Principals Report

Welcome to Winter! 

Currently, I am enjoying camp at Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) with our Year 5 students. Yesterday (Monday) brought cold and rainy conditions at 8 degrees, while today has been much improved at 12 degrees with lighter rain. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is expected to be similar. Despite the weather, I cannot fault the energy and engagement of our Year 5 students (and staff) as they immerse themselves in life in the 1850s at Sovereign Hill! 

I would like to highlight three events from the past week that truly showcase what makes our Sacred Heart School community so special. 

Last Thursday, we held a fantastic School Cross Country at Victoria Park. The day was beautifully run, with positive energy, strong organisation, and wonderful support for our students evident throughout. A special thank you to Mr O’Dwyer for his vision in relocating the event from the lake to Victoria Park, and for the planning that ensured its success. It was a great example of forward thinking and provides a strong foundation for years to come. 

Thank you also to all staff who supported the day in various roles — checkpoint staff, marshals, starters, finishers, scorers, crowd controllers, and the first aid team. Events like this are only possible because of a willingness to contribute wherever needed.  It was great to see so many families attend to support our athletes! 

Most importantly, the day was filled with great spirit. Students encouraged one another and represented the school with pride and positivity. This reflects the culture you nurture each day in your homes. 

Over the weekend, we celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist with Fr Brian Boyle and Fr Junjun. I warmly congratulate Harper B, Myles, Olive, Athena, Silas, Beau, Odette, Artie, Harry, Austin, Flynn, Jack C, Isla, Jimmy, Bodhi, Layla, Harper P, Dom, Alice, Archie, Lola, Nixon, Frankie, Jack O, Lilliana, Taz, Isaac, and Paddy. These students are now full members of the Church, having confirmed their faith and received the Holy Eucharist for the first (of hopefully many) times. 

Thank you to Meegan McInness, our Catholic Identity Leader, for her leadership and preparation for these sacraments. I also acknowledge Mrs Stacey, Mrs Dishot, Mrs Smith, Mrs Bonat, Paige, Madonna, and Mrs Bridgeman for their work in preparing our candidates. Fr Boyle, Fr Junjun, and parishioners have shared wonderful feedback on the reverence and maturity shown by our students throughout these celebrations. 

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). This feast reminds us that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. At Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus — a special gift that shows how much He loves us. It invites us to give thanks and to remember that when we receive the Eucharist, Jesus is with us, helping us to be kind, loving, and caring towards others. For students who have recently received their First Eucharist, this is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is always close to them. 

Finally, back here at Year 5 Camp, we continue to receive glowing feedback from Sovereign Hill staff about our students’ engagement in learning and their respectful interactions. Our staff have seen students challenge themselves, deepen their understanding of the Gold Rush’s impact on Australia, and care for one another with kindness and generosity — all while creating lifelong memories. 

A reminder that this Friday, 5 June, is a pupil-free day, as staff undertake professional learning in Child Safeguarding and Wellbeing. With Monday being the King’s Birthday public holiday, I wish all families a very happy long weekend. 

Take care and God bless, 

Jarrod

Term Dates for the Year: 

TERM 1: January 27 to April 2 

TERM 2: April 20 to June 26 

TERM 3: July 13 to September 19 

TERM 4: October 5 to December 18