Welcome back to Sacred Heart for Term 3, everyone. I hope you all had a fantastic and refreshing mid-year break. We are now past the shortest day of the year, so I am looking forward to some warmer weather and longer days arriving soon! We have another exciting term ahead of us at Sacred Heart, and it has been pleasing to see the way our students have returned to their learning routines so far this week.

Thank you for your commitment to dropping your children off at the correct time, not arriving in the pick-up area until at least 3:14pm, and ensuring your children are wearing the correct school uniform. We really appreciate your support with these important routines.

One of Sunday’s readings at Mass was from St Paul’s letter to the Romans (Rom. 8:35-39), reminding us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. No matter what we face, the highs, the lows, the mistakes, or the challenges, God’s love for us never changes.

As parents, we get a small glimpse of that kind of love. We don’t stop loving our children when they get things wrong or take a different path than we hoped. We keep showing up, cheering them on, and walking alongside them. Of course, our love isn’t perfect, but it points us to God’s love, which is. When life feels uncertain, it is comforting to know that we are held securely in His care. Nothing can take that away.

A very warm welcome to Tracy Richardson and Mickala Thomas, who have joined our staff team this term. I know our community is excited about the work Tracy will do teaching Auslan to our students and staff. If your child has already had an Auslan lesson this week, they have probably come home with a range of new signs to share with you!

If you have visited the front office this week, you will have seen Mickala as she begins the challenge of filling Heather’s shoes. Mickala will be a wonderful addition to our office team. If you get the opportunity, please introduce yourself to Tracy and Mickala, as they are looking forward to getting to know our school community.

We have another busy term ahead (see the Term 3 Overview below). The first month alone includes:

Week 1: Many Mobs Bridge Walk

Week 2: Beginning of the First Reconciliation Sacramental Program

Week 3: Pupil Free Day (Network Hardware Update), Bishop’s Installation, Grandparents’ Day and Year 5/6 Lightning Premiership

Week 4: Staff Spirituality Day (Pupil Free Day)

Staffing Updates – Term 3

Along with Tracy (Auslan) and Mickala (Office) joining our team, we have a few other staffing changes this term.

Lauren O’Shea has commenced family leave, with Bec Bridgeman and Ana Howard leading our Learner Diversity area. Lynne Lawless is on leave for Term 3 and will be replaced in 5L by Georgia Mullavey (Monday-Tuesday) and Ainslee Flanagan (Wednesday-Friday).

After many years of outstanding service, Madonna will step down from leading our Aboriginal Education portfolio while continuing her valued work as a Learning Support Officer. Meegan McInness will take on responsibility for this important area for the remainder of the year.

Kind regards and God bless,

Jarrod

Term Ahead - Term 3 - 2026
Week	Dates & Items
1	Mon 13/7 - First day of Term 3 Thurs 16/7 - State Cross Country Fri 17/7 - Many Mobs Bridge Walk @ 9:30am
2	Tues 21/7 - Faith Formation Parent Night #1 (Reconciliation) @ 6pm
3	Tues 28/7 - (Pupil Free Day) Network Hardware Update Thurs 30/7 - Bishop’s Installation Bendigo Thurs 30/7 - Grandparent’s Day Celebration Fri 31/7 - Lightning Premiership (Yr5&6) Fri 31/7 - 2027 Prep enrolments close today
4	Wed 5/8 - (Pupil Free Day) Staff Spirituality Day
5	Mon 10/8 - Work experience students begin – Alyssa and Maddi Fri 14/8 - Feast of the Assumption
6	Mon 17-Fri 21/8 - Dental Van Wed 19/8 - Principal Network Day @ Shepp - Jarrod
7	Tues 25/8 - Faith Formation Night #2 (Reconciliation) @ 6pm Wed 26/8 - Child Safeguarding Officer Training – Jarrod, Bec and Tim (11-12:30pm) Wed 26/8 - MultiLit school visit Wed 26/8 - SAC Meeting @ 6:30pm Thurs 27/8 - Yr6 Beechworth Excursion Fri 28/8 - Catholic Mission Month (TBC) Sun 30/8 - Reco Presentation Mass @ 9am
8	Wed 2/9 - Father’s Day Stall Wed 2/9 - Classroom Mastery – drop in Thurs 3/9 - School Athletics Carnival Fri 4/9 - Father’s Day School Celebration Sat 5/9 - Reco Presentation Mass @ 5pm
9	Tues 8/9 - First Reconciliation Ceremony 6:30pm Fri 11/9 - RUOK Day – Family breakfast @ 7am
10	Fri 18/9 - Last day Term 3

TERM 3: July 13 to September 19

TERM 4: October 5 to December 18