Sacred Heart Cathedral School will be closed on

Wednesday, 29^th May due to the strike.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

You may have heard in the media that NZEI members (primary teachers) and PPTA members (secondary teachers) across New Zealand have both voted in favour of taking joint strike action on Wednesday, 29th May.

The Board has considered whether an education service can be provided on 29th May - but given the absence of the Principal and teaching staff we have concluded that we cannot provide a teaching service during that period. As a result, the School will be closed that day and no school related services (including after school care) will be provided and no staff will be at School on that day.

I know this will be inconvenient for many parents and hopefully a resolution to the underlying issues will be found that the Government, NZEI and PPTA can accommodate.

If you have any questions relating to this decision, please contact me.

Kind Regards,

Suzanne Adair

Board Chair

Email: suzanneadair@hotmail.com

Mobile: 021 039 7558

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Another fabulous week here in the best little city school in Wellington. It really has been go, go, go. 

Our 2019 netball season started last Saturday and I want to thank the team of parents who have put in so much effort leading up to the start of the season, and  on the day with encouragement and support. Across all teams there was a great level of skill and positive attitudes. Well done.

We have purchased soccer goals to go down on the turf which have been a huge hit with our students.

Welcome to Rhiley and Maddison who returned to our school after being away for a number of years. We hope you enjoy your time back at Sacred Heart Cathedral School and enjoy connecting with old friends.

During the weekend, I read a fabulous article written by Professor Lea Waters about 7 guiding principles to happiness. My take outs included:

1. Giving back - being kind to others.

2. Family and community - relationships are an important contributor to happiness.

3. Fun and adventure- when we try new things we allow ourselves a moment of fun as well as an opportunity to expand horizons.

4. Humour and positive emotions - trying to maintain a positive outlook. We know that laughing is really good for us.

5. Appreciate the small things in life - savouring the small things in life.

6. Living in the moment - enjoying the now. 

7. Disconnecting to ensure meaning and purpose - we need to give ourselves time to unclutter our brain.

We are looking forward to seeing you all next week at Our International Food Night, Thursday 23 May starting 4.30pm.

Mark the date - 27th May - Katrina from Core Education will share with families tips on keeping safe in the cyber world.

This Friday, students can wear a pink shirt or anything pink for Bullying Free week - we will be collecting for the Soup KItchen so would appreciate a "can" as a donation.

Be the person who ... written by Bianca Sparacino

"Be the person who cares.

Be the person who makes the effort, the person who loves without hesitation.

Be the person who bares it all, the person who never shies away from the depth of their feelings, or the intensity of their hope.

Be the person who believes- in the softness of the world, the goodness of other people, in the beauty of being open and untethered and trusting.

Be the person who takes the chance, who refuses to hide. Be the person who makes people feel seen, the person who shows up.

Trust me when I say-be the person who cares. Because the world doesn't need any more carelessness, any more disregard; because there is nothing stronger than someone who continues to stay soft in a world that hasn't always been kind to them." 

Arohanui

Bernadette Murfitt

Principal, Sacred Heart Cathedral School

Last Wednesday night, we had our final Board of Trustees meeting before the upcoming election on 7 June.  Two of our board members, Kaye Stirling and Joseph Mina, are retiring from the board after six years of service.  I would like to thank them for their contribution and commitment to the board and the school community.  Thank you also to all of the current board members for sharing their expertise with the school.   

Just over three years ago, the board had appointed Bernadette Murfitt as our new principal.  It is a good time to reflect over the last three years and to mention some highlights for the board.  Prudent financial management over this period has allowed the school to purchase, amongst other things, new furniture for the classrooms and increase the number of devices in all classrooms.  We have also been able to provide quality professional development for our teachers.  One highlight for teaching staff was being able to attend the U-learn conference as a group in 2017.  With the help of our school community and grant donations, we have also been able to develop outdoor areas of the school including the new playground.  The artificial turf is very welcome as we go into the winter months.

At the end of 2018, we had a very positive ERO visit and report noting that Sacred Heart Cathedral School can draw on existing strengths in: 

• a well-developed curriculum that provides students with authentic learning experiences;  
• a clear vision for school direction and continual improvement that emphasises positive outcomes for students; and 
• organisational structures, processes and practices that promote student learning and wellbeing.

With Board of Trustees elections coming up, I encourage you to think about standing to be a Board of Trustee member.  Being a trustee is an important and rewarding role and we need a board that is made up of people who have a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge in a variety of areas.  If you have an enquiring mind, common sense and a wish to see Sacred Heart Cathedral School succeed, you will undoubtedly be able to make a valuable contribution.  Nominations are now open and close on Friday, 24 May. 

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

Suzanne Adair, Chairperson, Sacred Heart Cathedral School Board of Trustees

2019 Sacred Heart Cathedral School Uniform Feedback

Thank you to all families who responded to our uniform survey.  We received 70 responses and are very appreciative to all the feedback and good ideas that were shared with us.

Results

• Our families are very keen to use NZ Uniforms in the shop on Thorndon Quay or as an online option.
• 90% of families who completed the survey supported proposed changes to the school uniform.
• Price, quality, durability and affordability are very important to our families.

We intend to move to NZ Uniforms from February 2020 - all uniform will be available online or at NZ Uniforms on Thorndon Quay. You will not be able to purchase any uniform through school from February 2020 (apart from sun hats and ties which will also be available from NZ Uniforms).

Since the survey was sent out, we have enquired about continuing with the same winter tunic and summer dress fabric and NZ Uniforms is able to supply us with both.  Therefore, there will be no change in fabric colour and design for the winter tunic and summer dress.

Your child can continue to wear the current Sacred Heart Cathedral School uniform that you already have.  We will continue to give away second hand uniform as we receive it from families.

We will streamline our buying process by moving to NZ Uniforms and will also ensure that the school is not having large amounts of uniform stock onsite.  Holding uniform stock is currently a risk and expense to the school.  In addition, the provision of school uniforms in-house has been operating at a loss, so the current uniform list prices would have to increase if we kept the uniforms in-house. 

NZ Uniforms accept cash, EFTPOS, credit card and WINZ payments.  NZ Uniforms is open on weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm and on Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

In October this year we will do a final in-house school uniform order for senior skirts and summer dresses (to use up the last fabric before we transfer to NZ Uniforms).   From 2020, you will be able to purchase all uniform items from NZ Uniforms.

As a school we are very appreciative of the way Robyn Jones has served our families with all uniform requirements and we have been involving Robyn in the transition process.  She will continue to help us as we transition to NZ Uniforms.

We will have samples and a price comparison available for you to view from NZ Uniforms in the school foyer from week 4 of this term. Generally, prices are similar to what we pay at the moment but there is a substantial decrease in the cost of the winter tunic/senior skirt due to bulk ordering.

We are looking forward to working closely with NZ Uniforms.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School Board of Trustees

Nominations are invited for 5 parent representatives to the board of trustees.  Nominations close at 12 noon on Friday 24 May.  If you would be interested in standing as a candidate, please complete an 'Election Nomination Form' - a copy has been posted to all eligible voters (a copy has also been attached below).  Also note that you are invited to submit an optional statement (up to 400 words), which can include a photograph to Cathy in the school office (Returning Officer) by 12 noon on Friday, 24 May in order for it to be sent to voters with the voting papers.  All candidates statements and the electoral roll are displayed on the noticeboard in the foyer of the school - on your right as you walk in through the main automatic doors.  

A reminder for entertainment books to be returned to school if you are not interested in purchasing it.  If you do want to purchase it, please click on the following link:

Thank you.

Sacred Heart International Food Fair

Packaging for bakers

We will provide packaging at the School Office for all bakers this week.  Please pick up boxes for cakes or bags for slices and cookies from the school office.

ALL BAKING TO BE PACKAGED AND DELIVERED TO SCHOOL OFFICE BY THURS MORNING, 23 MAY.

For detail on delivery and containers for any other food items please contact:

Asian Fusion food - Pamela Pareja, pamela.p.pareja@gmail.com Tel. 022 012 2379

Pasifika – Trudy L,  trudyml18@gmail.com Tel. 021 037 8290

NZ food – Amanda Gregan, amandagregan@hotmail.com Tel. 027 9399 575

LASTLY, PLEASE NOTE THE FOOD FAIR WILL START AT 4:3OPM ON THURSDAY NEXT WEEK!! 

This year we have decided to have Sacred Heart Cathedral School currency.

You will be able to purchase vouchers to purchase your food before the event or on the night.

You can pre pay and your vouchers will be waiting for you at school. Please pay into the Parent and Friends account 12-3140-0397242-00 please put your surname and food fair as a reference 

This will make it easier for stall holders as they wont be handling money. 

Food will range in price from $2.00 to $15.00

We are really excited! There will be alot of yummy food available for you to purchase on the night or to put away in your freezer. 

On Friday, 17 May 2019, our school will take part in Pink Shirt Day.

By celebrating Pink Shirt Day at our school, we want to help our students to feel safe, valued and respected.  Aotearoa will be transformed into a sea of pink to share aroha and kindness, celebrate diversity and stop bullying!

Students are asked to come to school in mufti, wearing a pink shirt. We ask that a "can" donation is made, which the school will then give to the Soup Kitchen.

Tālofa lava! Afio mai!

Samoan Language Week / Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa is being held this year from Sunday, 26 May to Saturday, 1 June. The theme for this year is: ‘Lalaga le si’osi’omaga mo se lumana’i manuia’ - ‘Weave an environment for a better future’.

Friday, 31 May - Mufti Day - wear something that represents Samoan culture.

Dame Winnie Laban will be speaking to families at 5pm on Wednesday, 5 June - "Preparing our Pasifika students for an exciting future of being confident, connected, lifelong learners." 

Today, we had our cross country which was a big success. Special thanks to John Grevatt who organised this event and to all our staff who encouraged our children to do their best.

Our "urban course" was a great challenge and the sun shone brightly on a crisp Autumn morning. 

Congratulations to the following students: 

Year 4 boys:

Placed 1st - James

Placed 2nd - Ezra

Placed 3rd - Lachlan

Year 4 girls:

Placed 1st- Veronica

Placed 2nd- Daisy

Placed 3rd- Ava

Year 5 boys:

Placed 1st - Felix

Placed 2nd - Zachary

Placed 3rd - Samuel N

Year 5 girls:

Placed 1st - Toaiva

Placed 2nd - Maddison C

Placed 3rd - Sophia M

Year 6 boys:

Placed 1st - Rupert

Placed 2nd - Yasha

Placed 3rd - Owen

Year 6 girls:

Placed 1st - Victoria

Placed 2nd - Anika

Placed 3rd - Irene

Year 7 boys:

Placed 1st - Dom

Placed 2nd - Giuseppe

Placed 3rd - Max L

Year 7 girls:

Placed 1st - Jade

Placed 2nd - Maddi M

Placed 3rd - Katherine

Year 8 boys:

Placed 1st - Eoghan

Placed 2nd - Toby

Placed 3rd - Ashton

Year 8 girls:

Placed 1st - Annabelle

Placed 2nd - Ava Br

Placed 3rd - Danielle

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.

Last week the Middle Syndicate went to Capital E to make their own versions of the news.

Technology learning from our intermediate students.

Congratulations to all of our teams!

Results:

•  Jade played EBIS (A) and lost 4-45.  Maia was awarded 'player of the day.'
•  Ferns played St Patrick's Primary and won 36-2.  Annabelle was awarded 'player of the day.'
•  Emeralds played St Francis de Sales and won 14-1.  Katie was awarded 'player of the day.'
•  Pulse played Holy Cross Tui's and lost 2-16.  Anika was awarded 'player of the day.'
• Sapphires played Island Bay and lost 4-6.  We did not have a 'player of the day.'

Special thanks for all the encouragement on the sideline.

With thanks to Mr. Vasquez, check out this video of the Sacred Heart Cathedral School Emerald's netball team game played last Saturday, 11 May 2019.

We do have lice here at school. Please check your child's hair on a regular basis and treat if necessary.

"Our teacher gave us an art project to do, which involved making a cardboard cross mounted on an upside down paper bowl.  We had to choose a theme to decorate this.  The theme I chose was 'friendship' - represented by the people and the heart on my sculpture."

Yasha Rm 6

Alex (Room 3) has lost his named tie.  Please check your child's tie and if found, please return it to Alex in Room 3.  Thanks.

A quick update on costs for After School Care.  For regular users, it costs $55.00 per child, per week.  Early (by 3:30pm) pick ups for regular users $30.00 per child per week.  Please note that Robyn, our After School Care supervisor does run a discount system for families with more than one child, who regularly attend.  Casual attendance $15.00 per child per session.  For casual attendance, please email Robyn:  robynjones1952@gmail.com and cathy@sacred-heart.school.nz

This ensures that the school is aware of afterschool care arrangements on a casual basis.

Please note this is Robyn's new email address.  Thank you.

Thursday, May 16 is International Support Staff Day and this year, our theme is Making a Difference - Whakamana he Rerekētanga. As a school, we would like to thank the wonderful support staff team here at Sacred Heart Cathedral School.

Special thanks to:

• Cathy and Frances our administration team;
• Robyn in the library;
• Alison, Rachel and Natalie who support learners in the classroom;
• Robyn, Lani, Zach, Val, Oriana, Enriko, and Lynette who run our After School Care programme.

We are so grateful for all you do for us.