Good afternoon and welcome to the first newsletter for 2025!

What an exciting start we have had to the school year so far. It has been lovely welcoming back many enthusiastic faces last week and welcoming new Foundation students on Monday. Witnessing the joy from many of our students as they discovered the refurbished learning spaces was wonderful. The refurbished rooms complement our educational program for this year and beyond and I am grateful to all who played a part in making this refurbishment happen.

I am particularly grateful to all in the school community who have made me feel so welcome. There is a very positive culture at Sacred Heart, and this has made my transition to the school smooth, and I am already feeling a strong sense of belonging. I have taken the time this past week to visit the learning spaces and spent time in the yard getting to know many students and I have enjoyed listening to their stories, asking and answering questions. One of my favourite questions so far came from a Foundation student on Monday who asked, “Are you a good singer?” Regrettably I had to answer no, but I was able to say that I still liked singing which was met with enthusiasm.

Our Foundation students are well supported by their Year 6 Buddies who are helping each of them become more familiar with Sacred Heart. The Year 6s are taking on this role in a caring and supportive manner and it has been wonderful to witness the Foundation students learn more about the school through their relationship with our senior students. I thank the Year 6 students for the way they have commenced this important role. We are looking forward to the Foundation Information Session next week on Wednesday the 12th at 6pm where we will be able to share more with parents about the school program and get to know you all better.

I would like to especially welcome all the new families who have started at Sacred Heart this year. I hope you already feel part of our nurturing school community. To our other new staff member Charlotte Robbins (LSO Trainee) and returning staff member Cath Basile - thank you for the way you have commenced in your roles and for the way you have embraced our school community.

We will also begin the school year with our Opening Mass on Friday, February 7th at 9:15am. All families are warmly invited to join us for this special occasion, as we acknowledge and celebrate, as a Catholic Learning Community, the theme for our Diocese; ‘Pilgrims of Hope!’ The theme invites us to pave the way for our own journey of faith. While we may not all be able to journey to places of religious significance physically, we are able to do this spiritually in relationship with our God.

Some reminders to keep us all safe:

Carpark

Please drive in at walking pace and reverse park. Children need to wait on the lawn area and parents should come in the gate to collect your child. Children should not walk through the carpark unaccompanied by an adult. We also ask that parents don’t gather at the corner of the carpark or allow children to play when cars are exiting the carpark. This can be very unsafe.

Staff Carpark – is for staff only.

Children are not to walk through that area at any time. Visibility is very difficult with children walking along the footpath/bus and moving traffic. All children using Hogan St must exit down the ramp.

Hogan St

It is a legal requirement that all pedestrians, children and adults use the crossing when it is supervised.

Hunter St

This is an excellent option to avoid the busy traffic in Hogan St. Children can walk to the gate supervised. They must be picked up on the school side of the road or an adult walk across to meet them. Children cannot cross the street without an adult.

School Office

The school gates are locked at 9am and opened at 3:20pm. All visitors to the school during those times must enter through and report to the main office.

School pick up

We encourage parents and carers not to come for school pick up until 3.10pm. This ensures minimal distraction for our students.

Dogs at school

While many of us love dogs at Sacred Heart, please give your child pictures of your dog rather than bring it in. Some of our children have allergies and as such we cannot have dogs on site.

Drop Off and Pick Up times are extremely busy so please take care around these times.

I look forward to seeing you when you are at school picking up and dropping off your children and I am sure we are going to have another wonderful year at Sacred Heart.

Blessings,

Carolyn Goode

Principal

Community Notices

NEW - Notre Dame College Shepparton Yr. 7 2026 Applications

NEW - MND Local Event

NEW - Berry Street Foster Carer

NEW - Berry Street Post Separation Services

NEW - YANA Shepparton