Principal News

Dear Sacred Heart Community

School Lockdown Update

I would ask all parents and guardians to be aware that our Premier announced earlier this week, a continuation of school lockdown until Thursday 2nd September. Our staff will continue to work with diligence and passion, to ensure our students learning is continued and their wellbeing needs are at the forefront of all decisions.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Afghanistan during this unthinkable tragedy that is being played out before our eyes. We have two beautiful families in our school from Afghanistan. Both Massie in Year One and Rafaele in Year Prep and Raffaela in Year One, parents have most of their immediate relatives still in the war torn country. I spoke to Jina mother of Massie and Raffi father of Raffaele and Rafaela on Tuesday to offer my thoughts and prayers. As you can imagine both sets of parents are very concerned about their families still in Afghanistan.

A Prayer for the People of Afghanistan

Dear Lord

We lift up the people of Afghanistan to you right now. We pray that you would take hold of them and help them walk through this fearful time. Protect them under your wing and help them feel the comfort and peace that only comes from your powerful presence.

So many people who have called this place their home have been displaced because of this event. Remind them, Lord, that their true home is in Heaven with you. Give those who believe in you the courage to stand strong in their faith and be a strong witness for you. 

Also, be with those who do not believe in you – help them to see the peace in your followers and allow the Holy Spirit to stir in their hearts as they witness this.

Amen

Please, Please, Please .................................... Please

We have all seen the pictures of groups of people over the weekend not adhering to the regulations our state government has instituted to reduce the spread of the Covid virus, and have been made aware of the affect this has had, not being able to reduce the transmission of the virus. It is certainly not my place to be the arbiter of our school community's decision making on weekends, and it would be very wrong for me to make judgement in this newsletter.What I would ask however, is that all our families, particularly those with children attending school during lockdown, be aware that decisions out of school hours can decrease or increase the chance of the virus infecting our school community. Our staff, just like supermarket workers, staff who work in nursing homes and workers in the health profession are on the front line. As for our students, I have an obligation to ensure as much as possible their safety. I know the restrictions are difficult, I also have two children, but we will not be able to beat this virus unless as a school community we to do our part.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our Year Prep student Luke, who over the weekend achieved an incredible 100 nights of reading. Luke was presented with a special badge on Monday to recognise his feat. I look forward to reading some of Luke's writing in the next few years. With his appetite for reading, Luke will be developing a great vocabulary and imagination. Well done Luke.

Year Five/Six don't let Covid stop Amanda's "High Tea"

Last Saturday was planned to be a day of fun for our Year Five/Six teacher Amanda, as she celebrated High Tea with friends and family in preparation for her upcoming wedding to Brett. Unfortunately as with many planned events, Covid restrictions intervened. However not to be deterred, Marty and our magnificent Year Five/Six students organised a surprise celebration online. Marty was able to find his favourite hat, our students enjoyed some treats and Amanda really enjoyed the effort everyone had put in to try and allay some of her disappointment.  

The Court Room Comes to Year Five/Six

A bit of fun was had on Tuesday, when I was called as a character witness by the defense team, in a case that saw our Year Five/Six teacher Amanda having to explain a bike ride she had taken last weekend. As expected, it was found by the court (Year Five/Six students) that Amanda had not broken any Covid protocols, and had stayed well within a 5km radius of her home. What the experience also showed is that we have some keen and capable students who are budding lawyers and barristers. (See Thomas' Report in Classroom News)

Sacred Heart Writing Competition

The prizes for our writing competition were dropped in at school yesterday by a very generous family. A $50 gift voucher will be awarded at each year level for the piece of writing adjudged the best.

Please stay safe.

Yours Sincerely

Mark Tierney

Principal