PRINCIPAL

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

On Monday 15 August, the College marked the Feast of the Assumption. This Holy Day of Obligation commemorates the bodily ascension into heaven of the Virgin Mary at the end of her life. Our thanks to Fr Cyprian from Our Lady of the Mission Parish and Campus Minister, Mr Chris Kan, for a lovely Mass for students and staff in our Chapel.

We were informed this week that former Sacred Heart family member, Mr Martin Colgan, passed away recently. Martin was responsible for much of the building of the Chapel and the old gymnasium. He also very generously donated the stained glass window that features at the entrance to the Chapel. We ask that you keep Martin’s wife, Dot, and the Colgan family in your thoughts and prayers.

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK

This week is National Science Week. Mr Ericius Tan, Head of Learning Area - Science, and his department took the opportunity to share their love of science and reminded us that "The important thing is to never stop questioning" - Albert Einstein. 

We are blessed to have amazing staff working at the College and none more so than in the Science Department. Our Science teachers and technicians work tirelessly throughout the year to instil a love of science and curiosity in our students, and I thank them for their ongoing dedication in engaging and inspiring students in this wonderful discipline.

SCHOOL SURFING TITLES

Congratulations to our Surfing and Bodyboarding teams who won the Metro Zone 1 School Surfing Titles for the third time in a row on Monday. There were some excellent performances, including Matt Landery (Year 12 O’Reilly), who participated in nine heats, winning the Senior Bodyboarding titles with Andrew Browning (Year 12 Thu Duc). Matt and Andrew will be representing both the College and Metro Zone 1 at the State Finals next week and we wish them all the best. 

Our Junior Bodyboarders Finn Knox (Year 9 Trinity) and Cash Nation (Year 9 Barlow) placed second overall and our Senior Bodyboarders Patrick McQuillen and Darragh Duffy (Year 12 Hannan) placed third. 

Thank you to Mr John Ryan for his excellent coaching and management. Further details about the titles, including an opportunity for girls to learn to surf in Term 4, are available in this Newsletter.

SPIRIT OF THE ARTS PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL - CONCERT BANDS

Over four nights this week we had the pleasure of hosting the Concert Bands section of the Spirit of the Arts Performing Arts Festival. Primary and secondary schools from all around Perth showcased their talents in the RNDM Theatre. Our gifted students entertained and performed before a large live audience. Thank you to the Performing Arts Department and our Theatre staff in ensuring all guests were warmly welcomed and looked after.

HANNAN FEAST DAY - 'FOLLOW YOUR LIGHT'

Congratulations to all Hannan House staff and students, led by Mrs Linda Anstiss, on a successful Feast Day on Wednesday. Hannan House is named after our founding Principal, Sr Lois Hannan, who had great empathy for the marginalised and oppressed. Sr Lois was also known for opening the first day-shelter for Aboriginal women in Perth, providing a safe haven for women and children. 

WELCOME BACK TO THE CLASS OF 2002

We are delighted to be hosting the Class of 2002 for their 20 Year Reunion on Saturday afternoon. This event will see over 50 past students gather to reconnect with friends, share stories and enjoy a nostalgic tour of the College grounds. With 27 of our current staff and many more of our current parents being Alumni, it is great to see those in our community are truly a Heart for Life. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Our Strategic Planning process continued in earnest this week where our Parent Advisory Council and the senior Executive team all had various meetings to analyse the collected data. It was pleasing to see so many families, staff and students share their insights and wisdom with us, and I thank you all for taking the time to complete the Strategic Planning surveys. As the process progresses, common threads on the future of the College will begin to emerge; however, even in the early stages of analysis, we have all reflected that the Four Pillars (Spiritual, Academic, Sporting and Cultural) are the foundation of what our community holds dear. 

JAZZ 'N' SHIRAZ - SAVE THE DATE

Always a highlight of the year, our annual Jazz 'n' Shiraz event will take place on Saturday 10 September in the Koort Centre. Tickets are due to be released towards the end of Week 6 and I highly encourage families to save the date.

God Bless.

Mr Leo Di Gregorio

Principal