Intermediate-aged students on the cusp of high school have had the opportunity to experience what life at Sacred Heart College could look like. 

The annual Touch of Class, held on August 9, saw more than 160 intermediate-aged students from Catholic intermediate schools in Napier and Hastings plus other schools around Hawke’s Bay spend the day at Sacred Heart College. 

Acting Principal Marysia Airey says it was a very positive day. 

“The purpose is to give the girls an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a high school student, engaging in some new curriculum experiences and becoming familiar with our beautiful site,” Mrs Airey says. 

Workshops ran throughout the day, with students doing three subjects from a selection of Art, Music, Design, Food, Textiles, Drama, Digital, Te Reo Māori, Religious Studies, Spanish and PE.

It was organised for the first time by Mrs Edina McFarland, who has stepped up as Deputy Principal this term, with the help of Mrs Lisa Brassington who organises the schools, enrolments, group allocation and buses. 

Year 10 students were the hosts – some as guides that moved around the three workshops with the group and others providing expert help in the various classrooms.

“Beautiful weather allowed the students to join with the whole school body outside for breaks. They were able to participate in various sports, visit the library, sit in the sun, and meet Sacred Heart College students from all year groups, including old acquaintances from primary days.” 

A challenge given during the day was to meet and learn the names of two students from other schools.

Mrs Airey says this created a great sense of community and being part of the SHC sisterhood regardless of their current schools. 

Earlier this year, Year 8 students from St Patrick's School, St Joseph's School and St Mary's School were up at school four times during term 2 for the Hearts programme - a one-hour session of extension learning through English, Maths, Science and Social Studies. 

The next opportunity for students and whānau to experience what Sacred Heart College has to offer will be at the open evening on Wednesday (August 16) at 6.30pm. 

“The students that attended were keen to bring others back to the open evening to show off the school and share what they were involved with to their whānau.”

The Sacred Heart College Open Evening will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at 6.30pm. For more information contact the school office.      

Article added: Tuesday 15 August 2023