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,

What a stunning liturgy we had, led by our Junior School, to celebrate our amazing Dads. Thank you to all whānau who supported us on Friday. I hope all of our Dads and Grandads had a lovely day celebrating.

Special thanks to all the amazing whānau who help us at Netball and Basketball as Coaches and Umpires. It must be so rewarding to see the impact you have had on young lives.

This week, Julius, Sue, and I attended the New Zealand Principals' Conference at the stunning Tākina event center. We were incredibly inspired by the speakers and learned a great deal that we are excited to integrate into our school.

Have a great week.

Arohanui,
Bernadette Murfitt
Tumuaki
Sacred Heart Cathedral School

Thank you for all who voted.

Election results will be out next Monday.

Our next Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, 17th September, at 5:30 PM in the staff room.

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, 1st - 5th September, we were 89.48%.

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

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.

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 tomorrow, Thursday, 11th September.

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

Our students will need to bring a small amount of cash for purchasing items.

The Kapa Haka Performance Group has been invited to perform at KPMG on Hill Street on Thursday, 18th September as part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

• If your child is in the Performance Group, please complete the permission form here: Google Form Link-KPMG Performance.
• We will leave school at 11:40 AM and return by 1:00 PM.

A separate email has also been sent to families with this information — please check your inbox.

Click the link:

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

On Friday, 19th September is the last day of Term 3. We will see you back on Term 4, Monday, 6th October.

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.

The Middle Syndicate will be attending eight swimming lessons at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre next term, Term 4.

• Start Date: Monday, 13th October (Week 2, Term 4)

• Final Session: Monday, 8th December

• Time: 10:00 AM - before lunch

On swimming days, students are to:

• Wear their sports uniform

• Bring their swimming gear to school

The bus will leave school at 9:20 AM and return by 12:30 PM.

We are seeking parent helpers to provide general supervision at the pool (no assistance with changing required).

Parent helpers are welcome to travel with us on the bus or meet us directly at the pool. Please click on this link to fill in the form - Middle Syndicate Swimming Term 4-2025.

The Middle Syndicate will be visiting Anderson Park for Athletics training and competition on Tuesday, 7th October and Thursday, 9th October. Our postponement day will be Tuesday, 14th October.

On these days, we will leave school at 9:00 AM and walk to Anderson Park. We will return to school by 12:30 PM.

Students will have morning tea at the park. Please ensure your child brings:

• Morning tea

• A sunhat

• A water bottle

• Any required medication

We also recommend applying sunscreen before school. Students may wear their PE uniform and/or house colours on these days.

As with any trip, we will need a couple of parent helpers per class. You are welcome to meet us at the park instead of walking with us.

If you are able to assist, please indicate this on the form - Middles at Andeerson Park Term 4-2025.

Thank you in advance for your wonderful support.

INTERZONE SWIMMING TOURNAMENT:

Congratulations to the students who have qualified for the Inter-Zone Swimming that will be held on Friday, the 10th of October:

Hannah (Room 7) - 25m Freestyle, 25m backstroke.

Archie (Room 7) - 25m freestyle, 25m backstroke, and 50m freestyle.

Izzy C (Room 8) - 25m freestyle, 25 breast stroke, 25m backstroke.

Jiezl (Room 10) - 25m breaststroke, 25m butterfly, and 50m freestyle.

Sophia D (Room 7) - 25m backstroke, 25m butterfly, and 50m freestyle.

Elle (Room 6) - 25m butterfly

Miera (Room 7), Sophia W (Room 7), Frankie (Room 6), Hannah (Room 7) - Year 5 Girls Relay

Izzy C (Room 8), Anaya (Room 9), Zia (Room 10), Jiezl (Room 10) - Year 8 Girls Relay 

YEARS 3 & 4 FUTSAL TOURNAMENT:

BASKETBALL WEEKLY REPORT:

Sacred Heart Hoops (Year 3 & 4):  The Hoops battled hard in another high-intensity game against an energetic Bellevue side, going down 8–18. The team did a great job bringing the ball down the court and finding open teammates with smart passes. Their defence and hustle continue to improve week by week.

Player of the Game: Iris (Room 5) for her awesome hustle and strong defence throughout the game.

L-R: Dylan, Trina, Lexie, Simone, Iris (Room 5), Jacob and Khoi (Room 3).

Sacred Heart Lay Ups (Year 5 & 6):  What a brilliant performance, team! Sacred Heart clinched a well-deserved victory over Otari Taniwha with a final score of 48–35. Huge congratulations to Kaatia (Room 6) and Landon (Room 7), who both earned Player of the Day honors for their outstanding contributions. Well done, everyone - keep that momentum going!

Sacred Heart Dunkin Donuts (Year 7 & 8):  The Dunkin Donuts are continuing their winning streak with another win against Newlands 34-14. Jaiden (Room 9) was Player of the Game.

NETBALL WEEKLY UPDATE:

SHCS Marvels Finals Showdown (Years 5 & 6): The SHCS Marvels faced off against Berhampore Tui in Saturday's nail-biting final for 1st and 2nd place, falling just short with a heart-stopping 8-9 loss. Despite the result, the girls' performance was nothing short of phenomenal.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the Marvels' journey this season. Starting in Year 5 & 6 C grade, the team's determination and skill development saw them promoted into the A grade after grading - a testament to their hard work and talent.

The Marvels also earned the distinction of being the only team to push Berhampore Tui to such a close margin all season.

Player of the Day: Kaatia (Room 6) delivered an outstanding defensive game, completely shutting down Berhampore's strongest attacker and proving instrumental in keeping the game so tight.

Special Mention: Lyla (Room 6) showcased exceptional attacking prowess with crucial goals, impressive rebounds, and dynamic court play that kept the pressure on throughout the match.

This has been an incredible season of growth for the Marvels. Watching each player develop their skills and confidence has been truly rewarding. The team's progression from C grade into A grade demonstrates not just their athletic ability, but their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to excellence!

Ngà Mihi nui Marvels! You've made your school and whānau proud.

L-R: Sophia D (Room 7), Margaux, Lyla, Mirabel, Kaatia, Ellie (Room 6), Ella, Colette (Room 5). Frankie M (Room 6) is absent from the photo.

Sacred Heart Ferns (Years 5 & 6):  The Ferns had an amazing run to finish top of the table and secure a spot in the grand final against St Anne's Turbos.

It was a tough game which pushed the girls to their limits physically and mentally. The Ferns all did an amazing job keeping their composure and never giving up the battle until the final whistle. We had some moments of lovely ball movement in the attacking end and some amazing intercepts picked up in the defensive end.

There was a lot of through-court pressure on defense, which helped limit the opposition from scoring as much as possible. Unfortunately, the end result did not go our way with St Anne's winning 9-4, but we are all super proud of the team and the effort they put into this game and the whole season.  

Player of the Day was Hannah (Room 7) for her hustle throughout the court defensively and on attack, and a special mention to Arabella (Room 7) for her work in defence to stay in front of her attack and cut them off as an option to pass to.

L-R: Arabella (Room 7), Isabelle (Room 6), Hannah (Room 7), Iris (Room 5), Coach Ravai, Blandina (Room 6), Tilomai (Room 5), Micah (Room 6), and Violet (Room 7).

Sacred Heart Aces (Year 7 & 8): Congratulations to the Sacred Heart Aces, who won their final playoff to finish 3rd overall in the MK Netball A-grade competition. This was a massive achievement after promotion from the B-grade at the start of Term 3.  

Congratulations to Skylar (Room 6), who competed in the Harbour City Gymnastics EXCEL competition on 7th September and was placed 1st overall -  1st in floor, vault and beam.  Well done Skylar.

Elements is the only Rhythmic Gymnastics Club in the Wellington Region and has national and international grade gymnasts. There are currently several competitive gymnasts who go to Sacred Heart Cathedral School, including a few who compete at the national level. Elements therefore, wishes to offer free trials to any other girls who may be interested.

Touch Rugby will be held on Wednesdays at 3:45 PM throughout Term 4, from Monday, 29th October to Wednesday, 3rd December 2025. All games will take place at Wakefield Park.

If your child is interested in playing, please complete the form by Wednesday, 10th October - Touch Rugby Term 4-2025. Students will wear their PE uniform for games.

Playing Touch Rugby is an extracurricular activity, and the cost will be approximately $25.00 per student for the 2025 season. We will also need coaches and managers to help support the teams on Wednesdays. Families are responsible for arranging transport to and from Wakefield Park.

Touch Rugby is a fantastic way for students to stay active and enjoy being part of a team.

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.

If anyone is keen to do ice hockey, there is a learn to play program on Thursday nights at Brewtown in Upper Hutt. 6:00-7:00 PM for 5-12 year-olds. Casual attendance - can start at any time. Plus free trial.

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.

With the support of the Wellington City Council, Capital BMX Club is trying to get more kids riding BMX. Central Wellington doesn’t have many safe spaces for riding. Capital BMX Club’s facilities at Ian Galloway Park, (situated between Karori and Northland), offer the perfect environment for kids with a love for biking to develop their riding skills further.

• Entries are due to open today Wednesday, 10th September for the Wellington Weetbix TRYathlon on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at Kilbirnie Park.

• The TRYathlon is all about giving it a TRY and is a rewarding and fun day out for you and your child.

• Participants need to be aged 7-15 years old on event day, and can complete the TRYathlon as an individual or in a team of two.

• Participants need to be aged 6 years old on event day to complete the Splash&Dash

  To enter the TRYathlon, visit www.tryathlon.co.nz/.

• This year, our school has created a School Group, which you can join when you enter from home. Search for Sacred Heart Cathedral School when prompted. By linking to our school group, it will give us the chance to win some great prizes.

• The direct link to register into our school group is http://raceroster.com/events/2026/109744/wellington-weet-bix-kids-tryathlon/register?team=853627

• If someone you know requires financial assistance to enter the TRYathlon, should it be subsidised entry fees or funding for necessary equipment, then you can apply to the Weet-Bix TRYathlon Foundation for assistance. Visit www.tryathlon.co.nz/foundation for details.

• If you have any school related questions, please contact Gabrielle Wheddon on gemnutt@hotmail.com otherwise, contact the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon team; email angela@smcevents.co.nz or phone 0800 WEET BIX (0800 9338 249).

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.

An e-waste drop-off day will be held on Saturday, 11th October, so please tell your friends and family, and start gathering e-waste you need to dispose of. Collection Day on Saturday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Sacred Heart Cathedral School grounds, 12 Guildford Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington. 

All proceeds will go towards the Sacred Heart Cathedral's Restoration Project.

Please note items Not Accepted:

• CDs - (except PC & Game console disks  i.e.: PlayStation 2/3/4 games),
• CRT TVs/Monitors (big bump backs),
• electric blankets (yes to the cut-off cord),
• opened ink cartridges,
• manuals,
• speakers for computers

Thank you.

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

This is a hands-on science event for the whole family during the school holidays in Wellington.  Please note the same programme is repeated each day.