Principals Report

Spring has sprung and we welcome the warmer weather as we head towards the conclusion of Term 3 (if you can believe that!). We’ve had another great fortnight at school packed with learning and wonderful experiences for our students. Thank you to all the parents who attended our Learning Conversations to discuss the learning and development that has taken place over the past two terms. We educate our students in partnership with families, and we appreciate the time taken to meet with us.

It was wonderful to see so many parents, carers and family members attend our Book Week Parade last Friday morning. The costumes on display were amazing, and I can only imagine how many hours went into preparing for this celebration!! I would again like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Lisa Boyer, our librarian, who provides our students with so many alternative play options, as well as fostering a love of books and reading with our students.

On Monday night we held our first (of three) Parent Information Sessions on the Science of Learning, hosted (online) by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath. In this first session we learnt about the role Stress, Technology and Sleep each play in the development of students. We hosted a group of parents at school, and a larger group join us online. Our second session with Jared, scheduled for Wednesday 17th September, will focus on ‘Surviving Study’ – how we can help students study when they are doing their learning at home. In this session, Jared will share his tools, tips and techniques to help improve students' memory. This session will again be offered online (via Microsoft Teams) and in person at school. Following this session, a link will be provided to all families to access Jared’s third (and final) session - ‘A tour through your child's brain.’ Parents can watch this session at their leisure.

I didn’t make it to Mass on Sunday, so instead of a ‘reflection’ of last Sunday’s Gospel, I have a ‘projection’ for this coming Sunday’s Gospel – Lk 14:25-33. In this passage, Jesus challenges us to consider the true cost of discipleship. Following Him isn’t about convenience—it’s a wholehearted commitment that may require sacrifice and courage. Like building a tower or preparing for battle, we must count the cost before we begin. This means we need to reflect on our choices, values, and how we treat others. Discipleship calls us to live with integrity, not perfection. When we choose to follow Jesus sincerely, we discover a deeper purpose and lasting joy that goes beyond temporary rewards. It’s a path of love, truth, and meaningful transformation.

This week is Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. We are blessed to have such wonderful Teacher Aides (also known as Learning Support Officers) at Sacred Heart. Thank you for the wonderful work you do: Emma, Jensen, Danni, Darby, Katrina, Paige, Kellie, Tegan, Michelle, Liv, Madonna, Mel, Karen, Robyn, Heather and Sharon!!

We have a few important dates coming up that I want to make families aware of.

On Thursday (4/9) we have our Father’s Day Stall. Thanks to Casey and her team of volunteers for organising our stall.
On Saturday night (6/9) our Sacrament of Reconciliation children will be presented to the parish.
Next Thursday (11/9) we have our R U Okay/Sacred Heart Breakfast, which is shaping up as the event of the term! We also have a Mega Raffle on this morning, so please bring some extra cash if you can.
The following day, Friday 12th, we have our Sacred Heart Athletics Carnival!
The following week (beginning 15/9) is our 9th and final week of the term. Our Yr 3 students celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday 16th.
Our Senior Girls have their State Netball Final on Wednesday 17th.
17th of September, our 2nd Jared Cooney Horvath Parent Session.
We conclude our term on Friday 19th September!!

And finally, I wish all Dads, Stepdads and ‘Father figures’ a happy (and hopefully relaxing) Father’s Day. I hope you can take some time over the weekend to reflect on the significant impact you have on the lives of your children.

Take care and God Bless,

Jarrod