Culture of Care

Culture of Care

A culture of care is a key part of life at Sacred Heart. Respecting the value and dignity of the individual is key to the success of building positive relationships. It is at the heart of our Catholic Character and Charism.

Our Culture of Care is firmly aligned with our virtues: Faith, Hope, Justice – Whakapono, Tūmanako, Tika – and to Jesus’ profound call to wholeness in the Gospel:

I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance (John: 10:10). 

Or this is what Pope Francis calls ‘the revolution of tenderness’.

These virtues and values shape our beliefs about learning and teaching to the extent that relationship-based learning, restorative practices, coaching and mentoring, Tuakana/Teina are examples of principles, processes and practices that contribute to our Culture of Care.

Such is the challenge and joy of being leaders and learners in a Catholic School.

The formal and informal pastoral care structures and processes affirm the dignity and mana of every student and provide a sense of belonging, security and well-being. We encourage our students to develop a sense of HOPE – Tūmanako – about their future, allowing them to act purposefully and positively. Students set goals for their future and makes plans to meet those goals. Amongst many activities, they explore positive expectations, positive risk-taking, critical thinking and problem-solving. In addition, we meet the growing need to educate our students about living in a global, digital community and what it means to be a digital, global citizen.

Culture of Care in Practice

Respecting the value and dignity of the individual is key to the success of building positive relationships and developing our Catholic Character and Charism. 

Students are given the best possible assistance to grow as confident, connected, responsible learners for life. We engage in restorative practices to build, enhance and restore relationships across our learning community.

The relevance of Faith development is a challenging area for the contemporary world. We approach this critical area of formation by journeying with our students towards a realisation of the presence of God in their lives. Central to this is the discernment of personal vocation through opportunities for communion, contemplation and mission. We want our wāhine to discover their passion and purpose and match the Zeal of Euphrasie Barbier.

Find out more about our Pastoral Care Team here.