Principals Report

As we move towards the end of Term 3, I encourage families to take a moment to reflect on the many opportunities for learning, growth and joy that have taken place across our school this term. One of the highlights of my role is walking through classrooms each day and seeing the calm, predictable and engaging learning environments our students experience. I thank our staff for their tireless work and commitment to supporting every child to flourish. 

You may have seen recent media coverage about changes occurring across Catholic Education Sandhurst schools. I wanted to make sure you are hearing directly from me, with information that reflects the full picture. 

Like all Catholic schools across Victoria, we are navigating a changing financial environment. This includes carefully managing the impact of a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, which willdeliver well-deserved wage increases for our teachers and staff, and recent changes to the way the federal government is reviewing the NCCD funding for students with additional needs. We are working through our 2027 planning carefully and responsibly, with a focus on maintaining high-quality education for every child and continuing affordability for families. 

I also want to share some further detail about Magnify Sandhurst, our learning and teaching program that has been in place across schools in our diocese since 2024, and is lifting learning outcomes for our students. Magnify ensures our highly-skilled teachers have shared, evidence-informed practices and high-quality resources, while relying on their professional judgement to meet the needs of every student. And even in its early stages, the results are already speaking for themselves. 

This year at Sacred Heart Primary School, for the first time, our Year 3 and Year 5 students achieved NAPLAN proficiency rates above the Victorian average in every domain, with outstanding results in writing, reading and numeracy. Parent satisfaction at our school is at an all-time high, and enrolments for 2027 are at levels we haven't seen in many years. We are proud of what our community is achieving together, and the outcomes being demonstrated for our students. 

I did also want to clarify something that has been raised in recent media coverage about the Cathedral Square building in Bendigo. Catholic Education Sandhurst is not a builder or owner of Cathedral Square. CESL will be moving in as a tenant in 2028, in the same way any organisation leases a commercial space. 

We understand this is an unsettling time for some in our community, and as always, we welcome your questions. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. 

Sacrament of First Reconciliation 

On Tuesday evening, our First Reconciliation candidates celebrated this special sacrament alongside their families, staff and parish community. It was a beautiful celebration centred on God's mercy, forgiveness and unconditional love. Through the Scripture of the Lost Sheep, students were reminded that God seeks each of us out, welcomes us with open arms and rejoices when we return to Him. 

A particularly meaningful part of the ceremony involved each child carrying a stone, symbolising the burden of mistakes and wrongdoing. After celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, students placed their stone into a bowl of water, representing God's forgiveness, healing and the opportunity for a fresh start.  

Congratulations to all of our candidates on reaching this important milestone in their faith journey. Thank you to Fr Junjun, Fr Michael, our families and staff for supporting the children throughout their preparation. May they continue to walk in God's light, showing forgiveness, kindness and compassion to others. 

Looking Ahead 

Please see the Term 4 Term Ahead document below for a list of events already scheduled for next term. We will continue to update this document as additional events are finalised. 

We also have several exciting events still to come this term. 

Athletics Carnival - This Thursday 

Excitement is building for our annual Athletics Carnival, which will be held on the school oval this Thursday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Students have been preparing throughout the term and are looking forward to a day of running, relays, field events and novelty activities. 

Students are encouraged to wear their House colours (or their PE uniform if needed), along with runners, a hat and plenty of water. Families are warmly welcome to attend and support our students. A coffee van will be available for adults, and we ask spectators to remain off the track and away from house areas to help students stay focused on their events. 

As always, our focus is on participation, encouragement, fun and great sportsmanship. We look forward to a fantastic day of community spirit and friendly competition. 

R U OK? Day - This Friday 

While we won't be hosting families on site for R U OK? Day this year, we will still be marking the occasion in meaningful ways across our school community. 

Staff will begin the day by coming together for a cuppa and a chance to check in with one another before supporting our students. Throughout the day, students will participate in classroom activities focused on connection, kindness, looking out for others and understanding that it is always okay to ask for help. 

Students will also enjoy a Zooper Dooper and a lunchtime dance party with a surprise DJ. They are encouraged to wear a touch of yellow, such as socks, ribbons or headbands. 

We encourage all families to continue the conversation at home. Sometimes a simple "Are you okay?" can make a big difference and let someone know they are cared for. 

Footy Colours Day - Last Day of Term 

We will finish the term with a splash of colour as we support Fight Cancer Foundation's Footy Colours Day. Students are invited to dress in the colours of their favourite sporting team and join us in helping Aussie kids kick cancer. Footy Colours Day is a wonderful opportunity for our students to come together, show their team spirit and support children and families affected by cancer. More information about the day, including any fundraising activities, will be shared with families closer to the event. 

Have a wonderful week, and when the time comes, have a relaxing spring break

Kind regards and God bless, 

Jarrod 

Term Dates for the Year: 

TERM 1: January 27 to April 2 

TERM 2: April 20 to June 26 

TERM 3: July 13 to September 19 

TERM 4: October 5 to December 18