From the Principal
Nau mai, piki mai, whakatau mai nei
Welcome to our International students and new staff to our kura. Hoki mai anoo – welcome back – to all whānau and to another term of paying attention – Age Quod Agis!
Special welcome to our new music teacher, Sophie Pilbrow, who has already spotted the talented musicians and singers in our midst. We have also welcomed new and familiar staff on a temporary basis, Jonifer Freeda, Marie Cameron, Adrienne Scott-Jones, Susan Brebner and Monica Holt, who have enabled staff to extend their maternity leave or fill in gaps as we recruit permanent staff later in the term. We appreciate their flexibility.
There is a season in the school year that is not marked by fireworks or fanfare, but by the quiet steadiness of return: we’re in it now, Term 3, the Season of Becoming. I often use the metaphor of blossoming cherry trees, currently getting ready to ‘perform for Spring’, to remind students that this is the time to prepare for their academic assessments and the quiet, steady work of growth.
Show more
Nau mai, piki mai, whakatau mai nei
Welcome to our International students and new staff to our kura. Hoki mai anoo – welcome back – to all whānau and to another term of paying attention – Age Quod Agis!
Special welcome to our new music teacher, Sophie Pilbrow, who has already spotted the talented musicians and singers in our midst. We have also welcomed new and familiar staff on a temporary basis, Jonifer Freeda, Marie Cameron, Adrienne Scott-Jones, Susan Brebner and Monica Holt, who have enabled staff to extend their maternity leave or fill in gaps as we recruit permanent staff later in the term. We appreciate their flexibility.
There is a season in the school year that is not marked by fireworks or fanfare, but by the quiet steadiness of return: we’re in it now, Term 3, the Season of Becoming. I often use the metaphor of blossoming cherry trees, currently getting ready to ‘perform for Spring’, to remind students that this is the time to prepare for their academic assessments and the quiet, steady work of growth.
It is also a time for character to be tested in daily choices, wake up, show up, listen up, pay attention! So, we can approach this time as humdrum, or we can appreciate the sacredness of routine, the virtue of effort, the quiet formation of heads, hearts and hands and the imminent blossoming of the cherry trees – kia puaawai! Becoming is just as important as achieving, and it’s never too late to start the process – Age Quod Agis, Pay Attention, Me Aro!
Kia pai te mutunga wiki – have a good weekend.
Sacred Heart Day: Melbourne
Building Sacred Heart Bonds
Visiting Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Oakleigh, alongside Miss Gunn and Deputy Head Girl, Catholic Character, Honelyet, was a truly delightful and eye-opening experience – one that deepened my appreciation for the strength and unity of our Catholic education. Two other Sacred Heart schools joined us, each bringing their unique spirit, yet all grounded in the same values of communion, contemplation, and mission.
Although our entire student leadership team could not attend, their dedication and service throughout the year were ever-present in my mind. I made sure to carry their presence with pride, speaking of their success and sharing stories that reflected their strength and character with other leadership teams. To stand among sister schools, connected not just by name but by mission, was a powerful reminder of the shared purpose that binds our Sacred Heart communities worldwide.
I give my warmest gratitude to both my school and SHGC Oakleigh for the fantastic experience, to the Ravagli Family for their hospitality and adventures, and to my community.
The trip was truly a privilege.
Oracle-Rose Haenga-Ashby, Head Girl
In the first week of the holidays, Oracle and I had the privilege of taking part in a four-day exchange trip to Melbourne, where we visited Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Oakleigh. It was a truly memorable experience, filled with connection, learning, and celebration. We were fortunate to be part of their Sacred Heart Day – a day that began with a beautiful Mass and continued with an exciting event known as the “House of Arts.” Each house competed in dance, film, and singing, echoing the spirit and friendly competition of our own Sacred Heart Day. The energy and creativity on display were inspiring.
The day concluded with a Walkathon to raise funds for the organisations partnered with the school. It was heartening to see how this act of service reflected the same shared values we uphold, showing that the spirit of community and compassion nurtured by the RNDM Sisters continues to unite us, even from across the ditch.
Throughout our stay, we were treated with extraordinary hospitality by our host families and the school community, who went above and beyond to show us around Melbourne and ensure we had an unforgettable stay. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and for the lasting memories and friendships that have been formed along the way.
Honeylet Kabiling, Deputy Head Girl Catholic Character
Sporting Success in the USA
Students Shine at Global Pool Championships
We’re thrilled to celebrate Summer Patnugot (Year 9) and Micha Durran (Year 10), who have just returned from an incredible experience at the 35th Anniversary VNEA Junior Pool Championships in Rochester, Minnesota – the world’s largest pool tournament. Both students were part of the outstanding New Zealand contingent that delivered exceptional performances across all divisions.
Summer and Micha’s team, The Shamrocks, claimed an impressive second-place finish, out of 28 competing teams.
What a fantastic representation of skill, determination, and Kiwi spirit on the world stage! We couldn’t be prouder of their achievement.
Rowing NZ U19 Development Team
HUGE congratulations to our very own Georgia Kendrick, who has been competing in Michigan, USA, as part of the Rowing NZ U19 Development Team! The team triumphed at the International Regatta Challenge, taking home the Overall Team Trophy – and Georgia claimed GOLD in the Women’s Single! What an absolutely phenomenal achievement!
Competing against top crews from Canada, USA, and Mexico, the team proved that New Zealand rowing talent is world-class!
An Invitation
David Wells “Waiting in Joyful Hope”
The Catholic Diocese of Hamilton warmly welcomes you to a special opportunity to hear a presentation from David Wells.
Theologian and storyteller extraordinaire from the UK, a renowned international speaker, David will deliver a powerful message of hope and joy through the Gospels.
Monday 18th August 2025, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Light refreshments available afterwards
Ticket Information:
$25.00pp
Online Bank Account Payee: R. C. BISHOP OF HAMILTON
Account Number: 02-0342-0050008-003 Particulars: DAVID WELLS
Code: 0119104501
Reference: (Enter your Surname)
For further information, please email John Coulam, E: johnc@cdh.org.nz
Music News
Welcome Sophie!
When my daughter told me she was pregnant, I knew my life was about to change! While it meant saying goodbye to being TIC Music at Sacred Heart, I was thrilled that two years ago, I had met my perfect replacement. I first encountered Sophie Pilbrow at Waitaki Girls’ in Oamaru – my old high school! I knew she was the ideal fit, so I told her that if I ever left, she simply had to come take over—and now here she is!
Sophie joins the Sacred Heart family with an impressive wealth of musical experience. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Voice from the University of Waikato and has graced stages across both the North and South Islands as a soprano soloist, including her memorable performance as Belinda in Dido and Aeneas. Sophie has made the move to Waikato with her beloved four-legged companion Ziggy, a lively Springer Spaniel.
Thankfully, my return to the Itinerant Music Scheme means I’m still teaching at Sacred Heart every Wednesday and continuing with my treasured Heart Attack Barbershop chorus and quartets. I get to look after my granddaughter every Friday, and I couldn’t be happier knowing the Music Learning Area is in such capable hands.
Once a part of Sacred Heart – always a part of Sacred Heart!
Lynn Jamieson
New Partnership
Shopping for Good
New World Rototuna is going to deliver 1% of all sales back to our Student Retreat Programmes from registered Club Cards. Our students will benefit every time you shop at this supermarket!
We believe every young woman deserves this transformative encounter. That’s why the funds raised through this partnership directly support the ongoing development of our Student Retreat Programmes, ensuring it remains accessible, inclusive, relevant and impactful.
Your support is more than a donation: it is an investment in the development of faith, leadership and a hope-filled future for our Sacred Heart waahine. And you don’t have to do anything – except share your Club Card number. Whānau, friends, neighbours – all are welcome! It doesn’t matter how much you spend there or how often – every dollar counts.
Register your card here
Where is she now?
Soaring High!
Many of you will remember Kim Fox’s helpful nature during her three years working in our Student Centre. This year, Kim embarked on an exciting new chapter, leaving her role with us to pursue her dream of becoming a flight attendant with Qantas.
We’re thrilled to share that Kim has successfully completed her training and is now living her passion in the skies! She’s currently working on short-haul routes between Australia and New Zealand, bringing the same care and dedication to her passengers that she once showed our students and families.
Kim’s story holds special meaning for our school community. As one of our own students, she returned the year after finishing her studies to take up her position in the Student Centre, giving back to the place and people that helped shape her journey. Her path from student to staff member to achieving her career aspirations perfectly embodies the spirit we hope to nurture in all our students. Her journey serves as an inspiration to current students that with perseverance and belief in yourself, the sky truly is the limit.
International News
We’re excited to welcome 12 International students from Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan! Some are here for four weeks, others longer – all eager to share their cultures with us, especially during Arts & Cultural Week.
Your smile, wave, and friendly “hello” can make their day and help them feel at home in our community.
School Board Nominations
Nominations are open for the election of 6 parent representatives to the school board. All information has been emailed to our families.
If you haven’t received this information, please email: mthomas@shgcham.school.nz
International Homestays
We are searching for caring host couples and families in Waikato to welcome our international students into their homes. Hosting an international student can be such a rewarding experience!
What we’re looking for:
- A spare bedroom for your student to call their own while they’re here
- Three hearty meals a day (they’ll love trying Kiwi classics!)
- Transport to and from school activities
- Most importantly – a big heart and open mind
Ready to change a young person’s life while enriching your own?
For more information, contact Lisa Cowen: lcowen@shgcham.school.nz
Our Vision
Ignite the Passion: inspiring young women to change the world – me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!