Message from the 

School Principal

Dear Sacred Heart Families,

Welcome to the newsletter for Week 8 of Term 2. And what a fortnight it has been!

125 Year Anniversary Celebrations

This weekend marks the 125th year of Sacred Heart Primary School and the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We have chosen to mark the significant occasion with two special days. 

Today was centred around the most important people in our school, our children, and it was a memorable occasion with a wonderful party atmosphere that brought everyone together to honour our school’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. 

The day began with a whole-school and Parish Mass, followed by a spectacular drone photograph with students forming a giant “125” on the basketball court. Students then enjoyed a shared morning tea, singing Happy Birthday together and celebrating with cupcakes made by a generous parent helpers and giant birthday cake. 

Throughout the day, Fun & Friendship workshops, a creative bunting activity and a whole-school shared lunch fostered connection, creativity and a sense of belonging and community for everyone. Parents generously assisted with the sausage sizzle and later helped sew together the bunting that will become a lasting symbol of our community. 

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this special milestone such a warm, fun filled and successful celebration.

On Sunday, we will come together again as a school and parish community to continue the celebrations and festivities with a Mass, Open Day & lots of fun activities for the kids to enjoy! We hope to see as many of our children and families there as possible to mark this special day!

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to make our celebrations so special. In addition to parents & families who have 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 have done to get ready for our 125 Year Celebrations! We are lucky to have you!

Thanks also to Kim Dalmau (Maths Leader) who also doubles as a landscape gardener. Kim spent two days working with parents and students preparing garden beds and the sustainability garden and it looks amazing!

Thanks everyone!

So many thank yous!

A strong school community is built on the partnerships we share with our families. When parents, carers, parishioners and other members of the local community engage with school life, they help create a welcoming, connected environment where students thrive. Sacred Heart Primary School is enriched by the generosity, support and involvement of so many members of our Sacred Heart family, and it is important that we take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who contribute so willingly to the life of our school over the past few weeks as we prepared for our special celebrations. 

Special thanks to the following people who have given of their time so generously. If you have contributed and your name isn't mentioned below, please know that we appreciate you and are very grateful for your contributions. 

Special Messages of Congratulations  

We have received two extra special messages from two important people in the Catholic church and education. 

The first message is from the Executive Director of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Dr Edward Simons. We thank Ed for taking the time to send this heartfelt message to our school and parish community & we look forward to his visit to Sacred Heart later this year. 

The second message is from the Archbishop of Melbourne, Archbishop Peter Comensoli.

We also thank the Archbishop for his personal message to the Sacred Heart Primary School community and parish of St Joseph. 

Sacrament of Confirmation - Year 6 students

On Wednesday, 3rd June, our Year 6's joined with students from St Margaret Mary's and other children of the parish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a prayerful & joyous event, celebrated by our own Fr Samuel and Bishop Martin Ashe. The children had been preparing for the special evening in the weeks leading up to the Mass, led capably by our Deputy Principal (Catholic Identity & Pedagogy) Cath Palmer and their class teachers, Kristian and Anthony, as well as guidance from their families in their preparations. 

We warmly congratulate the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, recognising that it is a significant step in their faith journey as members of the Catholic church and family. May they continue to be guided by the gifts of the Holy Spirit over the coming weeks and beyond and feel strengthened in their commitment to the Catholic faith. 

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:

Have a great weekend. 

Yours in faith,

Kaylene

Kaylene Carlin

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

principal@shnewport.catholic.edu.au