PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the first newsletter for Term 4! I hope families were able to enjoy some time together over the school holidays and that students are refreshed and ready for the term ahead. We are very much looking forward to another productive and enjoyable term at Sacred Heart School. 

To begin the term the Staff have participated in two days of Professional Development building upon the work started earlier in the year. On Monday Staff joined with all schools from the Armidale Diocese in a Zoom Meeting led by the School Performance Leaders and Subject Matter Experts focusing on Curriculum Reform. Currently schools are in the planning phase in preparation to implement new curriculum documents in a number of key learning areas. The curriculum reforms aim to streamline what is taught in schools and to create more time for deeper learning. This week staff were focused on the areas Science and Technology and what the new curriculum will look like when implemented in 2027. 

Yesterday the Staff met at St Xavier’s School in Gunnedah to undertake the second day of training in the Berry Street Education Model. This model provides a framework for viewing student behaviour through a trauma-informed lens, providing evidence-based strategies and tools for educators to meet the needs of diverse learners, enhancing relationships, well being and student outcomes. The focus for the day was on strong relationships that emphasise student wellbeing, while continuing to hold high expectations for learning and student achievement. The training day builds upon the work staff across the diocese have been undertaking with the Armidale Catholic Schools Living Well, Learning Well Framework. This framework supports students as they navigate their learning, in what can be a complex world, and provides them with opportunities to grow and flourish.

Students and teachers travelled to Quirindi today to join others from the southern schools within the diocese. Students were able to once again take part in Mass celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year which is themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The Deanery Mass allowed us to gather as part of a larger congregation to view the relics and models that have been travelling around the diocese. Whilst in Quirindi the students enjoyed spending time at St Joseph’s School and we thank them for their hospitality.

Warm regards,

Mrs Leanne Herden

Acting Principal