Principal News

Dear Sacred Heart School Community

I felt compelled to share this photo which I took earlier in the week whilst covering after school care. Upon the rainbow being brought to my attention by sisters Katelin and Laura, I reflected that it may be a sign or even a metaphor for the past two weeks (some of you may think I have had one too many knocks to the head!) After last week's increased illness within our community, students, parents and staff being hit with the COVID virus and its resultant challenges for our school and families, it was a reminder that things will always get better if we can remain positive.

COVID Protocols

The government has announced that families will continue to be given RAT until the end of this term. As per last term and this term so far, each student will be given a box of RAT every two weeks with the next lot being given on Monday 23rd May. Again thank you for your continued vigilance with all matters COVID.

Good Samaritan Awards

Whilst I was at a principal cluster meeting yesterday and not able to attend our whole school assembly, I am sure that gathering as a whole school for the first time in over a year to hear and celebrate our learning was an exciting time for all. 

An important part of our assembly is the awarding of the "Good Samaritan Award" to students who exhibit , care, compassion and selflessness. In Kate's Wellbeing section of this newsletter, you will see this week's recipients.  

Principal Appraisal

My five year contract as Principal of our school ends at the conclusion to the 2022 school year. I am currently going through an appraisal process guided by an educational consultant employed by MACS and my Principal Consultant. The appraisal process requires me to identify the areas of leadership I need to develop, and implement appropriate strategies to achieve this growth. Next week I will be attending a leadership conference in Brisbane as part of this process. During my absence Monday till Thursday Jess will be acting principal

Please note there will not be a newsletter next week.

Election day

As mentioned in previous week’s newsletters, our school will be a polling booth for the federal election tomorrow Saturday 21st May. Our Parents and Friends group decided to go ahead with the planned fundraiser this despite COVID hitting our school last week. 

We are going to take this opportunity to raise some valuable funds for our school. As planned previously, our Parents and Friend's Committee are organising a toy sale and bake sale on the day of the election. 

We are selling used toys (good condition) and home made treats. If you have to vote come and visit us at Sacred Heart and see if there are any treats that tickle your taste buds.

Maria

It is with sadness for our school but excitement for Roi and her family that inform our school community that Maria will be retiring at the end of his term. I will speak about Maria's incredible contribution to our school and the legacy she will leave in an upcoming newsletter. Maria's position has ben advertised and interviews will take place in the coming weeks.

Enrolments for 2023

A reminder that enrolments for 2023 Year Prep will officially close on Monday 20th June. Pleasingly I have completed more tours for potential Year Prep students in 2023 than for any other Year Prep year in my time at Sacred Heart (today I did tour number 24, and I have 2 more tours booked in the coming weeks). If you know of any families who would like a tour, please encourage them to contact the school by phone or email. 

Road to Reconciliation Day 2022

Parade College Bundoora invited a small group of students from each of their feeder primary schools to attend a student forum today Friday 20th May titled “Road to Reconciliation Day 2022”. The forum looked at our country’s indigenous history, the traditions and cultures of our indigenous people and plans for schools both primary and secondary to create an awareness and respect of our First Nations People.

And Finally a Joke From the Parish Bulletin ...........

A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and the floor was spotless. Then he saw an envelope on the pillow. It was addressed, “Dad.” With trembling hands the father opened the envelope and slowly read the letter. “Dear Dad. It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing to you. I’ve eloped with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you. I love my family but I’ve fallen in love with a girl called Monica. She is so nice but I knew you would not approve of her because of her body piercings, the many tattoos, motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am. But it's not only about the passion, dad. We’re expecting a baby in the summer. Monica believes we will be very happy together. She owns a caravan in the bush and has plenty of firewood for the approaching winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Don't worry, dad. I know I’m only 15 but I can take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll come back to visit, so you can get to know your many grandchildren. Much love, your son Josh.” The father went white then saw the P.S. at the bottom of the letter. “Dad, none of the above is true. I'm actually over at Pete's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that's on the kitchen table. Call me when it’s safe to come home.”

Yours Sincerely

Mark Tierney

Principal