School News
Budgeting in Catholic (MACS) Schools for 2027
Currently, all Catholic schools are working through planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and school communities in the coming year. This includes looking at how we can accommodate the changes likely to flow from a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with school staff.
We recognise the significant financial pressures many households are facing, and we are making a conscious effort to ensure these costs are not passed on through significant fee increases.
We will continue to keep our parent community informed throughout this process. As always, our focus remains on maintaining strong school communities and continuing to deliver a high-quality Catholic education for every student.
Father's Day Events
It was wonderful to celebrate Father’s Day at school last Friday with a range of special activities to honour the dads, grandfathers and father figures in our community. Our Father’s Day Stall last Thursday was a great success, with students excited to choose a special gift. On Friday, our dads and special friends were warmly welcomed into classrooms to participate in specially organised activities. The Year 1 and 2 students also led a beautiful Paraliturgy, providing a special opportunity for our community to come together in prayer and reflection. The morning concluded with a delicious morning tea and plenty of opportunities for families to connect and celebrate together. A very special thank you to our Year 3 parents for their wonderful organisation and preparation, which helped make the morning such a memorable and joyful celebration for our school community.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Father Tom Visit
Last Friday, 4 September, the Senior AP students were delighted to welcome Father Tom for a special visit. They began by unpacking some inspirational and meaningful words about their dads as they prepared to celebrate Father’s Day last Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect on the important role their fathers, grandfathers and father figures play in their lives and to think about the qualities that make them so special. They also continued their learning about the Liturgical Calendar, exploring the significance of the different seasons and celebrations within the Catholic Church. Students shared their Google Slide research with Fr Tom and discussed the knowledge they had developed through their investigations.
A particularly special part of Fr Tom’s visit was meeting the students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last night at Sacred Heart Parish Kew Church. Confirmation is a beautiful sacrament in which we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit and given the grace to live out our faith with courage and confidence. Through Confirmation, students deepen their relationship with God and are called to be active witnesses of Jesus, in their families, school and wider community. It is a significant milestone as they continue to grow in their faith and recognise the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit within their lives.
We were very proud of our students and the commitment they have shown throughout their preparation. We wished Raphaela Fernando, Annabelle Rush, Polly Saunders, Grace Nesbitt and Emily Leung every blessing as they prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation Reflection Day
The Year 6's partcipated in a Confirmation Reflection Day on Tuesday. They took part in different activities throughout the morning. They were also visited by Father John Salvano who spoke to the children about the significance of the sacrament and the format of the Mass. The children walked to Alexandra Gardens to enjoy some hot chips and potato cakes.
Sacrament of Confirmation
It was a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate our Confirmation candidates as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation at a special Mass last night. It was a very special occasion as we supported our students through this important next stage of their faith journey. We congratulate all of our Confirmation candidates and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen them as they grow in faith.
Year 1 Experience
Our Year 1 students had a wonderful time celebrating their Year 1 Experience Day yesterday. The day was filled with fun, hands-on activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. A highlight was the Billy Cart Incursion, run by Supreme Incursions, where students worked collaboratively to design and create their own vehicles while following instructions and developing their teamwork skills. Students also enjoyed a cinema experience with their classmates, watching a movie together and enjoying a special afternoon tea of popcorn, a lolly bag and a juice box. It was a fantastic day of learning, laughter and shared experiences for our Year 1 students. Thank you to Mrs Chirio and Miss Bilney for organising this special event.
Sport News
District Athletics Day
Well done to all the students who participated at District Athletics last Wednesday. Congratulations to the following students who have progressed to Division Athletics on 13 October:
Charlotte S (4EO) 200m and 800m
Felix T (Senior AP) 200m
We also wish to acknowledge Raf D (Senior AP) for progressing to Division Athletics in High Jump, although he is unable to participate on the day due to other commitments.
Hoop Time
Selected Senior students will participate at Hoop Time next Wednesday 16 September at Coburg Basketball Stadium.
Year 10 Genazzano Companionship Program
Over the past three days, we have been delighted to have Audrey (past Sacred Heart student) and Charlee participate in the Genazzano Companionship Program. The girls worked with children across the school in a range of different settings, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to the lives of others, share their individual talents and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others.
The Sacred heART Show is Back!
Term 4 - Friday 16 October & Monday 19 October
Our biennial Sacred heART Show is back, and we can’t wait to share a magical celebration of art, creativity and imagination with our families and friends. The exhibition will showcase the wonderful work of our Sacred Heart artists and the creativity, care and hard work they have poured into their art throughout the year.
The Art Show helps to raise funds for our Visual Arts program, with a particular focus on supporting art incursions and excursions in 2027. Families can get involved by purchasing raffle tickets for the PA's Art Maker's Hamper, bidding in our online auction for one of the beautiful collaborative year level artworks or our special guest artist piece, purchasing a pack of greeting cards featuring stunning Year 3 watercolours, or making a donation. The online auction and raffle ticket sales will go live at the beginning of Term 4, so stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved.
There are also plenty of exciting treats planned for students and families. Friday 16 October will be a free dress day, with students invited to come dressed in their favourite colour. The PA and our wonderful Year 2 families are also organising a special art themed lunch for families to purchase, and students to enjoy on opening day. It will even include a handmade art inspired cookie created by talented parent Chelsea Bateman, a little work of art in itself!
The official opening will take place on Friday 16 October from 3.15pm to 6.00pm, with student artworks, year level auction pieces, a guest artist auction item, the PA’s Art Makers Hamper raffle, Year 3 greeting cards, the Art Captains' workshop and live music. Principal Ed Weekes will officially open the exhibition with an address at 4.00pm.
The gallery will then reopen on Monday 19 October from 8.45am to 4.00pm for families and visitors before the exhibition closes. Entry is by gold coin donation, with all funds helping to support our Visual Arts program.
We would love our whole community to come along and celebrate the imagination, effort and joy our students have brought to their work. Don’t miss this beautiful display of creativity and heart at the Sacred heART Show!
Library Books
As we prepare for our library stocktake in Week 10, we kindly ask families to return any outstanding library books next week. Please check at home, including books that may be tucked away on bookshelves, under beds or in school bags. Thank you for helping us ensure all of our library books are accounted for and ready for Term 4.
Canberra Camp 2027
Thank you to those parents who have indicated that their child will be attending the Senior Canberra Camp next year (Monday 15 - Friday 19 February). Thanks also to those families who have paid the $500 deposit.
PARENT & CHILD INFORMATION EVENING - Wednesday 18 November (6.30pm - 7.30pm)
All current Year Four and Five parents (and child/ren attending the Trip) are invited to an Information Evening which will take place on Wednesday 18 November at 6.30pm. This will be held in the MPR. All FINAL itinerary and information regarding the Canberra Trip will be presented to families at this time.
School Fees
School Fee notices were recently sent out via classroom tubs. Please check your child(s) bag if you cannot locate these. Thanks for your prompt payment and support.
Chris Comand (School Bursar)
Friday Afternoon School Assemblies at 2.30pm
Term 3 Assemblies:
Week 10 (18 September) - No Assembly
Term 4 Assemblies:
Week 1 (9 October) - Assembly
Week 2 (16 October) - No Assembly
Week 3 (23 October) - No Assembly
Week 4 (30 October) - Assembly (Prep MW)
Week 5 (6 November) - No Assembly (Wellbeing Groups)
Week 6 (13 November) - Assembly (2HB)
Week 7 (20 November) - Assembly
Week 8 (27 November) - Assembly (Year 3)
Week 9 (4 December) - No Assembly (School Closure Day)
Week 10 (11 December) - No Assembly
Week 11 (15 December) - Final Assembly 11:15am (Year 6)
2026 Term Dates
Term Dates 2026 - (students)
Term One: Fri 30 January (Students begin) – Thurs 2 April
Term Two: Mon 20 April – Fri 26 June
Term Three: Tues 14 July – Fri 18 September
Term Four: Tues 6 October - Tues 15 December
2026 School Closure Days
As was communicated to families last year...
* Time in Lieu (TIL)
The current Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2022 (the Agreement) has a formal time in lieu (TIL) process for teachers. The Agreement provides that a principal may require a teacher to undertake work and attend a school activity outside the normal hours of attendance (i.e., in excess of the 38 hours or normal hours for a part-time teacher) and when this occurs, it will attract TIL.
Principals should prepare for the accrual and acquittal of TIL through their annual planning process. The timing of the acquittal of TIL is at the discretion of the principal, having regard to the operational needs of the school and causing the least disruption to the educational program of the school.
Principals may elect to acquit TIL through designating days during the year on which all staff and students are not required to attend school.
School Closure & Time in Lieu (TIL) Days 2026
Term 1
Thursday 5 March (Staff Professional Learning)
Friday 6 March (Staff Compliance and First Aid/Anaphylaxis)
Monday 9 March (Labour Day Public Holiday)
Term 2
Friday 5 June (Staff Professional Learning)
Monday 8 June (King’s Birthday Public Holiday)
Term 3
Monday 13 July (School Review preparation for staff)
Friday 28 August (TIL day for staff)
Term 4
Monday 5 October (Staff Professional Learning)
Monday 2 November (TIL day for staff)
Tuesday 3 November (Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday)
Friday 4 December (Staff Planning for 2027)
Children finish on Tuesday 15 December at 12.45pm
Wednesday 16 December (TIL day for staff)
Thursday 17 December (TIL day for staff)
MACSEYE - Outside School Hours Care
Please see below for further information, including the MACSEYE Booking Link.
Kids Unlimited Chess Lessons Term Four
As communicated, we have partnered with Kids Unlimited who will run Chess Lessons at lunchtime on Tuesday next term. Places are filling fast. Please click on the QR code on the flyer below to sign up and pay for your child.
All Prep - Year Six are welcome to enrol in this program. Cost is $170 for 8 weeks.
Digimaker Coding Lessons Term Four
Please note that our Digimaker Coding lessons next term will now take place at lunchtime on Wednesday. See attached flyer for further details.
