Principals Report

Principal's Report

As we move through Week 9, the end of the school year is well and truly in sight. After today, we have just nine school days remaining. During this time, our students will enjoy their end-of-year celebrations and excursions, we’ll have our statewide Transition Day on Tuesday 9th, our End of Year Mass on Monday 15th, and students’ final day on Tuesday 16th.

As this is our last newsletter for the year, I want to take this opportunity to personally thank the Sacred Heart school community for the way you have welcomed my family. We have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of life in Yarrawonga, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our staff and families so that our students achieve the best possible outcomes every day.

On Sunday, we began the Season of Advent at Mass. Fr Junjun reminded us of the themes for the four weeks of Advent, which you may like to use to guide your prayers this month:

· Week 1: Hope – symbolised by the first purple candle, reminding us of the hope we hold as we await the arrival of our Saviour.

· Week 2: Peace – the second purple candle calls us to seek inner peace and share peace with others.

· Week 3: Joy – the rose-coloured candle reminds us to rejoice as the coming of Christ draws near.

· Week 4: Love – the final purple candle represents God’s boundless love, which we are called to share.

Thank you to all families for supporting yesterday’s Christmas for Cebu appeal. Mrs McInness was busy counting donations, and early estimates show we raised over $1,200! This money will go directly to those in need in Cebu and will help fund the building of at least one new home—just incredible!

We’re looking forward to Transition Day next Tuesday, when students will spend the morning with their 2026 class and teacher in their new learning space. Our teachers have spent many hours creating class lists to ensure every student experiences success in the coming year.

On Monday 15th December, we will celebrate the year together at our End of Year Mass at 10:00am in the MPB. During Mass, we will present the Yr 6 Catherine McAuley Award, the Rosie Cullen Award (Yr 3), and thank our graduating and departing Year 6 families. Following Mass, our Year 6 Graduation celebration will continue at Club

Mulwala with more awards and merriment. Thank you to all staff who have worked hard to organise these events.

Just a reminder: students finish the school year on Tuesday 16th December at 3:15pm.

We would also like to inform families that there have been some reported cases of Influenza A in the local area. To help keep everyone healthy:

· Keep children home if they show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue.

· Encourage good hygiene practices like regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.

· Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Thank you for helping us keep our school safe and well.

Finally, an update on staffing for 2026. As mentioned in previous newsletters, this time of year often brings farewells as staff move on to new adventures. We will celebrate their contributions later this month, but for now, we wish the following staff members all the very best:

· Elli Mestrom – Over the past year and a half, Elli has been a guiding light for our Prep students, nurturing their learning with care and dedication. Her presence has been deeply appreciated by staff, students, and parents alike, and she will be greatly missed. We wish Elli every success and happiness in her future endeavors.

· Kirby Hillier – Kirby has brought passion and energy to her role, inspiring and educating our Year 4 students throughout this year. Her contribution has been invaluable, and she too will be missed. We extend our best wishes to Kirby as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey.

We are excited to announce that Danica Smith will join our team at the beginning of 2026. Danica is currently teaching Year 4 at St Patrick’s Kilmore. Her deep understanding of high-quality teaching and learning practices, commitment to Catholic Education, and humble, collaborative nature impressed us all. We believe her positive, can-do attitude will contribute greatly to building a strong staff culture. After speaking with her referees, we are confident we have made an excellent choice.

Have a wonderful Christmas break, everyone! A reminder that school resumes in 2026 on Friday 30th January. For now, let’s enjoy the lead-up to the birth of Christ and all the Christmas festivities this season brings (and hopefully some warmer weather!).

Have a wonderful week, everyone. 

Take care and God Bless,

Jarrod

Term Ahead - Term 4 – Sacred Heart families