
  • Work experience placements through the Gateway Programme
  • Career-related opportunities connected to EOTC trips
  • Support with CV writing and interview preparation
  • Scholarship advice and application assistance
  • Guidance on senior subject selection

Universities and other tertiary providers visit Marcellin College throughout the year to engage with ākonga. We also host an annual Careers Expo, where ākonga can speak one-on-one with tertiary providers and explore future opportunities.

Ākonga can visit the Ara / Pathways office during interval, lunchtime, or by appointment. Whānau are also welcome.

Marcellin College is an inclusive kura, with ākonga able to access additional support through our Āwhina Ako (Learning Support) team.

Our Āwhina Ako space is home to our SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator), LSC (Learning Support Coordinator), and dedicated teacher aides, who work alongside ākonga to provide personalised support and encourage success in learning and wellbeing.

Whakaaro is a space where ākonga can pause, reflect, and reset before returning to class. It’s a short-stay room for ākonga who may be feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from learning.

With guidance from our Learning Mentor, ākonga reflect using our five Marist pillars, helping ākonga self-regulate, rebuild relationships, and refocus on their learning journey.

Whakaaro is about growth, reflection, and returning stronger.