August 2013 - Sacred Heart College

Sacred Heart College
65 Laings Road, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Newsletter No. 5 August 2013
Email: (Principal) eastwoods@sacredheartcollege.school.nz
Email: (School) college@sacredheartcollege.school.nz
Website: www.sacredheartcollege.school.nz
Telephone: 04-566 1089 Fax: 04-587 1776 Absences: (04) 587 1777
16.8.13
Stop Press.............
EARTHQUAKE
We are very pleased with how our students behaved in Friday’s 6.9 quake. They were orderly and
sensible. We would like to reassure you that we do have good procedures. We have wardens and
a plan and people are well prepared. Please trust us in the event of an emergency. We will
communicate with you as soon as possible. In this newsletter there is a list of commonly asked
questions. We will be getting our school checked this weekend for structural defects.
We can assure you that we have a plan. We know where our students are (eg this time there were
9 students in Wellington on training courses). Through email and text we will ensure good
communication
*********************************
From the Principal’s desk:
August 2013
Kia Ora Koutou Katoa
Talofa lava
Fakaalofa lahi atu
Kia Orana
Namaste
Welkom
Herzlich Willkommen
Witamy
Greetings to everyone
Dear Parents/Caregivers and Students
Firstly may I just say congratulations to our lovely dramatic crew! We are so proud of our young
actors and very pleased with how well the production directed by Jim Moriarty went. We have
had terrific feed-back including a lovely letter from Brother Pat Lynch and a card from Sister Trish
Hanaray at Ss Peter and Paul’s. We are very grateful to Te Rakau Trust and to the valiant drama
teachers of both colleges. Well done to all the students. It was a production which you would be
pleased to send anywhere. It was well received on all of its 6 nights and two matinees.
The next event in the PAC is the PASIFIKA NIGHT 21 and 22 August. Please come! We have
delightful groups from other colleges performing too but Sacred Heart’s terrific group will be on
on both nights!
Cyberbullying. The college has a comprehensive policy on cyber-bullying and bullying. It alarms
me how students speak to one another on face-book. I have dealt with several Year 10s this week
and it has really shocked me that they think aggressive and threatening language is ok. I had news
for them! Please be aware that we can and will stand students down as a result of facebook
threats. The old Second World War poster “Loose Lips cost lives” can be translated into “Loose
Lips cost schooling.”
Please also be aware that there is a site called “Ask fm” - a blog site. It is a disgraceful site where
you can get at people anonymously. There has been a debate on stuff.co.nz where NZ parents
want it banned. We live in a very challenging era where old morals and ethics have to be
reworded to cope with these new contingencies. Please don’t leave all of this to chance! Please
engage your sons and daughters in a conversation about cyberspace and what is helpful and what
is not helpful.
On 9th August Southland Police were warning people about “Ask fm” and it has definitely been
linked to bullying in schools. Please support us and your daughters by having a conversation about
what is sensible on a social media site and what is not.
ANNIVERSARY
Sister Valerie Lawson has had 60 years of professed life as a sister of Our Lady of the Missions. She
was in on Wednesday 7th August and we had a special morning tea for her. She made her
profession of faith on the Feast of the Assumption 1953. Also honoured on 7 th August was Sister
Connie Hurley as her 70th anniversary is coming up on 4 January next year.
PRINCIPAL’S SPEECH AT SISTER VALERIE LAWSON’S
SPECIAL MORNING TEA 7TH AUGUST 2013
_________________________________________________________
Tena Koutou. You all know that this morning we are honouring Sister Valerie, who sixty years ago
on the Feast of the Assumption, became a Mission Sister. It is a very interesting story and one of
faith and courage so with Sister’s permission I am going to cover a little of her history here.
Sister is a Cantabrian through and through. She is proud of her Christchurch origins and still
supports the red and blacks when she can. She lived in Dallington and attended first St Mary’s
primary school in Manchester Street for her primer years and then went on to St Paul’s for her
later primary years.
Her secondary school was at the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions Juniorate. She went to this
establishment in Cashmere with a small group of girls. These girls at fourteen years of age were
exploring the possibility of becoming Sisters. Sister Valerie said she was a little concerned about
this so she had her mother ring the convent and check that there was an exit route! The girls wore
a nice dress uniform and Sister did know that a life-time vocation was a possibility.
After four years Sister passed matriculation and at the age of 18 she became a postulant. This
meant that for six months she wore a black dress and cape and a white veil. There were four girls
who started this journey together and best of all.... they are still alive to celebrate together in
Christchurch. Their names are Sister Eleanor Cawston, Sister Mary Ellen O’Sullivan, Sister Patricia
Clark, and Sister Valerie Lawson.
After 6 months as a postulant Sister Valerie had two years as a novice. Novices wore the same
habit as the Sisters but with a shorter veil and a medal instead of a crucifix. At the end of this
period Sister Valerie became a Sister with the other three girls who had started this journey with
her. It was six years since going to Cashmere at 14 years of age. She told me that she didn’t think
anything of it at the time but she wonders about this now and of course as a process it has quite
changed now.
The ceremony our Sisters went through was one in which they were dressed as a bride. The
dresses were to the floor and very beautiful – lots of tulle and with a veil. The Bishop received the
vows after which the Sisters changed into the black habit with a blue braid. The hair was cut
between the two ceremonies.
Head gear – trust me was really complicated. There was a white surtete and a bandeau. These
were worn under the jaw and around the head. When I was a Sister on Feast Day in 2010 I had
two Sisters who came in to dress me. We had a lot of laughs as they couldn’t remember how to
put some of it on.
Next year on the Feast of the Epiphany sister Mary Charles Borromeo has her 70 th anniversary as a
Sister and if you want to know who that is it is our very own Sister Connie and the Sisters who
were professed with her were Sister Mary Gerard, Sister Mary John Bosco, and Sister Mary of
Nazareth.
We are very privileged as a college to have these two wonderful women supporting our college
and praying for us. Sister Connie has been on the Trust Board for my whole time as Principal and
before that too, and Sister Valerie has been a friend and confidante over the years. She is a very
wise woman and both of them are a lot of fun as well: a happy combination.
Going back to Sister Celine (Valerie) after her profession she got her first teaching job at St
Joseph’s primary and then at Sacred Heart in Christchurch. She went to Canterbury University and
the subjects the Sisters were allowed to choose were the ones on after 4 o’clock because the
vision was you taught for a whole day and then went to lectures. In 1964, 65, 66 Sister Valerie was
in Lower Hutt. In 1967 she went to Rome and at 34 years of age became Principal of Redwood
College in Nelson.
Sister Valerie was Principal of Redwood from 1971 – 1979. Then, in her own words, she was “told
to go to Sacred Heart Lower Hutt”. She was Principal here for twenty years. The school had a
wonderful reputation in the valley and huge music concerts in the Michael Fowler Centre. Sister
Valerie also master-minded a huge fund-raising programme for the gymnasium. The girls ran from
here to Auckland in relays and parents went with them. Val Stephenson who was the HOD PE
assisted this project. Sister was also very supportive of the library and the idea of a learning
centre that is at the heart of the school. Sister is also very pleased that a non-academic
programme was set up for Year 13. The College was very forward thinking about this and many
students have benefitted from it.
After leaving Sacred Heart College, Sister Valerie was on the Leadership team with Sister Pauline
Leonard for six years. She also did some overseas travel and had a retreat at Hawkstone Hall in
Shropshire England.
It is a pleasure to honour Sister today. On a personal note I have always liked her - from the
moment she showed me around the College in September 1999. She is pragmatic, gritty and has a
great sense of humour. There is no-one better to have a fire-side chat with complete with a nice
cognac.
Sister, you are a bit of a shrinking violet! You didn’t want a fuss as you put it but we are really
chuffed to be the first cab off the rank to say “well done”. You are well loved by former students
and one could see this at the Centenary last year. Thank you for your legacy. Thank you for your
foresight and vision for this college. We all wish you a very happy celebration in Christchurch.
Your cake says clearly Ad Majorem Dei Gloria to the greater Glory of God and that is how you have
lived your life. Congratulations. Ma te Atua koe e manaaki.
News from Rome
I include a letter from Sister Maureen McBride RNDM. It is interesting to read that she has been
visiting some of our Sisters in India. It was great to have Sister Firmina and Sister Renu here in
term two.
Suore di Nostra Signora delle Missioni
Casa Generalizia
Via di Bravetta 628
00164 Roma
tel: 06 6615 8400
fax: 06 6615 7365 email: maureenmcbride@rndmgen.org
Lisl Prendergast
Principal
Sacred Heart College
Laings Rd
Lower Hutt
New Zealand
7 August 2013
Dear Lisl,
Greetings from a terribly hot Rome! This week we have been “enjoying” temperatures
hovering around 40 degrees! I am looking forward to much cooler and greener pastures in
Ireland from Friday!
I have really remiss in not writing to you before this. Firstly, to thank you for your
participation at the Education Symposium in Perth, and for the paper you presented. Most
of our Sisters from Asia were in awe at your knowledge of Euphrasie Barbier and how you
foster her spirit at Sacred Heart. It was a real awakening and challenge for them to see what
more they can do in an environment that is predominantly Muslim or Hindu! I have just
returned from Central India where Joicy and Sherly, the Principal of our second large
secondary school in Kolkata, both asked me to speak with their teachers. Although I have
met many of them before, this time they were very interested in the Symposium and the
priorities for education in other parts of our RNDM world.
Secondly, I would like to thank you and your staff for hosting Firmina from North East India,
and Renu from Bangladesh following the Symposium. Both found it an invaluable
experience. Pauline has just returned from North East India where she met Firmina, who is
still brimming over with enthusiasm about her time in Lower Hutt. Thank you so much.
I am not sure if you have winter holidays around this time, if so enjoy the break. Abundant
blessings on the remainder of the year!
Best wishes,
Maureen McBride RNDM
Congregation Leader
We had an important Assembly at the end of Term. I include a script of my speech here as it is
good for parents to see how many nice items we have at assembly and how many people are
honoured. Success really is celebrated here and we are very proud of our high achievers.
END OF TERM ASSEMBLY - 11. 7. 2013
_____________________________________
Tena koutou. Greetings to the whole school. You have had a Term 2 which it is a pleasure to
acknowledge. There are many successes to celebrate starting with our phenomenal group that
we have just heard perform. Kapahaka are off to Nationals again next year which will be in
Turanganui a Kiwa (Gisborne). They have shown a remarkable commitment to polishing their
performances. They have met at marae and at school here with a very high number of
practices every week. We acknowledge the wonderful support of our tungane – brothers from
St Bernard’s College. Kia ora koutou mo tou tautoko o nga wahine. The ropu were second or
third in every section and first for kakahu.
It is my pleasure this morning to present this trophy to the group. It is for achieving the best
kakahu – the clothes, appearance and overall presentation of our group. Could the Kaea
please come forward. Kessyd Paranihi – Nuku and Tray Ryder.
We ask for blessings upon our group for next year and we wish you all well for this big new
venture. We thank Whaea Frost for her commitment to the group and for the hours of extra
time that she puts into the group. We thank all the tutors, especially Rogan Tinirau and Te
Aroha Wilson, a former student of this college, who are such hard-workers and such good role
models for the ropu. Our thanks to Mr Tupu Williams too who is always so supportive of our
whaea and such a willing worker too. Kia koutou katoa.
We have some staff to acknowledge too. Last night it was my pleasure to go out to dinner
with nine of our support staff as two very special people are leaving. While we were sitting at
the dinner Mrs Newrick did a quick calculation and told me that around the table we had 110
years of service. We are so fortunate that people come to this college, like it and stay.
Often students do not see how much work our support staff do because they are in the
background just quietly getting on with it. We have two very special people to acknowledge
this morning.
Firstly, Mrs Lawson our Librarian. Mrs Lawson came to Sacred Heart College 17 years ago as
the Assistant Librarian. Mrs Lawson took over as Library Manager in 2006 so has been our key
person for seven years but she has been the College archivist since 2002. This was a new role
which I created because I could see how much amazing historical material the college held and
it needed sorting, cataloguing and putting in a form that could be displayed. Mrs Lawson had
all of this material wonderfully ordered before our centenary last year in 2012. She assisted
Mrs Peszynski for our Centennial book and arranged for large copies of many of our historic
photos. Mrs Lawson has always been clear that her main focus has been the girls. She has
loved helping students with research. She has been committed to ensuring that the library
runs smoothly. She doesn’t watch the clock. She gives extra time when it is needed and she
has even cleaned the library on the odd occasions when this was needed. She has seen huge
changes in technology. She and Mrs Keenan went to courses on web-site design and
maintenance. There was a very fine team involved in getting the new web design done. Cindy
Ford was one of Mrs Lawson’s team with Anne Keenan and Kevin Preston who all worked very
hard on the web-site. The maintenance of our web-site since has been handled by Mrs Lawson
and Mrs Keenan. Our web-site is always up to date and this is an important source of
information for the community.
Mrs Lawson is moving to Auckland to be closer to family. We wish her every blessing in the
future and we say God speed Margaret and we are very grateful for the remarkable service
you have given Sacred Heart College.
We have another very special staff member who is leaving. Mrs Carr is our invoice clerk and
she works with Mrs Newrick in the Bursar’s office. Mrs Carr has given 26 years’ service to
Sacred Heart College and in that time she has worked for two bursars, Mrs Aitken and Mrs
Newrick, and two Principals. Mrs Carr actually started at Sacred Heart as a new entrant at the
age of 5 when Sacred Heart Primary was in Margaret St and from there she moved on to
attend the college in the 1960s. She came to work here after long experience in the banking
industry. She has also served on the PTFA and has helped raise money for many of our big
projects. Mrs Carr and her sister have been loyal members of the Past Pupils Association and
they both showed enormous tenacity and wonderful organisational skills providing morning
and afternoon tea for over 600 people on the Saturday of our centennial weekend.
I would dearly have liked to provide Mrs Newrick and Mrs Carr with a better office before this
farewell. We have one designed and approved but alas our timing is not great for Mrs Carr.
She has worked happily, loyally and compatibly with Mrs Newrick in the little cupboard by the
chapel. They have been a great team. Our finances have always been assiduously attended to
and we are a very fortunate school.
Sue, we wish you and Denis all the very best and I hope your big O.E. in September to the
U.S.A. is fantastic.
Now another person to thank is the Acting Principal Term 2, Mr Hedley Aitken. Mr Aitken is
the former long serving Principal of Viard College in Porirua. Originally I was to have my
sabbatical last year but it was postponed to this year and Mr Aitken graciously did two weeks
last year and eight weeks this year. We are very grateful Hedley and would like to thank you
for your careful oversight of the college and for taking such a great interest in all the extra
activities of the college too. You were very supportive of our O’Shea Shield team and you
represented us at Government House for the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards. Thank you so
much. He tohu aroha ki a koe e hoa.
Now, a very pleasant mention.
We have a staff member who is getting married in the school holiday. Kristina Lane, would you
please come forward and accept our very best wishes for your forthcoming wedding.
A quick summary of the term would include 3 cups for O’Shea Shield, nearly all the trophies for
the exchange with St Mary’s College, 20 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards, a wonderful
speech by Maddy Nash at the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards 50th Anniversary celebration, a
new exchange set up with Our Lady of Good Counsel in Maryland USA, getting 2nd in the
Kapahaka Regionals and attaining a place in the Nationals, rehearsing for a big Pasifika night
which is coming up in August, the excellent performance by our choir at “Big Sing”, rehearsing
for our College show ‘Battalion” which is also in the third term and Mr Aitken tells me he saw
beautiful work in a range of subjects, some of which will be acknowledged by certificates
today. We also had a wonderful Feast Day with a new music competition – more of that
later... We also have two new Japanese exchange visits organised for next year which is
valuable income for our school and a lot of good cultural interaction for the girls who have
them to stay. Currently we have several exchange students in our school – German, Tahitian
and Japanese.
He mihi nui ki a koutou - warm New Zealand greetings to you all.
This week we have had two important audits. One is from the Ministry for attendanace and
we had a very commendatory report. Our systems for attendanace and our attendance office,
Mrs Steiner, got a big tick for the excellent way our records are kept. In the school today we
have Mr Rod Webster from NZQA who is the auditor for our assessment systems. He mihi nui
ki a koe Rod. Nau mai haere mai. He pai ki koutou tou mahi me tenei kura. Kia ora koe me
tou tautoko. He tohu aroha ki a koe.
Thank you girls for your spirit and commendable energy, especially given that winter terms are
hard for everyone with colds and rather challenging weather.
Girls honoured in Assembly for their work:
Eva Lichtnecker
Make Up Bag Assignment
Filisita Su
Make Up Bag Assignment
Shania Rajanayagam
WWI Veteran’s Story
Georgia Lewis
Make Up Bag Assignment
Angela O’Kane
Invention Assignment
Olivia Cornille
Invention Assignment
Nikita Kumar
Kete Assignment
Wairua Kauone-Tepania
Kete Assignment
Olivia McLean
Kete Assignment
Taumaia Schuster
Kete Assignment
Fine Taufatoutai
Kete Assignment
Olivia van Woerkom
Kete Assignment
Vaishnavi Sivakumar
Kete Assignment
Erin Wildman
Kete Assignment
Tilleigh Ultra
Kete Assignment
Elanor Cox
Kete Assignment
Samantha Wiblin
Refugee Memory Box
Alyssa Tomkies
Refugee Memory Box
Shania Rajanayagam
Refugee Diary
Caitlin Steere
Diary of escape from Afghanistan
Kyra Thomson
Fabric Technology
Sarah Van Dillen
Cyber Safety Powerpoint
Tai Uili
Cyber Safety Powerpoint
Holly Trybula
Cyber Safety Powerpoint
Julia Schuchman
Cyber Safety Powerpoint
Caitlin Kane
Essay – Parenting Styles
Lyric Smith
Book Review
Catherine Alvarez
Science Project – White Blood Cell
Jemima Gillingham
Science Project – Core Cell
Olivia van Woerkom
Science Project – White Blood Cell
Holly Trybula
Science Project – Plant Cell
Nicola Brennan
Science Project – Euglena Cell
Anna Galletly
Science Project – Nerve Cell
Emma Donnelly
Science Project – Neuron Cell
Eris Atienza
Science Project – Bacterial Cell
Charlotte Best
Science Project – Plant Cell
Jessica Patterson
Science Project – Bone Cell
Zoe Hussey
Science Test – 100%
Back: Irene Newrick, Lynda Goodall,
Anne Keenan, Suzanne Eastwood
Front: Sue Carr (being farewelled)
Margaret Lawson (also being
farewelled), Margaret Scott and Pieta
Reid
Sue has had 26 years at Sacred
Heart College and Margaret
Lawson 17 years. We are very
grateful to all these wonderful
people who help and support staff.
Students of Our Lady of Good
Counsel
We have been delighted to
have these students here.
They are wonderful young
women. On Tuesday Alison
Spencer, Sarah Knowles and
myself went out to lunch with
all the girls and their host
sisters. This photo was taken
on top of Mount Victoria.
Maddy van Woerkom, Tricia Kerner, Larissa Breedon, Nicola Ortlieb,
Jessica Fairbrother, Erin Bauman and Kaitlyn Henderson
School Ball
Phew! Solved that one! – Cinderella will have a ball to lose her glass slipper at!
We have had a lot of help from the Amora Hotel who are lending their dance floor and this will be
laid down on the carpet at the St James Theatre. It is a very attractive space. The girls have voted
on this as it does mean an extra $20 per ticket. The vote was unanimous so they have accepted
the new ticket price ($110). We are very sorry about this as is the Amora but they are forbidden
to utilise their ballroom because of earthquake strengthening work. I hope the new ticket price is
not too alarming. Our Deputy Principals did look at a variety of venues. This is the best solution
we could find.
Sacred Heart College - Speech New Zealand Speech & Drama Exam Results
May - June 2013
ASB Teaching :
Melissa Harward Module 1 Pass, Module 2 Pass with Distinction
Maddy Nash, Module 1 Pass, Module 2 Pass with Distinction
Harriet Willis , Module 1 & 2 Pass
Advanced Certificate Performers: Courtney Warwick modules 1&2 Pass
Grade 8 modules 1 & 2
Ariadne Baltazar M1 Honours +, M2 merit
Firomena Viki M1 Credit, M2 Merit
Sage Wray: M1 Merit, M2 Pass
Grade 7 module 3
Honours+: Rashmie Fernando
Honours: Aimee Penman, Natalie Shackleton
Merit: Sarah Harward
Grade 6
Honours: Shania Rajanayagam
Merit + Laura Pringle, Tanvi Thomas, Elinor
Lewin,
Merit Makaela Short
Credit Nicole Galvin
Pass + Olivia Wareham
Grade 5 module 1
Merit+ Ranya Adolf
Merit :Georgia Moore, Caitlin Steere
Credit+
Anneke Lilley, Maddison Booth
Credit: Natasha Rowley,Kimberley Shaw,
Sanjoo Manocha, Alyah Moore
Parent Interviews
Parent Interviews will be held on :
Tuesday 27th August for girls with surnames beginning with A to L, and
Thursday 5th September for girls with surnames beginning with M – Z.
If you are not able to come to the interviews on the scheduled night please feel free to come on
the other night. Girls will be released at 2.20pm on both days so that they are able to attend the
interviews with you.
In addition to making appointments with your daughter’s teachers please feel free to make
appointments with Heads of Departments or teachers of possible subject choices for 2014. Your
daughter will be given a subject choice booklet to bring home prior to the interviews so that you
are able to discuss her choices. Please ensure that your daughter returns her option choice sheet
as soon as the interviews are finished as some classes have limited numbers. The Careers Advisor,
Trish Collett, will be based in the library and she is available to discuss any questions you may have
about career or study options.
Online Parent Interview Booking System
We are currently in the process of changing our student management system and therefore we
have made the decision to delay implementing an online booking system for parent interviews
until 2014.
Procedures for School Examinations
Information for Parent/Caregivers & Students
School examinations are fast approaching. The girls have had lots of information about the exams
from subject teachers and in assemblies.
Examinations begin on Monday 16th September and conclude on Monday 23rd Sept.
Students are expected back for normal classes on Tuesday 24th Sept.
Students are on study leave during this time and are not expected at school unless:
 Attending an examination
 Taking part in an alternative programme such as Modular (and you will have received
information about this)
 Spending time (pre-prearranged) with their art/technology teachers.
 Students have had information about school exams for several weeks from their form
teachers and in assemblies. Timetables and exam information are available in form rooms
and on the school website.
Students must take into account that these examination results will be used in the case of illness
during the actual NCEA external examinations. Students must take these School Examinations
very seriously. Should a student miss an exam, they must ensure that they pay attention carefully
when back in class when their teacher goes over the material. Students can only sit the exams at
the time indicated on the school exam timetable.
There are no set supervised study classes. Students are expected to study at home or they may
use the library if waiting to sit an afternoon examination. They can revise for their next subject if
they finish an examination earlier (see below).
Students must:
 Complete their examinations on the correct day, time and room unless a prior
arrangement has been made through the Deputy Principal.
 Arrive 5 -10 minutes prior to an exam starting. Morning Exams start at 9am and afternoon
exams start at 12.50pm.
 Wear school uniform – this includes correct jewellery, shoes and no make-up is to be worn.
STUDENTS WEARING MUFTI WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SIT EXAMS.
 Students are expected to stay in the examination room for the entire duration of the
examination. They may not leave the room before the specified finish time for that
examination (up to three hours depending on the subject). Afternoon examinations that
are three hours in duration do not finish until 3.50pm.
 Bring revision material for their next examination or (if it is their last exam) a book to read.
 If coming in to see a teacher at a pre-arranged time other than examination times – please
sign in and out at the front office
At all times – students must be in correct uniform when in school during this examination time.
Fees for NCEA
___________________
In 2013 the Fee for NCEA is $76.70 per candidate this fee is substantially reduced
if you are eligible for financial assistance.
ALL FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE 6th SEPTEMBER
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The school makes one payment to NZQA for fees. Late payments will
need to be paid to NZQA directly. NZQA will charge late payment
penalties.
Financial Assistance Forms
These forms are available at the school office or you can download them from the NZQA
website.
Financial Assistance is available to families who have two or more children who are candidates
where the total fees are more than $200.
Financial Assistance is available to families who have a community services card or a joint family
income that would entitle you to receive a Community Services Card.
Financial Assistance is available to families where the fee payer is receiving a Work and Income
or Study Link benefit.
If you have any questions regarding payment or financial assistance please contact the Deputy
Principal or visit the NCEA website.
www.ncea.govt.nz
Please note that as the fees for International Students are different they will be contacted
separately.
Year 11, 12 and 13 Important Information
We have recently distributed cards received from NZQA to girls who are sitting NCEA exams this year. All
year 11 students have visited the computer rooms during form time to ensure that they can log into the
NZQA site to look at the exam timetable and to check their results and subject entries to date.
It is important that all girls log into the NZQA site and check any results that are entered and ensure that
they are entered for the correct standards. If any results are not correct please talk to your subject
teacher. If any of your subject entries are not correct particularly for external exams at the end of the year
please see Mrs Spencer immediately. It is often too late for us to fix any errors at the end of the year.
Please ensure that your daughter is checking her information on the NZQA site regularly. We only submit
results once each month so please be aware that some results will not show up immediately.
KAPA HAKA.
This year the Secondary School Kapa Haka Regionals were held in the Lower Hutt Horticultural
Hall. Te Hua Tai Katorika Kapa Haka group combined Sacred Heart College and St Bernards College
students competed and were placed 2nd and have qualified to compete in the Nationals to be
held in Gisborne in 2014.
On Friday the 9th August 2013, the group
performed at the Game of 3 halves at the
Hutt Recreation Ground. This is the beginning
of fundraising events towards the Nationals.
Powhiri for the Wellington Lions and
Canterbury Teams,
Photo with All Black and Chiefs rugby player
Liam Messam.
Below: Performing the Waiata Tira. The choral
item which is also a school hymn. ”Thy Word”
translated to “Ko te kupu o te Atua”
Fees and Donations 2013
Each year parents/caregivers will be charged for the following:
General Donation
Proprietor’s Donation
Catholic Schools Board
Attendance dues
$265 per annum
$345 per annum
$780 per annum
Requested from Sacred Heart College
Requested from Sacred Heart College
Invoiced from Catholic Schools Board
 General Donation
The Sacred Heart College General Donation is $265 per annum per student.
The General Donation is a most important part of our College’s revenue budget and is targeted at
expenditure for additional learning resources and capital expenditure that is not provided by Government
grants to the College.
The General Donation qualifies for income tax rebate purposes.
The General Donation request will be sent to Parents/Caregivers by Sacred Heart College.
 Proprietor's Donation
The Proprietor’s Donation is $345 per annum.
The Sacred Heart College land and buildings are owned by the Mission Colleges Trust Board of Lower Hutt,
who are the Proprietors of Sacred Heart, a Board set up by the Mission Sisters who established the College
over 100 years ago.
The Proprietor's Donation is set by the Proprietor under the terms of the Integration Act (Section 37). It is
used for any development of Sacred Heart College that is not Government funded, including buildings and
facilities.
The Proprietor’s Donation request of $345 per annum consists of $185 per student (towards the on-going
financial commitments for the new Preforming Arts Centre) and $160 per family (towards maintenance and
upgrading of Sacred Heart Colleges buildings), making a total of $345 per annum.
The Proprietor's Donation qualifies for income tax rebate purposes.
The Proprietor's Donation request will be sent to Parents/Caregivers by Sacred Heart College.
 Catholic Schools Board Attendance Dues
Catholic Schools Board Limited Attendance Dues is $780 per annum per student
Attendance Dues are required to be paid under the terms of the Integration Act and are determined from
time to time by the Catholic Education Office and approved by the Minister of Education.
Attendance Dues go into the Archdiocesan Common Fund together with Attendance Dues from other
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese and are used primarily to service the historical and on-going debt
incurred by all Catholic Schools to cover the cost of building improvements. Attendance Dues do not
contribute to the day to day operational costs of Sacred Heart College.
Parents will be invoiced by the Catholic Schools Board at the beginning of each Term for the attendance
dues.
SPORT
CSW Junior Netball Tournament at ASB Stadium Thursday 8th August
The 10A netball team participated in the CSW Netball tournament recently placing 6 th out of 24
teams. They won 4 of 5 Pool games losing only to Kapiti College by 1 goal, putting the team in
playoff position for 5th – 8th place. The team played excellent netball and gained a lot of
experience playing other Junior teams from around the Wellington region.
CSW Table Tennis Singles Championships played on Friday 2nd August at Empire Stadium –
Petone. Maddie Nash was our only competitor in this event and came Runners up to the final
winner from
CSW Table Tennis Doubles Championships played on Friday 9th August at Empire Stadium –
Petone. Sacred Heart College had 2 teams compete in this event and they achieved 3rd and 4th
place.
THE BATTALION
TE TOA
________
This was a fantastic tournament with some terrific free flowing intelligent hockey played. The
visiting teams were full of wonderful girls and we all shared a very nice meal at the Petone
Working Men’s Club on Monday night. The final between Sacred Heart College Hamilton was an
excellent game. It ended in a draw. Hamilton had a great second half and won the trophy on a
count back of goals. They are a very nice team of girls and we were pleased to see them with the
trophy but watch this space for next year girls!
It is a real privilege to attend such a tournament and to see that the old spirit of the Mission
Schools is alive and well. Nice to catch up with coaches, managers and supporters. A big thank
you to Mrs Kenny and Mrs Brennan who worked so hard to make this tournament a warm and
happy affair, from the powhiri on the Sunday night to the prize-giving on the Tuesday. A huge
vote of thanks to Derek Wilshere, our hockey coach, who has done a great job this year.
A big thank you to Father Andrew Kim and Ss Peter and Paul’s parish. All the teams attended Mass
at 5.30pm on Sunday night. A big thank you also to all our supporters. We have a terrific band of
parents and grandparents who give terrific support to our team.
Kia kaha everyone - see you at Te Toa next year!
A great Hato Hohepa support team!
Lisa Ropiha and Vicki Peni
Derek Wilshere with SHC Napier’s Craig
Petherick. Derek is SHC Lower Hutt hockey
Coach.
Darrel Kemp and Rhonda Crawford
SHC New Plymouth
Koro Togi Waitoa and Nanny Mary Waitoa
at the dinner. Wonderful Hato Hohepa
supporters. They have done many Te Toa
and Mission Cup tournies.
Action from the SHC
Lower Hutt v SHC
Hamilton game.
We also have one or
our most ardent
supporters captured
on film!
Tena koe Waana!
A great team.
Mrs Kenny and Mrs
Brennan, our sports
Director and Assistant Coordinator.
Sacred Heart College
Lower Hutt with
Emma Peterson,
their manager and
Derek Wilshere,
their coach.
CAREERS CORNER
This is a very busy term for the Careers department at all levels of the school. Term 3 is the term
where year 13 students make their final choices and students pick subjects for 2014. To make the
best decision students can follow these steps:
 Know themselves and what is important
 Discover what is available in the world around them-jobs, courses, training
 Make choices about what options are right and take steps to get there.
Year 13
Year 13 students are being given all the information that they need to make a smooth transition
from school to tertiary study or employment. Regular meetings are being held to support
accommodation and scholarship applications. There is also a schedule of visits from liaison staff
from key universities to help with course planning. Students are encouraged to explore potential
papers and courses but should not submit their application until the course planning sessions have
been held. The only exceptions to this are courses that have an early close off date.
Subject choice
This can be a difficult time for students as they agonise over the most appropriate subjects to take.
There are really no bad decisions that students can make. English, Maths and Science create a
strong foundation for all courses. My advice is to continue with Maths as long as you can. Most
Arts degrees require a research paper at some point and basic statistic knowledge is important.
However, students do need to research the requirements of certain courses eg Health Science. To
help students do this, each Year 11 and 12 form class will soon be given a folder with suggested
subjects from various tertiary providers. I will also be available during Parent interviews to answer
any queries.
Upcoming Career events
22 August Weltec Open Day
28 August Faculty of Health Open Night, Whitirieia Campus
30 August Open Day : Victoria University, Massey University, Toi Whakari., NZ Fashion
WelTec and Whitireia City campus
30 August Real Game Year 10
5 Sept
Victoria University Course Planning
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
There was a Mass in the gymnasium for the whole school. Many thanks to Mr Chote and Mrs
Bartholomew for all the hard work with liturgy and making things so nice. A big thank you to all
our Eucharistic ministers too. They are a very fine group of girls and always so helpful.
It is important that we ensure that there is an opportunity for girls to attend Mass on this Holy Day
of obligation. It is a very special festival as for Catholic and Orthodox Christians it accords Mary a
special place in our calendar but also in our hearts. The Feast was celebrated from the sixth
century but goes back to apostolic tradition. In the East and the West Mary was said to have
“fallen asleep”. This was referred to as The Dormition of The Blessed Virgin. Her death is variously
placed in Jerusalem and in Ephesus where the disciple John lived. The tradition that she was taken
into heaven body and soul goes back to a 4th century document called “The Account of St. John
The Theologian of the Falling Asleep of the Holy Mother of God”.
In art my favourite representation would be that of Raphael
where Mary is being crowned by her son in Heaven and St
Thomas is left holding her girdle and he is looking upwards
with the disciples. He is a good choice by Raphael for this
role as he was always the one that needed “proof”.
In the grave where she was, beautiful lilies have sprouted.
The other image we include is the darker more dramatic
representation by the great Venetian master Titian. This
has movement and the terrific use of the light and dark that
the Venetians were famous for.
There is a sense of
wonder
in
both
paintings. Both of them
echo the line from the
Magnificat:
“He has thrown down
the rulers from their
thrones and lifted up
the lowly”. Luke 1:52.
God has a way of inverting what seems to be the natural
order of things. A lowly Jewish mother is accorded the coredemptrix role with her son. Like the disciples in both
paintings, we too can only look on in silence and awe. We can
only observe and perhaps, like the disciple in red in Titian’s
painting, also aspire to will her back to earth. As spectators
outside these great paintings we also participate in this great
mystery.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women and
blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Feast of the Assumption 2013
Father Bruce England and the whole school
in the gymnasium.
Annabelle Clinton and Brooke Dawson, our
fantastic technical wizards
Ahna Jensen in the orchestra
Croation altarcloth from Dubrovnik
Flowers
Sacred Heart College Emergency Information to Parents: Frequently asked
Questions
What happens in a situation where there is a large earthquake?
All staff and students will drop, cover and hold until the shaking has stopped
In the event of a large earthquake that required staff and students to evacuate classrooms, the
school will meet in the designated assembly point on the tennis courts. A decision will then be
made to close the school and parents and caregivers will be informed.
How will parents be informed?
Depending on the circumstances the school will inform parents of the situation using one or more
of the following methods:







A text will be sent out using the emergency alert system
An email will be sent to all parents on the school data base
The school website will be updated
A message will be posted on the WREMOnz face book page
An announcement will made on local radio stations: The Breeze 94.1 FM, 98.5FM
Sports Facebook page
Parents can phone into the school (avoid if possible)
What happens if my child cannot be collected immediately?
All students will remain under the care of the staff until they are collected.
What if the weather conditions are putting the children at risk?
Sacred Heart College School has a good supply of emergency provisions. In the first instance these
will be used to keep the students dry and warm. If students are required to be outside for an
extended length of time and the risk of hypothermia develops, a visual inspection will take place
of the new Performing Arts Centre, and if deemed safe, the remaining students and teachers will
be moved.
Are children allowed to use cell phones in emergency situations?
Currently the students are allowed to bring cell phones to school but they are only permitted to
use them during lunch. In an emergency situation they would be permitted to make contact with
their parents. Please note: students need to be assured that due to issues with networks they may
have difficulty getting through to their parents so there is no need to panic.
Can parents arrange to meet children somewhere following an earthquake or evacuation?
No. It is critical that children are physically collected by their parents from school.
Can I take other children home with me?
No unless contact has been made directly with the children’s parents and permission has been
granted by that parent.
Do I need to let the class teacher know that I am taking my children with me?
It is essential that parents speak directly to their child(ren)’s class teacher and inform them that
you are taking your child off the school site.
How do teachers keep track of where the children are?
Following an event such as an earthquake or fire, a roll call is done immediately. This information
is passed on to the Deputy Principal. In the case of an evacuation, we will keep a record of which
children have been collected and which children still remain.
What happens if my child is unaccounted for?
Immediately following an emergency such as an earthquake, key staff have designated
responsibilities to sweep the school buildings or locate children that are not accounted for before
and after the class roll call.
Do the staff and students know what to do in an Earthquake?
Yes - the school carry’s out regular fire and earthquake drills to ensure everyone knows what to do
in the event of an ‘emergency’. Procedures are updated in line with the Regional Civil Defence
guidelines.
CONGRATULATIONS !
... to Kate Upton who has
completed the Queen’s Scout
Award. This is the premier youth
award of Scouts New Zealand and
recipients
must
demonstrate
dedication, persistence and selfmanagement over an extended
period, developing their physical,
intellectual, social and spiritual
capacity.
Kate has also
completed her bronze and silver
Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards,
so well done Kate!
Here she is receiving her Award
from the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
FORMER STUDENTS’ SUCCESS
We are delighted to share with you
this list of former pupils who have
graduated from Victoria University
between June 2012 and May 2013.
Public Health Warning
- Influenza –
1. Students or staff with flu-like
symptoms should not be at school.
2. Prevent the spread of germs by
covering mouth/nose with tissues
when coughing and sneezing.
Dispose of tissues and sanitise
hands afterwards.
3. Encourage students to wash
their hands regularly.
4. Regularly clean surfaces that are
touched a lot (door handles, bench
tops, toilet and bathroom areas).
4. Immunise against influenza.
REFLECTION
The election of Pope Francis has ushered in unexpected hope for all churches. We have not had a
leader of such warmth and charisma since Pope John XXIII. We have had wonderful intellects and
writers but head has ruled heart. It is time for heart and he is doing it so well. He is also the sort
of leader who can help us put right the dark shadows of the sexual abuse scandals and show a
truly empathetic face to the poor and the marginalised. Maybe he is even the leader to listen to
what ordinary people really think.
In February 2012 the Association of Catholic Priests (Ireland) conducted a survey. The survey
found that 87% of Irish Catholics believe priests should be allowed to marry. 77% of Irish Catholics
believe there should be women priests. 75% think that the Church’s teaching on sexuality has “no
relevance” for families. As for Catholic teaching on homosexuality 40% “disagree strongly” with
the Church’s teaching and 61% “disagree”. On divorced Catholics receiving communion 87%
believe it should be permitted. If we had a similar survey in New Zealand I wonder what it would
reveal?? How did teaching and practice get so out of sync?
For all this criticism though, most of us still want God and we all want faith. Father Andrew Greely
of the University of Chicago said (2000) “Humankind will continue to believe, perhaps hesitantly
and with doubt, in God. Belief in life after death will survive. Faced with an alternative between
Macbeth’s ‘Tale told by an idiot’ and Teilhard de Chardin’s ‘Something is afoot in the universe,
something that looks like gestation and birth’, humankind will continue to tilt toward the latter
option”.
In 2007 I attended a lecture by the Irish poet and priest Father Tom Hamill. He spoke about the
different “faces” of God in the Old Testament. There is Elohim the upholder of order as
represented by the Temple. There is Chokmah who is the cherisher of possibilities. We are called
by this face to dance and be joyful. Then there is Yahweh the God of justice who invites us to give
our resources to the enslaved. The Old Testament also invites us to see other Gods (money,
prestige, power, etc) as the source of our enslavement. In the New Testament Jesus invites us to
see yet another face of God. God is father, provider, nurturer. Jesus’s life is our map to these
“new” aspects of God. This face of God is both father and mother. The Hebrew word “rahaminn”
is about compassion and comes from the word for “womb”. God is telling us that this image is the
one we should think of when we wonder if God cares. Pope Francis is trying very hard to show
this nurturing and empathetic God. We must support him through prayer and through getting
involved. We can also help by understanding a little the perversity of human nature. We need to
make allowances for others and be more forgiving in our daily lives. We need to role model that
we do believe people can change and that redemption really does exist.
The great Russian novels are very good at conveying the complexity of human nature. In the
“Brothers Karamazov” there is gratuitous violence of the worst kind. A peasant beats a poor
donkey to death. Ivan pushes a peasant into the snow (for no reason) but on the way home he
picks him up and takes him to a Police Station. We are perverse people. The writer was a deeply
committed Christian. He believed that “all things work together for good for those who love God”.
(Romans 8.28).
Mother Teresa of Calcutta said “I am not here to be successful. I am here to witness to God’s
love”. Pope Francis is such a witness. We are fortunate that it is part of Catholic teaching that
God is active in other religions. The Holy Spirit isn’t rationed or available only to some. The very
word for “salvation” in Hebrew means to “make wide” or “to make sufficient”. It is to our shame
that in parts of our past the gate was narrowed and not made wide and for some conservative
Christians that narrow trend continues.
I feel sanguine again. I think we face new possibilities. There is a lovely old French carol that asks
“Where is that goodly fragrance flowing stealing our senses all away?” The fragrance is the Spirit.
We are called to feel it; called to respond.
There is a terrific passage in Luke’s gospel when the correct and pious Pharisees want Jesus to shut
his disciples up. They are loudly singing praises. (It’s very annoying to some people to see other
people happy!). Jesus says “I tell you if these were silent, the stones would shout out”. Isn’t that
brilliant?!
So, don’t be afraid to be responsive. Respond to the winds of change. Respond to the call to
protect the planet. Be confident of the breadth and inclusivity of Catholic teaching and pray for
Pope Francis in his mission to role model this inclusivity to the world. We have a long way to go
and a lot of ground to make up but it can be done. We can access sustenance from a bountiful
tree. The first two Persons of the Trinity are part of this beautiful plant and the Holy Spirit is the
fragrance of its blossoms. The fragrance is around us and in us.
Lisl Prendergast
Armenian Tree of Life
NOTICES
March 2014 - Homestay families needed
Are you interested in learning about a different culture? Do you have a daughter at Sacred
Heart? Do you have a spare room?
Sacred Heart College is seeking host families for Japanese students arriving in March 2014 (13
March-25 March) who want to experience life in New Zealand. This is a wonderful opportunity to
make life long connections.
We are seeking families willing to host students for this period. Host families must have a daughter
at Sacred Heart College in 2014.
Living expenses are reimbursed and will be $420 for the stay.
If your family, or someone you know, would be interested in hosting a student please contact
Sarah Knowles, International Student Manager at Sacred Heart:
knowless@sacredheartcollege.school.nz for an application form or pick one up from main
reception at school.
HIGH FLIERS NETBALL
Would you like to play Outdoor Social Netball?
For women of all ages in the Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt area during the summer season
Contact Mel: 027 470 6493 or email: high.fliers.Corby@gmail.com
or web site: www.facebook.com/HighFliersNetball
Tweens & Teens Toolbox parenting group, from The Parenting Place
How to stay onside (and slightly ahead!) of your teenager.
We will show you that although these years can be challenging, they can actually be some of the best years of your life
- and theirs!
th
th
Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm from 20 August to 24 September , in Naenae
Bookings are essential. Cost: $67.50 individual, $90 couple (subsidies are available – talk to Natalie)
To find out more go to www.theparentingplace.com or contact Natalie P:934 8483 E:
HuttKapiti@theparentingplace.com
PARENTS CALENDAR
Please visit our website for latest information
Wednesday
21/8
Poly Group Concert (7pm - 9pm)
Thursday
22/8
Poly Group Concert (7pm- 9pm)
Friday
23/8
Saturday
24/8
Sunday
25/8
13 MOD Trip - Hospitality – WELTEC (TC) – All day
Teacher Only Day
DoE Gold Expedition 1
Alliance Française Concours Oral. Morning - Years10,11,12 Afternoon – Year 13
DoE Gold Expedition 1
Tuesday
27/8
Wednesday
28/8
Parent Interviews
Period 1 – 4 as normal
1.40pm – 2.20pm: Period 5
2.20pm: Students released for interviews
3.00pm – 6.00pm: Parent Interviews (A – L)
Faculty of Health Open Night at Whiteria
Thursday
29/8
13SUS World of Waste Tour (KH)
Friday
30/8
Saturday
31/8
Sunday
1/9
13 MOD Trip - Hospitality – WELTEC (TC) – All day
Year 13 Victoria/Massey/Various Tertiary Providers Open Day (All year 13 attend)
Year 10 Real Game (no classes for year 10 today)
Year 9/10 dance at St Pats
Year 13 Leavers Ball @ St James Theatre
Final Bronze DoE Tramp
Final Bronze DoE Tramp
Monday (6)
2/9
2/9 -6/9 : Winter Tournament week
Tuesday
3/9
Winter Tournament week
Wednesday
4/9
Winter Tournament week
Thursday
5/9
Friday
6/9
Winter Tournament week
Parent Interviews
Period 1 – 4 as normal
1.40pm – 2.20pm: Period 5
2.20pm: Students released for interviews
3.00pm – 6.00pm: Parent Interviews (M-Z)
Winter Tournament week
Sunday
8/9
ASB Junior Volleyball Tournament
Tuesday
10/9
Sports and Cultural Photos
Wednesday
11/9
6 – 9pm Big Bang Concert
Friday
13/9
Mufti Day for Life Flight Trust
Saturday
14/9
Year 10 Netball to Palmerston North for Tournament NS Nicky
Sunday
15/9
Year 10 Netball to Palmerston North for Tournament NS Nicky
Monday (8)
16/9
Senior Exam Week(13MOD First Aid)
Tuesday
17/9
Senior Exam Week(13MOD First Aid)
Wednesday
Thursday
18/9
19/9
Senior Exam Week (13MOD First Aid)
Senior Exam Week (13Tourism Trip KE)
Friday
20/9
Senior Exam Week (13MOD ABL/RET)
Saturday
21/9
First Aid Course (Fourviere)
Sunday
22/9
First Aid Course (Fourviere)
Monday (9)
23/9
Senior Exam Week (13MOD Home Day)
Tuesday
24/9
23/9-25/9 13HAR trip to Napier
Friday
27/9
END OF TERM
BASKETBALL - an error in the last newsletter!
We apologise for an error in our last newsletter..... Lily Keefrey was one of the 6 girls selected
for age group representative teams in Hutt Valley Basketball.. not Lily Moran as incorrectly
reported. So sorry for this mistake Lily... and Lily!!
At the end of July we welcomed 12 students and 2 teachers for two weeks from Ikubunkan School
in Tokyo, Japan. For many of them it was their first time abroad and they were very excited to see
Wellington and spend time at Sacred Heart College. During school hours they participated in Maori
classes where great fun was had learning Maori songs whilst using the poi’s and sticks. They also
undertook ESOL, Art, PE, Geography and Music classes. The highlight of the music class was Ms
Prendergast teaching them a song with her guitar. At the end of their stay a Sayonara party was
held at school and the Japanese students beautifully sang their school song in Japanese and
Pokarekare Ana in Maori. Many thanks to all the host families and staff who helped make their
stay so successful.