Message From Our 

Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

“Never see a need without trying to do something about it’. 

St Mary of the Cross (MacKillop)

Sunday, August 8th, is the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, our first Australian Saint and we give thanks for this extraordinary woman. Mary MacKillop was an educator, a pioneer and a leader, someone who had compassion for others regardless of their situation. Galvanised by her belief in the value of education as the foundation for a fulfilling life, Mary’s motto was ‘never see a need without doing something about it’.  Mary’s legacy of helping all people in need, with the aim of creating more connected, stronger communities is so important today and calls us all to follow her loving example. Through our Graduate Outcomes all at Sacred Heart aspire to grow more like this wonderful Australian Saint each and every day.

The following Sunday, August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and on this special Holy Day, we remember, Mary, Jesus’ Mother ending her earthly life and returning to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.  We are reminded of the wonderful example Mary is to us as she responded to God’s call.

I am so proud of the way the school community responded to the latest lockdown and how quickly everyone resettled back into school last week.  The children are very familiar with the importance of having a positive mindset during these times. Staff were quick into action implementing remote learning at short notice and I thank parents for their invaluable support. At this stage many restrictions are still in place. If parents do need to enter the school buildings, please carefully follow the directions in the foyer and be aware that the density limit of 1 person per 4 square meters must be applied to the spaces used. Non-essential meetings, school gatherings, assemblies and Liturgies are to be deferred or held remotely. Unfortunately, we have not been able to commence our 2022 Foundation Enrolment meetings as planned. I look forward to meeting the children and their parents as soon as these can be rescheduled.

Congratulations to our Foundation classes for reaching their ‘100th Day of School’. Many enjoyable activities were planned to celebrate this milestone but perhaps the one most enjoyed by the rest of the school community was to see our Foundation children come along dressed as a 100-year-old version of themselves! They were wonderful! A special thank you to their parents for going to so much effort. Well done to our Foundations children, their parents and teachers for the way you have all managed this extraordinary first year of school.

Last week the Advisory Council met and one of the items for discussion was the possibility of providing access to a greater number of iPads throughout the school. The current lease expires at the end of the year and if the school budget allows us to buy out the existing leased iPads it may be possible. This would be a great support to the daily learning and for families should snap lockdowns continue. Early next term we will be seeking nominations for parent representatives on our 2022 School Advisory Council. Becoming a member of our Advisory Council is an excellent way for parents to become involved in the life of the school and I encourage you to consider this when nominations are called.

Following all the rain we have had our schoolground is quite wet and muddy. May I please suggest that some extra dry clothes be packed into the school bags as we are running very short of extra clothing!

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

Pauline Hindson

Principal