Message From Our 

Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope all our mums, grandmothers, stepmothers, aunts, sisters and the women that care for others had a lovely day last Sunday. We thank God for each of you every day.  I hope those who received gifts made during PPR enjoyed them and know just how much love and care went into each of them. 

It was lovely to see so many families and children at the May Children’s Mass. Children participated in the Mass, Sacramental children were welcomed by the parish and Fr John Paul celebrated his 10th Anniversary. Thank you to Jessie Simpson for organising the children, it was so lovely seeing our beautiful church full once again. Our Sacramental children are working with their families through their “Our Times Together” books in readiness for their First Sacrament of Reconciliation. We ask God’s blessing on them and their families during this special time.

We have just celebrated Catholic Education Week which is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good in Catholic Education and highlight our theme, “Faith in Our Future” and to share the distinctive mission of Catholic Education and what we have to offer the wider community. This year Catholic Education celebrates 200 years in Australia. Our School Open Day, taking place next Wednesday, 19th May it is a wonderful opportunity for us to proudly showcase all that is happening at Sacred Heart. There will be two information sessions at 9:30am and 5.30pm and tours of the school throughout the day.  If you know of anyone who may be interested in enrolling their child/children at Sacred Heart please invite them along to our Open Day or contact the school on 58241841. Enrolments for 2022 are now open and the  enrolment procedure is available on our Website.

All children are now required to be in full winter uniform.  Long navy pants/navy skirt and tights are to be worn and only the school beanie can be worn outside. A list of the winter uniform is available on our website. Please ensure all clothing is clearly named. I appreciate parents’ support in ensuring the correct uniform is worn.

It was good to hear that there are now changes to capacity limits for visitors at school. Beginning on Monday we are able to welcome visitors into our learning spaces once again. If you would like to walk your child into their class, please feel free to do so but remember that they are all very capable of carrying and unpacking their bag and organising themselves ready for the day. Throughout this time, we have watched with delight as children have grown to be independent, responsible and very resilient. There is a lovely saying “Never do for a child what they can do for themself”. 

In order to comply with the density restrictions of one person per 2 metres we ask that all visitors have left the learning space before the music begins. Please await communication from your classroom teacher regarding classroom helpers as they will notify families if/when this will recommence. All helpers must have completed the Volunteer Induction [see our Website] and all visitors to school must continue to comply with physical distancing, practise good hand hygiene, not come onsite if they are unwell and follow the Covid Safe school signage. 

We are still unable to have whole school events with visitors in the church or Mercy Centre. We will continue to have Assembly in the quadrangle weather permitting. If not, we will move to the Mercy Centre and parents will be notified by 11am on PAM. Where possible some school events will be organised in units allowing us to invite extra visitors on these occasions. If any further changes happen I will notify families as soon as possible.

All the feedback suggests that the changes to our eating time is going very well and allowing staff to make the best use of teaching time. To make this easier for staff and children, could I please ask families to pack rubbish free lunches, otherwise known as “Nude Food Lunch Box!”  This not only keeps the school yard tidy and is better for our environment but makes things much easier for your child. I have attached links below to websites which offer some clever hints for providing a healthy, nude food lunch.

Next Friday is National Walk to School Day and we are encouraging everyone to walk, ride or scoot safely to school, even for a few blocks or to the bus stop. This day aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term well-being of our children. Remember, “Active Kids are Smarter Kids”. 

Best wishes to all our Cross Country team who are representing Sacred Heart at the District Level event in Shepparton on Friday. I’m sure you will all do your best. Well done to Year 3 and 5s who did their best at completing Naplan this week. We are very proud of you all.

A reminder that Monday June 7th is a student free day.  Teachers will be participating in one of our allocated professional learning days and children will not be required at school on this day. 

Congratulations to Darcy Hawkins and Kate McCarthy on receiving the Principal’s Award. Darcy fully involved himself in all camp activities during the 3/4 Billabong Camp. He participated in everything in a Responsible, Respectful and Resilient manner and was given 10/10 for teamwork and friendship by all the teachers. Well done Darcy. Kate received her award because she is exemplary at displaying the Sacred Heart School values. Her attitude and approach to learning is exceptional and she always does her best, treating others with care and kindness. Well done Kate.

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

Pauline Hindson

Principal