February 2006

Sacred Heart College

Te Kāreti o Ngakau Tapu

Napier

Powhiri welcomes all new staff and students to Sacred Heart College 2006

A special welcome to our new Deputy Principal and soon to be Principal, Mr Steve Bryan who was supported at the Powhiri by his family, and the Principal, staff and students from St Oran’s, Lower Hutt

Opening Mass

           Service and Ministry to others was the theme for our very special Opening Mass. It was lovely to see past pupils and past teachers, family, friends of the school and Sisters of our Lady of the Missions, celebrating together the beginning of our new school year. 

           At the Mass, Yr 13 Leaders for 2006 were commissioned and the College presented a gift to Sr Muriel Kivell for her service and support.

           We prayed for God’s guidance in all our decisions and prayed for a successful year in 2006.  We thank Fr  Paul Kerridge                    for celebrating the Mass and Fr John Dykes for concelebrating.  Thanks also to Sister Colleen for all her hard work and organisation and everyone else who contributed to make the Mass a memorable occasion.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

A very warm welcome to you all as we begin the 2006 school year.  A special welcome to our new students, families and staff—I hope that you have a long and happy association with Sacred Heart College.  During the Powhiri at the beginning of the year, Father Steve Hancy welcomed and prayed for all the new members of our school community, as did Father Paul Kerridge at our Opening Mass.  There was a wonderful school spirit evident on both occasions and we really appreciate many members of the wider school community joining us for these special occasions.

At the Mass we commissioned our 21 school leaders and 7 Eucharistic Ministers.  Congratulations to these girls and thank you for your service to the College.  In the usual tradition the Mass was followed by an afternoon of wonderful fun and frivolity with the whole school enjoying Tabloid Sports.

We have had a very positive start to the year—our new students are delightful and we are fully staffed with well-qualified staff.  We are particularly thrilled that our long-awaited Deputy Principal, Mr Steve Bryan, has arrived from Wellington. 

Our 2005 NCEA results are very pleasing.  Special mention must be made of our top achievers—at Year 11, Morgan Pedersen, Alice Russ, Laura McElroy and Helena Brown; at Year 12, Jennifer McElroy (168 credits, 51 at Level 3), Erin Maxwell, Tara Kelly, Natalie McKenzie, Sarah Mills and Juhie Matthews; and Year 13, Bronwyn Williams, Shannon Torr, and Meg Whitlow. 

More specific information about your daughter’s year is in the Deans’ letter that has been posted to you.  Included with this monthly newsletter is a survey that we would appreciate you completing and returning to the school office.

Every blessing for a happy and successful year— Monica Johnson, Principal

Year 9 and 10 ‘Meet the Teachers’ evening …

 

On Tuesday, 21 February, our  Year 9 and 10 students, with their parents, gathered for a BBQ tea at our College.  There was a wonderful turnout on a gorgeous evening, and this gave our staff an excellent opportunity to get to know our new families.

Thank you all for coming.

Head Girl:Tara Kelly—As Head Girl for 2006 I intend to lead the school by example and support the students in all their endeavours.  I will also help in welcoming the new Principal and Deputy Principal and work hard to promote the strong school spirit that Mrs Johnson has always encouraged.

 

Deputy Head Girl:Sara-Leigh Nonu—I will support Tara and all of her endeavours and continue to be involved in all aspects of our school community and the daily running of our College.

 

Hostel Head Girl:Ashton Northcott—I look forward to leading and fully supporting the girls of the Hostel in every way possible.  With the assistance of my fellow leaders I believe this will be a thoroughly enjoyable and successful year for Hampton House.

 

Hostel Deputy Head Girl

Hi, I’m Nicola Duff.  I started at the College and Hostel in Year 10 and have loved my time here.  I see the role of Deputy to be 100% supportive of Ashton and a good role model to my fellow boarders.  Thanks for the opportunity.  I’m sure it will be a successful year.

 

Student Representative on the Board of Trustees: Bailey Price—My time on the Board so far has been a very busy one with interviewing for the Principal position and more recently the new Deputy Principal role.  I am enjoying being a part of a Board with great passion for our school and look forward to my remaining time with the Trustees.

Eucharistic Ministers:

House Captains:

Committee Leaders:

As this year’s GAP student I would like to introduce myself a little!  My name is Beth Hatsell and I have travelled from a town called Preston, near Manchester in the north of England.

I chose New Zealand for my GAP year placement for many reasons; the beautiful landscape, the amazing culture, the chance of adventure and of course the fantastically friendly people!

I am here working at the school and hostel until August when I return home to begin University in September.  Whilst here I am hoping to make the most of my time not only through travel and ‘silly’ activities like skydiving (!) but through my work with the staff and students here at school.  A chance to work here is a real privilege for me as it is a fantastic life experience which will remain with me forever.

New Zealand, as I have already discovered, is a beautiful place with so much to offer. I am looking forward to the new people, places and friends I am yet to discover.

Class Councillors for Term 1

9GE                Judy Faka’osi

9LL                 Jemma Lyster

9LN                Brooke Harwood

10LS               Sue Seumanutafa

10PR               Brenda-Lee Locke

10SC               Rose Faletutulu

11GL               Toni Makea

11ME               KC Jordan

11PY                Teuila Nauer

12BN              Maggie Johnson

12HD              Lily Oliver

13WS             Katherine Wynands

P.T.A. News …We are planning a Twilight Food Fair as a way of welcoming new parents and a fundraising event for the whole school community.  So join us on the lawn of the College for dinner on Friday 17 March, 5.30pm—7.30pm.  We will be requesting donations of food items plus parent help to make this a success.  Further details at a later date. Next meeting, Wednesday, 22 March, 7.30pm.  All welcome.

2006 School Terms

Term 1              Tues. 7 Feb—Thurs. 13 April

Term 2              Mon. 1 May—Fri. 30 June

Term 3              Mon. 17 July—Fri. 22 Sept

Term 4              Mon. 9 Oct—Fri. 14 Dec

Why We Do The Things We Do—Lent … In the early Church, Lent originated as a time of repentance for those preparing for baptism.  Having experienced the call to conversion, those seeking initiation into the Christian community resolved to turn away from sin and embrace the Gospel life.  They were baptised at the Easter Vigil.

Today, the six week period of Lent is a time of repentance and renewal for the whole Church.  It is a time to prayerfully take stock of our lives, turn away from bad habits and renew our commitment to Christ.

On Ash Wednesday, (1 March) a liturgy will be conducted by Sister Colleen and the Special Character Committee at 9.00am.

AsTTle Testing … On Tuesday 21 February all Year 9 and 10 students sat common English and Mathematics tests that have been designed to help us develop teaching programmes suited to the girls’ diverse needs.  This is the first year we have used AsTTle tests for this purpose (Assessment Tools for Teaching and Learning).  They have replaced the PAT’s that we have used for many years.

Peer Support … The Peer Support is a planned programme which trains Year 13 students in personal awareness and facilitation skills and encourages them to understand and appreciate the similarities and differences among people.  These trained leaders are then able to offer support to Year 9 students using group activities to develop co-operation and self-confidence among those new to the secondary school environment and to help them in their relationships with others –peers, friends and family.

 

Congratulations to the following students who are the Peer Support Leaders for 2006:  Sacha Kapoor, Kelsie Livingstone, Kate Graham, Nicole Murphy, Samantha Lasei-Faitaua, Nicole Minogue, Nicola Duff, Laura Jeffares, Bailey Price, Jennifer McElroy, Chelsea Bailey, Sarah Pedersen, Bonita Olsen, Courtney Davis, Stevie Greeks, Philippa Sandford, Sara-Leigh Nonu, Tara Kelly, Ashton Northcott, Katherine Wynands, Sara Mills, Danielle Turner, Nicole Murphy, Shiori Kondo, Erin Maxwell, Juhie Matthews, Charday Wooten-Lane, Diana Hale, Natalie Mackenzie, Grace Nee-Harland and Penelope Brown.  The Committee is made up of Nicole Murphy (Leader), Juhie Matthews, Nicole Monogue, Michelle Webb and Katherine Wynands.

 

To begin our Peer Support Programme for 2006 the Year 9 students and Year 13 Peer Support Leaders enjoyed a Barbeque get-together on Thursday, 16 February from 1.05—2.00pm.  It was an informal way for the Year 9 students and their Year 13 buddies to start to get to know each other.  Planned Peer Support activities are scheduled for Terms one and two.

- Maria Metu, Peer Support Co-ordinator

Board Talk … The Board of Trustees warmly welcomes all new staff, students and families to the College.  We are beginning the new year with the process of appointing a new Deputy Principal to work alongside Mr Steve Bryan when he succeeds Mrs Monica Johnson as Principal in term two.  This announcement will be made soon.

Our Annual Plan for 2006 includes a focus on refitting the hall as a multi-purpose Cultural Centre that will be shared with the Hostel, on improving traffic flow and parking within the school grounds, and upgrading the entrance to the Cemetery.  We expect a visit from the Education Review Office later in the year so trustees are working together with the staff to represent the school—the best in the Bay.

The Board is looking to recruit a new Trustee from the school community.  If you have a daughter on the preference roll and have a particular interest and/or connection with the Maori community and would be willing to join the Board of Trustees, please indicate your interest to the Principal.

Sincerely yours—Susan Doohan, Chairperson Board of Trustees

A fun afternoon was had by all in the Tabloid Sports held on 17 February.  The weather was great—even the heat of the day didn’t prevent all form classes putting in maximum effort!  Everyone turned out splendidly in the colours for their year groups and the staff were in the spirit as well by dressing in green and positively supporting the students at their various activities.  The mood of the afternoon was one of frivolity.  Thanks to all who made it a fantastic event.  A special thanks also to the students who helped set up and pack up the activities.

           - Sue Wakeling—HOD Physical Education

Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday from 11.00am until 2.00pm during the school term. 

New style blazers are available priced from $224—$238.  Small quantity of second hand items for sale.  Payment—cheque or cash.

Enquiries to Colleen McLaughlin—Ph:8444.126

Staff News…

Welcome to Steve Bryan our new Deputy Principal.

Kirsty Peters, Teacher Aide with Greta Dinneen, Yr9.

Miss Raewyn Calder joins us to teach Physical Education and Health.

Mrs Karen Sime will be teaching Science.

Ms Lyn Lewis returns to her full time teaching position of Physics, Science, Health and Mathematics.

 

Advanced Warning … on 20 March, all Secondary schools in Hawke’s Bay will be closed to enable teachers to undergo Professional Development for NCEA.

 

As you will note, on the front page Konica Minolta have sponsored our February Newsletter.  If there are businesses out there who would like to do the same, please contact the office on 835.3761.  This assists us with the cost of printing our monthly bulletin.

Introducing Linda St.George our new Public Health Nurse. The Health Clinic will now be held Break 2 each Monday. Appointments can be made through the school office. 

There has been a case of Chickenpox.  This viral disease is highly infectious and if your child is unwell or has any symptoms, they need to remain home until all of the lesions have crusted, usually about 6 days after rash appears.  Please inform the school if so.

If students need an appointment with Ms Metu, Guidance Counsellor, appointment forms are available in the foyer of the Library. If a parent has any concerns please phone for an appointment through  the school office.

Tabloid Reports results:

1st place                  11PY              1st Place      Team 12HD Fire

2nd Place                12HD             2nd Place     Team 11PY Ice

3rd Place                 13WS             3rd Place      Team 11PY Fire               

Can you please be very mindful of the hidden dangers at the Convent/France/Coote/Shakespeare Road intersections particularly when dropping off and picking up your daughter.  Our children are very precious.   Thank you.

If your daughter travels on a bus, you will have received a letter outlining our requirements for students.  It is important that you have discussed these with your daughter and that the tear off slip has been returned to the office.  Bus passes will be issued next week.  Students should carry their bus passes with them and be ready to show them on boarding.

This year the Hastings and Bay View bus runs are serviced by Nimons and the Taradale and Tamatea by Metro.  The Taradale and Tamatea buses are shared with St Patrick’s School and these buses are quite full so that students travelling on a temporary basis do have to have permission for each trip.  On most of the buses it will be necessary for some students to stand during some part of the trip.  As soon as seats become vacant they should be filled by the nearest student standing.

If you have any queries or concerns please contact Miss Saddler through the school office.