March 2023 Edition
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Marcellin College Newsletter

Rātu/Tuesday 14th Poutūterangi/March 2023

Message from the Principal - Ms. Maria Prescott

Our Lenten journey continues with the many opportunities in the last two weeks to be the light to others, in our school and the wider community.

It was wonderful to meet whānau at the ‘Meet the Kaiako / New Whānau evening’ and have our Prefects share their light as tour guides and ambassadors of our school. Athletics day was full of colour and energy as ākonga and staff participated in the field and track events. Congratulations to Benedict Whānau who were the overall winners of Athletics day.

Our Year 7 and 8 ākonga had their retreat at one of our local parishes, St John Vianney in Hillsborough. Each one learned about how they are a light and taonga to the world because they are ‘Made in God’s Image’. Congratulations to our girls Volleyball team who blazed on the courts with a successful season of six wins and two losses. Bring on the Auckland Champs!

Our ākonga also had the opportunity to experience learning in a different environment, with a number of field trips having taken place to the Arataki and to the Polyfest, as well as visitors from the Japanese Consulate. I was very proud to watch our ākonga perform at the Auckland Polyfest last weekend, illuminating the stage with confidence and pride. More details about their outstanding results are to follow.

My heartfelt thanks to all the staff and whānau who are ‘light bearer’ role models - giving their time and effort to ensure our ākonga have these rich learning experiences.

There are important messages and reminders in this newsletter about our school’s expecations and I appreciate your continued support to ensure your tamariki/child(ren) ‘Seeks the Best’ and makes positive choices in all they do - both in and outside of school. Please read these carefully and discuss these with your tamariki. Contact your tamariki’s kaiako kaitiaki or kaiārahi if you have any questions.

Lord Jesus, guide us to follow in your footsteps, especially during the Lenten season. May your actions and words of mercy and compassion inspire us to be the light for others at home, at school and in the wider community. Grant us the courage and perserverance to shine brightly, even when times are difficult, so we may imitate you and grow closer to you.
We ask this in your name. Amen

Ngā mihi maioha
Ms. Maria Prescott
Tumuaki/Principal

Upcoming Key Dates

NZEI / PPTA Kaiako/Teachers’ Strike

The PPTA has advised the Marcellin College Board that its member kaiako at our school will be taking strike action on 16 Poutūterangi / March 2023.

Our Board has carefully considered the availability of non-union teaching staff, and decided that we can provide supervision (onsite at our school during school hours) during the strike to support ākonga under the age of 14 years old if making alternative arrangements for care is difficult. Please note, we will have a small number of staff onsite to pervise during the school day. Complete the following Google Form to register your child/tamariki by Rātu/Tuesday 14 Poutūterangi (https://forms.gle/HHrHHLsre1j2TRrR8 ).

Thank you for your aroha, support and understanding.

Please contact Maria Prescott (Tumuaki / Principal) prescottm@marcellin.school.nz if you have any queries relating to this decision.

Marcellin College Board and Staff Profiles

Director of Vocational Pathways - Mr Aaron D'Souza

Kia ora whānau. My name is Aaron D'Souza and I am delighted to introduce myself as the Director of Vocational Pathways at Marcellin. I am passionate about helping students discover their talents and passions. As the Director of Vocational Pathways, my primary goal is to guide and support students academically, as well as help them reach their career aspirations. I strongly believe that every student has unique talents and abilities that need to be identified and nurtured. By working closely with students, parents, and teachers, I strive to provide them with personalised guidance and support that enables them to make informed decisions about their future careers. I'm excited to be a part of this community and look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our students.

Special Character

Year 7 and 8 Retreat

It was a relaxing and reflective day for our 7&8 ākonga at their retreat on the 10th of March at St John Vianney. The day started with the community weekday Mass with Fr Sam Pulanco and the John Vianney parish members. Our ākonga are blessed to have this opportunity to come together in prayer with the wider community.

The theme for the retreat was ‘I am Made in the Image of God’. It serves as an important reminder of our responsibility as followers of Christ to respect the dignity and uphold the mana of each person. Our ākonga spent time in study of the Genesis creation story to understand the source of our beliefs. They had a great time thinking about and responding to the different qualities they have and how they have put them into action. Many thanks to our 7&8 kaiako for helping with this prayerful and important day and to Ms Pome’e their Kaiārahi for putting together such a wonderful experience for our ākonga.

Sacramental Programme 2023

For all whānau who wish to enroll their student in our Sacramental Programme 2023. Please register your students name at the school office via email or in person. Our programme will start in Term 2 and the Sacramental Mass will take place on the 12th September 2023.

Lunchtime Masses

Our Thursday Lunchtime Masses have resumed. All ākonga are welcome to join us in the Chapel for the Mass especially as we journey through the Lenten Season. The Lunchtime Masses are organized by the Religious Education classes.

All ākonga are invited to pray at the Stations of the Cross every Friday in the Chapel at morning tea. The Stations of the Cross reflects on the different events in Jesus’ life that led up to his suffering and death.

Whānau Liturgies take place this week on Tuesday-Friday. All whānaus meet in the Chapel on their designated days to pray together and reflect on the Sunday Gospel in Lent.

For all whānau who wish to enroll their student in our Sacramental Programme 2023. Please register your students name at the school office via email or in person. Our Programme will start in Term 2 and the Sacramental Mass will take place on the 12th of September 2023.

Pray Mass

Celebrating Ākonga Success

Congratulations to the following ākonga who have been recognised for their efforts in their classes and demonstrating the Marist Pillars:

Commerce (Business Studies, Accounting):

Joshua Araneta - Aroha ki te Mahi/Love of Work (Commerce)
Karyssa Iona - Aroha ki te Mahi/Love of Work (Commerce)
Agaoletaua Tanuvasa - Aroha ki te Mahi/Love of Work (Commerce)
Sarai Talo - Aroha ki te Mahi/Love of Work (Commerce)
Jian Bernado - Aroha ki te Mahi/Love of Work (Commerce)

Creative Arts (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama and Music):

Khloe Malaesilia - Commitment to Learning in a New Subject Area (Art)
Natanya Formoso - Consistently Demonstrating Love of Work (Dance)
Jonleo Fuga - Outstanding Leadership and Effort in Year 10 (Dance)
Tama Tonihi - Demonstrating Advanced Skills in The Blues (Music)
Abigail Perillo - Exemplary Demonstration of Leadership (Drama)
Melifina Kilisimasi - Consistently Demonstrating Resilience (Māori Performing Arts)
Jane Finauvala - Consistently Demonstrating Aroaro/Presence (Drama)

Special Olympics

Congratulations to Yr 12 ākonga Zane Gordon on receiving an outstanding achievement award for swimming at the Special Olympics prizegiving on Sunday 5th March 2023.

Ka mau te wehi Zane!

ARA Art Award 2023

Siliuasi Lui was the Marcellin College recipient of the ARA Art Award for 2022. The award of $1,500.00 is given by the Ara lodge, Irish Constitution of Freemasons, to 30 top Auckland Art students who have been accepted into tertiary study in the Arts. Sili was accepted into the Bachelor of Architecture programme at UNITEC.

The award ceremony was held at the Masonic Lodge on 17th February this year. I met Sili and her parents at the ceremony and we looked at the folio board displays of all the recipient's artwork. We then proceeded upstairs to the main ceremony. The ceremony involved performances on piano and violin by young gifted classical musicians, speakers (including the Principal Curator of the Auckland Art Gallery) and finally the award presentation.
This was followed by supper and drinks and a chance to spend more time looking at the folio boards. It was a proud moment for Sili’s parents, myself and our kura to see her receive this award.

James Moore
TIC Visual Arts
HoF Creative Arts

Ako/Learning

Term One Progress Reports

Parents/caregivers of all ākonga (Year 7 - 13) will receive a progress report via email on Rāmere/Friday te 24 o Poutūterangi/March. These reports will indicate whether your taitamaiti/child is either meeting expectations or not yet meeting expectations for both effort and progress within each subject. Effort is a holistic judgement taking into account ākonga arriving to class with the necessary equipment, following kaiako/teacher instructions, attempting and completing work, and contributing to class discussions and/or group work. Progress is an overall kaiako/teacher judgement to indicate whether ākonga are making the academic progress expected of them at this point in time. Full reports will be emailed home in Term Two, with two progress hui afternoons/evenings available in Pipiri/June to meet with kaiako to discuss ākonga progress and achievement kanohi ki te kanohi/ face to face.

Meet the Kaiako / New Whānau Evening

Ngā mihi koutou / thank you very much to our prospective and current whānau who came out to meet our dedicated staff and experience the different learning activities in our school. Enrolments for 2024 are now open! See the school website for more details.

Year 10 Fashion Class

Each year, the Year 10 Fashion classes make teddy bears for tamariki who have gone through traumatic events. We received a lovely message of thanks today for the bears that were made last year. They were given to children who are going through counselling to bring them joy. This year's class are about to start making more and we thought it would be lovely to donate them to families who lost their possessions in the recent floods. If you have contact details of organisations that distribute them please contact Mrs O'Neill on oneillr@marcellin.school.nz.

Year 12 and 13 Fashion Class

The Japanese Consulate came to visit our Year 12 and 13 Fashion class where we had the opportunity to try on yukata. The ākonga really enjoyed the experience and learning more about Japanese culture. They will be using what they learnt to inspire their designs throughout this term.

Kings Plant Work Experience

Marcellin ākonga Tomislav Jurisich, Year 11 and Dom Mahoney, Year 12 have begun work experience at Kings Plant Barn. They attend every Wednesday afternoon.
They do a number of tasks while there and have the opportunity to interact with the staff and public.
They are supported by Margaret Pringle our Central Auckland Special School Outreach Specialist Teacher.

School of Media and Design - Year 13

This year four Year 13 students from our school have been given the incredible opportunity to study one day a week at the School of Media and Design, which is known as the top school of its kind in the country. This is an amazing opportunity for these students, and it will undoubtedly help them with their chosen career pathways in a variety of ways.

Firstly, studying at the School of Media and Design will provide these students with access to the latest technology and equipment that is used in the industry. This will give them hands-on experience in using industry-standard tools and techniques, allowing them to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers.

In addition to access to equipment, these students will also be taught by some of the top professionals in the industry. The School of Media and Design is known for having an outstanding faculty of experienced professionals who are experts in their fields. This means that these students will receive expert guidance and mentorship, helping them to hone their skills and develop a deeper understanding of the industry.

Furthermore, studying at a top school like the School of Media and Design will provide these students with networking opportunities that they may not have had otherwise. They will have the chance to meet and collaborate with other students who share their interests, as well as connect with professionals in the industry. These connections could prove invaluable as they progress in their careers, potentially leading to job offers or other opportunities.

The students attending the course are:

Upu Filoa
Robert Sevele
Andre Samson
Thea Santos

International Ākonga: Shinagawa Girls Junior High School Tour

This term we welcomed 20 Japanese ākonga from Shinagawa Girls Junior High School who are on a two week tour to experience and learn more about our Aotearoa / New Zealand culture and traditions. Their tour will include trips to Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, The University of Auckland, Auckland Zoo as well as ESOL and classes with their Marcellin College buddies.

Co-curricular

Samoan Polyfest 2023


DAY 1: We had entrants in both the Tongan & Niuean speech competitions and all our akonga spoke with pride. A special shoutout to William Palu & Eniselini Ali who represented us well in the Tongan senior speech competition. Over on the Niuean stage - Tutaki Poumale came 2nd in the Junior Boys speech competition and Amirah Makani came 1st in the Junior Girls speech competition / also won 1st overall. Our principal Maria Prescott was also acknowledged by the Tongan Teachers Association for being the 2nd Tongan principal (secondary school) in New Zealand. It was an inspiring day indeed.
DAY 2: Over on the Samoan Stage our group delivered a stunning performance and even got a special photo and shoutout with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins & Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Overall, the group placed 3rd in the Ma'ulu'ulu, 2nd in the Taualuga and 2nd in Manaia - Well done to our headboy Azael. Our proudest achievement was 1st place Amio Pulea - Best behaved school award. This is the biggest award of the competition and was a nice acknowledgement of our students putting into practice our marist pillars and our cultural values of Fa'aaloalo, Tautua & Alofa.

#TeamMarcellin #Polyfest2023

Athletics Day

After a brief hiatus we hosted our 2023 Athletics Day at Trusts Arena on 3rd March. The day itself was very successful with our ākonga participating in various races and field events throughout the day. Every ākonga enjoyed participating and gaining whānau points for their respected whānau and at the end Benedict was our overall winner. Aubert won the best dressed teachers and MacKillop sang their way to win the chant competition. Many of our competitive ākonga also qualified to the Central Zone championships to be held later in the year.

Training and Game times

All training's and game times could be found on Marcellin College Sports Instagram so if you haven't already then jump online and give us a follow to stay up to date with everything sports.

Marcellin College Sports, Searching for Team Managers & Coaches

Would you like to join the Marcellin College Sports Whānau? We are currently searching for whānau members to join our teams as managers and coaches. If you would be keen to volunteer and help out a team please get in touch with the Director of Sports on goundard@marcellin.school.nz

Te Ahi Ora 2023 - 13th to 15th March, 6pm-8pm at Marcellin College Field

We are thrilled to announce that Te Ahi Ora will be coming to the Tāmaki Makaurau this year! We deliver free performing arts lessons to schools, followed by free evening Fire Performances and lessons for your community.

Fire Performance is an emerging community activity that is rapidly spreading across the country. This exciting discipline engages the mind, connects with the body, and is incredibly fun and stimulating.

The last few years have been rather difficult for schools, students, and families, and we aim to re-ignite the passion for learning and community in a fun and highly engaging setting.

Te Ahi Ora has 5 main goals:
  • Encourage students to participate in physically challenging and satisfying activities
  • Boost self-confidence, encourage experimentation and foster creativity
  • Provide opportunities for personal growth and development
  • Build a sense of community through shared celebration and performance
  • Counter the negative effects of excessive screen time and digital addiction
See you there!

Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2023

Aotearoa Youth Declaration is an opportunity for young people to have their voice heard at the national level on important issues in their communities and in our country. The Aotearoa Youth Declaration process is attended by hundreds, and this year, will be run on Thursday 13th April - Sunday 16th April, at the University of Auckland. More information on the event and how to register can be found at www.unyouth.org.nz and on our Instagram: @unyouthnz. Financial assistance is available and those details can be found on the website and registration form. Registrations close on 16 March.

Communication

Parent Portal

An email has been sent to whānau and ākonga with the username and password details for accessing the parent portal via the link below.

Social Media Links

Download the Marcellin College School App

KAMAR parent portal

Pastoral

IMPORTANT: Reminder of our Marcellin College Behavioural Expectations

As we head into the final weeks of Term One, all ākonga are expected to be in class and ready to learn at all times. It is wonderful to see all the different learning experiences happening in and out of the classroom.

Whānau / parents and caregivers, your partnership with the school is greatly appreciated to help support your tamariki /child to make positive choices.

Here are key reminders to ensure our school is a safe physical and emotional environment for our Marcellin whānau and the wider community:
  1. Marcellin College is a Smokefree school at all times - smoking, vaping including e-cigarettes on the school grounds is ILLEGAL and not permitted anywhere at Marcellin College and in public transport (buses, trains or ferries). For more details, refer to our school Smokefree Policy
  2. Bullying is harmful behaviour that is not acceptable at Marcellin College. This includes verbal, physical, social bullying and discrimination. For more details, refer to our school Bullying Policy and Harassment Policy.
Disciplinary procedures will be used for anyone who is caught breaching the expected behaviours, with whānau contacted to look at ways in which we can work together to provide the best pastoral support for your tamariki. In cases of extreme misconduct, continual disobedience and/or behaviour risking serious harm, the Stand-Down, Suspension or Exclusion procedures outlined by the Ministry of Education will be actioned. This is all explained in the school’s Behaviour Management Policy available to all Marcellin whānau at https://marcellin.schooldocs.co.nz . If you have any questions, please contact the office office@marcellin.school.nz .

Peer Mediation Training

Last Monday fifteen Year 12 ākonga underwent a one day training programme as peer mediators. These ākonga applied to be peer mediators at the end of 2022 and were selected by senior pastoral staff.

The training was delivered by Lisa Gibson, who is employed by the Peace Foundation. Lisa is an experienced and engaging trainer. The training included an investigation of conflict, the different ways of resolving conflict and a presentation of the mediation process. The peer mediators enjoyed their day and were looking forward to using their new skills in supporting ākonga and contributing to a peaceful environment in our school.

We are grateful to these fine ākonga offering their services to Marcellin College in this way.

Theresa Hyde-Hills
Guidance Counselor
Coordinator of The Peer Mediation Programme

Measles Information

Are you and your whānau protected from measles?

With people travelling overseas again, there’s a risk that someone with measles could unknowingly bring the disease back to Aotearoa.

Measles spreads easily and quickly, usually between people who are unimmunised or only partially immunised. It can be serious and life threatening. In the 2019 measles outbreak in Aotearoa more than 30% of the people infected had to be admitted to hospital.

The best protection against measles is the free MMR vaccine. It will protect you and your whānau, and prevent the virus from spreading.

You will be protected against measles if you:

• had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
• had measles before
• were born before 1 Jan 1969.

If you’re unsure if you or your tamariki have had any or both doses of the MMR vaccine, check by calling your GP or hauora provider. Alternatively, check your Plunket Well Child Tamariki Ora book. If you’re still not sure, be safe and get immunised – there are no safety concerns with having an extra dose. MMR vaccines are free at your local health provider and many pharmacies.

As measles still occurs in many countries, if you’re travelling overseas these holidays it’s especially important to be immunised to prevent the risk of being unknowingly infected and causing an outbreak in Aotearoa on your return.

More information about the measles vaccination can be found here:

Measles vaccination – Ministry of Health

School Policy - Reviews


Kia ora koutou whānau,

Please visit the link below to see the school policies and the current policy under review for this term are:
Legislation and Administration Policy
  1. Student Attendance
  2. Enrolment
  3. Privacy
  4. Official Information Request
  5. Uniform/Dress
  6. Boarding House Policies
All reviewers
  1. Visit the website https://marcellin.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (marcellin) and password (seekthebest).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Please email office@marcellin.school.nz if you would like to have a hard copy provided and posted to you.
Edit this to insert text.

Community News and Events

Get Ready Work Ready

Pasifika Fono - South, Tuesday 14 March 2023

Credit Controller & Administration - Pompallier Centre

This full time role is to provide credit control and administration support to the Operations Manager for the collection of Attendance Dues for schools in the Auckland Diocese. Hours are flexible to incorporate some evening and Saturday morning work.

Key Tasks include: Collection of compulsory school Attendance Dues; contact with school parents via outbound phone calls; follow up of unpaid accounts and Debtor ledger management.
To view the full advert and to apply, please visit our website www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz under Diocesan Services and Staff Vacancies.

Later school start times research: have your say

We’d like to hear your opinions about later starts for Year 12 and 13 students. Click the link below to access short University of Otago research surveys for students (age 16+), parents, teachers and principals, and Board of Trustee members of NZ high schools.

The research is funded by CureKids and the study has been approved by the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee approval #22/105
https://blogs.otago.ac.nz/teensleep/

SHORT and LONG TERM Homestays Families Wanted!

Kind and welcoming families are required to provide homestay accommodation for International Students.

We are expecting a number of new International Students to arrive from a range of different countries throughout the year. Inviting an overseas student into your home and family not only benefits the student, but the hosting families will also enjoy the cultural enrichment hosting brings into their home. There will be a mixture of short and long term students arriving. The International team and our Homestay Company are available to assist homestay families throughout the student's stay.

For further information re payment, please contact Ms Tiffany O’Brien (obrient@marcellin.school.nz) at Marcellin College or Motoko Sugimura, KiwiCare Guardian Services Ltd (motoko@kiwienglish.co.nz)

Mount Albert Lions Rugby League: Under 16 Boys Team

Mount Albert Lions Rugby League: Under 16 boys team are looking for players for the 2023 season
Pre season training has commenced Tuesday and Thursday nights.
6.20pm Fowlds Park
Mt Albert

For more information contact Gerald (Coach) 0220483425 or Georgie (Manager) 0276120572
https://www.sporty.co.nz/mtalbertlions

Sail on a Legendary Round the World Maxi Yacht - Tikapa Moana

Sail on a Legendary Round the World Maxi Yacht - Hinemoana

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