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,

A very special and warm welcome to Aeren, who has joined Room 2 on Monday. You are going to have a wonderful time at our school and will make lifelong friends.

Spring is here. I am certainly enjoying the slightly longer days. Have a look at our second-hand uniform and see if there is anything that you may need for the upcoming warmer season (please leave the area tidy).

This week, we are celebrating Chinese Language Week. I was very fortunate to attend the opening function at Parliament on Monday evening.  Sir Richard Taylor from Weta Workshop was a guest speaker. He shared about the wonderful museum he created in Zuhai, which celebrates Traditional Chinese Medicine through an innovative lens. To our Chinese whānau, have a wonderful week of celebrating with whānau and friends.

How we behave at Sacred Heart Cathedral School:

On Monday, Room 2 presented a fantastic assembly on self-control - a quality that is essential for all of us. This is a timely message, as we've recently had a few incidents that don't align with our school's values.

To ensure our school remains a safe and positive environment for everyone, we want to remind students that certain behaviors are unacceptable. These include:

• Using foul language, whether in the classroom or on the playground.

• Physical contact when frustrated with others.

• Threatening or using hurtful words.

• Disrespecting any of our dedicated and hardworking staff members.

We have high standards for how we treat one another. A little kindness goes a long way, and we expect all students to show respect to their peers and to the adults who work at our school. As I said to the students in assembly, "We can do better."

If a student has a problem or concern, they must tell a duty teacher or their classroom teacher immediately. We are committed to following up and making things right. Just a reminder, Miss Sue Cranney is in charge of our Junior Syndicate, Miss Hannah Ryan is in charge of our Middle Syndicate, and Mr Julius Solia is in charge of our Senior Syndicate.

Last Thursday, I was fortunate to attend a wonderful seminar presented by David Wells (who runs an area of Catholic Education in the UK) that examined faith, hope, and love through a practical lens, using the gospel as its foundation. I particularly loved the dialogue around hope and not losing sight of our greater vision and purpose.

Mr Solia, Miss Cranney and I will be attending the New Zealand Principals Conference at the beginning of next week, down in the city.

To our Dads and Grandads - have a wonderful day this Sunday with your whānau.

"We thank God for all the fathers, grandfathers, and significant male role models associated with our school.

We bless them with strength, resilience, and a deep sense of joy.

We remember those who are no longer with us - comfort those families and keep their memories alive.

Amen."

Have a great week, and thank you for all that you do for our school. We are hoping to see many families on Friday at our Liturgy.

Arohanui,
Bernadette Murfitt
Tumuaki
Sacred Heart Cathedral School

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, 25th - 29th August, we were 88.48%.

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

Electronic voting is now open. We are so fortunate to have so many parents interested in standing for our Board of Trustees. Please show your support by voting.

Voting closes at 4:00 PM on Monday, 8th September.

Candidates standing for this year's Board of Trustees election are as follows:

When "chewing gum" is improperly disposed of, it can stick to desks and floors. The school has recently been carpeted, and removing gum from it is very difficult.

Please remember that our school has a gum-free policy. We ask for your support in reminding children not to bring or chew gum at school.

Thank you for helping us keep our classrooms and learning spaces clean and welcoming.

Children’s Sacramental Programme – Registrations Now Open

Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish is now accepting registrations for the 2025/26 Children’s Sacramental Programme. The programme begins with the Sacrament of Confirmation in Term 4, 2025, followed by First Reconciliation in Term 1, 2026, and concludes with First Holy Communion in Term 2, 2026.

To be eligible, children must be baptised and at least 8 years old.
If your child is not yet baptised and you wish to arrange this, please contact us via the emails listed below to book a meeting with Fr Patrick.

The first parent information session will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, at Connolly Hall.

For registrations or further enquiries, please contact Geraldine at  mcsh.sacramentalprogramme@gmail.com or reach out to the Parish Office at  cathedral.parish@wn.catholic.org.nz.

You are warmly invited to the Junior Syndicate Liturgy for Father's Day on Friday, 5th September at 9:30 AM in the Cathedral. Limited parking is available in the playground and there will be refreshments in the library afterwards.

We would like to check in with you regarding our school photos to ensure we are meeting the needs of our school community. Please click the survey link - School Photos Survey. The survey will close on Thursday, 11th September.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts.

We are beginning our swimming lessons at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre on Tuesday, 7th October. Lessons will run every Tuesday for eight weeks, finishing on Tuesday, 25th November.

• Time at the pool: 10.00 – 11.00 AM.

• Travel: By bus, leaving school at 9.30 AM and returning by 11.30 AM.

Please ensure your child is on time for school on swimming days. If they miss the bus, they will need to stay at school and will miss their lesson.

Swimming is part of the Physical Education Curriculum, and all students are expected to participate. If your child is unable to swim for medical reasons on a particular week, please email their teacher. The pool is indoors, heated, and the instructors are fully trained.

Clothing and belongings:

• Students wear their school uniform on swimming days.

• They may wear togs under their uniform.

• All items must be clearly named, including: togs, goggles, caps, socks, shoes, underwear, shirts, shorts, jackets, bags, blouses, towels, and dresses.

• Please pack everything in a named plastic bag.

• Children should practise changing quickly, drying themselves, and dressing independently.

Parent help:

We would greatly appreciate assistance with changing the children at the pool. Please note that, due to bus seating restrictions, helpers will need to meet us directly at the Aquatic Centre. If you can help, please complete the form by Friday, 12th September - https://forms.gle/XDV1QVJbXskShKNj8.

Thank you very much for your continued support.

Click the link:

Please note that the last day to order your child's hoodie is on Friday,19th September 2025.

CENTRAL ZONE SWIMMING:

The quality of the swimmers were impressive and several students made it through to Inter-Zone Swimming in October. We will publish these names when the places have been confirmed. 

BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT:

Sacred Heart Hoops (Year 3 & 4):

It was a fast-paced game from Churton Park, and while the result didn't go our way, the Hoops worked hard to keep up the tempo. The kids showed great team play, always looking to share the ball and support each other.

The Player of the Game was Dylan (Room 5) for her resilience and effort on both ends of the floor.

Awesome grit, Hoops - each game is building more confidence and teamwork!

Sacred Heart Lay Ups (Year 5 & 6):

A thrilling game for the team to put up a strong fight against the Ngaio Great Whites, with a final score of 43–47. The team showed excellent defense and teamwork throughout. Despite the narrow loss, it was an impressive performance all around. The Player of the Day was Charlie (Room 7).

Sacred Heart Dunkin Donuts (Year 7 & 8):

15th August Game Update:

Dunkin Donuts is doing really well this term. We have seen lots of improvement and fantastic teamwork!

They won 23-7 against St Benedict’s. Micaiah (Room 10) was the Player of the Game.

22nd August Game Update:

The team won 31-2 against Raroa. Zach (Room 8) was the Player of the Game.

29th August Game Update:

The Dunkin Donuts won 28-17 against Newlands. Lucas (Room 10) was the Player of the Day.

NETBALL WEEKLY UPDATE:

Sacred Heart Marvels (Years 5 & 6):

The Marvels continued their remarkable season journey with a hard-fought 7-4 win over Nga Mokopuna last Saturday, cementing their second-place finish on the table. In what has become a typical battle between these two sides, both teams delivered a competitive yet fair and clean match that showcased the best of the sport.

The victory caps off an extraordinary season for the Marvels, who have risen from Year 5 & 6 C grade to compete in the Year 5 & 6A Grade Level - a testament to the team's dedication and growth throughout the year. The win sets up an exciting finals showdown this week against Berhampore Tui, with first and second place on the line.

Player of the Day: Colette (Room 5) Being the youngest in the team, Colette really stepped up in the midcourt on Saturday, executing great attacking and defensive moves on the court.

Special Mention: Ella (Room 5) showed outstanding defensive play, who was given specific tasks to focus on and pulled them off amazingly, contributing significantly to the team's solid performance.

Special Mention: Frankie (Room 6) had recognition for stepping up to playing Attack and giving it a go with great spirit and determination!

Special Mention: Kaatia (Room 7) played an amazing game of defence on Saturday - Miss Reliable was great in play and proved once again why she's such a valuable team member.

Sacred Heart Ferns (Years 5 & 6):

Awesome game from the Ferns winning 6-4 against Lyall Bay School. The team played some great defence, staying in front of their players as well as spreading out and getting free to move the ball through the court. The player of the day went to Tilomai (Room 5) for her fantastic timing and patience in the shooting circle and for always working to present herself as an option for the Centres to pass to.

Well done team! Onto finals for our last game next week!

Sacred Heart Aces (Year 7 & 8):

SH Aces delivered an electrifying performance against Seatoun Pulse, securing a 21–12 victory in a game full of twists and turns. Trailing after the first two quarters, the team showed incredible resilience and teamwork to turn the tide, surging ahead with confidence and skill. By the fourth quarter, the Aces had cemented their lead and sealed the win in style.

Player of the Day went to Izzy C (Room 8), whose impact was immediate and powerful. Her support through midcourt and precision shooting were game-changers.

MM was awarded to Hannah (Room 8), who disrupted the Pulse’s rhythm with multiple intercepts.

Captain’s MM went to Amelia (Room 9) for her outstanding defensive efforts.

It’s the final this week and we’re playing off for 3rd place — be great to see as many supporters sideline as possible, so come along and support the team as they give it their all!

Congratulations to Ayana (Room 6), who played rugby league this year for the U9s Porirua Vikings Maroon team.  At this year's prizegiving, she was awarded the best attacking player of the year for her team. She worked hard and did extras pre-season and during the season. Your hard work has paid off Ayana. Well done!

Congratulations to Violet (Room 7), who was awarded the Y5/6 Tomahawk award at the 2025 Wellington Axemen Club Rugby prize giving.

It’s Summer Soccer Time!

Summer Soccer is held at Ian Galloway Park on a Friday after school in Term 4 and Term 1, and it is run by Kelly Sports. The games are 5-a-side and students play with peers.

This is a parent-led activity, so we are asking for parents who are interested in organizing teams.  

If your child is interested in Summer Soccer in Seniors and Middles, please contact suzanneadair@hotmail.com.

If your child is interested in Summer Soccer in the Juniors, please contact Nikki at nikkiduru@googlemail.com.

We will need a parent to volunteer as a manager for each team.

Izzy Y and Hazel B from Room 9, have qualified to represent New Zealand at the World Hip Hop championships in Prague.

They are training hard, and working really hard to raise the funds to get their crew to the world stage in late October.

• World of Wearable Art (WOW) - 2 x A Reserve tickets to 2025 World of Wearable Art (WOW) Show: RISE on 3 October 2025.

• Luxury accommodation – Two nights for two in central Wellington, 3 & 4 October, including chocolates and wine on arrival.

• August Eatery - $100 brunch voucher. 

We’ll be drawing the raffle on 14th September and will let the winner know by phone and email.

LUNCHTIME DISCO DANCE LESSONS: 

As part of their fundraising efforts, Hazel, Izzy, Azaria and Edie will be holding Disco dance lessons for the Juniors on Wednesday, 3rd September and for the Middles on Thursday, 4th September, during lunchtime in Room 4. A gold coin donation to attend the class. Give it a go and learn some dance moves. 

To purchase an entertainment book please click on this link:  https://subscribe.entertainmentnz.com/fundraiser/10428y2

This September, your kindness goes twice as far. When you purchase an Entertainment Membership, Entertainment will gift match the donation from your Membership purchase—instantly doubling your impact for the cause you care about most.

Not only will your support be matched, but you’ll also unlock: - $20,000+ worth of savings every year - Up to 50% off dining and activities (yes, the fancy nights out and the fun casual hangs) - 15,000+ everyday offers you can use anytime, anywhere

Your Membership is more than savings—it’s a way to enjoy unforgettable experiences while giving back twice as much.

For further information, click on the link below:

 Sunday, 7 September 2025

 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

 Talavera Tennis Club, 148 Glenmore Street, Kelburn.

•  Try tennis with our friendly coaches and members
•  Sausage sizzle for all ages
•  Giveaways and spot prizes
•  Refreshments
•  A chance for families to explore our welcoming community club

Register now for Softball 5 - 16 years old at https://www.sporty.co.nz/jvillesc/ or contact johnsonvillejuniorsoftball@gmail.com, by Monday, 13^th October. Check out Johnsonville Softball Club on Facebook or contact Andrew on 021745311 for more information.

On Saturday, 13th September, 9.00 AM-5.00 PM and Sunday, 14th September, 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM at Walter Nash Centre, Lower Hutt.

Come along and take a look at all the exhibitions at the Wellington Brick Show, Wellington's largest display of LEGO builds.

More information (including how to get tickets) is available on the website https://www.well-lug.nz/upcoming-events.

GOODTIME MUSIC ACADEMY WORKSHOPS:

Goodtime Music Academy is running two music workshops this September/October school holidays.

For further details, check out the posters below:

HOOP KIDS SPRING CAMP:

Hoop Kids Spring Camp

Three days of basketball fun for kids in Years 3-8. They’ll build skills, play plenty of games, and enjoy being part of a team.

Why join us?

• Open to all skill levels.
• 3 full days of basketball and teamwork.
• Coaches focused on growth, not pressure.

Date: 22nd - 24th September 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
Cost: $160.00

Click here - Register for Spring Camp.

NAIRNVILLE RECREATION CENTRE 2025 HOLIDAY PROGRAMME:

Click on this link for further information: 

STEM HOLIDAY PROGRAMME in WELLINGTON:

My name is Nigel Scott and I run a company called MakeRoom Wellington, which for the last 9 years has offered afterschool, weekend and holiday programme STEM activities to kids from the Wellington Region.

This Term Three break, we are running our holiday programme from 5 locations in the Wellington Region (Miramar, Kilbirnie, Petone, Northland and Newlands).

Below is an image that will hopefully be useful. There is of course a lot more information on our Website as well (www.makeroomwellington.nz).

CIRCUS HUB HOLIDAY PROGRAMME:

The Circus Hub Holiday Programme runs 22nd September – 3rd October, is fully indoors, and is designed for ages 5–15 – no experience needed. It’s a great creative, active option for the holidays (and lots of fun).

David Gaffney

Marketing & Fundraising Lead

M   027 203 7715

W   www.circus.org.nz