Dear Families

Welcome back to term four; I hope everyone has had a wonderful break from routines, feeling refreshed and ready for a busy last term and some warmer weather. I would like to welcome Mrs Sommer Marshall to the Sacred Heart community. Sommer will join our current administration team of Miss Waldhauser and Mrs Crowden. Behind every day at our school is an incredible administrative team working diligently to keep everyone organised. Their dedication is essential to our school’s success. Often, their work goes unnoticed because it happens quietly in the background, but I know how appreciative staff, students and family members are of the care they demonstrate.

Today is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, celebrated annually on October 17th; this day aims to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and the wider society. From a Catholic perspective, poverty is seen as a multifaceted condition. Material poverty refers to a lack of basic resources such as food, shelter, and clothing, while spiritual poverty is understood as a sense of emptiness or disconnection from God. Catholics are called to recognise both types of poverty and respond with love and action. The Church teaches that every human being has inherent dignity, and poverty, in any form, diminishes that dignity.

Jesus' life and teachings highlight the significance of poverty. He was born in humble circumstances, lived a simple life, and had a profound compassion for the poor. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3), which underscores the value of humility and dependence on God.

Importance of Giving to Others:

Giving to others, especially the poor, is central to Catholic social teaching. This is rooted in the principle of charity (love) and the preferential option for the poor, which emphasises the need to prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable in society. The Catholic Church believes that wealth and resources are not personal possessions but gifts from God to be shared for the common good.

Giving to others is an expression of love for our neighbour. It reflects Christ’s teaching, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). By giving, we practice solidarity, recognising the interconnectedness of all people. We can act as stewards of God's creation, sharing resources with those who have less. This generosity helps alleviate material poverty, builds community, fosters justice, and spreads God’s love. We encourage staff and students to give to others in many ways. It may look like raising funds for charitable organisations, but it may also mean giving time to support those in need.

We can all make a difference to others in our own way. This week, take some time to talk to your child about how we can make a difference.

Please continue to access COMPASS for important information regarding upcoming events.

Charlene Best

Principal

All System 'Empowering Practice' Professional Learning Day - Monday 14th October

Our staff participated in an All System Professional Learning Day ‘Empowering Practice’ during the Student Free Day. The day was Live-streamed and allowed us to hear from leaders and industry experts about the Science of Learning and engage in professional conversation unpacking key concepts and theories. It also provided us with resources to enhance planning and instruction. 

On Sunday 22 September, two teams of four from Grades 4-6 had a great time competing in a Maths Relay in Burnie. Both teams showcased their skills and teamwork, making the event a fun and memorable experience. Well done to all students who were involved and thank you to Mrs Kelly, Miss Elsie Kenny and Miss Rowe for accompanying these students on the day.

Congratulations to our latest Heart Reward recipients:-

• Ethan D
• Charlie M
• Daisy
• Jordan A
• Charlie H
• Marshall 
• Billie
• Leo S
• Madison A
• Audrey F

As a reward for their kind gestures, these students were invited to create their cookie and ice cream dessert with Mrs. Best and Mrs. Richards.

We would like to congratulate Miss Laine Davis who celebrated her marriage during the term break. We wish her and her husband, Phil, health and happiness. Miss Davis will now be known as Mrs Herrmann.

Congratulations to Mrs Ebony O'Keeffe and her husband, Sam, who will welcome their baby next year. 

We look forward to welcoming them to our school community!

We would like to welcome new students Myami and Esther to our school community starting this Term.