From the Principal
As a people of Hope and in the Season of Lent – something to contemplate:
‘Around us, life bursts with miracles – a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles. Eyes that see thousands of colours, shapes, and forms; ears that hear a bee flying or a thunderclap; a brain that ponders a speck of dust as easily as the entire cosmos; a heart that beats in rhythm with the heartbeat of all beings. When we are tired and feel discouraged by life’s daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there.’
Thich Nhat Hanh
Through all the miracles of life, God is speaking! Age Quod Agis – Pay Attention!
Kia pai te ra whakataa – have a restful weekend.
International News
German Scholarship
Congratulations to one of our international students, Vinda Somwatee (Year 11), who has been awarded a scholarship from the Goethe Institute in Wellington to spend three days there in a German language immersion programme with other German learners from high schools in NZ! The scholarship covers flights, accommodation, and all activities, and Vinda was one of 22 students selected out of 62 applicants from around the motu.
Thank you to Frau Cooper, who encouraged and supported our students in applying!
Farewells
Our international students and their buddies got together Wednesday for one last lunch before we say goodbye to five students next week. The lunch was full of mixed emotions – happy memories but sad goodbyes!
Everyone swapped contact info, talked about fun times they’d had together, and promised to stay in touch.
Our students always look forward to this lunch tradition – it’s a great way to celebrate the friendships that have formed and give everyone a proper send-off before our international friends head home.
Mayoral Welcome at Wintec
On Thursday, a group of our new students attended the official Mayoral Welcome at Wintec. Students were formally welcomed to Hamilton to signify the importance of international students in creating our vibrant city.
Central Zone Track & Field Championships
On Monday, we hosted the Central Zone Track & Field Championships at Porritt Stadium. As hosts, our Staff and Sports Ambassadors worked hard in their roles — distributing food and drinks, delivering results, assisting with events like shot put, and managing finish line duties. Our athletes also delivered, achieving brilliant results across multiple competitions!
Congratulations to the following students who will go on to compete at the WBOP Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships at the end of the month.
Tupaia Tapasa Challenge Fono
Last week, our dedicated Pasifika CCM students attended the first Teachers and Students Fono for the upcoming Tupaia Tapasa Challenge. This exciting three-day event will be hosted at the University of Waikato at the end of the term.
The challenge will feature a diverse range of competitions, including an Oratory competition, Kilikiti (Pacific Island Cricket) Tournament, and a Pasifika Dance Competition, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our Pasifika students.
Our students collaborated with their peers from other schools to co-create this year’s theme. Drawing inspiration from Principal Miss Gunn, they chose to contribute a Bible verse centered on HOPE, which beautifully aligns with Sacred Heart’s vision for the year.
The school is immensely proud of the students who participated in this initial planning session.
PE Department
Do you have any outdoor gear gathering dust?
In April, our Level 2 PE students take on the Pinnacles as part of their course requirements. Some students don’t own or have access to key items, such as;
- Good quality raincoats
- Warm thermals
- Down sleeping bags
- Sneakers with solid tread
We welcome your contribution, which we will be able to utilise for future activities too.
Please drop your donations at the Notre Dame Centre by Monday, 24th March.
Sporting Success
Canoe Slalom Star: Emily Nagel
Emily Nagel (Year 11) continues excelling in canoe slalom with the achievements below, and it’s only March!
February – NZ ICF Selection Races
C1 Women (Under 18) – Bronze
March 2nd BOP Championships (Kawerau)
C1 Women (Under 16) – Silver
K1 Women (Under 16) – Bronze
C2 Women (Under 18) – Bronze
Emily’s busy competition schedule continues with the upcoming North Island Championships in late March, followed by the New Zealand National Secondary Schools competition and the New Zealand Nationals in Tekapo.
Her consistent performance across different boat classes demonstrates her versatility and dedication; her achievements are a testament to her hard work, determination, and passion for the sport.
Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Silver Tramp
On 1st March, we set out to Maratoto Valley, in the Coromandel Forest Park. It was early in the morning, and everyone was packed and ready to take on two days of bush-walking! Along with Mrs Knight and Mrs Cooper, we tackled hills, river crossings and soggy shoes, making it through the day with lots of singing and laughs. We made it to Wentworth Campsite by mid-afternoon and were greeted by a swimming hole and glow worms! While at the camp, we put up our tents, cooked ourselves meals on cookers, learned how to make bivvies in the bush and improved our navigation skills!
Waking up before the sun the next morning, we set out with renewed enthusiasm, ready to tackle another day of walking. On the way back, we were greeted by a sign that took us on a bit of adventure straight to an old train, where we took a little break!
After many more hills, the edge of the bush came into view, signalling that our journey was about to end. With eagerness and a few cows racing us, we finally reached the end of our tramp and waved goodbye to the bush behind us.
This tramp was truly stunning and challenged many of us physically! In the end, it was not the challenges that made this tramp so incredible but rather the bonds and friendships that were made along the way!!
Sachi McKoy, Year 11
Gateway Students
Year 12 and 13 Gateway students completed their First Aid Certificate in February. They’re now equipped to handle emergencies like pros. From CPR to using defibrillators, tackling choking incidents, and managing everything from simulated accidents to burns, breaks, and wounds, our newly qualified first aiders are ready to make a difference
KINDO Update
We often add new items to KINDO, including the shop. Please see below some new updates.
- Print credit for students is now available in $5 and $10 lots. Click Here.
- Netball Fees are now available to be paid under Sports > Fees. Click Here.
- PRO TIP: Use the KINDO Wallet feature to make smaller, more manageable payments over time, so you don’t have to pay for items as one lump sum.
- Payment options: For immediate payment, use a credit card, debit card, or online Eftpos. Using the Online Bank Transfer option tops up your wallet (it is not a payment for purchase).
Our Vision
Ignite the Passion: inspiring young women to change the world – me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!