Message from the 

School Principal

Dear Sacred Heart School Community,

Prep 2025

It is with much joy, excitement and a perhaps few nerves for the little ones (and some parents too) that we welcomed forty eight new Prep children to Sacred Heart to begin their primary school education journey last week and again this week for Prep Transition. 

Starting school is a big step for young children and their families, and we are honored to be the school of choice for so many in the local community.  Our message to the children and new families especially is that Sacred Heart is more than just a school—it is a community that is grounded in the Catholic faith and traditions where we show love, kindness and respect for  one another. Guided by our Catholic values, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, cherished and encouraged to grow. In partnership with our families, we seek to inspire every child to embrace learning and make many new friends in their time at Sacred Heart. 

As you can see from the images below, a lot of thought & time goes into ensuring the three Prep transition sessions are a wonderful experience for the children and their families. Our Sacred Heart teddy bears were a big hit again and I hear they take pride of place in many bedrooms around Newport. 

Christmas Hamper - A collaboration between Sacred Heart & the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry

This year, the Year 6 Indigenous Perspectives Leadership group are organising a drive to collect donations that go towards support others in the community who are less fortunate than ourselves. The wonderful donations you provided last year were forwarded onto and gratefully received by Indigenous Hospitality House in Carlton North, an organisation that the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACMV)   has had a long association with. 

After discussions with ACMV, we have again agreed for Christmas Hampers to be donated to Indigenous Hospitality House.

Beginning on Monday, 25th November, we will begin accepting hamper donations at school. Suggestions for donations include Christmas gifts for children of any age and adults. The organisation has also said that household items are also appreciated eg toiletries, detergents, tinned food, long life milk etc. 

At the end of the drive, the items will be delivered to the ACMV in Fitzroy. 

Annual Parish Forum

The 2024 Annual Parish Forum will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, November 24 at 11 am.  It will be immediately followed by our end of year luncheon that is open to all parishioners, where we will be able to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions so many people have made to the life of our parish this year.

In preparation for the forum on November 24, please find attached the following documentation:

School Advisory Council - Calling for Expression of Interest

What is the School Advisory Council?

School Advisory Councils (SAC) are advisory bodies which form an important expression of the educational partnership that exists between parents, schools, parishes and the wider community to support all students.  

The SAC provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where the parent voice and perspective are available to influence the decisions made by the principal and parish priest for the good of school and parish where the wellbeing and outcomes for students is paramount. 

More specifically, the role of the School Advisory Council includes:

• encouraging the partnership and participation of school, parish and the wider community in the life of the school and parish
• allowing school principals, parish priests and parents to work closely in the common mission they share. 
• providing a forum for discussion and discernment, where the parent voice and perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the Principal and Parish Priest for the good of School and Parish where the wellbeing and outcomes for students is paramount
• ensuring that, at the local level, Catholic schools will remain 'actively embedded in the life of the faith communities of the local Church’ 

When: The meetings are on Tuesdays at 6.30pm in the staffroom and the dates for next year are as follows: 4th March, 29th April, 17th June, 12th August, 14th October & 25th November. 

VACANT POSITIONS

There is currently one position available on the School Advisory Council and I strongly encourage you to put your hand up to join the group.  All are welcome!

If there is more than one expression of interest, there will be a selection process as per the MACS guidelines for the operation of School Advisory Councils.

Please email Kaylene at principal@shnewport.catholic.edu.au with your Expression of Interest or if you have any questions.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST PERIOD CLOSES TODAY, FRIDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER AT COB

Classes for 2025

It is that time of the year when we start to think about class groupings for the coming year. It is a complex process and one that we take very seriously. There are many factors to be considered when grouping children together including friendship groupings, the learning needs of the students and influences students have one another. As parents/carers, you know your child best and, at times, have had conversations with your child about school that we are not privy to. If you believe there is information that we may not be aware of, please do not hesitate to email your child's teacher, Erin or myself and we will acknowledge your concerns or requests.  Whilst we cannot accommodate all requests, we will always ensure your thoughts are considered in the decision making process. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Yours in faith, 

Kaylene

Kaylene Carlin

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL