College Newsletter - Friday 24 February
No Formal Uniform Days
House Athletics Day - Friday 3 March
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Headmaster's Message
Tena Koutou Katoa
Sacred Heart College Reset “Sweating the Small Stuff”
We have had a positive start to the term despite the two major weather interruptions. This has included two days of school swimming sports where House and School spirit were clearly evident, and the powhiri for new staff and students. It is self-evident to us and no doubt to you as parents that the last three years have been very disruptive to learning and routines. The College has embarked on a “reset with your sons” which includes strong and regular reminders of our standards and expectations. These include:
- Attend school every day ready to learn
- Wearing the school uniform correctly and with pride
- Having all the necessary school equipment including devices that are fully charged
We also have a focus on the small stuff including socks up, clean shirts, clean-shaven, no chewing gum, saying please and thank you. Some may find these trivial matters, but our experience is that they help shape well-rounded disciplined young men. We have also discovered that if you don’t focus on these matters, teenagers and in particular boys, will push the boundaries and you will be soon dealing with bigger issues. We encourage you to support the College in this reset.
“Literacy” is the key to all learning
Sacred Heart College can be rightly proud of its academic results, particularly at NCEA and scholarship level. It should come as no surprise to you that all of our top academic achievers are very proficient in reading. Strong literacy skills are the key to accessing all curriculum areas including mathematics and science. As parents, you can assist your son’s literacy by:
- Role modelling by reading yourself at home
- Talk to them about the importance of reading
- Check they are putting in reading mileage by a dedicated reading time such half an hour before bed
- Join your local library as a family and select books to read for pleasure and interest
- Encourage your boys to visit the well-resourced Sacred Heart Library
- Monitor the amount of time they spend on “social media and gaming"
Thursday Mass
We are blessed at Sacred Heart to have a large and beautiful chapel with a dedicated Priest Fr Stephen on site to celebrate Mass. I would encourage you to invite your son to attend this every Thursday at lunchtime. Celebrating Mass is central to our Catholic faith.
Patrick Walsh
Headmaster/Tumuaki
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Congratulations this week to:
- Academic Awards
- Harry Wilson (Year 7) - for his determination in all subject areas. Harry consistently tries his very best in everything he does. An excellent start to your time here at Sacred Heart College.
- Blake Kelly (Year 8) - for a diligent approach towards his learning.
- Andrew D'Silva (Year 9) - for his excellent progress in Mathematics already this year.
- Tobias Marco-Ramos (Year 9) - for his excellent progress in Mathematics already this year.
- Anthony Hawke (Year 13) - for gaining 6 scholarships last year including 3 at outstanding. This puts Anthony as one of the top academic students in the country.
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- Sacred Heart Marist Man Awards
- Logan Jennings (Year 11) - for his kindness and maturity in supporting others.
- Hoshiro Takase (Year 11) - for ensuring he understands instructions and expectations and being accommodating and inclusive.
- Flawless Lokeni (Year 13) - for welcoming and serving new students to the College, ensuring they are included and informed.
- Zion Shore (Year 13) - for his contribution to the Powhiri and Kapa Haka group. Zion is welcoming, patient, and supportive toward students and guests at the College.
- Tyler Wilson-Voyce (Year 13) - for his exceptional leadership with basketball, providing support to both coaches and students and guiding the younger cohort through new processes.
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Week 5 - Term 1
MONDAY 27 FEBRUARY
Year 8 Camp
Athletics Prelims, lunchtime
TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY
Scholars' Assembly
Year 8 Camp
Athletics Prelims, lunchtime
WEDNESDAY 1 MARCH
Year 8 Camp
Athletics Prelims, lunchtime
Hostel Board Meeting, 2pm
THURSDAY 2 MARCH
Year 8 Camp
Lunchtime Mass
FRIDAY 3 MARCH
House Athletics Day
SATURDAY 4 MARCH
SUNDAY 5 MARCH
Level 3 History trip to Waikato
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Week 6 - Term 1
MONDAY 6 MARCH
Year 13 Retreat No 1
FiaFia Night, Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start
TUESDAY 7 MARCH
Level 2 Scholars' Assembly
WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH
Formal Uniform
Open Day, Enrolments 2024
THURSDAY 9 MARCH
Lunchtime Mass
FRIDAY 10 MARCH
SHC Fair Non Uniform Day
SATURDAY 11 MARCH
Rowing, NISS Champs Karapiro
SUNDAY 12 MARCH
Rowing, NISS Champs Karapiro
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Special Character
Powhiri
On Monday we welcomed our new staff and students to the College with our Senior Kapa Haka group leading the Powhiri. Always a moving ceremony, we are excited and proud to have them join our community.
We are delighted to welcome our new staff to the college this year (photo from left to right): Dorota Bade, Aisha Ahmed, Sheena Stone, Bernie Tutton (Teacher Aides, Learning Support), Gudrun Browne (Dean of International Students & Head of ELL), Sheena Prankerd (Food Tech & Hospitality Teacher), Nicole Wallace (College Administrator - Enrolments), Gemma Hansberry (Maths Teacher), Caren Leyland (Commerce Teacher), Brownwen Beekman (Accounting Teacher), Mathew Taare (Te Reo Maori Teacher), Pierre Buys (Dean of Year 8 & Teacher in Year 7&8), John Auckram (Maths Teacher), Lane Molloy (School Based Teacher Trainee RE Department).
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Leadership Handover
Earlier this week our 2023 Prefects took their pledge in front of their peers and parents. Historically the Leadership Pledge has been held in front of the whole school, however, this year due to the disruption to the start of term, it was a smaller affair, albeit still purposeful and meaningful.
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Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the 40-penitential period leading up to Easter, the greatest feast day in the Church calendar and was celebrated with the staff and students in the Auditorium this week. We were reminded by Jesus in the Gospel of the day, to take time in this season to try to focus more on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which is giving to those in need.
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Lenten Appeal
In times past, we were asked for self-denial, to ‘give something up’ for Lent. While still a worthy thing to do, the students were also encouraged to also ‘take something on’ for the season. One area suggested was participation at the voluntary Thursday Masses which started yesterday. While not a numbers game, it was heartening to see so many boys prepared to forego a significant part of their lunch break to join in the Eucharist together and pray for each other and the needs of the world.
The current situation in Hawkes Bay, and many parts of the country, and the devastation for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey, provides a great opportunity for us to pick up Jesus’ call to almsgiving. The Lenten appeal at school and the Catholic Caring Foundation of the Bishop of Auckland, Steve Lowe are raising funds for those in need. If you can assist with financial help, it will be gratefully received and well-focussed in delivery. Donations can be made through the Sacred Heart College Young Vinnies, which will be then forwarded to Caritas and the Catholic Caring Foundation. Account details: 03-0104-0914050-00. Please include in the Reference – Lenten Appeal.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The role of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is an important one within the Church community, including our College and Hostel. Specific requirements for this role of distributing the Eucharist have been laid down by the Diocese and must be met prior to students' commissioning. Year 13 students are invited to apply for this role - please click here. Any questions about this role should be directed to Mr O'Donnell.
Retreats
After three year’s absence, retreats are back on the programme for 2023. They are a time for students to back up and reflect on the place and importance of relationships within their lives including family, others, self, the environment and their God. Retreats for Year 13 are held on-site and will last the duration of the day. Our first of three retreats will begin on Monday 6 March. Our thanks to Bishop Steve Lowe who has financed a youth team from New Zealand and Australia to lead them.
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Academic
Sacred Heart College Study Centre 2023
The Study Centre is open from 3.30pm - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday. Each night it is staffed by teachers, who are there to provide supervision and assistance where required. There are also senior students rostered on each night to provide academic support to students.
The Study Centre runs in S3 (a classroom next to the Library) and students are able to access the Library (until 4pm). Students can work in the area that best suits their needs. It is open to all students from Y7 through to Y13; everyone is welcome. Please note that it is for the purpose of completing work. Students who are not utilising the facility in this way will be asked to leave.
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Robotics Competition
Over the weekend our Vex Robotics Competition team of (Flynn Molloy, Angus Macbride-Stewart, Ross Lopez, Karl Alea, and Ethan Hunt) faced off against 67 other teams from across New Zealand at the National Event. We had a rocky start but managed to place 14th overall at the end of the pool matches which guaranteed them a spot in the round-of-16 knockouts. The boys played extremely well, winning two games in a row, but were knocked out in the semi-final due to some unfortunate circumstances. Winning the semi-final would have sent them off to the world event in Dallas, Texas. A great result for the team's first year of competing and we look forward to the next season.
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EOTC - Blanket Consent Form
Earlier this week the EOTC blanket consent form was sent to all parents of students new to Sacred Heart College this year. Please ensure this is completed via the Parent Portal as soon as possible to enable your son to be able to participate in events (trips and activities etc) that occur during the course of a school day and conclude prior to approximately 6.30pm. This includes day trips during school hours, after-school sports matches and inter-school events. If you require any assistance, please contact Jen France.
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Year 8 Museum Trip
This week all Year 8 classes went to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The trip focused on three core subjects - Social Studies, English and Science. Museum educators led some excellent sessions which were engaging and inspiring. The boys particularly enjoyed seeing some real WWI artefacts.
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Pastoral Care
SHC Tuckshop
We are excited to announce that two convenient lunch ordering initiatives are now available from our tuckshop. Information was emailed out today, but for a quick refresher, please see below.
Lunch Orders - visit lunchorders.co.nz, register by following the instructions to set up an account, place an order, and your son collects his lunch from the SHC tuckshop.
Txt My Lunch - go to txtmylunch.co.nz and choose if you want to text or email and print a tuckshop voucher for your son. The voucher can be simply scanned at the tuckshop and your son will be able to choose from one of the combos.
Devices
All students require a fully charged device (Chromebook/laptop/iPad) as part of their school stationery requirements. If you have yet to purchase or need to replace or repair a device please refer to our website for further information. Device loans are available for short-term use only. Sponsorship and funding is also available through the Variety organisation. You can visit their website for more information.
Car Passes
If your son wishes to bring a vehicle to school, he must complete a Permission to drive a Vehicle Form and submit this to Mr Henderson (Year 12 Dean), together with a copy of his drivers license.
Buses
Please note the impending additional changes in March due to Stage Two of the Rail ReBuild. Please refer to the Auckland Transport Website for full details.
Uniform - SHC Jersey
Unfortunately our SHC Jersey supplier has been adversely impacted by the recent devastating floods. As such, our order which was supposed to be ready for the beginning of March, will be facing a significant delay. The factory is being restored as quickly as possible, however we may not be receiving stock until as late as May. We currently have a small number of select sizes available in our Uniform Shop. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated during this time. Please visit the Uniform Shop website for details.
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Cultural
FiaFia Night
We are looking forward to celebrating our Fiafia Night on Monday 6 March 2023, from 6.30pm (Doors open at 6pm). Entry is free, but a koha basket will be available to give donations to each group to help cover costs. Please no food or drink to be brought into the Auditorium. We look forward to seeing you at this fabulous night to celebrate our Māori, Samoan and Tongan cultures.
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Kapa Haka ASB Polyfest
Kapa haka will be resting from practises this weekend as we celebrate Te Matatini. All practice sessions will resume next weekend.
Samoan Cultural Group
Practice as follows this weekend:
Friday 24 February: 3.30pm to 5.30pm (Theatre)
Saturday 25 February: 10am to 3pm (Auditorium Foyer)
Sunday 26 February: 9am to 2pm (Theatre)
Tongan Cultural Group
Practice as follows this weekend (meet outside the Tuck Shop)
Friday 24 February: 3.30pm to 6pm
Saturday 25 February: 12pm to 5.30pm
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Sport
Year 9-13 Athletics Day
A reminder that our Athletics Day will take place on Friday 3 March. After missing out on being able to hold this event for the past 2 years, we are looking forward to the day more than ever. Further information will be sent out next week, including the programme for the day. Students are to wear house shirts, PE shorts and running shoes as appropriate. (No ripped house shirts please). Students should bring water bottles and sunscreen. Parents are very welcome to attend.
Prelims - *Schedule Amendment*
Due to high entry numbers for Junior Boys Shot Put, an additional prelim has been added to the schedule for next week.
Unfortunately, we were rained out today for our 100m PRELIMS and so we need to change the schedule for next week’s prelims. The 3000m Final will now be held in the week following the school champs next Friday.
Note: All Events to be held at lunchtimes on the school field.
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Basketball
Our thanks to all boys who trialled for Basketball in 2023. We had approximately 255 boys across all age groups trial over the past couple of weeks, so look forward to a great season ahead. Please see below some key updates for various age groups.
Year 7&8
Team lists are now up on the Sacred Heart Basketball noticeboard in the gymnasium, with letters being emailed out this week. Our first training is Monday 27 February, and due to the record number of boys who trialled in this age group, we've had to add a Thursday 2 March training time slot for our SHC Lakers & SHC Spurs teams. Training times are noted on the boards for each team. Please only attend the session you are assigned to. The first games will begin Monday 13 March (for all teams, except the SHC Lakers & SHC Spurs) with a draw up soon.
Year 9-13
Team lists for these age groups will be posted on the noticeboard and selection letters sent out in the next couple of weeks.
Social Basketball Team Registration Deadline Extended
Please note that the team lists submissions for Social Basketball Teams (minimum of 12 players) has been extended to Friday 3 March. These teams must be supervised by two parent managers who will assume full responsibility for the team on a weekly basis, and be present on game days, before their team can be considered for registration. A list must be sent to mrobinson@sacredheart.school.nz to set up a registration meeting with the whole team by this extended deadline date.
Cricket
Latest Results
SHC 1st XI Lost to Takapuna Grammar, SHC 144 All out, D. Porter 40, Takapuna, 145/6, H. Haddrell 2/24 D. Kelleher 2/25
SHC 2nd XI – Bye
SHC Colts won vs Rangitoto Colts, SHC 181 All out, K. Simpson 35, Rangitoto 115 All out, F. Palmer 5/12, R. Fisher 3/20
SHC Junior Afternoon won vs Westlake, SHC 92 all out, C. Waters 21, Westlake Boys 65 all out, C. Waters 3/11, O. Dabner 2/10, S. Radley 2/14
SHC Junior T20 lost to Auckland Grammar, SHC 73 all out, Auckland Grammar 93/8
Games this weekend Saturday 25 February
SHC 1st XI vs MAGS @ MAGS G1 - 10.30am.
SHC 2nd XI vs AGS @ SHC 2A - 12.30pm.
SHC Colts vs Rosmini College @ SHC 1A - 12.30pm.
Sacred Heart College Junior vs Mahurangi College Colts @ Mahurangi College 1A - 12.30pm.
Sacred Heart Junior T20 vs Howick College @ SHC3A - 9am.
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Distance and Middle-Distance Running Squads (Year 9-13)
Morning running squads are on next week for boys who are keen to be involved in the Sacred Heart College distance and middle-distance running programmes. This covers track running for Athletics as well as Cross Country running. Training sessions are on Monday and Wednesday mornings before school (all weather). Boys need to meet at the Gym prior to the departure time of 7am. Training involves mixed long running sessions on and off-site from 7- 8am. During the summer months the school pool will be open for a swim after training, so please bring a towel. Boys need to bring suitable running shoes and parents must agree for boys to run off-site.
There are plenty of opportunities available for our distance runners, with multiple competitions throughout the year from SHC to Zone, to Regional to National Championships. It’s a fantastic environment that will compliment your other sporting codes and you will be fitter than you’ve ever been in your life. See or email Mr Taucher for further details.
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Football
Zane Robinson Memorial Cup
We are really pleased and excited this year to announce that we will be introducing the Zane Robinson Memorial Cup. The fixture will have the current SHC 1st XI Football team against an Old Boys’ 1st XI Football team, with the game taking place on Friday 10 March on Pitch 1, Kick off at 4pm. This will become an annual fixture for the 1st XI moving forward. Zane Robinson (2018) was an incredible human being who touched a lot of lives and had a real love for football, this became a focal point for the season in 2022 and was a massive motivating factor in last year's success.
Any 1st or 2nd XI Old Boys who wish to take part in the fixture please contact Mikey Poulopoulos to register your interest. All support is most welcome to give the fixture some passion and emotion.
An after-match function will take place in the Old Boys' Lounge at SHC after the game has concluded for all players and supporters. Arrangements to be confirmed.
Pre-trial “Muster” Sign Up
This year we will be introducing a “Muster” day (dates below) where interested players for each grade must sign up for trials to give coaches an indication on numbers for the following week. Please meet in Auditorium Foyer at the beginning of lunchtime on each of the Muster days.
14th Grade: (sign up Friday 3 March)
15th Grade: (sign up Friday 10 March)
Senior 3rd XI: (sign up Friday 17 March)
Trial Information
All trials will be held at the SHC football fields behind the back of the Marist Brothers gym. Please make sure players bring boots, appropriate football attire, and a bottle of water. All trials will be held from 3:30pm – 5:00pm on the dates below:
13th Grade (Year 8 Football Institute & Year 9): Monday 27 Feb and Wednesday 1 March
14th Grade (Year 10): Monday 6 March and Wednesday 8 March
15th Grade (Year 11): Monday 13 March and Wednesday 15 March
3rd XI trials (Year 11-13): Monday 20 March and Wednesday 22 March
Please Note: All Football Institute players must attend trials to be considered for selection.
Social Teams
This will be for Year 11-13 only. A Full squad list of 14-15 players. These teams must be supervised by an adult manager/coach who will be present on gamedays. A list must be sent through to mpoulopoulos@sacredheart.school.nz.
Uniform
All players except 1st XI and Development XI (2nd XI) are required to have the full SHC football uniform which can be purchased at the Uniform Shop.
If you have any questions regarding the information above or any other Football queries please don’t hesitate to contact our Head of Football Mr Mikey Poulopoulos.
Golf - Open Championship
If any students would like to take part in the 2023 Sacred ‘Open’ Golf Championship, please register your interest with Mr Nick Guise. You must be at a reasonable standard and have an official handicap to enter.
Hockey
Any students wanting to play Hockey this year please register their interest on the Student Portal.
Multi-Sports
Perfect conditions greeted athletes for the AKSS Triathlon Champs in Maraetai Beach over the weekend. In crystal clear water, racing was full gas right from the start and it was Sacred Heart’s Henry Moore first out of the water in the U14 boy’s event. Henry raced at the front of the field throughout coming home in a credible 3rd with Sam O’Dwyer close behind in 5th. The U16 event was the biggest of the day with over 30 athletes racing. Kaleb Rawiri was the pick of the Sacred Heart students after battling amongst the top 10 throughout the race he eventually finished in 11th. Blake Taylor and Cormac Pepper were close behind finishing 13th and 15th respectively. Armand Spencer competing in his first triathlon was our only representative in the U19 senior boy’s race. Despite racing against more experienced athletes Armand thoroughly enjoyed the experience, finishing 6th.
Our next event will be on the 22 March at the AKSS Aquathlon Champs at St Kentigern’s College. All students are welcome to join the team, training is on Monday/Wednesday 3:20-4:20pm at the outdoor pool.
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Physical Development Programme
The Physical Development Programme is starting up again after a huge success late last year. This is a programme for Year 7-10 athletes (all are welcome). In this programme your son will get fitter, faster, stronger, and healthier by engaging in weekly gym sessions, twice a week. They’ll be educated by a qualified strength coach and exercise science lecturer in a safe and fun environment. With only limited spots available as many have recommitted from last term, make sure to register your interest ASAP. For more information, please email Luke Adams.
Rowing
Following a successful performance at the North Island Rowing Championships where they gained a Bronze in the Mens Senior pair and broke a long standing NZ Schools Pair record, Oliver Leach and Baxter McGillivray competed at the NZ National Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha last week.
The boys achieved a Silver medal in the U22 Pair and a Bronze medal in the Senior Pair. Great results from two young Sacred Oarsmen who are now looking forward to competing with the SHC squad to chase Maadi successes in late March.
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Water Polo
Senior Water Polo - Results
Sunday 19 Feb - SHC Premiers vs Kings @ National Aquatic Centre at 4.10pm - Win 19-2
Sunday 19 Feb - Mt Albert vs SHC A2 Team @ Dio at 6.20pm – Draw 4-4
Senior Water Polo – This weeks games:
Friday 24 Feb – SHC Premiers vs Rosmini A @ St Cuth’s at 6.20pm
Friday 24 Feb – SHC A2 vs Westlake A2 @ SHAC at 4.30pm
Friday 24 Feb – SHC A3 vs St Peter’s @ SHAC at 5.45pm
Sunday 26 Feb – SHC Premiers vs Rangitoto @ AUT Millenium at 4.50pm
Sunday 26 Feb – SHC A2 vs AGS @ Dio at 7.40pm
Sunday 26 Feb – SHC A3 vs Mt Albert @ Dio at 5pm
Wednesday 1 Mar – SHC A3 vs Kristin @ SHAC at 3.30pm
Come along and support our boys. You can also join us on Facebook to keep up to date with SHC Water Polo.
Water Polo Institute Trials at SHAC
Our Year 9 and 10 trials happened last week, and the Junior Sports Institute has been named.
The Year 8 trials have also been held and the Year 8 Sports Institute will be named early next week.
Water Polo Backpack Orders
We are taking orders for our popular Water Polo Backpacks again this term.
Please Click Here to place your order no later than 24 February 2023.
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College Information
Current Job Vacancies
Part-time Gardener
An opportunity has arisen for a permanent part-time gardener to join our Property Team. To view the full job description, please visit our website.
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Application for Enrolment Year 7 & Year 9, 2024 is now open
Enrolment applications for Year 7 and Year 9 2024 are now open. Our Open Day will be held on Wednesday, 8 March with two sessions 10am and 1pm. See our website for more information. Enrolments close Friday 31 March 2023.
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Community
College Fair - Sunday 26 March
Preparation for the 2023 College Fair is well underway. Parents will be sent weekly Fair newsletters to keep you up to date with progress on the preparation. After missing out on being able to hold the Fair last year, we are looking forward to the event more than ever, and thank you in advance for enabling its success.
Second Items Drop Off - this Saturday, 25 February, 8am-10am, Gate 4
It's that time again… clear out your cupboards, drawers and garage. We need your used (but good quality) items.
Clothing – clean, no rips or broken zips
Books – good condition
Pre-loved items – for our White Elephant
Linen – clean
Sports goods – clean, working and good condition. Bikes, scooters, skateboards, skis etc
Furniture – good condition
Toys – games, puzzles - please ensure all pieces are included
Please only bring items that you yourself would be happy to buy. The cost to dispose of unwanted items is very expensive.
Enter via Gate 4, continue down the driveway to the carpark. If you have any questions about items for drop off, please contact Kelly Jennings on secretary@shcpta.com or 021 823 100.
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Old Boys' Association - Reunions
Our Old Boys' Association are excited about upcoming reunions, including a very special one planned for London! This will be held on Friday 2 June 2023 and we are asking everyone to spread the word. More information will be provided in due course, but for now, if you know of any SHC Old Boys who might be in or around London at that time to please register your interest on our website.
Saturday Evening Mass
We are pleased to advise our community that the Saturday Evening Mass will be celebrated this week in the College Chapel at 5.15pm. All welcome.
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