Message from the
School Principal
Dear Sacred Heart Families,
It has been a time of many 'firsts' for Sacred Heart over the past fortnight. Experiencing something for the first time is an important part of every child’s growth—whether it’s trying a new activity, meeting new friends, beginning at a new school or stepping into a new learning challenge.
These moments help children build resilience, confidence and a sense of curiosity about the world around them.
As parents and teachers, we play a vital role in guiding them through these experiences with positivity and courage.
By encouraging their efforts, celebrating small steps forward, and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel unsure, we create a supportive foundation that empowers children to embrace new opportunities with open hearts and growing confidence.
Year 3 Camp - Candlebark Farm
The Year 3 children experienced their first overnight camp at Candlebark Farm and lots of activities they have never tried before including canoeing, trying their hand at archery and taking on the obstacle course with their friends. Evenings were filled with laughter around the campfire, and of course, toasting marshmallows! It was such a fun and memorable experience for everyone. It was full of teamwork, courage and new friendships!
A huge thank you to the educators for time away from your families to attend camp overnight and to our parents/carers for preparing your child so well for a milestone in their education.
Prep 2026 Transition Program
This term, we are delighted to welcome our Prep 2026 children as they begin their transition program in readiness for starting school next year. The three transition sessions offer the children opportunities to explore what will be their classrooms next year, meet their teachers and other children and begin building the confidence and familiarity that help make the journey into school both exciting and positive.
It has been wonderful to see their curiosity, enthusiasm and sense of belonging already shining through as they take these important first steps into life at Sacred Heart.
Supporting Your Child’s Readiness for School
Parents and carers can play a vital role in helping their child feel ready for school. Encouraging independence with simple routines—such as packing their bag, managing lunch items, and practising putting on shoes—can build confidence before the school year begins.
Reading together, talking about the school day, arranging play opportunities with peers, and fostering a calm, positive attitude toward learning all support a smooth transition.
Working in partnership, we can ensure every child feels secure and excited as they begin their primary school journey.
Staff Leadership Day - Setting Strategic Directions 2026
The School Leadership Team recently spent a full day evaluating our 2025 Annual Action Plan and setting a clear direction for 2026. This important work ensures that our school continues to grow with purpose, guided by a strong strategic plan that places student learning and wellbeing at the centre.
In 2026, our key goals will focus on strengthening fluency and improving student proficiency in mathematical problem-solving from Prep to Year 6; enhancing early years students’ ability to retain phonics patterns, rules, morpheme knowledge and high-frequency words; and further developing students’ sentence-level writing skills across the school.
We also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all students demonstrate respect for themselves and others by following our behaviour expectations and contributing positively to the learning environment in ways that reflect our Catholic identity.
These goals will be supported through a consistent, whole-school commitment to explicit instruction and high-quality teaching practice—approaches that research shows have the greatest impact on student progress and achievement.
Student Leaders Take the Headlines!
We’re so proud of Olive, Rebecca and Grace, who have shown incredible initiative and creativity by launching the Sacred Heart School Newspaper!
During their lunch breaks, these three dedicated students have been busy interviewing Kaylene, writing stories about school events, sharing updates on what’s happening around the school, and reminding everyone about the importance of keeping our yard clean.
They’ve even added some colouring pages and games for their classmates to enjoy!
What an inspiring example of leadership, teamwork and school pride!
Well done, girls!
Caitlin McEwan
Baby News
We have so much staff baby news to share with our school community this week!
Kristian, Chelsea and Baby Oisin
Firstly, we congratulate Kristian (Year 6K educator) and his wife, Chelsea, on the safe arrival of baby Oisin on Thursday 6th November. The new family are all doing very well.
We are so very happy for Chelsea and Kristian and look forward to meeting Oisin soon.
Elly, Tristan and Baby Willa
We also say a very warm hello and welcome to Elly (Year 5EB eductor) and her husband, Tristan on the safe arrival of their new baby daughter, Willa. Willa arrived on the 8th November, 11 days overdue. Mum and baby are home now and resting and recovering together.
Kirstyn, Alex and Baby Theo
At last but by no means least, many of you will know Kirstyn Morgan who was at Sacred Heart until the end of 2024 and she taught many of your children. Kirstyn and her husband, Alex, welcomed their first child, baby Theo, on November 2nd. Little Theo arrived early at 28 weeks and is doing very well. Kirstyn and Alex describe their little boy as "determined and strong, cheeky and curious". We send our love and congratulations to Kirstyn, Alex and baby Theo and also look forward to a visit when Theo is ready!
Classes for 2026
As we approach the end of the year, our educators begin the thoughtful process of planning class groupings for the year ahead. This is a task we approach with great care, as creating balanced and supportive learning environments is a complex process. We consider a range of factors when forming classes, including friendship connections, individual learning needs and the ways students influence one another’s learning and wellbeing.
We recognise that parents and carers know their children best and may have insights that can help us make informed decisions. If there is information you feel would be helpful for us to know, please reach out via email to your child’s teacher, Erin, Rosy (P-2), Lisa (Year 3-6) or myself. While it’s not always possible to meet every request, please be assured that all feedback is carefully considered as part of the decision-making process.
All communication, whether written or verbal, needs to received by 4pm on Wednesday, 19th November as class lists will be finalised shortly after this date.
I thank you for your support and communication in regards to this important decision making process.
AFTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION
At Sacred Heart, student safety and wellbeing are our priority. In line with MACS policy, our school grounds are supervised from 8:30am before school and until 3:25pm after school.
After school (3:10–3:25pm), we ask all families to support the following expectations while students remain on-site:
- ✅ Adventure Playground may be used only under parent supervision
- ❌ No ball games
- ❌ No use of the Gaga Pit
- ❌ No running games
- ❌ No riding of bikes or scooters
After 3:25pm, no supervision is provided, and students still on-site will be directed to the school office so parents can be contacted.
We thank all families for reinforcing these expectations to ensure a safe and respectful school environment for everyone.