As we race towards the end of Term 3 we seem to be plagued by quite a number of viruses that have gone through the staff and students. If students are showing symptoms of illness, we do encourage them to stay home and to test for COVID/RSV/Influenza A (the more serious of the viruses doing the rounds)  to prevent the spread to our wider community and the more vulnerable in our families.

On Saturday night a very dedicated group of O’Shaughnessy staff and students led the ministries at our Vigil Mass for the parish congregation. It was a lovely Mass and it was nice to see families in the pews joining the dedicated parish members. Father Lolesio was very pleased to see school families in attendance and we appreciate the effort families made to be at church.

A reminder that our new Primary learning journey showcase is on 19^th September. This is a novel way to show the learning, development and products of the students learning in K-6. The classrooms will be open from 1pm until 3pm with different presentations and performances on throughout the afternoon. Please keep this date free so that you can support the learning journey of your children and admire the way our staff and students have been making progress all year. The program will be released closer to the date.

Today our ATSI students with our Aboriginal Education Workers – Mrs Maher and Mrs Sannazzaro will travel to Canberra to attend the Australian Catholic University “Explore Your Future Day”. This is a chance to participate in a hands-on experiences delivered by staff from the faculties of Paramedicine, Nursing, Social Work and Education. All students are encouraged to attend to experience what university has to offer and to assist in making an informed decision about their futures.

This week we also have the 2026 Elective evening in the library for our current Year 8 students and their parents to help in selecting their elective subjects for next year. Over the past weeks the Year 8s have been meeting with the different elective teachers to learn about the subjects on offer. This evening’s presentation allows the parents to be aware of the subject demands and also to learn about the NESA expectations and requirements to receive a ROSA (Record of Student Achievement) at the completion go Year 10. This is an important information session around attendance expectations, the completion of all assessments and preparation for Year 11 and 12. Thank you to Ms Buchanan for organising this process and information session.

We will also welcome our incoming Kindergarten students for 2026 on Thursday as they begin their Orientation program. Please consult the information that was distributed at the last information session around what to bring, where to go and what will happen on Thursday. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful new students and families joining our community.

Our Year 10 students will be travelling to Canberra on Friday for the annual Youth Shine Conference. The day is for our Year 10 students who are participating in the CSYMA Youth Ministry units of work on Leadership. In this synodal year of walking together, SHINE provides us with a rare opportunity to gather with other Year 10 students from across the Archdiocese to be formed and a chance to celebrate our faith in a dynamic and contemporary youth setting. Thank you to Mrs Maxwell and Ms Wade for their organisation . They will be accompanied by Ms Murray and Mrs Wade.

Our Junior Secondary Rugby League team will travel to Bathurst to context the Small Schools Rugby League State Final on Wednesday 10 September. This is a wonderful achievement and we wish them all the best of luck and safe travels as they attempt to win the title of State champions. Thank you to Ms Withers and all the parents for their support and encouragement.

This Thursday 11 September the Cootamundra Polic and Cootamundra – Gundagai Regional Council will be hosting the RUOK? BBQ breakfast at the Cootamundra Youth Hub from 8am. All students and parents are welcome for a free BBQ breakfast. Students will be walked to school in time for classes at 8.45 by the Police, CGRC Youth officer and school staff.

Friday will see students from across the Archdiocese travel to Cootamundra for the annual Public Speaking Grand Final. This is a highlight on the school calendar and we congratulate all speakers on making it to the final but especially wish Ella Sannazzaro and Emmeline Last the very best of luck as they represent Sacred Heart in their respective divisions. We thank Mrs Ros Burge, Mrs Paula Shields, Mrs Sharron Large and Mrs Heather Hunt for their generosity in adjudicating the finals.

With only 14 days left of school for the third term we hope that everyone continues to make the most of every learning opportunity and the chance to make someone’s day by being kind.

God Bless.

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal