To our Sacred Heart Community
Not quite the start to the term we were expecting, but alas it is what it is!
The staff and students have been outstanding in dealing with – I think the new term is ‘pivoting’ – the challenges unfolding around them. Feedback from families has been affirming and across the Hearts community there is a general sense that the Hearts@Home protocols and learning programs have improved markedly from last year. This improvement has been as a result of the feedback processes and also some IT developments. Nothing like a crisis to fast track technological developments!
The mask wearing requirement upon returning to school presents yet another challenge to our daily routines across the College. The students have been pleasantly compliant and are doing their best to follow the guidelines issued by Chief Medical Officer (SA), Professor Spurrier. However, some students have been most inventive as to how they might be worn! It’s obvious that the students prefer to be at school with their peers and learning in the presence of their teachers.
The College will do whatever we can to remain open, including the Boarding House. Spare our Boarders a thought. Having arrived for the term on Sunday afternoon (18/7/21) they had to pack up mid-morning Tuesday (20/7/21) with the College bus assisting families by heading to Port Augusta by noon! A great example of the teamwork required to manage such a scenario.
The support of our families – both for their children and our staff makes a significant difference in a time of crises. I think this is part of the ‘Aussie Spirit’?
It is greatly appreciated!
Hutt Street Centre Walk-a-Mile
National Homelessness Week (1-7 August) raises awareness of homelessness in Australia and the importance of social housing as a long-term solution. In 2021, Sacred Heart College will again participate in the “Walk a Mile in My Boots” awareness and fundraising initiative, supporting the Hutt Street Centre’s appeal to assist over 6,000 South Australians currently experiencing homelessness.
Coming up in Week 4, Champagnat and Marcellin will hold separate events. Online registration forms and further details will be provided in the coming days once we have greater clarity around COVID restrictions from the SA Government and Department of Health.
In the meantime, we encourage you and your family to commence the fundraising aspect of this initiative. The link to the Sacred Heart College page is provided below.
https://www.walkamile.org.au/fundraisers/sacredheartcollege
Game Changers Solidarity Camp
In the first week of the July holidays, eleven Year 12 students participated in a solidarity camp with a focus on social justice and charity. In giving up the first part of their well-deserved break, the Game Changers worked collaboratively to prepare around 100 meals to be distributed by Fred’s Van on the same night.
In an amazing coincidence, Amy Pearce and Dale Clarke from our Champagnat staff happened to be volunteering for Fred’s Van that night and were able to witness first hand the tremendous work of our students. The next day, the Game Changers volunteered in the warehouse at Treasure Boxes, an organisation that provides vital essentials to babies, children and teens living in disadvantage in our community.
The Game Changes represented our College with pride and enthusiasm. However, most impressively, they truly embraced charity in its most sincere meaning – to give to others without seeking reward or praise. As it says in Matthew’s Gospel, “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets”.
They were truly Marist in their actions and intentions, demonstrating a genuine ‘Love of Work’!
So, without competitive sport this weekend it is still important that all our students remain active in some way. Please encourage or organise some physical activity, which assists their mental health, in spite of the looming wintry weather.
I’m not sure about you, but many of us are watching the Olympics and using them as inspiration prior to exercising. We may not all be athletes, but we can still harness the inspiration and improve our wellbeing in the process.
Stay warm – Stay safe!
Steve Byrne
Principal
