SHSS celebrates 85 years with opening of the school year mass.

“Together we can achieve the extraordinary.”

Today, September 23rd, we celebrated our Opening of the School Year Mass. This is always a wonderful occasion for our school: a time to welcome our new 1st Year students into the Sacred Heart community, to welcome back past members of our community, and to come together to share our hopes, good intentions and wishes for the year ahead.

This year’s celebration was particularly special as we marked 85 years of Sacred Heart. Our Religion and Music Departments worked closely with our local priest, Fr Tom Hayes, to ensure that the Mass was a truly spiritual and memorable occasion.

From 1st Years to 6th Years, students, teachers, SNAs and ancillary staff were involved in today’s celebration and given a voice. Together, we acknowledged the courage and vision of those who came before us, shared our hopes for the future, and took time to appreciate and celebrate the present – a gift in itself.

Today also held a special significance as it marked our Principal, Ms Brosnan’s final Opening of the School Year Mass, and her final opportunity to address our whole school community in this setting.

In her address, Ms Brosnan reminded us of the importance and strength of community: everyone has something to contribute. One person can make a difference, but a community working together can achieve the extraordinary.

She reflected on the care for the individual that has always been central to Sacred Heart and reminded us that each of us is part of a much bigger story. As we begin another school year, she encouraged us to move forward with energy, vision and commitment.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Tom presented Ms Brosnan with the candle she had lit at the beginning of the celebration alongside 1st Year student Molly Nicholson. The candle symbolised the light of leadership and offered a fitting opportunity to acknowledge and thank Ms Brosnan for all that she has given during her remarkable 36 years in our school.

As we celebrate 85 years of Sacred Heart and look towards the year ahead, today’s message is one we hope to carry with us:

One person can make a difference, but together we can achieve the extraordinary.