Dear Parents and Caregivers,

There are some staff changes for 2024 and I’m sorry to say that Dom Poppa, Cath Basile, Emily Slaughter, Lily Vincitorio and Sarah Langley will be leaving Sacred Heart at the end of the year.

After four years at Sacred Heart, two of those as Assistant Principal, Dom will be leaving Sacred Heart. During his time with us, Dom has been a classroom teacher, Leader of Learning and Teaching, Religious Education Leader, Wellbeing Leader, Sports Coordinator and has implemented many new and innovative programs for our children. He has organised many very successful school events and has been actively involved in our local and parish community. Dom has been a wonderful support to me in Leadership and will be greatly missed by the Sacred Heart Community.

Emily has successfully gained a position at Padua College so she can be closer to family. In her three years at SH, Emily has been classroom teacher and Leader of Learning Diversity. She has coordinated many additional programs for the benefit of our children, including Workshop Wonders and together with her little gardeners, has established our beautiful veggie patch and garden. Emily’s many contributions towards SH will be greatly missed.

After many years at Sacred Heart, and the past seven as a Year 5/6 classroom teacher, Cath has decided to take some time away from teaching. As well as being an excellent classroom teacher, Cath worked with the F.I.R.E Carriers and contributed much in the space of Aboriginal Education. Cath’s vibrance and sense of fun will be missed by all the Sacred Heart community.

Lily commenced a twelve-month traineeship with the Apprenticeship Factory at the beginning of the year and has been a wonderful support to our Foundation classes. Lily, a past student of SH, has developed a beautiful rapport with all the children and has become a valued member of our staff during her time with us.

Sarah has worked with many of our children in the area of wellbeing and has gained a position with La Trobe University. Sarah has introduced various programs to cater for the many needs of our children and has worked with and supported many of our families.

Bishop Shane has also announced new clergy appointments and I’m sorry to say Fr John Paul will be leaving Sacred Heart Parish early next year. Fr John will take up the position of Pastoral Leader in Tallangatta and Corryong. Fr Uday Marneni, who is currently working in the Wodonga Parish, will be the new Parish Priest of Tatura/Kyabram. Fr John Paul has been with us for the past four years and during that time has been very much part of our school community.

We will have an opportunity to officially farewell and thank Fr John Paul and our leaving staff members later in the year.

Andrew Nilbett’s role is changing. He is currently a Yr 1/2 teacher but will take up the new position of Health and PE and run the program across the whole school in 2024. He will also coordinate the sports programs and events. Andrew is very much looking forward to his new role and it will be part of the weekly specialist program offered to all classes.

Classes for 2024 can not be announced as yet as the Principal and Assistant Principal have not yet been appointed, and staffing for next year has not been finalised.

It was lovely to commence the 2024 Transition Program and we welcome our new Foundation students to Sacred Heart again tomorrow. These are opportunities for the children to spend time getting to know the school, some new friends and meeting staff. A parent information session will be held for new enrolments on Tuesday, November 14th at 6pm in Room 1. This will be an opportunity for families to find out more about school and ways you can best prepare for this exciting milestone. Please phone the school office if you would like any further information.

We are currently seeking nominations for our School Advisory Board [SAC] 2024. Becoming a member of the SAC is an excellent way for parents to become involved in the life of the school. There is further information regarding the SAC and nomination forms in this newsletter. Kylee Dewis, [Chair], members of the SAC or myself are available if you are interested in further information or have any questions regards SAC. Nominations to be received by November 17th 2023. The next SAC meeting will be the final one for the year and new members will be invited along.

Please keep Emily Slaughter and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Emily's father Les died peacefully last Friday, surrounded by his loving family.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to watch over our school community and bless us always.

Pauline Hindson

Principal

Sacred Heart Community Connect

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