Dear Parents and Caregivers,

On Monday, 1st November we celebrate the feast of All Saints and we remember the many good men and women who followed Jesus’ way by living lives of service. They cared for those in need and put others first before themselves. They lived the true message of the Gospel. The saints were people like us who knew and lived the Gospel in everyday life. They believed it wholeheartedly – in the depths of their being. Inspired by the example of the many Saints, we pray that we too, follow the life of Jesus and look to the needs of others first.

May the example of their lives bring us closer to God.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

On Tuesday 2nd November, we remember All Souls Day., On this Feast of All Souls we remember all who are part of the Church – those who have died and are with God, and those of us still here on earth. As a school community we will remember all those we know whom we have loved and who have died. We ask God to keep them close in our hearts and in our memories.

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. Amen

Our new Creative Arts Centre is finally one step closer to coming to life! The successful tender, in a very competitive tender process was Moretto Builders- a local Shepparton building company. Catholic Capital Grants has approved the tender process and contracts can now be finalised. We received news late last year from the Victorian State Government Capital Grants informing us that Sacred Heart was successful in the application process and the planning was quickly underway so this week’s news has been very exciting for all involved.

There will be some staff changes for 2022 and I’m sorry to say that Matt Cameron and Jessie Simpson will be leaving Sacred Heart at the end of the year.

After seven years at Sacred Heart Matt Cameron has accepted a teaching position at St Brendan’s School in Shepparton. Matt has been very much part of our school community and as well as Deputy Principal has been classroom teacher, Leading Teacher in Learning and Teaching, Religious Education Leader, Pastoral Wellbeing and many other varied roles. Matt will be greatly missed as a staff member at Sacred Heart but thankfully for us, will continue on as a parent in our school community. We wish Matt all the best in his new school.

Jessie has been successful in gaining a position at St Francis Xavier School in Ballarat, returning to her own primary school. Jessie has been a very valued member of our staff for the past three years as classroom teacher and this year as Religious Education Leader. We will have an opportunity to officially farewell Matt and Jessie later in the year.

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of two new teaching staff for 2022.

Tayla Corbo, had a successful placement at Sacred Heart during her teaching degree and is very excited about her first teaching position. Melissa Cassetta has been a regular CRT as well as teaching for many years at Wilmot Rd in Shepparton. Melissa will also be a parent with Angelina enrolling in our Foundation class. We look forward to welcoming both Tayla and Melissa to our staff in 2022.

In the coming weeks teachers will be forming 2022 classes. Parents please be aware that teachers spend a great deal of time considering the many needs of all the children in their class. My firm belief is that teachers are in the best position to decide a child’s placement because they know all the children in their class, and have a view of the ‘big picture’. However, as parents if you feel you have extra needs to be considered please send me an email prior to Friday, November 12th. Please note that not all requests can be honoured. Class structures and teachers are not yet finalised and I will notify families as soon as these have been decided.

Last night the School Advisory Council met and discussed various agenda items. One important item was the nomination of new SAC members. I’m delighted to say that Maria Nigro and Kylee Dewis have accepted nomination and will join the SAC commencing in 2022. Maria Spedding and Michael Dundon, both who have held the position of Chair and spent many years dedicated to our School Board and Council have come to the end of their term. We will have an opportunity to thank our two leaving SAC members and welcome our new members at our final meeting in November. Following from the earlier decision to provide 1:1 iPads across the school SAC members were committed to ensuring an equitable fee structure was in place to allow this to happen in 2022 and beyond. In view of the strong possibility that the School Parish fete may not take place for the third year running it was also decided that the school could explore other fundraising ideas in the future.

It’s been fantastic having everyone back on site once again. Sacred Heart will ventilate classrooms and other areas as much as possible, including opening doors and windows where possible. Classes have been maximising the use of outdoor learning spaces where appropriate so a reminder that hats are essential. Units are working in bubbles, with mixing of groups minimised and access to the school site is limited to essential services. We are fortunate to have the quadrangle for times we need to gather together. The space allows all classes to spread out under the shaded area.

Congratulations to Riley Cronyn on receiving the Principal’s Award. Riley has shone at Sacred Heart this year. He is growing in confidence and giving lots of new things a try. He actively participates in his work and even took part in some extra Math Meets with Mr Cameron during Remote Learning. Riley asks for help as he needs and listens to the advice given. Well done Riley.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to watch over our school community and bless us always.

Pauline Hindson

Principal

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