Principal's News

Dear Parents & Carers

One of the important roles that a school plays is in teaching us how to deal with the inevitable conflicts that happen when we put over 450 individuals into the same building and ask them to work and play together, sharing resources and the company of each other.

Like everything else, we all have to learn how to do this, and it’s important stuff. Individuals who can work effectively and positively with others are highly valued in any workplace and in any social setting. So how do we learn this sort of thing? 

Practise, practise, practise, some guidance from experts (Parents & teachers) and then more practise.

This practise occurs most often when the children are PLAYING. Unstructured, free play where they are using their imaginations, that often involves physical exercise and requires them to make their own decisions.

“To grow and thrive, children have to play. Active, physical play is a primary way that children learn about themselves and the world around them. It is essential to the healthy development of their minds and bodies and to cultivating the complex personal and social skills they need to make their way in the world. Active play should be a regular part of every child’s daily life.”                                        Sir Ken Robinson, 2019

Our kids need us, their parents/carers and teachers to be their Wise Elders. They need us to listen when they have problems, but they don’t necessarily need us to solve every problem for them - this will rob them of the opportunity for PRACTISE. It’s more helpful to ask “What have you done to solve this problem already?” “Did it work?” “If not, why not, do you think?” “What do you think you could try next?” “Do you need my help?” - you might be surprised at the answer to this - if you’re not needed, you’re doing well! When you stop and think about it, we want our children to learn that while we are there for them, we trust them, we have faith in them and that they can learn to do things for themselves. 

The adults who work at Sacred Heart are a great resource for parents, don’t be afraid to contact us if you feel unsure or are worried about anything at school. 

This is particularly important if you are concerned about conflict between students at school. 

We are in the privileged position of being able to hear both sides to any story and guess what? There are ALWAYS two sides to every story!

IT IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA TO CONTACT THE PARENTS OF ANOTHER STUDENT ABOUT CONFLICT BETWEEN STUDENTS AT SCHOOL.  - Trust me. NEVER. Ring the impartial umpire instead!

So, if at any time, parents are worried about conflict at school or bullying and your child has asked you to help, you should contact your child’s class teacher for assistance a.s.a.p. That’s what we’re here for.

SCHOOL CLOSURE Parents and Carers should please note that our school will be closed this Friday February 16th for Staff Training. 

END OF DAY ROUTINES This week our Foundation students are staying at school until 3:15pm each day. This will mean another 64  five & six year old children and another 30 new parents and carers all learning our routines to ensure the safe dismissal of our students each day. 

Only families with a student in Foundation may park in Hart Street in front our school. Parents of Foundation students should observe the No Standing restrictions between 3:00pm and 4:00pm across the road from school, along Hart Street. None of us want children to see their car parked across the road  - THIS WILL INVITE EXCITED CHILDREN TO RUN ACROSS THE ROAD REGARDLESS OF TRAFFIC. All other families who collect children from school are asked to choose either “Crossing 1” which relates to the area along both sides of Hart Street but north of Pound Road. This is particularly convenient for families who have older siblings being dismissed from Trinity College. 

Otherwise parents may choose to collect their children from our Gym Gate and so should park along Pound Road.

This plan is designed to ensure the safety of all children.

The roads around our school are very busy between 3:10pm & 3:30pm, but it doesn’t last very long. Please be patient and courteous towards other drivers as well as our little pedestrians.

Jack Lenaghan - Principal