From the Principal
Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
Nō konei anō koe – you belong
Education is relational. And Catholic Education takes that to a deeper level.
We believe that at every interaction, something sacred is at stake. So, to build a Community of Belonging is to risk conflict, disappointment and the slow work of reconciliation. However, it is a risk worth taking because it requires prioritising connection over efficiency, welcoming differences and complexity and teaching students how to live well with others, upholding each other’s mana.
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Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
Nō konei anō koe – you belong
Education is relational. And Catholic Education takes that to a deeper level.
We believe that at every interaction, something sacred is at stake. So, to build a Community of Belonging is to risk conflict, disappointment and the slow work of reconciliation. However, it is a risk worth taking because it requires prioritising connection over efficiency, welcoming differences and complexity and teaching students how to live well with others, upholding each other’s mana.
Why do we take this risk at Sacred Heart Girls’ College? Because it forms wāhine who will know how to contribute to their communities to shape a world that welcomes the stranger, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless…because we all belong in this world! Through their courage and compassion, and inspired by our Mission charism, they can change the world – me aro ki te haa o Hineahuone!
So, as it’s Social Justice Week – a reminder – nō te Atua anō tātou katoa – we all belong to God too. This week is also Derived Grade week for senior students – whānau, please reinforce the importance of these exams and studying will help! For junior students, Literacy and Numeracy assessments are taking place – again, studying will help (lots of practice is available online through Education Perfect).
Mauri ora!
Kia pai te mutunga wiki – have a good weekend.
Emerging Leaders
Celebrating Our Emerging Ethnic Leaders
Congratulations to Lachelle Riady, Zoe Eunice Delos Reyes and Chunwa Ogechi-Okoro, who were recognised at the Emerging Ethnic Leaders’ Breakfast 2026 on 28th August at The Verandah Cafe & Function Centre.
The three Year 13 students were celebrated for their outstanding contribution to our school and the wider community.
Held in partnership with the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust and the Ministry of Education’s Community Partnerships Team, the breakfast celebrates the Waikato region’s growing diversity and champions the positive contributions of our rangatahi. It recognises students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have shown exceptional leadership and service, and helps build stronger partnerships between students, schools, and local and central government to grow our future leaders.
Ka pai, Lachelle, Zoe and Chunwa.
Winter Tournament Week
What a Sporting Week!
Tournament Week has wrapped up for another year, and while the results weren’t quite what some of our codes were hoping for, the week still delivered plenty to be proud of. It was especially bittersweet for our Year 13s, for whom this was their final tournament in the SHGC colours, not the send-off they’d dreamed of, but a week they’ll remember for the friendships and the fight, not just the scoreboard.
There were nail-biting games and hard-fought battles right across the codes, and through it all the girls brought their trademark SHGC spirit and stuck together as a team, on and off the field.
- Football finished 20th, with a standout individual performance from Abi McPherson, named SHGC MVP. Huge thanks to Caleb Wesselson, who stepped in as coach mid-season, and to past student Emma Sherburn for her help.
- Hockey placed 15th after a tough week of competition.
- Netball wrapped up 17th in Pool B.
None of this happens without the coaches, managers, and parent helpers who put in weeks of behind-the-scenes work leading up to tournament week – fundraising, organising, training, and getting our teams ready to compete. Thank you for everything you do for our students!
Congratulations to all our girls for representing SHGC with heart last week – especially our Year 13s.
Equestrian
Our dedicated equestrian team travelled down to Taupō during tournament week to compete in the North Island Secondary Schools competition. Sacred Heart sent seven riders and their horses to compete from Monday to Thursday, tackling a range of disciplines including dressage, showjumping, CTR, arena eventing, and show hunter. All of the girls gave it their best across their classes, with several picking up top ten results in some big fields.
A big thank you to the parents who took our team down, and to the sponsors and organisers who made North Island Secondary Schools happen – including Taupō Equestrian and Dunstan Horse Feeds, who sponsored all of our riders with a bag of feed.
We love seeing our students out there representing Sacred Heart.
Mackenzie Falconer
SSEP Programme
Maths & Science in Action
Our Year 10 students have a great opportunity to get involved with Smart Waikato through the SSEP Programme (Secondary School Employer Partnerships), answering that age-old question, "Why am I learning this subject?" by connecting students with key local industries.
Over the last two weeks, our Year 10s have visited BCD Engineering, the Peacocks subdivision, and the Waiora water treatment station, exploring how local Hamilton businesses use maths and science in their everyday work.
Event
Care about climate action?
Aotearoa’s Youth COP 2026 is calling all 14 – 20 year olds to step into the shoes of a COP delegate for a day. Take part in mock negotiations, learn about climate policy and diplomacy, and work with other young people on real-world solutions. Recommendations from the day will feed into youth advocacy at local, national and international levels.
Date: Sat, 19 Sep, 9am – 4:30pm
Auckland
Cost: $20.00 (50% of all ticket sales will go towards our Venezuela Earthquakes Appeal.)
Join the conversation – be part of the solution.
Buy Tickets
School Board Nominations
Nominations are open for the election of 1 parent representative to the school board. All information is being emailed to our families.
If you haven’t received this information, please email: mthomas@shgcham.school.nz
Homestay Families Needed
Weare looking for caring host couples and families in Waikato to welcome our international students into their homes in 2027. Hosting an international student can be such a rewarding experience!
- You and your family will get to know a different culture, traditions and perspectives first-hand.
- You’ll get to rediscover our region, taking a student to your favourite places
- As a host family, you will earn extra income.
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!