Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Congratulations to the children who were Confirmed and received their First Eucharist last weekend. As Bishop Shane reminded us, preparation for this day began on the day of their Baptism and while First Eucharist is a milestone for children, frequent participation in the Eucharist is necessary for them to continue to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

It was lovely to have Bishop Shane visit Sacred Heart Parish for this special celebration. Thank you, Bishop Shane and Fr John Paul, for leading us in the Mass and celebrating with the children and their families. Thank you, parents, for supporting your child/children through the Steps in Faith Program and to Jessie Simpson for coordinating the program and preparing the children so well to receive their Sacraments. I’d like to especially acknowledge the staff of Sacred Heart who helped out in various ways over the weekend. We will continue to pray for all the children at this very special time.

Next Sunday we begin the Advent Season. Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is the season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. Each week during Advent, classes will be presenting a reflection focused on each of the four weeks. These are always prayerful, lovely reflections. Unfortunately, with the current restrictions we are unable to invite visitors to these reflections. Each year at this time we follow the Mercy example of giving and caring for others through our Christmas Appeal and Giving Tree. Thank you to Roisin Powles for speaking to the children about the importance for giving and explaining the way it helps St Vinnie’s as they support local families who need some additional support at Christmas. Families are asked to donate Christmas food items or buy a voucher from a local business that can then be passed on to St Vinnies and shared with others in our community. Hopefully we will show our generosity once again and enjoy the real spirit of giving this Christmas.

The Social Justice Leadership Team and I joined members of Tatura RSL and local community at Mactier Park for the Remembrance Day service. Thank you, Amelia Petrie, Sam Carbone, Hazel Steinfort and Sienna O’Halloran, for representing Sacred Heart so respectfully and laying a wreath on the cenotaph on behalf of our school. Classes at school also took time to acknowledge the significance of the day with a very reflective prayer service organised by Year 6 Leaders.

As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly ask families to finalise their outstanding accounts. It is expected that all fees are paid each year and not carried forward to future years unless arrangements have been discussed with the principal. If you are paying direct debit, please check to see that your account will be paid in full by the end of the school year. If not, please contact the office to amend your direct debit amount. As always, if fees create financial concern for you, I would encourage you to make an appointment with me to discuss how we can help. Any discussion regarding fees is strictly confidential.

Careful consideration has been given in reviewing the fee structure for 2022 to continue to support our school’s financial requirements, while keeping increases manageable and fair for families. At the November meeting, SHSAC reviewed and approved the 2022 fee structure, which includes the newly introduced technology levy for F-4. This levy will allow iPads, including a safety case, recommended apps and licenses, to be available to every student. Yr 5/6 will continue with the iPad agreement and have full access to their own iPad throughout the year. There is also an increase in Yr 5/6 Excursion and Camps fee to cover costs of the 2022 Canberra Experience. A copy of the fee structure be available in the final newsletter.

Unfortunately, some of SHSAC members have come to the end of their tenure and I would like to acknowledge and thank them for the immense contributions they have made to our school. We thanked and farewelled Emma Dalton during the year but again I acknowledge her dedication to the work she did during her time as a member. Michael Dundon and Maria Spedding joined the School Board in 2016 and have committed their time, energy and expertise to the school during that time. Both have been Board Chairs, Maria our first SAC Chair. They have led many changes during that time and contributed significantly to the growth and improvement of our school. Matt Cameron joined the School Board in 2016 and has shared his commitment and wisdom throughout that time. He has provided members with many opportunities to understand more deeply the school curriculum and strategic planning. Matt has quietly seen to many ‘behind the scenes’ items between meetings in the interests of Sacred Heart and is readily available to SAC members and school families.

On behalf of our school community, I sincerely thank Maria, Michael and Matt for all their dedication to Sacred Heart. We are very grateful for all they have invested in our school. During the meeting we welcomed new SAC members, Maria Nigro, Kylee Dewis and Dom Poppa. We look forward to working with them in 2022.

Orientation Day will take place on Tuesday, December 7th. 2022 Year 1-6 will spend time with their new class and teacher during the second block. 2022 Foundation will be at school from 9:30-12:30, spending some time with their buddy and Year 1 class. Our current Year 6 have the day at their new secondary school. Please note a change in the start date for 2022 Foundation classes. They will commence Tuesday, February 1st. Further information regarding important dates will be included in their orientation packs. All other students will commence on Monday, January 31st.

Congratulations to Cooper Bamford who received the Principal’s Award. Cooper received the award for his improvement and attitude to learning. Well done Cooper.

A reminder that Friday, December 3rd will be a student free day. Staff will at school planning for 2022.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to watch over our school community and bless us always.

Pauline Hindson

Principal

Community Notices

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NEW - School Readiness Program

Junior Cricket Coaching

Saver Plus

Berry Street Post Separation Services