Dear Sacred Heart Community,

We are now officially days away from winter, and the signs are all around us, cold nights, dark mornings, and crisp air that reminds us to rug up and embrace the season-playground duty is becoming more challenging! (That reminds me.... hats are no longer needed at school in June and July!)

As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, things are certainly busy here. Teachers are assessing and preparing reports, while I welcome new families through enrolment interviews. We also have exciting social events ahead, including our School Disco this Friday, Winter Woollies Day next week, and the much-anticipated Trivia Night in a few weeks. A lot is happening!

This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, marking the moment Jesus returned to heaven, leaving his disciples with the mission to spread his love and teachings. At Sacred Heart, this feast reminds us that faith is not just about belief but about action, living with compassion, kindness, and service to others. Just as Jesus ascended with a heart full of love for humanity, we strive to carry that same love in our school, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported.

This week, we also acknowledge Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on our shared history and the journey towards truth, justice, and unity. As a Catholic school, we are called to walk alongside First Nations peoples, listening, learning, and working towards a future built on respect and understanding.

School Disco – Friday, 30 May

Get ready to dance the night away at our School Disco this Friday kids! The fun kicks off at 6:00pm and runs until 7:15pm, with BoomBox2U bringing the music and energy. Parents, please ensure you have given permission via COMPASS for your child to attend. You are welcome to drop and go or stay and enjoy. A huge thank you to our staff who will be supervising, your dedication is truly appreciated, especially on a long weekend!

Winter Woollies Day – Friday, 6 June

Next Friday, we invite families to donate warm clothing (scarves, gloves, jumpers, beanies, coats, etc.) for the St Vincent de Paul Society in our Parish. We also ask students to bring a gold coin donation, which will go towards my Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday, 19 June.

This will be my 8th year participating in the CEO Sleepout, and in that time, I have raised over $80,000 to support Vinnies combating homelessness. Every night, over 122,000 Australians experience homelessness, with over 1,700 people in the ACT facing housing insecurity. The CEO Sleepout raises both awareness and funds to support crisis accommodation, food services, and long-term solutions. As a Vinnies Night Patrol volunteer, I see firsthand where the donations go, helping those in need.

We would love your support! Please bring a gold coin donation next Friday or log in now to my Vinnies CEO Sleepout Page here to contribute.

Trivia Night – Saturday, 14 June

• Our Trivia Night is filling fast! A gold coin donation per person entry, you can bring your own food and drinks, form a table of 8-10, or simply turn up and we’ll find you a spot. This adults-only event is a fantastic community occasion, and we can’t wait to see you there! Please email communitycouncilshps@gmail.com to let us know you are coming for planning purposes.

Wishing all our families a restful and enjoyable long weekend.

In faith and partnership,

David Austin

Principal