From the Principal
Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
Habemus papam – we have a Pope: Pope Leo XIV and here is a snippet of his inaugural homily to the Bishops and Cardinals present at the Mass in Rome, to the Church and the World:
“Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God ... in order to build a new world where peace reigns! This is the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.
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Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
Habemus papam – we have a Pope: Pope Leo XIV and here is a snippet of his inaugural homily to the Bishops and Cardinals present at the Mass in Rome, to the Church and the World:
“Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God ... in order to build a new world where peace reigns! This is the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.
Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love! The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today: If this criterion “were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return?” (Rerum Novarum, 21). With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made “restless” by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.
Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk toward God and love one another”.
As Pope Leo says, the heart of the Gospel is the love of God, and there are no limits to the Love of God and no conditions – so whether we like it or not, believe it or not, or even know it or not – God loves us. Thank God for that!
Mauri ora e te whaanau – God loves you all.
Meet Elizabeth
Elizabeth’s Educational Journey
Elizabeth has been a standout student in the SENCO programme here for the past five years. Elizabeth is profoundly deaf without her cochlear implant, an implantable hearing device that connects her to the world of sound. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, the cochlear implant sends sound signals directly to the brain. She also has Down Syndrome, which causes developmental and intellectual delays, as well as ADHD. Despite these challenges, Elizabeth thrives.
A key aspect of Elizabeth’s learning journey has been her integration into school life. Our goal is for Elizabeth to be part of the school community and for the school to be part of her world. Her timetable includes one-on-one sessions with her Learning Assistant, Maddie, where she works on writing, numeracy, and communication skills. She also attends mainstream classes and particularly enjoys Junior Drama, P.E and Health.
Elizabeth especially thrives in P.E and Health with Mrs Stevens, eagerly participating in games and working well in teams. In Drama, she is expressive and enthusiastic, looking forward to exploring costumes and props with Mrs Hansen and her Learning Assistant, Rachel. The other students in her classes are kind, supportive, and open to learning more about Elizabeth and helping wherever they can.
Recently, Elizabeth began volunteering once a week at the Salvation Army shop. There, she tidies the racks, organises new donations, and practices her communication and customer service skills with both volunteers and customers.
"Inclusive education is a dynamic, ever-evolving approach that requires ongoing reflection and continuous enhancement.” Munk and Dempsey
Year 13 Ball
A night to remember in the Blue Oasis
Last Saturday was an unforgettable way to come together and celebrate our last year at Sacred Heart. We entered into a Blue Oasis – an evening transformed into a sea of glamour, lights and elegance that brought the dance floor to life.
A huge thank you to the incredible Ball committee and staff who volunteered on the night. Special congratulations to our award winner: Shreya Lal, Best Dressed; Kahlia Cottle, Best Dancer; and Queen and King of the night, Finleah McCall and Joshua Shaw.
It was a memorable and precious night we will treasure forever.
Finleah McCall, Year 13
Photo Gallery
Sporting Success
Summer Sports Awards
Our young sports waahine were recognised last week at the Summer Sports Awards. The main award winners are listed below. Congratulations to all who received a Certificate or an Award.
Athletics
Kulaea Falekaono-Seager – Junior Athletics Champion
Sophie Peters – Intermediate Athletics Champion
Chloe Peters & Josephine Mumby – Senior Athletics Champion
Cricket
Ava Lipinski – Helen Bastion Cup – Most Improved Senior Cricketer
and the Kane Family Cup – Most Valuable Player
Rowing
Eva McGivern – The Hogan Cup – Dedication to School Rowing
Jorjia Field & Bella Smith – The Numa Cup – Most Improved
Lily Aston, Georgia Kendrick, Lily Johnson, Thea Mace, Zara Morris – Crew of the Year
Zara Morris – Coxswain of the Year
April McGivern – Junior Rower of the Year
Holly Kitching – Intermediate Rower of the Year
Georgia Kendrick & Lily Ashton – Senior Rower of the Year
Ruby McGivern – The Duncan Grant – Novice Rower of the Year
Eva McGivern – Heart Award
Swimming
Casey Paki – Junior Swimming Champion
Sophie Peters – Intermediate Swimming Champion
Chloe Peters – Senior Swimming Champion
Waka Ama
Paige Rameka – U19’s Paddler of the Year
Kaea Rameka – U16’s Paddler of the Year
Volleyball
Lilipeta Tusa Soagia – The Rosser Cup Most Improved Junior Player
Water Polo
Amelia Crouch – John Collier Cup for Service to Water Polo
Ava Moore – The Chatham Trophy – Most Improved Water Polo Player of the Year
Amelia Crouch – Most Valuable Player
Lyric Aish-Brough – Development Trophy for Junior Water Polo Player of the Year
Micah Duran – The Dobson Trophy – Most Improved Junior Water Polo Player
Black Badge Recipients – Played the highest level in their chosen sport for the school for three years
Aylah Matara, Henaka Tusa Soagia, Bridie Page, Lily Johnson, Tamzyn McNamara, Thea Mace, Eva McGivern, Lily Ashton, Nadia Turner, Brenna Sammons, Georgia Kendrick, Isla Toni, Ruby Baker, Celeste Tane
Whitewater Rafting
From Nerves to Thrills
The Level 3 Physical Education Development class recently embarked on an exciting adventure to Rotorua for a whitewater rafting experience as part of their Risk Management assessment.
While nervous energy filled the air before they hit the water, the atmosphere completely transformed once the girls completed their thrilling journey down the rapids. Upon returning to dry land, the students were absolutely buzzing with excitement. Their faces lit up with huge smiles, and the day filled with plenty of delighted squeals.
The trip provided an excellent real-world application of risk management principles while creating unforgettable memories for the class.
International News
Yes, you may go to the ball!
Several of our international students were granted special permission to attend the Year 13 Ball last weekend, and had a wonderful time! Many thanks to those who helped with shopping, hair, makeup, transport etc, to make the event a memorable experience.
Our lovely girls continue to achieve; Momoka received a sports award for Volleyball last week, and Emmy gained an Excellence in Art.
Homestays Wanted!
We are always looking for caring families to host an international student. If you are interested, please contact our Homestay Co-ordinator, Lisa Cowen. E: lcowen@shgcham.school.nz.
Duke Of Edinburgh Award
Tramping through Karangahake Gorge – Bronze Tramp
On May 17th, at 7am, we left school and began our journey to Karangahake Gorge, where we would have our practice tramp for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. We drove through Morrinsville, seeing the wonderfully decorated cows scattered throughout the town. We eventually arrived at the Dickey Flat Campsite, our campsite for the weekend. After setting up our tents, we geared up for the big day ahead.
Our tramp took us from the campsite to Daley’s hut. We stopped to practise our mapwork and compass skills along the way, which was a great opportunity to test and reinforce what we’d learned during our training. We were introduced to hut etiquette and cooked our lunches when we arrived at the hut.
About an hour later, we began to hike back, stopping to have a water safety session, where we learned how to cross rivers safely. This ended with us having soaked boots, but gaining valuable knowledge. When we returned to the campsite, we traded our hiking gear for something more comfy, and then cooked dinner, which for my group was creamy pesto tortellini with buttery garlic bread! We finished the evening gathered around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing songs before heading to bed, tired but excited for the day to come.
The following day, we were up bright and early, getting changed, cooking breakfast, packing up our gear and getting ready for the day ahead. Once everything was loaded into the van, we set off on another hike, this time down into the historic Karangahake Gorge. As we ventured on, we explored old mining tunnels and learned about the fascinating gold-mining history. After a well-earned lunch break by the stunning Ōhinemuri River, we tramped back to the campsite – only to find that a group of adorable Highland cows had returned to reclaim their paddock! Before heading home, we gathered once more for a reflection, where we shared what ‘rocked’ and what would ‘stick’ with us from this fantastic weekend, holding a rock and a stick as we spoke.
It was an unforgettable adventure, full of learning, laughter, and a real taste of the outdoors. We returned home a little tired and muddy but very proud of all we’d achieved.
Jessica Sylvester, Year 11
Notice Board
Do we have your current address?
If you’ve moved or are moving, please update your details with us.
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.
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!