Hamilton’s Sacred Heart Girls’ College is more than just a school; it is a community woven together by legacy, values, and vision. Now, with the transformation of its main entrance – more than 75 years since the last one – the College has created an arrival experience that reflects not only who it is today, but why it continues to endure.
Year 13 celebrating their new space
Principal Catherine Gunn says the redesign draws on the trinitarian dimension of the College’s Mission Charism – warmly welcoming all who arrive, whether it is new students stepping through the gates for the first time, staff beginning new journeys, or alumnae returning home.
The project is due for completion soon and to mark this milestone, the school will host a celebratory Garden Party on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This special occasion offers a chance to view the refreshed spaces, reconnect the Sacred Heart whaanau and strengthen bonds with alumnae, former staff, the wider community and the Mission Sisters themselves. The celebration will feature the return of Kerre Woodham, acclaimed broadcaster and proud Sacred Heart alumna, as keynote speaker.
“The entrance is more than a point of passage: it is a threshold into a place of Communion, Contemplation, and Mission. For us, the transformation of our entrance honours the mahi of those who came before us, while opening a door to future generations of waahine of Faith, Hope and Justice. What was built here was built to last – a symbol of physical and spiritual resilience for the Catholic community.
At the heart of the renewed space is Te Puna Wai Ora, a contemplative area. Inspired by the Gospel narrative of The Woman at the Well. This contemporary sacred place invites our Faith community moments of stillness, reflection and encounter.
“It is a visible reminder that our Faith calls us “beyond boundaries”, echoing the enduring vocation and purpose of the Mission Sisters who founded the school,” Catherine said.
The project also includes the long-awaited staff room redevelopment situated in the ‘heart’ of the building. Overlooking the front lawns, it will provide collaborative spaces for reflection, professional practice and collegial support.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Catherine. “It is about creating places that embody who we are, honour our story and affirm our vision for the future. We warmly invite our alumnae and community to join us in celebrating and continuing the story of Sacred Heart Girls’ College.”
Year 13s in front of the new space
