Dear parents and friends,

Jesus teaches us the importance of striving to offer unconditional love. It is easy (says Matthew 5:38 – 48) for us to love those who love us back, those whom we know, who fit nicely and properly into our own context. It is not so easy to be open, welcoming and charitable to people or children who are not like us, not our best friends and those who annoy or hurt us. It’s a timeless lesson for adults and for children. Let us take the time to reflect upon and acknowledge our wrongdoings during the upcoming season of Lent and commit to change, whilst contemplating on what the Lord really did for us on the Cross.

Year 6 students were commissioned at our beautiful opening mass in Week One. I said to the students that anyone can wear a badge but leadership calls upon each of them to maximise the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a collective goal. Within each of their areas, I asked that they harness their own individual leadership skills to influence and lead in their own way. Leadership is a multifaceted construct involving a range of interrelated skills but the following are some attributes I would like them to remember:

• Be kind – it is the best reputation to have. When someone comes to you, say, "How can I help YOU?” “What can I do for YOU?" "What do YOU need?" That care for others will come back to you in ways you never anticipated.
• Be sincere – a reputation of being false will damage your credibility. Don’t try to be too “cool”. The energy you put into creating a false image would be much better spent on just getting out there and being a good friend and getting things done.
• Be honest – honesty builds trust, one of the most critical elements of solid leadership.
• Be positive – the world is better when you look on the bright side and help highlight the good in yourself and in others with humour and optimism.
• Be encouraging of others – if you want the best for others, people will recognise this fine quality and reciprocate that for you.

We wish the Year 6 leaders and all students at Sacred Heart every success for 2023.

We had our first P&F meeting for 2023, thank you to those who were able to attend. Just a reminder that you don’t need to wait for P&F meetings to discuss things that may be on your mind. Mrs Taylor and I are always available. 

A special thanks to Chris Janes for his service and commitment to our Sacred Heart community, as the P&F President, over many years. Chris will now move on from this role but we know he will remain a friendly and supportive face around our community. We thank Mark O’Neil for stepping into this role, I am very much looking forward to working alongside Mark this year. We also sincerely thank Stephanie Bailey, P&F Secretary, for her organisation and dedication to the role. Stephanie has gone above and beyond during her time and she will remain a close support to the incoming executive. Once finalised, we will announce the P&F Executive members for 2023. 

Below are some important dates for the year ahead that have now been confirmed:

• • • •      Welcome drinks: Friday 10 March 6.30 - 8.00pm
      •      Disco:  Saturday 27 May
      •      Fair:  Sunday 22 October
      •      End of Year Social Event:  Saturday 2 December* all dates for the year are in the public calendar 

Kathryn Pearson and Kate Pairman have kindly taken on the responsibility of Parent Liaison. In this role, Kathryn and Kate will check in and welcome new families, give advice and support and answer questions in regards to settling into school. They will also be present at school functions and can be contacted throughout the year. 

We are looking forward to welcoming our prospective parents and children to Sacred Heart at our upcoming Open Day.

*Principal Address will begin at 9:30 am followed by expo, school tours and morning tea.

REMEMBER siblings can begin the enrolment process now for 2024!

During 2023, Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament will be engaging with their school communities to explore how they can both work more closely with each other. The objective of this engagement is to help shape the future of Catholic primary school education in Mosman and Clifton Gardens.

Community input is critical in understanding how we can continue to develop and improve the school experience for our students and we want to hear from our staff and families about the things that are most important to them. We will be rolling out an engagement program over 2023 designed to ensure that the school communities play an active role in exploring and collaborating on the future of both schools.

Over the next few weeks, you will be provided with details about the different opportunities that will be available to share your views in a coordinated community engagement process.

May God bless all our families.

Leanne Meehan

PRINCIPAL