Principals Report

Principal's Report

As we roll into Week 7, by my count, after today we have 19 school days left this year! We have a lot of enjoyable, educational experiences to pack into these days, including our Christmas Concert (Week 8), P–2 swimming program (Week 9), Transition Day (Week 10), and end-of-year celebrations, including Mass and Year 6 Graduation (Week 11). 

Well done to our Year 6 campers on how they conducted themselves in Melbourne last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We received lots of positive feedback about our students everywhere we went. A huge thank you to our camp staff: Kate, Xav, Alisha, Lauren, Jensen, Emma, Bec, and Sharon for making our Year 6 Melbourne trip such a success! I am sure our senior students have made life-long memories from this camp experience! 

On Sunday, Fr Junjun spoke on the readings for the penultimate weekend of the Church year (next Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King). In Luke’s Gospel (Lk 21:5–19), we hear the message to trust in God’s love and to “not be frightened.” Bible scholars tell us these words, or their equivalent “do not be afraid,” are mentioned 365 times in the Bible. Fr Junjun said this reminds us that every day of the year (365 days) we will be challenged; however, we need not fear, for we are never alone. 

Last night, our School Advisory Council met for the final time this year. Thank you to Ally, Maree, Ingrid, and Marcus for their support in ensuring our school continues to improve year upon year. Tonight (Wednesday night), we will host our 2026 Prep Information Night for those new families joining us next year. We have just over 60 Preps for 2026, and most of them seem ready and raring to go already! On Thursday, we have a very special occasion taking place in Bendigo. Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd. is holding the inaugural Sandhurst Awards, where teachers, school leaders, admin staff, and students are being recognised for their amazing efforts and contributions to Catholic education in our part of the world! Congratulations to Sarah Wollington, who is being recognised for commitment in Leading Literacy Teaching. Sharon Powell will also be recognised in the area of Administration and Compliance. Two of our senior students will also be recognised for their efforts and approach to education – congratulations, Ernie Inchbold and Alex Bridgeman-Aitken. 

I am still chasing up numbers for our 2026 Parents and Friends Committee. If you are interested in joining our newly formed P&F, please email me your expression of interest – jmullavey@shyarrawonga.catholic.edu.au. I would like to have a formation meeting early in Term 1, 2026. 

Just a reminder to all families who use our pick-up zone after school: please do not line up until after 3:10 pm. This process significantly improves the flow of cars through Woods Rd and Orr St after school. Also note that Moira Shire has erected ‘No Standing Zone’ and ‘Bus Zone’ signs around our school and has told us the police will be monitoring these zones throughout the day. 

Lastly, I would like to provide an update on how our 2026 staffing is shaping up. Unfortunately, this time of year is when we say goodbye to staff members who are moving on to new and exciting adventures. We will celebrate the contributions these staff have made to our school later in the year, but we wish the following staff members all the very best as they conclude their time with us at the end of this school year: Kirsten Leary has taken up the exciting opportunity of Deputy Principal at St Patrick’s Wangaratta. Isobel Connell will grow her teaching capacity at Cobram Primary School. Olivia Allen will begin her teaching career at Rutherglen. Emma Sinclair will take time following her study for a bit of travel, but we will see her around the school in a Casual Relief Teaching role. Jensen Hargreaves will begin his study to become a Secondary PE teacher in Canberra, and Darby Mullins will begin his study in Osteopathy at Melbourne University. These staff members will be missed! 

We are excited to announce that Ana Howard will join our staff in the role of Leader of Learning and Teaching. Ana brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. She has an extensive understanding of the Science of Learning and is deeply committed to evidence-based practice. Her background includes coaching staff, leading Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and driving data-informed instruction to improve student outcomes. Ana’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our teaching practice and supporting our strategic goals. 

I am thrilled to announce that Lauren O’Shea has been appointed as our school’s new Learner Diversity Leader, taking over the role from Kirsten. Lauren brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and understanding how to support students with additional needs. Lauren is excited about working with staff and families to ensure every student is seen, heard, and supported in their learning journey. 

I am delighted to announce that Tim O'Dwyer has been appointed as our new Wellbeing Leader, taking over the role from Marly (Marly will lead our school’s Performing Arts in 2026). Tim brings a strong background in supporting both students and staff in their wellbeing, with a thoughtful and balanced approach to leadership. Tim’s experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to prioritise the wellbeing of every member of our school community. 

We have a couple of staffing appointments to make shortly, which I will announce in our next newsletter. 

Have a wonderful week, everyone. 

Take care and God Bless,

Jarrod

Term Ahead - Term 4 – Sacred Heart families