Dear Community,

As we near the middle of the term, it’s incredible to see how quickly time flies! Our children are now well and truly settled into their school routines, and it’s important that we continue this great momentum.

Year 5 and 6 Camp

I am currently attending the Year 5 and 6 camp with over 40 of our senior students, along with staff members Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Sweeney, and Mrs. Schneider. Camp is a fantastic opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and build strong social connections. We are at the NSW Sport and Recreation Camp in Berry on the South Coast, where the students will engage in various exciting activities.

I look forward to spending this valuable time with our senior students. Keep an eye on our social media for updates—but rest assured, they are in very good hands!

Principal’s Retreat

Next week, I will be attending our annual Archdiocesan Principal’s Retreat. This retreat provides an important opportunity to reflect on my Catholic school leader role and connect with other Principals from across our Archdiocese. Our Archdiocese spans a vast area, from Crookwell in the north, down to Pambula in the south, and as far west as Lake Cargelligo—an area larger than the state of Tasmania! It’s always a valuable time to gather with fellow Principals and members of the Catholic Education Office. I will be away on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week.

First Reconciliation Preparation

Many of our Year 4 students are currently preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will take place next Wednesday evening. This Sacrament is an important step in their faith journey, allowing them to reflect, seek forgiveness, and grow in their relationship with God. Please keep our young people and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this special occasion.

Community Council AGM

A reminder that our Community Council AGM will be held on Thursday, 13 March, at 6:00 pm. All parents and community members are warmly invited to attend. This is a great opportunity to hear about the school’s progress, provide input, and be involved in shaping our future. Please mark it in your diaries—we would love to see you there!

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community.

In faith and partnership,

David Austin

Principal

As Assistant Principal and Child Safe Advocate, I bring to your attention the importance of your child attending school every day, for the whole day.

ACT law requires students of mandatory school age to be enrolled at school and attend all days the school is open. Schools have a legal duty and a pastoral obligation to encourage attendance and respond to absenteeism. Parents are responsible for ensuring the student is enrolled and attends full-time. Sacred Heart is guided by the CECG Attendance Policy. Key points are highlighted below:

• ‘Parents/carers must ensure that enrolled students attend every day of school, and every activity or event the school requires the student to attend, during the required times. This is known as the ‘full-time participation’ requirement.’ 
• Teachers mark the roll on Compass every morning. At Sacred Heart we have a high percentage of children with 90-100% attendance. This is an amazing statistic! When we look at the rate of full day attendance (eg. arriving late or leaving early) the data is not as good.
• Our school teaching day is between 8.55am - 3.15pm
• ‘Parents/carers must provide an explanation to the school for any absence, ideally on or before the day of absence, and no more than five school days after the absence occurs. At Sacred Heart Parents/carers may be liable under the ACT or NSW Education Acts if students fail to attend school without a reasonable excuse.’ 
• To notify of an absence use the COMPASS app.
• If your child is absent for three days without explanation we have a duty of care to phone contacts until an explanation is made. 
• If no explanation is lodged for an absence, we will send out a reminder to lodge the explanation and seek further contact as necessary.
• ‘Parents/carers must notify the school of planned absences of up to 25 school days in a 12 month period (including 25 part days) in writing, including the reason for the absence’. 
• Please contact us for the form to complete to seek formal leave approval.
• ‘Planned absences of more than 25 days in a 12-month period, other than sick leave, have additional requirements and parents/carers must apply in advance for extended leave or exemption. The application and approval process complies with strict requirements of the NSW and ACT governments.’ 
• Please contact us for the form to complete to seek formal leave approval.
• Principals or delegates must respond to all emerging absenteeism (<90% attendance) with support to improve attendance.
• We are here to support you in ensuring your child attends school. Please talk to your child’s teacher, Mr Austin or myself. We have many options to make it easier for you and your child to have ‘full-time’ participation at school.

Child Safety 

A handy resource for parents has been published by the ACT government. It reminds us that small, regular conversations are important in teaching our children how to be safe in the world, socially and online. This guide is aimed at parents with tips and language to use with your child.

Please download to save the guide to read in your own time. Protecting your Kids - Personal Safety Education for Parents.

Yours in working together

Kerry Wode

Compass Notifications

Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:

• Priority - Swimming Carnival
• NAPLAN Preparations

Clothing Pool Opening Hours

Wednesday: 8:30-9am

Thursday: 8:30-9am

Friday: 8:30-9am

Orders can also be submitted on QKR and then your order will be delivered to your child's classroom.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Sacred Heart library on Tuesday, March 4 to Thursday, March 6. It will run from 8:15 to 8:55 am each morning and from 3:15 to 4:00 pm each afternoon. Today, your child will bring home a flyer which outlines some of the books which are available. Our school library receives credit from the Book Fair sales which we can use to purchase new books and resources. We hope to see you at the Fair.

50th Reunion - Class of 1975

A reunion will be held on the weekend of 18 October 2025 for students from Catholic Girls High School Braddon and Daramalan College, who finished Year 12 in 1975 (including those from that group who finished before Year 12).

Several activities are planned over the weekend, with the main event on Saturday evening 18th. To RSVP, please use one of the event channels:

Email: CGHS.Dara1975@gmail.com or

Facebook: Daramalan College Alumni group; Merici College Alumni group; or Dara - Braddon 1975 group

Spread the word to your classmates!