Weekes' Weekly News

Dear Sacred Heart Kew Families,

As the 2022 school year comes to a close, let us remember and celebrate all that we have achieved together...

2022 at Sacred Heart Kew saw a welcome return to onsite classroom learning, with less disruptions than the previous two years. It was a busy and exciting year for the school community, celebrating many significant school and social events together. Our school also underwent school review in 2022, as part of the four year school review cycle. The review highlighted many strengths, including: strong student achievement, student wellbeing and pastoral care practices, Catholic identity and parental support and engagement. The review recommended: increased opportunities for feedback and coaching programs for staff, a stronger focus on data analysis in student learning and a greater collaboration with students in design and learning environments. The school review was a positive and affirming experience, providing us with clear direction for the next four years. 

At Sacred Heart Kew we are blessed to have inspiring and hardworking staff members who go above and beyond the call of duty, willingly and generously giving of their time and self, when teaching and supporting our children. Staff loved being ‘back onsite’ for the whole school year, ensuring that children were provided with rich and relevant curriculum opportunities in a nurturing and engaging classroom environment, with a close eye on positive mental health and wellbeing for all. It has been an absolute privilege working alongside such a knowledgeable group of educators this year, together they make a dynamic team, collaboratively delivering student learning outcomes that meet every child’s needs and abilities. 

We have an extremely supportive and giving parent community who seek every opportunity to be involved in the life of the school. As a school we are most grateful for both our Parents’ Association and School Advisory Council members who provide not only the voice for all parents in our school community, but also many fun and social school event opportunities, ultimately benefiting the school children and learning provision. Events such as the annual Ladies Lunch, inaugural Men’s Lunch and Art Show Cocktail Party were wonderful examples of our parents doing the heavy lifting, ensuring that whole school relationships were celebrated and strengthened in a fun and casual manner. My sincere thanks to all parents who continue to support us as a school and entrust their loved ones to our care each year.

We are fortunate to have marvellous children who set the scene with their creative talents and hard work, arriving at school each day ready to learn, and inquire about themselves and the world around them. Our school came alive through the Visual Arts space this year, with our biennial Art Show and Artist in Residence program, partnering with proud Yorta Yorta woman Annie Brigdale. Our children’s artwork dazzled in both formats, culminating in a stunning whole school ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ mural, which now takes pride of place in the school yard. Our students continued to achieve high standards across all learning areas, including the annual NAPLAN testing. Every child should be so very proud of all that they have achieved in 2022. They continue to shine ever so brightly. 

I thank Father John, our Parish Priest for his support of the school, in particular, celebrating Liturgies and Class Masses with us throughout the year. Our Catholic identity continues to be our guiding light and our strength. Thank you to all students, staff and parents for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm towards our school and community, ensuring that our school remains a positive environment to learn, grow and celebrate each and every day. Sacred Heart Kew is a school of excellence and we all have a positive future ahead. 

May the upcoming birth of Jesus and the Christmas period inspire every family, as we are once again reminded of God’s love, through the gift of a small baby boy, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying safe and warm in a manger. Undoubtedly, the BEST present we will receive this Christmas.

Wishing everyone a lovely Christmas and school holiday break. See you all again in 2023. 

Kind Regards,

Ed Weekes 

School Principal