ISSUE 22: 19th July, 2024

Principal Message

Gospel Reflection

In the Gospel for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus invites his disciples to come away and rest after their busy ministry. However, seeing the crowd in need, He is moved with compassion and continues to teach them. This passage reminds us of the importance of balancing rest and service in our lives. As parents, it's essential to model this balance for our children, showing them how to care for others while also taking time to rest and recharge. Let us strive to create a family environment where compassion and self-care are both valued and practiced.

What’s on Next Week (Term 3 Week 2)

Coming up in Term 3, Week 3

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff & Students,

Students have settled back into the term well, but many are absent due to the flu. Please ensure unwell students stay home to recover. Take care!

Congratulations to all the students who represented SH at the School Sports Victoria football and hockey Division games. We are proud to announce that both the boys' and girls' football teams won all of their games and will advance to the SSV Region in Swan Hill on Tuesday, 13th August. Additionally, our boys' hockey team won one game and finished third in their group.  All teams displayed exceptional sportsmanship and made us proud. Well done, everyone!

Year 5/6 Swimming

Our Year 5/6 students are participating in their Swimming Program this week from Monday to Friday, focusing on water safety, swimming technique, and survival skills. Please provide permission for your child to attend and refer to the note sent home for details.

Grandparents/Special Friends Day

Grandparents/Special Friends Day is on Friday, 2nd August. The day begins at 9:15am with a gathering at the church, followed by family group activities and morning tea at the school. We should all be finished by around 11:30 am.  We are looking for parents to help with catering. If you can assist, please let us know.

School Assembly (School Choirs)

Mr Barbary and our school choirs will host our Assembly at 2:30pm on Friday 26th July. 

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Miss Brittany Huddleston from Maternity Leave.  Brittany will work Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from the start of the day to 1.40pm with the Year 1 classes.

Parish Mass (Bundaleer, Waminda & Barramunga)

Bundaleer, Waminda & Barramunga classes will attend this week’s Parish Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Thursday 25th at 9:30 am. 

God Bless!

Mr Mark Gibson

2024 Dates of Interest

Religious Education

Sacrament of First Eucharist (Year 4 & Above)

Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 28th August

Celebration of Sacrament - Friday 25th, Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th October

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Year 2 & Above)

Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 16th October

Celebration of Sacrament - Wednesday 27th November

Learning and Teaching

Nothing to report this week.

SWPBS News

Nothing to report this week.

Foundation News

Welcome back to Term 3! We trust that everyone had a lovely break and is feeling refreshed ready for an excellent term of learning.

Reminders:

• All children should have headphones at school (named)
• School starts at 8:45am each day. If you are at school after 8:45am you must sign your child in at the office. 
• Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.
• Sports days are Thursday and Friday - sport uniform is needed.
• Practise the sounds caterpillars and snakes and fluency chart each night.
• Read and record ‘Enhanced Comprehension’ and ‘Reader’ in the reading diary each night.
• Library books are to be returned to school on Mondays.
• Continue practising the sounds with your child/ren at home

Here is a reminder about the correct school uniform that the students need to be wearing.

Show and tell will begin this Wednesday. This week the students will need to bring in a small toy to talk about.

The Foundation students will be celebrating their 100th day of school on Monday 29th July… we will be dressing up as 100-year-old people (see the example below).

Year One News

Welcome back to all our Year One families! We have been so pleased to see how well all students have settled into Term 3 after the school holidays. 

We have some important information regarding the Year One students:

• Show and Tell will resume next week. 
• Thursday 25th July Bundaleer will attend Parish mass along with the Year Two classes. 
• Monday 29th July - Thursday 1st August Year 1/2 Swimming (note and PAM notification to come). 
• Grandparents/Special Friends Day is on Friday, 2nd August. The day begins at 9:15am with a gathering at the church, followed by family group activities and morning tea at the school. We should all be finished by around 11:30 am. We are looking for parents to help with catering. If you can assist, please let us know.

Welcome Back:

We welcome back Miss Brittany Huddleston from Maternity Leave. Brittany will work Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from the start of the day to 1.40pm with the Year One classes. We are very excited to have her in our classrooms. 

Science: 

To finish off our biological science topic the Year One students designed, created and hung their very own bird feeders around the school, included with some bird seed to encourage the lovely birds to come to. 

The skills and concepts addressed throughout these lessons included identifying and analysing, research and planning, producing and implementing, and testing and evaluating.

The students enjoyed this entire process, mostly when choosing where to hang their bird feeders and seeing them in the trees and bushes. Here are some photos of the students completing their bird feeders.

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Year Two News

Welcome back to all our wonderful Year Two students and trust they are eager to get back into learning! We hope that everyone has had a restful and happy holiday. We have lots of things to look forward to this term, including attending the SH Parish Mass next Thurs 25th July, Grandparents Day on Fri 2nd Aug, Year 2 Sleepover on Thurs 8th Aug, Athletics Day on Wed 28th Aug, our swimming program from Mon 29th July-Thurs 1st Aug and of course our class Assemblies. More information for each one of these events will come home closer to the date. All parents are invited to join us at the Parish Mass at 9.30am next Thurs and are welcome to sit with your child’s class.

Show & Tell will resume next week (Even Week) with the topic: Favourite Jokes. Children may like to bring in a joke book to read their favourite jokes from, or a book of riddles to share some (it is preferred that the jokes/riddles are not made up ones!)

For our new Science unit, Forces and Movement, all students will need an empty shoebox. They will be using this for an experiment in Week 3. If you have any shoeboxes to spare, we would love to use them. Waminda will need their shoe boxes by Monday 29th July and Barramunga will need theirs by Thursday 1st August. 

Thanks for your ongoing support

Chris & Wendy

Year Three News

Welcome back to all our Year Three students! We are delighted to see how they’ve settled in after the school holidays and enjoyed a great first week back. 

We hope you all had a restful break and are ready to start Term Three. We have an exciting term ahead:

• Year Three swimming begins on Monday, August 5th.
• Our Year Three Camp to Swan Hill will take place on the 15th and 16th of August.
• Homework will resume next week.
• Please remember to bring in a photo of a special meal or occasion for this term’s religion topic on Hospitality.
• Dourim is looking forward to their assembly on Friday, August 2nd, in Week 3. All Dourim families are invited back to the classroom afterwards for afternoon tea.

We look forward to a fantastic term with all of you!

Sarah, Emma and Maree.

Year Four News

Welcome back to all our Year Four students! We hope you all had a restful break and are ready to enjoy another exciting and busy term. 

A brief overview of the things we will be focusing on as we begin this term:

• In Religion, our focus concept is Hospitality.Thank you to those who have assisted your child to bring in a photo of a special meal or occasion for this term’s religion topic.
• In Maths, we will be focusing on the formal multiplication algorithm. It will be of great benefit for your child if he/she has a sound knowledge of his/her multiplication tables and is able to automatically recall them.
• As our annual Athletics Day will take place in Week 6, in both PE and class sport we will be practising athletic skills. There may be some days where your child will be asked to bring their runners or to wear their PE uniform on different days to facilitate trials for sprint events and relays.

We look forward to a fantastic term with all of you!

Year Five News

Welcome back to our wonderful Year Five families! We hope you all had a great break and the students are re -energised for a busy Term Three! 

Next week, Grade Five students will be taking part in the Swim & Survive program and will need to wear their sport uniform each day next week. Students will have the opportunity to change prior to their session time, however we do not mind if students come to school with their bathers already on. We will be walking to and from the pool each day. A note was sent home this week with all of the details. Please make sure everything is named and you have given permission for your child to participate on PAM. 

We have started our new learning for this term in our subject specific areas. Students will be looking at “Integrity” in Religion this term and are currently researching and learning about Vincent Lingiari and the integrity he demonstrated through his fight for Gurindji land rights. 

In Science, we are looking at the states of matter; solids, liquids and gasses and we look forward to more experimentation as the term progresses!

In readiness for our school camp, students will spend this term learning about key moments in Australian History.

Year Six News

Welcome back to Term 3!

We hope everyone has had a wonderful break and is ready for a very busy term ahead!

 Year Six Swimming Program - 

The Year Six Swim & Survive program will commence on Monday July 23rd through to Friday July 26th. The students will participate in this program during the morning learning block. Teachers will accompany students to the pool and supervise during the sessions.  The students will walk to and from the Waves each day. Please ensure that all items are named, and you have given permission for your child to participate on PAM. Please see the note attached to the consent form on PAM for further details.

 Year 6 Camp

Please make sure you have given consent for your child to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Thompson.

 Literature Circle Homework

Students have once again commenced Literature Circle groups this week. Students will be expected to complete reading at home for this each night. It is important for your child to complete this reading and their allocated role so they can fully engage in group conversation about the book. If you have any questions about this, please contact your child’s teacher.

Buddy Activity

At the end of Term Two, the Year 6 students spent time writing picture story books for their buddies. The Prep and Year 6 students were very excited this week when they came together to share them..

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Library News

Scholastic Book Club News:

Issue #5

Book Club catalogues were sent home with students during on Thursday. 

In the spirit of celebrating readers this issue, Scholastic are creating magic with a FREE BOOKS offer*. The more families spend, the more free books you can earn, starting at only $20.

This is an exclusive offer for Issue 5 and one not to be missed!

Please order via the online LOOP ordering system through the link provided or by following the instructions on the back of the catalogue. The school does not accept cash and cheques. 

Please make your order via the link: https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

Orders close at the end of the day on Wednesday, 31st of July and will be delivered to the school within two weeks. When the orders arrive at the SHPS library, I will sort and check the orders. Then the students will receive them from their classroom teacher/s. If you have questions or issues with Book Club, please do not hesitate to contact me rather than directly messaging Scholastic.

 Mrs Irvin at mirvin@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

Student Awards

No awards this week

Parent Information

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

These designated areas serve as convenient points for collecting or dropping off children at the school if you are walking in with them. 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 website https://shmildura.cdfpay.org.au

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

Prep:  

• Cooinda (Mrs O’Callaghan) - Thursday & Friday  
• Wahroonga (Miss Moore) - Thursday & Friday  

Year One: 

• Bundaleer (Mrs Coffey & Mrs Priestley) - Tuesday & Wednesday 
• Karinya (Mrs Groves) - Tuesday & Wednesday 

Year Two:

• Barramunga (Mrs Carmichael) - Tuesday & Friday
• Waminda (Mrs Collins) - Monday & Friday

Year Three:

• Narooma (Mrs Beckwith) - Monday & Tuesday
• Dourim (Mrs Kotsiakos & Mrs Irvin) - Monday & Thursday

Year Four:

• Illawarra (Mrs Willersdorf) - Monday & Tuesday 
• Myalla (Mrs Rowles) - Monday & Wednesday
• Kyema (Mrs Johnson) - Monday & Thursday 

Year Five:  

• Minga (Mrs Deacon) - Monday & Wednesday 
• Eumeralla (Mrs Gunn & Mrs Pacher) - Monday & Wednesday

Year Six:  

• Amaroo (Mrs Campbell) - Tuesday & Friday 
• Yongana (Mrs Zaxos) - Monday & Friday
• Mootwingee (Mrs Thompson) - Thursday & Friday

Term Dates