From the Acting Principal
Kia ora koutou,
As we approach the conclusion of a vibrant and productive term, I want to celebrate the incredible energy that has filled our school. The creativity showcased throughout Arts Week – culminating in our spectacular talent show – truly highlighted the diverse gifts of our students. Prior to that, Spirit Week brought our community closer together, beautifully demonstrating our school pride and unity in Christ. This was exemplified in a wonderful Mass on Friday, Sacred Heart Day. After that, our students showed their enthusiasm and House spirit with coordination, colour and very loud volume!
Thank you to our dedicated staff, student leaders, and families for your support across all these events. With just two weeks until a well-earned break, I encourage all students to ensure their learning is up to date and assessments completed so we can all enjoy a safe, restful winter holiday.
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Kia ora koutou,
As we approach the conclusion of a vibrant and productive term, I want to celebrate the incredible energy that has filled our school. The creativity showcased throughout Arts Week – culminating in our spectacular talent show – truly highlighted the diverse gifts of our students. Prior to that, Spirit Week brought our community closer together, beautifully demonstrating our school pride and unity in Christ. This was exemplified in a wonderful Mass on Friday, Sacred Heart Day. After that, our students showed their enthusiasm and House spirit with coordination, colour and very loud volume!
Thank you to our dedicated staff, student leaders, and families for your support across all these events. With just two weeks until a well-earned break, I encourage all students to ensure their learning is up to date and assessments completed so we can all enjoy a safe, restful winter holiday.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dean Rogers, Acting Principal
Duke of Edinburgh
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
For families who may not be familiar with the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award (often called Duke of Ed), it is an international programme that encourages young people to challenge themselves, build new skills, and give back to their community. In New Zealand, it’s structured into three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and each level involves activities across four areas: Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and an Adventurous Journey (with an additional Residential Project at the Gold level). Participants are expected to commit around an hour per week to each section, with development and progress evident over time.
Jade Paki shares her experience of the recent Adventurous Journey practice tramp to Crosbies Hut:
Our Duke of Edinburgh practice tramp to Crosbies Hut in the Thames-Coromandel was an unforgettable two-day, one-night adventure. A group of 17 girls, made up of both Silver and Gold participants, took on the challenge alongside Mrs Cooper and Mrs Knight.
With our packs ready and spirits high, we set off along the Karaka and Waiotahi Tracks. The first day’s track felt more like a mud course than a hiking trail, and by the end, our boots had all turned the same colour. Along the 15.3 km climb, we discovered many unique features and enjoyed the rewarding journey despite a light spit of rain.
Reaching the hut was a relief, and as soon as we arrived, the boots came off, and the fire was lit using firewood we’d collected ourselves. As darkness fell, the smell of camp food filled the air, and we spent the evening playing cards, laughing, and getting to know each other better.
Throughout the tramp, each group contributed to improving the track, helping to leave it better than we found it, and sharing interesting facts about the area along the way.
The next morning came quickly, and after an early start, we learned how to build a bivy, considering key factors such as insulation, shelter, and wind protection. Setting off on the return journey, staying upright on the muddy track was a challenge in itself. After a 400m drop in elevation and a few snack breaks, we reached a river where we learned safe river-crossing techniques.
With the rain holding off and the finish line in sight, we completed our practice tramp on a high. It was truly an experience to remember.
Year 10, Jade Paki
Spirit Week & Sacred Heart Day
Celebrating Spirit Week & the Feast of the Sacred Heart
Two weeks ago, Sacred Heart came alive with the energy and joy of Spirit Week – one of the most anticipated weeks in our school calendar. From the Winter Clothes Drive and a Students vs Teachers Quiz to House Activities and the much-loved House Dance-off, it was an action-packed week with something for everyone!
At the heart of it all was Sacred Heart Day on Friday, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This special day calls us to reflect on the boundless love of Jesus and to honour the legacy of our founding RNDM Sisters of Our Lady of the Mission, whose faith, courage and dedication continue to shape who we are as a school community.
We were truly blessed to welcome some of our Mission Sisters, who joined us to celebrate morning Mass – a meaningful and moving start to the day.
After Mass, the energy lifted as students threw themselves into a packed day of House activities, with plenty of spirit and friendly competition at every rotation. Plus, plenty of opportunities to sneak in last-minute dance practice for the house dance-off to perfect those statement poses! The highly anticipated house dance-off was judged this year by a wonderful panel of Head Students from St John’s, Dio, and St Paul’s – and after all the preparation, the performances, and the fierce but fun competition, it was Siena who once again reigned supreme, taking out the crown for the second year in a row! Back-to-back champions – congratulations, Siena!
Spirit Week is a wonderful reminder of what makes Sacred Heart such a special place – our faith, our whaanau, and the joy we find in celebrating together.
Winter Clothes Drive
Thank you to our incredible community for your generous donations to the Winter Drive. The team at Vinnies Hamilton was absolutely overwhelmed when Mrs Saogia and a group of our senior students arrived with a van full of donations last week – a wonderful example of Sacred Heart Mission in action.
Arts Week
Last week, we celebrated the ARTS with Arts Week, and what a week it was! Thursday’s Character Day – a firm favourite on the calendar – didn’t disappoint, with students arriving in everything from beloved childhood icons to modern-day anime characters and everything in between. The creativity and effort on show were an absolute feast for the eyes!
The students also took part in Just Dance activities, the Talent Quest, and we celebrated students at our Arts Assembly on Tuesday. It’s safe to say it was another full, fun week – a powerful reminder of why the arts matter.
Sporting Success
Gymsport Festival
Well done to Makaia and Aleigha, Year 9 students, who competed at the School Gymsport Festival this week. Great results at the novice champs, with both qualifying for the Waikato Regional School Gymsports competition in August.
Makaia Rumney
3rd – Overall Woman’s Artistic Twisters
2nd – Vault
2nd – Floor
3rd – Overall Trampoline Twisters
3rd – Tramp 1
2nd – DMT (Double Mini Trampoline)
Aleigha Ellicott-Brown
1st – Overall Trampoline Twisters
1st – Tramp 1
1st – Tramp 2
1st – DMT (Double Mini Trampoline)
International Students
We are searching for caring Chinese host couples and families in the Waikato to welcome our international students into their homes in 2026. Hosting an international student can be such a rewarding experience!
- 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
Notice Board
Attendance Dues
A reminder that Attendance Dues should have been paid in full by 20th April unless a payment plan is already in place. Please check your Kindo account and action this promptly.
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, whaanau must inform the Principal. 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!