From the Principal

From the Principal

He mihi teenei ki te whaanau whaanui

“There are days of mystery in the walk of faith ...
paths that have no landmarks or memories ...
Yet ... alone and quiet ... God still is ...”

It’s hard to believe that 2023 is almost done and despite the disrupted start yet again, strikes, floods and cyclones have not hindered the determination of our students to succeed; this is a testament to their character and capability, as well as the skilful dedication and care of our teaching and support staff.

Considering our vision and virtues, I often write about the formation and transformation of individuals and systems, because of time spent at our kura: Wāhine Toa, eager and able to shape the world. Consequently, those who desire to participate in changing the world, must be prepared to attend to personal transformation. I am confident that those who leave us this year, especially Year 13, know their gifts and talents; they know how to use them, and they know how to share them. I am also confident that they know the virtues and values of our College – Whakapono, Tuumanako, Tika – Faith, Hope and Justice – and that they are worth developing as they journey through life. They also know that there are infinite possibilities for them to offer their service, contribute to their community, develop their joys and passions and respond to the needs of our world. This is our Catholic Character formation and the personal transformation that sends our students ‘beyond the school gates’ as wāhine toa, in pursuit of life’s greatest adventure...me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!

A special mention of our Head Students Rieley Chou-Lee, Otobina Bio and Mia Gaier who have navigated this year with courage and kindness and have grown through what they’ve been through ... may their days beyond the school gates reflect the contribution and growth that we have witnessed on this side of the gates. Ka pai.

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He mihi teenei ki te whaanau whaanui

“There are days of mystery in the walk of faith ...
paths that have no landmarks or memories ...
Yet ... alone and quiet ... God still is ...”

It’s hard to believe that 2023 is almost done and despite the disrupted start yet again, strikes, floods and cyclones have not hindered the determination of our students to succeed; this is a testament to their character and capability, as well as the skilful dedication and care of our teaching and support staff.

Considering our vision and virtues, I often write about the formation and transformation of individuals and systems, because of time spent at our kura: Wāhine Toa, eager and able to shape the world. Consequently, those who desire to participate in changing the world, must be prepared to attend to personal transformation. I am confident that those who leave us this year, especially Year 13, know their gifts and talents; they know how to use them, and they know how to share them. I am also confident that they know the virtues and values of our College – Whakapono, Tuumanako, Tika – Faith, Hope and Justice – and that they are worth developing as they journey through life. They also know that there are infinite possibilities for them to offer their service, contribute to their community, develop their joys and passions and respond to the needs of our world. This is our Catholic Character formation and the personal transformation that sends our students ‘beyond the school gates’ as wāhine toa, in pursuit of life’s greatest adventure...me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!

A special mention of our Head Students Rieley Chou-Lee, Otobina Bio and Mia Gaier who have navigated this year with courage and kindness and have grown through what they’ve been through ... may their days beyond the school gates reflect the contribution and growth that we have witnessed on this side of the gates. Ka pai.

Our term continues to recognise students and their families who will come to the end of their schooling with us. For many, a chapter has ended and for some, the book has been finished – we hope it was a thrilling read!

Kia pai te mutunga wiki – have a good weekend.

Upcoming Dates

  • 6 NovemberNCEA Exams Begin
  • 14 NovemberYear 9-10 Subject Learning Conversations
  • 17 NovemberTeacher Only Day
  • 8 DecemberEnd of Year Prizegiving & Last Day of Term

Altrusa Award

  • Altrusa Award

Helen de Vries is the well-deserving recipient of the Altrusa Award for 2023 and was last week joined by other recipients at a presentation with Hamilton Mayor, Paula Southgate. Helen has a friendly, caring nature with a bubbly personality and is confident, well-spoken and not afraid to share her point of view. She is willing to share her ideas and values with others and just as willing to listen to the perspectives of others.

On the sporting front, Helen is a member of our Premier Futsal and Football Team and a Sports Ambassador and was a standout team motivator in the SHGC First XI.

Helen volunteered many hours working at the FIFA Soccer World Cup, she demonstrated confidence, and maturity in her interactions with adults and in spite of the commitment, she kept her school work up to date.  She also thinks about others within her community.  She often calls and checks in on the elderly every week and mows the lawns of her elderly neighbour.

Show more
  • Altrusa Award

Helen de Vries is the well-deserving recipient of the Altrusa Award for 2023 and was last week joined by other recipients at a presentation with Hamilton Mayor, Paula Southgate. Helen has a friendly, caring nature with a bubbly personality and is confident, well-spoken and not afraid to share her point of view. She is willing to share her ideas and values with others and just as willing to listen to the perspectives of others.

On the sporting front, Helen is a member of our Premier Futsal and Football Team and a Sports Ambassador and was a standout team motivator in the SHGC First XI.

Helen volunteered many hours working at the FIFA Soccer World Cup, she demonstrated confidence, and maturity in her interactions with adults and in spite of the commitment, she kept her school work up to date.  She also thinks about others within her community.  She often calls and checks in on the elderly every week and mows the lawns of her elderly neighbour.

In the classroom, Helen demonstrates excellent time management, works diligently and enjoys a class discussion. Helen thinks carefully about her contributions and often has insightful things to say about the content we are studying. She encourages other students, both as a role model, but also jollies them along into completing tasks.

Helen is an excellent role model for her peers. It is very rare that you have a student like Helen who is socially mature, sets high expectations for herself, is an all-rounder and lives out the school motto of ‘Igniting the Passion: Inspiring young women to change the world.’ 

Learning Conversations

Year 9-10 Subject Teacher Learning conversations

Booking times are available with subject teachers for a 10-minute face-to-face conversation on Tuesday 14th November from 3:15pm – 4:30pm AND Thursday 16th November from 1:45pm – 4:30pm.

Bookings WILL OPEN on Monday 6th November at 9:00am and can be made via the following link: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/
Code: zkejz

It is important that your daughter attends the learning conversation with you.

Fashion Awards Success

  • Fashion Awards Success

Congratulations to Year 9 Erin Hewins, who has won her section in the National HETTANZ Fashion Awards, and will receive a Bernina sewing machine as her prize.

Erin won the Junior Technical category (Year 9 & 10). The focus for each category varied from technical sewing prowess, creativity with fabric and design, and sustainability in design. CONGRATULATIONS ERIN. We can’t wait to see your next creation!

From the Sports Dept

  • Left to right: Layla and Sarah

SHGC Rowing Captains

We are pleased to announce the 2023/2024 SHGC Rowing Captains – Layla Annear (L) and Sarah Healy (R). They have been rowing since Year 9 for the school and are looking forward to a successful season, including the National Secondary School Championship in Twizel next year.

 

  • From the Sports Dept

Sports Uniform Return

Please return ALL sports uniforms, sports team gear bags and balls to the Sports Office. 
Lacrosse and Hockey – skort and top
Football – shirt
Netball – Prem and Prem Reserve
Sport Code jackets and any loaned tracksuits. 

Is your family leaving the school? Please consider donating Netball uniforms, long black Kukri socks (used for Football and Hockey), long white socks for Hockey, Sacred Heart-branded black training tops, and PE uniform. All will be gratefully received!

 

Thanksgiving Leavers Mass

  • Thanksgiving Leavers Mass

On 27th October we held a very special and emotional Thanksgiving Leavers Mass, with Fr Darren, as we farewelled our Year 13 students. We send our warmest wishes and heartfelt support to all of you as you prepare for your upcoming exams.

Photo Gallery

International News

This week, our Senior long-term international students are studying for exams. Senior students who are not doing exams are taking part in a variety of fun and educational activities. 

Tuesday was spent in Rotorua taking in the Gondola, Luge, and Kuirau Park thermal area, as well as the Redwood Forest. The photos paint the perfect picture of what a successful outing it was!

For our long-term Junior students, it is classes as usual! 

We are still searching for caring host couples and families in Waikato to welcome our international students into their homes in 2024. Hosting an international student can be such a rewarding experience!

  • You and your family will get to know a different culture, traditions and perspectives first-hand.
  • You’ll get to rediscover our region, taking a student to your favourite places.
  • As a host family, you will earn extra income.

For more information, contact Lisa Cowen: lcowen@shgcham.school.nz

  • International News

High School Musical Cast Announcement

CONGRATULATIONS to the following Sacred Heart students who successfully auditioned for roles in the 2024 Production of High School Musical with St John’s College. 
3-6 April 2024.

Leads:
Gabriella – Kate Hoang 
Sharpay – Tegan King 
Kelsey – Honeylet Kabiling 
Taylor – Samantha Richards 
Martha – Lizzie Barr 

Ensemble
Ava Lochore 
Amber Richards 
Amelia Crouch 
Sophie Blewman 
Ava Mills 
Byla Marino-Murphy 
Sophie-Rose Bailey 
Chloe Nooyen 
Emily Langley 
Olive McCall 
Eva Smith
Tina Guo 
Jessica Sylvester 
Amelia French 
Caitlin Richardson 
Elyssah Castillo 
Anna Turingan
 

Shelby McLeod-Dunn 
Christian-Ly Filipo 
Abby Rolitt
Celeste Tane 
Dani Ramos 
Finleah McCall 
Raivenne Sarmiento 
Jessica Walker
Jayde Jones 
Maria Cullen 
Catherine Scanlon 
Kendall Odgers 
Olivia Shailer 
Samy Luckie 
Tia Fluke 
Lilly Adams 
Jade Bygrave 
Carlene Roque 
Chloe Hilario 
Rheeze Colina 
Charlotte-Jane Howie 
Clare Stevens 
Olivia Hotter 
Phoebe De Maudave Bestel 
Chiara Abrencia


 

Introducing Our Board

  • Introducing Our Board

Kay Petchell

Kay was born in Rotorua and raised in Ngongotaha and now lives in Hamilton along with her husband, Hugh for the past 36 years and raised 4 children through the Catholic Education system. She has had 3 girls flourish in their time at Sacred Heart and a son who attended St John’s College. An educator for many years in both the state and Catholic systems, Kay has enjoyed a variety of roles but has a passion for working with those who do not find the education system easy to navigate. Kay completed a Masters Of Education while working full time and continues to work as a Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour. Kay is a member of the Parish of the Holy Cross, is on the Mission College Trust Board and convenes the Tui Motu group in Hamilton.

  • Introducing Our Board

Andrea Stocks

Tēna koutou katoa, My name is Andrea Stocks and I have been on the school Board since October 2021 as a parent representative, and I held a term as a Presiding Member until recently. It is a privilege to serve on the board in delivering effective governance to support the school’s leadership team and the wider Sacred Heart community. 

My daughter Ava is in Year 11 and the first in our whānau to attend Sacred Heart Girls’ College.

Outside of school, I am an Executive Manager at Tainui Group Holdings. I am also a Deputy Presiding Member at Aberdeen School.


 

Key dates for 2024

  • Key dates for 2024

Please click here to view our full calendar.

Come and meet our PTFA

Look out for the PTFA flag! 

Please join the Sacred Heart PTFA for a cup of tea or coffee in the Atrium just prior or after your Junior Learning Conversation meetings on November 14th & 16th.

Notice Board

Welcome Lisa McKenzie

We are pleased to welcome this friendly face to our School Reception. Lisa joins us from many years in Early Education and is the happy face that greets you at the Notre Dame Centre, or the friendly voice on the other end of the phone.

  • Notice Board

Our Library’s Instagram Page

We are excited to launch our Library Instagram page where we will be promoting library resources, and activities, as well as promoting book reviews, displays, new ideas, our eBook platform and most importantly encouraging reading for pleasure and enjoyment! It will be a great way to keep your ‘finger on the pulse’ for all things happening in the school Library.

shgchamlibrary

Attendance Reminder

If your daughter will be absent from school during the day for any reason, please email the Student Coordinator:  absences@shgcham.school.nz or phone the school 856 7874 option 1, giving a reason for her absence. A medical certificate will be requested if this absence extends beyond 3 days. If whaanau are planning for their daughter to be away from school for an extended period of time (beyond 5 days), for reasons other than medical, a request for permission to be absent from school must be made to the Principal in advance. Please email her PA, Ms Ritchie at pa@shgcham.school.nz explaining the reason for her absence, dates and plans to mitigate missed learning before the absence commences.

Our Vision

Ignite the Passion: inspiring young women to change the world – me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!