Sacred Heart College Napier

From the classroom windows we gaze out across the sea to Cape Kidnappers and from another we are able to see Westshore. These views uplift our spirits and make us smile and realise how lucky we are.

In 1867 the view from this position would have been very different. Just as the forces of nature have shaped and altered the physical landscape, the changes in education and society in the past 150 years have altered the way Sacred Heart College operates. What does remain the same though is the vision, the passion and the zeal that Euphrasie Barbier had when establishing her congregation. We may not be a large school but we have a proud history and a future full of promise.

Sacred Heart College, Napier on its present site in Convent Road was founded by The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. In 1867 the school for ‘Young Ladies’ that would eventually become known as Sacred Heart College was blessed and opened. It was the first Catholic school and hostel established by the Sisters in New Zealand.

Amazingly, the original buildings withstood the earthquake of 1931. During the 1990’s, the whole site was re-planned, new buildings erected and existing ones upgraded. The new Barbier and Marian blocks were blessed and opened, and Ross and Dennehy blocks were updated and rededicated. A full-sized gymnasium followed, named after Sister Mary Rose Holderness. On June 30, 2001 the convent building, the chapel and a section of the hostel were destroyed by fire. During 2009 a major technology and social science upgrade was completed and the buildings were opened by Bishop Peter Cullinane in February 2010.

The boarding hostel, opened around 1867, was finally closed on April 1st, 2010. The hostel buildings and the Cultural Centre were demolished at the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015 and a new sacred space and hall has been built on the site. The Mission Centre was opened by Bishop Deuhein in 2016.

The College is now administered by the Diocese of Palmerston North.

For its first one hundred years, the College was staffed predominantly by the Sisters. Sister Mary Rose who completed her term in 1998 was the last Mission Sister to be Principal. Sister Colleen retired at the end of 2014 and was the last Mission Sister teacher. The current staff of the College continue to uphold the missionary spirit of the Sisters in today’s modern environment.

The four pioneer Sisters all left Napier to help in the foundation of new establishments and none came to their final resting place in Napier.

When Mother Mary St Elizabeth passed away on 29^th July 1891, the Sisters sought permission to have a piece of land set aside on the hill to be used as a private burial ground. Mr Turnbull, a magistrate in Napier granted that permission and the Sisters laid their departed Mother to rest. Eventually, twelve Sisters were laid to rest under the shadow of the walls which in life they all loved so well.

Since that time the school has grown and developed and the Urupa is now in the middle of the school surrounded by gardens and tennis courts. With the busy life that goes on each day at the College the burial ground is not a sad lonely place. Each day the students can be reminded of the early Sisters who came with such a vision for establishing a school and can reflect the vibrancy of the College in the 21^st Century.

In 2000, new school Houses were introduced to reflect the rich Catholic heritage of the school. Each House is named after a significant figure with connections to the Church and the Mission Sisters. A number of inter-house events are run throughout the school year which are fiercely contested by all students.

Aubert House

Named after Suzanne Aubert, a Catholic missionary who dedicated her life to serving others. She founded the Sisters of Compassion and is remembered for her work with the poor and the sick, embodying compassion and service.

Barbier House

Named after Euphrasie Barbier, founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. Her vision for education and missionary outreach led to the establishment of schools such as Sacred Heart College Napier.

Holderness House

Named in honour of Sister Mary Rose Holderness, an important figure in the college’s history, recognised for her leadership and contribution to the school community.

Marian House

Reflects devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who is central to Catholic faith. Mary is honouredas a model of faith, humility, and compassion.