Sacred Heart College News, Issue 12, August 2025

From the Principal

Naa too rourou, naaku te rourou ka ora te manuhiri
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive

A reminder of our shared commitment – Attendance Dues

Kia ora e te whaanau,
As we approach the end of the Mahi Tahi refurbishment project, we are grateful for your ongoing support of our Mission. Soon, we will welcome you through a refreshed entrance, which sounds ordinary, but it’s not; it is a statement of our Catholic Character and tells the story of our Mission Charism: a community space for manaakitanga and kai, a contemplative space for karakia and connection and a mission space where the mahi can be on show. And that’s just downstairs. Our staff will regain their longed-for space, lost in the fire almost eight years ago located upstairs. With views to match the expansive roof-lift, overlooking the front lawn, staff will immerse themselves in the charism, with space for building community over kai, professional growth, and the mission of the marking marathons!

Naa too rourou, naaku te rourou ka ora te manuhiri
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive

A reminder of our shared commitment – Attendance Dues

Kia ora e te whaanau,
As we approach the end of the Mahi Tahi refurbishment project, we are grateful for your ongoing support of our Mission. Soon, we will welcome you through a refreshed entrance, which sounds ordinary, but it’s not; it is a statement of our Catholic Character and tells the story of our Mission Charism: a community space for manaakitanga and kai, a contemplative space for karakia and connection and a mission space where the mahi can be on show. And that’s just downstairs. Our staff will regain their longed-for space, lost in the fire almost eight years ago located upstairs. With views to match the expansive roof-lift, overlooking the front lawn, staff will immerse themselves in the charism, with space for building community over kai, professional growth, and the mission of the marking marathons!

These transformational projects are only possible through your commitment to paying Attendance Dues – funds that directly support the Mission Trust’s development of our buildings and the integrity of our Catholic Character – not only Mahi Tahi, but the projects still to come: Sacred Heart is here to stay, and the whaanau of the future depend on our dedication to the vocation.

So, whaanau, if any Attendance Dues remain outstanding, please arrange payment as soon as possible. If financial strain is making this difficult, reach out to our Accounts Department as there are ways to ensure your financial obligations to the school can be met. And if you would like to ‘pay it forward’ and support a family to manage their financial demands, then please contact us or you might like to donate through the KINDO Shop, where you can purchase some Aroha to help a family with the costs of attending SHGC. Your generosity carries forward the mission entrusted to us by the Mission Sisters, Hamilton. Thank you for enabling us to pass on this gift to the next generation...me aro ki te haa o Hineahuone.

Mauri ora!
Kia pai te wiki – Have a great week.

Upcoming Dates

2 SepSenior Dance Showcase – CAC, 5pm – 6pm
4 – 12 SepNCEA Level 1 – 3 Derived Grade Exams
15 – 19 SepTe Wiki o te Reo Māori Week
19 SepTerm 3 Ends
6 OctTerm 4 Starts
16 OctArts Showcase Evening – 6pm – 8pm
24 OctThanksgiving Mass

Music News

Waikato ITM Orchestra & Bands Festival

All Saints Concert Band

On Friday, 22 August, our talented musicians took to the stage at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, where secondary school musicians from across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty come together to compete.

Our musicians put their hearts into every performance, and the energy and talent on display were phenomenal!

Sacred Sisters of Soul Guitar Ensemble – (21 students) Director, Rob Wilson – GOLD
Saints Jazz Combo – (5 students) Director, Paul Norman – GOLD
HGHS/ SHGC Jazz Big Band – (13 SHGC students combined with HGHS) – Director, Paul Norman – SILVER
Received award for "Most Promising New Group". This group was only formed at the beginning of this term.
The Saints Concert Band – (18 SHGC students combined with SJC) – Director, Glenn Richards – SILVER

We would like to extend a huge thanks to the fantastic Paul Norman, Rob Wilson, and Glenn Richards for their continued support of our students.

Director of Sacred Sisters of Soul, Rob Wilson with some of his students.

International News

International Adventure and Connection

It’s been an incredibly busy couple of weeks for our international students, packed with adventures, heartwarming visits, and special traditions.

Last weekend, some of our girls joined students from other schools for an action-packed trip to Taupo. The day featured a thrilling jet boat ride, delicious lunch at the Prawn Park, and a sweet stop at the Honey shop that left everyone with sticky fingers and big smiles.

We were delighted to welcome Momoka’s family during their brief visit to New Zealand – it’s always wonderful meeting our students’ families and watching them experience Kiwi life. A lovely surprise came when Ruihan, one of our international alumni, popped in to say hello on her way to Rotorua. These unexpected reunions with past students always remind us why we love what we do.

Last week brought bittersweet farewells as we shared lunch with Aeri and Aoi before they returned home to continue their studies. At the same time, we warmly welcomed Katelyn from China, who’ll spend a month with us improving her English and experiencing New Zealand culture.

The week reached a magical peak on Tuesday when our Japanese students hosted a Tanabata workshop. Everyone wrote wishes and hung them on bamboo branches, bringing this beautiful tradition to life while also contributing to our Arts & Culture Week.

Te Hui Ahurea 2025

On Friday last week, our Pasifika groups and Kapa Haka performed at the Te Hui Ahurea Festival held at St John’s College, bringing Arts & Culture week to a spectacular close.

It was a fantastic day of cultural celebration and sharing, where our talented students showcased the beauty of their heritage alongside fellow Catholic schools.

Level 3 PED

The Global Pickleball Phenomenon

Our Level 3 PE students have been training at Topspin Pickleball in Te Rapa, developing their skills under Coach Reuben’s expert guidance. Pickleball has become a massive global phenomenon and one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

The students are using this practical experience to work towards completing two Level 3 PED achievement standards for their final assessments this year. This hands-on approach provides real-world learning that enhances both their physical skills and academic understanding of sport science.

Waikato High School Lit Quiz

From Left: Chloe Hilario, Sachi McKoy, Jessica Sylvester, and Carlene Roque

On Thursday last week, two Sacred Heart teams competed at the ever-popular Waikato High School’s Lit Quiz in Hamilton.

Congratulations to Jessica Sylvester, Carlene Roque, Sachi McKoy and Chloe Hilario, who came in a commendable 4th overall
Indigo Coley, Elizabelle Crisostomo, Perpetua Doohan and Maeve Pauley came 7th.

Character Day

Take a look through our Character Day Gallery!
A much-loved day on the Sacred Heart calendar!

Photo Gallery

The Garden Party

We’re hosting a special alumnae event to celebrate our rich history and showcase our exciting new facilities.

Join us for afternoon tea, tales with Kerre Woodham and a tour of familiar and new spaces. We look forward to bringing alumnae and our school community together on this special occasion.

Help us unite our Sacred Heart community – past and present. Please share this event with your grandmothers, aunts, siblings, cousins and friends who may have walked our corridors. We’d love to welcome them back for an unforgettable afternoon of reconnection.

Buy Tickets

Sporting Success

Netball

Congratulations to our Senior Premier Team, who WON the Secondary Premier Grade on Saturday. A great way to finish the season, especially for our two departing Year 13 players, Bridie & Aylah.

Congratulations also to:
9A2 – WON B Grade
9B2 – WON D Grade

Cross Country

Congratulations to Year 9 Emily Vowles who raced at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Cross Country Champs at Waipuna Park in Tauranga on Thursday 7th August and placed 11th.

Basketball

Congratulations to Year 13, Lily Ashton, who has just been named in the FIBA U17 Tall Ferns squad. Lily and her team are heading to Samoa for the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup this December!

Your hard work, dedication, and talent have earned you this fantastic opportunity.

We can’t wait to see you in your black and white strip Lily!

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!

Register your card here!

Notice Board

Attendance Dues

Please arrange payment for the outstanding amount as soon as possible. If financial strain is making this difficult, reach out to our Accounts Department, as there are ways to ensure your financial obligations to the school can be met.
E: accounts@shgcham.school.nz

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 Centre: 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.

Please read The Importance of Punctuality and Attendance at School

Our Vision

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