Principals Report

Time flies when you’re having fun! We have now reached the penultimate week of the semester. Next week will be the final week of Term 2, with students finishing at 2:15pm on Friday 26th June for a well-earned mid-year holiday break.

Last Friday, we enjoyed a wonderful celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus alongside Sacred Heart College. This special feast day for us at Sacred Heart Yarrawonga reminds us that no burden is too heavy for Jesus. We have all experienced the weight of pain, hopelessness, loss, anguish, shame, and guilt. In Matthew 11:25–30, we are reminded that when we bring our needs and struggles to Jesus, we will find rest in the One who is gentle and humble of heart.

It is with very mixed emotions that I share news of Heather’s retirement at the end of this term. Heather has devoted 27 years of service to our Sacred Heart communities. She begun with us in 1999, before moving across the college. The following 7 years were spent working across both schools before joining us full time from 2007. Heather is a professional in the truest sense: reliable, hardworking, and deeply committed. Heather has provided our school with financial stability for over two decades and leaves behind a legacy of dedication and determination. She will be greatly missed. As a community, we will celebrate Heather’s contribution at our final assembly on the last day of term, beginning at 1:30pm. I warmly invite all parents to attend.

Following our recent Wellbeing and Safeguarding Professional Development Day, I am pleased to share that from next year we will be implementing the Positive Education wellbeing curriculum, developed by Geelong Grammar. This will complement the Respectful Relationships program we have been delivering this year. We will alternate between these two programs each year (2027 – Positive Education, 2028 – Respectful Relationships, and so on). We know there is great value in explicitly teaching our students how to care for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

Our teachers have been working diligently to analyse assessment data and reflect on the growth of our students. They are currently preparing Semester One reports, which will be sent home next week. I encourage all parents to take time to read these reports carefully, particularly the general comment. These comments reflect how each child is known not just by name, but by need. Our teachers are excited by the progress students are making and the way learning is being embedded into long-term memory.

This semester, we have been exceptionally well served by our two school captains, Ella Knight and Logan Sheehan. They have consistently risen to the challenges of leadership, setting a positive example for others and representing our school with pride both internally and externally. I thank them for their outstanding contribution.

I am also delighted to announce our Semester 2 School Captains - Lola Watts and Maisie Cooper. These students were shortlisted by their peers and selected by staff to take on this important role for Terms 3 and 4. I am confident they will continue to lead with integrity and embody our Mercy values of Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Service, and Courage. I look forward to working with them as they help lead our wonderful school.

We are delighted to share that Mickala Thomas will be joining the Sacred Heart team as our new School Operations Administrator. Mickala will be stepping into this role following Heather Keenan’s retirement, and we are excited to welcome her into this important position. Mickala brings a wealth of experience from her 15+ years working in banking, finance, and customer service, as well as running her own successful photography business. She has developed strong skills in organisation, administration, communication, problem-solving, and supporting others. Mickala is known for being reliable, organised, approachable, and someone who builds positive relationships with those around her. She will be a wonderful support to our students, families, and staff. Many of you may already know Mickala as a valued member of our Sacred Heart community. As a current parent, she understands our school values and the strong sense of community we share. Outside of work, Mickala enjoys giving back to the community, including volunteering as a junior netball coach and supporting local groups.

We are thrilled to have Mickala join us and look forward to the contribution she will make to Sacred Heart. Please join us in welcoming her to the team.

Some important dates to add to your diaries include:

This term:

Mon 22/6 - Wangaratta Winter Sports
Fri 26/6 - Last day Term 1

Term 3:

Mon 13/7 - First day of Term 3
Tues 28/7 - (Pupil Free Day) Network Hardware Update
Wed 29/7 - Faith Formation Night #1 (Reconciliation) @ 6pm
Thurs 30/7 - Grandparent’s Day Celebration
Fri 31/7 - Lightning Premiership (Yr5&6)
Wed 5/8 - (Pupil Free Day) Staff Spirituality Day
Fri 14/8 - Feast of the Assumption
Tues 26/8 - Faith Formation Night #2 (Reconciliation) @ 6pm
Wed 2/9 - Father’s Day Stall
Thurs 3/9 - School Athletics Carnival
Fri 4/9 - Father’s Day Breakfast (TBC)
Tues 8/9 - Reconciliation Ceremony 6:30pm
Fri 11/9 - RUOK Day – Family breakfast @ 7am
Fri 18/9 - Last day Term 3

I wish all families a wonderful and safe mid-year break (after we get through next week!).

Take care and God bless,

Jarrod

Term Dates for the Year:

TERM 1: January 27 to April 2

TERM 2: April 20 to June 26

TERM 3: July 13 to September 19

TERM 4: October 5 to December 18