PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 5's newsletter for Term 3. 

This week I have been fortunate to shadow a Principal, Margaret McKinnon, in another small school, St John's Catholic School, Baradine. I have been immersed in many opportunities for learning throughout the week. Working alongside another Principal of a small school enables me to discuss some of the challenges and complexities of a small school and continue to find improvement solutions.

Although I was disappointed to miss our Book Week Parade, I was lucky to be a part of St John's parade.

Principal's Meeting

I attended the Armidale Diocesan Principal's Meeting in Armidale last Thursday and Friday. During the meeting, I witnessed the launch of ‘Our Hope-Filled Future’, our new five-year strategic plan for Armidale Catholic Schools. Please watch this short animation to learn more: Our Hope-Filled Future - Video

This strategic plan was formulated through strong collaboration and forms our roadmap for the next 5 years. It is a testament to our shared faith, and the Armidale Catholic Schools promise to the over 6,000 students and more than 1,000 staff who are the heart of our system.

During the meeting, we also had the opportunity to meet with the Armidale Catholic Schools Board. It was a valuable opportunity to share our school's 2025 Annual Improvement Plan and discuss the unique challenges and triumphs we experience. This conversation helped the board members better understand our school and our community.

School Improvement Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff, and students about our school and will be used to inform about school improvement. Responses are confidential, and individuals can not be identified. The surveys will be launched via email on Monday, 25th August 2025, using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, don't hesitate to get in touch with the school to receive a direct link. The survey will close on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025.

Book Week - Book an Adventure

Today, we celebrated Book Week with our annual Book Week Parade. From all accounts, there was a spectacular buzz in the air as the children arrived at school dressed as their favourite book characters. It was exciting for us to welcome our friends from Baan Baa Preschool to join us with the parade and learning experiences in the classroom. 

A huge thank you to Mrs Mackay for her behind-the-scenes work in planning and executing a wonderful week full of Literacy experiences.

Thank you also to our parents and friends who brought the costumes alive and visited to cheer our children along as they paraded proudly around the cola.

Enrolments for 2026

We have opened enrolments for 2026. If you know of families in our community who want their children to attend Sacred Heart school, please don't hesitate to ask them to contact our school office so they can collect an enrolment form.

Wishing everyone a productive and rewarding Week 5!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Claire Ryan

Principal