Learning and Teaching News

TIME- A Life Skill 

Being able to read and ‘tell’ the time is a multifaceted skill which requires an understanding of both numeracy and the comprehension of time passing. It is a concept taught from Foundation to Year 6, each year building on the previously gained understanding. 

These skills roughly follow the below trajectory:

How can you help your child understand time? Refer to the time when attending events and getting ready each day. Use a calendar at home and have your child record special events and celebrations and count down until these events. Having an analogue and digital clock at home is really important too so that children recognise the time on both timepieces.

Seesaw- Have you checked in to see the work on your child’s digital learning portfolio recently? Jump on and have a look, leave a comment and let your child know what you think of their work.

Learning Diversity News

Wellbeing Dog Update

As part of the Dogs Connect mentorship, nine of our staff members will commence the training component of the program. This group will be known as the Core Group and their role will be to support the rest of the staff, student body and school community, about what it means to have a wellbeing dog in the school. These people will teach us how to find ways that our wellbeing dog can form special connections with students, teachers and parents. 

During the first week of term 2, the students, staff and school community will be introduced to the program via video presentation by Grant Shannon, founder of Dogs Connect. By this time, our core group will have begun their training and the delivery of our puppy will be very close. 

The Core Group members are: Wendy Collins, Katrina Groves, Cathryn Rowles, Georgina Whitehouse, Fiona Driscoll, Loretta Thompson, Isaac Fabich, Mary Avery, Jacinda Deacon and Sam Lowe. 

We will keep everyone informed via the newsletter, our assemblies and our Facebook page.

Admin News

Dont miss this years Easter colouring competition with Banjo's Mildura.

Each Child will get a free hot cross bun when they drop their picture into the store, and will go into the draw to win an easter prize pack for their age group.

*Hard Copies available at the School Office.

Religious Education

Sacrament of Confirmation

Thank you to parents for attending Wednesday’s information session.  Any parents who were unable to attend, your child’s folder has been sent home.

This week is Week One (Wednesday 22nd March to Saturday 1st April) and the focus is on ‘Showing We Care’.  Lessons 1-3 need to be completed by Monday 1st May and handed in at the Parish Office.  Please ensure lessons are clearly named.

2023 Sacramental Dates

Confirmation

Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 22nd March 2023 @ 7pm SH Church 

Sacrament of Confirmation - Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2023

First Eucharist

Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 12th July 2023 @ 7pm SH Church 

Sacrament of First Eucharist - Friday 25th to Sunday 27th August 2023

Reconciliation

Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 11th October 2023 7pm SH Church 

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Wednesday 29th November 2023 7pm SH Church

Project Compassion

Families have received a Project Compassion this week.  Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.  Your generous support can help change lives today - and For All Future Generations.  We encourage families to support Project Compassion this year.  Boxes are due back to the school office on Thursday, 6th April.

Ray White Positive Behaviour Awards

Respectful -        Imogen Jukes

Responsible -     Sebastian Corrie

Respectful -        Alexander Hawson

Prep Unit News

This has been our first 5 day week in Prep for 2023… and WOW we handled it like champions! On Tuesday we visited the Church to look at all the symbols that tell us we are Catholic Christians. In Sport with Mrs O and Mrs Collins we have begun our Cross Country training (in readiness for next term) and have been doing lots of PMP activities (Perceptual Motor Program). PMP is a movement-based program which helps younger students improve their eye/hand and eye/foot coordination, fitness, balance, locomotion and eye-tracking skills

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Reminders:

• All children should have headphones at school (named)
• School starts at 8:45am each day. If you are at school after 8:45am you will need to sign your child in at the office. 
• Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.
• Sports days are Tuesday and Wednesday - sports uniform is needed.
• Practise the sounds caterpillars and fluency chart each night.
• Read and record ‘Enhanced Comprehension’ and ‘Reader’ in the reading diary each night.
• Library books are to be returned to school on Fridays.

Students of the Week

Cooinda - Leo Argiro                           Wahroonga -  Summer Flores  

Bundaleer -   Logan Pike                    Karinya -     Stella Seaton-Stewart   

Nangare -  Annie Fyfe                         Barramunga -  Archie Carruthers

Amaroo -   Stella Roberts                  Yongana -    William Fangaloka

Mootwingee -  Mia Howard              Minga -     Agnes Sajeevan                  

 Eumeralla -   Jango Stockman        Waminda -  Eliza Evans         Kyema -     Victoria Cirigliano           

 Myalla -   Sienna Caldarelli        Illawarra -   Liv McInerney         Narooma -    Daisy Barber

Dourim - Violet Manfield

Library News

Scholastic Book Club News:

Within a fortnight (usually), orders are delivered to SHPS, where I pick through the order and distribute to the students via their classroom teachers. 

Occasionally, some orders may be on backorder. If this is the case, students usually receive stickers with a note from Scholastic Australia. 

If you have questions or issues with Book Club, please do not hesitate to contact me rather than directly messaging Scholastic.

Ms Zema at azema@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

Harmony Day:

This week our Library sessions embraced and revolved around Harmony Day (March 21st). Most classes explored the originally Australian-only but now worldwide celebration covering the important topics of unity and diversity. Classroom teachers read relevant and age-appropriate books based on diversity and inclusion to their students. The results of the sessions provided an opportunity for a respectful and interactive discussion about what it means to stand as neighbours side-by-side and with empathy.

Senior Unit News

During Science this term Year 6 have been investigating natural disasters. To complete their learning the students have been asked to use recyclable materials to construct either a structure that can withstand a natural disaster or a warning system to minimise the effects of a natural disaster. In groups they have investigated and planned their construction, creating a list of materials available at school and what they will need to bring from home. We ask that all materials are brought in Monday or Tuesday ready for our Science lessons on Tuesday. 

Congratulations to the Boys Cricket team for winning their two matches on Wednesday. We look forward to the Boys and Girls teams competing in the Division Hardball Cricket next week. Please make sure you have filled in the permission via PAM.

Middle Unit News

Next week is going to be a huge one with both STOMP Dance and our Swimming Program being held. STOMP sessions will be held at 8:55-9:35 each day for the Middle Unit. 

Swimming

Please read arrangements for this year’s Swimming Program which is being held in Week 10:

Program Venue:  Mildura Waves (Indoor Pool)

Transport:  Students will be transported to and from Mildura Waves in the Sacred Heart School Bus.

Uniform/Changing: 

• Year 3 students will wear their bathers to school under their Sports Uniform. 
• Year 4 students will be changing into their bathers at school, please pack these in a swimming bag. 

After swimming all students will change into their Sports Uniform. Sports Uniform will be worn for the duration of Week 10. Please ensure that students have packed everything needed and all items are named. Students are permitted to wear thongs to and from the pool, but will require sneakers when they change into their Sports Uniform back at school.

Swimming Gear:  Students will need bathers, a towel, goggles, thongs/ slides, rash vest (optional as lessons are indoors) and a plastic bag for wet clothes. We recommend students bring a swimming bag that they can put their items into, separate from their school bag.

Snacks/ Lunch:  Students will bring their snacks/lunch to school as normal.  In the case where lessons clash with normal recess/lunch breaks - students will eat before they go to the pool. It is a good idea to pack extra snacks during this week as students can become hungrier than usual. Lunch Orders will run as normal. 

Program Times:

• Year 3 Group 1 - 11:30am - 12:15pm
• Year Group 2 - 12:15pm to 1:00pm
• Year 4 Minga - 1:10pm to 1:55pm
• Year 4 Eumeralla - 1:55 pm to 2:25pm

Please note that there will be no swimming on Thursday as a rest day for students.

If you  have any queries about any of the above information please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Junior Unit News

The Dance program STOMP will be bringing their spectacular moves to Sacred Heart Next week and sharing their expertise with our students from 10:15-10:55 daily. All students are encouraged to wear their SPORTS UNIFORM everyday and ensure they have a drink bottle at school. /

From 5pm on Friday 31st, all families are welcomed back to Sacred Heart with a picnic dinner in preparation for 6pm where OUR STUDENTS are encouraged to join us on stage to show off their class dance skills they learnt during the week with the STOMP instructors.                                               

As part of our Religion Unit - Community, the Year Two children (Tues 2:10pm) and the Year One children (Wed 2:10pm) will be walking to the Sacred Heart Church to explore the wonders of Lent and Holy Week and share the Stations of the Cross journey.

We congratulate Miss Hayley Moore who receives her graduation certificate on Thursday from Swinburne University, Melbourne. We wish her a magnificent experience and celebration. 

 During Monday and Tuesday of Week 11 the students will be participating in the painting of their class Journey Pole. Our students worked together to discuss/design a plan for their Journey Pole with things that are sacred or important to them. Students will be working with paint and if possible, are asked to bring an art smock/old oversized shirt to wear while painting.

In Week 1 Term 2 (Friday 28th April) Sacred Heart Primary School are hosting their annual Cross Country event at the Aerodrome ovals where the children will run 1-2  kms  

In Italian, our students have been revising language learnt during this term such as Numbers & Colours and classroom conversation. They have been practising reading and speaking Italian whilst playing games such as Tombola/Bingo games. Maybe your child/ren could share their Italian knowledge at home with your family?

Principal / Executive Leadership Team

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends,

It is very hard to believe that we only have two weeks of school remaining for Term One.  As a school community everyone has made a great start to the year and many positive relationships and routines have been developed. When I have been visiting classrooms, it is really obvious that students are enjoying their learning and everyone is contributing to making the classroom a great place to be.  Keep up the great work!  Week 10 is another busy one…. 

STOMP - Monday 27th to Friday 31st March

We look forward to a fun week as students work with the instructors from STOMP each day.  The aim of STOMP is to engage students in dance and movement along with promoting wellbeing, confidence, teamwork and respect.  Timetable below: 

8.55am - 9.35am:  Year 3/4 9.35am - 10.15am:  Prep 10.15am - 10.55am:  Year 1/2

11.40am - 12.25pm:  Year 5 12.25pm - 1.10pm :  Year 6 

• All lessons will be held in the Stadium. 
• Students will wear their Sports Uniform each day. 

Family Picnic & Concert - Friday 31st March

The week will conclude with a Family Picnic & year levels presenting their STOMP Concert items on Friday evening.  Please be aware of the following:  

• This will be held on the school oval with the picnic beginning at 5.15pm  
• The concert starts at 6.15pm.  
• It is expected that the concert will finish at 7.15pm. 
• The concert is aimed to be very relaxed and social for students, staff & parents.  
• Students will dance on the grass (no stage needed) and parents will bring in chairs, picnic rug etc.
• Students can wear casual clothes or a dress up of their choice.   

2023 Prep Enrolment

Enrolment processes have now commenced for new Prep students in 2024. Enquiries, applications and tours can be made by visiting https://www.shmildura.catholic.edu.au/2023-prep-enrolments. Enrolments will close on Friday 19th May 2022 at 4pm. We encourage existing families to apply now via the school website link above.  If you know of any new families who are looking at enrolling their child at Sacred Heart we encourage you to share our enrolment processes that are outlined on the website above.

Year 3/4 Swimming 

Our Year 3/4 students are participating in their Swimming Program this week from Monday to Wednesday and Friday (they will have a rest day on Thursday). Swimming lessons will focus on water safety, swimming technique and survival skills. Times are: Year Three - 11.30am & 12.15pm, Year Four - 1.10pm & 1.55pm.  Please ensure that students have been given permission to attend this school activity and refer to Middle Unit news for note / details.

School Vision & Mission - Tuesday 28th March

Chris Robarts will be visiting on Tuesday to continue working on our Vision & Mission.  Chris will meet with the Leadership team and Unit Leaders throughout the day and will meet with all Teaching Staff at 3.30pm for our Staff Meeting.  Chris will also meet with the School Advisory Council at 5.15pm. 

Boys & Girls Division Cricket

We wish our boys and girls cricket teams all the best at this week’s SSV Cricket Division Finals.  Boys are playing on Wednesday and girls are playing on Thursday.  Both days will be held at the Aerodrome Ovals.  Mr Burford will attend with students. 

School Fees

Just a friendly reminder to parents who have chosen to pay school fees directly via internet Termly.  Your first instalment is due on 5th April.  Please make payment on or Prior to that date.

School Assembly

Thank you to Eumeralla for hosting today’s Assembly.  Please note that there will be no Assembly next week as we have our STOMP Concert & Picnic on Friday evening.

Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) - Parent Survey

The ECSI survey has been emailed to all parents and can be completed anytime between now and Thursday 6th April. We are asking for a big effort in getting a high number of participants for this survey.  We really appreciate your time in completing the survey and your input is valued.  Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding the survey. 

School Closure & End of Term Reminder

Thursday, 6th April is a Pupil Free Day for staff to undertake learning in Structured Literacy.  Monday, 24th April will now be the first day of Term Two and students will attend school as normal (originally this had been planned as a Pupil free day).

Thursday, 6th April - Pupil Free Day (Staff Professional Learning)

Monday, 24th April - First Day of Term Two (Students return as normal)

Term One will now finish on Wednesday, 5th April at the normal time of 3.10pm given that Good Friday is on Friday, 7th April. 

Enjoy your weekend!

God Bless,

Ryan O’Callaghan

Learning Diversity News

Program Support Group (PSG) Meetings: Thank you to the parents who attended their child’s PSG meeting. Term one goals and evidence of progress were discussed and term 2 goals were set and communicated. Some teachers set goals in collaboration with their students which has given them a voice in the process.

Wellbeing Dog Update: We are excited to announce that our puppy has been born! We will be getting a male and he is chocolate in colour with curly hair. He will be sent out to us around Anzac Day. He will be coming from Brisbane and we will be picking him up from the Adelaide Airport. This is such exciting news for our school community. Prior to us getting the pup, he will go through specialised training especially around being transported in a car.  As part of the breeder’s contribution to the Dog’s Connect Program in schools; the dog will be transported to its destination free of charge. We also get a Dogs Connect dog pack which includes a puppy starter pack, lead, etc. PetStock Mildura will be sponsoring our dog also, which we are most appreciative of.

Physical Education News

This week Johnny Guthrie, Jesse Sinclair and Mercedes Leal-Kaiser each travelled to Swan Hill to compete in the Region Swimming Finals. All three students swam exceptionally well, finishing in the top 3 in all of their events and we applaud them for their efforts. A special congratulations to Johnny Guthrie for achieving a personal best time in the butterfly to win the event and qualify for the upcoming state finals. Well done!

Admin News

Dont miss this years Easter colouring competition with Banjo's Mildura.

Each Child will get a free hot cross bun when they drop their picture into the store, and will go into the draw to win an easter prize pack for their age group.

*Hard Copies available at the School Office.

Religious Education

Sacrament of Confirmation

Year Three children have received a Sacrament of Confirmation Registration form (blue).  If you wish to register your child for this Sacrament please do so by this Wednesday, 22nd March.  Hand this form in at the Parish office along with payment of $50. You also need to provide a copy of your child's baptism certificate. The  Information session for this Sacrament is being held at the church this Wednesday at 7pm. Any questions, please contact the school or Parish office.

2023 Sacramental Dates

Confirmation

Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 22nd March 2023 @ 7pm SH Church 

Sacrament of Confirmation - Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2023

First Eucharist

Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 12th July 2023 @ 7pm SH Church 

Sacrament of First Eucharist - Friday 25th to Sunday 27th August 2023

Reconciliation

Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 11th October 2023 7pm SH Church 

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Wednesday 29th November 2023 7pm SH Church

Project Compassion

Families have received a Project Compassion this week.  Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.  Your generous support can help change lives today - and For All Future Generations.  We encourage families to support Project Compassion this year.  Boxes are due back to the school office on Thursday, 6th April.

Ray White Positive Behaviour Awards

Respectful -         No Ray White Awards this week

Responsible - 

Respectful -

Prep Unit News

This week in Prep we have had lots of fun learning about St Patrick’s day and completing an activity with our buddies. We have also been doing lots of blending and segmenting of small words. In Social and Emotional Learning we worked together to design and create a monster.

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We have been working on developing independence with the students and will be having a focus on 2 points in the last weeks of term 1. 1) Being able to pack their own school bag. This can be tricky so having a practise at home will help. 2) Carrying their own school bag!

Our mornings have now become a little busier with the borrowing of our home reading books every day. These books are to be read each night and returned to school the following day (with the Maggie Mouse reading diary) for the students to select a new book. Below is a quick reference checklist for reading and borrowing in prep:

• Monday = Enhanced Comprehension Book Pocket comes home and stays at home until Friday.
• Monday - Friday = Students borrow and read each night a ‘Home Reading Book’. The book is returned to school each morning for the selection of a new book. If you don’t return your book your child/ren will not be able to borrow a book.
• Monday - Friday = Reading Diary is to be at school each day. You will now need to record the ‘Home Reading Books’ in the diary each night… please see the photo below for an example.

Fluency Chart:

Students have a fluency chart to practise each night in their library bag… please see the video for an example of the fluency chart and reading the decodable books with your child.

Some friendly reminders:

• All children should have headphones at school (named)
• Please cover your child’s reading diary in clear contact.
• School starts at 8:45am each day. If you are at school after 8:45am you will need to sign your child in at the office. 
• Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.

Sports days are Tuesday and Wednesday - sports uniform is needed.

Students of the Week

Cooinda -   Bella Mosalski                   Wahroonga -    Maya Sheehy

Bundaleer - Ilario Frasca                       Karinya -  Nicholas Cavallo        

Nangare -  Carter Bush                           Barramunga -  Ruby Joyce

Amaroo -    Eliza Marciano                    Yongana -    Lily Colbert

Mootwingee -   William Tallent            Minga -     Yr 4 Camp                  

 Eumeralla -  Yr 4 Camp           Waminda -   Ethan Madden-Hickey        Kyema -    Oliver Hobbs             

 Myalla -  Hunter Morello          Illawarra -    Assante Ribarits               Narooma -    Max Gaylard      

Dourim - Amelia King

Library News

Scholastic Book Club News:

Orders for the Scholastic Book Club Issue #2 closed on Thursday 16th March (yesterday). Within a fortnight, orders are delivered to SHPS, where I pick through the order and distribute to the students via their classroom teachers. 

Occasionally, some orders may be on backorder. If this is the case, students usually receive stickers with a note from Scholastic Australia. 

If you have questions or issues with Book Club, please do not hesitate to contact me rather than directly messaging Scholastic.

Ms Zema

azema@shmildura.catholic.edu.au