Thank you for all the amazing support you have given our school throughout 2020.  We are so proud of our students and their achievements.  We appreciate your enthusiatic responses to help us with the delivery of our curriculum.  You have been all true champions in the special way you have supported your child through this very turbulent pandemic year.

Have a safe and happy Christmas.  Farewell to those families who are moving to new adventures. 

We look forward to seeing you all in 2021.

Blessings and aroha to you you all.

"Lord God, as we ponder the blessings and challenges of this past year, grant us the serenity of your Spirit and openness of heart to appreciate the wonders you have done.  We will continue to be faithful to those we serve.  Amen."

Bernadette Murfitt

Principal, Sacred Heart Cathedral School

Thank you for all your feedback in our community survey which we will incorporate into our strategic planning.  Thank you again for your time in giving us ideas to make our school even better.  Please see summary of the survey below.

SHCS Survery 2020 Infographic_August2020v3.pdf

SHCS Survery 2020 Infographic_August2020v3 _pdf 336.30 KB

As a school we are so fortunate to have a positive, proactive community.

• Students shared prayers, insights and stories about how precious a mother, father, grandparent is.  Many of these were completed htis year through Zoom.
• Successful Pasifika Fonos covering a range of topics.
• Zoom whānau meeting that generated great ideas foing forward.
• Celebration of Learning.
• Virtual sports day during lockdown.
• Fundraising group who are committed to raising funds for digital resources for our school.
• Parents supporting students in Education Outside the Classroom experiences.
• Well attended Curriculum Information Evenings - this set the scene for learning for the 2020 school year.
• End of Year Academic Mass.
• Excellent attendance at goal setting and interim reporting sessions.
• Induction evening for new families and student to Sacred Heart Cathedral School.
• Celebration of skills learnt through our "Dance in Schools" programme.

• Children are given the opportunity to participate in netball, swimming, tennis, touch rugby, soccer, athletics and dance.
• Challenges of training for school cross country where children's fitness is developed.
• Ongoing Intensive Professional Development for staff with funding provided by the Ministry of Education and contracted to "Core Education".  This has led to improved learning outcomes for all students at our school.  This has also enabled our staff to develop pedagogical knowledge and skills when implementing and delivering the New Zealand Curriculum particularly through an e-learning lens and digital technology.
• Fonterra Milk in Schools programme
• Our Board of Trustees completed Professional Development on governance and responsibilites of Boards in a Catholic school.
• Accelerated Literacy Learning for target students facilitation by Learning Solutions.
• Our school is a member of Wellington Catholic Community of Learning.
• Musical instruments and additional turf have been added to our playground.
• Year 7 and 8 students participated in Royal Engineering Project called the "Wonder Plant Project."  The students had the opportunity to work with a scientist from NIWA and used a variety of strategies to problem solve the sustainability of the human race through the use of hydroponically grown plants.

• Successful  education outside the classroom experiences where students were challenged across a range of outdoor activities including trips to Te Papa.
• Aquatic education instruction at Regional Aquatic Centre.
• School camp for Year 7 and 8 students at Kaitoke YMCA.
• Kapa Haka tuition for all students.
• Celebrated Maori Language Week, Samoan Language Week, Cook Islands Language Week , Fijian Language Week, Tokelauan Language Week and Chinese Language Week.
• Student led market day raising money for the Cathedral parish. 
• Quality sports instruction programme at ASB
• Student led fundraising initiatives with a social justice focus – donations made to: Caritas, Soup Kitchen and  Home of Compassion
• Dance in School programme - two week intensive dance programme. 

Central Zone Speech competition

The following children were selected to represent our school at the Central Zone Speech competition this year:

Veronica Rm 7, "Why girls shouldn't have to wear dresses and skirts as uniform."  This was a well presented speech that really made everyone sit up and listen.  Veronica filled in for Ava who was unwell and was just simply superb. Placed 1st in Central Zone.

Keiffer Rm 6, "Why children should read books."  Watching Keiffer in action was like watching a Ted Talk.  Keiffer was very confident and precise.  Placed 2nd in Central Zone.

Tyler Rm 10, "Imagination."  Well done, Tyler.  You are very easy to listen to and your content was so well researched.  Placed 2nd in Central Zone.

Kezia Rm 10, "Cross Country."  Kezia is one persusasive young lady.  We loved the way you integrated humour into your delivery.

Congratulations to Katherine Rm 9, who is the recipient of Ryan Family St Maria's Scholarship to St Catherine's College.

Congratulations to Tyler Rm 10, who is the recipient of an Academic Scholarship to St Patrick's College Silverstream.

Tammy Rm 7, was successful in her application, supported by Ms. Scarlett, for the Gifted Learners Award from the Ministry of Education. She has been granted $1400 to spend on learning opportunities of her choice. 

Summative Achievement Data

75% of all students at Sacred Heart Cathedral School are achieving at or above expectations in Writing.

85% of all students at Sacred Heart Cathedral School are achieving at or above expectations in Reading. 

83% of all students at Sacred Heart Cathedral School are achieving at or above expectations in Mathematics.

Areas for Improvement

After careful analysis and scrutiny of school wide data the following areas have been identified and are school wide targets for 2021

Congratulations to the following students for their achievements this year:

Science:  

MERIT:  Victor Rm 8 and Jayden Rm 8.

CREDIT:  Euan Rm 6, Nina Rm 6, Joshua Rm 6, Sammy B Rm 6, Nathan Rm 10, Charlize Rm 8, Tyler Rm 10, Katie Rm 9.

DISTINCTION:  Leon Rm 5, Keiffer Rm 6, Tammy Rm 7, Irene Rm 8, Maia Rm 8.

Spelling:

MERIT:  Iliana Rm 10, Harmony Rm 9, Charlize Rm 8, Anna Rm 9, Joseph Rm 9

CREDIT:  JC Rm 5, Chanelle Rm 5, Sam L Rm 6, Sammy B Rm 6, Keiffer Rm 6, Toaiva Rm 6, Bianca Rm 8, Adrielle Rm 10, Maia Rm 8, Nathan Rm 10, Marley Rm 9

DISTINCTION:  Adee Rm 5, Euan Rm 6, Nina Rm 6, Jonfred Rm 7, Kezia Rm 10, Jayden Rm 8

HIGH DISTINCTION:  Cielo Rm 5, Tammy Rm 7

Maths:

MERIT:  Joshua Rm 6, James Rm 6, Joseph Rm 6, Irene Rm 8, Tyler Rm 10, Victor Rm 8, Declan Rm 10.

CREDIT:  Malchus Rm 5, Chanelle Rm 5, Adee Rm 5, Cielo Rm 5, Euan Rm 6, Sam L Rm 6, Keiffer Rm 6, Daniel Rm 8, Charlize Rm 8, Katie Rm 9.

DISTINCTION:  Leon Rm 5, Jonfred Rm 7, Sammy B Rm 6, Tammy Rm 7, Maia Rm 8, Nathan R10.

English: 

MERIT:  Adee Rm 5, Euan Rm 6, Dom Rm 10.

CREDIT:  Sadie Rm 5, Alex Rm 5, Nina Rm 6, Daisy Rm 6, Keiffer Fm 6, Sophia Rm 7, Iliana Rm 10, Kezia Rm 10, Irene Rm 8, Daniel Rm 8, Maia Rm 8, Tyler Rm10, Marley Rm 9.

DISTINCTION:  Leon Rm 5, Jonfred Rm 7, Sam L Rm 6, Sammy B  Rm 6, Charlize Rm 8, Katie  Rm 9, Jayden Rm 8.

HIGH DISTINCTION:  Veronica Rm 7, Tammy Rm 7.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School has been represented at Regional, Inter Zone Central Zone in Cross Country and Athletics; and at the Inter Zone, Central Zone levels for Swimming.  The following children qualified for the Regional Zone athletics:  Lynda Yr 8 for Shot Put, the Yr 8 Boys relay:  Declan, Dominic, Nathan and Zach.  Steven Yr 7 and Ahena Yr 7 Shot Put, Harley Yr 7 100m and Long Jump, Joseph Yr 6 Quoits, Veronica Yr 5 80m sprints, Pierre Yr 4 60m sprints.  We had 5 netball teams who played Saturday netball under the school name during the winter terms.  We also had teams entered in the Total Touch competition - 4 teams playing in Term 1 and 3 teams in Term 4. 

In term one all students particiapted in Dance In Schools. 

Mr Grevatt organises touch rugby in Terms 1 and 4.  We usually have 4 teams entered in the Total Touch competition.

Yulia Rm 8, successfully auditioned for a part in the Royal NZ Ballet, performing in 'The Sleeping Beauty'.

Levi Rm 7 was invited to play as 'Kid on court' at the ASB Classics International tennis tournament on 16th January.  Only a handful of young tennis players have the opportunity to play from each of the NZ regions.  

He also participated in his first official Rubik's speedcubing competition - Wellington Mindgames 2020.  He came 13th in Megaminx and was one of the youngest players.

Annie Rm 10 and Giuseppe Rm 9, both received the prestigious awards at the Marist St Pat's Rugby Prizegiving.  Annie received the Chris Horgan Memorial Cup for Club Tackler of the year and recoginises the outstanding Tackler of the year.  Giuseppe received the John L Gordon Memorial trophy for club person of the year and this is awarded to a junior player who has shown they are a committed and dedicated rugby player and demonstrate loyalty, commitment and sportsmanship on and off the field.

Alice Rm 9, played in the Wellington & Kapi Mana Primary & Intermediate Schools Tennis Tournament at the Renouf Centre.  Alice made it to the semi-finals and as a result will be going through to the Regional tennis tournament to be held in November.

Jack Rm 9, has been training with the Wellington Hockey U13 representative squad.  Unfortunately due to COVID rep hockey looked different this year, with all National and regional tournaments cancelled. However, Wellington Hockey was able to organise a local tournament which included 3 Wellington teams, as well as 2 from Wairarapa, and one from Horowhenua.   Jack’s team finished second behind an unbeaten Wellington team.  Jack was awarded the team Leadership award - having displayed outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and skill over the season.

Bianca Rm 8, competed in the Interislander Capital Classic swim competition and was placed in the top 5 in the 200m Open Water Series.  She won gold in the 100m Butterfly and silver in the 400m Freestyle.

Veronica Rm 7, competed in the Junior Track & Field Championships 2020 held at Newtown Park and won a bronze medal in the 12yr old relay, a silver medal in the 9yr old relay and was a finalist in the 200m race.

Our Summer soccer football teams this year, both came first in their divisions.

NETBALL: 

We congratulate our winter netball teams, coaches, managers and families on their last game for the season on Saturday 19 September. 

• SH Ferns drew their last game coming 1^st = in their grade.
• SH Emeralds lost their last game by one point coming 2nd in their grade.  
• our SH Pulse team (made up of year 4/5 students, playing in a y5-6 grade) were placed a respectable, 6th place out of 10.

A special mention to our SH Ferns team who have also made the inter-school satellite competition to play the best teams from around the Wellington region on Saturday, 26 September.  

Team Emerald                                                           Team Ferns

This is what people say about our school.

Card from Home of Compassion after a group of students visited:

Feedback from Spirituality Review 

"In summary the school community not only meets but exceeds expectations in regard to meeting its goal on growing and fostering Spirituality. There is extensive evidence to indicate this is occurring on a daily basis, that it is integrated into all aspects of life and that it is making a significant impact upon those within the school, staff and whanau."

 "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the principal and the DRS for their strong and committed leadership within their faith community. Living and modelling the vision are essential if evangelisation is to become a reality."

"I would also like to thank the staff, board of trustees, akonga and whanau for their unstinting support and commitment. The school’s sense of Catholic Spirituality touches all who grow to know the school as a place of encounter, knowledge and witness in the faith." Frank Wafer- Leadership Advisor Archdiocese of Wellington 

What an amazing year we have had.

With a pandaemic and all we have still managed to do so much.

Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou

 Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

The Pope said the purpose of the nativity scene was to teach “that we cannot let ourselves be fooled by wealth and fleeting promises of happiness” and that they were a reminder to help those less fortunate.

“From the manger, Jesus proclaims, in a meek yet powerful way, the need for sharing with the poor as the path to a more human and fraternal world in which no one is excluded or marginalized.”  Pope Francis