Message from the
School Principal
Dear Sacred Heart Families,
A very warm welcome back to the start of Term 2. It is been a very busy start and the children have launched into their learning with energy & enthusiasm. It has been wonderful to have days of glorious sunshine for us all to enjoy, as well.
A Day of Purposeful Practice - Monday, 20th April
For the first day of term, the staff at Sacred Heart gathered for a productive professional learning day focused on the theme "Purposeful Practice: A Cycle of Continuous Improvement". This day provided our educators with the opportunity to step back from the classroom and refine the strategies that ensure our students flourish both academically and personally.
Nourishing Our Purpose
We commenced our morning gathered in prayer, led beautifully by Erin, entitled "Nourish Your Purpose". This prayer time invited us to reconnect with our "Why," ensuring our future directions are firmly grounded in the needs of our students and the wider school community. This work is directly linked to the Sacred Heart Living Purpose, Vision, and Mission, which anchors our identity in the Sacred Heart of Jesus while nurturing faith, wellbeing and academic excellence.
By committing to continuous improvement, we strive to shape learners who are informed, capable and inspired to contribute to the world with hope, courage and love.
Enhancing Responsive Teaching
A major focus of the day was Responsive Teaching, specifically exploring "Opportunities to Respond" (OTRs). Staff participated in workshops to master instructional techniques such as choral responses, the use of mini-whiteboards and "cold calling" to ensure every student is actively engaged in their learning. These strategies are designed to make student thinking visible, allowing teachers to provide immediate feedback and adjust their instruction to meet the specific needs of every learner.
Parent-Friendly Reporting
Our teachers also dedicated time to preparing the upcoming Semester 1 reports. A key priority for this session was ensuring that reporting outcomes are written in parent-friendly language that is clear, concise and focused on student progress across all areas of the curriculum.
You will see a change in the Semester One reports this year. Stay tuned for more information in the next newsletter.
Strengthening Relationships and Routines
The afternoon session focused on the vital role of positive relationships and predictable routines in the classroom. Sacred Heart staff conducted an audit of school-wide routines—such as entry and exit procedures and attention signals—to ensure consistency across all year levels. By making these routines "automatic," we reduce the cognitive load on our students, allowing them to focus their full attention on learning in a safe and calm environment.
As we move into the remainder of Term 2, our staff is energized and committed to bringing these "Purposeful Practices" to life, working together to guide each learner to grow with confidence and curiosity. We look forward to engaging further with our students and families to bring about a deeper understanding of the importance of consistent, evidence based school wide routines with the intention of fostering improved learning outcomes for the children.
ANZAC DAY 2026
On Saturday 25th April, the local community of Newport paused to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and spirit of the ANZACs, whose legacy continues to shape our nation. We are incredibly proud of our School Captains, Harry and Amelia, who represented our school with dignity and respect at the Newport commemorative service. Their heartfelt reading, sharing the stories of young ANZACs, was a powerful reminder of the bravery and resilience shown by so many at such a young age. Through their words, we were invited to reflect not only on history, but on the values of service, mateship and courage that remain just as important today.
Thank you to Harry, Amelia and their families for taking the time to attend the service and represent Sacred Heart Primary School.
Staffing Update
We wish to inform our school community that Lisa Hibbert will be taking up a new role at another school. Lisa’s final day at Sacred Heart will be Thursday 7th May. We thank Lisa for her dedication and contribution to our students and community and wish her every success in this next chapter.
In the interim, Erin Stone will fill Lisa’s role as Student Engagement Leader (Years 3–6) until further arrangements are made. We thank Erin for her willingness to support our students and staff during this transition.
Expressions of Interest
If you are a tiler or plumber and are interested in supporting the refurbishment of the student toilets at Sacred Heart, please contact George Dimitrakopoulos (School Advisory Council Parent Representative) on george@gsystemsit.com.au.
George will be able to provide more information in regards to what is needed.
A Glimpse into the History of Sacred Heart
In the past two newsletters, I have shared with you some of the history of Sacred Heart Primary School, as we prepare for our upcoming celebrations of 125 years.
As Sacred Heart Primary School Newport moved into the late 1930s and 1940s, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity in the face of both local and global challenges.
The impact of the World War II was felt deeply within the parish and school community. Many families experienced hardship and several past students and parishioners enlisted to serve. Despite these challenges, the school remained a place of stability and care for children during uncertain times.
Throughout the 1940s, enrolments fluctuated as families navigated wartime conditions and post-war recovery. The dedication of the teaching staff—many of whom were religious sisters—ensured that students continued to receive a strong academic and faith-based education. Classrooms remained full, resources were often limited, yet the commitment to nurturing each child never wavered.
By the late 1940s and into the early 1950s, the area of Newport began to grow again. Returning servicemen and their families contributed to a renewed sense of optimism and expansion. This growth placed further pressure on school facilities, once again highlighting the need for ongoing development and improvement of learning spaces.
What stands out most from this period is the enduring spirit of the Sacred Heart community—a spirit grounded in faith, perseverance and a deep commitment to education. These foundations continue to shape our school today, reminding us that even in times of challenge, strong communities find ways to flourish.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend & I hope your team wins! (As an Essendon supporter, I live in hope.)
Yours in faith,
Kaylene
Kaylene Carlin
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL