The Stage 3MS assembly today was a fabulous presentation of all that they have learnt in their most recent novel study – Tom Appleby Convict Boy by Jackie French. It was a credit to the class that they were able to present their understanding and learning so confidently and capably in such an entertaining, informative and creative way. The novel study literacy block has been implemented as a strategy to teach literacy, language, reading and comprehension in a contextual and effective manner. It appeared that the students in Primary are embracing the novel study routine and that there is definite growth in their skill development and reading. The novel study program is an initiative from Catholic Education that has been adapted and streamlined by our talented staff to meet the needs of our range of students whilst promoting a love and improvement in reading. Thank you to our wonderful teachers.

This week we had our final Kinder orientation in the classroom. Our 2025 cohort of Kindergarten students have very quickly adapted to the routines of ‘Big School’ and it has been a very successful program. There have been few tears, lots of learning and so many excited kids about what next year will bring. The children will return for the Advent Liturgy in Week 10 to be part of the concluding celebration for the year and receive their new school hat. Our new Year 7 cohort will have their final transition day on 28 November and are involved in electing the new secondary leadership team for 2025. We feel very privileged to be part of the educational journey of all our new students.

Last Friday the primary students once again participated in the annual Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival. It was, once again, a fabulous day and our students and the secondary referees and managers conducted themselves with distinction. Thank you to Ms Van Kerk Oerle for all her organization and to the many staff and parents for their support.

As we enter Week 4 teachers are very busy preparing and marking assessments in preparation for the Semester 2 reports. We encourage all students to heed their teachers’ advice about preparing for their exams and assessments. We request that appointments, for the next few weeks, are restricted to out-of-school hours to make it easier for students and staff to complete tasks.

As we continue the preparations for 2025 we are busy compiling class lists. This is a very time consuming and through process as we endeavour to crate the best learning environments for students. If there are extenuating circumstances that you feel impact on your child’s learning, please make an appointment to see me about any requests. All requests are considered but not necessarily guaranteed and we may suggest alternatives as options as well.

Our beautiful Year 10 class are in their final weeks in the Sacred Heart classrooms. Week 4 is their final week of lessons and they will move into examinations in Week 5. In Week 6 they will participate in the Beyond Sacred Heart program and round out Weeks 7 & 8 with Work Experience. This makes Week 9 the final week at our school and their journey with Sacred Heart comes to an end with their Graduation Mass and evening meal on Friday 13 December. They have been an outstanding class at being involved and building a positive culture for Sacred Heart. We will miss them next year. However, our current Year 9s are already shaping up to take over the mantle of School Leaders. As I noted earlier it is a privilege to be part of any student’s journey and we recognize the contribution that all students make to our school. Once a Sacred Heart kid, always a Sacred Heart kid!

The Science Fair last week was another wonderful example of our students embracing opportunities to learn and have fun. There was a full range of different investigations and a great time was had by all. Thank you to Mr Winsor and all the Primary and Infants staff for the extra effort that goes in to organizing these events.

The weather continues to move towards summer and the traditional heat. Please ensure  that students have hats and drink bottles at the days warm up. The weekend promises to be the first of the hot days so hopefully everyone will be able to make the most of the weekend and return on Monday invigorated for Week 4.

Take care and remember that there is always a reason to be kind. Kindness is never wasted.

God Bless

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal