Message From Our
Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Next Thursday, February 24th we are having a Welcome Evening. It’s been difficult for families not being able to come onsite, meet their children’s teachers and see our lovely learning spaces. Next Thursday the school will be open from 4:30-6pm and we are inviting all our families to come along and visit us during that time. The staff will be here to greet you, and your children can show you their learning spaces and some of the great work they have been doing. This is a lovely opportunity to come along to school and meet each other. We look forward to seeing you all at the Welcome Evening.
We continue to follow the Covid Safe Guidelines and I thank parents for keeping the school closely informed regarding any positive tests and family contacts. Children and staff in Year 3-6 are helping by wearing their masks inside and we are all remembering to do other necessary things to stay safe. Air purifiers have been provided in each of the learning spaces and teachers are using the outdoor areas as much as possible. Sacred Heart received a grant under the Victorian Government School Shade Sail Program which will allow even more opportunities for children to learn in our outdoor spaces.
It is very exciting to see the builders have begun working on the Performing Arts Centre with lots of machinery and work taking place. It’s fun to watch – just ask Mrs Dundon and her class who are enjoying all the action!! I will provide you with more information about the building works as it continues to take shape.
Yesterday SH School Advisory Council met for the first time in 2022. Joan Coldwell, Project Officer, School Advisory Council Catholic Education Sandhurst attended the meeting and led members through the important role and purpose of the School Advisory Council. SHSAC provides a voice for the school community and importantly contributes to ongoing school improvement. It acts on behalf of all families, both present and future.
Our new SAC Chair was elected and I congratulate and thank Kylee Dewis for accepting this important position, along with Hamish Crawford as Deputy Chair. We also welcomed Maria Nigro as she begins her role on SHSAC with ongoing members, Trudi Woodward and Travis Worm. I would like to thank each of our members for their invaluable interest and time given to our school and look forward to working with them throughout 2022.
As part of our commitment to child safety and ensuring we are all safe, last week we had a visit from the local police. Constable Savan Chitikena responded to a call from the school at the report of an 'unknown' person approaching our children on the Hunter Street fence and offering ice-creams. Our staff quickly responded to the situation and the children were very proactive in seeking support. Hence the call to the police. All staff have been spreading the message about 'stranger danger' and the need to be safe at all times.
We are safe. We ask that you spend some time talking with your child about the importance of keeping safe and not talking with unknown people.
During Assembly our FIRE Carriers led us through a beautiful prayer and reflection reminding us of the Anniversary of the National Apology. February 13th, National Sorry Day marks the thirteenth anniversary and our FIRE Carriers reminded us of the importance of reconciliation, respect, healing and loving one another. Thank you, FIRE Carriers.
Communication between home and school is vital to the learning and wellbeing of your children. Our communication with families happens in a variety of ways such as fortnightly newsletters, termly unit bulletins, our official Sacred Heart Facebook and daily updates on PAM. Parents have access to all the teachers' emails. If you are not receiving the necessary communication please contact your classroom teacher or the school office. Dom and I are also always available to discuss further improvements to communication between home and school.
Each week during Assembly I present an award to someone who is a wonderful example of the Sacred Heart School values. They follow our PBIS rules and are a shining light in our school and community. Congratulations to our first two students who have received the Principal’s Award. Both these students have been exemplary in their roles as leaders of Sacred Heart.
The first Principal’s Award for 2022 was presented to Sydney Nihill. Sydney is a shining example of what our Sacred Heart School values mean. He demonstrates our PBiS expectations and is polite, respectful and can always be trusted to make good choices. Sydney is generous with his time and helps others whenever needed. Well done Sydney.
Ebony Worm received this week’s Principal’s Award. Ebony is also a wonderful role model to others in how she displays our school values each and every day. She is kind and caring to everyone and always follows our PBiS expectations. She is polite, respectful and responsible and always gives her very best. Well done Ebony.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to watch over our school community and bless us always.
Pauline Hindson
Principal
