From the Principal
Kia ora e te whaanau
As Catherine Gunn, our Principal, is away on sabbatical leave this term I have the privilege of serving the school in her absence. I‘m constantly impressed by the positivity, dedication and joy evident in our students and staff, even on these recent cold mornings! We have much to be grateful for as a Sacred Heart community and as I’ve been teaching Year 11 Religious Education this term and listening to students share, the foundational support provided by our Catholic charism has been clearly evident. Our students recognise that Christ is indeed the Messiah and through him we can change the world. They strive to live our vision: “Me aro ki te hā o Hinehuone”. It is a privilege to share in their journeys of discovery. We are all, together, a community of learners.
If we are to embrace the messages above, then learning focus must be paramount this term. That can only be effective if students attend school regularly. If a student misses one day of school every two weeks, they miss a whole year of school by 16 years of age. As a parent or caregiver, you, alongside our kura, play a key role in building strong habits of regular school attendance. Every day of school matters.
You must let the school know if your daughter will be absent for a day or intends to be absent for a portion of the school term for whatever reason, like a tangi or medical procedure. The Ministry of Education advises that family holidays or taking time off for extracurricular activities (not organised by the school) are unacceptable reasons for being absent.
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Kia ora e te whaanau
As Catherine Gunn, our Principal, is away on sabbatical leave this term I have the privilege of serving the school in her absence. I‘m constantly impressed by the positivity, dedication and joy evident in our students and staff, even on these recent cold mornings! We have much to be grateful for as a Sacred Heart community and as I’ve been teaching Year 11 Religious Education this term and listening to students share, the foundational support provided by our Catholic charism has been clearly evident. Our students recognise that Christ is indeed the Messiah and through him we can change the world. They strive to live our vision: “Me aro ki te hā o Hinehuone”. It is a privilege to share in their journeys of discovery. We are all, together, a community of learners.
If we are to embrace the messages above, then learning focus must be paramount this term. That can only be effective if students attend school regularly. If a student misses one day of school every two weeks, they miss a whole year of school by 16 years of age. As a parent or caregiver, you, alongside our kura, play a key role in building strong habits of regular school attendance. Every day of school matters.
You must let the school know if your daughter will be absent for a day or intends to be absent for a portion of the school term for whatever reason, like a tangi or medical procedure. The Ministry of Education advises that family holidays or taking time off for extracurricular activities (not organised by the school) are unacceptable reasons for being absent.
Talk to us if you’re struggling at home with getting your child to school! We are committed to supporting your daughter in attending school. Our culture fosters excellent attendance by:
- Having school staff who encourage strong relationships with students and whānau.
- Recognising your daughter and your family for who they are, where they come from and who they want to be.
- Building a school community that strives to ensure that students are at school, participating in, and progressing in their education.
Parents and caregivers can find more information here: “Student Attendance: A guide for parents and caregivers”
Nga Mihi,
Dean Rogers, Acting Principal
Young Enterprise Scheme
The BP Challenge
The BP Challenge was held in the Hall at the beginning of the month. A vibrant three-day workshop powered by the fantastic team of Ian Musson and Paul Newsom from the YES organisation (Young Enterprises Scheme). It is tailored for our Level 1 Commerce students.
Objective: To help students delve into the world of problem-solving, business creation, financial analysis, and sustainability, all while keeping the interests of their stakeholders front of mind.
Day 1: Picture this: students diving headfirst into the workshop, exploring the ABCs of business jargon, and chatting about their favourite companies. It was a day brimming with fun activities, slideshows, and group discussions that sparked creativity and fresh ideas. We encouraged students to think about their ideas’ legal, ethical, and safety aspects, ensuring they benefit everyone involved. By day’s end, they were excited, ready to tackle real-world problems with innovative business solutions.
Day 2: All groups enthusiastically identified a problem and crafted a business idea to solve it. Our facilitators encouraged them to think innovatively. From brainstorming business names to designing logos and setting SMART goals, every step was a journey of exploration. The students presented some remarkable solutions, such as eco-friendly toothpaste tablets, recycled teddy bears made from old clothes, and portable lunch boxes for hot meals on the go. With roles assigned, budgets planned, and marketing strategies in place, the students were fully engaged. Their enthusiasm was very evident.
Day 3: The big finale! Facilitators provided personalised and group support as needed, guiding each team through the final tasks. Then, it was time to shine as each group pitched their business plan to a panel of five expert judges. The atmosphere was electric, much like a scene from “Dragons’ Den"! Over three hours, we witnessed 50 pitches, each brimming with passion and energy. By the afternoon, a winner was chosen: Recycle Buddies – soft toys made from recycled clothing, and stand-out students were celebrated with awards. This was an amazing experience for all involved.
What’s happening in our Library!
Swiftie Week Success
This week in the library has been overtaken by SWIFTIEmania! Our Lead Librarian, Mrs Grigsby has been busy with a week of fun activities to celebrate Taylor Swift’s new Album, The Tortured Poets Department. A beautiful collection of great reads was on display; each borrowed book received a special Swiftie bookmark and sticker. The rest of the week included a Book Club Quiz named Author, Poet, Swift, bracelet making, Swiftie karaoke, and zine making.
Newly elected BoT Member
Welcome Toby McIntyre
We are pleased to announce our new Board of Trustees Member, Toby McIntyre. Toby and his wife have two daughters, one of whom is in Year 9 at Sacred Heart and the other will join her in a few years.
Toby taught at the College for 14 years (2009-2022) and currently works in the local government sector as a planning and policy advisor.
I still feel a significant connection to the school and strongly believe in the positive influence it can have in the character formation of the young people who attend.
The experience and knowledge gained through his time at Sacred Heart, along with his new career, gives Toby a unique understanding and ability to serve the students and school community effectively as a member of the Board.
What shoes are you wearing?
Sporting Success
Cross Country
On Wednesday, our annual cross country was held at the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. Kirikiriroa really turned on the weather; it was a stunning day. Congratulations to our TOP 3 among our Juniors and Seniors!
Congratulations to our TOP 3:
Year 9 – U15 (as at 31 Dec 2024)
1st – Sophie Peters
2nd – Katie-Rose McIlvar
3rd – Emma Butler
Junior – U16 (as at 31 Dec 2024)
1st – Lily Johnson
2nd – Zoe Van der Drift
3rd – Josephine Mumby
Senior – U20 (as at 31 Dec 2024)
1st – Sarah Healy
2nd – Chantal Dinan
3rd – Jenni Oliver
NZ Swimming Age Group Nationals
Congratulations to our incredible swimmers who travelled to Hawke’s Bay over the holidays to compete in the 2024 NZ Swimming Age Group Nationals. Some fantastic results! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.
Chloe Peters – Yr 12
Gold in the 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly
Silver in the 200m butterfly and 100m freestyle
Bronze in the 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 200m Individual Medley in the 16-year-old age group.
Madison Marlow – Yr 11
Placed 4th in the 200m butterfly for 15-year-old girls.
Sophie Peters – Yr 9
Bronze in the 100m freestyle for 13-year-old girls and in U16 girls 4 x 50 freestyle relay.
International News
Arrivals and departures make for a busy start to a new term! Welcome our four new students: Sarah (France), Allina (Kiribati), Rose (China), and Sasha (Thailand). Yim-Ngan (Allina’s older sister) has returned to Sacred Heart for another year. Our short-stay Thai student, Aimmy, returns home at the end of this week, just in time to celebrate her 14th birthday with her family; we wish her safe travels.
Last weekend, our students and international students from Hamilton Girls’ High School and Cambridge High School travelled to Auckland. They visited Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium and shopped at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre.
Notice Board
Buses and the Paid Union Meeting (15th May)
Due to the school closing early (11.45 am). The special Ministry out-of-town route buses will pick up students from 12.30 pm. There may be some changes to a few routes; however, parents will be notified via email. The within-city bus routes will need to be checked from the HCC website. The library will be open and supervision will be provided for students.
Do we have your current address?
If you’ve moved or are moving, please update your details with us. E: hearts@shgcham.school.nz
School Parking
Please use either Cook Street or Firth Street entrances to drop off or pick up your daughter. There has been an increase in dropping off students in the morning at the Clyde Street carpark, this is proving to be a safety issue. Thank you.
Attendance Reminder
If your daughter will be absent from school during the day for any reason, please phone the school 856 7874 option 1, or email the Student Coordinator: absences@shgcham.school.nz giving a reason for her absence. If a student will be absent from school for an extended period, whānau must inform Miss Gunn. Please email Ms Ritchie at pa@shgcham.school.nz explaining why she is absent – e.g., a holiday during term time.
Our Vision
Ignite the Passion: inspiring young women to change the world – me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!