Message From Our 

Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have had so many good news stories at Sacred Heart over the last term with our children shining in so many different ways. Today’s newsletter is filled with those stories, achievements and celebrations.

What an amazing experience our production, “When You Wish Upon a Star” was for all our school community!  I was overwhelmed with pride as I watched all our children having so much fun as they performed on stage or participated in some way.

A big thank you to our very creative, talented staff members, Matt Hooper for the many hours of work spent organising the slides and videos and Vanessa Tartaglia who wrote the script, co-ordinated the production, sourced costumes and worked so hard to make this the wonderful production it was. Thank you, Andrew Nilbett for liaising with the Kyabram Plaza to make sure everything ran smoothly and sourcing the projectors and Karen Nihill for preparing and choregraphing all of our students in the finale. Only last week Karen had a group of children shining at SAoS but was still able to produce this amazing finale. Thank you also to the Kyabram Plaza, there was nothing too much to ask Lisa and her volunteers, not only in the lead up to the Production but during rehearsal and performances. A huge thank you to all our staff who encouraged and prepared the children and ensured each and every one of them were able to shine in their own special way. As I reminded the audience on Thursday, Sacred Heart is so blessed to have such a caring, dedicated, talented staff working with your children. Thank you to our school community for supporting the staff, helping with the costumes and make up and being there to encourage your child/children as they needed it. A special thank you to our many grandparents who helped with costumes and those who travelled distances to watch the children.

And to all the children at Sacred Heart - you were sensational! You all performed with such energy, enthusiasm and confidence. You were delightful and to see everyone up on a big stage in front of the big audience enjoying themselves so much made me very proud to be principal of this great school.

Congratulations to our children who made their Sacrament of Reconciliation last week. Thank you to Fr John Paul and Fr Vijay for the lovely liturgy, staff for their attendance and support on the evening and Debbie Turvey for preparing the children so well, coordinating the Steps in Faith program and Liturgy.  On Sunday our Children’s Mass was a special thanksgiving Mass for children who have received Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation this year.  It was a special way to conclude a busy Sacramental program that has taken place over the last two terms. Thank you, Debbie Turvey for organising the Children’s Mass and making the Sacraments such an important occasion for all the children and their families.

Congratulations to our students who entered the recent Transition Tatura Annual Film Festival.  Ollie Dainton, Sebastian, Alex and Nicola Tartaglia were awarded the Transition Tatura Art competition, based on the theme "More self-sufficient living". Well done to all these students, for not only showcasing their outstanding Art pieces, but also for being so actively involved in their local community and ensuring Tatura is a better place for the future. 

Congratulations to our students who entered the recent CWA show. The following students were awarded prizes. Alessia Borzillo, aggregate Award for Art, Tori Wellington, Junior Aggregate Award for Art and Ava Wellington 1st prize for her slice. Well done girls.

The 5/6 team have spent this term learning more about their Australian story. As part of the unit, they investigated Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, two of the oldest human remains discovered, which completely changed the understanding of Australia’s past. During this time, they began connecting with Jenny Bowler, daughter of Jim Bowler, the archaeologist who, in 1974 discovered these remains. There was great excitement at SH when Jim, 92 zoomed into 5/6 Learning Space to share his story. The students were able to talk to Jim and ask him questions, developing a sense of what it must have been like for him at that time. Jim congratulated them and their teachers on their deep knowledge and understanding of the Australian story and their curiosity to know more.  Parents and other students were invited for a Learning Walk to see the work that had taken place over the term. It was really very inspiring to see how much the students had integrated their learning and how curious and informed they were about their past. Thank you to the 5/6 staff who were able to bring such life and enthusiasm to their learning.

Thank you to all who attended the Blokes’ Breakfast. It was wonderful for children to share time with their visitors and to see so many Dads, Grandads and special blokes come along to school. Thank you to the staff, parents and friends who came early to cook the 20 dozen eggs and 270 slices of bacon to perfection and those who stayed and helped with the cleanup. It was greatly appreciated.  Following the breakfast, Fr John led us through a lovely Fathers’ Day Mass, beautifully prepared by our 5/6 team. The children then spent time in PPR making their special, very creative gifts which I’m sure you all enjoyed receiving on Fathers’ Day.

Thank you to everyone who bought and sold raffle tickets for our very successful Term 3 fundraiser. We made $3700 which will go towards the recently constructed school fence. A heartfelt thank you to Marie and Rob O’Meara who donated the first prize to the value of over $1000. It was so very generous and much appreciated. Congratulations to our winners. I would also like to thank Nicole Pratt for her very kind donation towards the cost of the Plaza Theatre.

On Friday we have an out of school uniform day and everyone is welcome to come to school in their favourite team colours. On this day we support our local Lions Club and ask for a gold coin donation for Children’s Cancer Research.

Week 3 Term 4 all students will participate in the swimming program. Each class will travel daily to Aquamoves Shepparton for lessons provided by Aquamoves swim instructors. Please complete the permission form and your child’s swimming level.  We require some parent helpers so if you would like to volunteer, please  complete the Volunteer Induction on the school Website [must have a WWCC] and let your child’s teacher know when you are available.  Perhaps during the holidays, it would be a good opportunity to encourage your child/children to be more independent when dressing, organising belongings etc in preparation for the swimming program. I strongly advise that you clearly name everything.

A reminder that next Friday is the last day of term and classes will be dismissed at the early time of 2.30pm.  Assembly will be at 1pm.

As you can see from my newsletter, we have had much to celebrate at Sacred Heart. 

Thank you parents for your ongoing support and involvement in your children’s school and to staff for all they do to provide the rich and varied learning opportunities for all at Sacred Heart. Thank you also to our students who are working so hard to achieve their goals and to be the best they can be. I wish our students, families and staff a safe and relaxed break and look forward to seeing you all again on Monday, October 3rd.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to watch over our school community and bless us always.

Pauline Hindson 

Principal