Yamandhu….hello in Wiradjuri.

We made it to the end of the term. We could not have possibly jammed anymore into our final weeks of term. We now have some very tired students and staff, and I assume some very tired parents. We hope that the next two weeks are restful, relaxing and refreshing. Please travel safely if you are on the roads and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday 10 October. We will send out reminders on COMPASS and Facebook closer to the return for Term Four.

On Tuesday 19th September all Cootamundra schools gathered at Nicholson Park for the in augural First Nations Cultural Day at Nicholson Park. It was possibly the hottest September Day ever but it was a fabulous celebration of community, inclusion and our First Nations people. Thank you to our local AECG committee that prepared enough sausage sandwiches to feed every school aged child in Cootamundra and then some. The students were outstanding in their behaviour, attitude and effort. We were very proud of all our students who gave 100% in all the games and anything that was asked of them. Thank you to our wonderful staff who supported the day with their leadership and enthusiasm to make the day a success. We look forward to next year and all we can do to make the day even better.

Today we celebrated Traditions Day and recognised all those marvellous people who forged our school identity and culture. The Priests, Sisters of Mercy and The De La Salle Brothers were visionary in their leadership of Catholic Education in Cootamundra. In more recent years many lay staff also helped to build Sacred Heart into the wonderful school community that it is today.

Mrs McLeod our Acting REC read a fitting tribute to the influence of those who went before;

Today, we acknowledge and celebrate the heritage of our school and the great influence of the Sisters of Mercy and De La Salle Brothers.

In 2023 we stand upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us…….

In 1681 John Baptist de La Salle founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He is the patron saint of teachers.

In 1831 Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mercy on 24^th of September.

In 1882 the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Cootamundra and opened a school. 

In 1911 Dean O’Shaughnessy was the Parish Priest and he brought the Brothers to Cootamundra to teach boys in 1913. 

In 1967 the two schools were joined as Cootamundra Catholic High School, the first trial for Catholic co-education in NSW. 

In 1982 the school became Sacred Heart Central School and today it remains a strong    Catholic education presence for future generations thanks to the foresight, energy and dedication of all who defied many challenges.

Over the past 140 years many Brothers, Sisters, Priests and Teachers have worked with passion and devotion to education and care for our beautiful past and present students.  

The De La Salle tradition teaches values of COMPASSION, SERVICE TO THE POOR AND MARGINALISED, LEARNING, RESPECT, WELCOME & INCLUSION FOR ALL. It encourages a life of practice in the Catholic faith, whilst respecting the religious affiliation of every member of the community.

The Sisters of Mercy tradition teaches us values of MERCY, COMPASSION, JUSTICE, SERVICE and EXCELLENCE with particular emphasis on caring for the vulnerable and displaced. 

And we also have three new words in our Tradition. LEARN, LEAD and LIVE. The Tradition of our community is forever changing. We build on what has been given to us in the past, for the best future.

On Monday afternoon the Stage 2 Art show in the library was an enormous success. It showcased all of the fabulous creations of our Stage 2 students. It was lovely to see so many families take the time in their busy lives to come and view the artworks and share the experience with their child. Thank you to the teachers Mr Niddrie, MS Van Kerk Oerle and MS Long for their efforts.

The annual Science Fair lived up to all its hype and expectations. So many families joined us and there were lots of budding scientists demonstrating a variety of scientific investigations. Thank you to Mr Winsor for his coordination and to the parents who helped their children build, explore, demonstrate their discoveries.

Yesterday our Stage 2 students traveled to Lake Cargellico for a cultural Immersion with the students from St Xavier’s Lake Cargellico. To all reports it was a fabulous day and we are hoping to reciprocate the hospitality and welcome the Lake students to Sacred Heart.

Thank you to our staff, students and community for a successful term. Next term promises so much and we look forward to meeting all the challenges that it will bring. See you next term. Hopefully we will see the beginning of our Primary Building refurbishment and our direction for 2024. We hope to have a community working bee and join in the P & F Bush Dance. Please consider joining us for both of these community ventures.

Remember: Do things for others not because of who they are or what they will do in return but because of who you are. It’s good to be kind!

God Bless

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal