Page Title

Sacred Heart College, Napier
Te Kareti o Ngakau Tapu
News


	July 2005


	Chapel Fundraising Appeal Launched


	Past Pupil's representative presenting their donation to hostel manager.


	Convent Past Pupils' and Friends' Morning Tea The morning arrived. Tuesday 26 July, and this lively group of Past Pupils arrived for Morning Tea. Some thirty of them I believe. The advanced party arrived at 9am on the dot to set up, and within the next hour there was a steady procession of people arriving with their baskets of goodies for the occasion. Take it from me, the standard of culinary cuisine was hard to beat! There was a raffle at the door and much merriment as the gathering got under way. The perfect venue, and an ideal opportunity to reminisce and catch up--and that they certainly did. Mrs Johnson, our Principal, arrived and officially welcomed everybody and we were then told that the proceeds from a Cook Book produced by their Association were to be presented to the school to launch the Chapel Fundraising Appeal. As the Co-ordinator of that fundraising, it was my privilege to receive a cheque for $1,261. Who better to make the first contribution to the Appeal than the Past Pupils? "Thank you" seem like empty words, but please be assured that they are very sincerely meant and said. As Co-ordinator I am entitled to say "may this cheque be the first of many!" The appeal is looking to raise some $450,000, and I have set myself a target to have this money, if not in the bank, at least committed to the cause by New Year's Eve. Now there is an excuse for a party! My Pastoral Care Manager, Kathy Te-Ripo, conducted a Hostel Tour which included a trip to the College Library, and from all accounts was an event all of its own. For some, the stairs in the Hostel were a bit of a challenge, but everybody got back safely! Kathy told me afterwards she had found her new calling in life…A human walking stick! Needless to say it was all cause for a few good laughs and stories from the past, and all seen as part of the fun. With breath regained after the tour, and a bit more reminiscing done, people started to drift home, having seemingly enjoyed the morning's entertainment. The Hostel hopes to see everybody back again next year ……And who knows? Maybe there will be a peg in the ground for the new Chapel, around which we could gather and enjoy some more of those delicious little morsels! Richard Gregory, Hostel Business Manager

Dear Parents and Caregivers, Term 3 has begun well and it is pleasing to see students working hard to achieve the goals they have. I urge senior students to begin a study programme in preparation for Assessment Week later this term as this is an important build-up for external examinations. To achieve the best possible results students must be focused, make the most of every class and revise methodically. It is vital that those with co-curricular commitments plan ahead to meet assessment obligations.
Three new staff members have joined our team this term--Dr Soni Laugesen, Mrs Barbara Bruce and Mrs Jean Collins. Ms Lyn Lewis has also returned from her travels. We hope that you will have the opportunity to meet them in the near future. Shortlisting is under way for our new Deputy Principal--more news on that later. On 19 August we farewell our GAP student, Monika Weglarz, who has been with us since January efficiently carrying out duties in both hostel and school. We wish Monika well as she returns to England and then begins her studies at York University.
It was with great sadness that we note the death of Father Pat Loft from St Mary's Parish during the holidays. Father Pat was always supportive of our school, visiting to celebrate liturgies and masses with us. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, compassion, generosity and humility. May he rest in peace.
We are holding our annual Open Afternoon on Sunday 21 August from 1--3pm. Please encourage families you know with year 7 and 8 daughters to come along and find out about the educational opportunities available at Sacred Heart College.
God Bless-- Monica Johnson, Principal


	Te Toa Hockey Tournament 2005 From 30 July to 1 August, the first XI Hockey team took part in the Te Toa Hockey tournament. Te Toa is a Mission Schools competition and this year was hosted by our College. Other competing schools were Sacred Heart Colleges from New Plymouth, Lower Hutt and Hamilton and St Joseph's Maori Girls' College. The games were played with a really friendly sportsmanlike spirit, but of course, were competitive. The New Plymouth and Lower Hutt teams were very strong and the competition ended in a draw between these two schools. Our girls played some excellent games, demonstrating strong defensive skills. The improvement shown in this team from last year is steady and this was evident from the smaller goal differences in some of the games. The overall organisation of the tournament was fantastic--thanks to Henny French with support from many others. The food was awesome, thanks to Barry from the Hostel along with all the wonderful contributions from parents. Thanks also to all the supporters--families, friends and staff. Other helpers over the weekend deserving thanks were the students representing the Kapa Haka group in the Powhiri, the Year 10A Netball team who helped waitress and dishwash, Year 13 students from the Social Committee who organised the quiz night and staff members who helped out at various occasions. Last but not least, thank you to every member of the hockey team for showing commitment and support of each other. I would also like to acknowledge some financial supporters: Pat Portas from Property Brokers who kindly gifted the team with a set of gear bags; Sports Power; Cookright Filtering Services; Balmoral Pharmacy and Marewa Unichem Pharmacy. A big thanks to you all. - Sue Wakeling, Coach 1st XI Hockey team


	Barry and his kitchen helpers


	A wonderful dinner was enjoyed on Saturday night

Senior Ball--"Chicago"

"Chicago" was the theme for the 2005 Sacred Heart College/St John's College Ball which took place on 2 July. Everyone looked spectacular as they walked through the entrance-way consisting of fairy lights, balloons, dramatic guns and silhouettes at the Napier War Memorial Centre. The band provided quality music, the catering was more than satisfactory and I'm sure everyone is eager to see the photos. The night was a huge success and enjoyed by all. Many thanks must go to Melinda Parris and the St John's boys involved in the organising.
- Lucy Newrick 13WS


	The girls at the Pre-Ball


	Our wonderful staff


	Queen of the Ball


	Farewell to … At our final assembly for Term 2 our school farewelled Ms Karen Chalmers who has taken up a management position with NZQA in Wellington, Sr Colleen Edgecombe who is on sabbatical leave for Term 3 and Mr Karl Iaveta who has been seconded to ERO for 12 months. God bless you all.


	Monika Weglarz … Our wonderful GAP student who leaves us this month to return to England. She intends studying Politics and Education at York University. Good luck and God bless Monika--we have enjoyed your company.


	We welcome new staff for Term 3 … Mrs Barbara Bruce in our English, Learning Support and Language Development areas; Dr Soni Laugesen in Maori, English, Social Studies, History and Classics; Mrs Jean Collins who is covering a class in Home Economics. We also welcome back Ms Lyn Lewis who is teaching Mathematics and Science.


	Board Talk … A priority for the BOT this year has been the upgrade of the computer network system in the school. This has included cable replacement, new computers in high-use areas and upgraded computers in all other areas of the school. Work was carried out at the beginning of the year and new computers are starting to arrive. The final configuration and installation for this upgrade is planned for November this year, and all staff and students will notice a major improvement when accessing the school network.


	PTA News … We are planning a second-hand uniform sale to be advertised later in the year. Donations of items in good, clean condition are being sought now from any of the Hastings and Napier Catholic schools. These may be sent to the school office over the next few months. If an item is to be sold on your behalf please include name and phone number. The PTA reserve the right to take 30% of the selling price. Peak House Gourmet BBQ tickets are available now at $35 each for this fun evening to be held on 22 September. Reserve your ticket now as these are limited and sell fast. Phone Gary on 876.6603 or Marie on 843.6008. Our Trivial Pursuit evening went off with a bang and a lot of fun was had by all. If you need any further information about these events don't hesitate to ring myself on 843.4294 or Debbie Scott on 876.0693. Deborah Neilson, Chairperson


	Our Senior Debating team has won its third debate this year. On the last Thursday of Term 2, Jennifer McElroy (first speaker), Laura Jeffares (second speaker) and Bailey Price (third speaker) defended the proposition "that corporal punishment should be reintroduced". The debate was against the Napier Girls' High School 2 team. Sacred Heart won convincingly and adjudicator Mr Graham Valentine singled out Bailey Price for her exemplary rebuttal. We have now won against Napier Girls' High School 2 and 3 teams and Taradale High School, and should now advance to the quarter finals. This is an especially good effort for a team made up entirely of Year 12 students in a competition including Year 13 students as well. -David Brown


	World Youth Day is an international gathering of young people from every continent and nation, called annually by Pope John Paul II. Every second or third year, the celebration is held in a different location around the world. This year the youth of the world are gathering in the hisoric city of Cologne in Germany for the 20th World Youth Day celebrations and will get to meet our new Pope--Benedict XVI. Bon Voyage to … Sr Emma, Bill Dysart and Lusila Maka who are travelling to Germany to be part of World Youth Day 2005. After a two day hui in Auckland they leave on 4 August and travel through Istanbul, Gallipoli and visit two Greek Islands before heading to Köln, Germany. They will return on 26 August..


	Gifted and Talented Students… Recently, a very successful day-long course called "Developing Resilient Intelligence" was attended by 30 students. It was designed to help talented students overcome challenges and achieve to the best of their ability. It is intended to repeat this course for Yr9/10 in Term 4. Next week we will be resuming the LEAP programme for selected Yr9 and 10 students and in term 4 a small group of Yr10 students will spend 2-3 days at Massey University in a special practical programme designed to give them an insight into the workings of a tertiary institute. -Terry Marshall (Gifted and Talented Education Co-ordinator)

Congratulations to …

Kjerstine Severinsen who will be competing at the Edinburgh Tattoo from 5 to 28 August. The competition is part of the Edinburgh Festival and a team of 45 New Zealand dancers will perform every night plus twice on Saturdays. It will be a great experience!
Kate Graham for coming first in the Senior Girls' A Grade of the HB Secondary Schools' Senior Squash Tournament.
Netball … Our two Hastings netball teams are doing exceptionally well playing in senior grades. These are made up mainly of junior players. Watch this space!!
And--next week we have 40 Yr9 and 10 girls playing in the College Netball Tournament competing with HB Secondary schools--Good luck girls!


	Thank you to … the Heretaunga Trust for their very kind donation of $10,000 towards our computer upgrade. Also to Southern Trust for computer cabling. Student Work Day--a great success. Money to be in by Monday to be eligible for the wonderful 'spot' prizes.

Reminder!!!!

Accounts for NZQA exam fees were sent home last month. We MUST receive payment of these invoices before 31 August 2005.
2005 fees are $75 per student. This may be reduced to just $20 if you have a Community Services Card, or receive a benefit of any kind. If you think you may be eligible, please ask for an application form.
Please ensure we receive your payment in full, prior to the due date. Late payments must be forwarded directly to NZQA and will attract a $50 penalty.


	Help with NCEA Maths and Science … Students who want some extra help with NCEA Maths and Science should try the website www.studyit.org.nz Dental Care … Dental care is free up to 18 years of age. After your 18th birthday you will have to pay for all your dental care. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. An enrolment form and a list of contracting dentists is available from the school office for anyone under 18 who does not have a regular dentist. It is important to receive regular dental care so that any problems can be dealt with at an early stage. Don't wait until something hurts!


	Tax Refunds … The Inland Revenue Department have asked us to remind your daughters that 14-19 year olds who have a part-time job may well be entitled to a tax refund. This can be checked out on www.ird.govt.nz

NCEA Candidates...

Late last term you were all given information about how to check your record of learning on the NZQA website. You were given a code number and encouraged to check your results regularly. You will find that the NCEA section of the website has some very useful information about NCEA. We would also encourage parents to spend some time seeing what it has to offer. If you have any questions about NCEA contact Mr Perry.