Message from the 

School Principal

Term 2 & 125 Year Anniversary Celebrations Wrap Up

Dear Sacred Heart families,

As we reach the end of Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and families for another wonderful term at Sacred Heart. It has been a busy and rewarding few months, filled with learning, celebration and opportunities to come together as a community.

This term has been particularly special as we celebrated the 125th anniversary of Sacred Heart Primary School. Our commemorative Mass and community celebrations provided a wonderful opportunity to honour those who have shaped our school's rich history over the past century and a quarter. It was heartwarming to welcome back former staff, students and parishioners as we reflected on our shared story and looked with hope and excitement towards the future.

Throughout the term, our students have continued to embrace every opportunity presented to them, whether in the classroom, through sporting competitions, excursions, faith experiences or the many co-curricular activities on offer. I have been continually impressed by their enthusiasm, resilience and commitment to living out our Sacred Heart Living Purpose, Vision and Mission each day. The recent Learning Conversations would have provided you with a deeper insight into the learning and progress your child/ren has made over the past semester and I thank you for engaging in these conversations with the school and your child. 

As we conclude Semester One, I also thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to provide rich learning opportunities and care for every child. I am equally grateful to our families for your ongoing partnership and support, which plays such an important role in the success of our school community.

I hope the coming holiday break provides everyone with the opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy valuable time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming all students back for Term 3, refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning and growth.

Thank you for our 125 Year Celebrations

As I wrote about in the last newsletter, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to make our celebrations so special. In addition to parents & families who supported us so generously with their time and energy, it would be remiss of me not to make mention of Cath Palmer (Deputy Principal) and Caitlin McEwan (Family Engagement Leader)  who have worked tirelessly, putting in many extra hours of planning and preparation. Thank you, Cath and Caitlin, for all you contributed for our 125 Year Celebrations! 

Staffing Updates 

Farewell to Kate Gannon

Year 1KK educator, Kate Gannon, has made  the decision to retire at the end of Term 2. 

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While we are saddened to see Kate leave, we are grateful for her many years of dedicated service to Catholic education and to the students and families of Sacred Heart. We know that many children and families have benefited from her care, commitment and expertise over the years. 

Kate, we wish you every happiness, good health and a wonderful retirement. You will always be a valued part of the Sacred Heart story.

Welcome to Sarah O'Loughlin

With Kate's retirement, we began a recruitment process to appoint a teacher for the Year 1 class to fill Kate's 4 days per week position. I am delighted to announce that the school has appointed Sarah O'Loughlin to fill Kate's position for the remainder of 2026. Sarah has worked at Sacred Heart as a replacement teacher and casual relief teacher in the past eighteen months and know that she will be a wonderful asset to our school community.

Student Engagement P-6

With Lisa's departure during Term 2, the Student Engagement Team of Erin, Rosy and Michael have continued to support educators and students in the domains of Learning Diversity and Student Wellbeing. 

The model we have adopted in Term 2 will continue for the remainder of the year. Erin and Rosy , in particular, will be the point of contact for families of students in Prep - Year 6 for all matters pertaining to additional learning needs & student wellbeing. Your child's classroom teacher should always be your first point of contact for any concerns or insights you wish to share or discuss. In addition, myself, Cath (Deputy Principal), Sue (English Leader) & Kim (Maths Leader) will continue to be available to also discuss any matters or concerns you have in relation to your child's learning or wellbeing.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. 

​Australia's Best Teacher - Nominations Now Open!

At the heart of each MACS’ school are teachers who create vibrant centres of learning – nurturing their students to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

The Australia's Best Teachers campaign recognises exceptional educators in our school communities.  

An expert judging panel will shortlist nominations for recognition as one of Australia’s Top 50 Best Teachers, to be announced in The Herald-Sun and nationally in NewsCorp publications in July.

I am sure you can think of many Sacred Heart teachers who bring something extraordinary to their classroom and our school community and I'd love to see Sacred Heart teachers, who give so much, represented in the nominations. 

See below for how to nominate:

Yours in faith,

Kaylene

Kaylene Carlin

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

principal@shnewport.catholic.edu.au