From the Principal
As we approach the halfway mark of the term and experience changes in weather associated with the oncoming winter months, I’m reminded of the need to maintain well-being among our students staff and whaanau. We are already seeing a number of staff and students struck by various ailments, including the flu and COVID.
While regular attendance is an ongoing focus that I highlighted in the last newsletter, having sick students at school who may spread illness doesn’t contribute positively to overall attendance over time. If your daughter is sick, it’s better that she stays at home to recover fully before returning. Our staff are doing a commendable job balancing classes to support their sick colleagues and ensure learning continues. We all pray that we can maintain a fully open school over the winter months and avoid rolling closures due to acute illness that some schools are already experiencing.
On a more positive note, next week we will celebrate the Feast of the Visitation, a hugely significant time for our school. There is so much to contemplate regarding the connection of Mary and Elizabeth and the events surrounding their meeting that it would take far more than a newsletter note to begin to unpack it. The key messages of connection, joy and hope underpin the foundation of our school and we very much appreciate that our Mission Sisters will be joining our Liturgy next week. I leave you with the inspired Prayer of Blessed Charles de Foucauld:
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As we approach the halfway mark of the term and experience changes in weather associated with the oncoming winter months, I’m reminded of the need to maintain well-being among our students staff and whaanau. We are already seeing a number of staff and students struck by various ailments, including the flu and COVID.
While regular attendance is an ongoing focus that I highlighted in the last newsletter, having sick students at school who may spread illness doesn’t contribute positively to overall attendance over time. If your daughter is sick, it’s better that she stays at home to recover fully before returning. Our staff are doing a commendable job balancing classes to support their sick colleagues and ensure learning continues. We all pray that we can maintain a fully open school over the winter months and avoid rolling closures due to acute illness that some schools are already experiencing.
On a more positive note, next week we will celebrate the Feast of the Visitation, a hugely significant time for our school. There is so much to contemplate regarding the connection of Mary and Elizabeth and the events surrounding their meeting that it would take far more than a newsletter note to begin to unpack it. The key messages of connection, joy and hope underpin the foundation of our school and we very much appreciate that our Mission Sisters will be joining our Liturgy next week. I leave you with the inspired Prayer of Blessed Charles de Foucauld:
Mary, solicitous Mother in the Visitation,
teach us how to listen to the Word,
a listening that makes us jump up quickly
and leads us toward the situations of poverty
where the presence of your Son is needed.
Teach us to bear Jesus,
silently and humbly as you did!
May our fraternity (families) be in the midst
of those who do not know him
to spread His Gospel
testifying to it not in words but with our lives;
not proclaiming it but living it!
Teach us to travel simply
as you did,
with our eyes always fixed on Jesus
present in your womb –
contemplating him, adoring him, and imitating him.
Mary, Woman of the Magnificat,
teach us to be faithful to our mission:
to bring Jesus to people!
Oh, beloved Mother, this is your own mission,
that Jesus first entrusted to you
and which you have willed to share with us.
Help us and intercede for us so that we might do
what you did in the house of Zechariah:
to glorify God and sanctify people in Jesus,
thanks to Him and for Him! Amen!
Engineering in Action
On Wednesday this week, five Year 13 students interested in pursuing Engineering post-school had the opportunity to delve into the field’s real-world dynamics, thanks to Engineering in Action, sponsored by Wintec, WECA, and local businesses.
They visited Hunter Filling Systems, a local company specialising in manufacturing and designing filling machines. They toured the workshop, learned how their machines work, and saw some manual craftsmanship and CAD tools in action.
In the afternoon, the students toured the Engineering workshops at Wintec and then headed to a Fulton Hogan site in Rototuna. Hi-vis was in full swing, and they saw firsthand the variety of roles needed to create roading and infrastructure in new subdivisions and heard about the variety of pathways within the industry.
Sacred Heart PTFA
About the PTFA
Join our PTFA to support our school community! We meet once a term to plan activities and raise funds for extracurricular activities. Your $20 donation goes a long way. All school whaanau, staff, and friends are welcome to join. We’d love to have you, whether you can contribute a little or a lot. Meetings are relaxed and informal in the St Catherine’s Room (Notre Dame Building). Contact us at ptfa@shgcham.school.nz for more information.
Application for funding from the PTFA
The PTFA supports extracurricular activities at SHGC through family donations. Cultural and sports groups can apply for up to $1000 per code, around $50 per student, for expenses like competition fees, travel, and equipment. Uniforms and equipment are not covered. To apply, send the form and a matching quote or invoice to ptfa@shgcham.school.nz.
We’re excited to help!
Application Form
Sport
Positive Vibes Only
As a country, we’re seeing increasing amounts of less-than-ideal conduct from spectators on the sidelines at Saturday sports. However, amidst these challenges, we’re thrilled to highlight the commendable efforts of our outstanding Sacred Heart Netball Committee.
Inspired by Sport Waikato’s Campaign of “POSITIVE VIBES ONLY,” our dedicated committee has teamed up with one of our wonderful Sacred Heart families to promote positive sideline behaviour. We thank Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza for generously providing vouchers to our Netball Committee. These vouchers are being distributed at Saturday games to individuals who are observed supporting both our team and the opposition in constructive and uplifting ways.
Let’s continue to foster a culture of positivity and sportsmanship at sports games and set a shining example for our young athletes and the broader community.
Feel like Sal’s Pizza tonight?
Notice Board
Year 11 – 13 Learning Conversations
Thursday 30 May, 2:30pm to 7:00pm
Bookings can now be made via the following link (code: kduhy).
Find your child’s Subject Teacher’s name to book an appointment time.
Voices of Hope Charity and Information Evening
Hosted by Waikato Diocesan School for Girls please join us for an evening of inspiration and insight as Voices of Hope Charity brings you a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of mental health awareness.
Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Nancy Light Hall, Waikato Diocesan School for Girls
Parking: Martin Street Gate, 16 Martin Street
FREE – Click here to register
Special guests Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, co-founders of Voices of Hope, will share their compelling stories and shed light on recognising the early signs of bullying and supporting youth mental health.
All are welcome!
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, whaanau 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!