ISSUE 10: 27th March, 2025

Principal Message

Gospel Reflection

This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) shares the Parable of the Prodigal Son—a beautiful reminder of God’s unconditional love and mercy. No matter how far we wander, God always welcomes us back with open arms.

As parents, it's a reminder to lead with patience, forgiveness, and compassion, just as God does for us. May this Lenten season help us grow closer to our families and our faith.

What’s on Next Week (Week 10)

Coming up in Term 2 (Week 1) 

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff & Students,

Weekly Update

Following today’s funeral for Eli Madden-Andrews, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the school community for the kindness and support shown over the past week. It has been a challenging time for many, and we’re proud of how our students, staff, and families have come together. If your child needs any support, please don’t hesitate to contact the school—we are here to help.

This week, students added vibrant designs to their Journey Poles along 12th Street, a tradition since 2010 as part of our NAIDOC celebrations. Each class paints a pole symbolising what is precious and sacred to them, renewing their designs each year before being blessed.

A big congratulations to our students who represented Sacred Heart at the SSV Division Cricket Finals—your effort and sportsmanship were outstanding!

Last Friday, we also welcomed our external school auditor for the review of our 2024 financial year. A special thanks to Mrs Avery, who received very positive feedback for her excellent work.

Thank you to all families for your continued support and involvement throughout Term One. It has been a wonderful start to the year, and we wish everyone a joyful Easter and a relaxing break with loved ones. Keep an eye out for our next newsletter just before Term Two begins on Thursday, 17th April.

Year 4 Camp – Campaspe Downs

Best wishes to our Year 4 students and staff heading off to Campaspe Downs on Wednesday at 7:15am, returning Friday around 6:00pm. Accompanying staff are Mrs Rowles, Mrs Johnson, Miss Price, Mr Gibson, Mrs Pike, Miss Jones, and Mrs Driscoll. Please note, Tuesday will be a non-instructional day for Year 4 students, and we encourage them to stay home. Supervision will be available for those who need it, supported by Casual Relief Teachers.

Confirmation & First Holy Communion Parent Session

Sacrament of Confirmation & First Communion Parent Information Night is being held at the church this Wednesday at 7pm. Parents of any students (Year Three and above - Confirmation & Year Four and above - First Holy Communion) who have registered for this Sacrament are expected to attend.

Mission Fundraising & Easter Raffle

Our Mission Fundraising will now run year-round, beginning with a fun Crazy Hair Day and Easter Raffle this Friday!

• Crazy Hair Day: $1–$2 per student or $5 per family via CDF Pay
• Raffle Tickets: $1 each via CDF Pay
  Thank you to all families who’ve already donated—our 14 class/staff hampers and 25+ smaller prizes are looking amazing! Raffle tickets are open until 8pm Thursday, April 3rd, with the draw on Friday.
• Tickets will be drawn in the Stadium at 1.30pm on Friday.

Project Compassion Boxes

Families are encouraged to return their Project Compassion boxes to school by this Friday.

Staffing Update

Mrs Laurenca Dichiera (LSO - Wahroonga) will be finishing up with us at the end of the term. Laurenca has made the decision to step away from her role to spend more time with her family. We do hope to welcome Laurenca back in a casual capacity when the timing is right.  We thank Laurenca for her wonderful contribution to our school community.

End of Term 1 Arrangements

This Friday marks the end of Term One. Students will be dismissed at 2:10pm, with recess from 12:40pm to 1:10pm.

Palm Sunday

This year Palm Sunday falls in the middle weekend of the school holidays.  We invite familes in our school community to attend Mass on Sunday, 13th April as Holy Week begins, the most sacred week on the Liturgical calendar.

Pupil Free Day – Term 2

Please note, Tuesday 22nd April (Week 1, Term 2) is a Pupil Free Day. Staff will participate in professional learning on Structured Literacy, supporting our School Improvement Goal around best practice in literacy instruction.

STOMP Is Back!

STOMP will begin on Day 1 of Term 2, with all students participating in daily sessions in preparation for the following events.
🎉 Year 3–6 Disco: Monday, April 28 | 7:00–8:00pm
🕺 Junior STOMP Extravaganza: Tuesday, April 29 | 5:15–6:45pm.  Parents welcome!
Students are asked to wear their Sports Uniform on the first two days of Term 2.

Wishing you all a joyful Easter and a restful break with loved ones. Thank you for your continued support this term—we look forward to another wonderful term ahead!

God bless!

Mark Gibson

Religious Education

2025 Sacramental Dates

Registration forms for the Sacraments of Confirmation (Year 3) & Holy Communion (Year 4) have been sent home this week (blue form).  Registration for these Sacraments can be made at the Parish Office by filling in the form and making the payment.  Registration MUST be completed by Tuesday 1st April.  The Parent Information session for both Sacraments is being held at the Sacred Heart church on Wednesday 2nd April.  Parents only are required to attend this session.

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

Social Justice

Thank you to the many families who have volunteered to help serve, cook or donate goods for the Sacred Heart Parish Soup Kitchen. This is a sign of our school community’s commitment to help the poor, the unemployed, the homeless and those less fortunate than ourselves. 

A new roster has been made with dates from April-November 2025. I'm hoping that everyone received a copy of this roster today (from your child) and if I have given you a date that doesn’t suit, please try to swap it with another school family and then email me with the change. If you are available for your given date, please also confirm this with an email to me so that I can mark you with a confirmed yes. 

With Thanks in anticipation

Chris Carmichael

ccarmichael@shmildura.catholic.edu.au  

Social Justice Coordinator

Learning & Teaching

With the school holidays approaching, it may be a good chance to ensure your child has had their vision and hearing checked.  As a part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring all students reach their full potential, we request that our students have these tests completed.  We recommend that vision is checked every year or second year at least (annual vision tests are free). Ideally all children have their hearing checked as early as possible in their Primary Schooling and then rechecked if required.,

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.

Wellbeing

Tuning into Kids

Tuning in to Kids is a six week program that teaches and strengthens emotion coaching skills to help parents recognise, understand, and respond to their children's emotions in a supportive way.

We are pleased to invite families to participate in this 6 week program with Our Lady’s Of Sacred Heart School Merbein commencing Monday 5th May. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

A Special Report: Celebrating Harmony Week

Harmony Week is celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

During Harmony Week, there are a number of events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make up Australia.

As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia's cultural landscape.

This Special Report hopes to instil positive values and create an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about understanding diversity and multiculturalism.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

SWPBS

Our SWPBS focus for the next fortnight will be on fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.

Have you ever thought about the words you use with your friends at school? The language we choose can make a big difference in how people feel. That’s why it’s important to use inclusive language—words that make everyone feel welcome, respected, and valued, no matter who they are.

What is Inclusive Language?

Inclusive language is all about using words that don’t leave anyone out. It's about making sure that people of all different backgrounds, abilities, genders, and cultures feel included. When we use inclusive language, we’re showing kindness and respect to everyone around us, no matter their differences.

Why Does it Matter?

Imagine if every time you spoke, someone felt left out, sad, or hurt because of the words you used. That wouldn’t feel very good, right? On the other hand, when you use inclusive language, it helps everyone feel seen, heard, and important. And when people feel good, they are more likely to be happy and friendly, making your school a better place for everyone!

Stereotypes are when we make assumptions about people based on things like their appearance, where they come from, or what they believe. For example, saying "girls aren't good at sports" or "boys don’t cry" is not only untrue but also hurtful. Remember, every person is unique, and it's okay for everyone to like different things or act in different ways.

People with disabilities might face challenges, but that doesn't mean they're less capable or important. Instead of saying, “That’s so crazy!” or “She’s so slow,” you can say things like “That’s surprising!” or “She’s taking her time.” It’s about using words that are kind and considerate of others' experiences.

Everyone’s body is different, and that’s something to celebrate! Instead of making comments about someone’s weight, height, or clothes, try to focus on compliments that are more personal, like, “I love how creative your drawing is!” or “Your idea is really cool!” This way, we celebrate people for who they are on the inside, not just how they look.

Words like “stupid,” “lazy,” or “ugly” can hurt people’s feelings. Even if you're joking, it can make others feel bad about themselves. Instead, try using kind, supportive words to lift others up. You might say, “That was a tough challenge, but I think you can do it!” or “That’s a great effort, keep trying!”

Schools are made up of people from all over the world with different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. It’s important to be respectful of everyone’s traditions, languages, and ideas. For example, don’t make fun of someone’s accent or the food they bring for lunch. Instead, ask questions and learn more about what makes them unique!

Using inclusive language doesn’t just make other people feel good—it also makes you feel good! When you choose words that show kindness and respect, you create a positive and friendly environment around you. This helps everyone in your class feel safe and happy, and it can even help you make more friends. Plus, you’ll be seen as someone who is caring and thoughtful—qualities that everyone appreciates! 

Let’s Make School a Kind and Inclusive Place

Remember, words are powerful. They can hurt, but they can also heal. By using inclusive language, you’re helping to make your school a place where everyone can feel like they belong. So, the next time you're talking to your classmates, think about the words you choose. Make sure they’re words that lift others up and make everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Together, we can all create a school community where everyone feels accepted and respected!

Resilience Project

This week during the resilience project students will be revisiting concepts of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness covered in lessons this term.

Learning Diversity

Thank you to all families who have attended PSG meetings over the past two weeks. We have the last couple of meetings early next week then Learning plans and meeting minutes will be released on PAM. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your PSG minutes please contact Fiona Pike fpike@shmildura.catholic.edu.au. Please note Fiona will be attending Year 4 camp and may not respond until the start of Term2. If you question or concern is urgent please contact the office and they will best direct you.

SHEC -Sacred Heart Environmental Committee

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Paper Bricks $2 each

The SHEC team has been busy making Paper Bricks. These bricks burn for hours, making them a cheap alternative to wood for an open fire, fire pit etc…They are made solely of reused shredded paper.

Worm Juice $3 a bottle

Worm Juice is a magic elixir for your indoor plants, seedling and garden.  Packed with powerful nutrients, worm juice/casting improves the health of plants and the soil.

Look for the SHEC team selling their paper bricks and worm juice on Friday afternoons in the courtyard or outside the Foundation portable classrooms..

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. 

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

Well done to all Foundation students for their hard work with their readers over the last two weeks. Just a reminder that the comprehension book (in the plastic pocket) is for an adult to read to the student and ask the prompted questions. The smaller reader is for the student to read every night.  This book is decodable, which means it has the sounds we have learned in class, and students use the sounds to read the word. Provide lots of encouragement for students when blending words. The diary needs to be signed for both the comprehension book and the reader EVERY NIGHT. The picture below shows you how to fill in the diary.

In Foundation, we have learnt the sounds s, a, t, p, i, n, m. Students are learning to read and write words with these sounds. With support, students might be able to show you how they can do this at home. In Mathematics, we are working on the numbers 0-20. This includes number formation, recognising the numeral and quantity, matching the numeral to quantity and ordering. For Religion this week, we have begun to talk about Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the Bible. Students will sequence these stories from the Bible by the end of Term 1.

Some quick reminders:

• Friday April 4th is the last day of Term 1. School finishes at 2:10pm. Easter raffles will be drawn (tickets purchased on CDF pay) and there will be Crazy Hair Day
• Each morning the students need to do their jobs before finding something to do. They need to bring into the classroom their drink bottle, lunch container, snack container, brainfood container, reading book and diary. 
• The ‘Enhanced Comprehension’ books are returned to school each Friday. 
• Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.

Brainfood needs to be a small fruit or vegetable snack that can be eaten in 5 minutes - cut up and in a small container.

Year One News

Wow! What a busy week it has been in the Year One Unit. On Tuesday, we got creative and worked together to make our class journey poles for this year. We also learned about tie-dye and designed our own tie-dye T-shirts. Using water, rubber bands, folding techniques, and forks, we carefully prepared our shirts before taking them outside to apply the dye. We can’t wait to see the final results and look forward to wearing them for our Year One Stayback next term!

On Thursday, the students enjoyed a wonderfully engaging incursion with local Historian, Bob Walton. The incursion related to our History topic of Past and Present and our Key Inquiry Question - How can we show that the present is different from or similar to the past? Mr. Walton presented enriching knowledge of what life was like in the past and brought in some artefacts, including old toys (some were 80 years old!) and games that the students absolutely loved looking at, learning about, and playing with!

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In Literacy, we have been strengthening our understanding of the digraph sounds /ai/, /ay/, /ee/, /ea/, /oa/, and /ow/. We also learned three new tricky words: many, any, and who. Keep an eye out for these digraph sounds and tricky words in our readers, library books, and comprehension books!

In Maths, we have continued our learning on statistics, data and probability. We have been learning about effective ways to ask questions, collect data using tally marks and represent our findings in graphs. We used our graphs to display our data, and we then answered questions to demonstrate our knowledge. We also introduced probability and completed an engaging lesson about the colours of marshmallows that were in a bag. We used keywords such as possible, impossible, certain, likely and unlikely to answer questions and complete the task. We then connected our learning to real-life scenarios such as weather forecasts, rolling dice and flipping coins.

Next Monday, we will visit the Church to explore the Stations of the Cross symbols. The students have learned about the story of the Stations of the Cross and have created their own booklets to deepen their understanding of Lent, Holy Week and Easter.  

NEXT WEEK: 

-Please ensure that your child packs their own bag at the end of each day and unpacks it themselves each morning. This encourages independence and avoids confusion in the morning. 

-Please return all borrowed books by Wednesday to guarantee that your child is able to borrow new books for the school holiday. 

-Friday, April 4th April,  is the last day of Term 1. School finishes at 2:10 pm. 

-Friday 4th April, Easter raffles will be drawn (tickets purchased on CDF pay before 8pm on Thursday 3rd April)-

-Friday 4th April, Crazy Hair Day. Please donate to crazy hair day with a gold coin donation or via CDF Pay. Options are $1, $2 or a family donation of $5 via CDF Pay. 

We are most appreciative of the support that you have provided to your child this term and thank you for your dedication to their learning. 

We wish you all a relaxing, safe and happy holiday break.

Katrina and Brieanna

Year Two News

The Year 2 students have been working very hard all term and will definitely be in need of a good rest over the holidays! 

To finish our work on Local History, we are looking forward to our excursion to the Old Mildura Homestead and Rio Vista. Students  will have the opportunity to explore the homestead and Rio Vista and to play some ‘olden day’ games. Please make sure all children have lunch packed in a disposable bag/container as we want to avoid losing any lunch boxes. Children will also need their water bottle and hat. We will eat our lunch at the Homestead and then be back at school for recess.

This week in History we looked at what school was like when the Chaffey Brothers came to Mildura - thank goodness we don’t have to follow some of those old school rules! Children also had the opportunity to write with an ink quill - aka a feather and black paint! They soon found that it was really very difficult especially since the fluorescent lights were turned off! You may also notice that the ‘lefties’ all had a go at writing with their right hand - no left handed writing allowed in 1880!

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In Maths, we have been looking at measurement. Students have used metre rulers, 30 cm rulers and scales to measure and weigh a variety of objects. We have practiced being as accurate as possible, starting on the ‘0’ and finding how long something is. We also did lots of predicting as to which objects were heavy and which were light and how far we were able to throw a beanbag.

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Next week we also look forward to the Easter Raffle and Crazy Hair Day as part of our Mission fundraising efforts. Children are encouraged to go wild with their hair on Friday - remember to send along a gold coin to help kick off our fundraising. Thank you so much for all the Easter Egg donations - the Year 2 hampers look great! It’s not too late to send a donation along - please drop them into the office after Monday to be added to the hampers. Raffle tickets are available through CDFPay for $1 each and will close on Thursday 8pm.

As next week concludes Term 1, children will be able to borrow a few extra books to read for the holidays. Please remind your child to return their books in preparation for our library visit on Friday. We will also be finalising a number of Seesaw tasks so keep an eye out for those and remember the thrill your child gets reading a message on Seesaw from you.  As we learn about Holy Week we are hoping to take the children over to the Sacred Heart Church to walk the Stations of the Cross however this will depend on church availability next week.

We wish everyone a blessed Easter and a safe and restful holiday,

Wendy and Chris

Year Three News

Year Three have had a wonderful week. Just a reminder that we are still waiting on some students to bring their headphones to school.

Students have really enjoyed Visual Arts, where they have been learning about Vincent Van Gogh and his artwork Starry Night. 

Year Three have also enjoyed learning about Holy Week in Religion.

Keep checking SeeSaw as we begin uploading some of the students amazing work towards the end of the Term. 

Have a great weekend,

Jaimi and Sarah

Year Four News

Excitement is building for our camp to Campaspe Downs next week! A reminder to be at school at 7:00am in readiness for a 7:15am departure. Please ensure that all items are packed from the list provided, including a backpack containing all necessary items for Day 1 (hat, water bottle, snacks, lunch). Please ensure that any medications being bought on camp have been provided to the school with an accompanying medication authority form. This includes any child who may suffer from travel sickness. Please ensure you have supplied necessary preventative medication for the return journey. If you have any questions, please reach out to us here at school.

The Resilience Project. This week we focused on three different strategies we might use to help us meditate. One was mindfulness colouring in. Included here is an activity your family may wish to complete this week.

We wish everyone a restful holiday,

Natalee & Cathryn

Year Five News

Over the last 2 weeks in Literacy, Year 5 students have been introduced to writing Multiple Paragraph Outlines. Together we constructed our MPO on Australian Democracy. We have practiced setting out our paragraphs with correct spacing and indentations. 

In Religion, we have been preparing for Easter by looking at the events of Holy Week. Students will share their learning on SeeSaw next week. 

Students have also explored why showing empathy and performing acts of kindness creates positive feelings. Students created a model of a brain cell to explain the role of oxytocin in the body. A parent sheet to share their learning has been sent home to help you continue the conversation.

Thanks Waminda for a wonderful Assembly today. The class remix was a blast!

Well done to our Year 5 students who played in the next round of T20 cricket today. 

Year Six News

This week, our Grade 6 students put their maths skills to the test in an exciting and creative way! Using the concepts they’ve learned this term, they worked collaboratively to design and build their own Maths board games. Their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills were on full display as they brought their ideas to life. It was fantastic to see such high levels of engagement and enthusiasm—well done to all our young game designers!

This week in Literacy, our students have been learning how to use the story spiral to plan, draft, and create their own narratives. Using a picture prompt as inspiration, they developed engaging stories with well-structured plots. It’s been great to see their creativity and writing skills come together, and we look forward to reading their final pieces!

Well done to our year 6 students that represented Sacred Heart PS today at the T20 Cricket! 

Jo & Regan

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This week in Digital Tech, students have finished their learning on Binary Code by making Binary Bracelets. Students worked out the code for each letter of their name and represented the code by a coloured bead on their bracelet. During this term, we have looked at Binary Code through pixelations and decoding hidden messages.

Student Awards and Presentations

Congratulations to our Term 1  Principals award recipients!!

One Agency Mildura Positive Behaviour recipients! Keep up the great work! 

Poppy Zaxos ~ Austin Fox ~ Frederico Leal Kaiser

Principal Awards

Library

First Aid

Important note in regards to concussions:
If a child has experienced concussion outside of the school setting it is important that they rest for a period of 24 to 48 hours and then gradually return to activities after this time. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sporting activities. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.

It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of school; this is to ensure the school can monitor your child’s wellbeing and adapt activities as required.

This factsheet link below from the Royal Children’s Hospital is valuable to read and understand.

There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch children’s research institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.

As we near the end of term 1:
Please consider if your child needs their Asthma Action Plan renewed. We are still waiting on a few to be updated. I would love to have these all up to date by Term 2. Please continue to check your emails (including junk/spam) as my emails seem to find their way there.

Any other plans including ASCIA plans for allergies and anaphylaxis, I have been in contact about these and am also waiting on a couple to be returned/updated. Please organise this as soon as possible so we can best support your children whilst they are here at school.

If you have any questions, please contact me ejones@shmildura.catholic.edu.au or on 5023 1204.

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