Issue 2 April 2020

The Launching Leaders Conference, hosted by Scots College, was held in Wellington on Monday 16 March. Five of our students were engaged during the full day programme by outstanding leaders in their fields, including The Hon. James Shaw, Katy Ellis (GM of Mojo NZ), Karen Skinner (Head of Respect and Inclusion at NZR) and Lewis Clareburt (NZ swimmer and medallist at the last Commonwealth Games). Our students enjoyed the opportunity to delve into both their own leadership pathways and share what was happening at other schools.

“Leadership is accepting responsibility to create conditions that enable others to achieve shared

purpose in the face of uncertainty.” - Marshall Ganz

From the Principal

Tēnā koutou, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Dia duit Dear Parents, Guardians & Whānau, This really is an unusual time for us all. I write this newsletter piece from my ‘new home office’. These are unprecedented times and in years to come we will recall it as significant and life changing moments in time. With very little notice on Tuesday 24 March, the way we deliver education was turned upside down. School sites were closed, and all learning had to move online in the space of 24 hours. We as a community were planning for this to happen at some stage but not so quickly. I am immensely proud of how well our girls and the staff have coped with this change. Most of our students were tuning in to lessons online for the remainder of that week. I had a remote meeting with Head Girl, Lucy Dinneen, and Deputy Head Girl, Jacinta Fale’ofa Pulu, last Thursday and they reported they had been to all their classes and were enjoying the learning that was being set by all the teachers. They also reported that most girls were engaged and that the teachers had been amazing. Tutor teachers have been setting weekly challenges to encourage connection between their girls. The acts of the past week have again consolidated for me that our teachers are wonderful in all that they do and I thank them for their ability and willingness to go the extra mile even when they are unsure. I am conscious that there are still a small number of girls who are struggling to access their learning online. Please take note of the advice from Miss Ross later in this newsletter and contact her via email on eross@sacredheartcollege.school.nz if you need any support. I am sure that things are very different for each of us and there are many challenges in our own bubbles. We will be sending a survey out to parents and students to identify the challenges you may be having. This will give the Senior Leadership Team some information on how to best support our community in the coming weeks. This will come through to your email from ‘Ask You Team’. It is only a short survey and I encourage as many of you as possible to answer it. Finally, I remind you to stay home, save lives and be kind. I would like to finish this piece with the blessing given from Pope Francis during the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing he delivered while praying for an end of the coronavirus on Friday 27 March 2020. “Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, “cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us” God Bless Maria Neville-Foster Principal

If you are in need of further support call or text 1737 for free confidential counselling.

We will send out important messages to parents and caregivers via email in the coming weeks. Can you please ensure that you mark email addresses from @sacredheartnapier.school.nz as ‘Trusted’ or ‘Not Spam’ messages so that you will receive school emails easily. If you have a new email address or have not yet received emails from SHC, please contact Lisa on admin@sacredheartnapier.school.nz to update your details.

E-Learning

During this period of Alert Level 3 and level 4 Lockdown the school has been transitioned into the reality of remote teaching and learning. This is uncharted territory for both our teachers and students. As you are aware, we had four days of remote teaching and learning from Tuesday 24 March until the end of Term 1 and this will continue from Wednesday 15 April when we start Term 2. We have been very pleased with the overall response from our school community during this change in pedagogy and use of technology. Sacred Heart College are continuing to keep things as routine as possible by teaching the normal school timetable i.e. 5 periods a day. It is expected that all students attend all their classes remotely as they would, should they be attending school “on-site”. While the classes may not last the full 60 minutes online it is important that all girls attend each lesson and complete the work set from each lesson. Their teacher will be online for the duration of the lesson to help with any questions or clarification of content to support your daughters learning. Our teachers have been quick to adapt to teaching remotely and have rearranged their courses to reflect this new “normal”. The platform students are connecting with their teachers and classes for this online learning is “Meetings” which is a function on Microsoft TEAMS. This has a video as well as chat function on it so that communication can be between all students and their teachers. Guidelines and expectations of how-to behave in an online class have been sent out to all students. The Ministry of Education has realised that remote teaching and learning is both requiring and extending households internet connections. To support remote learning, they have made arrangements with a number of providers so that this is no longer a barrier to learning. Removing data caps for internet In addition to Spark, Vodafone, Vocus/Slingshot, 2Degrees and Trustpower have now also advised they have removed their data caps and the possibility of any extra charges based on usage: Ask.Trustpower.co.nz – “we've removed data limits for all fixed-line broadband customers to make sure everyone can stay connected. You'll be able to keep in touch with family and friends, work or study from home, and receive vital updates without having to worry about exceeding your data limit”.

SPARK have also recognised that not all households have access to the internet to complete online education requirements so have sent out the following communication to help all students access learning while schools are operating remotely. Skinny Jump (Skinny is a division of Spark): Subsidised broadband for Kiwi homes. https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/home.html “At Skinny, we believe every New Zealander deserves to have the opportunities to learn and thrive in the modern digital world. That’s why we offer super-affordable broadband to thousands of Kiwi homes. Skinny Jump is flexible prepaid broadband: Only $5 for 30GB of data, no contracts or credit checks, and the modem comes free of charge. Just top up as you go. Our flexible prepaid top-up system means you can get a 30GB plan for only $5; you can then renew the plan five times every month. You can get up to a maximum of 150GB every month (and it will only cost you $25). Skinny Jump is a not-for-profit service and we don’t use your information to promote or sell other products. If you think this sounds like a plan for you, continue to read the next bit to see if you qualify. We specifically support those most at risk of digital exclusion, as identified in the government's digital inclusion blueprint. If one or more of the following sounds like you, then you would probably be eligible:

• Families with children • Job seekers • Seniors • People with disabilities • Refugees and migrant communities • Those in social housing

If it is ascertained that they qualify the next steps

will be to complete this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/

e/1FAIpQLScJvaTgGBBeY6dLm7yQqaO243”

Staying mentally healthy Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. It is normal to feel stressed or lonely when self-isolating, but there are some things you can do to feel better. Even if you are not sick you may be feeling anxious about COVID-19. This is normal.

Managing your mental wellbeing Reach out to your usual supports over the phone – family and whānau, friends and workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important. We also recommend sticking to a routine such as having regular mealtimes, bedtimes and exercising.

If you feel you're not coping, it's important to talk with a health professional. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counsellor.

We’re all in this together, and while we might not be able to be physically in touch right now, it’s important to stay connected in other ways. New Zealand is known for its manaakitanga and now more than ever we need to remember the power of kindness and uniting together.

Top ways to look after your mental wellbeing While there are things that we can’t control now, there are things we can do to boost our mental wellbeing and that of your loved ones:

• Stay connected This is important for our wellbeing and helps to make us feel safer, less stressed and less anxious. We can support each other to get through this. While we are limiting social contact to contain the spread of COVID-19, there are still lots of ways we can connect.

• Acknowledge your feelings It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, worried or scared in the current situation. Allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling. This could be by writing thoughts and feelings down in a journal, talking to others, doing something creative or practising meditation. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling. Reach out to others.

• Stick to routines where possible Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower, change your clothes, have regular e-meetings with colleagues or virtual coffee dates with friends and do your chores. Meditating and exercising can help you to relax and have a positive impact on your thoughts. Try not to increase unhealthy habits like comfort eating, drinking, smoking or vaping.

• Check-in on other people who might need help Reaching out to those who may be feeling alone or concerned can benefit both you and the person receiving support.

• Don’t be afraid to seek further professional support For support with anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Continue existing mental health treatment if possible Notice if your symptoms are getting worse. Talk to your GP, counsellor, caseworker or mental health team about how they can continue supporting you.

Some images from around SHC leading up

to the Lock Down

Wellbeing - COVID19.govt.nz

Geography Scholarship

Illness and age didn’t stop Sacred Heart College student Ana Worthington from achiev-ing a NCEA Scholarship in Geography. In fact, it gave her the determination needed to excel. Ana sat the exam towards the end of last year, as a Year 12, despite not taking Level 3

Geography and while battling glandular fever. “It was surreal because I went into it not expecting to pass, but rather thinking that it was good experience for next year,” she said. The exam required students to write three essays in three hours, taking a position on each topic and drawing on resources provided. “Having glandular fever right before study leave made it quite difficult. I was quite tired all the time, so I had no motivation to get anything done.” Ana gained an Excellence Endorsement at Level 2. She gained Excellence Course Endorsement in History and Merit Course Endorsement in Painting, Religion, Geography and English. Ana aims to sit scholarship Geography again, along with English, History and possibly Classical Studies. Next year, she plans to study towards her Bachelor in Global Studies, majoring in Human Rights and Global Politics at Auckland University. Head of Social Science, James Wakefield, is proud of all his students who take the opportunity to extend themselves by sitting scholarship examinations. “I think to even sit a Scholarship Exam you have to be quite brave, let alone as a Year 12 student. Rather than crumbling or quitting on the exam

half-way through, they all stayed for the full time and that’s what my goal was for them,” Wakefield said. “The result (of gaining a scholarship) is the icing on the cake and a credit to Ana.” Her achievement of a Year 12 student gaining a Scholarship is a first for the College and reflective of last year’s overall NCEA results being the best in its history. Sacred Heart College Principal, Maria Neville-Foster, said she was proud of the students achievements in 2019. For those who completed their year at the college, they achieved a 100 per cent pass rate at Level 1, 94% at Level 2 and over 90% at Level 3. 100% of SHC Māori students achieved Level 1 and 2, with only one student missing out on Level 3. 100% of the Pasifika students achieved Level 1 and 90% achieved Level 2 and 3. At SHC, Mrs Neville-Foster said they believe in broadening and deepening their students’ knowledge. “When they have a deeper understanding within their learning, they can then extend themselves in their ability to answer scholarship questions.” They work on meeting the needs of the individual student and academically stretching them in the best way for them. “I think we are really lucky with the calibre of teachers that we have at this school. The nurturing nature of a Catholic faith environment follows through from our teachers to our girls and that’s also the commitment from our teachers to go above and beyond to make sure our girls get the best education,” Mrs Neville-Foster said.

Whakatauki

“Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate”

“An active person will remain healthy while a lazy one will be-

come sick”

Miss O’Malley at this year’s Ironman Taupo

Staff Achievement

A successful finish at Ironman 70.3 Taupo has given Kate O’Malley a confidence boost ahead of the World Championships in November. O’Malley, head of Health and PE at Sacred Heart College, beat her previous personal best by 16 minutes to come fourth in the 30-34 female age-group with a total time of 4hrs54min. Missing out on a podium finish by 20 seconds has also given the keen triathlete extra motivation. A week later, she won the women’s division for Triathlon Hawke’s Bay champs. Now she hopes to knock another 10 minutes off and place in the top 20 for her age-group. It is not the first time the SHC old girl has qualified for a world championship. In 2018, she competed in the standard distance (10km run, 1.5km swim and 40km bike) at the Triathlon World Championship in the Gold Coast. However, as her confidence and ability has increased, so too has her distances. “I feel I am probably at a stage where I should be focusing more on the long distances now. I suppose you realise that you have the ability to do okay in it.” Despite a busy schedule at school, O’Malley spends up to 12 hours a week training in peak season. “It is something I enjoy doing and I seem to fit it all in somehow,” she said. Ahead of the all-important race later this year, she says she will continue to keep doing what she has done in the past.

“You know your own body and you know how much you can push yourself. And it is just about trying to get the right balance between work and life.” Sacred Heart College principal, Maria Neville-Foster said the school is “immensely proud” of Kate, not only for her achievements but also the example she is setting for students. “The level of commitment that she gives to her own training to achieve at a high level is inspiring for our girls’ to be able to have a goal, focus on that goal and achieve that goal,” Neville-Foster said. “She also uses her talents to help our girls who are looking at their individual training to enhance their abilities to perform in athletics, road running, and triathlons, so we are very pleased to have that drive and talent in our school.”

On 12 March we held the annual Whanau Hui at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere. The hospitality students prepared wonderful kai to share with guest speaker and former student, Sarah Reo, who presented to the whanau of SHC. The following day our Year 9 classes participated in Noho Marae activities. It was a great day and the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Whanau Hui & Noho Marae

Student News

Sacred Heart College students, Abby Roff (right) and Grace Mawson (left) will have to wait a little bit longer before they get their moment in the spotlight because of Coronavirus. But their months of hard work both on stage, and in the wings for the Napier Operatic Society’s Grease the Musical will certainly not go to waste.

Due to be held this week, the current nationwide lockdown has meant it has been postponed until August 28 to September 12.

Securing the role of Frenchy in the 1971 hit musical is a dream come true for 17-year-old Abby. Despite singing her whole life, she first discovered musicals in year 10. Since then, she has made up for lost time, grabbing every opportunity to perform available. After school, she would like to go around the world performing.

This latest role is even more special for the Grease fan. “I love performing, and all the people have been very welcoming and supporting,” she says. Since first starting rehearsals in December, Abby has been able to “discover a voice” for her character.

With the direction of Director William Waitoa they have made Frenchy a “younger and more modern character” – something which Abby believes suits her very well.

Having originally auditioned for the role of Marty, Grace didn’t let the disappointment affect her. Instead, she threw herself into set movement and building.

“I’m just happy to be a part of it. And without not getting in, I wouldn’t have learnt everything I have and had the opportunities to build all sorts of props,” the 18-year-old said. She has built “almost everything on the stage” including the Grease Lightning Car. During the shows, she will oversee one side of the stage.

“When they’re dancing and singing on stage, I’m dancing and singing in the wings, if I’m not busy,” she said. Her role has reaffirmed her dreams of becoming a high school music teacher.

Sacred Heart College principal Maria Neville-Foster said she is very proud of their achievements. They were both involved in last year’s joint ‘Bugsy Malone’ production with St John’s College. “It’s lovely seeing our students getting involved in the community. As a Mission Sister School, our belief is that we give back to the community and we share our talents that were given to us from God with the community.”

This year drama has been introduced to the Year 9 option rotation. Neville-Foster said it is always lovely to see our girls performing through the available extracurricular activities both in our performing arts spaces and the community.

Napier Operatic Society secretary Sonya Aifai said both Abby and Grace are “definitely there for their talents. Over the years they have had high school students in shows if they audition and fit the criteria and needs of the production. Abby has a beautiful voice and fitted the role of Frenchy beautifully and Grace has a natural talent for stage crew work and throws herself into it completely”.

While no rehearsals can take place for at least the next four weeks, the cast are keeping in contact online and practising their individual lines and dance moves. They are looking at re-starting rehearsals in July before an August opening.

“The cast are very unified and are looking towards getting back together again,” Aifai said.

Artist of the Month

Senior Artist of the Month: Alice Thomas Junior Artist of the Month:

Willow Hapuku

Napier City Youth Council

This year Ana Worthington and I were privileged to be offered a spot on the Napier Youth Council for 2020. We meet every fortnight on a Monday after school for about an hour and a half to discuss how to get the youth of Napier more involved. Alongside the Council, the Youth Council are planning projects throughout the year such as for youth week and events on mental health. Currently due to COVID-19 we are discussing ways to inform youth about the importance of the Level 4 Alert and things to do during the lockdown.

Being on the Youth Council has given me the ability to understand and participate in a professional environment and allowed me to develop skills such as being the secretary - keeping a record of everything that is going to keep everyone on track. This is an amazing opportunity which I am so glad I got the chance to be apart of. Grace Mawson Student

Above: The 2020 Napier Youth Council.

Right: The Youth council working hard with guest

speaker Bev Adair on our various projects lined up for

the year.

Sports

Waka Ama

On Saturday 29 February our Waka Ama girls competed in the Regional Secondary Schools Regatta. The girls did awesome finishing 2nd in the A-final 250m sprint against Napier Girls’ and Taradale High Schools and finished 1st in the B-final 500m turn race against another Napier Girls’ High School team. Instead of a full regatta only W6 races were held. The girls were then going to be working towards a regatta scheduled to be held on the 21 March run by Te Rau Oranga o Ngati Kahungunu Waka Ama Club for secondary schools in which W1, W6 and W12 sprint races were to be held at Pandora Pond. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all sporting competitions were cancelled. Well done girls for your efforts this year.

Athletic Sports Athletic Sports was held this year on Thursday 5 March at Marewa Park in Napier. The cooler conditions made it favourable for the students. We started off with a house chant competition which set the spirits high for the day. The students then got into their House groups and competed in a number of track and field events. It was fantastic to see the high level of participation across the whole school. Results are below:

Junior Champion - Ava Teddy 2nd Place - Lani Daly 3rd Place - Acacia Tamihana-Joe

Intermediate Champion - Alice Thomas 2nd Place - Georgia Dallas 3rd Place - Hannah Rich

Senior Champion - Sequoia Trainor 2nd Place - Emily Kelly-Lowe 3rd Place - Abby Bell

House Points 1st Place - Barbier (544 Points) 2nd Place - Marian (536 Points) 3rd Place - Aubert (461 Points) 4th Place - Holderness (448 Points) East Coast Secondary School's Athletic Championships On Wednesday 11 March we had a large number of girls representing Sacred Heart in the ECSS Athletic Champs. This event was held at the Hastings Sports Park. We had some outstanding results across the board. It was fantastic to see the girl’s supporting and encouraging one another on the side-line. Well done to all the girls competing, and we look forward to seeing your progress in the sport. Below are some results from the day.

Junior 300m Rianna Boyle- 4th Place 50.00 Sophie Walker - 5th Place 52.57

Junior 1500m Lola Parlato - 4th Place 5:47:51 Eliza Clarlkson - 6th Place 5:48:85

Junior 3000m Lola Parlato - 3rd Place 12:24:89 Eliza Clarkson- 6th Place 12:30:55

Junior 4 x 100m Relay - 4th Place Rianna Boyle, Lani Daly, Molly Campbell, Ava Teddy

Junior Shot-Put Taleta Vili - 4th Place 8.22m

Senior Javelin Selina Tasi - 5th Place 17.31m

Kate O’Malley HOD PE

Athletics

Attendance Dues Information - March 2020

2020 attendance dues invoices/statements were emailed to families late last week (if we had an email address on file). If no email address is held, invoices/statements were sent via Post. If you haven’t received an invoice/statement, please contact us so we can reissue one to you.

If you make a payment on or before the 31st March 2020 that includes a voluntary catholic character donation of $5.00 or more, a donation receipt will be emailed/sent by post in April, for you to claim a tax rebate. If you wish to set up a regular payment plan, please contact the Attendance Dues team – Anne-Marie, Marcy and Mark – to discuss payment options. Our contact details are as follows: • 0800 200 208; or • dues@pndiocese.org.nz One off payments by credit card or debit card (Visa or Mastercard only) can be made using our website: www.pndiocese.org.nz/education/dues.

Attendance Dues charges for 2020 are: • $447.00 for each Primary Student (Year 0 – 8). • $894.00 for each Secondary Student (Year 9 – 13).