ISSUE 25: 15th August, 2025

Principal Message

Gospel Reflection

In this week’s Gospel (Luke 12:49–53), Jesus speaks about bringing fire to the earth—not the fire that destroys, but the fire that transforms. This fire is the passion of faith, the courage to stand for what is right, and the willingness to follow Him even when it is challenging. As parents, we are often called to guide our children through tough choices, helping them hold fast to their values, even if it means standing apart from the crowd. Let us pray that our homes are places where faith, love, and integrity burn brightly—shaping our children to be people of courage, compassion, and hope.

What’s on Next Week Term 3, Week 5

Coming up in Term 3 (Week 6) 

This Week at Sacred Heart

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff & Students,

It’s been another action-packed and rewarding week at Sacred Heart, filled with opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and shine—both in and out of the classroom.

Our Year 3 students enjoyed a fantastic two-day camp in Swan Hill, where they displayed excellent behaviour and enthusiastic participation in all activities. A big thank you to our supervising staff and Year 3 teachers for their organisation and coordination in making this a memorable experience.

This week we also took part in Bullying No Way Week, a national campaign promoting safe, respectful school communities. The 2025 theme was “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.” Students engaged in a range of activities throughout the week, including a Kids Helpline online anti-bullying lesson. It was a valuable opportunity to build empathy, courage, and kindness across our school.

Thank you to everyone—students, staff, and parents—who contributed to making this week such a success. We are proud of the way our students represented our school, embraced challenges, and demonstrated the values we hold dear at Sacred Heart.

Congratulations to our girls’ and boys’ football teams who competed strongly at the School Sports Victoria Region competition in Swan Hill yesterday. The girls fought hard to win 1 of their 3 pool games whilst the boys side performed exceptionally well, narrowly going down in the Grand Final by 2 goals.

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Lockdown Drill

On Monday, we will conduct a 'lockdown' practice drill as part of our Work, Health & Safety protocols. In this drill the students will move from outside in the yard to inside.  Your children may discuss this when they return home. As always, reassure them that there's nothing to worry about. This drill helps them learn to stay safe in various emergency situations such as change of weather, storms or encounters with dangerous individuals.

School Sports Victoria (SSV) Region Boys Netball

We wish our boys Netball team at Thursday’s Region games at Swan Hill all the best. Students will depart from school at 7:15am.

Book Week Dress-Up Day – Friday 22nd August

This week we celebrate CBCA Book Week 2025 with the theme “Book an Adventure”. Thank you to Mrs Pacher for organising this much-loved event.  All students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character on Friday. Costumes can be as creative or as simple as you like—homemade, borrowed, or from around the house. Parents are warmly invited to join our Book Week Parade at 9:00am to see the wonderful characters come to life. Throughout the week, classes will enjoy special Book Week activities, and there will be a Colouring In Competition for all year levels.

School Assembly Nangare

Year Two Nangare will host our Assembly at 2:30pm on Friday. Following the assembly, Nangare parents are welcome to join an afternoon tea in their child's classroom, offering an opportunity to view student learning and to mingle and meet other parents.

Athletics Carnival

The Sacred Heart Athletics Carnival will take place at the Aerodrome Ovals on Wednesday, 27th August. This event promises to be a fantastic day of sportsmanship and camaraderie, and we can't wait to see our school community come together for this special occasion.

Names on Jumpers

Please ensure all jumpers are clearly labelled with your child's name to prevent them from being lost. This helps save money and makes it easier to return misplaced items. Thank you for your cooperation!

Victorian Mobile Dental Health Visit – 1st September

We’re pleased to share that the Victorian Mobile Dental Health Service will be visiting Sacred Heart on Sunday 1st September to provide free dental check-ups for students.

Families can register their child by completing the form linked below by 25th August. This is a great opportunity to support your child’s oral health without needing to leave school.

Foundation 2026 Enrolments – Still Open

We still have places available for Foundation in 2026! If you know of any families thinking about joining Sacred Heart, please encourage them to get in touch and enrol soon. We’d be delighted to welcome them into our caring and vibrant school community.

God Bless!

Mr Mark Gibson

Father's Day Stall

Our Father’s Day Stall will be held on Friday 5^th September and students will be able to purchase an item from the stall for $5. Parents can make payment through CDF Pay (which has been set up) or some may choose to bring in cash. Children will come as a class to the stall and choose from a range of items that will be available.  If you are free and would like to help between 8.30am – 11am please contact the office and leave your contact details and the time you are available. Thank you.

Learning Diversity

Religious Education

2025 Sacramental Dates

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Year 2 & Above)

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

Learning and Teaching

Supporting Every Learner: The Role of ILPs and PSGs at Sacred Heart

We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a way that meets their unique needs. That’s why we use Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and Parent Support Group (PSG) meetings as key tools in supporting student learning, particularly for students who benefit from additional adjustments in the classroom.

What Are ILPs?

Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are personalised plans designed to help students achieve their learning goals. These plans are tailored to each child’s strengths, challenges, and learning style. They provide a clear pathway for teachers, parents, and support staff to work together in supporting student success.

ILPs are most commonly developed for students who are receiving:

• Differentiated or Supplementary adjustments (adjustments made regularly in class)
  
  
• Substantial or Extensive adjustments (more significant support, often involving additional resources or changes to teaching approaches)

Each ILP includes:

• Targeted learning goals
  
• Specific teaching strategies and adjustments
  
• Progress monitoring
  
• Collaboration between school staff, specialists (if required), and families.
  
  

 The Power of Parent Support Groups (PSGs)

Parent Support Group (PSG) meetings provide an essential opportunity for parents, teachers, and support staff to come together to discuss a student’s ILP, track their progress, and make adjustments as needed.

PSGs foster strong partnerships between home and school, helping ensure that:

• Everyone involved understands the student’s needs and goals
  
  
• Support is consistent across school and home environments
  
  
• Communication remains open, respectful, and focused on growth

Upcoming PSG Meetings

To ensure that students receive the support they need, PSG meetings will be held as follows:

Week 8:
Meetings for students receiving substantial or extensive adjustments will take place. Families will receive an appointment time via PAM.

Throughout the Term:
Students receiving supplementary or differentiated adjustments will have their PSG meetings arranged directly by their classroom teacher. These meetings will be tailored to each student's needs and scheduled flexibly.

Working Together Makes a Difference

When schools and families collaborate effectively, students benefit. ILPs and PSGs help us ensure that no student falls through the cracks and that every child is recognised as a capable and valued learner.

We thank all families for their ongoing support and engagement. If you have any questions about your child’s ILP or PSG meeting, please don’t hesitate to contact your classroom teacher or our Learning Diversity Leader.

Together, we’re creating a school community where every learner is supported, empowered, and celebrated.

SWPBS

Our SWPBS focus this weeks continues as we recognise Bullying Now Way national week of actions agaisnt bullying.

 Bullying. No Way! Week – Standing Together for a Safe and Friendly School 

At Sacred Heart, we’re proud to stand together to say Bullying. No Way! During this important week, we reflect on how we treat one another, the importance of kindness, and how we can all work together to build a school culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and included.

This year, students in Years 3 to 6 completed the Resilient Youth Survey, providing us with valuable insights into their experiences with friendships, safety, family support, and bullying. Here’s what they had to say:

Bullying and Exclusion – What Students Are Saying

We're pleased to see that a strong majority of our students are not experiencing bullying, either at school, online, or through social exclusion: Students reported not being bullied or excluded:

• Year 3: 76% of boys and 86% of girls.
  
  
• Year 4: 95% of boys and 86% of girls.
  
  
• Year 5: 89% of boys and 86% of girls.
  
  
• Year 6: 92% of boys and 90% of girls.

While this shows a mostly positive trend, we know there’s always more we can do to ensure 100% of students feel safe and included.

Friendships and Getting Along

Students were also asked about their friendships – having a good friend, keeping friends, getting along with others, trusting and forgiving friends:

• Year 3: 82% of boys and 86% of girls.
  
  
• Year 4: 92% of boys and 83% of girls.
  
  
• Year 5: 90% of boys and 78% of girls.
  
  
• Year 6: 87% of boys and 80% of girls.

An interesting note: only 39% of Year 3 boys said they forgive others who are mean to them, showing us there’s an opportunity to help our youngest l

Family Support – Feeling Loved and Connected

A caring and supportive family environment makes a big difference, and students reported high levels of connection and love from home:

• Year 3: 88% of boys and 90% of girls.
  
  
• Year 4: 97% of boys and 92% of girls.
  
  
• Year 5: 93% of boys and 91% of girls.
  
  
• Year 6: 95% of boys and 99% of girls.

This strong sense of family support helps build resilience and confidence in our students.

Feeling Safe and Supported at School

Students also shared how they feel about their safety at school and support from teachers:

• Year 3: 77% of boys and 86% of girls.
  
  
• Year 4: 97% of boys and 88% of girls.
  
  
• Year 5: 71% of boys and 87% of girls.
  
  
• Year 6: 88% of boys and 96% of girls.

These results remind us that feeling safe and supported by teachers is essential to student wellbeing. We’re proud of our dedicated staff and will continue to ensure every child feels cared for and encouraged every day.

earners build empathy and conflict resolutio

What Can We Do Next?

These results show us the importance of continued efforts to build respectful relationships, resolve conflict peacefully, and create inclusive spaces where every student feels like they belong.

As part of Bullying. No Way! Week, students will be taking part in:

• Classroom activities about kindness and inclusion
  
  
• Discussions around friendship and forgiveness
  
  
• Strategies to stand up safely against bullying
  
  
• Celebrations of positive relationships

Together, we can make our school a place where bullying has no place – not now, not ever. Let's all take a stand: Bullying. No Way!

Schools TV

In this edition of SchoolTV - Cyber Safety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Cyber Safety edition of SchoolTV

General News

Reminder - The second hand uniform shop is open during assembly times, which is fortnightly (the shop can be found in the stadium next to the stage) - 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. 

Foundation News

This week has been a busy week of learning new sounds in Foundation. We have learnt the sounds x, and y and have been practising reading and writing words with these sounds. We have also learnt the new tricky words of and you. 

In Religion, we have been learning about letters. We had the opportunity to send a letter to another Catholic school in the region asking them what they have been learning and what they know about ‘kindness’. Our students are hoping to receive one back. Students even received a letter from Mrs Sherry about all the positive work and learning we have been doing.

Some reminders:

• Please check the lists below for your child’s show and tell day/topic:

              Minga-

  Eumeralla-

• Diaries must be signed (both reader and comprehension sections) every night that your child reads
• Comprehension packs are to be kept together with the book and sheet remaining in the plastic pocket

Year One News

Science Experiments – Changing Materials
In Science this week, we explored how different materials can change when they are warmed or cooled. Students learned that heating and cooling can cause materials to change their state, texture, and appearance.

We conducted a series of hands-on experiments:

• Making Jelly – We looked closely at vocabulary such as crystals, boiling water, dissolve, cool, solid, liquid and wobbly. Students predicted what might happen when solid jelly crystals were heated and when the mixture was cooled in the fridge.
  
  
• Cupcake Baking – We began with a mixture of milk, eggs, and butter, and explored processes such as mixing, melting, cracking, pouring, and heating. Students discussed what happens when a liquid mixture is placed into a hot oven.
  
  
• Freezing and Melting Ice Cubes – Students investigated how liquid turns solid in the freezer, made predictions about how to melt their ice cube the fastest, and recorded the time and methods they used.
  
  

Frozen vs Fresh Fruit – We compared frozen fruit to fresh fruit by looking at similarities and differences using our five senses of smell, touch, taste, sight and even the sound when bitten!

Through these experiments, students practised making predictions, observing changes, using scientific vocabulary, and recording their findings carefully.

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Year Two News

As part of Bullying No Way Week (which is a national campaign promoting safe, respectful school communities) we talked about the 2025 theme of “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.” and what it meant for us here at Sacred Heart. It was a valuable opportunity to talk about kindness and the importance of us being the I in KIND, every chance we get.

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Nangare - just a reminder that children need to practice their assembly piece in preparation for our assembly on Friday 22nd August. We look forward to presenting to all of our families and friends! As we will return to the classroom for an afternoon tea, we would love all children to bring along a plate of food to share. This can be dropped off in the morning or just before assembly. Thank you in anticipation!

Chris & Wendy

Year Three News

The Year Three’s have absolutely loved their first school camp! Students enjoyed exploring the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, going to the amazing Light and Sound Show and loved their delicious dinner at the Murray Downs Resort.

Students should be commended on representing our school with pride and following our school values of being respectful, responsible and safe.

No doubt, students will enjoy a well earned rest over the weekend!

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Reminders for next week

Year Three Excursion – The Velveteen Rabbit
Mildura Arts Centre – Friday 22nd August

Year Three students will be attending an excursion to the Mildura Arts Centre to see the performance The Velveteen Rabbit. We read this beautiful story together in both Year Three classes last term, so it will be wonderful to see it come to life on stage!

As part of the experience, students are invited to bring along one favourite small soft toy to the performance. Please ensure it is small enough to be carried easily and kept safely during travel.

Book Week Dress-Up Day – Friday 22nd August

Year Three students can enjoy dressing up, and this won’t affect their trip to the Mildura Arts Centre — they are welcome to go in costume!

Italian Classes

Children this term are working on creating a gelato truck. They will need a shoebox to complete this project.

We will begin using them in Week 6. Please feel free to send them in earlier.

Have a lovely weekend!

Sarah and Jaimi

Year Four News

ITALIAN NEWS: Children this term are working on creating a gelato truck. They will need a shoebox to complete this project.

They will begin using them in Week 6. Please feel free to send them in earlier. 

If you have any extras we would welcome them too.

Bullying No Way Week: This week we focused on this national campaign promoting safe, respectful school communities. Each day we watched a brief video that gave us very important messages such as..

’Be Bold: You have the power to help’, 

‘Be Kind: Small actions make a big impact’, 

‘Speak Up: Speak up against bullying’, 

Think before you post or speak’, 

Together, we can stop bullying – a whole of community approach’. 

The children had a photo taken showing themselves as being the ‘i’ in Kind. Check out Seesaw for your child’s photo and read about how they said they can be the 'i' in Kind.

A small group of Year 4 girls decided to write a reflection and create an image.

Upcoming Events

Book Week Dress-Up Day – Friday 22nd August

Athletics Day at Aero Ovals- Wednesday 27th of August 

Have a great weekend!

Emma & Cathryn

Year Five News

Well done to all our students who completed the swimming problem last week. Students participated with respect and enthusiasm. 

Congratulations to our students who represented Sacred Heart in Swan Hill for the SSV region Football competition yesterday. Each player showed commitment and teamwork. We are proud of your efforts.

This week we acknowledged BULLYING NO WAY; National Week of Action. The 2025 theme, “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up”, prompted some great discussions about being role models and calling out unkind behaviour.

In Literacy we have been learning a variety of different homophones and their correct use. This week we explored ‘owed’ and ‘ode’. We learnt what an ode is a special type of poem that praises or celebrates a person, place, thing, or idea. It’s often full of emotion, vivid images, and thoughtful descriptions. Then we had a go at writing our own. Here is a small but wonderful sample of some of our clever work.

ODE TO SADIE

My Sadie a big fluffy mess.

You love toys they bring your joy.

You run like a flowing river 

because you’re a golden retriever. 

You bark at hot air balloons,

and the man on the moon.

ODE TO FOOTY

The ground will never get old,

the games will never end.

The cries of joy when we win,

but getting tackled does stong.
When someone says go for goal, 

they don't hesitate at all.

ODE TO CHOCOLATE

Oh sweet chocolate, rich and delicate,

tasty and sweet you make my day.

Shine like the stars, oh chocolate, you’re my favourite.

ODE TO BENTLEY

Bentley, you brighten my day
with your cranky eyebrows,

they’re just your look,

although you have the biggest heart I can think of.

Next Friday we celebrate CBCA Book Week 2025 with the theme “Book an Adventure”.  All students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character. Parents are invited to join our Book Week Parade at 9:00am.

UPCOMING DATES:

Friday 22 August – Book week dress up
Wednesday 27th August – SHPS Athletics Day

Tuesday 2nd September – Division Athletics

Wednesday 3rd September – Waminda Italian Cafe
Friday 5th September – Father’s Day Stall
Friday 12th September – AFL Day

ITALIAN  Year 5/6 Shared Lunch

Mrs Slimmon and Mrs Campbell’s classes:

Students this term are working on designing their own Italian inspired cafe. To celebrate our learning, students will participate in a shared lunch in Week 7 on Wednesday 3rd of September. 

Students will be asked to bring a plate to share with their peers. If what is brought is Italian inspired, then great! But we are very conscious of how busy everyone is so a plate of anything would still be very much appreciated! 

The session will run in the first 2 hours of the day, meaning the students will have an early lunch of 10:30am.

The other two classes will participate in this next term.

DIGI TECH

In Year Five this term, students are completing a STEM project on Roller Coasters in Digital Tech. Students are asked to bring in empty toilet paper rolls, empty paper towel rolls, straws, popsicle sticks and tape to help them with this learning project.

Year Six News

Maths got real this week – literally! Students became city planners, using their knowledge of percentages and decimals to design their very own city. With a set budget, a must-have list of buildings and facilities, and some creative flair, they built cities we’d all love to live in!

Students also participated in the swimming program at Mildura Waves, building their skills and confidence in the water while enjoying the opportunity to be active and engaged.

Looking ahead, next week is Book Week! We can’t wait to see our students embrace their final Grade Six Book Week dress-up day on Friday. 

A big good luck to our boys’ netball team, who will represent Sacred Heart at the Division Netball in Swan Hill on Tuesday.

Camp organisation is nearly complete, and we will have more information to share very soon.

🖥️ A Reminder for Digital Technology User Agreements: Please return signed forms to Mrs Fleming in the office as soon as possible. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us provide effective use of technology at school.

🗓️ Important Dates
18–22 August – Book Week (book week dress up Friday 22nd August)
19th August – SSV Region Netball
27th August – SHPS Athletics Day
2nd September – Division Athletics
5th September – Father’s Day Stall
12th September – AFL Day
15–18th September – Year 6 Camp

Year 5/6 Shared Lunch

Mrs Slimmon and Mrs Campbell’s classes:

Students this term are working on designing their own Italian inspired cafe. To celebrate our learning, students will participate in a shared lunch in Week 7 on Wednesday 3rd of September. 

Students will be asked to bring a plate to share with their peers. If what is brought is Italian inspired, then great! But we are very conscious of how busy everyone is so a plate of anything would still be very much appreciated! 

The session will run in the first 2 hours of the day, meaning the students will have an early lunch of 10:30am.

The other two classes will participate in this next term.

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Italian News

Year 3 and 4 - Shoeboxes

Children this term are working on creating a gelato truck. They will need a shoebox to complete this project.

They will begin using them in Week 6. Please feel free to send them in earlier. 

If you have any extras we would welcome them too.

Year 5 and 6 - Shared Lunch

Mrs Slimmon and Mrs Campbell’s classes:

Students this term are working on designing their own Italian inspired cafe. To celebrate our learning, students will participate in a shared lunch in Week 7 on Wednesday 3rd of September. 

Students will be asked to bring a plate to share with their peers. If what is brought is Italian inspired, then great! But we are very conscious of how busy everyone is so a plate of anything would still be very much appreciated! 

The session will run in the first 2 hours of the day, meaning the students will have an early lunch of 10:30am.

The other two classes will participate in this next term.

Performing Arts

We’re excited to announce the cast and soundtrack for this year’s School Concert production, Indiana Joan and the Raider of the Lost Relics. The story follows the fearless Indiana Joan, played by Stella W, and her loyal sidekick Sammy, brought to life by Jackson M. Together, they team up with the quirky Dr. Melody Maestro (Lacie C) to outsmart the mischievous Countess Von Discord (Aria-Rose M) and her trio of troublesome henchmen – Cadence (Scarlett P), Fortissimo (Maggie M), and Treble (Kyle C). Our talented understudy, Grace P, is ready to step in at any moment.

Throughout the adventure, each year level will transport the audience to a new and exciting location through song. Year 6 will launch us into the action with Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), followed by Year 2’s rhythmic Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles. Year 1 will lift our spirits with Imagine Dragons’ On Top of the World, before Foundation turns up the heat with The Trammps’ Disco Inferno. Year 3 will deliver chills with Michael Jackson’s Thriller, while Year 5 inspires with Coldplay’s Viva La Vida. Year 4 will whisk us away to icy landscapes with Snow (Hey Oh) by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and finally, the entire school will come together for a joyful finale of Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop the Feeling!.

These incredible performances will be recorded during Week 8 and produced into a short movie. Our school community will then be invited to enjoy a special screening filled with adventure, laughter, and song during Week 1 of Term 4 – a night to celebrate our students shining on the big screen.

More information regarding costumes will follow in the near future!

Student Awards

No awards this week.

Library News

Digital Technology

First Aid

As our Melbourne Grade 6 Camp is fast approaching, those students who require medication administration whilst on camp, please ensure that you send this through via email, or return a hard copy of the Medication Authority Form to: 

ejones@shmildura.catholic.edu.au 

An email was sent on 25/07 regarding camp medications, if you have selected that your child requires medications on camp, you should have received this email. Please check your junk folder in case it has made its way there. 

If you have accidentally selected this on PAM please ensure that you unselect that they require medication as I will continue to follow this up in the coming weeks. 

Please touch base with me as soon as possible regarding this, if you haven't already. 

I will return from leave on Monday 25th of August so I may not get back to you before then. If the matter is urgent regarding medications/first aid, please contact the front office.

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