Sacred Heart Girls’ College specifically offers an education which is integrated in the catholic faith by prayer, worship and religious instruction.

It is a catholic school which exercises its right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ. It is also essentially a caring school, where each person is cared for and valued as a member of its Christian community.

The staff of the college work in close liaison with the parents in striving towards its goals. The beliefs, practices and values that have already been laid down in the home are built upon in the school.

Faith is an integral part of the school, with every opportunity being taken to strengthen the personal beliefs of the students, leading eventually to a personal commitment in faith on their part. For this reason, and to make sure that the special character is upheld, an undertaking is required by parents upon enrolment of each student that their daughter participates in regular instruction and worship.

The College has a chaplain who joins the College to celebrate liturgies of eucharist and reconciliation.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

In the religious education program our faith, its values and its meaning are explored at different levels throughout the school.

The national syllabus prepared by the National Centre for Religious Studies is followed in Years 9 – 11.

In Year 12 and 13 there is a more intellectual approach to the understanding of the moral doctrinal and social teachings of the church.

Retreats are an essential requirement for each class during the year. These are a time when the students can withdraw from school classes and spend a time in prayer, reflection and thoughtful discussion. Through the sharing of one’s beliefs and values, a retreat can be a very deep and meaningful experience, forging as well, bonds of friendship, understanding and unity within each form.

PASTORAL CARE

The pastoral care network is a support system in the school so that each student can be helped to get the most out of her time at the college.

Guidance and counseling is based on the recognition of the dignity and worth of each individual and the aim is to increase a student’s capacity to take responsibility for her own direction.

The network in the school begins with the form teachers, who, with the dean at each level have a special interest in the welfare of the group of students under their care. The school has a full time counselor who is available to students and to parents.

Senior students work in with junior Form classes, giving them an opportunity for leadership and providing a system of peer support. Senior students also assist voluntarily with tutoring of junior students who may ask for help.

COMMUNITY AND LEADERSHIP

Students are encouraged to participate fully in groups which bring to life the special character of the College. Examples of these include:

SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving)

Promotes student awareness of this issue throughout the year, and especially during a special focus week.

Social Action

The aim of the social action is to raise awareness of social issues both within and beyond New Zealand. Students visit Patrica Avenue special school to interact with pupils there. Through the Age Concern Group, students can train to become accredited visitors to visit the elderly who are in resthomes or in their own homes. The St Vincent de Paul group organises activities to support those in the community who are under privileged. They may organise food collections or fundays for young children.

Amnesty International

A school branch of this international organisation co-ordinates letter writing campaigns, and raises student awareness of human rights violations throughout the world.

Greenpeace

Is active in national and international projects to protect the environment. At the school level students get ‘hands on’ experience in recycling, and cleaning up local trouble spots.

School Council

Each form level elects representatives onto the school council which is chaired by the head girl. Committees have responsibility for different aspects of school life. Students take on projects, the most recent being to erect a large shade sail in the school grounds.

Houses

Students belong to one of six houses, each led by a house leader and two deputies. The houses co-ordinate student efforts at Swimming and Athletic sports, and on Sacred Heart Day.

Leadership opportunities within the houses are provided at each level.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh Award operates at the college, giving students opportunities to develop leadership skills through an international program, in skill, service, physical activity, and expeditions. Activities are organised and supported to help students qualify for Bronze, Silver and Gold badges.

The award is recognised by employers and the community.