Principal's Message

Good afternoon, all! 

We have certainly hit the ground running this term, with students, staff and families already involved in a wide range of learning opportunities and school events. It has been wonderful to see our students embracing each day with enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards their learning. 

A reminder that our Colour Run will be held on Friday 6 November from 2.00pm to 3.15pm. Students will be asked to bring a $2 donation to help cover the cost of the coloured powder. 

Parents and family members are most welcome to attend and join in the fun. The Colour Run is designed as an obstacle course and is one of the many activities we provide to promote positive cross-age relationships across the school. Events such as these help students build connections with peers from different year levels, strengthening our sense of community and belonging. 

As many families are aware, schools across our diocese have been undertaking work around financial resilience. Sacred Heart has been fortunate throughout this process and we are pleased that we will not be losing any staff members because of this process. We recognise that this has not been the case for some of our neighbouring schools. 

Our new website will be launched hopefully next week.  We will announce via PAM when it becomes live.  Feedback on our website is always welcomed so please reach out if you have feedback. 

There is, however, one organisational change that will occur next year with the introduction of Year 1/2 composite classes. Families can be reassured that the programs delivered to students will not change, and we do not anticipate any negative impact on teaching and learning.

 Composite classes offer many benefits for students, including older students take on mentoring roles often supporting younger peers with their learning. Leadership skills are strengthened as older students develop confidence and responsibility. Younger students are exposed to more advanced concepts and learning experiences. Students learn collaboratively and develop stronger social connections across age groups. Finally, composite classes help schools manage enrolment numbers effectively, ensuring balanced class sizes. 

We look forward to sharing further information with families as planning for next year continues. 

Our Festa Italiana was a wonderful celebration of Italian culture and learning. Students enjoyed a day filled with costumes, parades, dancing, engaging learning activities and, of course, delicious gelato!

A special thank you to Miss Sonia Laggozzino, our Italian teacher, who did a tremendous job organising the event and ensuring its success. 

We are also very grateful to Carmello Basile (Miss Jorja's Nonno), who entertained us with his wonderful piano accordion playing throughout the day. Thank you also to Maria and Frank Nigro for their support and assistance. Events such as these are made possible through the generosity of our school community. 

Families are reminded of the upcoming extra-long weekend from Friday 30 October to Tuesday 3 November. Please note that both Monday and Tuesday during this period will be pupil-free days.  Monday November 2 is allocated to staff report writing whilst Tuesday is the Melbourne Cup Day holiday. 

During this time, the Church celebrates two important feast days. All Saints' Day is celebrated on 1 November, followed closely by All Souls' Day on 2 November. 

At school, students will be learning about the saints and the Christian role models they provide for us through their faith, courage and service to others. All Souls' Day also offers us an opportunity to remember and pray for those we have loved and lost. 

Families may wish to use the following prayer as a reflection during this special time. 

                                                                    A Prayer for All Souls 

God our Father, 

 Your power brings us to birth, 

 Your providence guides our lives, 

 and by Your command, we return to dust. 

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, 

 their lives change but do not end. 

 I pray in hope for my family, 

 relatives and friends,

  and for all the dead known to You alone. 

In company with Christ, 

 Who died and now lives,  

may they rejoice in Your kingdom, 

 where all our tears are wiped away.

  Unite us together again in one family,  

to sing Your praise forever and ever. 

                                                                                    Amen.

Source: My Catholic Prayers. 

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. 

Blessings, 

Carolyn Goode

 Principal