This week’s prayer celebrates the Beatitudes as detailed in the Gospel of Luke. They are a powerful declaration of the love, mercy and justice envisioned by Jesus and describing the richness of the Reign of God. Unfortunately, the ideals espoused in these beautiful words seem distant in society today where the challenges and frustrations of the last two years have masked many of the injustices of contemporary Australia.

Arrangements for Upcoming Camps

Thankfully, the return to school and onsite learning has not been accompanied by a parallel rise in Covid-19 infections amongst our students and staff to any significant degree. It has been pleasing to see students respecting the health guidelines in place and Sacred Heart College has appreciated the support of parents, carers and families in alerting us to any students being isolated due to positive results or as household contacts.

We expect there to be announcements in coming days of easing of the current Omicron restrictions in schools and more broadly and these will be communicated to families as they come through.

The weeks to come will see a number of year levels departing on their annual camps and retreats; camps are a crucial part of the Sacred Heart College program, a fact borne out in the last two years when they have been few and far between.

To ensure that our camps and retreats program is as safe and secure as possible, Sacred Heart College has introduced a number of additional measures in light of the ongoing Covid-19 challenges. These additional measures are detailed in the Operoo each family will receive ahead of the camp or retreat but in brief:

· Parents are asked to ensure that students heading off on camp undertake a RAT within 48 hours of departure for camp/retreat;

· Students who are symptomatic on the morning of camp will not be allowed to attend;

· If a student displays flu-like symptoms on camp, they will be expected to complete a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) after parents have been informed. If positive, they will be isolated and collected from the camp venue.

· Any students displaying flu-like symptoms will need to be collected from camp irrespective of their infection status.

· Students who sleep in the same bunk room or dormitory are considered household-like contacts if a Covid-positive case occurs and, in this case, would be isolated and undergo a RAT following parent contact.

· A range of additional Covid-SAFE measures have been put in place by SHC staff and the camp operators to minimise mixing of students indoors and to ensure safety and hygiene.

Sacred Heart College Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all the students and staff who participated in and made possible Wednesday’s Swimming Carnival at Sunbury Pool. The weather was almost perfect and the interrupted nature of the last two years has highlighted the importance of these days for the social, emotional and psychological health of young people. Particular thanks to Damien Zanic, the College House and Sports Leaders and all staff who organised the large event.

Mercy Education Board of Directors

The College has received an invitation from Mercy Education Ltd (MEL) for expressions of interest amongst our school community for anyone interested in becoming a member of the MEL Board. The Board is responsible for the governance of fourteen Mercy Education schools across Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia. Details can be found below.

Yours in Mercy,

Dr Darren Egberts

Principal

Prayer

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you,
revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward
is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.

‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their
ancestors did to the false prophets. Luke 6:20-23