Dear Sacred Heart Community,

This Friday and Saturday, we celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, two significant days in our Catholic calendar. All Saints' Day, observed on November 1, is a time to honour the lives and examples of the saints, both known and unknown, who inspire us through their faith and dedication. All Souls' Day, on November 2, allows us to remember and pray for all who have passed, acknowledging our eternal connection as a faith community. At Sacred Heart, these days remind us of our responsibility to live in a way that reflects the Gospel values of love, compassion, and respect for one another.

These celebrations hold deep meaning in a Catholic school like ours, as we encourage students to look to the saints as role models of living a life rooted in service and love. We’ll be observing these special days in prayer and reflection across the school, and I invite families to join us in their own reflections and prayers at home as well.

Twilight Fair – Next Friday, November 8
Our Twilight Fair is just around the corner- next Friday, November 8, from 3:30 pm. This will be a fantastic afternoon of community connection, with games, food, stalls, and activities that bring us together in the spirit of joy and friendship.

Events like the Twilight Fair highlight the strength and vibrancy of our Sacred Heart community. We encourage everyone to come along, lend a hand, and enjoy the festivities. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet other families, make new friends, and strengthen the ties that make Sacred Heart a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. Please reach out to the office if you’re available to help out in any way. We appreciate all your support and look forward to an incredible afternoon with you all!

Keep an eye out for the lastest Twilight Fair Newsletter that will posted on Compass.

School Uniform Reminder
We are noticing an increase in students arriving in incorrect school uniform. Our uniform is more than just clothing; it represents a key part of our school ethos and unity. Our students' pride in wearing their uniform reflects their sense of belonging and respect for our school values.

Some students have been wearing incorrect socks and other non-uniform items lately. We ask for your support in ensuring all students adhere to our uniform standards. This includes the correct socks, shoes, and other items outlined in our uniform policy. Your assistance helps us maintain the sense of pride we all feel in Sacred Heart and instils in our students the importance of respect and unity.

Thank you, as always, for your cooperation and support in upholding these values. 

Class Allocations for 2025 (Years 2 and 3 only for 2025)

During this term, we will be finalising our staffing arrangements for 2025. We aim to ensure a fair and just process when allocating students to classes for the upcoming school year.

I firmly believe that teachers are in the best position to decide a child’s placement because they know all the children in their classes and have a view of the ‘big picture’. However, I invite parents in the current Year 1 and 2 cohorts to inform me of anything they feel needs to be considered for their child’s well-being or development.

There are two streams of classes in Years 2 and 3 next year, so there are different combinations of children in classes. When forming the class lists, the following factors are taken into consideration:

• Gender;
• Diverse Learners;
• Work habits;
• Cognitive ability;
• Friendships;
• Behaviour;
• Health considerations;
• Religion (to assist in achieving balance between classes, especially in Sacramental years) and
• Common names.

Ideally, we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Where practical, parental requests based on educational concerns may be considered.  At Sacred Heart, the staff and parents will follow these principles and guidelines when considering the placement of students each year:

• Every care will be taken to ensure that each child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development;
• Parents who wish to raise particular concerns regarding the placement of their children in particular classes should put the concern in writing and email it to me (david.austin@cg.catholic.edu.au) by Friday of Week 4 (Term 4- Friday 8 November);
• Parent concerns will be considered during the process. It must be clearly understood, however, that no definite guarantees can be given regarding parental concerns;
• Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Classroom Support Teacher, School Counsellor and current class teacher during this process;
• Considering all the above factors, current teachers compile class lists from mid-term, Term 4. These are then handed to me to confirm;
• Children will be informed of their class placement for the following school year in December (usually the last week of school), and they will have the opportunity to spend time with their new class teacher. New students to the school for the following year are invited to attend;
• Throughout this process, after appropriate consultation, I reserve the right to make final professional decisions regarding the placement of children.

2025 there will be only one class each in Years One, Four, Five and Six.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the Twilight Fair and wish you a great rest of the week.

In faith and partnership,

David Austin