Message from the 

School Principal

Dear Sacred Heart Families & Friends,

As we begin the liturgical season of Lent, I invite you to reflect on why liturgical seasons are so important and what are the characteristics of the Lenten season? This fortnight, I have drawn from the writings and reflections of Simon Stevens, Education Officer, Catholic Mission and Identity, at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) as published in recent communications to MACS schools. 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven

Our Catholic faith is sacramental in essence. We believe that God is to be found in all things, in the concrete reality of our daily lives and expressions. This is expressed in everyday faith actions like making the sign of the cross, our actions during prayer and liturgy, the Eucharist, lighting a candle, blessings with holy water.

In a similar way, each year, we mark our faith and everyday lives with a liturgical year that begins on the first Sunday of Advent, connecting us with the experience of seasons. This structured rhythmic pattern engages us in the changing physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives. Our liturgical seasons are privileged times outside, above and beyond our normal calendars.

Lent is a season rich in symbol, reflection and significance. The gospel of the day on Ash Wednesday, from Matthew, will underscore the importance of three things in this season. They are, in the order as they are mentioned: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Lent is a season of preparation; building up to the celebration of the Lord's resurrection at Easter. It is significant that we are asked to prepare through the self-denial and self-discipline of fasting and that this is balanced with the service to others through almsgiving. Dying to ourselves so that we might live for others. This balancing act revolves around the central fulcrum of prayer – the poor cousin of Lent, often left out of our consideration altogether. Yet, it is the centrality of the relational prayer to our Father that is the powerhouse of our personal journey in Lent.

Simon Stevens

I invite you to reflect on Simon's words and consider your personal journey in this Lenten season. What will your personal prayer be? And, how can I be outward facing in my faith so that others may come to know and experience God more through my words and actions?

I remain yours in faith and gratitude,

Kaylene Carlin

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Educators new to Sacred Heart

This year, we welcome some new educators to our Sacred Heart community - Therese Kehoe (Year 5T), Kristian Magill (Year 5K), Katrina Scolaro (Year 4K) & Heaven Zheng (Year 4H). In our first newsletter of the year, I introduced Therese and Kristian to you. This fortnight, Katrina and Heaven write a little about themselves.  I know our parent community will also give them a big welcome when you meet them. 

Katrina Scolaro - Year 4 Educator

Hi! My name is Katrina and this is my first year teaching at Sacred Heart. I am mum to Levi (Year 5) and Sunny (Prep) and feel blessed to be a parent and educator of this thriving school community. I have been teaching Year 4 for the last three years and think it’s a wonderful year where students' learning and personal growth excels. I am also looking forward to preparing and supporting the Year 4 students when making their First Holy Communion this year and  can’t wait for the adventures on our Year 4 school camp!! When I am not at school, you will find me walking along my beloved Altona beach, attending weekly boxing classes and driving my kids around to their sports and social activities. Coffee, chocolate and music are my simple pleasures and I love spending time with my family and friends. Thank you to the staff, parents and students who have made me feel so welcome and I look forward to an awesome year ahead. 

 

Heaven Zheng - - Year 4 Educator

Hello, I'm Heaven. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Sacred Heart community this school year. My

 teaching journey started right here at Sacred Heart, where I began as a placement student. I graduated in 2022 and spent the last year working as a Casual Relief Teacher. This year, I've decided to dive into the world of full-time teaching, and I can't wait for the adventures it will bring! Beyond the classroom, you'll find me on my yoga mat or practising jiu jitsu – two things that keep me energised and balanced. Originally from China, my teaching adventures have taken me to places like Italy and now the vibrant city of Melbourne. Each experience has added a unique flavour to my teaching style.

Presentation of the Staff to St Joseph's Parish

Last Sunday, the staff of Sacred Heart Primary School and St Margaret Mary's Primary School gathered as one, the Parish of St Joseph. During mass, Fr Binh presented the staff to those present and invited educators and administration staff to re-commit to Catholic education, our children and families through our vocation and work each day. Teaching is both an honour and a privilege and the presence of our dedicated team demonstrated further their commitment to our school & students.

School Uniform Requirements

It has been wonderful starting the year seeing students proudly wearing their school uniforms that importantly identify them as Sacred Heart students. It is expected that all students are in full school uniform at all times. Sports Uniform is to be worn on PE days only, Interschool Sports Days for Year 5 & 6 and other whole school sporting events. 

School uniforms can be purchased from the uniform supplier, PSW. We also have second hand items at school and there is also a parent-run Facebook page for the purchase of second hand items.

In consultation with the MacKillop Leaders and SAC members, we have added a new uniform item to our uniform options for 2024. The crew neck windcheater is available as an additional item, providing students with a choice of the rugby jumper or crew neck top.  The PSW is being updated to include the windcheaters as an option. 

Children must have a Sacred Heart hat for recess and lunch breaks in Term 1 and Term 4, in line with our Sun Smart guidelines.  If children do not have a hat, they will be directed to play in a shaded area of the school grounds. 

Other expectations to note include:

• Hair beyond shoulder length for all students is to be tied back. Scrunchies or ribbons must be navy or white
• Jewellery is not to be worn to school. The only permissible jewellery is a single stud or sleeper in pierced ears
•  Makeup (including mascara) and nail polish are not permitted to be worn at school. Students wearing makeup or nail polish will be asked to remove it.  
• Coloured runners can only be worn on sports day. Black shoes must be worn on all other days. 
• Windcheaters that are not school uniform are not permitted to be worn. 

All items of uniform, including bags, lunch boxes, drink bottles and inside of their school shoes/runners, need to be clearly labelled with your child’s name. We will always endeavour to return lost/misplaced items to students but this is only possible if it is clearly labelled. 

Parking in and around Sacred Heart

A reminder to please ensure those parking around the school to drop off or pick up children to park legally and with consideration to our neighbours. Residents in surrounding properties need to be able to get in and out of their properties and driveways without being blocked by cars belonging to Sacred Heart families. We thank you for your consideration in this matter.