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.

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

This week is Cook Island Māori Language Week.

The 2025 theme for Cook Islands Māori Language Week is "Ātui'tui’ia au ki te raurau a tōku matakeinanga – Connect me to the offerings of my people." 

To our school families who are Cook Islanders, enjoy your special week and have a wonderful time celebrating with your family and friends.

Welcome to Toviyah, who started on Monday and Sharon, who started yesterday, in Room 1. Welcome to the Sacred Heart Cathedral School. You are going to love your time here and will make lifelong friends.

Our staff had a wonderful day at St Patrick's College, learning and growing with colleagues. We had an AI focus - special thanks to Stephanie (Frank's Mum), who facilitated an amazing session for us all.

I also want to acknowledge Sue and Kate, who shared a workshop at our hui on the Sacred Heart Cathedral School's journey with Positive Behaviour for Learning. The presentation was very warmly received and a great reflection of the wonderful initiatives in place for our students.

Looking out for each other - special thanks to the two students and the Grandparent who supported one of our teachers when she tripped coming up the stairs last Thursday. Kindness and compassion in action.

We have a wonderful selection of candidates who have put themselves forward to be on our school board. Please don't forget to vote.

"We pray for a safe and nurturing school environment where all members of our community can thrive. May we work together to build a community of love, respect, and understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Have a wonderful week. Thank you for everything that you do for our school.

It is hard to believe we are 63% through the school year already. 

Arohanui,
Bernadette Murfitt
Tumuaki
Sacred Heart Cathedral School

I hope this blessing offers you a moment of reflection on what you do and how you serve others.

This morning, Sue shared this beautiful blessing with the staff. It is written by John O'Donohue.

"May the light of your soul bless your work with love and warmth of heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your soul.

May the sacredness of your work bring light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.

May your work never exhaust you.

May it release wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. 

May you never become lost in bland absences.

May the day never burden. 

May dawn find hope in your heart, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.

May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. 

May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

May your soul calm, console, and renew you."

Bernadette

Please respect our neighbours on Guildford Terrace.

Please park on Hill Street and walk into school.

Please, no drop-offs or pick-ups at St Mary's College and the Sisters for Mercy New Zealand.

It is important that we keep all of our students safe.

Attendance continues to be a top priority for the government, which has set a target of 80% of students attending school for more than 90% of the term by 2030. To achieve this, schools must aspire to reach an average daily attendance rate above 94%.

Last week, 28th - 31st July, we were 88.77%.

Please use SchoolAppsNZ to report your child's absence to the school.

Thank You to Our School Board Candidates!

Sincere thanks to the following candidates who have taken the time to put themselves forward for this year's Board of Trustees Elections.  We have 14 candidates standing for 5 positions.

Election Day:

• Voting Date Closes: Monday, 8th September 2025.

• Time: The electronic invitation to vote will go out within 24 hours from now and closes at 4:00 P.M. sharp on 8th September.

• All eligible voters are encouraged to participate in our online election to select our next five (5) parent representatives.

Electoral Roll:

• If you are eligible to vote, your name will be on the Parent Main Electoral Roll or Supplementary Roll. If you are uncertain, please take a look at this roll, which is available at the school office during regular hours.

Please remember to cast your vote before the deadline closes!

Here are the action shots of our Middle Syndicate who went to Akau Tangi Sports Centre last week.

Reminder: Our Middle Syndicate will be visiting the Government House tomorrow, 7th August. If you still have not completed the permission form, please click on this link - Middle Syndicate Government House Visit 2025.

On Tuesday, 12th August, the school Kapa Haka Performance Group (Year 4-8 student volunteers) is participating in the Wellington Catholic Kahui Aho Primary Cultural Celebration. This is a fantastic opportunity for our tamariki to share their talents through the arts of Kapa Haka performances.

The event will be held at St Patrick's College, Kilbernie on Tuesday, 12th August. Please fill out the Google Form to give permission for your child to attend if you have not already done so. The link can be found here. On Monday, 4th August, the chosen families of our performance group students received a supplementary consent form via email. Please check your email and complete the form.

ALL KAPA HAKA STUDENTS MUST BE AT SCHOOL AT 8.30AM ON THIS DAY.

You are invited to join us at the Parish Mass on Friday, 15th August at 12.10 PM in the Cathedral.

Our teaching staff will be attending a Paid Union Meeting on Tuesday (19th August). Our classes are covered, so there will be no disruption to whānau.

You are most welcome to join us for our bi-annual visit to Pipitea Marae on Monday, 25th August. The students are busy learning how to introduce themselves in Te Reo Māori. If you can help walk down to the marae, please fill in this Google form. The marae have requested that we give packets of biscuits as a koha for the visit. They will use them for the Monday night children's Kapa Haka group. We are asking each student to bring a packet of biscuits and drop them in the box by the office.

If you have registered your child for one of the sports subs below, please ensure that you have paid their subs fees to the following details below:

For Basketball Subs:

Account Name: Sacred Heart Cathedral School Board

Account Number: 12-3140-0325505-00

Reference: "BBALL TERM3"

Please note the amount corresponding to your child's year level: Year 3/4 - $39.00; Year 5/6 - $48.00; and Year 7/8 - $58.00

For Futsal Subs:

Account Name: Sacred Heart Cathedral School Board

Account Number: 12-3140-0325505-00

Reference: "FUTSAL T3"

Amount: $68.90

Please note that this is an after school sports activity that the school does not cover. We would appreciate it if you could please take the time to settle this matter, as we have received an invoice for payment.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

BASKETBALL:

Sacred Heart Dunks (Year 3 & 4):

What a game! Our team faced a strong opponent, which got a bit physical in the second half, but SH Dunks showed incredible determination to come away with a 37–29 win. With no subs, every player dug deep and gave 100% right to the final whistle.

Player of the day went to Alex (Room 5), who dominated in the paint – blocking shots like King Kong swatting flies! Her defence was outstanding, as well as her rebounding and shooting.

A special mention to Dougal (Room 5), who stepped up massively – playing tough, staying persistent, and refusing to back down under pressure.

Great performance and teamwork by everyone, we are so proud of you all!

Sacred Heart Lay Ups (Year 5 & 6):

Congratulations, team! A fantastic display of teamwork and determination led SH Lay Ups to a well-earned victory over St Brigid’s, finishing with an impressive score of 45–29. The player of the day was Sienna (Room 6).

NETBALL:

Sacred Heart Ferns (Year 5 & 6):

Congratulations to our SHCS Ferns on their fantastic 8-1 victory over Lyall Bay Kauri! This win was made even more impressive by the fact that the team was short a player, meaning they had to work with just one Centre instead of their usual two.

The Ferns showed incredible teamwork and adaptability, working twice as hard to cover the court and support each other throughout the game. Their determination and positive attitude made all the difference!

Thank you to the entire Ferns team for their outstanding effort and dedication.

The player of the day was Isabelle (Room 6), good work in support play. Special mentions to Violet (Room 7) for her hard work in the centre and Hannah (Room 7) for her great work in mid court and in goal.

Well done, Ferns!

Sacred Heart Marvels (Years 5 & 6): 

Last Saturday, our SHCS Marvels faced a tough opponent Berhampore Tui. While the final score of 11-6 didn't go our way, it certainly didn't reflect the intensity and determination shown by our team throughout the match. The Marvels fought hard from start to finish, with every player giving their absolute best on court.

Despite the challenging result, our team showed tremendous character and sportsmanship. We know that great teams are defined not just by their wins, but by how they respond to setbacks. The Marvels are already focused on bouncing back stronger for this week's game.

Player of the day: Sophia (Room 7), who provided exceptional mid-court support and consistent play throughout the match.

Special mention: Mirabel (Room 6), whose powerful drives and accurate shooting in the goal circle were highlights of our performance.

Well done, Marvels – onwards and upwards!

Sacred Heart Aces (Year 7 & 8):  

A massive congratulations to Icsabella Y and Hazel (Room 9), who won Gold and Bronze at the NZ Schools Hip Hop Dance Competition last Sunday. Isabella and Hazel are training hard to represent NZ at the World Hip Hop champs in Prague, in October this year. Ka rawe dancers!

Tennis Tournament 2025

To purchase an entertainment book, click on the following link:  https://subscribe.entertainmentnz.com/fundraiser/

Don’t miss the chance to watch the movie, Tinā (Mother), now the sixth-highest grossing Kiwi film of all time. It tells the story of Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher who, after losing her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, finds herself teaching at an elite private school and using music to inspire her students and rediscover her own passion. The film is a box office success in New Zealand, praised for its heartwarming story and performances.

Event Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Event Address: Lighthouse Cinema, 52 Beach Street, Petone, Lower Hutt.

Arrival time from:  10:00 AM

Screening time: 10:30 AM

Ticket prices are: Adult: $25/ticket, Senior & Student: $20/ticket.

Tickets will be on sale after every weekend masses starting, 19th July 2025. You can also purchase your tickets online by scanning the QR code or by accessing the link: https://forms.gle/NKvqxuq9zbSwtJ2A7.

We are seeking sponsors to help make this fundraiser event special. Please contact Joy at (021) 048 1216 or mcsh.fundraising@gmail.com.

Scouts in Wellington have space for youth between the ages of 5-14. Keas age 6-8, Cubs 8-11, Scouts 11-14 and Venturers 14-18.

Every year, we help 13,000 girls and boys in New Zealand enjoy new adventures, experience the outdoors, make new connections, and gain confidence. This includes outdoor activities and Leadership.

We are also on the lookout for new Leaders in our Groups. It is a great and fun opportunity.

To find your local group, please visit https://scouts.nz/join/ 

Yours in Scouting,

Hadyn Nicholls 

Tarikākā Zone Leader

Scouts Aotearoa

021 545 113

Greater Wellington Zone Calendar

Facebook Leaders Group

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