Dear Families and Friends,

It has certainly been another big fortnight at Sacred Heart. From our gentle introduction to the camp program with Prep Storytime, to our Year 4 students heading away for three nights on their outdoor adventure, these rich experiences, though vastly different, continue to provide our students with special memories and valuable opportunities for growth.

We also welcomed our new Prep families at the first Prep Information Night, ahead of officially joining our community in 2026. A big thank you to Miss Wood and Miss Porter, who did an outstanding job leading the evening and showcasing the strong start our future Preps will have next year. Thank you also to the six additional staff who stayed back to support and present a united front. Their presence truly reflects the culture we have created together at Sacred Heart. We are so grateful.

I also wanted to share a few words I offered to some of our prospective Prep families for 2026:

You’ll quickly come to know just how outstanding the staff team here is. From our Prep teachers to our support and specialist staff, every person is deeply committed to your child’s wellbeing and success. The leadership team will ensure your child’s transition into school is smooth, joyful, and supported at every step. Your child will be known, cared for, and celebrated here. We value each child’s individuality and work closely with families to nurture a love of learning that will last well beyond their first year. I can assure you that the best days are still ahead. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in our school. Your children are joining a very special place, so enjoy the ride and all that Sacred Heart offers.

Art Show - 30th Oct 4pm - 6:30pm

Italian Day - 31st - Dress Up

Principal Appointment Process

In the coming weeks, the appointment of a new principal will be a very thorough and considered process designed to ensure the best possible leadership for each school community.

After consultation with the Parish Priest and School Advisory Council, MACS appoints a selection panel that includes representatives from MACS leadership, the parish priest, and the school community from the SAC & P&F. The panel carefully reviews applications, conducts interviews, and considers each candidate’s experience, vision for Catholic education, and capacity to maintain and build on the school’s strengths and culture.

Families can be assured that this is a highly professional and values-driven process, focused on finding a leader who will continue to nurture the strong sense of care, connection, and high expectations that define Sacred Heart. The goal is always continuity, stability, and ensuring that the school’s best days continue well into the future.

There’s no greater endorsement for a potential new principal than this fabulous student above. Bobby has brought an infectious smile and positive energy to Sacred Heart since the day he joined. His warm presence, friendly manner and love of school life truly represent what we are all about at Sacred Heart. Bobby has proudly taken it upon himself to be the ball monitor, faithfully gathering the sports equipment at bell times without fail. Every school needs a Bobby in their life! Thanks for the joy you bring, Bobby.

SCHOOL REVIEW 2025

Another highlight of last week was the commencement of our system-wide Four-Year School Review. This important process provides an opportunity to reflect on our current practices, data sets, and goals, while identifying areas for continued growth and improvement.

Throughout the review, our external reviewer met with all staff, either individually or in teams, as well as students and parents, and visited classrooms to observe teaching and learning in action. In the coming weeks, we will receive a comprehensive report and set of recommendations that will guide the next phase of our School Improvement Agenda.

Prior to the formal report being finalised, our reviewer shared several key takeaways that reflect the strong culture and practice at Sacred Heart:

Recent initiatives have resulted in a consistent and explicit delivery of curriculum, supported by OCHRE resources.
The Explicit Instruction model is well embedded and the best seen in the system of the schools he has reviewed.
An embedded high performing culture.
Calm and harmonious classrooms were evident throughout.
Staff feel supported by leadership, who are described as approachable, visible, and proactive.
Resources to support teaching and learning are clearly evident, including the effective deployment of LSOs and support staff.
Students are at the centre of all school improvement initiatives and decision-making (noted by both parents and teachers).
A warm and welcoming school culture, characterised by mutual respect and support for all.
Caring, diligent teachers who know their students well and are deeply committed to their learning and wellbeing.
A broad and engaging curriculum that caters to diverse student interests and needs.
Students value and respect their teachers, recognising the effort, care, and support they provide.
A strong culture of trust and collective efficacy. Staff know they can rely on each other, and this is evident across the school.

These affirmations are a testament to the professionalism, care, and dedication of every member of our community. Thank you for continuing to make Sacred Heart such a positive and high-performing school. So very proud of what we have been able to build and achieve over this 4 year review cycle, long may it continue.

These awesome students have been learning all about ecosystems as part of our know rich curriculum and were pretty chuffed to showcase their work. We can see why!

Year 4 Camp - The Summit

We are starting to think this is best camp experience at Sacred Heart. A huge thank you to our incredible Year 4 team, Mrs Collins, Miss Porter, Miss O’Meara, Mr Jaynes and Oscar, for providing such an unforgettable experience for our students at The Summit this week.

The camp was filled with challenge, adventure and plenty of laughter, with students (and staff) showing courage, teamwork and care for one another throughout. These experiences play such an important role in building confidence and connection, and it was wonderful to see our students thrive in this setting.

Well done to our Year 4s on embracing every opportunity, and sincere thanks again to our dedicated staff for the care, enthusiasm and energy they bring to making these experiences so special.

This photo was shared by Miss Porter, and she said," I love this picture of Luca reaching back to help someone behind him." We were not surprised to read this as Luca is such a caring member of the community.

Prep Orientation #1

This week we welcomed our newest and youngest learners for the first of three Prep Orientation sessions, an exciting milestone as they begin their journey into school life. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, eager to explore their new classrooms and meet their teachers (Miss Wood, Miss Levy & Miss Porter) and classmates.

A huge thank you to our Prep team and support staff for creating such a warm, engaging and welcoming experience, and to our families for joining us on this special transition. We look forward to seeing our future Preps continue to grow in confidence over the coming weeks as they prepare for their big start in 2026!

School Playground Proposal 2026

Our focus over the coming weeks and months is to raise sufficient P&F funds to bring this exciting project to life in time for the start of the new school year. Your support and efforts will be greatly appreciated by our students as we work to replace the outdated playground equipment. The children simply cannot wait! Don't forget to view the school instagram story should you wish to generously donate outside the upcoming fundraising initiative.

Sacred Heart Recognised for Best Practice in Teaching and Learning

Last week, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) visited Sacred Heart to film our staff in action for their professional learning platform. We are extremely proud to be recognised in this way, and this is an acknowledgement of their dedication, expertise, and passion as a staff.

In addition to capturing best classroom practice and examples of high-impact teaching, the VCAA team also met with key staff to learn more about how we do things at Sacred Heart. This work will serve as a valuable reference for schools across our entire education system.

Well done team on this recognition, it is so well deserved.

Teacher Spotlight

Miss Flynn, yes, another one of our amazing Irish teachers is kicking plenty of wonderful goals with her Grade 2 class. Perhaps one of our quiet achievers, Miss Flynn continues to work absolute magic with her students.

Although new to our professional community this year, she has wholeheartedly embraced our culture and the Sacred Heart way of doing things. She has well and truly hit her stride, and it shows as her students are thriving!

Over the past few days, we’ve had a steady stream of excited students visiting the office to share their incredible work, and it’s easy to see why. Their progress and confidence are shining through, and they are more than ready for Year 3.

Congratulations, Miss Flynn, you are making such a wonderful difference in the lives of your students. It's always a joy to drop by your class, they are so settled and focused on their learning. Below is just small sample size of the Yr.2s visiting my office this week.

Skipping Craze

We’re sure many families have noticed the skipping craze sweeping through our playground as part of the Jump Rope for Heart campaign. This wonderful initiative, inspired and led by Mrs McGrath, has sparked incredible enthusiasm across the school, with students eagerly grabbing skipping ropes before school and during break times.

Not only is this a fantastic way to keep fit and active, but it has also been amzing to see our students’ excitement and commitment to supporting such a worthy cause.

BEACHSIDE ATHLETICS

Congratulations to Maddison R-N and Milo S for progressing through to the Beachside District Athletics Championships. Such a wonderful achievement for these two superstars!

ANNUAL CLASH OF THE COURTS

We are so proud to support the upcoming TeamSports4All Charity Event on Sunday 16 November at the Bayside District Netball Association (Holloway Road), with the first centre pass at around 1pm. With a remarkable 11–12 school communities involved and more than 200 participants expected, this promises to be a fantastic day of sport, community spirit, and support for such a worthy cause. A heartfelt thank you to Amanda Molony and her dedicated team of mums for championing this initiative. From little things, big things truly grow. What began with just 3–4 schools in 2023 has now blossomed into 12 in 2025, an extraordinary achievement.

What's Coming Up in Term 4...

For the Fridge

OCTOBER
Thursday 23rd	Prep Orientation #1	9:30am - 10:30am
Thursday 30th	Prep Orientation #2 Art Show	9:30am-11am 4pm-6:30pm
Friday 31st	World Teacher’s Day Lunch - P&F and All Saints Day Mass	9:15am
NOVEMBER
Monday 3rd	Pre Melbourne Cup	School Closure - Time in-lieu
Tuesday 4th	Melbourne Cup	Public Holiday
Thursday 6th	Prep Orientation Session #3	9:30am 11:30am
Thursday 6th	Yr.6 Annual Sleep Out	6pm /Overnight
Thursday 13th	Year 1 Story Time & Year 2 Sleepover	6pm/Overnight
Sunday 16th	Clash of Courts - Mum's Netball Tournament	1pm
Monday 17th - Thursday 27th	Swimming Program Yr.1-6	8 Sessions
Saturday 30th	Dad's Cricket Match - Family Day	12pm
DECEMBER
Friday 5th	Staff Planning 2026	School Closure
Monday 11th	Moving Up Day	6pm
Friday 12th	End of Year Mass	9am
Monday 15th	Yr.6 Graduation & Last Day
Tuesday 16th	Last Day P-5	9am - 1pm
Wednesday 17th	Staff Last Day

LITTLE GEMS💎

Our kids love celebrating their birthdays at school, and no more so when their buddy enjoys it as much.

In the absence of our School Captains, who usually present the weekly awards at Friday Assembly, we just love seeing their Year 6 peers step in, step up, and shine!

How lovely to see these former Sacred Heart students reunite last week before they enter their VCE exams. What a special gathering.

This aged well. 2026 AFL Calendar.

And finally...

As many of you will be aware, there will be some leadership changes next year. Sacred Heart remains in an exceptionally strong position. This is a community built on care, connection and high expectations across all aspects of school life. From the highest standards in teaching and learning to the focus on student wellbeing, I have never been more affirmed that these qualities are deeply embedded within a high performing culture and shared by all who are part of it. Our students and families are in great hands, and I can assure you that the best days are still ahead. Thank you for the trust you have placed in the school.

With much pride and gratitude,

Simon C

Principal