Yesterday I was privileged to attend the graduation of the 2024 Year 12 cohort from Hennessy, Young. 23 of our past students graduated with distinction and I was able to proudly reflect on the privilege it is to be part of young people’s lives; to see them blossom and grow, face the different challenges that confront them and to see them have the skills and opportunities to make a difference in the world and be amazing young people. That is indeed our privilege and our mission as teachers, to walk beside and nurture young people of all ages, provide them with skills and show them all that is possible. As we stare down the final term of 2024 it is important that we remind ourselves that we are a blessed and wonderful community with the very best students and staff. Sacred Heart is a proud school built on a tradition of service and faith. Every day our staff and students turn up to make the most of the new day and to learn how to be the best version of our selves. As the term ends it is timely to reflect on the past 10 weeks and all that we have accomplished and are grateful for. Term 3 2024 was full of inspirational moments and people.

In the early hours of this morning our 32 tired students and 4 exhausted staff returned home from their whirlwind visit to Melbourne. They had a fantastic time, saw so many sites, did so many different things and were a credit to themselves, their parents and the school. At various stages on the trip the students were complimented on their manners, behaviour and respect. A huge thank you to the staff who made this opportunity possible; Ms Murray, Mr Smith, Mrs McPherson and Mrs Simmons. In addition to the bigger excursions have been many other excursion opportunities for our students; Henty Machinery Field days, library visits just to name a few. Next term Year 8 head to Tathra in the very first week and our Stage 3 students will finish the term with their biannual trip to Ballarat. All these opportunities happen because of the passion and generosity of the staff and parents. We appreciate the support of the families in making these possible especially in a tight financial climate. The fundraising efforts are invaluable in helping ease the pressure and we are grateful to the staff and parents who make this happen. The 600 pies that were ordered for the Stage 3 pie drive are testament to the willingness of the community to support these ventures. A huge thank you to Josh McCarthy and the Outback Bakery for their efforts in providing all these baked goods.

There have been so many sporting opportunities this term that they are too numerous to recount. Our students have always given 100% in their efforts on the sporting field and this term has been no exception. Football (girls and boys), Athletics, Cross Country and various other sporting experiences have been part of our students sporting ventures this term. We will start Term 4 with a bang when our Primary students travel to Boorowa for the annual Touch and Netball Carnival in Week 2, followed by the Week 5 Annual Touch Carnival hosted by our school and already have the Berg Cricket shield slated for the early weeks of Term 4. Lots of sport for everyone.

Our Faith experiences have also been a big part of the term. We held several masses, 2 reflection Days and 2 Retreats for different cohorts this term. Our Year 10 students travelled to Canberra for the Shine conference for young people in our diocese. Several of our Year 10 students then helped lead the Journey with Jesus retreat for the Stage 3 students. It is so empowering to see our older student stand up and give testament to their Faith is such a powerful role modelling for their younger peers. Thank you to Mrs Maxwell and Ms Wade for their leadership in this space.

The Transition programs continue and we are blessed to have so many new families joining our community. The high expectations that we have for all students in terms of their behaviour, application, effort and relationships will not be compromised and we are very proud of the values that we profess and strive to teach our students. All these extra events are in addition to the ‘normal’ teaching routines of our classrooms. It is greatly appreciated that the staff step up to make these events valuable and worthwhile. Our Year 8 cohort were introduced to the expectations of the Stage 5 ROSA credential for next year with an informative presentation from Ms Buchanan. The students are in the throes of choosing their elective subjects for next year and in early Term 4 the final lines will be available for the students to make the final selection.

In addition to all of these annual events we have also been on the Wattle Time Float, held 100 Days of Kinder, Primary Assemblies, Book Fair, Book Week Parade, Parent Teacher Interviews and so many other things. Amongst all this we did lots of teaching and learning and hopefully made lots of memories along the way.

Last Thursday the Cast and Crew of the 2024 production Man of Steel gathered once again to view the video footage of the play. I know I am biased but the effort by these young people to produce such a memorable Musical Production was a highlight of the term for me. I am still in awe of the courage, dedication, determination and perseverance that these young people demonstrated.

It is also important that we acknowledge the efforts of Mr Ian Bell this term at taking on the leadership of 2N whilst Mr Niddrie spent some time with his young family. Mr Bell will take a well-deserved holiday for a couple of weeks and then hopefully we will see him back in our playground and classrooms doing what he does best – teaching. We wish him safe travels.

Please take time to rest and refresh over the holidays. Travel safely and make memories. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 15 October.

Remember if you can be anything - BE KIND!

God Bless

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal

~Stage 3 Retreat~

'Journey with Jesus"

On Tuesday Stage 3 participated in the first ever 'Journey with Jesus' retreat, lead by the RE Youth Ministry team and some of own Year 10's ( Archie Blackman, Nelly Ward, Leila Ismay, Amelia  Markota and Zara Bodycott). If was a beautiful experience for our students to hear from our Year 10's and their faith journey.

Primary Sport

NSWCPS

Well done to our three athletes who competed at the MacKillop Athletics Trials. They should be proud of their achievements as this level of competition is very competitive. They are competing against all the NSW catholic primary schools. 

Alex competed in the 12yr Boys 800m coming in 6th overall with a time of 2:36.97 

Harry competed in the 8-10 long jump coming in 15th overall with a distance of 3.68m

Malakai competed in the 8-10 High Jump coming in 7th overall with a height of 1.25m

Congratulations Boys. 

Boorowa Touch and Netball 

This event has now closed. Information about teams and draws will be sent out early next term once the draw has been finalised. If you are able to assist on the day please contact Wendy Van Kerk Oerle. 

2025 Canberra Goulburn Trail dates. 

Due to the very busy schedule in Term 1 some of the 2025 trails will be held in Term 4 2024. 

Secondary Sport

Representative Sports

A reminder to keep checking the Secondary Sports Google Classroom page for all notifications and processes for registration for the many representative sports coming up this term. IMPORTANT - Please take notice of the due date. There are many reasons for the due date and we need to stick to them.

Secondary Sports Dates

Term 4

W2

Thu Oct 24th - Berg Shield Cricket Round 1 & 2, Goulburn

Fri Oct 25th - Officiating at the Boorowa Touch and Netball

W3

Fri Nov 1st - CG Girls Super 8’s Cricket Gala Day (TBC)

W5

Fri Nov 15th - Secondary Touch Carnival, Cootamundra 

(referees needed - please contact megan.withers@cg.catholic.edu.au if you can assist with refereeing)

W10

Tue Dec 17th - Pool Afternoon