Dear God,

You come to us in Jesus who teaches us that the way to happiness is through our love for one another.

Watch over the teachers, students and families of Sacred Heart Cathedral School as we try to be faithful to this teaching.

Help us to be a welcoming and joyful community, so that others may come to know your love and peace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

What a wonderful term we have had.  The weather has certainly enabled us all to get out and about.  On reflection, I have been so proud of how our staff and students responded to changes in alert levels throughout the term.  Everyday, I observe resilience at Sacred Heart Cathedral School.  The staff really appreciated sharing learning goals and progress to date with you all during the week.  Supporting each other will ensure a good rate of progress is made.

As mentioned in last week's newsletter, drop offs and pick ups are causing our staff a great deal of concern.  Please note we have no facility for this onsite.  Please use Hill Street, Molesworth Street, Hawkestone Street or nearby carparking buildings.   Please DO NOT drop off children at the end of Eccleston Hill by the staff carpark.  Our neighbour has just phoned the school to say that he has noticed an increasing number of parents driving up Eccleston Hill (a very narrow road) to drop off children and he was almost knocked over by one of our parents.  He has specifically requested that we ask parents not to drive up Eccleston Hill to drop off children.   Please support us around this very important safety issue.  Keeping our children safe is a priority for us all.

Thank you to all the families who attended our Fono last week.  Thank you for all your innovative ideas and your willingness to support staff so we can continue to strengthen learning of our students of Pacific decent.

A few reminders:

- Winter Uniform requirements are at NZ Uniforms.  Contact Cathy if you would like any second hand.

- We have noticed some students are bringing toys to school.  Please keep these at home where they are safe.

- Just a reminder that school finishes at 2.40pm.  We have After School Care available at $15.00 for a casual or $55.00 per week.  Please note there is no playground supervision after school as staff have meetings, marking or prepartion.

Welcome back to Vikram who has rejoined our school community.  Vikram, it has been wonderful to see you're connecting with your old friends.

Next Term Julius Solia will join the teaching team on Wednesday to support learners in their classrooms.  Welcome back Julius.  We are very grateful for the work you will do at our school.

Please continue to support your children in the online world to keep them safe and feeling confident about who they are.  In addition to the Netsafe resources https://www.netsafe.org.nz/  this is another fantastic website https://www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz/parents/.  Guiding our children inthe online world is of great imporance to us all. Please be assured that our amazing staff give constant reminders as to what they can do if they are feeling uncomfortable about what is being said online.

It is a house colour mufti day this Friday. 

Fantail (Piwakawaka) - Blue
Kingfisher (Kotare) - Red
White Heron (Kotuku) - Yellow
Wood Pigeon (Kereru) - Green

Please bring some money to support Cartitas.

This will be my final newsletter until term three.  I will be on Sabbatical for term 2.  Christine Geraghty will be Acting Principal in my absence.  Christine can be contacted on christine@sacred-heart.school.nz.  Leanne Stewart will be working in Room 8 during term 2.  Leanne can be contacted on leanne@sacred-heart.school.nz.

Keep safe blessings to you all!

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Arohanui,

Bernadette Murfitt

Principal

News from the Sacred Heart Cathedral School Board

Kia ora koutou

Our Principal

We wish Bernadette Murfitt all the best for her sabbatical in term 2.  Her project description is:

an inquiry into ways that empower learners to succeed through the embedding of student-led learning (agency) practices that strengthen engagement, and improve learning outcomes for all students with a focus on Māori and Pasifika students.

We look forward to Bernadette sharing her findings with the board and community on her return in term 3.  We know that all our students will benefit greatly from Bernadette’s work.  We are proud of out student achievement levels and this is yet another way we will be able to focus on our mission of “educating our children within a Catholic environment to achieve their full spiritual, academic and personal potential.”

In Bernadette’s absence, Christine Geraghty will be taking on the duties of Principal, while Leanne Stewart will take on Room 8 classroom duties.

Board meeting

The Board met on 24th March.  Our strategic discussion was ‘Academic and Personal Development’.  The Board reviewed data for reading and mathematics and we discussed the excellent results through all year levels and the clear goals to support the movement of target groups.

Our next board meeting is on 12th May when we will review Health and Safety and also approve the 2020 financial statements.

Donations

Thank you very much to everyone who has paid their donations to the school.  Although donations are not compulsory, they enable our school to provide high quality programmes of learning and we rely on these funds to enhance the life of the school through supporting cultural activities, sports, employing additional staff to supplement learning support, and provide extra teachers.  The general school donation will be used for:

• ICT classroom equipment (Chrome books and iPads);
• new adaptive furniture that supports a vibrant and flexible learning environment;
• resources to support health and PE programmes;
• resources to support literacy, mathematics and science learning;
• resources to support the external environment.

Your support is greatly appreciated by us.  The donations (both general and specific) qualify for a rebate of 33%.  If you would like further information on this and how to claim, please click on the link below:

https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-individuals/individual-tax-credits/tax-credits-for-donations

Please contact Cathy at office@sacred-heart.school.nz if you have not received a donation receipt or if you have any questions.

If you have any questions about the above, please email or call me (suzanneadair@hotmail.com , 021 039 7558).

Ngā mihi nui.

Suzanne Adair

Chair of Board / Presiding Member

Cathy's email to all parents sent on Monday 12 April resulted in a further 3 parents who kindly offered to help out with this.  We are looking for another 3 or 4 parents to join this group so we can spread the baking load.  'Many hands make light work.'  If you can help with this please contact Shali.  The families who have experienced this pastoral care are so appreciative and it makes a real difference to them.  Thanking you in advance.

A group of senior children were asked to read the following Bible passage and reflect on its meaning for the Parish newsletter. 

Reflection - Luke 24:35-48 NKJV

To start with we found this scripture reading was confusing, but as we proceeded to read on, we slowly began to identify what it meant to us as youth of the Catholic faith. We believe this means that, even though we may sin, there will always be repentance, you will always be forgiven by God and your community.

The way we interpreted this scripture was that we need to feel relieved and reassured that God will forgive us even if we sin, Jesus and God will be ready to forgive. It also taught us about life after death, which means that after we die, we will rise up to be with God and all of our loved ones.

We believe that this piece of scripture taught us a lot of valuable information that will always be stored at the back of our minds. If YOU sin, just remember that God will always forgive you and show you mercy.

By Varias, Charlotte and Iliana Sacred Heart

Adoration on every Thursday

There is now Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament available every Thursday from 8.30am after the 8.00am mass up until 7.00pm in the Connolly Hall Chapel.  We would encourage everyone to take advantage of this very special time.  Come and spend a few minutes or longer if you are able to increase your intimacy with our loving God.  It is an opportunity to come away to a place of quiet reflection away from the busy-ness of life.  All are welcome – parishioners, teachers, parents and students.

We have Peanut Butter available in stock.  Please fill out the form and pay into the school bank account #12-3140-0325505-00.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1El9AdmrJsIIRqtgJ0vHZ8PU_1PcD2eyN7hbA5xbxfRo/

What a talented bunch of students we have!

Seth (Room 8) reached a milestone with his drumming yesterday.  His music school has selected Seth to be their Student Spotlight feature this month for their social media platforms.  The feature came out today.  Congratulations Seth, well done!

Here's his cover of the song talked about in the feature: Bang Bang by Green Day - https://youtu.be/akNVzjj4F8c

Pierre (Room 7) who was awarded the 'Olympic Junior Track & Field Amanda Goldsmith Cup' for most improved athlete 9 years and under.  Well done, Pierre!

Adam (Room 10) is a member of the baseball team, Central Sports Club, that was selected to play at the 13u National Club Championship in Nelson against 10 other teams from around the country.  Adam was one of only 13 kids out of 150 awarded a spot on the Club Championship All Tournament Team.  He has also been chosen for the Baseball New Zealand 12u wider squad, who have a goal of making it to the WSBC Baseball World Cup in Taiwan.  Great achievement Adam!

Laika, (Room 8) did a really good job at a fencing tournament (Wellington region) over the weekend. She came 2nd Girls in Epee and 4th Girls in Foil!  There were a lot of competitors and it was great that she entered into two different styles of fencing.  Well done Laika!

https://www.goodtimemusicacademy.co.nz/holiday-programme

Evolve Tennis Coaching is running a tennis-specific holiday programme during the April school holidays at Khandallah Tennis & Squash Club and Thorndon Tennis & Squash Club. The camps will run from 9am-12pm on the dates specified. For further information or to book please contact Evolve Tennis Coaching on 479 1386 or info@evolvetenniscoaching.co.nz 

KELLY CLUB APRIL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME:

Kelly Club Holiday Programmes focus on giving children aged between 5 and 13 the opportunity to do things they enjoy in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.

This programme are packed with activities to entertain and inspire children. We have some exciting days planned: Trips to: "Frosty Spot" - Ice Skating, "Strike"! 10 Pin Bowling, Maidstone Park & Avalon Park., Plus: Kelly club's Got Talent Day, Legendary Lego Day, Out of This World Day, Anzac Day and lots more!!

Kelly Club Holiday Programmes are held at the following venues:  Churton Park School, Westpark School, Amesbury School, Kelburn Normal School, Wests Rugby Clubrooms (upstairs) Wilton, Island Bay School.

For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellyclub.co.nz email admin@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201

FOOTBALL MORNING HOLIDAY PROGRAMME (Yrs. 1–8) Wests Rugby Clubrooms, Wilton (all weather indoor surface). 

Children aged between 5 and 12 can come along and improve their technique, knowledge and skills. We will focus on the core skills of control, dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting but MOST importantly having as much FUN as possible!

Week 1 - Tues, Wed, Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm, Week 2 – Tues, Weds, Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm

NETBALL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – NORTHLAND MEMORIAL HALL

Come along and grow your child’s confidence at the Kelly Sports Netball Holiday Programme. 

Years 1-4 - Learn the basic fundamentals of netball in a fun and engaging environment. Learn the key skills and understanding of the game, ball handling, co-ordination, speed and accuracy.

Year 5-8 - For those already playing 7-a-side netball and those wanting to get a head start and advance their technical and tactical knowledge of the game.

We use fun drills and games to develop and challenge young players focusing on the key skill areas for their level of development while also having fun!

Week 2 ONLY - Tues, Weds, Thurs 9am-12pm.

Term 2 FOOTBALL SKILLS ***NOW ON FRIDAY’S***

An 8 week football skills programme at Wests Rugby Club Rooms on Friday’s  (3.30pm-4.30pm).

Our Head coach has designed this programme to cover both individual and team skills including, Game rules, Ball control, Dribbling, Passing, Tackling, Defence, Team work, Goalkeeping, practice and warm up drills for players and teams.  It is ideal to improve skills and confidence for the Winter Football Season.

For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201 

It's almost time for our WELLINGTON HOLIDAY WORKSHOP with Josh and Dan!

The Marrzipan Drama Holiday Workshop runs from Mon 19 - Fri 23 April. Students will devise their own play from scratch, create characters, direct each other, design the set, bring in costumes and get to perform to family and friends at the end of the final day!

Past workshops have been a great hit! As well as having fun, the children develop confidence and public speaking ability, in a fun, relaxed environment.

For more information check out our website! Spaces are limited to 16 per group so get in quick!

W: marrzipandrama.co.nz E: josh@marrzipandrama.co.nz P: 022 436 5608

Nga mihi,
Josh Evans

Wellington Representative
Marrzipan - Igniting the You in You
022 436 5608
josh@marrzipandrama.co.nz
www.marrzipandrama.co.nz

TERM 1:  Wednesday 3 February – Friday 16 April

Public holidays:   Waitangi Day 6 February, observed Monday 8 February

                            Easter:  Good Friday 2 April, Easter Monday 5 April

                            Easter Tuesday 6 April (a school holiday)

School holidays:  Saturday 17 April – Sunday 2 May (includes ANZAC day 25 April)

TERM 2:  Monday 3 May – Thursday 8 July

                             Teacher only day - Friday 11 June as part of the Accord (school closed)

Public holiday:     Queen’s birthday – Monday 7 June

                             Accord Day for Kahui Ako – Friday 9 July (school closed)

School holidays: Saturday 10 July – Sunday 25 July

TERM 3:  Monday 26 July – Friday 1 October

School holidays:  Saturday 2 October – Sunday 17 October

TERM 4:  Monday 18 October – Tuesday 14 December

                            Teacher only day – Friday 22 October as part of the Accord (school closed)

Public holiday:  Labour Day 25 October

The school uses SchoolAppsNZ to communicate with parents or you can get in touch with us by the messages side tab or absentee icon.  Please download this app if you haven't yet done so.  Instructions are contained in the flyer below.

SchoolAppsNZ_Flyer.pdf

SchoolAppsNZ_Flyer _pdf 824.17 KB

SchoolAppsNZ_Message_Image.pdf

SchoolAppsNZ_Message_Image _pdf 206.35 KB

Once you have downloaded the app, you can customize the alerts that you receive from us by clicking on the 'Alert Subscriptions' from the drop down menu,  then tick the corresponding house, classroom and year level that your child is in. See photos below.

Subway lunches can be ordered online each Wednesday before 9.00am.  The subway lunches will be dropped off at school before lunchtime.  Instructions on how to order are in the flyer below.