College Newsletter - Thursday 14 April
First day of Term 2 - Monday 2 May
Formal Uniform - Monday 2 & Friday 6 May
Powhiri for new Headmaster Mr Patrick Walsh - Monday 2 May
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Headmaster's Message
A RETURN to BASICS?
Recent events today suggest that History is circular..not linear. As the popular saying goes: "History doesn’t repeat itself but it sure rhymes."
War, inflation, money supply, pandemic, work disruption, secularism and political division. Nothing new with all those issues. History has seen them all and these issues will continue. Interestingly history suggests the time after these disturbing events is followed by a return to basics!
So in education what could be such a return to Basics?
5 ways I suggest:
1. An AGES and STAGES system of learning.
Simply put - by a certain age most students can read certain words, perform certain maths problems, understand certain scientific facts, have been vaccinated etc.
The Ages and Stages approach in education has been ditched in a leeming like race to equality!
Gone would be the facilitative learning approach (mutual ignorance?) in favour of prescriptive content in most major subjects. Knowledge would be linked, have coherence and be integrated.
This avoids the problem of the auto electrician having to Google what is Ohms law when changing a light bulb. The engineer having to wrestle with the difference between density, matter and volume. The economist knowing the difference between stagflation and inflation!
2. An AMBITION for ALL concept for all schools.
The problem with any elitist approach to education is that the Winners-take-all has many losers and produces generations on welfare which is so expensive.
Ambition for all means the horizons are high but the expectations are that students reach these goals.
The tragedy of present educational achievement is not that most students achieve but that the achievement bar is too low and everyone can jump over it without effort!
3. A RETURN to EXTERNALITY in assessments, benchmarking, in presentations for all educational enterprises. We all know the phrase “Physician heal thyself” as something that is not healthy.
A return to basics in education could be:
A Teacher’s job is to teach.
A student’s job is to learn.
A parent’s job is to support the school.
And someone(’s) to measure the effectiveness of these “jobs”...through exams, auditing, inspection etc.
SHC should consider international external exams!
4. A RETURN to TRUTH
Pontus Pilate was prophetic
“What is Truth?”
Not a manicured truth, alternative truth, media manipulated truth, fake news truth, a cancelled truth or an image truth...simply the objective Truth!
Catholic schools do not have a mortgage on truth. But in their hidden DNA there is both a common good gene and a reconciliation gene. There is an awareness that the founder of Christianity said “He is the Way, the Truth and the Life”.
5. A RETURN to PURPOSE
Interestingly it is difficult to find out what is the purpose of New Zealand Education and what are the goals to be achieved.
It is also difficult to find the goals of Catholic Education.
I am sure there are some. It would seem essential for a billion-dollar industry!
A return to basics?
Today is the finish of my 51+ years in Education of Catholic secondary boys.
The bookends of my vocation started at Sacred Heart and finished at Sacred Heart! Both short term appointments. Been great to reconnect.
Thank you to this wonderful community of Sacred Heart, the competent and engaging Senior Leadership Team, the strong and caring body of teachers, the supportive Board of Trustees led by Brendon Gibson, the backstory of the College in support staff and the various Boards that make up this community.
Among other things I intend to walk the Spanish Camino De Santiago...some 1000kms in a search for personal simplicity.
With Easter Blessings to all our young men and families.
In His Peace
K.F. Fouhy
Acting Headmaster
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Congratulations this week to:
- Academic Awards
- Christian Gerson (Year 9) - for his dedication to learning, setting goals and achieving outstanding results.
- Noah Hamilton (Year 9) - for his diligence, sound study habits and working hard to attain results.
- Huey Johnson (Year 8) - for demonstrating maturity and development and consistent engagement across all subjects.
- Leo McDermott (Year 7) - for a conscientious and consistent academic effort and aspiring to academic excellence in all his work.
- Marist Man Awards
- Sam O’Dwyer (Year 8) - for his presence for others, offering support, being responsible and completing his work to a high standard.
- Francesco Oyaka (Year 8) - for sharing his knowledge to enhance the learning of others.
- Mr Kieran Fouhy - for his outstanding leadership and guidance, care and compassion for students, staff and the whole Sacred Heart College community.
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Special Character
Easter Sunday 14 April 2022
As our term finishes, well done on getting this far! This term has had many disruptions due to COVID and, no doubt, there will be more to come. I pray everyone has an opportunity to rest and recreate during these next two weeks.
At the beginning of our first term break is the Easter Triduum. The celebrations of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, bring about the Easter Octave - the eight days of Easter.
On Holy Thursday the church remembers the Last Supper where at the Passover celebrations Jesus shows us the model of servant leadership by washing his disciples feet and then institutes the Eucharist and the Priesthood.
On Good Friday, we remember the Passion and Death of Our Lord with readings and the veneration of the cross.
The Easter Vigil brings with it the lighting of the Easter Candle, its procession through the darkened church and the singing of the Exultet. The Baptismal water is blessed and the Easter Eucharist is celebrated.
Hopefully you can make one or all of the celebrations.
Easter celebrates Christ’s Resurrection from the dead that brings eternal life to the world. May that peace and joy of the Easter season be upon you and your loved ones.
Fr Stephen Berecz
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Easter Artwork
This year the Intermediate teachers are focusing on integrating the arts within the Religious Education programme. For the past two weeks, classes have been learning about Holy Week, with a specific focus on the hope that Easter offers us, through the Risen Christ. What awesome work we now have displayed in our classrooms to celebrate such a special time in the Church’s calendar! Christ’s blessings to all learners and their whanau for a holy and safe Easter break.
Jolan Search – Head of Intermediate Curriculum
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Young Vinnies - Ukraine Fundraisers
Badges
We have sold around 500 badges and have 250 left to sell. If anyone would like a bulk order for their business/friends please email Daria Spence dspence@sacredheart.school.nz. They cost $2 each, with $1 dollar from each badge donated to Caritas Ukraine.
A big thank you to Tommy Petrov and Fredy Cheerakathil Joby for their great sales skills!
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Movie Night
Thank you to everyone who supported the movie fundraiser at the Silky Otter on Tuesday night. We raised close to $1000! Thank you to Silky Otter for their support. All proceeds will go to Caritas Ukraine.
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Mother and Son Mass and Breakfast - Friday 13 May
We are pleased to be able to hold the first of the two Mother and Son Mass and Breakfasts on Friday 13 May - Week 2, Term 2. The second Mother and Son Mass and Breakfast will be held on Friday 5 August. Please note tickets will go on sale next week, with limited numbers. The event will be advertised via our SHC Facebook page.
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Academic
Academic Reporting for 2022
Recently you should have received details regarding the academic reporting that you will receive for your son for 2022. This included the following dates in Term 2:
Academic Tracking evenings (Year 11-13) will be held early in Term 2:
- Year 13 - Week 2 - Wednesday, 11 May 2022 (4pm – 7pm)
- Year 12 - Week 3 - Wednesday, 18 May 2022 (4pm – 7pm)
- Year 11 - Week 4 - Wednesday, 25 May 2022 (4pm – 7pm)
Mid-year assessment week
- Year 9-10 - Weeks 4 & 5 - Friday 27 May - Tuesday 31 May
- Year 8 - Week 5 - Monday 30 May - Tuesday 31 May
- Year 11-13 - Weeks 5 & 6 - Wednesday 1 June - Wednesday 8 June
Please note, Year 7 do not sit exams at this time, but will continue to complete end-of-unit tests for their subjects.
Parent-Teacher evenings - Wednesday 29 June (A-L) and Wednesday 6 July (M-Z). Booking details will be emailed in due course.
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Exam Assistance - Volunteers Required
Our mid-year exams/assessments for Years 8-13 are scheduled to be held in late May/early June.
We are seeking volunteers from the school community to help students who require assistance with reading and/or writing their exams/assessments. We already have a number of parents and grandparents who have volunteered as reader/writers for several years and have found it very rewarding and enjoyable. We would now like to extend this to others who may be able to help.
If you think you would be able to assist, even if it is for just one exam session or day, or would like more information, please contact Ann Howard or call 09 529 3660 ext 790. Please note that reader/writers are not required to have any specialist subject knowledge.
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Read & Write Gold
This is a reminder that Read & Write Gold is available to all students at Sacred Heart College. This is a Literacy Toolbar for Google Chrome that provides personalised support, making documents more accessible. Click here to install the extension. To access all premium features, sign-in using your Sacred Heart College account.
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Pastoral Care
Winter Uniform from Term 2
From the start of Term 2, all students are expected to be in Winter Uniform. Please ensure you have all the necessary items prior to the school holidays.
Years 7 to 10
Long-sleeved shirt
Shorts
Jersey
Black lace-up shoes with Sacred Heart school socks
Years 11 to 13
Long-sleeved shirt
Trousers (with black leather belt)
Jersey
Blazer
Black lace-up shoes and black socks
Year 13
Students may purchase the Senior winter shirt
Trousers (with black leather belt)
Jersey
Blazer
Black lace-up shoes and black socks
View all uniform requirements here.
Student Appearance and Grooming
A reminder about the College guidelines around student general appearance. A number of students are needing a haircut to meet grooming expectations. We ask for your support in ensuring these expectations are followed, as outlined below:
- Hair must be clean, tidy, above the collar and not over the eyes or ears. Students are not permitted to shave their head. A No. 2 and above are permitted
- Colouring, dyes or hair styles such as No. 1, plaits, braids, spikes, side shavings and long fringes are not permitted
- Students at all levels must be clean-shaven and sideburns should not be below the earlobe.
- Tattoos are not permitted
- Body piercing is not permitted
- Students are expected to follow hygiene basics to protect themselves against body and foot odour.
Cyber-safety
During the Easter break there is likely to be an increase in the use of technology and online platforms. Please take the time to ensure you are aware of the platforms and websites that your son is using/visiting. If your family requires support in this area, Netsafe has many excellent resources to help with this. The Online Safety Parent Toolkit in particular is very useful.
https://www.netsafe.org.nz/advice/parenting/
https://www.netsafe.org.nz/parenttoolkit/
Free Internet Safety Filter for Parents
The Ministry of Education together with N4L and Netsafe, have launched Switched-On Safety - a free way to block the worst of the web for students. Please click on this link www.switchonsafety.co.nz and follow the instructions.
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SHC Hostel
The inaugural Junior Boarders Challenge - 2022
Last weekend we held our very first Junior Boarders Challenge - a relay of Year 9 and 10 boarders who covered 11 kilometres from St Heliers Beach to Orakei Marine and back, along the beautiful waterfront pathway of Tamaki Drive. Each runner completing the run, passing their team’s baton to the runner in front until they finished the relay where they first started.
The relay was timed and recorded off the first and last runner for the entire Junior group. It was a team challenge, so supporting others to complete each leg of the relay served everyone and was key to the entire group setting a time of 2 hours and 37 minutes. That finishing time set by the 2022 Junior Boarders will now be their wero/challenge for future junior boarders to better.
The Junior boarders trained towards this physical and mental challenge for over 2 months. They completed after-school and early morning sessions involving running, rowing, stationary biking, swimming and circuits. Many had to push themselves well out of their comfort zone, but this will serve them and the group well across challenges they will inevitably face in the future and now they have established a tradition for others to follow.
Staff, family, friends, and whanau of our junior boarders joined them on the day to support and assist with the event! It was wonderful to see them participate in an event that will only get bigger and better each year from here on in. Thank you!
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End of Term 1 Departure and Return for Term 2 information for Boarders
Thursday 14 April 2022
3.15pm – 6pm: All boarders depart for the holidays from the Hostel
Sunday 1 May 2022
3pm – 8pm: All boarders return to the Hostel for the start of Term 2
8pm: Supper in the dining room
Note: No returns to the Hostel on Monday 2 May, morning. Dormitories will be locked at 8am for breakfast, reopening after school at 3.15pm.
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Sport
Basketball
Our 1st V Basketball team made history last night advancing into the Auckland Premier Grade with a win over St Peter’s College in their promotion-relegation game. After a strong 34-20 start in front of a vocal St Peter’s crowd, our boys continued that momentum into the 2nd quarter, leading by 16 at the half. St Peter’s closed the gap to 9 after the 3rd, but a surge in the final quarter saw the boys extend their lead to an eventual 91-78 victory. Our team wish to thank all our supporters both at the game and via our online livestream, and look forward to seeing you all throughout the upcoming season!
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SHC Basketball Supporters Gear
This year we have hoodies and t-shirts for sale for our loyal SHC supporters! The designs are available in high-quality navy blue AS Colour.
The prices are $60 for a hoodie, and $35 for a t-shirt. There is the option to have your name printed on the back for an additional $10. Please see size guides here: Hoodie & T-shirt.
Click here to order.
Please note that orders close strictly on Wednesday 20 April. For any questions, please email craig.smith@outlook.co.nz.
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Sailing
The sailing team competed on the water again last weekend in the RZNYS Harken Secondary Schools Keel Boat regatta. The boys showed good speed upwind but could not match this on the downwind legs, particularly in the lighter breezes on Sunday. The picture shows the team, from left to right: Rory Sims, Sam Gowen, Oliver Davidson and Blake Cooper.
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Swimming
Congratulations to Nathanial Hunt (Year 12) who won GOLD in the 50m Senior Freestyle at the Auckland College Sport Swimming champs earlier this week. His time of 24.75 breaks a longstanding school record too! Congratulations Nathanial – a reward for all your hard work.
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Water Polo
Winter Wave Water Polo
Places are filling fast for our Winter Wave Program but if you would like to join the fun then please register by emailing devans@sacredheart.school.nz as soon as possible. The program has been designed by our Director of Water Polo Justin Pickering to improve skills and confidence in the water and encourage participation. The Round Robin games will be held over 7 weeks, followed by a finals week where the winning team will receive the Sacred Heart Winter Wave Trophy!
When: The programme will begin on Saturday 15 May, with finals to be held on Saturday 3 July 2022. Sessions will be from 8am-9am or 9am-10am and consist of 30 minutes skills and training followed by a 30 minute game.
Where: Sacred Heart Aquatic Centre.
Who: Open to all Year 7, 8 and 9 boys.
Cost: $160 per player for the 8 week season which will be charged to your son's school account.
We are proud to be a premier water polo school, and we hope to grow and develop the boys' love of the game and have fun! More information can be found here.
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Recent Results
Our Sacred Heart Prem Team challenged Rangitoto for the Auckland League Championship on Sunday and unfortunately it wasn’t to be, with our boys coming away with Silver. Wishing the team all the very best as they move their focus to the ultimate goal of Nationals in 2 weeks’ time.
Our A2 Team beat Westlake Boys on Friday 7-5 to remain undefeated and finish top of the table in the Senior A Boys Competition. An awesome effort and well done boys!!
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Junior One Day Tournament
The third College Sport ODT was held last Saturday with our Sacred Blue team powering their way to 3 consecutive wins. There were plenty of goals scored against Kristin 15-3, Auckland Grammar 11-4 and Western Springs 19-1.
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Our Red Team continued to improve their skills with some great passing and teamwork. Keep up the great work boys, this is just the beginning! Massive thanks to our coaches and managers for organising the teams and helping them to play at their best. A great day of fun for all!
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Careers
University of Canterbury
Students who enjoy subjects like history, social studies, english, art, humanities or languages can nurture their passions at the upcoming UC Arts holiday event, Thursday 28 April 9am-1pm. Find out more here.
University of Otago University
Tertiary Open Days will be held on Sunday 31 July and Monday 1 August. If you haven’t already done so, please visit this page to register to receive updates and information https://www.otago.ac.nz/open-days/.
University of Waikato
Hamilton campus Open Days are on Friday 27th May, 9am - 2pm and Saturday 28th May, 10am - 2pm. Register for the Hamilton campus Open Days here.
Tauranga campus Open Days are on Friday 17th June, 9am - 1pm and Saturday 18th June, 10am - 2pm. Register for the Tauranga campus Open Days here.
On the Fridays of Open Days we will be providing FREE buses from Auckland to the Hamilton campus and back to Auckland, and from Auckland to the Tauranga campus and back to Auckland.
Register for the FREE bus to the Hamilton campus Open Day on Friday 27th May here.
Register for the FREE bus to the Tauranga campus Open Day on Friday 17th June here.
Whitecliff April Holiday Programme
For students interested in Arts, Digital Media or Information Technology here are the perfect holiday workshops: Digital Media & Design, 20 April, 10am - 2pm; Arts & Design, 21 April, 9.30am - 3pm; Information Technology, 29 April, 10am - 2pm (Manukau only). Register by clicking here.
New Zealand College of Chiropractic
Interested in a career in chiropractic? The New Zealand College of Open Day is coming up on Saturday, 14 May. On the day, you’ll get the chance to listen to a range of speakers and talk to some of the current students and staff. You’ll get to take a tour of the campus and Chiropractic Centre and participate in a hands-on session. Register now here: http://chiropractic.ac.nz/event/open-day-may-2022/.
Defence Force
Information Evenings are being held on the following dates, 5.45pm - 7.45pm:
Please click on the above date preferred and click either "interested" or "going". When Facebook opens the event (which is normally about 24 - 48hrs prior to the event), the button saying "join event" will highlight, and you will be given the virtual room link from there.
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College Information
Job Vacancies
Events and Facilities Manager
An opportunity as Events & Facilities Manager has become available. Primarily this role will lead and drive our College-wide events, designing and implementing the delivery of a range of key College functions. A pivotal role within our College and community, this will see the successful applicant involved with both internal and external events such as fundraiser dinners, concerts, awards ceremonies, theatre performances and involvement with large sporting events. For more information please visit our website.
Director of Rowing
Sacred Heart College is looking to appoint a Director of Rowing for the 2022/2023 season. As Director of Rowing you will lead the College rowing programme on and off the water with the support of the Rowing Committee and the Director of Sports. For more information please visit our website.
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2021-2022 Tax Receipts
These will be emailed to parents before the end of April, 2022.
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