Principal News 

LOCK’EM IN Term 1 2025

Merry Christmas

Final Newsletter 2024

Dear Families and Friends,

As I sit down to write this final newsletter for 2024, I find it challenging to capture the many profound moments and experiences that have shaped this year at Sacred Heart. With time at a premium, I hope these words express my deep gratitude and reflect the whirlwind of joy I’ve experienced as part of this extraordinary school community.

Thank you, once again, for your daily warm welcomes at the gate, positivity, and trust in my leadership. Your ongoing support as we continue to embrace the changes introduced over recent years has truly reinforced what a privilege it is to be part of the Sacred Heart community.

As I mentioned at the stunning carols, I have been overwhelmed by pride in which our students, staff and families have adapted as we have undergone a most significant refurbishment and transformation program at Sacred Heart. In the busyness of this program, not a day has passed without watching in awe at how well our community has responded. As we slowly reveal a little bit more with access to some of these stunning new learning spaces, we simply cannot wait until the handover of Stage 2 early in the new year. I’m confident the wait will be worth it! 

It has been such a joy to walk alongside the children, teachers, staff, and families of Sacred Heart over the past 12 months, and I simply cannot wait to see what the future holds for this incredible community.

Looking Back on 2024

This year, we have celebrated, introduced, or reinforced several positive initiatives, including:

• A targeted, evidence-based teaching and learning agenda in literacy and numeracy.
• Welcoming numerous visiting schools and leadership teams to observe our practices, teachers in action as showcased in the Herald Sun.
• A consistent and improved approach to explicit teaching and curriculum delivery.
• Doubling down on MSL (Multi-Sensory Learning and Structured Literacy) and acknowledged by Dyslexia Victoria for our explicit teaching and evidence based curriculum and practices. Thanks to Mrs Stroud and Miss Rafferty. 
• Topping the nation in Year 2 Writing.
• Enhancing communication channels by streamlining to a single platform, nForma.
• Growing enrolments from 202 to 275 for 2025.
• Reviewing curriculum entitlements and introducing a structured whole-school timetable.

Thank you for the collective support and buy-in from our staff and families. It has been invaluable and will continue to drive the best outcomes for our students in the years ahead.

The following sporting achievements in 2024:

• 2024 Dendy District Soccer– Boys/Mixed Winners
• 2024 Beachside Division Soccer – Boys/Mixed Winners
• 2024 Dendy District AFL – Girls Winners
• 2024 Dendy District AFL – Boys/Mixed Winners
• 2024 Beachside Division AFL – Boys/Mixed Winners
• 2024 Dendy District Basketball – Boys/Mixed Winners
• 2024 Dendy District Basketball – Girls 2nd place
• 2024 Beachside Division Basketball – Boys/Mixed Winners

 Outstanding sports people:  

• Michael Nicolin - 12/13 Boys - Cross Country State Finalist
• Maddison Rowe-Natoli - 11 Girls - 1st Victorian State High Jump

Thank You

I am deeply grateful to our exceptional leadership team—Mrs. Pennington, Mrs. Stroud, Miss Rafferty, Miss Donnelly, Miss Maloney, Ms. Tench, Miss McKay, and Mr. Brown—for their unwavering dedication and support. I feel truly fortunate to work alongside such a welcoming and committed group of leaders who place student well-being at the forefront, drive best teaching practices, and foster strong, meaningful relationships with our students and families.

Their focus on building academic success, enhancing school improvement, and promoting targeted well-being initiatives—including Respectful Relationships and the Berry Street approach—has become a hallmark of our school in recent years. This work is held in the highest regard across the educational landscape and is greatly appreciated by our families.

A heart-felt mention to Brigid Pennington for her leadership, gentle guidance, and care for all members of our community. Her key role as Learning Diversity combined with her DP duties have made a positive impact on our students and families over the past three years in this capacity. While this will look somewhat different in the future, Brigid’s passion and commitment to supporting our students and their families will continue to be a priority in 2025 as she transitions to learning diversity in a full-time capacity, inc. intervention in Yr.3-4.

Leadership Team 2025

• Principal - Simon Collis
• Deputy Principals - Kate Stroud (Literacy & T&L) and Sarah Rafferty (T&L)
• Religious Education - Bronagh Maloney
• Learning Diversity - Brigid Pennington
• Wellbeing - Hanna Wood
• Mathematics - Mak Bulte
• Junior Leader - Sophie Prosser
• Middle Leader - Sarah McGrath
• Senior Leader - Tilly Tench

To Karen, our "front of house" and fountain of knowledge, I (and we) remain deeply grateful for her unwavering support of our families, staff, and myself throughout the year.

Sharing an office with Karen this year has undoubtedly presented its challenges, given the nature of our respective roles. Yet, I am truly appreciative of her patience, tolerance, adaptability, and the thoughtful way she has navigated the sensitivities of this shared space. Karen’s professionalism and care are unmatched, and I hope she will enjoy a well-deserved, newly refurbished office at the commencement of the new school year.

And finally, to our students and staff—the heart of our school and our core purpose. We are immensely proud of all you have accomplished this year, especially amidst the transformation and adjustments to your temporary learning spaces. You have been nothing short of remarkable, embracing challenges with resilience and bringing boundless energy and joy to your learning spaces each day.

A special mention to our departing Year 6 students: we wish you every success as you embark on your secondary school journey. You have left an indelible legacy at Sacred Heart, and we cannot wait to hear about the incredible things you will achieve in this next chapter. Make us proud, Year 6! We hope your stunning graduation ceremony—unlike any before—prepared with such care and creativity by Miss McKay and Mr. T, was a fitting farewell to mark your journey at Sacred Heart.

School Captains 2025

We are thrilled to announce our newly appointed School Captains for 2025, as nominated by their peers: Micaela Pacquola, Audrey Beven, Marlow Shannon, and Will Gleeson.

In addition, all other Year 6 students will be aligned with specific teams at the start of the new school year. These teams will take on important roles, leading various events and initiatives throughout the year.

All our leaders will be officially presented with their badges and receive a special blessing at our Opening Mass in 2025. Congratulations to all on their well-deserved leadership roles — we look forward to seeing the incredible contributions you’ll make to our school community!

Goldstein Award 

Congratulations to Emmerson Barton-Cope on receiving the prestigious Goldstein Award from MP Zoe Daniels on Tuesday. This award is given to students chosen by their school who exemplify the very best of our community. Emmerson’s commitment to engaging with their peers and school life reflects the values of service, leadership, and respect that Vida Goldstein herself championed.

Well done, Emmerson, on this well-deserved recognition!

Community Victoria Award

Presented by Brad Rowswell MP, the Victoria Award is a prestigious recognition of a Grade 6 student, and we are incredibly proud to have nominated Summer Ryan as this year’s recipient. Introduced in 2024, this annual award honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the school without holding a formal school captaincy badge. Summer exemplifies the core values of service, leadership, and respect in every aspect of her school life.

Since joining Sacred Heart, Summer’s unwavering commitment to excellence has been evident in everything she does. She leads by example, inspiring and encouraging her peers through her actions—whether in the spotlight or quietly working behind the scenes. Her gentle, collaborative approach fosters an inclusive environment, while her genuine respect for others ensures everyone around her feels valued and uplifted.

Summer is a true role model, and we are delighted to recognize her achievements with this well-deserved award. Congratulations, Summer!

Staffing News 2025

Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the following staff members for their exceptional contributions to Sacred Heart over many years. Their significant influence and impact can never be understated, and we remain deeply grateful for the indelible mark they have left on our community.

While Miss McKay (Tiwi Islands) and Mr. T (St Kevin’s, Hampton Park) have moved on to broaden their experiences and enrich new communities, we remain incredibly hopeful to welcome back Miss Donnelly (Maternity Leave) and Mrs. Maddocks (Perth) from their respective leave in the future. Additionally, we are excited to see Mrs. Bunn (Light retirement) returning occasionally in 2025 for casual relief teaching days.

We thank each of these remarkable educators for their dedication, care, and lasting contributions to the Sacred Heart family and wish them all the best in their current and future endeavors.

Departing Families 2024

To the following families, as you prepare to leave Sacred Heart Primary School, we want to extend our sincere thanks for the time, energy, and considerable support you have contributed to our community. Whether through your involvement in events, your partnership in education, or the friendships you’ve shared, your influence has enriched our school in countless ways over many years.

We wish you every blessing and success in the next chapter of your journey and hope you carry fond memories of Sacred Heart with you always. You will forever remain a valued part of our extended school family.

Branson, Couglan, Corsaro, Fourniotis, Hawkins, Hogan, Luckie, Luczak, McPherson, Monaghan, Morley, Nicolin, Ryan, Stalph, Stilianos, Sutherland, Thomson and Welch 

P&F & School Advisory

We extend our deepest gratitude to Amanda and Tarn for the incredible voluntary work they do in running the Sacred Heart Uniform Shop. Their dedication and generosity in supporting countless families and students is truly appreciated by all.

This year, we bid a fond farewell to Amanda as she steps away from this role with her youngest daughter graduating from Sacred Heart. After many years of devoted service, we are deeply indebted to Amanda for the MANY hours she has given to support our families. Her contributions and presence will be greatly missed.

On behalf of everyone at Sacred Heart, thank you for your tireless efforts and for the kindness you bring to this important role. We are pleased, and indeed relieved to acknowledge Kate Shawcross with support Tarn in this capacity next year. 

We also extend our thanks to the Parents and Friends (P&F) group and executive team for their generosity and efforts throughout the year. Despite occasional limitations posed by the building program, this wonderful parent body continues to support and advocate for our community, focusing on initiatives that directly benefit our students.

Over the past two years, their fundraising efforts have contributed an impressive $100,000 towards furniture for our newly refurbished learning spaces—a remarkable achievement that enhances the educational experience for all our students.

We would like to especially acknowledge Ash Dooley, who will be stepping down in 2024 as president. We are confident that the role is in excellent hands with Louisa Gelsumini taking the reins. Additionally, a big thank you to Brendan Tudor for kindly taking on the Maintenance and Working Bee role as Anthony Morley steps down with his son graduating this year.

Your collective contributions have made a tremendous impact on our school community, and we are most grateful for your commitment and support.

• Ashlee Dooley (Outgoing P&F President)
• Francesca Conquest (Secretary)
• Sam Tudor (Treasurer)
• Various Class Reps
• Tarn Rodrigues & Amanda Welch (Uniform Shop) 
• Anthony Morley (Maintenance & Working Bees)
• Cathy Beven (Outreach Program)
• Anthony McCabe (Dad's Group)

To the School Advisory Council, I thank you for being such an important sounding board. Although we have only gathered on a handful of occasions throughout the year, this forum will always be highly regarded as your feedback informs and helps shape our school improvement agenda. 

Thanks to Brigid Pennington, Rosemary Pacquola, Jessica Maxfield, Helen Mertin, Karen Aldrich and Melanie Nolan.

LITTLE GEMS💎

These two superstars, Nate & Noah are part of an awesome foursome team. After recently placing first at the regional titles, last weekend they remarkably came second at the State Little Aths Championships in their relay. Look our Brisbane 2032!

Congratulations to our awesome staff team for taking out the annual Student vs Staff basketball game. This was no mean feat as they competed against the Beachside All Stars champions and State team. Going down to the last minute, the staff got up by 2 points. 

And finally...

As we look ahead, there is so much to be excited about. Your continued support and partnership will ensure that Sacred Heart remains a high-performing learning environment—a vibrant, nurturing place where our students can grow and thrive. Together, let's continue to make Sacred Heart the best in the Bayside!

Wishing you all a safe, holy, and joyful holiday season. I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with you in 2025!

A very proud principal,

Simon C