Principals Report

Principal's Report

And just like that, we’re into the month of May - the Easter holidays already feel like a distant memory! We are pleased to see how well students have settled back into school routines, with teachers reporting highly productive learning sessions each day. 

Last Saturday evening, we celebrated the first of two Presentation Masses for our Confirmation and Eucharist Sacramental students. Please continue to keep the following students in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare to receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time and celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Harper B, Myles, Olive, Athena, Silas, Beau, Odette, Artie, Harry, Austin, Flynn, Jack C, Isla, Jimmy, Bodhi, Layla, Harper P, Dom, Alice, Archie, Lola, Nixon, Frankie, Jack O, Lilliana, Taz, Isaac and Paddy. 

As we approach Mother’s Day later this week, we are invited to reflect on Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose quiet strength, faith and love continue to inspire us. Mary’s life reminds us of the power of saying “yes” - yes to God’s call, yes to nurturing and protecting life, and yes to walking with courage through both joy and challenge. Her example of compassion, humility and steadfast love mirrors the countless ways mothers and significant women in our lives care for, guide and support children each day. As a school community, we give thanks for Mary’s witness and for all those who, like her, nurture faith, hope and love in the lives of our children. 

This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week, an important opportunity to reflect on the contribution Catholic education makes to our communities. At Sacred Heart Primary School, Yarrawonga, this is a time to celebrate our Catholic identity, the strong partnership between school, parish and families, and the vital role faith plays in the learning and wellbeing of our students. It is also a chance to give thanks for our community and to proudly reflect on our shared mission of nurturing each child’s growth - academically, socially and spiritually. 

This week we welcome two additional members (student teachers) to our staff. Lochie Forge will be joining 2M, and Eden Gyles will be joining the 1H class. If you have the opportunity, please help ensure Lochie and Eden feel welcome as they begin their placements within our Sacred Heart community, and thank you to Maurz and Kristy for generously taking them on. 

Our St Vinnies volunteers continue to do a wonderful job providing breakfast on Wednesday and Friday mornings. They show up each week to offer our students toast and a Milo.  I am joy-filled when Faye, Mittsy and the team consistently comment on how polite and well‑mannered our students are. 

I hope all of our mums have a lovely week celebrating the incredible work you do. On Wednesday, we have our Mother’s Day stall. Thank you again to Casey and the team of volunteers who spent time last week unpacking boxes and boxes of gifts ready for Wednesday’s student shopping! Celebrations will continue on Friday with our Mother’s Day liturgy (10:00am at the MPB), followed by a shared morning tea back at school (11:00am) and classroom activities that follow. 

On Wednesday, we will also be participating in Sandhurst Switches Off. Students and staff across the school will be ‘powering down’ after lunch as a reminder of the importance of reducing energy use and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to caring for creation. 

In the coming weeks, we have many exciting events planned. 

Please note that Walk Safely to School Day will be held on Friday 22 May (not 15 May as previously advertised). 

We also look forward to Prep 2027 school tours (Weeks 5 and 6), Pentecost Sunday (24 May), School Cross Country (28 May), Spirit Day (29 May), Reconciliation Mass (29 May), and the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (30–31 May). 

A reminder that our second pupil‑free day for the term is Friday 5 June, creating a long weekend alongside the King’s Birthday public holiday. 

Take care and God bless, 

Jarrod 

 Term Dates for the Year: 

TERM 1: January 27 to April 2 

TERM 2: April 20 to June 26 

TERM 3: July 13 to September 19 

TERM 4: October 5 to December 18