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Heartbeat

Issue 12 - August 2026

From the Principal/Tumuaki

Nau mai, haere mai, e te whānau,

While there are many ways to learn about a school, nothing compares to spending time in classrooms and talking with the students and staff who bring our school to life each day.

One of my goals this term has been to visit classrooms across the school every day. It has been both a privilege and deeply encouraging to see the rich learning taking place, the strong relationships that underpin it, and the healthy balance being struck between digital technologies and the use of pen and paper in students’ learning.

Along the way, I have shared in some wonderful learning experiences. I have watched students investigate static electricity; laughing as their hair stood on end after placing their hands on the Van de Graaff generator. I have worked alongside students as they carefully dissected cow's eyes to better understand anatomy, explored the human body using our science skeleton, and watched students model chromosomes with playdough to bring concepts in genetics to life.

These experiences have only strengthened my appreciation for what we have at Sacred Heart College. Euphrasie Barbier would be incredibly proud of our young people and of the high-quality teaching, dedication and care shown by our staff.

Looking ahead, students are now turning their attention to course selection and pathway planning for 2027. Our annual Course Fair, held on Wednesday 5 August, provided an excellent opportunity for students and whānau to explore future options. With 19 external providers and all learning areas represented, the Fair sparked many valuable conversations about the courses we offer at Sacred Heart College, careers and future aspirations. Students are now beginning the process of selecting their courses for next year. Special thanks to Holly Hueston and Anna Peszynski for organising the Course Fair.

The culture around the school continues to feel calm, positive, and purposeful. What has stood out to me is the wide range of opportunities available for students to connect, contribute, and be involved beyond the classroom.

Last week alone provided countless examples of student engagement. We celebrated Cook Islands Language Week and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Students organised bake sales to raise funds for Winter Tournament Week, and our Year 9 students participated in the Pathfinders programme facilitated by our school counsellors. Students travelled to Deloittes to learn about cyber safety, we farewelled our Nakano Japanese sisters, and the gym was buzzing with activity at interval and lunchtime. One of the highlights was the staff versus students’ floorball competition, which drew plenty of enthusiasm and support.

What is most pleasing, however, is seeing students genuinely engaged with one another and with the opportunities around them. Rather than being absorbed by mobile phones, students are talking, participating in activities, building friendships, and making the most of what school life has to offer. It is a wonderful reflection of the positive culture that exists at Sacred Heart College.

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity" Psalm 133:1

Nga mihi nui,

Maria Kerr
Acting Principal

TERM DATES

What's On

16-22 Aug - Tonga Language Week

17 Aug - Waikato University Course Planning (Year 13s lunchtime)

18 Aug - Massey University Course Planning (Year 13s lunchtime)

21 Aug - Tertiary Open Day - Year 13s

24-28 Aug - Multicultural Week

30 Aug-5 Sept

Winter Tournament Week

10-11 Sept

CAAs Second Assessments

14-21 Sept - Senior Exams

CAAs Round Two

These will be held on Thursday, 10 September and Friday, 11 September. An email has gone out to whānau of Year 10 and senior students who are sitting these examinations.

Weekly Reports

A link to the detailed weekly report descriptors.

Weekly Engagement Grades Descriptors.docx

Parking Reminder

A reminder to parents/caregivers and student drivers to not park on the bus stops at Hautana Street or Bellevue Road before and after school as per the signs. It is becoming increasingly difficult for bus drivers to pull up safely. Thank you for your cooperation.

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]

Travellers Programme

In Term 2, for the first time at SHC, a group of eight Year 9 students took part in the Travellers Programme, facilitated by the SHC Counsellors. The group attended 10 sessions spread across the term; completing a variety of activities focused on self-development, resilience, and wellbeing. We are very proud of the students who completed the programme and their effort, participation, progress, and energy throughout the 10 sessions.

In further support of our Year 9s' wellbeing, resilience and self-development, all Year 9 Ako classes will be given the opportunity to attend the one-day Pathfinders Programme (run by facilitators from Skylight). Keep a look out in Term 3 and 4.

News

Sport & Cultural Group Photos

Sport & Cultural Group Photos - Tuesday 18 August 2026

Course Fair and Course Selection

On Wednesday 5 August we held our Course and Careers Fair where students had the opportunity to talk to each Learning Area and discuss their options for 2027.

Career News #9

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.

RYDA Workshop

On Wednesday 6 August, 21 Year 12 and 13 students attended the RYDA programme to learn all about road safety. They went to six workshops where they learnt about blind spots, noticing potential hazards, speeding and stopping, road choices, distractions, and their impact on driving.

They also heard from members of the police, including a crash investigator, and an ex-SHC student Bridie Young who was involved in a serious car crash 5 years ago. A couple of highlights from the Year 13s who attended were the role plays about distractions in a car when taking passengers and seeing a 5-star vehicle drive at various speeds before slamming on the brakes to see how long it took to stop. Mrs Holly Hueston

Trades

This year we have 19 students attending Wellington Trades Academy taking a range of different courses from barbering, baking/cafe service, construction, automotive engineering, health and salon environment. It gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, try out different industries and discover what interests them most.

We have three new courses being added next year, which is very exciting. These are early childhood education, health care kickstart, and police and uniformed services preparation. These are offered by NZMA and NZIS.

Kate Baird and I had the opportunity this week to go and visit some of them on site at the Petone and Porirua campuses, which was amazing. Our learners are all doing incredibly well, and their tutors have only positive things to say about them. Mrs Holly Hueston

Science

It’s been a busy start to the term in the Science Department, with lots of hands-on learning happening across all year levels.

Our Level 2 chemists have been hard at work in the lab for their titrations internal, getting to grips with precision glassware and standard solutions. Our junior classes had a great time with eye dissections- a slightly messy favourite that allows students to explore the connection between light, structure, and sight.

On the STEM front, our EPro8 team are tackling mock challenges to get competition ready for September.

Meanwhile, senior students are being encouraged to put a revision plan in place for their upcoming derived grade exams in Week 10. It is a demanding time, but putting in the consistent effort now will make all the difference come exam time.

Code Red

The NZCAF Hip Hop Regionals were held on Saturday 25 July at Aotea College. Our school hip hop crew, Code Red, competed in the Same School Mega Crew section. Their performance in the finals saw Code Red awarded the gold medal for this section. Congratulations to all the dancers in the crew for working hard to bring together a fantastic performance in the finals. Thank you to our amazing leaders Cassidy, Stella and Addison for all the work you have put into Code Red this year.

Congratulations also to the dancers from SHC who competed with crews from their dance school in the open section, achieving outstanding results.

Nakanao Exchange Students

This month we have been delighted to host 10 students from Nakano, Tokyo, who were staying with their Sacred Heart College buddies from last September’s exchange. During their time in Wellington, the group has enjoyed a range of local activities including laser strike, ten pin bowling, a visit to the cat café, shopping excursions, and trips to the beach.

They have spent a week immersed in school life, observing classes and joining in the fun and learning in Japanese lessons. It has been a wonderful opportunity for both SHC and Nakano students to strengthen friendships, share cultures, and create lasting memories.

I am looking forward to taking ten of our Year 10 students to Japan these September holidays.

Lockdown Drill

On Thursday 30 July at 10:50am we carried out a lockdown drill to test our emergency procedures and processes. Parents/Caregivers should have received a text and email informing that the school was in lockdown, and another text / email informing that the lockdown had been lifted. Please email Anna Peszynski [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns relating to our lockdown drill.

Young Vinnies Donation Day

On Wednesday 29 July, Young Vinnies coordinated a winter donation drive, collecting canned and dried food, warm clothing, and blankets for those doing it tough this season. The initiative was a huge success, with an incredible amount of donations generously given by our school community.

These donations will help support local families in Lower Hutt (via St Vincent de Paul), Stokes Valley Food Bank, and the Sisters of Compassion Soup Kitchen in Wellington. Three outstanding organisations that make a significant difference in the lives of many people.

Wellbeing - Loves-Me-Not Programme

This will be held on Friday, 21 August for all Year 12 students. Students will be working in their Ako groups along with members of the Police, school staff and other facilitators.

The programme aims to equip young people with practical skills to identify harmful behaviours early, intervene safely, and build respectful relationships.

Sport News

Within School

Term 4 Sport Registrations are Open

Registrations close on Friday 21 August

College Sport Wellington Road Relays

Sacred Heart entered three teams in the College Sport Wellington Road Relays; a junior, intermediate and senior team. Congratulations to our senior team for coming third- Madison Wos, Savannah Allen, Gwen McGrath and Megan Cardie.

Other Events

Rugby - Under 16 Wellington Squad

Some exciting Rugby news with six students being selected into the Under 16 Rugby Squad in 2026. Congratulations to Mathar Fagasoaia, Susana Halafihi, Ivon Murdoch, Leah-Ray Roil, Aderianna Schaumkel and Meme Warwick Smith on their selection.

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 Tipuna, 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 Matauranga, 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

​Heartbeat