From the Principal
Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
As we continue to contemplate what it means to be People of the Resurrection, the “Good News” (Gospel) is this: You are loved. You are unique. You are free. You are on the way. You are going somewhere. Your life has meaning. That is all grounded in the experience, knowledge and reality of the unconditional Love of God… put, God is Love and the message of the Gospels makes that clear. Adapted from Richard Rohr. Wishing everyone the ongoing Joy of Easter and the audacious Hope of the Resurrection.
Kia tau te rangimaarie i runga i a koutou katoa – may the peace from above settle on all of us – have a restful break (if you get one), though a break in routine is just as restful.
Kia pai te raa whakataa – have a good weekend.
Tupaia Tapasā Quest Competition
Pasifika Perfection
The Inaugural Tupaia Tapasā Quest took place last week at Waikato University. Secondary schools were invited to compete in a three-day event that showcased Pasifika culture and excellence through oratory competition, Kilikiti, and performance.
On Friday, we had students compete in a Junior and Senior Kilikiti team, and the officials named two of our students MVPs! Junior Kilikiti MVP – Paige Vave and Senior MVP – Henaka Tusa Soagia.
Our Pasifika performance group took the stage on Saturday, showcasing Tonga, Kiribati and Samoa dances. We are proud to announce that Sacred Heart Girls’ College Pasifika group were awarded the following accolades:
First place – Best Costume
Second place – Best Choreography
Second place – Skill and performance
Third place – Sportsmanship
Third place – Group dynamic
Overall, second place of the Mana Pasifika Shield!
Well done to our Pasifika stage performers, and thank you to all the teachers and families who worked behind the scenes to prepare the girls.
It does take a village to raise a child, and we are so grateful for ours.
What this means for us
Going into the Tupaia Tapasā Challenge for the first time, I had no expectations of being awarded anything. I just wanted to go out there and show my love for our cultures, so coming away with all these recognitions and awards has set the standard for our girls for the coming years. As the Pasifika Perspective Leader, I feel a great sense of pride in all of our group’s achievements on Saturday. Placing second overall in the Tupaia challenge signifies and recognises the hard work and dedication all of us have put into our preparation for the event. As both their peer and leader, I am incredibly proud of every single one of our girls who went out and showcased such a beautiful performance in front of our families, friends, and the wider community.
Winning ‘Best Costume’ highlighted those who worked in the background and their acts of service and contribution to our group. The mothers, aunties, and grandmothers volunteered their time and effort to make our outfits for the event. Again, I would like to send them a massive thank you because we may not have received this award without them. I would also like to thank our mentors, teachers, musicians, and student leaders who did their part in preparing us for the event and all our supporters who came down on Saturday to cheer us on. Seeing the support our girls received from the long hours of practice to the day of our performance has helped me recognise the incredible love and resilience we have within our school and out-of-school communities.
For me, it isn’t all about the awards we receive in the end; it is about the journey we took and the obstacles we overcame to get there.
Pasifika Perspective Leader – Lavelua Kaufononga
Secondary Schools Kilikiti
For the third time running, our Junior and Senior teams competed in the secondary school Kilikiti Competition at the University of Waikato in conjunction with the Tupaia Tapasā Quest Competition. It was another excellent opportunity to celebrate and grow our Pacific culture. Although it is very similar to cricket, some differences make the game of Kilikiti challenging. Team spirit and singing is also an essential part of the game. Although we won none of our games, the scores were very close. Two students were named MVPs: Henaka Tusa Soagia and Paige Vave.
Level 1 PE Camp
The Level 1 PE class recently spent two wonderful days in Raglan, setting up camp at the Raglan Holiday Park. Students learnt an essential lesson in Pitching a Tent 101 — the tent fly must not touch the tent’s outer, or it will leak! Thank you to Mrs Knight and Mrs Eshuis’s executive chef skills, which kept the girls well-fed.
A standout moment was undoubtedly The Amazing Race, in true SHGC style. Students worked in teams to solve clues and adventure around Te Kopua Beach. Tasks included eating Weetbix, topped with Marmite and washed down with chocolate milk, finding Mrs Knight decked out in her camo gear hiding on the beach, and digging in the sand for their final clue. The camp’s central theme, kotahitanga, was beautifully exemplified through the whakatauki “He Waka Eke Noa” – we are all in this together.
Year 11 History & Social Science Trip
On Monday, April 8th, our Year 11 History and Social Studies classes went to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The two classes focused on two key exhibits: the World War I displays, and the newly unveiled Te Rā and Te Rā Ringa Raupā exhibits.
The first part of our visit gave the students an in-depth look at the history of World War I. They enjoyed the comprehensive collection of artefacts, photographs, and narratives of soldiers, nurses and civilians during this period. Students were able to deepen their understanding of the war’s impact on New Zealand and its place in global history.
Closer to home, the Te Rā and Te Rā Ringa Raupā exhibit centred around a significant cultural artefact—Te Rā, the Māori sail, was a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of the Māori people. The return of this sail, which the museum successfully repatriated from another country, was a significant item for them to view and gain a great understanding of.
Throughout the day, our students were not just passive observers but active participants in learning. They asked insightful questions, made connections to their classroom learning, and showed genuine curiosity.
High School Musical Success!
This past Saturday, the curtain fell on this year’s Sacred Heart Girls’ College and St John’s Production of High School Musical.
What a toe-tapping show this was, with some catchy tunes, cool moves and a budding romance thrown in the mix.
Each show was performed to a sell-out crowd at the Meteor Theatre in Hamilton. Thanks to everyone who came along, and a massive shout out to the cast and crew for a fantastic, polished stage production!
Look at these snapshots; what a talented, creative cast and crew!
International News
Thai Students Farewelled
Yesterday, we farewelled the last of our Term 1 short-stay students from Thailand. Each of them has brought such joy to our school community. We’ll miss them all – their infectious humour, unwavering eagerness to embrace new challenges, the respect they’ve shown, their bright smiles, and their maturity that defies their youth.
We wish Ada, Janie, Nana, Oyl, Plern, Harbin and Namwan safe travels and a reminder that once a part of Sacred Heart, always a part of Sacred Heart.
Notice Board
Tooth Group
The Ministry of Health and DHB must ensure all students under the age of 18 have access to FREE dental care. Our team of clinical experts take pride as we play our part in providing oral health services, helping to empower and improve the smiles and well-being of the adolescents of Sacred Heart College.
What is your child entitled to?
All students up until their 18th birthday (who are eligible and meet the criteria) can access FREE basic dental care. The dental care is provided on-site at Sacred Heart College so your child’s experience is as seamless and convenient as possible.
How Do I Enrol or Decline the service available to my child?
Enrolling or declining the service is simple! Click the link here.
School Parking
Please use either Cook Street or Firth Street entrances to drop off or pick up your daughter. There has been an increase in dropping off students in the morning at the Clyde Street carpark, this is proving to be a safety issue. Thank you.
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, whānau must inform Miss Gunn. Please email Ms Ritchie at pa@shgcham.school.nz explaining why she is absent – e.g., a holiday during term time.
Our Vision
Ignite the Passion: inspiring young women to change the world – me aro ki te hā o Hineahuone!