2025 Term 3 Week 10 Newsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Sacred Heart Community,

As we come to the end of Term 3, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your ongoing support throughout what has been a very busy and productive term. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we share with you in supporting your children’s learning and wellbeing. Thank you for your encouragement, your presence at school events, and your continued trust in our work.

As we head into the holiday break, we hope it brings rest, joy, and quality time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for Term 4.

Pupil Free Day – This Friday and first day back next term

A reminder that this Friday is a Pupil Free Day. Our staff will be participating in professional learning on this day. We also have a pupil free day on Monday 13th of October. First day back next term is Tuesday 14th October.

Colour Run – tomorrow!

We’re excited for our annual Colour Run, happening tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) from 2:15–3:15pm on the school oval.

This is our major fundraiser for the year, with proceeds going towards refreshing garden spaces around the school and updating sports equipment for our students.

All students must bring a change of clothes and shoes, and we encourage them to seek sponsorship from family and friends. I suggest some swimming goggles or sunglasses too!

Parents are warmly invited to join us on Thursday afternoon. More helpers are welcome. If you had already offered please refer to the email sent today. OUr event promises to be a fun and colourful celebration to end the term!

Update to BYOD Program – Phasing Out from 2026

We would like to inform our community of a significant change to our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, which will begin to take effect from the start of 2026.

After consultation with members of the Catholic Education IT team and careful consideration by our Leadership Team, we have made the decision to phase out BYOD over the next three years. This change reflects our ongoing investment in school-managed technology and our commitment to providing a safe, equitable, and effective learning environment for all students.

What’s Changing?

From 2026, students entering Year 3 will no longer be required to purchase a personal device. Instead, they will have access to school-managed laptops for use during the school day.

The BYOD program will continue for Years 4, 5, and 6 in 2026, but will be gradually phased out by the end of 2028.

We are also investing in an additional 24 iPads for use in Years K–2 from 2026.

Why Are We Making This Change?

This decision is grounded in several key priorities:

· Equity: Ensuring every student has access to the same high-quality devices, regardless of family circumstances.

· Student Wellbeing: School-managed devices allow us to better support cyber safety, reduce distractions, and ensure responsible use.

· Effective Learning: With consistent devices, teachers can better support students and deliver the curriculum.

· Financial Relief: This change eases the financial burden on families.

· Alignment with Broader Trends: Many Catholic schools and local high schools are moving away from BYOD in the early years.

· Respecting Family Preferences: Many families have expressed concerns about screen time and device use at home.

· Consistency in Learning Tools: BYOD has resulted in a wide range of devices with varying specifications, which can make it challenging for teachers and students. School-managed devices ensure a consistent and reliable experience for all.

We believe this change will better support our students’ learning and wellbeing, while also responding to the feedback and concerns of our families.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

School Uniform – Term 4

As we prepare to begin Term 4, I’d like to remind everyone of the expectation that students return in full summer uniform. The holiday break is a great time to check that uniforms are ready for the term ahead, especially as children grow and items may need replacing.

The clothing pool will be open on Friday 26th between 9-12 noon, our pupil free day, for families to visit to purchase uniform items.

At Sacred Heart, our school uniform is more than just clothing it’s a visible expression of our shared identity, values, and pride in our school. It reflects our ethos of unity, respect, and belonging, and helps create an environment where students can focus on learning without the distractions of fashion trends or peer pressure.

Thank you for your continued support in upholding the standards that make Sacred Heart such a special place to learn and grow.

Congratulations Rylan Gleeson!

We are thrilled to share that Rylan Gleeson represented Sacred Heart in the ACT Rostrum Public Speaking Grand Final on Monday evening. Competing against eight other finalists from across the territory, Rylan delivered a powerful four-minute speech on graffiti, speaking about Banksy and his work to show hope and peace, earning second place overall.

With 99 schools participating, this is an extraordinary achievement — Rylan is officially the second best public speaker in the ACT! We are so proud of her courage, clarity, and confidence. Well done, Rylan!

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday break!

 In faith and partnership,

David Austin

Principal

Reminders

Colour Run

We would like to say thank you to our sponsors, Betty's Burgers,  The Walking Clinic, TimeZone, Care Taxi and A Bite to Eat (Chifley).

Playgroup

Playgroup recently welcomed visitors from the Chinese Embassy and ACT Playgroups, who came to observe how facilitated playgroups operate with the hope of introducing them to China.

Tennis

The Y Canberra

Mary Help of Christians, South Woden

MHoC Website

Please see in this week’s bulletin details for:

• Bishop Pat Power’s Vigil Mass in Queanbeyan & Funeral Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral,

• We would love some volunteers to help us spread some mulch around the grounds and

• Our Casserole bank has been lovingly filled by our parishioners & Marist College.

Birthdays

Congratulations to the following students celebrating their birthday this week and over the school holidays.

Ivy S, Rivka S, Edward H, Harry W, Mikayla B, Phoebe T, Carmela P, Olive W.

Awards

 Awards will be presented during the Thursday morning assembly at 8:55am.

Music Tuition

Private Piano Tuition

Those parents who are wanting their child/children to have piano lessons, can contact the teachers directly on the following contact numbers;

• Mrs Hildegarde Mendoza Phone: 0417 580 975
• Mrs Pam Cox Phone: 0418 442 203

Private Guitar Lessons

Those parents who are wanting their child/children to have guitar lessons, can contact the teacher directly on the following contact details.

Private Violin Lessons

Those parents who are wanting their child/children to have violin lessons, can contact the teacher directly on the following contact details.

• Peter Thorne: 0413 106 584 or   Email

Community Notices

South.Point Rooftop Putt Putt– FREE ENTRY

This Floriade season, South.Point’s rooftop transforms into Spring Putt Putt — a custom-built, open-air mini golf course you won’t find anywhere else in Canberra. Designed exclusively for Floriade About Town, it’s a colourful, floral, spring-themed activity where every putt is part competition, part photo opportunity.

From blooming backdrops to playful obstacles, each hole brings its own spring-inspired twist. Whether you’re a first-timer or a mini golf pro, the focus is on fun, friendly rivalry, and soaking in the season.

The full course takes around 20 minutes to complete, making it an easy and exciting add-on to your day. You’ll find it on the Rooftop Car Park at South.Point, with travellator and stair access from the main shopping levels and signage to guide you straight to the action. Use the travellators behind EB Games for access.

Spring Putt Putt is made for everyone—families, friends, dates, and even that one mate who insists on keeping score—and when you’ve finished your round, the fun doesn’t have to end! Explore over 180 retailers, savour great dining along Anketell Street, or catch live sport and entertainment at The Point.

Make the trip south, putt among the petals, and enjoy a Floriade experience you won’t forget.

When: Saturday 27 September to Sunday 12 October 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Rooftop Car Park 
Cost: FREE!

We have a Rooftop Community Market each 2^nd Sunday of the month as part of South.Point’s community engagement project and we could facilitate fundraising activities for your school.