Principal's News

Dear Parents/Carers,

This week in Australia, we celebrate “Harmony Week”. Australia is one of the world's most successful multicultural countries, and our cultural diversity is at the heart of who we are. Over half of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas. As recently as 2017, only 1% of our students here at Sacred Heart were from a home where the first language was NOT English, so around 4 children. In 2025, I am delighted to say that figure is now 9% (approx. 40).

Harmony Week is also about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, from the Traditional Owners of the land to our most recent arrivals. Celebrating that no matter where you come from, we're united by the Australian values of freedom, respect, fairness, democracy and equal opportunity.

At school, we will have a Liturgy this Friday at 11:30 am in the multi-purpose room and then break into multi-age groups to do some Harmony Day activities. Parents are invited to come along to the liturgy. 

Children are encouraged to wear a “splash of orange” to support Harmony.

KANA

Thank you to our Grade 1 classes for representing us all in the parade on Saturday. The showgrounds were buzzing with activity and was the place to be for food and conversation under a shady tree afterwards.

Thank you to our staff, who gave up part of their Saturday to ensure the kids enjoyed participating in this important community event.

 SCHOOL UNIFORM

 A friendly reminder that black shoes (runners or boots) are part of our school uniform. When purchasing your child’s next pair, you might consider all-black runners, as they can be worn for both sport and the regular summer and winter uniform. This way students only need one pair of shoes, which may save some money.

Additionally, please ensure that boys wear grey socks and girls wear white socks as part of the uniform.

For reference, we have included some examples later in the newsletter. Thank you for your support in maintaining our uniform standards. 

NAPLAN 

Our Grade 3 and Grade 5 students finished testing this week.

The NAPLAN Tests require enormous administrative work, which Ms Lynch and Mr Maddern, in particular, have cheerfully done for us. 

Parents will receive reports on their children’s performance in these tests later in the year.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

 Our School Council held its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday. I am pleased to announce that Claire Foley has stepped up as the  Chairperson, and Lauren Welsh was elected Deputy Chairperson. 

We welcomed six new members onto the council. These include Cherise Riley, Fluer Palensky, Rachelle Neale, Casey Kelly, Emma Craddock and Emilee Edney.

We also farewelled and acknowledged the efforts of Sean McGuane, Olivia Dooley and Tanya Hickey. 

RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY

This Friday, March 21st, is National Ride To School Day. It is a day when children are encouraged to ride, scoot or walk to and from school. Given the traffic around our school in the mornings and afternoons, I commend parents for considering this opportunity.

We all recognise the benefits of bicycle travel in terms of increased fitness and independence for the kids, less traffic on our roads and less pollution in our environment, however children must be confident and competent riders with a safe route planned for them by their parents and carers.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER - Casual / On Call position

On occasions we require additional administration staff, therefore we are advertising for a casual office staff member.  Please see advert below.

Kind regards,

Karl Dwyer

Principal