What glorious weather! This week we will begin to transition from the winter uniform, resplendent with its tie, to the summer uniform complete with bucket hat for all outdoor activities. If students choose to wear the winter uniform they are still required to wear all of the different elements and as the intensity of the sun increases we will require that ALL students have their hats with them at all times. Please consult the uniform policy on the website when you are purchasing any new uniform items so that you don’t, inadvertently, buy any incorrect items.

This weekend 21 of our students will make a commitment to their faith when they are confirmed on Sunday 20 September. We ask that you keep these students and their families in your prayers as they recognise the personal relationship that they have with Christ and all the gifts that they are given. Thank you to the Stage 3 teachers who have generously given of their time to support the students in their preparation and to Mrs Maxwell for coordinating the special lessons and Mass time. This Thursday the students will complete their preparation with the twilight retreat and participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We pray for: Neve Smith, Alex English, Nellie Ward, Joshua Harris, Jake Winsor, Archie Blackman, Scarlett Chambers, Emily Dickinson, Ellie Lake, Mia Nalder, Matilda Sannazzaro, Mia Hines, Zara Bodycott, Henry Hazlett, Lucy Paterson, Sophie Roberts, Leila Ismay, Eliza Tozer, Brody Bourne, Patrick Golden, Evan Lonnen.

A reminder that students return on WEDNESDAY 14 October for Term 4. Over the two days all staff will be completing legal and compliance training, Microsoft TEAMS professional learning and will be privileged to listen to world-renowned James Nottingham. Hopefully we will also be able to reinstate many of our school activities with possible relaxing of COVI restrictions and guidelines. Until such time as we receive official notification All COVID restrictions and protocols remain in place, in particular the expectation that any staff or student displaying flu-like symptoms, no matter how mild, are required to have a COVID test and present receipt of a negative report to school upon return.

Our Year 10 class of 2021 have chosen their school jumper and theme for their final year at Sacred Heart. The $80 is now payable to the Front Office so that the order can be placed and students receive the jumper ready to start the new year. “Lead with courage and live with love” is an inspiring choice by our students to guide the school next year. We thank them for their maturity and leadership in the positive choices that they are making.

Another reminder to notify the school if, for any reason, your child will not be continuing at Sacred Heart for 2021. Having accurate numbers assist in the planning for the new school year and the allocation of classes and students. Also, if you know of anyone who is considering Sacred Heart next year for their child/ren please contact the Front Office. Unfortunately we can not offer transition for Year 7 students from other schools nor a kinder transition at this stage but we are hopeful that Term 4 will allow more flexibility with allowing people to come on to school grounds.

Last week there was a disturbing and harmful video circulating on social media. The office of the eSafety commissioner has released a statement with constructive advice. They urge anyone in our community who encounters harmful or disturbing content online to report it immediately to the social media platform they seen it on first and the n to eSafety at www.esafety.gov.au/report/illegal-harmful-content “Young people may feel scared, embarrassed or confused about having seen inappropriate content, so it is important to communicate in an open and supportive manner. They may also fear that adults may not be able to help them or fear reprisals like”device denial” if they do share harmful content they have been exposed to online. In addition to the support services that your school already offers to students, you can also make use of specialist services including Kids Helpline, headpsace and Beyond Blue.”

Tips for parents to help limit young people’s exposure to harmful content online:

• Engage in your child’s online activities – ask what apps, sites and games they’re using and make sure they’re age-appropriate
• Use parental controls on devices to help limit what your child is exposed to
• Help them report and block upsetting content they see on social media sites or apps
• Let them know they can come to you about anything upsetting they see online.

Remember – this message from Pope Francis:

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees so not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”

God Bless. In a world where you can be anything…. Be kind!

Mrs Nicky Trinder

Principal