Dear Sacred Heart Community,

I am currently writing this from our annual Archdiocesan Principal’s Retreat. I will be away until next week, and I appreciate the opportunity to step away and spend valuable time with my fellow colleagues in reflection and discussion. Thank you for allowing me this time away.

A lot is happening in the coming weeks, so please take note of the important dates and details below.

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Today, we gathered as a school community to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation leading to Easter. It is a time for us to consider our relationship with God and others, to practice self-discipline, and to focus on acts of kindness and generosity.

It was fantastic to see the Parish community joining us for Mass. Their presence reinforces the importance of this sacred season and reminds our students that our faith is a shared journey. As we journey through Lent, let us encourage our children to reflect on how they can show love, kindness, and forgiveness in their daily lives.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Many of our Year 4 students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this Thursday evening. This is a significant milestone in their faith journey, as they experience the grace of God's forgiveness and love. Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing, where we acknowledge our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and renew our commitment to living as followers of Christ.

Thank you to our dedicated staff and parents who have played an essential role in preparing our students for this important sacrament. Your guidance and support ensure they approach this moment with understanding and reverence. Please keep these students in your prayers as they take this meaningful step in their faith.

Year 5 and 6 Camp

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Year 5 and 6 camp in Berry, NSW. It was a fantastic experience. Our students were a pleasure to look after, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and enthusiasm. They truly represented our school and their families with pride.

Thank you to our dedicated staff members, Ben, May, and Amy, who accompanied our students. Attending a school camp is a big commitment for staff, as we are responsible 24/7, but the rewards are immense. The students stepped out of their comfort zones, tried new activities, and built lasting friendships. It was a wonderful experience for all involved!

Swimming Carnival

Our annual Swimming Carnival will be held next Tuesday. This is always a great community day, and we look forward to another wonderful event. Reminders can be found in this newsletter. Parents and spectators are most welcome! It should be a fantastic day!

NAPLAN

All students in Years 3 and 5 will commence NAPLAN on Wednesday. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is an annual assessment measuring students' reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy skills. It provides valuable data for schools to track student progress and identify areas for improvement.

Students cannot study for NAPLAN, so it is important they do not stress or worry. We have done plenty of practice tests, so they are familiar with the format. It is crucial that students arrive on time each day, are well-rested, hydrated, and have had a good breakfast. Best wishes to our Year 3 and Year 5 students—you've got this!

Harmony Day - Friday 21st March

We will celebrate Harmony Day with our usual colourful parade and classroom activities. More information to come.

Working Bee – Friday 21st March (3:30-5pm)

We are planning a Working Bee for Friday, March 21st, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm and encourage parents and students to come along and help spruce up the school! Please mark this in your calendars. Many hands make light work!

Jobs earmarked for the Working Bee include topping up sand in sandpits and weeding and mulching garden beds. Please bring along any tools to assist (shovels, spades, rakes, weeding equipment, wheelbarrows, etc.). This is a great way to contribute to our school community, and it’s only for 90 minutes! Please join us—I’ll shout you refreshments afterwards! Claim the date!

Year 6 Assembly

Our first assembly of the year will be held next Friday, 14th March, led by Year 6. The assembly starts at 2:40pm, and all are welcome to join us.

Book Fair

The Book Fair this week has been a great success! The fair is open until Friday morning. Thank you to everyone who has supported it. Your enthusiasm for reading helps foster a love of books in our students, and we appreciate your contribution in making this event so successful. Thanks to Trish Iles for coordinating our fair.

A friendly reminder that this Monday is a public holiday—Canberra Day! Enjoy the long weekend and take the opportunity to spend quality time with your families.

Wishing you all a blessed and reflective Lenten season.

In faith and partnership,

David Austin

Principal