Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 9's Newsletter and our final Newsletter for 2024.

I would like to thank all of the parents, grandparents, friends and special guests who attended our Presentation Day on Monday morning. The Boggabri RSL Club was filled with a wonderful vibe, and positive feedback was shared throughout the morning. Please look in our 'Highlights' section of the newsletter to see all the photos taken throughout the morning.

Below is a copy of my Principal's Address from Presentation Day. It sums up what has been a wonderful year at Sacred Heart School.

Good morning, parents, staff, students, friends and special guests,

As we gather here today to celebrate the end of another school year, I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to each of you for your support, encouragement and how you have welcomed me into the Sacred Heart School Community this year as I have navigated the role of Principal for the first time in my career.

Today is not just a celebration of the milestones we have achieved throughout 2024, but also a celebration of the collective effort, spirit, and support that have made those achievements possible.

To our amazing students: You are at the heart of everything we do. This year, we’ve watched you grow—not just in knowledge, but in character, resilience, and confidence. Whether mastering a tricky Maths problem, diving into a new book, creating art, excelling on the sports field, or showing kindness to a classmate, each of you has something to be proud of. Every one of you has brought something unique and valuable to our school community, and I hope you leave this year feeling proud of everything you have accomplished.

To our incredible teachers and staff: You are the backbone of this school. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to our students’ success have been nothing short of inspiring. Whether adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs of our students, mentoring students, creating and implementing Learning Sprints or organising unforgettable events like Sports Carnivals, excursions in the Mini Bus or the Year 6 Farewell. Your efforts have left a lasting impact on our students here at Sacred Heart. Thank you for giving your all to ensure that every child feels valued and supported.

To our families: Your partnership means the world to us. You’ve encouraged, nurtured, and cheered on your children every step of the way. Whether it’s volunteering at school events, helping with reading at home, attending school celebrations or simply being there to listen, you have played an essential role in our shared success. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your child’s educational journey.

As we reflect on this year, we celebrate many highlights:

The unforgettable excursions to places such as St Joseph’s School Qurrindi’s Musical, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory performed by Gunnedah Conservatorium students, the Namoi Cotton Gin, Pilliga Pottery, Boggabri Tree Planting, the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference and Canberra, where students have proudly represented our school in public forums and gained opportunities to experience their learning in action, demonstrating purpose for the learning that takes place in the classroom.
The Small Schools Public Speaking Competition, where students showcased their creativity and confidence to prepare and execute speeches to share with a large audience.
The achievements in academics, where every student has challenged themselves to achieve goals and reach for new heights.
The community service projects, such as the St Vincent dePaul Winter Appeal and Crazy Sock and Hair Day, that have reminded us of the power of giving back to those in need.
School Fundraising opportunities such as the Year 6 fundraisers, the Boggabri Show and Shine, the Boggabri Markets, the Miner’s BBQs and AgQuip, have demonstrated an ongoing commitment by our families to support our small, but mighty school in the community.
And, of course, the countless moments of laughter, friendship, challenge and discovery that have made every day special here at Sacred Heart School.

Looking ahead, we are filled with excitement and optimism. Our most significant challenges for 2025 are to increase enrolments at our school and to provide opportunities for our students to network and connect with other students outside of our school gates.

Our greatest form of advertising at this stage is positive word-of-mouth. I am calling for everyone here today to continue advocating for our school. Our small class sizes and high ratios of educators enable us to target specific learning needs for each child in the classroom, ensuring they reach their potential academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

We have begun planning for exciting opportunities in 2025, where our students will connect across schools in the Armidale Diocese for learning, Sacramental programs, excursions and sporting events. I look forward to building upon these opportunities to support social and emotional growth, helping our children to develop confidence, independence, and collaboration skills that are essential for success both in school and in life.

To our graduating students, Grace and Emily, who are moving on to new adventures in Secondary School, know that you carry all the lessons, values, and friendships you’ve built here at Sacred Heart School. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will achieve.

To those returning next year, we can’t wait to welcome you back and continue this incredible journey together. There is so much more to explore, learn, and achieve, and I know that together, we will make the coming year even brighter. Together, let's build a school community where every student grows in confidence, every teacher feels supported and empowered, and every family knows they are an integral part of our shared mission ~ A Catholic professional learning community committed to improving the faith, learning and wellbeing of our students, staff and families. Let's continue to create a culture of respect, responsibility, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Before I close, I want to remind you all that our school is not just a place of learning—it is a family. As we enter the Christmas break, let us carry forward the spirit of kindness, curiosity, and teamwork that defines us.

Thank you once again for being part of this special school community. Have a wonderful day, a happy and holy Christmas, and a restful break. We’ll see you in the new year, ready for another chapter of growth and success.

Warm regards,

Claire Ryan

Principal

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