Dear Community,

I am pleased to announce that, following a successful recruitment campaign and well over 30 Kinder enrolments for 2025, Catholic Education has informed me that we will have two Kindergarten classes next year.

If you know of families interested in Catholic education in the Pearce region, please spread the word about our wonderful school community. We will have two small(ish) kindergarten classes next year, and we are so happy to welcome new students and families to Sacred Heart.

CEO Sleepout tonight

Tonight, I will be participating in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Thanks so much for the support I have received- now just tipped $ 9,000, which is quite humbling. From 6 pm tonight, I will be at Parliament House engaging in activities, listening to speakers from Vinnies, networking with others and sleeping rough for one night.

Why?

I believe I am privileged as the Principal of a Catholic school in Canberra, to lead by example, be a positive role model, and represent us, Sacred Heart Primary School, in raising awareness of the plight of homelessness in our region. Raising much-needed funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society is something small I can do so Vinnies can continue their outstanding work.

This is my seventh year participating, and although the sleepout isn’t intended to be a real experience of homelessness (it is only one night!), it is a way of encouraging empathy and awareness while raising money for vital support services. Tonight does provide a glimpse into what over a hundred thousand Australians experience every day, and I can share the experience with you.

Homelessness is not just about a roof over your head; it’s about having a stable and secure place to call home. It’s about having a solid foundation upon which people are afforded the support, security and care they need to explore their potential and become happy, healthy and productive community members.

It is up to all of us, particularly leaders of government, community and schools, to lead by example. It is a cause very close to my heart which supports those less fortunate than us. 

Having more than 122,000 people in our wonderful country who are considered homeless each night is, I believe, totally unacceptable and raising awareness and some funds for just one cold night of the year- is one small part I can play.

I want to thank the many parents, staff, and community members who have generously supported me financially and with good wishes.

https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/david-austin/canberra

Pyjama Day

Last week we held our Pyjama Day and thank everyone for getting into the spirit of the day. The gold coin donation for the sleepout raised over $500- thank you.

REPORTS and PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Semester reports will be sent home next Friday via COMPASS. Following the reports, Parent-Teacher Interviews will occur in Week 10 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Information on how to book these interviews will be sent out by the close of business tomorrow.

Please ensure you schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher through the COMPASS alert. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s academic and social development.

Thank you for your continued support.

School Uniform

I have noticed an increasing number of students coming to school out of uniform, including wearing sneakers instead of school shoes and mixing sports jumpers with regular jumpers. We also have a lot of students wearing navy tracksuit pants instead of long navy school pants. It is important to remember that wearing the correct school uniform fosters a sense of pride and belonging, and it ensures that all students are presented equally, promoting a cohesive school identity.

It must be the latest fashion... but many students wear navy or black puffer jackets to school (which is fine) but have no school jumper underneath. When asked by staff to remove the jacket in class, they don't have a jumper. Could you monitor this at home for me?

I kindly ask all parents and caregivers to support our uniform policy by ensuring your child wears the correct school attire daily. I appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the high standards of our school community.

Our uniform policy is available on our website.

In faith and partnership,

David Austin

Principal