From the Principal
This is the Season of Advent – Te Wā o te Aweneti
A special opportunity to grow deeper in HOPE and stronger in the embrace of God’s LOVE, as Pope Francis reminds us: ‘when we pray, God opens our eyes, renews and changes our hearts, heals our wounds and grants us the grace we need’. Therefore, the possibility of being messengers of Good News, like the Angels, is not only greatly needed, it is joyful and simple... peace and goodwill to all… not just at Christmas, for all time!
For many whānau, it is also the end of an era, though never the end of their association with our community: they will always be connected and part of our story. As we say farewell to students and whānau, we also farewell some staff: Mr McIntyre, Mr Stanbridge, Ms Costar, Mrs C Morris and Ms Post. They have been passionate, inspiring and caring teachers, musicians, mentors and colleagues; their impact extends beyond the classrooms and corridors of our kura. We wish them all well and ask God’s blessing on the next stage of their life journey and careers.
And soon it will be time to wish you all a Blessed and Holy Christmas (but it’s still Advent!). The Christmas story is very simple: it tells of a birth; the birth of a first child to poor parents with an uncertain future. Despite having heard it many times over, its message is still captivating: God delights in creating unfathomable wonders to reveal present and eternal love. That God could be so intimately involved with something so simple – shepherds are amazed, wise men are humbled and a young woman treasures all these things in her heart. Amid the love, we are all invited, just like the people in the story, to trust that God is here and cares deeply, as each of us deals with the joys and sorrows, the hopes and disappointments of everyday life:
O Sacred Heart of Fount of Love, make us like you for evermore.
2023 Awards Ceremony
On Friday 8th December we celebrated our final Awards Ceremony reflecting on our community, our Virtues of Faith, Hope, Justice, our Mission Charism: Communion, Contemplation and Mission.
We would like to thank our Year 13 students for their contribution to our College over their time here, particularly navigating numerous Covid disruptions. You should be proud of your achievements and we wish you all the very best for your exciting future ahead. Congratulations to our incoming Student Leaders, the full list can be found here.
A special congratulations to our following Special Awards:
Ihaia Rosebowl
For Outstanding Contribution to Sport
Caitlyn Eagleton
Kaverman Family Trophy
For Senior Sportswoman of the Year
Marley Martin
Ashby Trophy
For Junior Sportswoman of the Year
Libby McGowan
Sports Team of the Year
Girls U15 Rowing Coxed 4
Lily Johnson, Livvy Moon, Lily Ashton, Georgia Kendrick
Gold Bar
Awarded to students who have represented New Zealand in their respective sport:
Libby McGowan – Water Skiing
Tamzyn McNamara – NZ Lacrosse
Optima Award
For Service and Leadership as Head Student
Rieley Chou-Lee
Bernice Mary Hughes Memorial Cup
For Outstanding Contribution to the Arts
Navidi Ketawalakumbura
Mahuta Family Trophy
For Leadership in Māori Language and Culture
Aria McLachlan
College Award
For Pasifika Leadership
Avalldamarie Godinet
Assisi Cup
This award is made to the student who has worked to achieve class unity and harmony and through her actions has shown selflessness and general friendliness
Otobina Bio
Heart to Heart Award
Awarded to the student who cares about others and involves themselves wholeheartedly in social action
Precious Kintu
Age Quod Agis
This award is made to a Senior student who through their leadership within the school, is an example of Faith, Hope and Justice
Hazel Rodney
Proxime Accessit
Gabriella Da Cunha Fernandez
Dux
Alpa Sahai
Scholarships
Scholarships from Universities across Aotearoa have been offered to a number of our Year 13 students, to a total value of $420,000.
We are so proud of you and these scholarships are a testament to your hard work and perseverance. The full list of successful recipients can be found here.
Photo Gallery
Celebrating our Students
Water Polo Success
The girls have had an outstanding season coming together as a team, supporting each other and improving immensely. We are proud of the way they have played and represented Sacred Heart throughout the competition.
The final against Diocesan Girls was an extremely well-fought battle with scores after 1st quarter 3-2, 2nd quarter 4-4, 3rd quarter 7-7, 4th quarter/final score 10-8 to Dio, Sacred Heart finished with a Silver.
Waikato Water Polo awarded:
- Riley Cate – Most Valuable Goalkeeper
- Amelia Crouch – Outstanding Player
Back to school stationery – order now!
We’ve teamed up with OfficeMax to make your back-to-school shop super easy. And if you order in December, you’ll go in the draw to WIN 1 of 5 $1000 cash prizes*.
The stationery lists are now loaded. Just go to myschool.co.nz. Simply add your details, check what you require on the list, then click and confirm — and OfficeMax will get your delivery underway with free delivery on orders over $70^.
You can pay by internet banking, credit card or debit card. Laybuy* is also available, so you can pay in 6 weekly, interest-free payments and still get your order right away.
We encourage you to order early to ensure your daughter has all their stationery requirements ready to go in plenty of time for the start of Term 1.
Music News
Thank you Stewart Stanbridge
Stewart Stanbridge is a man of many talents, and we want to thank him for 12 years of magical music-making and teaching at Sacred Heart and wish him well for his retirement. During the past 50 years, hundreds of students have been inspired by his teaching, with some going on to the NZ Navy Band, Symphony Orchestra, and further afield to Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band. He has organised massive concerts (some featuring overseas artists), multiple school and band trips nationwide, workshops, fundraising and more.
Stewart is passionate about young people, and they, about him. He has directed our Jazz and Concert Bands and many woodwind and brass students. We wish him all the best for the next chapter of his life.
Notice Board
Accounts
Attendance Dues:
Please make sure that this has been paid in full, it is now overdue.
Sacred Heart Account:
Please can you make sure that your Sacred Heart School account is cleared.
If you have any queries, please contact Maree Thomas in Accounts E: mthomas@shgcham.school.nz or P: 07 856 7874 extn: 2829
Do we have your current address?
If you’ve moved or are moving, please do make sure you update your details with us.
International Homestays
We are still receiving applications for new international students arriving in 2024, so do contact our Homestay Coordinator, Lisa Cowen: lcowen@shgcham.school.nz if you would like to welcome one of our lovely girls into your home.
Our Vision
Ignite the Passion: inspiring young women to change the world – me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!