What's Coming Up ... Key Dates 2026

For the Fridge

Dear Families and Friends,

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and wider Jewish community affected by the tragic events at Bondi Beach on 14 December. We extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving and to those impacted by this heartbreaking incident.

At times like these, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, kindness and looking out for one another. We encourage our community to hold those affected in their thoughts and to support one another, particularly our young people, who may have questions or strong emotions in response to the news.

As always, our staff are available to support students should they need reassurance or someone to talk to.

We stand together as a community in care, prayer and solidarity.

A Reflection on Four Years of Growth, Improvement and Collective Achievement at Sacred Heart

As I look back over the past four years at Sacred Heart, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. Together, we have shaped a school that is now firmly recognised as a leader in the Bayside educational community, defined by high expectations, exceptional practice and an unwavering commitment to every child’s success. At the heart of all we do are our students, guided each day by highly dedicated staff and supported by the most responsive and engaged families any school could hope for. Thank you Sacred Heart families.

I have been incredibly blessed during my time at Sacred Heart to be surrounded by exceptionally committed, talented and generous staff. They have embraced every challenge and opportunity and, through their professionalism, knowledge and heart, consistently made me look good. Any success attributed to my leadership is, in truth, a reflection of the collective strength, collaboration and relentless dedication of the people beside me. I genuinely mean that, and I hope this has been acknowledged over this journey at Sacred Heart.

Over this period our profound transformation has been driven by a clear, evidence-based improvement agenda and an incredible buy-in by all. Teaching and learning practices are now anchored in the most current and exemplary research, particularly in literacy, where our strategic focus has positioned Sacred Heart as a system-wide model of best practice. This was affirmed in our recent system review, which highlighted the exemplary, consistently applied instructional practices evident in every classroom. The reviewer noted that our collaboratively agreed whole-school approach, grounded in the MACS Flourishing Learners: Vision for Instruction, has had a significant and measurable impact on student achievement. I wholeheartedly congratulate our leaders for driving this agenda with such clarity and purpose.

This commitment to excellence has not only lifted student outcomes but inspired more than eighty school visits from leaders eager to witness our practice in action. Our staff have generously shared their expertise, presenting at MACS network days to more than three hundred educators and receiving public recognition, including in the Herald Sun, for their dedication and impact.

Our school culture sits at the heart of our success. Sacred Heart has evolved into a most stable, highly professional and deeply collaborative community. School climate and staff–leadership relationships are simply outstanding, along with, collective efficacy and collaboration around a clear improvement strategy. Our leadership structure has strengthened considerably, ensuring clarity, opportunity, aspiration and a shared responsibility for school-wide improvement. The professionalism of our staff and their unwavering belief in what we can achieve together have been instrumental in every success. To that end, I simply cannot commend our staff more highly.

Student outcomes speak for themselves. Our NAPLAN results have shown significant growth, while enrolments have stabilised and strengthened considerably, reflecting the increasing confidence families place in us and the quality of our staff. Sacred Heart is proudly a school of choice in Bayside, something earned through hard work, staff commitment, consistent practice across all classrooms, transparency, parent advocacy and strong results.

Our physical environment has also undergone a remarkable transformation. A $5.2 million refurbishment has delivered modern, state-of-the-art learning spaces that reflect our contemporary pedagogy. Our financial position has strengthened significantly, and the extraordinary generosity of our P & F, who have invested more than $150,000 into furniture and projects that directly enhance student learning and wellbeing.

We have continued to expand our community connections and student experiences, introducing both a Kinder Visitation Program and a highly successful Intergenerational Program with Mercy Health Aged Care. These initiatives have enriched learning and strengthened our partnerships beyond the school gates. Our students love these opportunities, and so do the aged-care residents and pre-schoolers they engage with. Long may these valued connections continue.

We have celebrated countless student achievements, including notable sporting successes at network, regional and state level, particularly throughout 2025:

Girls Senior Basketball – Hoop Time State Champions
Dendy Mixed Senior AFL Lightning Premiership Champions
Mixed Senior AFL 9s Beachside Carnival
Dendy District Cross Country Carnival Champions
Girls Senior Netball Lightning Premiership Champions
Girls Senior Primary School State Netball Champions

Across these four years, strong collaboration, passionate students and a united commitment to improvement have shaped a school that is confident, future-focused and thriving. With exciting playground projects ready to progress and a deeply embedded culture of excellence, Sacred Heart is in outstanding shape for its next chapter.

I am profoundly grateful to have walked alongside our community and served as principal during this remarkable period of growth, renewal and collective achievement. It has been a privilege to work with such devoted and inspiring staff and leaders, passionate and heart-filled students, and exceptionally supportive families. Sacred Heart is a stunning community in every sense; thriving, united, deeply proud and ready for the future. The next principal, Mrs Ferrari, will be incredibly fortunate to join this extraordinary school as it steps confidently into its next chapter. My hope for the Sacred Heart community is that they embrace the journey ahead, keep raising the bar and continue to be the best version of yourself in the best school in the Bayside… for now. Someone will soon be chasing that mantle.

THANK YOUs

I extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to our staff for their dedication and tireless efforts over the past twelve months (4 years). You are an exceptional team, in every sense of the word who consistently place students at the heart of everything you do. Our students, families and broader community are truly blessed to have such highly committed, professional and passionate educators who care so deeply for the children in their care.

To our leadership team, thank you for driving our school improvement agenda, supporting your respective teams and for your continual pursuit of excellence. In particular, I acknowledge Kate Stroud and Sarah Rafferty, whose leadership has transformed the way we now do things at Sacred Heart. Your work with staff is inspiring in every regard (personally and professionallly shaping staff) and has had a profound and lasting impact on our students, staff and families. The exemplary practices you have helped embed are now influencing practice well beyond our school and deep into our system. This does not happen by chance.

To Karen in the front office, thank you for the incredible support and work so often done behind the scenes. You have consistently made my role that little bit easier through your professionalism, efficiency and care. The way you manage the complexity of the front office has been outstanding throughout my four years at Sacred Heart, and I cannot thank you enough.

To our families, thank you for welcoming and embracing change over this period. Your responsiveness, openness and trust should never be taken for granted. Your high expectations, strong partnership with the school and shared commitment to placing children at the centre of all we do have been instrumental in our collective success.

A special mention goes to our P&F and Luisa, our dynamic President. Luisa’s energy, passion and drive to enhance community experiences for our students and families have been nothing short of extraordinary. We are incredibly fortunate to have her in this role. Look out 2026, and maybe even a bucking bull ride with the new principal on board. I also sincerely thank Sam T and Francesca for their significant contributions and leadership within the P&F. These voluntary roles require an enormous amount of time and commitment, and their impact can often be overlooked in the busyness of school life. Thank you also to our Parent Representatives for the important role you continue to play in supporting staff and strengthening communication across our community. Another special acknowledgement to Tarn and Kate in the Uniform Shop for their ongoing support and dedication to this invaluable service. They have generously given countless hours this year supporting our families with uniform needs and have been incredibly accommodating to so many over the past months. A heartfelt thank you to the Ackerman family for their extraordinary generosity over the years, including the donation of countless kilograms of sausages for school events. While Kristy has never sought recognition, her generosity and ongoing support have been deeply appreciated by our families.

To the School Advisory Council, thank you for your wisdom, guidance and willingness to listen throughout my journey. Your counsel has never been taken for granted, and your unified commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our community has been invaluable.

To Father Martin, how fortunate we are at Sacred Heart to have you leading our parish. Your faith leadership has been outstanding since joining the parish, and your energy and commitment to strengthening family, school and parish connections have been greatly valued. Thank you for your friendship and unwavering support of me in my role.

And finally, to the HEART and core of our community, our students. Every decision made over this period has been centred on them and must always remain so. They inspire us, challenge us, create, learn, laugh, love and thrive. They are the reason we do what we do, and they are Sacred Heart. It will always be my greatest privilege to have been part of your precious journey. I will miss this greatly.

Departing Families

We wish to thank and extend our very best wishes to the following families as they depart our community at the end of this year. We sincerely thank you for your contributions and partnership throughout this journey and hope these valued relationships continue in the years to come.

Conquest, Hospodar (safe travels back to America), Beven, Bourbon, Budin, Farrelly, Fogarty, Hill, Jamison, Jennings, Lakes, Lonsdale-Coates, Martin, Milliken, Molony, Neilson, Pacquola, Paulston/Cason, Pigott, Riddex, Saccasan, Schuh, Shannon, Shannon, Short, Simpson, Surkitt & Thurlow

Year 6 Graduating Students

We warmly acknowledge and congratulate our graduating Year 6 students as they reach this important milestone. You leave Sacred Heart with strong foundations, lasting friendships and a readiness for the next chapter of your learning journey. We are incredibly proud of the growth, resilience and leadership you have shown, and we wish each of you every success, happiness and courage as you step confidently into secondary school and beyond. What a bar you have set for our Yr.5 students.

A VERY special shout out to Miss Bulte and Miss Newey for the simply spectacular and fitting Graduation celebration on Monday evening. Our students and families could not have imagined a more meaningful or beautifully prepared occasion to acknowledge our Year 6 students in their final year at Sacred Heart. It was an outstanding evening in every sense. Thank you for creating such a memorable celebration, our students and families were blessed!

Community Victoria Award

Congratulations to Nate Mc who was chosen for the Victoria Award. Nate is a quiet, humble, and deeply respected leader who leads first and foremost through his actions. Nate shows kindness, reliability, and genuine thoughtfulness every day, and he consistently lives out our school values of service, leadership, and respect in all areas of school life.

School Captains 2026

Voted by their peers, we could not be more proud of the following school captains for 2026. What a stunning representation they are, and will be, at Sacred Heart, leading by example: Mila, Geneva, Simon & Octavio.

LITTLE GEMS💎

Check out this Yr.4 risk taking superstar who has been chosen for the state ski academy. We are so proud of you, Cole.

Congratulations to Isabelle who competed in the State Relay Championships and won 3 golds and 1 bronze out of 4 races. Isabelle and her team also broke the Victorian state record for their age group in the Medley Relay, where Isabelle ran the 400m leg.

Noah and his team (Nate & Harry) also performed brilliantly, securing silver in 2 races. How's this for a special photo of Isabelle sprinting to the finish line while Noah proudly stood on the podium!

Congratulations to both Isabelle and Noah on these outstanding achievements!

And finally...

As we approach Christmas, we extend our warmest wishes to all families for a joyful and peaceful season. May this special time be filled with love, gratitude and moments of rest with those you hold dear. Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the years at Sacred Heart. On behalf of all staff, we wish you a safe, holy and happy Christmas.

I would also like to express my deepest thanks for the very special assembly celebration last Friday. I was deeply moved and humbled by this thoughtful gesture and will always hold this community close. The impact you have had on me will be treasured, and I will look back on my time at Sacred Heart with immense pride. The beautiful print will take pride of place in my office as a lasting reminder of a community I have loved and respected so deeply.

With much holiday joy and gratitude, and knowing our paths will cross again.

Simon C

Principal

Sacred Heart School Sandringham - Newsletter

WELLBEING MATTERS

Issue 22 · 16 Dec 2025

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