What's Happening
OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE
| Br Marcel Hall (’55), Bruce Kerr (’63), Paul Stewart (’75) Paul also has a son at school, Paddy Dawson (’60), Leo Davis (’63) (Treasurer), Kerry Morley (’63) (President), Mike Dale (’62) (Secretary), Ian Clark (’63), Jim Mullane (’56), Kerry Plamus (’62) and SHC Principal Jim Dale. Photo taken in the College grounds under the eye of St Marcellin Champagnat. |
Maleko Latu receiving the Sean Fitzpatrick Scholarship and Mikaele Railoa receiving the Br Michael Scholarship. |
Old Boys Rugby Scholarship
The Old Boys are raising funds for two rugby scholarships, the Brother Michael Scholarship and the Sean Fitzpatrick Scholarship. These will go to a Year 12 and a Year 13 student, and will be for full board and school fees. The two recipients for 2007 are : Mikaele Railoa who receives the Br Michael scholarship, and Maleko Latu who receives the Sean Fitzpatrick scholarship. To contribute contact Brett Davis at brettanna@xtra.co.nz
Message from Sean Fitzpatrick:
School boy rugby is so important for the development of our children and the pinnacle that all the boys should strive for is to be part of the First Fifteen.
The First Fifteen at SHC has always been such a focal point of school life and we just can't take a good team for granted... It takes planning and preparation and support from the wider community.
I am a huge believer that rugby/sport is for everyone and we should welcome in talent from outside the school, but it is important that they realise that it is a two way street and they must be prepared to contribute to the school as the college will be giving them opportunities and preparing them for life after school.
I look forward to many more great days watching the First Fifteen beat our old rivals!
Hope life is treating you all well.
Sean Fitzpatrick
An Evening with Muhammad Ali
Left to right: Milton Ross, members of the 1st XV, John Sullivan Manager, Jim Dale Principal, and in
front Neil Leifer. |
Neil Leifer, legendary photojournalist, entertained an enthralled crowd in the SHC auditorium recently with his stunning collection of Muhammad Ali photographs. Many of his photographs have appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Time and People magazine, not only the Ali photos, but other many and varied shots of sports stars, entertainers and politicians. The evening was as much about the photographer as his subject. Neil is a warm and very human man, dedicated to his craft, and one of the world’s great photographers. His stories of Muhammad Ali went beyond his boxing years, and he was portrayed as a strong willed, proud and playful man struggling with the steadily debilitating effects of Parkinsons Disease. It was a very enjoyable evening for all who came along. Special thanks to Kelsen Butler for providing the opportunity to host this presentation, in support of the Old Boys Rugby Scholarship and the Sacred Heart College 1st XV Rugby Team.
Check out the Old Boys Business listings.
The Newsletter Confortare is published and posted twice a year. To receive a copy contact us to make sure we have your correct mailing details. shcdf@sacredheart.school.nz
Overseas Connections
Jacob Dunningham (’91)
Excerpt from University of Leeds publication:
 “Jacob Dunningham, Lecturer in the Quantum Information group at the University of Leeds was selected to present his research at an event designed to encourage, support and promote young research scientists, engineers and technologists. The event, organized annually by Set for Britain, was held at the House of Commons on 28th November 2006. As well as showcasing Britains most promising early-stage researchers the Cavendish medal was awarded to the most-promising young scientist. Out of ninety invited participants, Jacob was awarded the second place prize. Over 50 members of Parliament attended the event along with numerous scientists, industrial researchers and school students.”
Congratulations Jacob, and best wishes.
Jeremy Pender (’98)
Jeremy is currently on his O/E, a Kiwi living in Dublin working in a Japanese restaurant. That’s an interesting mix…
Amasio Valence (’98) and Jeffrey Maka (’01) are playing rugby in Japan
Alani Maka (’96) and Finau Maka (’95) are furthering their rugby careers in France. Finau recently returned to Auckland for his sons 5th birthday. A service was held in the SHC chapel attended by a large gathering.
Chris Nightingale (’93) is a Design Engineer and Project Manager, living and working in London for the past 3 years.
Alan O’Donnell (‘90) is working in Dubai as Chief Financial Officer for Profile Group.
Nigel Gleeson (’95) is a lawyer working for Freshfields in London.
Henry Cheung (’99) is working in Qatar as a Civil Engineer
In Brief
John Belgrave (’56) is New Zealand’s Chief Ombudsman
Stephen Ellis (’95) was married in the College Chapel to Anna, and a large number of Old Boys attended, some returning from overseas for the occasion.
Leigh Petterson (’99) happily married since April 2005, Leigh has a newborn daughter Amber.
Kerry Plamus (63) is currently holidaying in Croatia – the land of his ancestors
 Joe Blundell (’06) Most first-year university students learn to live off instant noodles, but Joe should be able to do a bit better. He is the recipient of the 2007 Alumni Annual Appeal Scholarship. This will cover his tuition and sundry fees for his first year at the University of Otago. Joe plans to study towards a Bachelor of Physical Education and major in Exercise Prescription and Management. While at SHC Joe was involved in many sports activities including rugby, touch, softball, cricket and he was a house captain.
Nicholas Fitness (‘02)
 Having left Sacred Heart College in 2002 I went on to the University of Auckland where I completed, in 2005, a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in History and French. Last year, having made the decision to enter the teaching profession, I spent a year at Teacher’s Training College in Epsom and undertook two practicum’s – one back at Sacred Heart and the other at Edgewater College in Pakuranga. It was great to come back to SHC and catch up with all the staff especially some who had unknowingly inspired me to enter the vocation and give something back. At the end of 2006 having completed my Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Sec.) I backpacked through Europe for two months (my ‘mini OE’) – such a great experience and just a ‘taster’ of some of the countries I look forward to revisiting in the years to come. I am currently teaching History, Social Studies and French at Edgewater College as a first-year beginning teacher and cherishing the opportunity to pass down what I have learned. Confortare esto vir!
nicholasfitness@gmail.com
Br Albert, Garry O'Donovan ('57) and Br Marcel ('55) |
Garry O’Donovan (‘57) works in the Ombudsman’s office in Wellington as an investigator specializing in the Tertiary sector. While visiting family in Auckland recently he called into Sacred Heart College. He went for a tour of the campus and took in the expansion and the modern facilities available for students now. He noted that the old handball courts are still standing, and recalled many happy hours playing there. Br Albert, who still lives at the College, was teaching here during Garry’s time at the College, so he was able to catch up with him and Br Marcel for afternoon tea and reminisce about the College then and now.
Report on Fiji reunion from Bede Brittenden (’58)
 All 60 Old Boys were mailed about the inaugural reunion held in Denarau on Saturday, 25th November. 20 originally registered but a couple of weeks prior to the reunion, it was discovered that on the same evening there was a major Marist fund raising evening on in Suva that a number were involved in. Their absence and the possible upcoming coup unfortunately kept numbers down.
Those who attended were -
Anthony Browne (‘84), the convenor
Jared Morris (‘89)
Justin Smith (‘84)
Robin (’59) and Max Storck (’61)
Kamissese Nailatikau (’02)
John Matthews (’84)
Bede Brittenden (’58) from NZ
Because of numbers, formalities were kept to a minimum. The reunion took the form of golf in the afternoon and a barbecue following. Those who were there were very positive about the future of reunions in Fiji and Justin Smith undertook to organise the next one later next year, trusting that GG Anand Satayanand may possibly be able to attend.
Ian Story (’57) organises a 50 years on reunion in Gisborne:
The attendees in the attached photo , from left to right are Cliff Francis, John Mullany, Warrick Schollum, Barry Hilton, Dominic Zame, Julian Reynolds, Ian Story, Terry Brosnahan, Jim Ward (front), Bede Brittenden (rear). Absent, Bruce Morrison
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The reason for the weekend was that most of us were pupils of Marist in Gisborne, and a couple from up the East Coast. Around 50 years ago we all went to SHC - most of us for just 6th and 7th forms.
We timed our visit around the first XV playing Gisborne Boys High. It was a close match, Gisborne winning 23-13. Our summation was that the score flattered the locals. Our group was recognised at the after match function. We think the team will go well this year. Good luck against MAGS tomorrow. In 1957 we won 3-0.
The main festivity was around a dinner on Sat night and as well as all of the above, old boys Tony Quirke and John Lahey attended. All of the festivities included our wives. Towards the end of the dinner, Cliff lead us in the College song. Some of us did the readings etc at the mass on Sunday.
We decided that we wouldn't leave it for another 50 years before we had our next get together simply because all may not be able to attend!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom Cotter (’52) reminisces
I was very interested to hear that the
Pirates of Penzance production is to be performed by the junior school this year. I was privileged to be in it at Richmond Road, and the production was held in the old Gym under the leadership of the late Bro Theophane. I took the part of a policeman. The Auckland police donated some old uniforms, and Pat Walsh, who later represented New Zealand in the all blacks played the lead policeman. It was rather ironic as the chief of police at the time was a Mr Walsh.
Kind regards Tom Cotter
Features
Marist Quadrangular Rugby Tournament
This tournament is now in its 49th year. The original teams were Sacred Heart College, St Bernards College, Xavier College (Christchurch) and St Pauls College. For a while St Johns College Hamilton was the 4th team. The tournament was resurrected in 1993 through the efforts of the Marist Brothers. This tournament exemplifies the Marist traditions of hospitality, renewing old friendships and making new friends. This years Marist Quadrangular tournament was hosted by Sacred Heart, and other the teams taking part were St Pauls College Auckland, St Patricks College Wellington, St Bernards College Lower Hutt.
| Sacred Heart |
vs St Bernards |
57-0 |
| Sacred Heart |
vs St Patricks |
43-0 |
| St Pauls |
vs St Bernards |
52-7 |
| St Pauls |
vs St Patricks |
17-6 |
Points results:
Sacred Heart 10 Points
St Pauls 9 Points
St Patricks 0 Points
St Bernards 0 Points
Sacred Heart College won the 2007 Marist Quadrangular Tournament. 2008 Marist Quad will be hosted by St Patricks, Wellington.
Brothers at the College
Br Marcel Hall reports on Sacred Heart College and Pacific Work projects
Over many years Sacred Heart College has offered
Current project |
support to Marist schools in the Pacific, in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
It started in 1976 with a group visiting a Form 1 – 4 school at Napuka on the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji. This continued until 1981.
Then in 1996 and for the next nine years groups visited Takuilau College, Lapaha, Tonga. These visits gave considerable support towards the maintenance of buildings at Takuilau College. The Brothers withdrew from Tonga at the end of 2005 which was the last year of Sacred Heart College support.
In 2006 a group undertook a work project at Ulimasao Marist Centre, on the island of Savai’i, in Samoa. All of the schools Sacred Heart has assisted were rural and with very little resources to consider maintenance. From the Sacred Heart organising point of view the students have always paid their own air fares and insurance cover. SHC parents, SHC fellow-students, SHC PTA and the Catholic Caring Foundation have all offered financial support for the maintenance projects, and for support of the SHC group.
This year a group of three teachers, a Marist Brother and ten Year 12 students will carry out interior painting work in areas involved with industrial arts and art. The work group will spend all the third term holidays involved with this project.
Any contributions would be gratefully received by Brother Marcel, the work project organiser. This support means that the students have very little by way of expenses while overseas.
Br Marcel, Sacred Heart College, 250 West Tamaki Rd, Glen Innes, Auckland, New Zealand
Up and Coming Sacred Boys
Aiden Thornhill and Callum O’Brien have been selected for the New Zealand U15 Waterpolo Squad.
Michael Kelly, 15 years,( grandson of old boy Tim Snedden ) won a competition, sponsored by Adidas, to receive kicking coaching from the All Blacks Dan Carter, Nic Evans, Luke McAlister and the All Black kicking coach Mick Burns. Michael was the only Sacred Heart boy, out of 4 winners, at the clinic. |
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Visit of the Governor General and Academic Assembly 2007
Dux Adam Reeve, Br Marcel, Anand and Susan Satyanand, Br Michael, Br Richard, Jim Dale. |
On the afternoon of Wednesday the 4th of April, the inaugural academic presentation assembly was held in the school gym. The entire school was in attendance for the momentous occasion, which was earmarked by the presence of the His Excellency the Governor General of New Zealand, the Honorable Anand Satyanand, and Sacred Heart College old boy.
The ceremony began with a spine chilling powhiri conducted by the Kapa-Haka group. The challenge was accepted, and his Excellency accompanied by his wife, Her Excellency Susan Satyanand, entered the gym to a standing ovation from the Sacred Heart community. The principal, Mr Jim Dale offered a warm welcome to his Excellency, stressing how privileged Sacred Heart College is to have a Governor General as an old boy.
The main message of his Excellency’s speech was that hard work and determination will pay off in the future. Being a living testament of that ethos himself, it was well-received advice by the students.
To commemorate his visit to the college, His Excellency was presented with a wooden carving of Mary and Christ, the kauri having come from the floor of the school hall. He was also presented a SHC Arts tie.
The ceremony was concluded with a spontaneous rendition of the special Sacred Heart College Haka. This was an emotional moment for His Excellency and everyone in the assembly.
Excerpt from article written by Henry Cairns Yr 13 student
Sacred Heart College Haka: The origins
Steven Shapland writes,
The boys in my year had often thought it would be a cool idea if our school had a college haka like a lot of the older traditional colleges in New Zealand did. We through it around a bit amongst ourselves before we became 7th form when we could actually do something about it.
My role in the composing of the haka was very minimal. I did have a role in getting the haka approved by the powers that be at school. I asked the brothers if they would object to a college haka, to which they said no as long as it were appropriate and done properly. I also asked the principal, Phillip Mahony, the same and he answered the same. Mr. Mahony raised the issue of how it would be introduced to the boys and how everyone would go about learning it.
The haka was introduced at a school assembly by the Maori boys, te reo students and some of the 1st XV that had been learning it. The school then learnt the words at subsequent assemblies. It was thought of as an idea to use it as a house competition which I understand has been the case for the last few years.
Personally, I have spent the last four years at Auckland University, after receiving a Chancellors Award Top Scholar scholarship for Maori students. I completed my degree in Civil Engineering with 1st Class Honours and am about to have the graduation ceremony in May. I started work for a civil engineering contractor called Brian Perry Civil. It is a company owned by Fletcher Construction and specialises in Foundation works and Marine Works. I play rugby for the Auckland Marist Premier Team as a half back and have caught up with a few of the brothers and Kelvin Mephan in the club rooms recently. I have no grand plans for my OE yet and am content to try and learn as much as possible about the "real" engineering world before making a move. Recently I have coached the Sacred Heart 3A team with the head boy from 2001, Michael Thompson, which was very enjoyable and successful. I would love to continue if I could only find the time as I am currently working about 65 hours a week including Saturday mornings! All is well and good in my life.
The Sacred Heart Haka
“Ko wai ra, ko wai ra
Ko te ngakau tapu a Hehu Karaiti e.
Ka tohe au, ka tohe au.
Ka tohe au kite tangata ki nei.
Ka takahia toku mana ki roto
Kei te rongo tonu ake ra.
Ki nga korero a nga tipuna e kei nei.
Ehara taku toa I te takitahi
He toa takitini e
Mate atu he tetekura
Ara mai ra he tetekura.
Mate he toa mate he toa
Aramai he toa, aramai he toa.
Aue hi.”
Who are we?
We are Sacred Heart College.
We challenge anyone who thinks
They can trample on our prestige
I can still hear the proverbs
Of my ancestors which say
My strength is not the strength
Of one but the strength of many.
When one chief falls in battle
Another rises to take his place.
We are fearless and welcome the challenge
So bring it on.
Keep in touch with Old Friends
ORGANISE A REUNION – IT’S EASY!
Would you like to organise your own class reunion? It can be a lot of fun and the SHC Development Foundation Office can assist you - contact
Lyn Luxton on shcdf@sacredheart.school.nz;
(09) 529 3743; PO Box 18377, Glen Innes, Auckland 1006.
Update your details
Update your details – the next issue of Confortare will be published in May – make sure you get your copy by letting us know your current address. If you think your mates are not receiving SHConnect or Confortare send us their details or ask them to contact us. If you are travelling and have no permanent snail mail address, Click to View
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College Development
Ways to Help
Annual Giving 2007
Initiated in 2001, Annual Giving benefits current students immediately. It supports projects and provides resources that are not able to be included in the current budget.
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The Marist Scholarship Fund
You can support this fund at any time. The capital raised is invested, and the interest only used to support cases of financial hardship and other scholarships for generations to come. All donations are receipted and are usually tax deductible.
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to contact us or
post your contribution to PO Box 18377, Glen Innes,
Auckland, New Zealand.
Take Your Seat
There are less than 30 seats left for purchase in the Auditorium. This is a lasting way to record your time at Sacred Heart and the seat you purchase will have a dedication plaque attached with words of your choice.
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Bequest
A practical way to endow the College for the future. For a brochure or to speak to a trustee about making a bequest click here to request information >>
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