School News
Staffing Update
Staffing
I share with school community members the following Staffing News.
Gabbi Pigatto
Gabbi has worked at Sacred Heart Kew for the last three years as Learning Support Officer (2023 & 2024) and Year Two Classroom Teacher this year (2025).
Next year, Gabbi will be undertaking CRT roles at Sacred Heart Kew and other schools, alongside some travel plans in the first part of 2026.
We thank Gabbi for all her guidance and support of our children here at Sacred Heart Kew over the last three years and we look forward to Gabbi continuing to work here at Sacred Heart Kew next year, in between her exciting travel adventures.
Alexia Barca
Alexia has worked at Sacred Heart Kew this year as a Learning Support Officer. I thank Alexia for all her contributions to our school and children in this role. Next year, Alexia will continue with her post graduate studies. We wish Alexia all the very best in the future.
Gemma Crivelli
Gemma has worked at Sacred Heart Kew for the last two years as a Learning Support Officer whilst completing her teaching degree. I thank Gemma for all her contributions to our school and children in this role. We wish Gemma all the very best for her future endeavours.
CatholicCare School Counsellor
Alex Young
Alex has completed his time here at Sacred Heart Kew and won't be returning in 2026. We thank Alex for all the work that he has done, supporting our children in the School Counsellor role this year. We wish Alex well for his future endeavours.
In 2026, Connor Conkey-Morrison (CatholicCare) will be our School Counsellor. Please see below for some information about Connor. She is very excited to be joining our school and meeveryone. We look forward to Connor being a part of the Sacred Heart Kew team next year.
Connor Conkey-Morrison
Hello, Sacred Heart community! My name is Connor Conkey-Morrison, and I am a provisional psychologist from CatholicCare Victoria. I'll be joining the Sacred Heart community on Tuesdays throughout 2026 as your new school counsellor, replacing the wonderful Alex who has supported the school throughout 2025.
I have recently completed a Master of Professional Psychology and am currently undertaking a PhD (focused on child wellbeing and school engagement). I’ve been very fortunate to work with children, young people, and families across both school and clinic settings - being involved in everything from running kids' social skills/parent support groups, through to undertaking complex neurocognitive and academic assessments.
My work is all about helping students feel confident in who they are: understanding their emotions, and building strong relationships at school, in the playground, and at home. I really love working alongside teachers and families to create spaces where students feel safe, heard, and valued.
I look forward to meeting you all next year - until then, enjoy your summer holidays!
2026 Transition Morning
On Monday 15 December, students in Prep to Year 5 will transition to their 2026 class. The children will find out which class they will be in next year, on this day. They will meet and work with the students and teacher from 9:15-10:30am. All new students commencing at Sacred Heart next year will attend the session.
Below are some tips to help your child manage this change in their school journey.
Managing change
Dealing with changes can be tough for children, and it’s normal for them to feel a bit scared or anxious. Some children handle change with excitement, while others might find it worrisome. Children like things to stay the same because it makes them feel safe. So, when they switch grades, get a new teacher, or change classrooms, it can be a bit scary for them.
Here are some simple ways you can help your child during these changes:
1. Listen to them: Take the time to listen to their questions and worries. Help them understand their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel the way they do. Don’t brush off their concerns by saying 'It’s not a big deal’.
2. Be there for them: Reassure your child that your love and support for them are always there, no matter what changes. Give them a hug or put your arm around them. Ask them how you can help and support them.
3. Give them time to get ready: Whenever it is possible tell them about the changes beforehand, so that they have time to get used to the idea. Focus on the good things that might happen.
4. Let them make choices: Sometimes, children feel like they have no control over their lives during changes. Let them make small choices, like what to pack for lunch or what to have for dinner on the first day of school.
5. Talk about past changes: Remind them of other times they handled changes well, like moving up a grade, starting school, or making new friends.
Remember, your child looks to you for guidance. Stay positive, be there for them, and stay calm during the changes. If you or your child need more help to navigate changes, please reach out to their classroom teacher, Courtney Drough (Learning Diversity Leader) or the School Counsellor. We are all here to support you both.
Some helpful resouces:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/
2026 Creative Music Instrumental Lessons
Instrumental Music Lessons for keyboard, piano, guitar or violin will continue next year for students interested in Years 2-6. Small group classes or one-to-one lessons of up to 30 minutes give children an excellent grounding in music where they will learn to read music and play their chosen instrument.
Enrolments are now being accepted for limited places in Term 1, 2026.
To enrol your child/ren, contact Nicholas during Office hours on 98182333 or via email nicholas@creativemusic.com.au. Once enrolments are confirmed, timetabling will be arranged by Creative Music.
For more information about Creative Music, go to www.creativemusic.com.au
School Fee Payments
Thank you to all families who have finalised their accounts for 2025. There are still a number of outstanding accounts, unless prior arrangements are in place, it would be appreciated if all accounts could be finalised by the end of term. Thank you for your cooperation.
School Fees 2026
Please read the document below which outlines School Fees and Student Levies for 2026.
Religious Education News
Week 10 (Joy) and (Love)
Tues 9/12: Year 1 Joy Paraliturgy - 2:45pm
Fr 12/12 : Year 4 Love Paraliturgy - 8:50am
Week 11 No paraliturgies - End of Year Mass Tuesday 16 December 9:15am
Traditionally, each of the four Advent candles have a deeper meaning which is depicted in the lovely FOUR WEEKS OF THE ADVENT WREATH
- The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the "Prophet’s Candle" reminding us that Jesus is coming. During the first week of Advent we remember the Old Testament prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming with hope and anticipation.
- The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the "Bethlehem Candle" reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
- The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the "Shepherd’s Candle" reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." (Luke 2:20)
- The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolises Love with the "Angel’s Candle" reminding us of the message of the angels: During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God's love brought to us from the angel Gabriel.
This is the last week to prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Christmas Giving Tree - 24 November to 12 December
Thank you to all families who have donated to the Sacred Heart Christmas Giving Tree so far. Donations can still be made until next Friday 12 December.
Program Support Group (PSG) Meetings Term 4
At Sacred Heart Kew we know that not every child learns at the same pace. Some children may require extra support or time to master taught skills. Our teachers differentiate and personalise the curriculum each day, catering for the individual needs of each child within their classroom. Our teachers identify and target each students’ interests and abilities across all learning areas, providing engaging and enriching experiences. Our teachers utilise students pre and post testing data, regularly monitoring and reviewing students learning progress during the year. Our students are provided extension and or support based on their individual learning needs.
Our Learning Diversity Leader works in partnership with our classroom teachers to develop Personal Learning Plans (PLP’s) for students who require additional learning support. Personalised Learning Plans are designed to support the academic, social and emotional needs of our children. Program Support Group (PSG) meetings are facilitated throughout the course of the school year, and teachers and parents meet regularly to discuss and develop these plans. Our team of Learning Support Officers (LSO’s) also provide additional support to our teachers and students within the classroom setting.
A Program Support Group (PSG) brings together key people involved in your child’s holistic education. It is a partnership between you and your child, school representatives and, where relevant, invited professionals. The PSG works together to guide the planning and implementation of inclusive educational practices for your child. The members of the PSG meet on a regular basis to develop plans, adjustments and interventions that reflect a common understanding of your child’s needs.
It is fundamental to the success of the PSG that all participants adhere to the following meeting protocols:
• meetings are collaborative in decision-making
• meetings are respectful and positive in tone
• there is an opportunity for all voices to be heard
Thank you for your ongoing support of all that we do here at Sacred Heart Kew.
Friday Afternoon School Assemblies at 2:30pm
Term 4:
Week 10 (12 December) - Assembly
Week 11 (Tuesday 16 December 11:15am) - Assembly - Year 6
2026 Term Dates
Tuesday 27 January (staff return)
2026 Assessment Days
Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 January (children booked in for assessment block on 1 day)
First day of School for Year One - Year Six
Friday 30 January
First day of School for Prep
As per arrangements in Prep 2026 Orientation Booklet - see below
Term Dates 2026 - (students)
Term One: Fri 30 January (Students begin) – Thurs 2 April
Term Two: Mon 20 April – Fri 26 June
Term Three: Tues 14 July – Fri 18 September
Term Four: Tues 6 October - Tues 15 December
2026 School Closure Days
As was communicated to families last year...
* Time in Lieu (TIL)
The current Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2022 (the Agreement) has a formal time in lieu (TIL) process for teachers. The Agreement provides that a principal may require a teacher to undertake work and attend a school activity outside the normal hours of attendance (i.e., in excess of the 38 hours or normal hours for a part-time teacher) and when this occurs, it will attract TIL.
Principals should prepare for the accrual and acquittal of TIL through their annual planning process. The timing of the acquittal of TIL is at the discretion of the principal, having regard to the operational needs of the school and causing the least disruption to the educational program of the school.
Principals may elect to acquit TIL through designating days during the year on which all staff and students are not required to attend school.
School Closure & Time in Lieu (TIL) Days 2026
Term 1
Thursday 5 March (Staff Professional Learning)
Friday 6 March (Staff Compliance and First Aid/Anaphylaxis)
Monday 9 March (Labour Day Public Holiday)
Term 2
Friday 5 June (Staff Professional Learning)
Monday 8 June (King’s Birthday Public Holiday)
Term 3
Monday 13 July (School Review preparation for staff)
Friday 28 August (TIL day for staff)
Term 4
Monday 5 October (Staff Professional Learning)
Monday 2 November (TIL day for staff)
Tuesday 3 November (Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday)
Friday 4 December (Staff Planning for 2027)
Children finish on Tuesday 15 December at 12.45pm
Wednesday 16 December (TIL day for staff)
Thursday 17 December (TIL day for staff)
MACSEYE - Outside School Hours Care
Please see below for further information, including the MACSEYE Booking Link.