Newsletter

Principal's Message 

A Prayer for Heart Health

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of life and for the hearts You have given us to love and care for others. We ask for Your guidance as we learn to take better care of our bodies, through healthy eating, exercise, and love for one another. May we grow in wisdom, compassion, and gratitude, and may our hearts be strong and full of love.

Amen.

 

 

Building Heart-Healthy Habits Together

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we mark Heart Week 2025 (5–11 May), our school has embraced the opportunity to raise awareness and promote positive steps toward better heart health. Led by the Heart Foundation, this national campaign reminds us all of the importance of prevention and early detection in reducing the risk of heart disease.

 

A Week of Heartfelt Learning

Our students have been actively involved in a range of fun and meaningful activities to support their understanding of heart health. A special highlight was a visit from Jules McKernan, a nurse and parent in our school community, and advocate for healthy eating, who spoke to our Prep students about the importance of both heart health, nutrition and staying active. Jules’ engaging session helped our youngest learners understand the connection between what we eat, stayinf active and how it impacts our heart, inspiring them to make heart-healthy choices and staying active.

 

Community Collaboration

We’re also proud to share that The Heart Foundation’s Heart Week Information Board for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Caulfield Hospital (Alfred Health) has received support from the children and staff of St Andrew’s School. Our Prep children, with the help of their teachers, kindly created beautiful butterflies with hearts for wings, which are now featured in the display. This thoughtful contribution adds a creative and compassionate touch to a space dedicated to recovery and awareness.

Special Thanks

We were honoured to welcome Chris Enright, General Manager VIC, Heart Foundation to our school during Heart Week. Chris's visit was a meaningful opportunity to connect our school with the broader mission of improving heart health in communities across Victoria. Thank you, Christhy, for your support and encouragement.

Keep the Conversation Going

  • Book a Heart Health Check – Adults aged 45+ (or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) are encouraged to speak with their GP.
  • Try the Heart Age Calculator – Learn how your heart health compares to your actual age at heartfoundation.org.au.
  • Live the Message at Home – Take family walks, prepare heart-friendly meals together, and talk to your children about everyday habits that support lifelong health.
  • The Importance of Exercise – Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools in keeping your heart healthy. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and maintain a healthy weight. Encouraging our children to stay active through fun activities like running, playing sports, or dancing not only strengthens their hearts but also instills healthy habits for life.

Thank you for your continued support in building a school community that values wellness, compassion, and education.

 

Regards

Brian Martin

Principal