ISSUE 7: 7th March, 2025

Principal Message

Gospel Reflection

As we begin Lent, this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 4:1-13) reminds us of Jesus’ time in the desert, where He was tempted but remained faithful to God. Lent invites us to reflect on our own lives, make small sacrifices, and draw closer to God through prayer, kindness, and self-discipline.

As parents, we can guide our children in understanding that Lent isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about growing in faith and love. May this season help us all to strengthen our hearts, resist distractions, and focus on what truly matters.

What’s on Next Week (Week 7)

Coming up in Term 1, Week 8

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff & Students,

Weekly Update

We are flying through the term and I am sure everyone will enjoy a well deserved rest over this long weekend.

We enjoyed a wonderful Pancake Breakfast on Tuesday, bringing together many families and students. Gratitude to the Knights of the Southern Cross for cooking, Ag Gray for her organisation and to our parent helpers who assisted. Let's keep this tradition alive as it fosters our school community spirit.

On Wednesday, we celebrated Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Let's use this time for personal growth as we prepare for Easter. Special thanks to Father Matthew for leading our celebration and Mr. O'Callaghan for his organisational efforts, and to the parents who joined us.

A big congratulations to Will Tallent and Cooper Bush for representing our school at the School Sports Victoria (SSV) Division Swimming on Tuesday! Will placed 4th in freestyle and 2nd in backstroke in the 11-year-old boys category, while Cooper secured 3rd place in the 12-year-old boys freestyle. Well done to both boys on their fantastic achievements!

Our building works are progressing steadily. Demolition work has started to prepare for the renovations.

Today, our staff engaged in professional learning focused on the Resilience Project, which promotes emotional wellbeing through gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. The session provided valuable insights into the background and implementation of the program, equipping staff with strategies to help students and staff build resilience, positive relationships, and emotional awareness. We look forward to continuing this important work in our classrooms!

Our Thoughts & Prayers for Mrs Sarah Beckwith

We are saddened to share that Mrs Sarah Beckwith’s  mum passed away suddenly last Friday. She was very dear to Sarah and will be deeply missed. Please keep Sarah and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for your support and kindness.

Labour Day Weekend

This Monday, March 10th, marks the Labour Day public holiday. We wish everyone a wonderful long weekend filled with relaxation, family time, and rejuvenation.

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Next week, Year 3 and 5 students will engage in NAPLAN online. This adaptive testing format tailors questions to each student's performance level, providing a more precise measurement of achievement across a wider range of abilities. Students may encounter more challenging questions, as the test adapts to their responses. NAPLAN serves as one component of the school's assessment process, complementing ongoing teacher evaluations, while also offering valuable insights for educational programs and outcomes nationwide. The schedule is set out above.

School Assembly (Year 4 Illawarra)

Our next class led assembly will be hosted by Year 4 Illawarra at 2:30pm on Friday. Following the assembly, Illawarra parents are welcome to join an afternoon tea in their child's classroom, offering an opportunity to view student learning and meet other parents.

Open Communication and Support

At Sacred Heart Primary School, we value strong partnerships with our families and believe that open, respectful communication is essential for a positive and supportive learning environment.

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, we encourage you to reach out via email or arrange a time to meet with your child’s teacher or a member of our leadership team. Our Parent Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for respectful engagement, ensuring a safe and supportive space for students, staff, and families.

We are committed to working together in the best interests of your child’s education and wellbeing. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re always here to help!

SHPS Family Footy Tipping 2025

The AFL footy season isn’t far away!  Our Family Footy Tipping competition is on again.  Join the fun!  See the note for all details.

God Bless!

Mr Mark Gibson

Religious Education

2025 Sacramental Dates

Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 3 & Above) 

• Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 2nd April
• Celebration of Sacrament - Friday 30th & Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June

Sacrament of Holy Communion (Year 4 & Above)

• Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 2nd April
• Celebration of Sacrament - Friday 20th, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd June

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Year 2 & Above)

• Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 15th October
• Celebration of Sacrament - Wednesday 26th November

Learning & Teaching

All primary and lower secondary schools in Victoria are required to implement The F-10 Victorian Curriculum. At Sacred Heart, Classroom Teachers send home overviews which outline when the content of the curriculum will be taught throughout term. In addition to the classroom teachers, you are welcome to discuss any questions that you have about the curriculum; what we teach at Sacred Heart, with the Community Leaders: 

• F-2 Christine Sherry: csherry@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
• 3-4 Sophie Price: sprice@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
• 5-6 Kailla Coffey: kcoffey@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

Ensuring you have the correct information, prevents the spread of misinformation.

National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Year Three & Five classes are preparing for NAPLAN in Weeks Seven & Eight.  

The Test Schedule has been confirmed for the following days:

Week Seven:

Wednesday, 12th March 2025

Year Three Writing @ 9.15am

Year Five Writing @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 13th March 2025

Year Five Reading @ 9.15am 

Year Three Reading @ 12.00pm

Week Eight:

Tuesday, 18th March 2025

Year Three Conventions of Language @ 12.00pm

Wednesday, 19th March 2025

Year Three Numeracy @ 9.15am 

Year Five Conventions of Language @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 20th March 2025

Year Five Numeracy @ 9.15am

 You will have received a note regarding NAPLAN Parent Information. We understand that children can be nervous about NAPLAN testing and will endeavour to support students as much as possible with these assessments. Parents are encouraged to get in touch with their child’s teacher if you have any concerns to ensure that appropriate adjustments and support can be put in place. 

Maths Pathway Years 5 and 6 students: 

Maths Pathway is a program that the Year 5 and 6 students have begun using this year. It is a research, evidence based approach aligned with the Victorian Curriculum which ensures every student experiences success. A typical lesson includes explicit teaching of topics and strategies, independent online learning by completing modules that are individualised for each student, hands on energizers and mini lessons as well as ongoing formative assessments which pinpoint each student’s level of understanding. This builds their mathematical understanding along a continuum, from their unique starting point, towards the relevant achievement standards. Teachers are able to give real time feedback about misconceptions along with positive growth feedback using ongoing assessment data. The program includes developing student’s problem solving, independent learning, and group work skills, and helps develop a growth mindset towards their mathematics learning. 

Learning Diversity

Individual learning plan reports will be released on PAM by next Friday and letters for PSG meeting times for week 8 will be added to PAM ASAP. If you are unable to attend your scheduled PSG meeting please contact Fiona Pike fpike@shmildura.catholic.edu.au.

Breakfast Club

We are excited to announce that our school breakfast program will begin on Tuesday. Students are invited to call past the canteen on Tuesday morning between 8.30 - 8.45 am and grab some breakfast. There will be some toasted sandwiches, toast and fruit available.

If any parents would like to volunteer to help out on Tuesday mornings with breakfast please contact Sam Lowe slowe@shmildura.catholic.edu.au.

SWPBS

Our SWPBS focus for the next fortnight is “arriving to class on time and ready to learn”

As we continue to make the most of our school year, it's important to remember one key habit that can make a big difference in our academic success: arriving to class on time. While it might seem like a small detail, being punctual has a significant impact on your learning, your classmates, and your overall experience at school.

Why Being On Time Matters

1. Maximising Learning: Each lesson is carefully planned to cover important material. When you arrive late, you miss out on vital information that helps you understand the subject. Arriving on time ensures you don’t miss important announcements, instructions, or discussions that could help you succeed.
   
   
2. Respect for Others: Being on time shows respect for your teachers and fellow students. It minimizes distractions, helping everyone stay focused and engaged. When you're late, not only do you disrupt the lesson, but it also affects your classmates' ability to concentrate.
   
   
3. Building Good Habits: The habit of being punctual is something that will benefit you far beyond school. It teaches discipline, responsibility, and time management, which are essential skills in both your academic and future professional life. The more you practice being on time now, the easier it will be to carry these habits into adulthood.
   
   
4. Creating a Positive School Environment: Punctuality contributes to a smooth, efficient school day. When everyone arrives on time, the classroom runs more smoothly, and the teacher can begin the lesson without unnecessary interruptions.

Remember, being on time isn't just about being present in class—it’s about showing your commitment to learning and respect for the school community. Let’s all make an effort to arrive on time and start each class with a positive mindset!

FREE ONLINE WEBINAR | Digital Media Literacy & Safety

DATE: 19th March 2025

TIME: 7:00 pm

This presentation is Part 1 of a two-part series

In partnership with School's TV, we are excited to offer our school community the opportunity to take part in an exclusive webinar. 

Featuring two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean will provide invaluable insights into how to support young people navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

This webinar is Part I of a two-part 

series. In this session, topics include:

• New Social Media Regulations
• Cyberbullying
• Exposure to Hate Speech
• Online Safety and Fraud

Suitable for: Parents, grandparents, carers, educators, school leaders.

Registration is free via the link below:

This week our resilience project lessons will focus on mindfulness. Students will be able to define what mindfulness is and begin to explore different ways to practise being mindful.

If you would like to learn more about the resilience project don’t forget to access the parent hub using the link below:

General News

Please note our S acred H eart E novironmental C ommittee (SHEC group) have worm juice available to purchase usually on an assembly afternoon near our Foundation classrooms, you can get a bottle full for $3. Your garden will thank you for it! 

Reminder - The second hand uniform shop is open during assembly times (this can be found in the stadium next to the stage) during assembly times - eftpos and cash welcome. You can place your order in advance using the link below. You will get a text message from the school when it is ready. 

Easter Egg Raffle - This year we will be having an easter egg raffle. Families are asked to donate an easter egg and raffle tickets will be sold on CDF pay for $1.00 each.

FOUND: Apple watch, at our Olive Grove entrance. Does need a code, please swing by the office if you are missing yours and try your code. 

Foundation News

This week in Foundation, we have continued our learning of blending and segmenting words that contain the SATPINM sounds. It would be beneficial for your child to continue practising these sounds at home. This is in readiness for when your child brings home the reading book that they will need to read to you at home to practise the skills learnt at school. We have also had great discussions about our emotions and the students have been identifying and expressing a range of different emotions. In Mathematics, we have been working on numbers 0-10. This includes writing numbers, counting, making quantities and ordering. Check out some photos from this weeks learning.

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On Wednesday the 19th of March, we are learning about the past. As a part of this History lesson, students are asked to bring a special object from their past that they might like to share with the group. Students will be drawing an object that is special to them, so bringing something along will help with this activity.

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 school bag with everything zipped up inside. This can be tricky so having a practise at home will help. 2) Carrying their school bag!

Enhanced Comprehension packs go home each Monday and are returned on Fridays. This book is to be read to the child by the parent and then asked the corresponding questions for each day. This is then recorded in your child’s reading diary each night it is read. If children forget to bring their pack back, they are unable to borrow a new one. Here is an example of how to fill in the home reading diary…

In Week 8 we are going to be discussing objects from the past.

Some reminders:

- The ‘Enhanced Comprehension’ books are to be returned to school each Friday they are borrowed the following Monday. 

- Students' Diaries are to be brought into school every day and put into our diaries tub. These are to be sighted by the teacher and returned back to the child for their new reading each night.

- Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.

- Remember to use 2 small containers for recess and lunch so that they fit into our fridge boxes. The time frame the students have to eat their lunch and snack is short so packing a sandwich and one other thing is often enough and then 2-3 snacks for recess.

Year One News

This week we attended the Ash Wednesday Mass, showing respect as we listened, prayed, and demonstrated our best manners throughout the service. Following the Mass, we reflected on the significance of Ash Wednesday and expressed our thoughts creatively by creating beautiful Ash Wednesday portraits. It was a meaningful experience for all as we began our Lenten journey.

In Literacy we have been learning about super sentences and common and proper nouns. We discovered how two words can team up to make compound words (like rainbow and football). It’s been so much fun watching our young writers grow their skills this week, we can’t wait to see what we learn next!

 In Mathematics we have been exploring units of time. We learnt how to describe the duration and sequence of events using years, months, weeks, days, and hours. From understanding how long a minute feels to organising events in order, we’re on our way to becoming time-telling experts!

Thank you for completing the family tree activity with your child and thank you for returning them to school. If your child has not returned their family tree, can we please ask that it is returned as soon as possible as we will be presenting these within the classroom. 

 Show and Tell Topic for next week: Activities I do or would like to do.

 Some friendly reminders:

• School starts at 8:49am each day. If you are at school after 8:49am you will need to sign your child in at the office. 
• Each morning the students need to unpack their lunchboxes, drink bottles, readers and diaries and put them on top of the bag area ready to be taken inside. Then they must go to a supervised area of the school, we encourage the playground in the courtyard. 
• ‘Enhanced Comprehension’ books are to be returned each Friday so we can borrow new packs each Monday. 
• Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.
• Sports uniform is required on sports days -

Amaroo – Wednesday and Friday

Yongana – Tuesday and Friday

• Library borrowing – Wednesday
• No nail polish is to be worn at school
• Uniform - blue socks for girls, grey socks for boys and sports socks on sports days.

Year Two News

Year 2 Children’s workbooks will be coming home today  to be covered with clear contact. It would be great if this job could be completed over the long weekend, however if not, please return books to school Tuesday as we will need to use them and then organise another night for them to come home. If you have not covered your child’s diary, this weekend would be a good time too. Thanks 

Seesaw posts have been added so take the time to look at your child’s work and add a comment. The children get very excited and proud when they find a comment from their parents.

Year Three News

This week in Year Three we have been supporting our students in preparation for Naplan testing beginning next week. This has included learning about the different computer functions when doing a practice test, viewing a social story about what is expected during testing and providing plenty of opportunities for our students to ask any questions that have about Naplan. We hope you have received the Naplan information sheet that was sent home with your child. Please let your child's classroom teacher know  if you haven’t received this or if you have any questions.

Please ensure your child has headphones at school - they will be needed during some of the Naplan testing.

Have a great long weekend!

Sarah and Jaimi

Year Four News

We have had a very busy week and so this long weekend has come at a great time. 

Camp preparations are continuing to progress. Thank you to everyone for completing the permission form. Please read the information below under First Aid as it relates directly to our Year 4 camp.

In SEL we have deepened our understanding of character strengths. The following link gives ideas that you can do at home to continue understanding.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Natalee & Cathryn

Year Five News

It has been a busy but special week at Sacred Heart as we prepared for the beginning of Lent. Students made Lenten promises that were burnt during our Burning of the Palms ceremony on Monday. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying pancakes for breakfast on Tuesday morning for Shrove Tuesday. On Wednesday we attend mass to receive the ashes as Lent begun on Ash Wednesday. Well done to the students who sung so beautifully in the school church choir.

Students will begin NAPLAN next week. Students are well prepared and are feeling confident for these assessment tasks. There are still a few students who haven’t brought headphones into class. These are a MUST for NAPLAN. Please bring them in on Tuesday.

Week Seven:

Wednesday, 12th March  -Year Five Writing @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 13th March  - Year Five Reading @ 9.15am 

Week Eight:

Wednesday, 19th March - Year Five Conventions of Language @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 20th March  - Year Five Numeracy @ 9.15am 

This week during our Resilience Project lessons we have begun to look at the meaning of empathy. Students explored what the word EMPATHY means and shared stories  of a  time they have shown empathy through acts of kindness, curiosity and compassion.

We encourage you to discuss these prompts with your family at home.

• Describe a time when you have gone out of your way to make someone’s day better or shown a random act of kindness. What did you do and how did it impact the other person?
• Share a time when you noticed someone feeling sad or upset. How did you respond to them?
• Describe a time when you have shown empathy. What happened?
• Reflect on a time when you noticed one of your friends achieved something amazing. How did you celebrate their success and show genuine excitement for them?

PLEASE NOTE 

Barramunga - change of assembly date Due to NAPLAN interruptions, Barramunga will now host their assembly on Friday the 30th May.

UPCOMING DATES

• Monday 10th March - Labour Day Holiday
• Tuesday 18th March - Year 5 St Joseph’s visit - Please provide consent via SIMON
• Friday 28th March - Waminda Assembly
• Friday 30th May - Barramunga Assembly

Year Six News

This week, Year 6 students have been focusing on Lent, exploring its traditions, significance, and the values it promotes, such as reflection, sacrifice, and kindness. As part of their learning, they have also made comparisons with Ramadan, discussing the similarities between the two, including fasting, prayer, and acts of generosity. These discussions have deepened their understanding of different faiths and the shared values that connect them.

Students have been putting their mathematical skills to the test by applying their knowledge and understanding from their current unit on Transformations. They engaged in a hands-on learning experience Transformations Game, where they used translations, reflections, and rotations to solve challenges and outmaneuver their opponents. It was fantastic to see their problem-solving abilities in action as they strategized and collaborated to apply their learning in a fun and engaging way. 

Dates to Remember:

• Monday 10 March - Labour Day Holiday

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Student Awards and Presentations

No Awards this week

Library

A reminder that Book Club orders for Issue 2 will close on the 18th of March. Orders need to be placed online at https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

As of next term, there will only be one Book Club issue distributed per term.

First Aid

An email was sent to some families on Tuesday morning, who have children attending the upcoming Grade 4 Campaspe Downs Camp. Please ensure to check your junk mail as my emails do end up here sometimes unfortunately.
If your child requires medication administration whilst attending the camp and you have not notified us via PAM, please ensure to be in touch before the camp departure.

There are still some outstanding Asthma Action Plans. Please ensure these are completed by the GP and handed back into the office as soon as possible.

Please contact me if you have any questions.
ejones@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

Ebony Jones - First Aid Officer

Parent Information

School Uniform

It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure, that their children come to school wearing the correct uniform. If for some reason, particular items are not available on a given day, a note should be sent with the child, to eliminate any misunderstanding. 

School Uniform Requirements

Physical Education Uniform Days

Children can wear their sports uniform on their sport and Physical Education days.

Foundation

• Eumeralla Miss Hayley Moore - Thursday & Friday
• Minga Mrs Rebecca O’Callaghan - Tuesday & Friday 

Year One

• Yongana Miss Brieanna Galvin - Tuesday & Friday
• Amaroo Mrs Katrina Groves - Wednesday & Friday                             

Year Two  

• Mootwingee Mrs Chris Carmichael - Monday & Friday 
• Nangare Mrs Wendy Collins - Wednesday & Friday

Year Three

• Narooma Mrs Sarah Beckwith - Wednesday & Friday  
• Dourim Mrs Jaimi Willersdorf - Tuesday & Friday

Year Four

• Illawarra Mrs Natalee Johnson - Tuesday & Friday              
• Myalla Mrs Cathryn Rowles - Monday & Friday

Year Five

• Barramunga Mrs Jacinda Deacon - Monday & Friday
• Waminda Mrs Rachel Slimmon/Mr Jacob Burford - Wednesday & Friday                  

Year Six

• Cooinda Mrs Jo Campbell - Wednesday & Friday
• Wahroonga Mrs Regan Zaxos - Thursday & Friday

School Hats

It is school policy that hats should be worn from September 1st until May 1st whenever the children are outside at recess or lunch.  Outside these times the wearing of a school hat is based upon the forecast UV rating.  Foundation children have a light blue hat so that they are easy to identify in the playground.

Shoes

Parents are asked to give special attention to the shoes children wear to school.  The uniform regulations specify black leather shoes.  There are many styles on the market that fit this description, however parents are urged to avoid shoes that feature coloured stripes, logos or any other coloured decoration.  Unless specifically authorised, (e.g. on Physical Education days) sneakers are not to be worn.

Socks

Specific attention is also drawn to the colour of the socks to be worn as part of the general uniform: pale blue for girls, grey for boys.  Sacred Heart sports socks or plain white sports socks (with no logos or markings) are to be worn as part of the Physical Education uniform.

School Uniform Purchase

The Uniform Shop is run independently to the school through Totally Workwear. The shop is located at 87 Lime Ave, Mildura (Ph. 03 5021 4697). 

Second Hand Uniform Shop

The Parents and Friends (P&F) operate a Second Hand Uniform shop. Opening hours are usually during our School Assembly times. All items for sale are donated and all proceeds go directly to the P&F to support our school.  An order form is placed on our website https://www.shmildura.catholic.edu.au/school-uniform .

School Bags

School bags with the school emblem printed on them are available for purchase from Totally Workwear but are not compulsory.

Library Bags

All students require a Sacred Heart Library Bag (ordered through Totally Workwear) which is used to protect books borrowed from school as well as newsletters and other correspondence.

Lost Property

Please label ALL UNIFORM ITEMS with your child’s name. Lost property can be retrieved from breezeway between the courtyard and Olive Grove and if left unclaimed, will be donated to the second hand uniform shop.

Hair, Jewellery, Nail Polish & Make-Up

Students should keep their hair neat and tidy. Long hair that may cover the eyes must be tied back in a ponytail, plait, or similar style—this applies to both boys and girls. Hair accessories should be in the school colors: pale blue or navy blue.

 Jewellery is generally not part of the school uniform, with a few exceptions:

• Earrings: Only plain studs (no glitter or dangling styles), with one stud per earlobe. No other piercings are allowed.
• Religious Medals: May be worn on a chain or pin but must be safe for play.

Nail polish and make-up are not allowed as part of the school uniform.

Arriving and Leaving Safely

Kiss & Go

To help keep everyone safe during drop-off and pick-up please take note of the following rules at Kiss and Go and the School Crossing that should be followed both in the morning (8:10-8:45am) and afternoon (3pm-3:30pm):

• Stay in your vehicle unless you need to assist younger students with their seat belts.
• Aim to keep your car in the Kiss & Go area for a maximum of two minutes to allow others to use the space too.
• Access the Kiss & Go only from Olive Grove, not 12th Street.
• Please refrain from dropping off students outside of cars in Olive Grove.
• Avoid performing U-turns within the Kiss & Go area.
• For your safety, use the school crossing if you need to cross 12th Street.


Thanks for helping us keep our school safe for everyone!

Pick Up and Drop Off Points

In the mornings, the Olive Grove gate will remain closed, so students and visitors can only enter through the 12th Street or Tamarisk Grove gates. After school, only the Olive Grove gate near the Art House will be open and supervised by a staff member. This change aims to enhance student and traffic safety.

Please ensure you find a suitable and permissible parking spot for your car in order to use these locations.

Riding Scooters & Bikes

Certain students walk, ride bikes, or scooters to school and are requested to use either the 12th Street entrance or the Tamarisk Grove entrance at the rear of the oval. Riding into or through the school grounds is not permitted.

Collect Children from School Grounds

Feel free to come into school to pick up your child directly from their classroom. It's an excellent opportunity to meet other parents, have casual conversations with teachers, and ensure your child is organised at the end of the day. If you choose this option, please park appropriately and be outside the classroom by the 3.10 bell; otherwise, your child will be directed to the supervised Kiss and Go area. Students and young siblings should refrain from using the playground equipment.

School Crossings

Students walking home are advised to use the school crossings on Twelfth Street, Walnut Avenue and Eleventh Street to safely avoid heavily trafficked roads. All crossings are supervised by a School Crossing Supervisor, and it's crucial to follow their directions.  We also encourage parents to model expected behaviours by using the School Crossings also.

Buses

Several of our students catch buses home from the St. Joseph’s bus stop on 11th Street. Each day a teacher gathers these children together and accompanies them to the bus stop to supervise until they are all safely on the bus.

Drop Off Times

Preferred 'Drop Off' Time: 8.25 - 8.45 am. For safety reasons, please refrain from dropping off students before 8.19 am, as there is no supervision provided.  Our gates open at this time.

Pick Up Times

Recommended 'Pick Up' Time: 3.10 - 3.25 PM. While we understand occasional delays, if regular or extending beyond 3.30 PM, please consider enrolling your child/ren in After School Care.

Walking or Riding Home

If your children walk or ride home or to your workplace after school, please submit written permission authorising them to leave unaccompanied. They must exit through the main 12th Street gate or accompany the 11th Street bus group through Tamarisk Grove.

Alternative Pick Up Places

For safety, we strongly advise against arrangements where children wait unsupervised at public pick-up locations like Walnut Avenue or St Joseph’s College.

EATING AND DRINKING AT SCHOOL

Healthy Eating

To sustain learning and promote healthy eating we encourage students to bring to school predominantly healthy food choices.

Brainfood

Students have a brain food break during the morning to keep children’s brains fuelled for learning. We ask that families send an extra fresh fruit or vegetable snack for children to have during this time. When sending the snack, please pack it separately from your child’s lunch in a small, named container so it can be placed on their desk each morning.

Lunch Snack

The main meal of the school day; a sandwich or roll, a salad or a slice of quiche. A healthy ‘treat’ may also be appropriate here that is healthy and gives long-term energy.  Lunch is eaten usually in the classroom from 11:25am-11:40am.

Recess Snack

We encourage parents to pack fresh fruit or vegetables in your child’s recess snack box.  You may like to pack one or two other snack items for them at this time.  This snack is eaten at 1:40pm.

Packing Food

 The school has a bank of refrigerators for the storage of students’’ food. For the ease of packing and unloading the fridges, we ask that parents provide separate, small, well-labelled containers or zip-lock bags for their child’s recess snack and lunch. Insulated ‘puffy’ lunchboxes and ice-blocks are not required.

School Canteen

Our School Canteen operates on a Wednesday and Friday and provides a range of lunch options at low cost.    The current menu and prices can be accessed through and ordered via the CDFpay.  This app is powered by Flexischools and  you will need to create an account.  Please download the CDF Pay App and ensure you create an account (the previous CDFPay doesn't transfer over to the app).

OFFICE INFORMATION

Office Hours

Office hours will run from 8:20am to 4:00pm every day. Phone calls can be made starting at 8:00 am.

Change of Personal Details

If there are any changes to your contact details (address/phone number/emergency contacts), kindly inform the office by calling 50231204, emailing office@shmildura.catholic.edu.au, or visiting the office in person.

Simon Everywhere and Parent Access Module (PAM)

Simon Everywhere is an App for smart phones that allows parents to access all information relating to their child/ren such as reports, attendance and much more. It also allows you to update medical information, give permission for excursions, access teacher emails and also receive notifications from the school.

For parents familiar with PAM, the new App works mostly the same as PAM and you can still access PAM through the web site: pam.shmildura.catholic.edu.au, however the app has additional functionality such as Push notifications and the ability to sign in without having to enter your username and password each time.

1. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search Simon Everywhere
2. Download and open the App and Allow Notifications
3. Enter your name and phone number and press verify, you will receive a code via SMS
4. Click on 'Add School'
5. Select Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura - Parent Access
6. Enter your PAM username and password. If you do not know your credentials, please call the school.

7. Click on the Home icon.
   

Simon everywhere works best when notifications are turned on. You can check the notifications setting on your phone to be sure by going to the Settings – Notifications – Then find the Simon Everywhere App.

Sickness at School

Children with severe colds, flus, or other debilitating illnesses must stay at home. Do not send the child if they have:

• Fever: Children with a fever over 38 degrees should stay home.
• Prescribed antibiotics: Keep a child at home for at least 24 hours if prescribed antibiotics for an acute illness.
• Diarrhea: Children with watery stool should return only after being symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
• Vomiting: Children who are vomiting should stay home until at least 24 hours after it has stopped.

After School Care

After School Care is available for Sacred Heart students and is located on our school grounds.  Camp Australia run this program for students from Sacred Heart Primary School and St Paul's Primary School.  The program runs from the Art House building which is located on Olive Grove.

Sacred Heart families can make use of the Camp Australia After-School Care Program that is held on the grounds of Sacred Heart.  The service is available from 3:10pm through to 6pm on school days.  A healthy snack is provided to children.  Registration needs to be done through the Camp Australia website www.campaustralia.com.au .  Further information can be obtained by calling 1300 105 343.  Each day the office will print out a list of students attending Out of Hours School Care and notify the students at the end of the day via the announcements.

Marking Child’s Absence 

1. Log into the App - SimonEverywhere or login via PAM (type pam.shmildura.catholic.edu.au in your address bar).
2. You can either log by clicking on the large blue calendar section that says Parent Notified Absences or you can click on the 3 menu lines at the top right-hand side of your screen. NOTE: On your phone it will appear below your child/ren’s name.
3. You will then need to click the blue + Add Absence button circled below
4. Then select your child, and in reason

If your family is going on an extended family holiday. Please contact the school to inquire about an Student Absence Learning Plan.

School Day

• 8:19 am - Gates open & students can access Courtyard
• 8:34 am - Access Courtyard and play on Oval (classrooms opening optional for teachers)
• 8.49 am - School day begins - classroom open
• 8:55 am - School starts.
• 9.55 am - Brain Break
• 10:55 am - Lunch Play
• 11.25 am - Lunch Eat
• 1.40 pm - Recess 
• 2.10 pm - Recess Finishes
• 3.10 pm - School finishes

Sports Uniform Days

Foundation

• Eumeralla Miss Hayley Moore - Thursday & Friday
• Minga Mrs Rebecca O’Callaghan - Tuesday & Friday 

Year One

• Yongana Miss Brieanna Galvin - Tuesday & Friday
• Amaroo Mrs Katrina Groves - Wednesday & Friday                             

Year Two  

• Mootwingee Mrs Chris Carmichael - Monday & Friday 
• Nangare Mrs Wendy Collins - Wednesday & Friday

Year Three

• Narooma Mrs Sarah Beckwith - Wednesday & Friday  
• Dourim Mrs Jaimi Willersdorf - Tuesday & Friday

Year Four

• Illawarra Mrs Natalee Johnson - Tuesday & Friday              
• Myalla Mrs Cathryn Rowles - Monday & Friday

Year Five

• Barramunga Mrs Jacinda Deacon - Monday & Friday
• Waminda Mrs Rachel Slimmon/Mr Jacob Burford - Wednesday & Friday               

Year Six

• Cooinda Mrs Jo Campbell - Wednesday & Friday
• Wahroonga Mrs Regan Zaxos - Thursday & Friday