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​Heartbeat

Issue 15 - September 2026

From the Principal/Tumuaki 


Nau mai, haere mai, e te whānau,


My speech to the school at this week's end of term assembly.

 

This weekend, I'm competing in Spring Challenge in Hanmer Springs. It's an all-women's adventure race where teams of three complete the entire course together, running, biking, and rafting from start to finish. It's expected to take us around six hours!  I'm not sure if taking on Acting Principal and training for an adventure race was the wisest thing to do, but actually it has been great fun training.  The coolest thing though, is I get to compete with my twin sister Sally. 


Sally was born just 9 minutes before me, and she always tells a story how she gave me a good boot and came flying out first.  She’s the bossy one! 


We talk every day, we feel each other's pain, and finish each other's sentences.  My twin sister is my best friend.  Growing up, mum dressed us the same, and did our hair the same every single day and because of this our friends called us the Sister Sally's. Here at SHC we are all Sisters, sisters of the Sacred Heart.


But what binds us here as Sisters of Sacred Heart College? Of course it's our faith.  But, it's easy to pick out the one thing that everyone notices when they first walk into this school.  The one thing that immediately identifies who we are out in the community, the one thing that tells everyone we are the girls of Sacred Heart College, and that is 'our Uniform'.


Why does our uniform matter? Founded in 1912 by Euphraise Barbier, Sacred Heart College has a proud RNDM heritage.  Wearing the correct uniform with pride honours the vision of the Sisters and reflects our commitment to the values and standards of our college community.    

 

Sadly, Sister Val, who served as Principal here from 1980 to 2000 is in hospital. She is 93. Just a few weeks ago, her lifelong friend, Sister Pauline, passed away. Sister Pauline served as Deputy Principal here before becoming Principal of Sacred Heart College Hamilton.


Two remarkable women. They shared a home together, travelled the world together, and dedicated their lives to the education of young people. They were known not only for their strength and leadership, but also for their kindness, humour, and unwavering commitment to the Sacred Heart mission.


Through their work, they lived out the vision of Euphrasie Barbier, inspiring generations of students to grow in faith, courage, and service. Their legacy is not just part of our history; it is part of who we are today.


As leaders, students, and sisters of Sacred Heart College, it is now our responsibility to carry that vision forward. We honour Sister Val, Sister Pauline, and all the Sisters who came before us by living our values every day, by serving others, by leading with kindness and by wearing our uniform with pride. In doing so, we ensure that the vision they dedicated their lives to continues to flourish for future generations.

 

With this vision in mind, next term, regulated Sacred Heart College Summer uniform items are the only uniform items to be worn.  This means, no black trousers, no sleeveless puffer jackets, no hoodies or more than 2 studs or sleepers anywhere but in your earlobes, no nose studs or extra jewellery including big hoops.  The consequences are clear, any non-uniform item will be confiscated, taken to the office and stored securely till 3.30pm on a Friday, when you can collect it.   We all have a choice to be a sister of Sacred Heart College.

 

I would also like to let you know that the School Board and MCLHTB have approved a change to our winter uniform. From Term 2, next year, the red school tie will no longer be a compulsory uniform item.


You may be asked to wear a red tie when representing the College or attending formal school occasions. To support this, we will maintain a supply of ties that you can borrow for these events.


We would also love you to donate your tie to the College.  So, when you leave assembly today place your tie in your House box. As a thank you, your house will receive a House point! Come on Siena and Aubert!


Year 13 students will continue to wear their grey tie throughout the year as a symbol of their leadership and senior status within the College.

 

Living out our Sisters' Mission is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we create together.  I know we can make our RNDM sisters proud of us. 

 

To our staff thank you for all your hard work this term. We know that together we can make a difference. A particular thank you to all the staff who have stepped up this term. To all our Sisters, have a well deserved holiday, stay safe and see you back next term.  I know I'm going to have a great race with my sister.

 

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

 

Maria Kerr
Acting Principal


TERM DATES


What's On


12 Oct - First Day of Term 4


14 Oct - Sport Awards


15 Oct - Pō Whakanui - Māori Success Evening


22 Oct - Mana Pasifika - Pacific Success Evening


28 Oct - SHC Board Meeting


2 Nov - Senior Prize Giving


10 Nov - NCEA Exams Start



Weekly Reports

A link to the detailed weekly report descriptors.  

Weekly Engagement Grades Descriptors.docx


SHC Uniform Requirements

Please read here  


Seeking Volunteers

Sacred Heart College is looking for volunteer reader / writers to help us support students with class related tests and assessments over several days.

 

You will need good handwriting, spelling, and communication skills. Typing ability may also be an advantage. Training would be provided.

 

For more information please contact Supported Learning Lead / SENCO Kate Baird via email [email protected]



Assessment

Common Assessment Activities (CAAs)

 

The CAAs have finished for another year. A huge thank you to all staff who ran additional Literacy and Numeracy tutorials. NZQA expects to release the results by mid-October.

 

Derived Grade Examinations and Next Steps


​Students will receive feedback from their derived grade examinations. These grades provide a useful indication of their current progress.


With NCEA examinations beginning on 10 November, students should use the next few weeks to:

  • identify gaps in their learning;

  • seek support where needed; and

  • create a focused study plan.

​The mahi students put in now will help them gain the rewards of their hard work.


NCEA


NCEA Exam Timetable


Thank you to our Head of Academics, Katie Jordan, for finding this useful website.

Standards NZ - NCEA Study Notes and Revision Guides


We know that examinations can be a stressful time for students.


Thank you to whānau for continuing to support your student as they prepare for and sit their final examinations.

Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices Policy

Since the beginning of Term 3, we took a schoolwide approach to ensure we meet the legal requirement that ākonga | students do not use or access mobile phones during the school day, including at interval and lunchtime.  We have noticed a genuine positive shift in culture both within and outside the classroom and are proud of what has been achieved through our shared commitment to creating a phone-free environment that supports learning, wellbeing, and positive social interactions.

 

The 'device requirements at school section' of the Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices Policy now reads:

 

If a student uses a personal digital device inappropriately (including using a cellphone when it is not allowed) the student must hand it to a staff member immediately when asked. If possible, the student should lock their device before handing it to staff. Confiscated phones will be logged, securely stored, and released after 3.30pm on Friday to a parent, caregiver, or whānau member, while continuing to allow reasonable exceptions where genuine health, safety, or individual circumstances apply.

Sacred Heart College Policies and Procedures

SchoolDocs

To access Sacred Heart College's policies and procedures, and review them, visit the SchoolDocs website here, search for the College then enter the username (sacredheartcollege) and password (laingsroad)


SchoolDocs Copyright: Except where stated, the content on this site is the copyright of SchoolDocs Ltd. It may not be reproduced without written permission from SchoolDocs Ltd.

News

Game on!

Catholic Social Services is excited to announce we will be running Game On! in Term 4 – our Dads’ Parenting Course for Dads, by Dads. The course is 8 weeks long and free to attend. The venue will be Petone Community House.

Read More

Career News #12

CareerWise displays events, tertiary news, scholarships, job opportunities, and other resources that will help students discover their future pathway. Here are some highlights shared with you in our latest newsletter.

Read More

2027 Term Dates

Term Dates in 2027, start of year information, and dates school will be closed. Keep an eye this page as it will be added to.

Read More

Board Student Representative Election Result

Thank you to Fa'ailoga Tuvale (S11RL) and Rifaa Riyas (B9TK) for standing as candidates in the 2026 SHC Board Student Representative Election.  It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in front of your peers for the election.


Congratulations to Fa'ailoga Tuvale on being elected to the position of Student Representative on the SHC Board for 2026-2027.          

Mrs Delaine Hall, Returning Officer

Music Showcase

This year on 8 September, Sacred Heart had its first ever Music Showcase and I had the honour of MCing. It was amazing to see so many students come together and share their talents, with performances from our horn group, guitarists, drummers, singers, and so many others. It was awesome to be a part of an event that gave students a new opportunity to perform and showcase their hard work. The success of our first Showcase has created more opportunities for music students to perform in front of an audience, and I'm excited to see how it grows in the future. Well done to everyone who performed, and I hope to see even more people come along and support the showcase next year.    Kelaiah Rahui-Lawton (S13RW)

Summer Uniform

Next term we move back to wearing our summer uniform.  Please refer to this document Sacred Heart College Uniform on our school website for more information.


We are proud of the history associated with our school uniform and therefore ask our students to always wear it correctly and with pride.  Unless a student has an exemption, any non-uniform item will be confiscated and stored in the school office until Friday 3.20pm.  This includes extra jewellery, hoodies, and sleeveless puffer jackets.  Black trousers are not a uniform item, and therefore must not been worn.

Spelling Bee

On 10 September, I proudly represented our school at the Regional Spelling Bee in Kilbirnie alongside Joy Waqanisau (AU9KF) and Sofia Gail Abulencia (AV10VS). Leading up to the event, we spent our lunchtimes testing each other on difficult words. The host said our competition was massive, featuring 47 students from across the Wellington region. We are extremely grateful to Mrs Davies and Mrs Conradie for their amazing support with practice and transport. Joy, Sofia, and I are proud of our efforts and thankful for this awesome opportunity. We hope to compete again next year.  Paris Yiannoutsos (AU9IF)

ESL123 Trip to Zealandia

Our senior ESOL class have been learning about things that are unique to New Zealand. So of course, we had to take a trip to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Wildlife Sanctuary in Karori. We loved seeing many native birds and exploring the bush and waterways of Zealandia. Karin Kimura's reflection on the trip is added below:

 

"My ESL class from Sacred Heart College went to Zealandia to see the birds. We went to Zealandia in the school van. It took about 20 minutes. We walked around Zealandia and felt the power of nature. I saw three types of birds.  First, I saw a TAKAHE. It was so beautiful. Second, I saw a KAKA. It was so quick. Third, I saw a PATEKE. It was like a duck. I didn't see any TUATARA. I wanted to see one, so it was a shame. A highlight for me was eating lunch with my friends. 

My classmate Hana said, "It was beautiful because the air was so clean."

Sakura said, "I discovered that a cat can jump one metre".

Mariko said, "I felt relaxed because I was able to see a beautiful river". 

Ikoi said, "I was so glad because I could see so many native NZ birds".

Chii said, "How beautiful!". 

Maata said, "The view was so beautiful". 


If you go to Zealandia, you should eat lunch on the grass. Zealandia was smaller than I thought it would be and it was easier to walk around. I think Zealandia is the best place to take a walk and relax."

Cultural

Japan Trip


Nine Year 10 students taking Japanese and Mrs. Knowles are looking forward to their Japan trip this week. They will be visiting Tokyo and Osaka, staying with host families in Sakai (Wellington's sister city) and spending time in school in Japan. We wish them safe travels and look forward to following their journey and hearing about their experiences upon their return. 行ってらっしゃい

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori


I tīmata Te Wiki o te Reo Māori i te 14 ki te 18 o Hepetema 2026. Ko te kaupapa mō tēnei tau, ko "Ake, Ake, Ake". I raro i te kārihi a Tracey. I hanga rātou i ngā ataata whakaari hei mātakitaki mā ngā rōpū Ako kia mōhio mai rātou ki ngā kupu Māori mō taua rā. Ko ngā kupu rā, ko: Turituri, Taihoa, Kia Kaha, Ngā Mihi, me te Ake Ake Ake.

Tenei te mihi ki nga  kaiako, nga tauira i tautoko i tenei horopaki.


Te Wiki o te Reo Māori started on 14 to 18 September 2026. The theme for this year was "Ake, Ake Ake" A huge ngā mihi to our Head of Māori Tracey Tupuivao for the incredible work she put into organising and creating the Kupu o te Rā videos for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Her dedication and creativity helped make the week a meaningful and inspiring celebration of te reo Māori across our school, ensuring that students and staff could stay connected to the kaupapa even while our senior students were on exam leave. Ngā mihi to everyone that participated.

Inati Pasifika Leadership Programme for Year 9


Throughout this term on a Thursday after school, our Year 9 Pacific students took part in Inati, a 10-week Pasifika leadership programme with VIBE, inspired by the Tokelau value of sharing, caring, and serving others. Through cultural learning, leadership development, communication, identity exploration, and advocacy, the students took part in activities that helped to strengthen their confidence, cultural identity, and ability to positively support their peers, families, and communities. The programme finishes this Thursday with a celebration. Fakafetai lahi lele to the VIBE facilitators Henio Koloi, Mele Tonga-Grant and Keni Asiata.

Pō Whakanui 2026: Celebrating Māori Success - 15 October


Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.


Pursue excellence. Should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain.


In the first week back next term, on Thursday 15 October, Sacred Heart College will come together for our annual Pō Whakanui - Māori Achievement Awards Evening, a special celebration of the success, leadership and contributions of our tauira Māori. This event recognises students who embody the values of hard work, passion, dedication and humility, while honouring the rich traditions and knowledge of te ao Māori. The awards are inspired by the stars of Matariki, with each category recognising different strengths and qualities demonstrated by our tauira Māori. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge our Year 13 tauira Māori as they prepare for the next stage of their journey. Award nominees and recipients have already been notified through email. We look forward to sharing this meaningful evening with whānau, staff and our wider school community as we celebrate the achievements of our tauira Māori. Ngā mihi to Whaea Tawai Frost, the Cultural Working Group, and all staff who contribute to making this celebration possible.

Mana Pasifika 2026: Celebrating Pacific Success - 22 October


During Niuean Language Week next term, on Thursday 22 October, Sacred Heart College will celebrate our fifth annual Mana Pasifika evening, recognising the achievements, leadership, service, and cultural contributions of our Pacific students. The event brings together students, aiga, staff, and the wider community to honour excellence across a range of award categories and celebrate the strength, pride, and success of our Pacific learners. We look forward to another special evening of recognising and uplifting our young women and their many accomplishments. Fakaaue lahi lele to the Cultural Working Group, and all staff who contribute to making this celebration possible.

Year 13 Art History Trip

On 21 September Year 13 Art History students travelled to Napier for the 22nd annual Art Deco extravaganza.  Students explored the value of art deco on Napier and its surrounding environment though participating in an Art Deco Guided Walk, a behind the scenes exclusive tour of the Masonic Hotel, a visit to the Napier Museum, and the infamous National Tobacco building in Ahuriri.  The weather was fantastic and the students learned a lot. This is a wonderful end to a busy term for some of our Year 13 students.  Ms Baird and Mrs Peszynski

Sport News


Within School


College Sport Wellington

Mixed Netball

Sacred Heart College entered four Mixed Netball teams combined with St Patrick's (Town and Silverstream) and St Bernard’s College.


Congratulations to Sacred Heart College Whero (Prezley Easthope, Meleane Pole'o, Zarlya Collings and Acacia Hemera) who come a very close second in the final (15-14) to Naenae College Te Whanau Tahi.

SHC Sport Awards 2026

Our annual Sport Awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 14 October at 6.30pm in the Performing Arts Centre. Students have been notified if they are receiving an award and we warmly invite members of our community to attend.

Sacred Heart Values

(Based on Gospel values and embedded in all school policies and practice.)


Mana Atua –  a heart for God

We contemplate Mana Atua, the power of God, through God’s great love, represented by the Sacred Heart. We aspire to the spiritual virtues of faith, hope and charity.

As a community we pray together daily because "There in the sanctuary of his heart, he will keep you gathered together." Euphrasie Barbier

 

Mana Tangata – a heart for people

We uphold Mana Tangata, the power and dignity of all members of our community, by showing manaakitanga – generosity and kindness, respect and inclusion.

Our strength as a community comes from following the cardinal virtues of wisdom (prudence), dignity (temperance), courage and justice.

"Be kind to everyone; give everything a good interpretation." Euphrasie Barbier

 

Mana Tīpuna – a heart for our ancestors

We gain spiritual strength from Mana Tīpuna, the Mission Sisters’ Charism and our school’s Catholic heritage.

The RNDM charism is "contemplation, community and mission". Their mission is to take light, wisdom and social justice to the world.

"We are all missionaries. Let us strive to imitate the qualities of Jesus." Euphrasie Barbier

 

Mana Mātauranga – a heart for knowledge

We value Mana Mātauranga, the power of a depth and breadth of knowledge and the education of the whole person. We aim for personal excellence and seek to realise our all-round full potential.  

Behind our motto “Virtue and Knowledge” is the goal of gaining wisdom. "Whaia te maramatanga"– pursue enlightenment (wisdom).

"Develop their hearts and minds." Euphrasie Barbier

 

Mana Whenua – a heart for the land

We honour Mana Whenua, the power of our earth, in our care for the environment and our aspirations to live in harmony with it. This is our place which we value. The three guardian spirits of Atawhai guard us, and our place. Mana whenua is also about protecting our wholeness and wellbeing as young women.

"Seek the fullness of life for the whole of creation." Euphrasie Barbier