Principal’s Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 5's Newsletter.  

Last week, I attended the Armidale Catholic Schools' Principal's meeting. These meetings allow Principals across our diocese to network with each other and engage in Professional learning. This was the first Principal's meeting facilitated by our new Director, Regina Menz. Catherine Jackson, a coach and consultant from Leopard Tree, worked with us for two days to explore leadership in the Armidale Diocese. We also engaged in roundtable conversations with all Armidale Diocesan Catholic Schools' board members. During these conversations, I was able to share information about our school using the following questions to generate the discussion:

• What is special about Sacred Heart School?
• What might people not know about Sacred Heart School?
• What am I most proud of at Scared Heart School?

The room had a positive vibe as we worked together to continue the system's vision of developing a 'Christ-centred inclusive learning community that supports young people to realise a hope-filled future.'

Induction of School Leaders

After our Ash Wednesday Mass in Week 3, we took the opportunity to congratulate and induct our 2024 School Leaders. Fr Antony blessed the students, and the leader's parents were able to provide badges to their children.

2024 School Captain: Grace Groves

2024 Namoi Hose Captain: Lucy Furner

2024 Cox House Captain: Emily Valks

Congratulations to these leaders, and we wish them well as they continue to uphold their promise of being loyal to Sacred Heart School, our teachers, and their fellow students whilst always being a good example for others. Thank you to all family members who took the time to attend this Mass.

Student Representative Council (SRC) members

Last week, all Kindergarten to Year 6 students took the time to nominate and vote for our Semester 1 SRC members. It is with great excitement that the following students were announced during assembly and provided with their badges.

K/1/2 Classroom:

Ivy Guest

Georgie Rodstrom

Yr 3/4/5/6 Classroom:

Rex Plevey

Elsie Groves

Congratulations to each of these leaders. We look forward to working with you throughout Semester 1.

Armidale Diocesan Swimming Carnival

Good luck to all of our swimmers (Kale Dickens, Grace Groves, Brayden Dickens, Elsie Groves and Ellie Rodstrom) who will compete at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival this Friday in Gunnedah. We are proud of you and will be cheering you on from Boggabri.

NAPLAN 2024

During Week 7 and Week 8, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will complete their NAPLAN assessments. Below is our NAPLAN Timetable for Sacred Heart School:

In preparation for NAPLAN, students are undertaking activities to help them become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities do not assess student ability and will only be used as a means of practice.

The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available to see the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests.

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website (https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan/parent-information). 

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher.

Have a wonderful week, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further concerns.

Warm regards,

Claire Ryan

Principal