Pastoral care at Sacred Heart College is inspired by our Catholic, Marist and Champagnat values. It’s both our privilege and responsibility to create a school culture where the values of Christ, Mary and Marcellin Champagnat are passed on. The Special Character Pillars of the College support this philosophy and are embedded in what we say, what we do and how we treat others.
Each year we focus on a pillar that identifies our charism. Our 2026 pillar is:
Every member of the Sacred Heart community works hard to ensure our boys feel safe and supported at school. This is particularly true for our junior boys as they transition into college and adolescent life.
To nurture this, our prefects and volunteer senior leadership students receive Peer Support training in how to implement these strategies for their assigned Year 7, 8 or 9 classrooms throughout the year. As a result of their mentoring and exemplary behaviour, juniors can learn more effectively and feel emotionally safe at school.
All students are assigned a homeroom class with a homeroom teacher. This teacher is the first point of contact if parents or guardians need to discuss any concerns about their son, and will usually be the first to notice if a student is having difficulties. Parents or caregivers may also choose to contact their son’s Dean for any concerns.
Our Student Council includes boys from all Year levels who meet twice a term to discuss student issues and concerns. A student representative is nominated each year to lead the Student Council and represent the student body on the Board of Trustees. In addition to these systems, English Language Learner (ELL) teaching is offered to any student new to the English language, and individual departments offer extra coaching and tuition to those who need it.
Sacred Heart College staff play a pivotal role in ensuring all students are supported. Staff work collaboratively towards the goal of identifying and assisting students who may need support. This includes the Deputy Headmaster Pastoral, Assistant Headmaster Pastoral, Homeroom teachers, Deans, the Director of International Students, Guidance Counsellors, the Learning Support Department, and the Careers and Transition Department. These staff members meet regularly to put structures in place for any students who are not achieving their potential.
Sacred Heart is dedicated to supporting the pastoral and academic needs of all students. To foster this, we place great importance on establishing and maintaining close relationships with parents. In forming these partnerships, we can understand issues happening outside of school that may affect your son’s learning and will be best equipped to put support structures in place.
For general situations, the student's Homeroom teacher is the first point of contact. For confidential matters, please contact the student's Dean, the Deputy Headmaster Pastoral, Assistant Headmaster Pastoral, or one of our Guidance Counsellors.
Backed by our Catholic, Marist and Champagnat values, we reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ and the charism of St Marcellin Champagnat and therefore do not tolerate bullying of any kind at Sacred Heart College. If the behaviour is not reported and we are not aware, we cannot support students, and nothing will change. In reporting bullying behaviour, you’re not only protecting your son but also helping other students involved who may need correction, guidance and support.
We understand the challenges and pressures our boys face as they navigate their journey towards becoming young men. Our Guidance Counsellors are dedicated to assisting this transition for anyone seeking or needing help. In a caring and supportive environment, our counsellors provide strategies to help our boys work through and overcome their struggles, so they can succeed and thrive in life.
All of our counsellors are experts at identifying mental health and well-being needs and recommending age-appropriate programmes to help address them. They work closely with our Pastoral Care team, Heads of Years, the School Nurse and Specialist Teacher Supports. Their practice abides by the NZAC and NZCCA Code of Ethics, meaning confidentiality is respected and maintained unless there is an imminent safety risk.
Our Wellbeing Centre is located with student privacy in mind. Students can make an appointment through the Student Portal using the form - Counsellor appointment request. Other ways to make an appointment are: by dropping into the Wellness Centre, before School, at Interval, or at Lunchtime.
Alternatively, students, or parents on a student’s behalf, can book an appointment by emailing or calling our counsellors directly. Our counsellors are also available for inquiries and advice.
| Mr Tony Montalvo Phone: (09) 529 3660 Ext. 501 email: [email protected] Miss Martha del Carpio Phone: (09) 529 3660 Ext. 847 email: [email protected] | |
Our counsellors are well-equipped to navigate sensitive situations. To support students, they may offer individual or small group counselling, mediation and advocacy, peer support or a well-being assessment. Students may also access external agencies for further support if necessary.
If students are facing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or other mental health issues, they may be referred to the Kari Centre, Whirinaki or Marinoto for psychological support. This is free of charge and requires parent or guardian consent first. On occasion, itinerant counsellors from Youthline, Altered High and other youth and mental health organisations may come into the school in collaboration with our counsellors or the Pastoral Care Team.
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