Weekes' News

Dear Sacred Heart Kew Families,

A friend and I were chatting the other day about living in Melbourne and which month we considered to be the best of the year. To me, November is the best month of the year (closely followed by January). 

But why…

The weather begins to turn that little bit warmer

After a chilly winter (and an inconsistent start each year to spring), November brings warmth and sunshine without the oppressive heat of summer. We also begin to enjoy average day time temperatures of around 22–25 degrees, with plenty of blue skies appearing. It’s warm enough for the beach, BBQs, and outdoor dining. You can actually trust the forecast (well, almost, it’s still Melbourne!)

Colours, Carnivals and Festivals 

In November, the city really comes to life, and so does everyone's gardens, as they become lush and green (before they take a hit from the hot sun and turn brown in December/January). There's the Melbourne Cup Carnival that ‘stops the nation’, bringing public holiday parties and good vibes. The city Night Markets start to pop up, along with the return of live music and open-air cinemas, as Melbourne’s cultural rush begins. 

The mood is unbeatable

Daylight savings has itself warmed up, pushing the sun to set after 8pm. In general, people are happier, more social, and looking forward to Christmas, with summer plans beginning to take shape. To me, November in Melbourne is when everything aligns: weather, vibrant events, nature in bloom, and a joyful city vibe, before the hectic December rush.

Our new Prep children learn about their new school

Each November, over three weeks, our soon to be Prep children participate in their transition sessions for the following school year. They arrive with their special adult(s), along with a mixture of smiles and frowns, nerves, stories and raw energy, meeting their classmates, and learning a bit more about school life, and what’s to come next year. It really is a feel-good experience for everyone involved. 

Australia remembers and says ‘thank you’ 

November is also a very special month as we celebrate Remembrance Day. Next Tuesday 11 November, we will pause to remember all the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve in the defence of Australia. At 11am we will join people across the country in a minute of silence. In that quiet moment, we will reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

As we know, Remembrance Day signifies the end of the First World War, when the guns finally fell silent on the Western Front in 1918. Since then, this day has become a time for all Australians to honour not only those who fought in that war, but all who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world. The red poppy, which many of us will wear on Tuesday, is a symbol of remembrance. It reminds us of the fields in Flanders, where poppies grew among the graves of soldiers who had died in battle. The poppy encourages us to remember their bravery, and to continue striving for peace in our own lives. On Tuesday as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, let us also think about the importance of kindness, understanding, and standing up for what is right, values that those who served fought to protect. 

We also say ‘thank you’. 

Thank you to those who fought and served for us. 

Thank you to those who cared for and supported our soldiers. 

Thank you to those who gave their lives for us. 

Thank you to those who returned to Australia and who were never quite the same. 

Thank you to those who supported our brave men and women, lending our country their precious family members, as they set sail to all parts of the world. 

Thank you to all those who, to this day, ensure that we live in peace in 2025. 

Lest we forget.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. 

Kind Regards, 

Ed Weekes 

School Principal