Since the last newsletter so much has happened. The annual Touch Carnival last Friday was an enormous success  due to the dedication and coordination of Ms Withers and her supporters. Nearly 600 students from across the Diocese, from Broulee to Goulburn, enjoyed a warm day at Country Club oval contesting the regional Touch Carnival. This year the challenge of moving to a new venue was so successful because of the collaboration between Sacred Heart, the generosity of Cootamundra High School and the support of the Shire Council. We are grateful to the High School for permitting us to use their grounds and to the Council for their assistance in providing facilities and man power to manage the day’s activities. Thank you must also go to Mrs Kim Sannazzaro, Mr Tim Mahon and all the wonderful Year 10 parents who helped out in the canteen and in donating slices and supplies. It was a fabulous day all round.

Today Ms Withers and Mr Mahon backed up a big week with the culmination of the Beyond Sacred Heart Program. This invaluable program, focusing on life after Sacred Heart, has been going for well over ten years and it is the envy of many schools. The opportunity for our Year 10 students to learn life skills like cooking, basic car care, presentation, interview skills and personal grooming help them to understand how to be successful in the working adult world. We are grateful for the support of local businesses and ex-students who share their wisdom and insight. At the end of today our Year 10 students head off for two weeks of work experience and we wish them every success and hope the experiences that are provided give them some ideas for future careers and studies.

Yesterday a proud group of First Nation students travelled to Temora High School to receive Proud and Deadly Awards in recognition of their academic efforts, success and achievements, sporting prowess, creative endeavours and involvement in cultural activities and leadership. We are so privileged to have so many wonderful First Nation students who are dedicated, aware and proudly determined to achieve. Thank you to the local AECG for their continued support of our local students and schools and to Mrs Sannazzaro and Mrs Maher for their support of our students. We will acknowledge all our award winners, as a community, in the coming weeks.

At the 3W assembly today a swag of silver awards were handed out to primary students. There are still three and a bit weeks for some hardworking students to qualify for a gold award. So far there are two lucky recipients who will receive their awards at the Advent liturgy/End-of-year celebrations in week 10 in fitting recognition for their efforts this year. Hopefully a few more will also be eligible and will join me for lunch before school closes for the year.

Assessments and exams are nearly all complete and teachers are in the throes of compiling semester reports and calculating grades. This does not mean that learning is done with for the year. In fact there are many activities aimed at preparing students for the coming year and consolidating skills and understanding. Attendance is still mandatory and we expect to see all students at school prepared for learning.

It is always the same every year that our students have growth spurts and some uniform pieces/shoes no longer fit. We appreciate at this time of year that it is costly to purchase new items when there are still 10 weeks until the 2025 school year begins and some students grow exponentially in the summer break. If you need to send a student in something other than school uniform because you are waiting until next year to purchase uniform items then PLEASE SEND THEM WITH A NOTE that details that.  This will avoid teachers questioning uniform choices. It does not however mean that students choose to wear sports uniform until the end of the year because that is their preference.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER about an important date for parents to mark in their calendar is the information evening on 4 December where we will host a presentation by Kirra Pendergast, a leading international expert in online safety. We were privileged to have had Kirra present in 2020 just before the world went into lockdown. By a country mile it was the best attended parent information evening we have ever had. It was standing room only.  She founded the cybersafety platform ‘Safe on Social’ to inform and educate parents, teachers and students about the perils of the online world and how to navigate the risks that are found there. She also consults internationally to police, government agencies, professional sporting teams, universities and private enterprises. This is such a coup for our small town and we hope that parents make the most of this opportunity to listen to her and to learn from her vast research and experience. Please consider joining her Facebook group Safe on Social to learn more about what she does, can offer and ways to be safer online. Stay tuned for more information about the evening.

Please note in your diaries that our students will return for 2025 on Tuesday 4 February. Teachers will return to school on 31 January and 3 February and the Front Office will be open. As we finalise preparations for 2025 it is important that you have notified the school of any changes to your plans for 2025 and contacted me nicky.trinder@cg.catholic.edu.au if you would like consideration in class placements. All care is taken in the construction of the classes to provide a positive class in which the students can work and consideration of special requests is given but not a guarantee. I am very happy to have the necessary conversations if you would prefer.

Yesterday our Year 5 students participated in their Reflection Day focusing on leadership. To all reports it was a wonderful day and Mrs Maxwell was impressed with the maturity and interest the students demonstrated in all activities and discussions. Our Year 9 students will be involved in their leadership day on Monday and we wish them a positive day. Thank you to Mrs Maxwell for her organisation and passion.

As Week 6 comes to an end we are staring down the final 3 ½ weeks of school for the academic year of 2024. We have swimming lessons, graduations, Stage 3 excursion, Award ceremonies, farewells, voting and elections and so much more to fill those final weeks. We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend and comes back ready for Week 7.

Take time to be kind.

God Bless.

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal

~Year 5 Reflection Day~

Primary Sport

Primary Swimming

This Thursday we began swimming as our primary sport. These are not swimming lessons. Students must wear a rashie (or swimmers that cover their shoulders). They must have a hat, towel, and inclosed shoes as we walk to and from the pool. Please feel free to pack, goggles etc if you wish. 

2025 Canberra Goulburn Cricket

Last Tuesday, Harry Schofield, Max Winsor, Tom Gay and Will Manwaring, trialled for the Canberra Goulburn cricket team. The boys were unsuccessful, however were encouraged to trial next year as the talent was very high. They should be proud of their efforts and sportsmanship. 

2025 Canberra Goulburn Trial Dates. 

Information in relation to all the dates for next year has gone out on compass last week. If you wish for any further information please contact me.