How beautiful was the rain?! Despite the fact that we had to postpone our Athletics Carnival because of the wet weather we were very grateful and pleased that it had finally rained after so long. Our annual carnival will now be held next Friday 30 May at Albert Park and we hope that the weather will be sunny and warm. However we have no control over the weather as we approach winter so stay tuned for updates as we move into next week. If you are available to lend a hand on the day there are many different opportunities to help throughout the day. Amanda is keen to have helpers in the canteen and Ms Withers and Ms Van would love some extra help at some of the track and field events. Please contact the school if you are able to offer any time over the day.

Next week is also a special week in our calendar when we will  celebrate National Reconciliation Week. The theme this year is "Bridging Now to Next". This theme emphasises the continuous connection between Australia's past, present, and future, urging all Australians to reflect on shared histories, acknowledge current challenges, and collaboratively work towards a more united future. National Reconciliation Week 2025 runs from May 27 to June 3, commemorating significant milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey: the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. These dates serve as reminders of the progress made and the work that remains in achieving true reconciliation. The theme is visually represented in artwork by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, featuring native plants known for their resilience and ability to regenerate after adversity. These plants symbolise collective strength and the potential for renewal, reinforcing the message of hope and the importance of nurturing relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. Bridging Now to Next" serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals and communities to learn from past lessons, engage in meaningful dialogue, and commit to actions that foster reconciliation. Throughout the week there will be various activities to generate awareness and celebrate the positive connections we have with our First Nations community. However, this week we did host the performers of Wiradjuri Echoes who shared cultural stories, music, dance and experiences with our students. We were very lucky to have secured these performers and our students enthusiastically participated in all activities led by Duncan. We thank Mrs Maher and Mrs Sannazzaro for their organisation.

On Wednesday our 2025 Mock Trial team competed against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School In Tweed Heads. This was a virtual trial and very different to being able to compete face to face. Our team of 6 dedicated Year 10 students Alexis Carr, Henry Fry, Matilda Lewis, Declan Emery, Makayla Whicker and Chelsea Larkman came away with a very convincing win. The students were very impressive in their understanding of how the trial process works and in the challenging skill of cross examination. We thank Dr Wellett Potter for her guidance in all things law. We look forward to the final round in the round robin and the team are striving to make the finals.

Last Friday the Local Area Command along with the Local Shire Council conducted the walk to school breakfast. Many of our students and staff met at the Youth Hub for an early morning breakfast before they were accompanied down Thompson St by several local police. It is important to teach our students safe crossing especially around busy times at the drop off and pick up at the end of the school day. Only last week there was a very close call of two of our primary students who hastily crossed Temora st without looking both ways. Out quiet country streets are little protection against an accident. We strive to instil in our students the necessity to always practice safe crossing to ensure safety.

This weekend the de la Salle House students and staff will lead the ministries at the vigil mass at 5pm. We hope as many families will attend to share in the Mass.

On Tuesday 20^th May we held the first of our 2026 Kindergarten information sessions. This was an extremely well attended event and there were lots of new families which is exciting to see. Mrs Chesworth and the Kinder staff – Mrs Niddrie and Mrs Fry gave a very comprehensive presentation about what we offer as a school and as a kindergarten experience. Thank you to our wonderful staff for their efforts and passion. If you know of anyone interested in enrolling, please encourage them to contact the Front Office. Also if you are intending to enrol, please do this as a matter of urgency as the Catholic Education enrolment period is in full swing and we need numbers to prepare for the 2026 cohort.

We are finally into our newly refurbished building. After many, many, many months of waiting and existing in the convent rooms and secondary spaces our patient Years 3-6 students and staff, along with Miss Van’s Stage 1 class have taken occupancy of the new learning spaces. It is wonderful to be in the fresh, light and exciting classrooms and our students quickly adapted to the new routines and procedures in the classrooms filled with glass and colour. New interactive TVs and new furniture are just part of the new spaces. We will have an official opening in coming weeks when we can coordinate all the stakeholders and people who need to be in attendance. There are still a few tweaks to come but the children can now learn in the warm and adaptable spaces. Thank you to all our staff and students who patiently weathered all the interruptions and challenges.

Friday 16 May was World Support Staff Day and the Sacred Heart community paid tribute to our valuable Classroom Support assistants with a special morning tea, words of appreciation, a small gift and flowers. We could not function without our tremendous support staff; Mrs Amy Vitnell, Mrs Heather Kingwill, Miss Libby Hartshorn, Mrs Aileen Maher, Mrs Sonya Ward, Mrs Shannon Smith, Mrs Janelle Forsyth, Mrs Kim Sannazzaro and Mrs Mel Simmons.

Next week our Year 9 students will travel to Temora for the annual Year 9 retreat program sponsored by catholic Education. This is a great opportunity for our students to reflect on their Faith journey, to meet new people and to be challenged about the choices they make. Thank you to Mrs Maxwell for her organisation and we hope it is an invaluable experience.

Don’t forget the Reconciliation Day Community Breakfast on next Wednesday 28^th May and the Uniform Free Day which will be a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House. In honour of Beanies and Hot Milo week at Ronald McDonald House we will carry this theme for our uniform free day. Wear a beanie and make a valuable contribution to such a fabulous cause.

Have a fabulous and safe weekend. Kindness is one of the most important things we can teach our children!

God Bless.

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal