PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Principal - Mrs Claire Ryan

Dear Parents and Carers,

It's great to be back and in full swing! Term 4 is one of my favourite terms of the year, even with the busyness that it brings. I always enjoy taking the time to sit back, reflect and celebrate the wonderful achievements and successes throughout the year.

🌟 A Pilgrimage of Hope: Reflections on Rome and Assisi

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Leanne for stepping into the role of Acting Principal during my absence in Week 1. It allowed me to participate in a profound experience: a Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy with 37 fellow pilgrims from our diocese. This journey became much more than a holiday—it was a "profound spiritual encounter" rooted in the theme, 'Pilgrims of Hope.'

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the history and holiness of Rome and Assisi. This time away was a necessary pause from daily demands, enabling me to re-centre on the core mission and values of Sacred Heart School. It transformed my perspective, grounding my position as a school leader not just in a role, but in a ministry of service and enduring hope.

Encountering the Sacred in Rome

Our time in Rome was defined by an almost daily rhythm of Mass, celebrated in magnificent Basilicas and intimate Chapels. Our diocesan priest, Fr. Damien, beautifully wove his homilies to connect the location's history with our own lives as modern pilgrims.

Key moments and highlights in Rome included:

Attending the Papal Address at the Vatican, where I was only metres away as Pope Leo was driven through the crowd, blessing children and religious items. I had taken holy cards and bells (with an image of St. Peter's Basilica) to be blessed for all our staff and students—a permanent reminder of their connection to Sacred Heart.
Celebrating Mass in the Irish Chapel of St. Columbanus within St. Peter's Basilica—a privilege few tourists experience.
Touring the Scavi (excavations) beneath St. Peter's, where I saw the actual remains of St. Peter, upon which the entire Basilica is built.
A truly profound moment of devotion was ascending the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) on my knees, praying at each of the 28 marble steps that Jesus Christ is believed to have climbed on his way to trial by Pontius Pilate.
Walking through the four Holy Doors at the Major Papal Basilicas. These doors are only opened during the Holy Year (once every 25 years) and walking through them formed part of a Plenary Indulgence.

🙏 Simplicity and Mission in Assisi

After Rome, we traveled to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Assisi, the home of St. Francis and St. Clare. This town truly brought alive the lives of these key role models, who lived lives of profound simplicity, devotion, and mission after leaving their wealthy families. Assisi will forever hold a special place in my heart.

The most impactful experiences in Assisi:

Visiting the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, at the heart of which lies the 'Portiuncula'—the tiny, ancient chapel St. Francis loved most. It was here he founded the Franciscan Order and welcomed St. Clare into consecrated life.
Walking the grounds of the Hermitage, a secluded place of silence and prayer where St. Francis would withdraw. Sitting in Francis’ Grotto, a tiny cave of solitude, and praying the Rosary in the hi.
An unforgettable "goosebump" moment was visiting the tomb of St. Francis and exiting to hear the beautiful, angelic voices of Polish pilgrims singing a hymn to St. Francis.
Being asked to read at Mass in the Basilica of St. Clare, right after praying at her tomb—a deeply personal honour.

🕊️ A Difficult Decision and Next Steps

The beautiful quiet and spiritual clarity of Assisi led me to a moment of significant personal discernment. It was here that I came to true peace with my difficult decision to resign from my role as Principal at Sacred Heart School.

While I have immensely enjoyed my time here, I must now focus on my family and the need to bring us back together by moving to Tamworth. This required deep consideration, but I know it is the right path for my family at this time.

Please find the formal announcement letter from our Director, Regina Menz, attached.

Warm regards,

Mrs Claire Ryan

Principal