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​Heartbeat

Issue 9 - June 2026

From the Principal/Tumuaki 


Schools are always busy. However it does feel as if we have had a busier than usual month, with many achievements and events to celebrate. The Barbershop Choirs and Quartet earned a place at the national competition in September. We successfully hosted O'Shea Shield. A huge thank you to our students and whānau who were supporters, especially with hospitality - maanakitanga. Our 1st XI Hockey and Senior A Netball travelled to New Plymouth to compete for the Mission Cup and Te Toa Cup against other RNDM Colleges from Hamilton, Napier and New Plymouth. On the same Friday of King's Birthday we had a strong rōpū attend Ngā Manu Kōrero. We have also completed the first round of CAA assessments for reading, writing and mathematics, held Open Days last week alongside celebrating Samoan Language Week, and our choir competed in The Big Sing on Wednesday.

 

It has been wonderful to see so many parents on site for learning conversations this term. We truly value and appreciate this partnership in supporting our young people.

 

On Sunday 24 May, we celebrated Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples were fearful and in hiding, yet at Pentecost they were transformed and filled with the courage to go out and be witnesses to their faith. As a school, we have been reflecting on what it means to be a witness: living a life we are proud of, and acting with courage and integrity, especially when no one is watching.

 

As we move into the final three weeks of the term, we hope to maintain our energy and focus. Assessments will be due, HuttFest performances are approaching and our sport teams continue to train hard and achieve strong results. We are all conscious that the days get dark quicker and we feel the cold of winter upon us. May we be comforted with the passage from Joshua 1:9  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

 

Ngā mihi nui

Katrina Kerr-Bell


TERM DATES



What's On


17 June - Aubert & Barbier Feast Days 

19 June - SHC Quiz Night

Buy your Quiz tickets here

24 June - School Board Meeting

7.00pm in the SHC Library

25-26 June - HuttFest

30 June - St Mary's Sport Exchange

3 July - Last day of Term 3




SHC Uniform Requirements

Please read here  


Second-Hand Uniform Donations

We are running low on uniform items for hardship support. If you have any pre-loved uniform pieces to donate, we would greatly appreciate them. Please drop them off at the main reception.


Uniform Shop Hours 

From 15 June the uniform shop will be open Monday 8.30-9.30am, Wednesday 1.00-3.00pm & Thursday 8.30-9.30am each week during term time .


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]


Uniform Expectations

A reminder about our uniform expectations, we appreciate your support in upholding these standards. If students are unable to wear the correct uniform, they should see their Ako teacher to obtain a pass. In particular, we value your support in ensuring your student wears her tie and adheres to the jewellery guidelines.


Winter Uniform - Terms 2 and 3

Winter Blouse - white, long-sleeved  (replaces Summer short sleeved)

Tie - Years 9-12 (red) and Year 13 (grey patterned)

Shoes - closed shoes (black school shoes with tights or white ankle socks) or sandals (black or brown with backstrap)

Tights - Optional

Black jackets / parkas - worn over shirt or blazer to and from school.  Worn between classrooms, not in class.

Scarf - Optional


Physical Education

Regulation PE top, black regulation shorts/black leggings, socks, sport shoes, (SHC red hoodie optional), bag for physical education gear.


Hair

Hair must be tied up in PE, Science, Technology, Art and Food & Nutrition.  Hair tied up for all formal occasions. Hair accessories must be black, brown, neutral, or bergundy.


Make-up and Nail Varnish

Make-up, and nail varnish (on toes and fingers), are not permitted.

Jewellery

Jewellery is limited to a watch, cross and chain, or taonga. Two pairs of small sleepers and/or studs may be worn in earlobes. No other visible jewellery is permitted.  No big hoop earrings.

Ngā Manu Kōrero

On Friday 29 May, the following students represented the College at Ngā Manu Kōrero Regionals hosted by St Patrick's College, Silverstream. 


Tracey Tupuivao (Year 13) - Senior Māori - Pei Te Hurunui section

Alex Doile (Year 12) - Senior English - Korimako Section

Aria Campbell (Year 9) - Junior Māori - Rāwhiti Ihaka Section

Harper Carey (Year 9) - Junior English - Sir Turi Carroll Section

Maia Morgan (Year 9) - Junior English - Sir Turi Carroll Section


Tracey was scored 100% for her speech by one of the judges. We had 22 students supporting. A huge thank you to Whaea Tawai and Rachel Widrig for all their mahi and preparation of our students and to Ms Taeao who supported the roopu throughout the day.

Open Mornings

Last Thursday and Friday we had our Open Mornings. There was a strong group of young people checking us out, looking forward to 2027. Our enrolments close this Friday, 12 June. A huge thank you for supporting our Kura and promoting it in the community. Any inquiries for enrolments can go to Claire at [email protected]

Samoan Language Week

We had a great week celebrating Samoan Language Week.  The 2026 theme for Samoa Language Week is "'E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u - From the high mountains are the blessings of the village."

We began on Tuesday with the raising of the Samoan flag and singing the national anthem, then at lunchtime on the netball courts for a game of Lape. Thursday the Year 9 Samoan Language Rotation class had a shared Samoan lunch with SLT and the Senior Gagna Samoan Students. Friday we had a celebration of dance in the PAC and the Pacific staff hosted morning tea for the staff full of Samoan treats. Thank you to Ms Tuese, Miss Poasa, Miss Brown, Miss Liko and Ms Taeao for all their support.

Madison Nuttall

Madi Nuttall (S9JP) has been selected in the United Care Kids Ministers Cohort 2026. 


It is a great opportunity for her to learn about the NZ government and engage in some exciting discussions and learning opportunities alongside this great group of children. Per official website, "This inspiring group of young leaders represents around 20 schools across four cities in Aotearoa New Zealand - Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Each child has stepped into a ministry role, building confidence, understanding leadership, and learning how to contribute meaningfully to their communities from an early age." Congratulations, Madi. 

Loyal Service

We have been privileged to have a number of staff serve our community with loyalty and dedication over a significant period of time. Many of them began their journey with us as very young teachers, probably since the start of their careers, and have grown alongside our school. Maybe some were early teens ...


Today, as part of Feast Day we acknowledged staff who have 20, 25, 30 and  35 years of service to Sacred Heart College. Their commitment, passion and steadfast support of our students and community have helped shape the special character and strength of our kura.


In a Catholic community, we recognise that this kind of faithful service is more than a profession, it is a vocation. Through their work, they have answered God's call to serve, to nurture, and to walk alongside our young people with love, patience and wisdom.

20 Years of Service

Anna Peszynski (2025)

John Chote (2025)

Maria Kerr (2024)

Martin Curwen (2024)

Kate Baird (2023)


25 Years of Service

Carole Taylor (2026)


30 Years of Service

Tawai Frost (2025)


35 Years of Service

Anne Davie (2025)

Safety Hub

Body Image and the Quest for Online Validation

  • The digital age has led to young people facing pressure for picture perfection and tying their self-worth to the number of likes they receive on online posts.

  • The media's unrealistic beauty standards and image alterations contribute to body image issues in young people.

  • Parents can promote positive body image by monitoring social media habits, watching for red flags, initiating conversations, and discussing the negative impact of image alterations. They should also focus on qualities and accomplishments beyond looks and encourage non-looks-based role models.

For more information check out the Sacred Heart College Safety Hub

Sport

Mission Cup / Te Toa

Mission Cup

Last weekend the Sacred Heart College Senior A Netball team set off to New Plymouth to compete in the annual Mission Cup against our Mission sister schools from all over New Zealand. Coming back as reigning champs we knew we were in for a challenge. Each school brought their very best to this tournament. A huge congratulations to the winners SHC Hamilton who we lost to by 4 in a nail biter of a game on day one. 


Coming away from a successful campaign with 3rd place I would like to give thanks to the people who made it happen. Our coach Ana So'otaga and manager Claire Risk. An even bigger thank you to the school, our supporters, and parents who made it possible to go. Lastly, our thanks to the Mission Sisters who started this tournament and to the people who continue to carry on this beautiful tradition.  Kayla Little, Head of Sport

Te Toa

During the recent King's Birthday weekend the first X1 Hockey team competed in the Te Toa shield against our other Mission Sister schools in New Plymouth. This tournament gives us the opportunity to connect with other sister schools and build new connections whilst having some friendly rivalry.  The hockey team fought against some tough competition and won two games and lost the other two against some really tough competition. 


A massive thanks to the coaches Hugh Rosemergy and Subs Narasy and our manager Davina Smith who took time to support us during this tournament. Finally a big thanks to the players for their efforts and drive throughout the whole tournament. Playing four games in two days is hard work and we couldn't do it without the support of the team. Matilda Smith (LO13JG)

News

SHC Quiz Night

Sign-ups for Sacred Heart’s annual Quiz Night are now open. Come and join us in raising money for Greenstone Doors on Friday 19 June in the SHC PAC. Tables for 4-6 people are $80, with complimentary snacks and drinks. Be ready for a night of fun, filled with raffles, auctions, entertainment, and awards.

Read More

Career News #6

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

Enrolment

Find information about enrolling at Sacred Heart College

Read More

Thank you

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed hygiene products during​​​​ our recent non uniform day. This event was run by the 13 Civics class who were overwhelmed by the response. They are sure many families and students will benefit from this event.


Sienna won the House points competition for the most products with 221.

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