ISSUE 5: 21st February, 2025

Principal Message

Gospel Reflection

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 6:27-38), Jesus challenges us with a radical message: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you." He calls us to forgive, show mercy, and love without limits, just as God does for us.

As parents, we strive to teach our children kindness and empathy, even when it’s difficult. This Gospel reminds us that true love isn’t just about loving those who love us back, but about choosing kindness and compassion, even in challenging moments.  

May we lead by example, showing our children that forgiveness and love are the greatest strengths of all.

What’s on Next Week (Week 5)

Coming up in Term 1, Week 6

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff & Students,

Weekly Update

With some cooler weather, we’ve seen great learning happening across the school. As we enter Week 5, students and staff have settled into positive routines, and it’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through Term 1! Our Building Project has begun, and while progress is starting slowly, things will pick up in the coming weeks. School Photos ran smoothly last Monday, and a big thank you to everyone for their flexibility. Photos will be sent home once available. Looking forward to another great week ahead!

Evacuation Drill – Monday at 10:30 AM

As part of our Work, Health & Safety procedures, we will be conducting our first Evacuation Drill on Monday at approximately 10:30 AM. These drills are essential to ensure that students, staff, and visitors understand the correct procedures in case of an emergency. During the drill, students and staff will safely move from their classrooms to the Emergency Assembly Point on the oval. Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe school environment for everyone.

Promotional Video & Website Photography – Wear Your Uniform with Pride!

Next week, Monday to Wednesday, Kevin Cummins (DOBCEL) will be visiting to film and photograph different aspects of our school for promotional materials and our website. We encourage all students to wear their correct uniform and take pride in representing our school community. Thank you for your support in helping showcase Sacred Heart at its best!

School Advisory Council Meeting

Our first SAC Meeting for 2024 will take place this Tuesday evening, starting at 5:15pm. We extend our gratitude to our 2024 parent representatives: Racheal Fyfe, Melissa Waters, Warren Henderson, Ben Tallent, Ben Chatfield and Katie McCoy.  An agenda for the meeting will be sent home on Monday.

School Sports Victoria T20 Cricket

Our Year 5/6 teams will be competing in the SSV District Cricket tournament this Tuesday at Aerodrome Ovals. We wish them the best of luck as they represent our school with teamwork and sportsmanship.

Foundation Parent Information Session

An important Information session for all Foundation parents is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon at 3:30pm in Minga. The meeting will be led by Mrs. O’Callaghan, Miss Moore and Mrs. Christine Sherry.  The main focus of the meeting will be on the Literacy Program. All Foundation parents are encouraged to attend.

School Assembly 

Our next class led assembly will be hosted by Year 6 Wahroonga at 2:30pm on Friday. Following the assembly, Wahroonga parents are welcome to join an afternoon tea in their child's classroom, offering an opportunity to view student learning and meet other parents.

SHPS Family Footy Tipping 2025

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

Shrove Tuesday Breakfast

On Tuesday, March 4th, join us for a free pancake breakfast from 7:45 am to 8:40 am as we observe Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins in our Catholic church calendar. If you can assist with serving, setting up, or cooking, please inform the Office.

NAPLAN 2025 - Years 3 & 5

Students in Years 3 & 5 will participate in NAPLAN Assessments this term.  A Parent Information Sheet has been shared with all families this week (see below).  The testing window begins on Wednesday, 12th March and closes on Monday, 24th March.  Students will be preparing for NAPLAN by doing some practice tests at school in the lead up.  Please contact Ryan O’Callaghan (Deputy Principal), Sophie Price (Year 3/4 Community Leader) or Kailla Coffey (Year 5/6 Community Leader) if you have any questions regarding NAPLAN.  NAPLAN Dates & Times are as follows:

Wednesday, 12th March - Year 3 Writing & Year 5 Writing 

Thursday, 13th March - Year 3 Reading & Year 5 Reading 

Tuesday, 18th March - Year 3 Conventions of Language

Wednesday, 19th March - Year 5 Conventions of Language & Year 3 Numeracy 

Thursday, 20th March - Year 5 Numeracy 

God Bless!

Mr Mark Gibson

Religious Education

2025 Sacramental Dates

Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 3 & Above) 

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

Sacrament of Holy Communion (Year 4 & Above)

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

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Year 2 & Above)

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

Social Justice:

Today I received an email from Fr Michael McKinnon with his latest Shared Table newsletter. Fr Mick has just returned to Yanaoka, high in the Andes, Peru after spending his mid term break back in Australia with family and friends. He says that it has been a real adjustment for him as he faces once again, the stark reality of the lives of the people in Peru and in particular, the isolated rural region where he lives and works. Some communities may only have Mass on a monthly basis and the roads and terrain they traverse to attend are precarious and at certain times impassable. Below is the Shared Table newsletter for further information about the sustainable projects we at Sacred Heart have supported financially that have been set up to empower some of the most vulnerable people in Peru. 

Mrs Carmichael 

Learning & Teaching

Term Overviews

Term Overviews have been provided to give parents an insight into the curriculum and content students will be learning in Term 1. We encourage you to discuss with your children what they have been learning at school. Please note that the timing of curriculum delivery may vary and is subject to change. All curriculum content aligns directly with the Victorian Curriculum. For more details, please visit:

Learning Diversity

Wellbeing Interventions

This year we will be introducing a number of proactive wellbeing interventions designed to develop students social skills, communication skills and regulation skills.  Programs run for approximately 10 weeks with 8-10 students per group. 

The interventions being offered are:

1. MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social, Spiritual Health) is designed to help students build self-worth and confidence and build communication skills. The group will also assist students to:

• deal with their situations, thoughts and concerns in a safe environment,
• develop healthy communication skills,
• identify and express feelings appropriately
• learn to treat themselves and others with respect and dignity
• learn that we are responsible for our own lives and based on our choices, have the power to change.

2. Social Stencil is designed to build respect and understanding of one another, with the support of facilitators who model inclusive and encouraging language, while building the group’s shared understanding of complex emotions, friendship concepts, and skills that can help them manage conflict with others. The group will assist student to:

• Explore the enormous range of emotions that human can show and feel and intricacies and overlap between them
• ‘The Science of Anger’ -how anger happens in the body and what next?
• Friendship concepts, styles and variations
• Working in groups respectfully and effectively 
• Understanding why conflict happens
• Strategies for managing real-life problems and conflicts with others

3. Rock and Water involves a series of exercises and games to develop confidence and self-reflection. The games are diverse and many have a martial arts origin. Students learn to:

• stand strong, negotiate using “rock” or “water” verbal approaches,
• walk away from trouble, 
• consider alternatives to aggression, 
• develop an understanding about who they are, their intuitive feelings and their personal direction.
• Develop some self regulation tools
• Enhance social skills and problem solving skills
  

SWPBS

Our School Wide Positive Behaviour Focus for the next fortnight is: Sharing and Taking Turns.

At school, one of the most important lessons children learn isn't just about academics—it's about how to interact with others in positive and respectful ways. Sharing and taking turns are essential skills that help build friendships, foster cooperation, and create a caring school environment. Encouraging these behaviors early on not only helps children learn how to get along with peers but also nurtures their emotional and social development.

Sharing teaches children the value of generosity and community. When kids share toys, books, or classroom supplies, they experience the joy of giving and receive the rewards of kindness. Teachers can foster this behavior by providing opportunities for cooperative play, where sharing is a natural part of the activity. Whether it's a group art project or a cooperative game, kids learn that everyone has something to contribute, and the best experiences are often the ones shared.

Taking turns, on the other hand, teaches patience and fairness. It’s a skill that comes in handy in nearly every part of life, from playing games to waiting for a turn on the playground equipment. To encourage this, teachers can model turn-taking in daily routines. Simple activities like waiting for a turn to speak in circle time or taking turns with the classroom computer can reinforce the importance of being respectful of others’ needs.

Incorporating both sharing and turn-taking into daily school activities creates a school culture where students learn to respect one another, practice patience, and work together to create a positive, inclusive environment. Parents and caregivers can support this effort by reinforcing these lessons at home, ensuring that children understand how these skills contribute to healthy, lasting friendships.

By teaching children how to share and take turns, we’re not just helping them cooperate with their peers—we’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of understanding, empathy, and collaboration.

Schools TV

A Special Report: Dealing with Disappointment

As young people learn to navigate through various aspects of their life, they may face disappointment due to unfulfilled expectations, shattered dreams, or unexpected setbacks. Yet, with the appropriate tools, strategies, and a positive mindset, young people can learn to cope with disappointment and use it as an opportunity for personal growth and success.

Disappointment can be a tricky emotion to deal with at any age. It is a normal part of growing up. However, children sometimes need reminding that they have a choice in how they respond to disappointment and their response will determine the impact it has on their future happiness. Overall, disappointment is a healthy and positive emotion and plays an integral part in a child’s emotional, intellectual and social development.

Helping young people manage their disappointment is important in order to avoid stronger emotions such as anxiety and depression. Although a parent’s first reaction may be to fix the problem, it is better to encourage your child to find the words to express how they feel.

In this Special Report, parents and caregivers are provided with strategies on how to help their child process disappointment and look at the problem objectively.

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:

Resilience Project

This week students will explore the concepts of empathy and kindness during their Resilience Project lesson through a range of games, activities, discussions and videos.

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Our Second hand uniform shop will be open during assembly next week - Friday 28th Feb from 2.30pm

Foundation News

This week in Foundation we have been working on rhyming, syllables and learning the SATPINM sounds. Students have been practising how to read and write these sounds. We went on a hunt around the school for things that begin with the letter/sound ‘s’. In Mathematics we have been exploring and making patterns of our own (AB, AAB, ABB, ABC). We have learnt that we can make patterns based on colour, shape, size and more!

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The Foundation Information Session will be held on Thursday 27th February @ 3.30pm in Minga. This is an important meeting to attend to gain insight into how reading is taught at Sacred Heart and the expectations of home reading. Please ensure you fill out the attendance form before leaving the session to ensure we can send information home with families who were unable to attend.

Some reminders:

- Each morning the students need to do their jobs before finding something to do. They need to bring into the classroom from their bag their drink bottle, lunch container, snack container and brainfood container. 

- The school library books are borrowed fortnightly on Friday’s (this Friday) and returned the Monday week before re-borrowing. If your child does not bring back their books or does not have their library bag on library day they will not be able to borrow new books. 

- 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 which can be eaten in 5 minutes - cut up and in a small container.

- If your child has headphones in their bag please they can be brought and kept in the classroom.

Foundation Rest Days: 

Next Wednesday will be the final rest day for Foundation students. Students will then be expected to attend the full week.

Year One News

A wonderful week is over and we are very appreciative of your support in organising our students on Monday for school photos. 

Thank you for continuing to support your child with preparation for their Show and Tell experience. This week our students enjoyed sharing about something they like or love . Next week’s topic is: What special days do you celebrate and who do you celebrate with?  Students are asked to explain or share occasions that they celebrate with their family or people in their community. Photos or videos are encouraged to be sent in and can be emailed to the classroom teacher. 

Amaroo - kgroves@shmildura.catholic.edu.au 

Yongana - bgalvin@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

We have begun uploading some work samples to Seesaw. If you do not have access to your child’s 2025 account please let your classroom teacher know via email ASAP.

Year One students continued to enhance their knowledge of phonemes and digraphs this week, they are building their understanding of ck, sh, wh, ch, th as well as developing an understanding of super sentences. 

We have also explicitly taught the following spelling rules that support students to know when to use ’k’ versus ‘c’ based on the vowel that follows:

The letter  k precedes the vowels i or e (e.g. kite or kettle)

The letter c precedes a, o or u (e.g cat, cut or cone)

Below is a link to a YouTube video that models some reading and spelling activities that can be done at home to support your child with their literacy should you wish to. This could be completed in conjunction with their take home reader and comprehension books.

In Numeracy, students have been exploring Place Value and Number, focusing on understanding that two-digit numbers consist of tens and ones. They have also been learning about the importance of grouping numbers into tens. Take a look at some highlights from our engaging maths rotations this week!

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Year Two News

In Show & Tell we have now moved onto the topic of “Sharing something from my bedroom” so children are invited to bring along something special from their bedroom or you are welcome to take a photo and email it to your child’s teacher. We do encourage all children to participate in Show & Tell opportunities to develop their “speaking in front of an audience” skill. 

In our Integrated Studies unit on “Learning about the past” we have begun to look at the history of our local area, starting with our own school. We went on a treasure hunt around Sacred Heart and took photos of some of the original parts of our school building. This will be a great keepsake as our school begins to change with the commencement of our new building project. In the coming weeks we will be learning about some of Mildura’s local history and in particular, Rio Vista and the Old Mildura Homestead. We will conclude this unit with an excursion out in the local community with more details to follow towards the end of the term. 

We were privileged over the past 2 weeks to have Ava Thompson join us in Mootwingee. Ava is from a town called Alloa which is to the north of Glasgow in Scotland. She was in Mildura visiting family (Bodelle & Hudson Rodi) and although on holidays, she wanted to come to Sacred Heart and be part of an Australian Year 2 classroom. She was blown away with how much outdoor area the children have to play in and particularly loved the adventure playground and sandpit. Ava made lots of friends in her time with us and we look forward to staying in touch with her and sharing our Aussie/Scottish experiences throughout the year. Ava already tells me that it has been snowing in Alloa and she will have to swap her shorts and T/Shirt for a jacket, scarf and mittens when she returns home.

Year Three News

Thank you to all the Year Three families for your support this Term. Recently you would have received information about Naplan - if you didn’t receive this note, please let your child’s classroom teacher know. Below are the dates for each Naplan test. If you have any questions or concerns about Naplan, or if you will be away during this time, please get in contact with us as soon as possible. 

Naplan Dates

Wednesday 12th March - 9am

Thursday 13th March - 12 noon

Tuesday 18th March -  12 noon

Wednesday 19th March - 9am

Reminders

• Students need their hats for outdoor play.
• Students need a water bottle each day.
• Jewellery should be limited to stud earrings, and only a Religious medal/ cross as a necklace. There should be no bracelets or rings.
• Nail polish should not be worn.
• Students need to bring their library bags each day.
• Please send headphones to school for your child if you haven’t done so.

Thank you, have a great weekend!

Jaimi and Sarah

Year Four News

Thank you for all of your support so far this Term. Year Four children are beginning to settle into the routines and expectations of Year Four. 

Students have been learning about the Earth’s Changing Surface in Science. They have completed a task on Seesaw to reflect their learning so check it out! Please notify us if you’re unable to access your child’s work that has been posted.

This week Mr Burford asked for names of students who would be interested in trying out for Inter School Cricket later this semester. If your child has been sick or absent please check with them to see if they have been asked. If not, have them speak to their teacher. Please note; any child who tries out for cricket even if unsuccessful, will not be able to try out for inter school basketball later in the year. 

 Reminders:

• A reminder for any students who still need to bring in a labelled pair of headphones to do so as soon as possible. 
• Sport Days are Friday -all Year 4. Then; Illawarra-,Tuesday,  Myalla- Monday 
• Our Library day is Wednesday. Please ensure your child has a library bag to protect the books as they go between school and home.
• Students need their hats for outdoor play.
• Students need a water bottle each day.
• Jewellery should be limited to stud earrings, and only a Religious medal/ cross as a necklace. There should be no bracelets or rings.
• Nail polish should not be worn.

Enjoy your weekend!

Natalee & Cathryn

Year Five News

Another busy week in Year Five, students have settled into their daily routines well and are engaged in some terrific learning.

In Literacy students have been writing SPOs about Bats and their use of echolocation to assist them to find food, protect themselves from predators and avoid objects. Ask your child to share an interesting fact with you.

In Numeracy, students have been learning about factors and multiples, and are really enjoying the opportunity to use the MathsPathways program to assist with their learning.

PLEASE BRING IN BOXES FOR ITALIAN BEFORE WEDNESDAY. 

The boxes need to be big enough for the students to trace their drink bottle twice. Thanks.

Have you heard your child saying “DIS” and pointing to things they love? Learn about Stanzin and DIS in this short video.

Upcoming Year 5 dates:

• Tuesday 25th February - Year 5/6 T20 Cricket - notifications have been sent home to successful students
• Wednesday 12th March - NAPLAN 12:00pm
• Thursday 13th March - NAPLAN 9:15am
• Friday 14th March - Barramunga Assembly
• Tuesday 18th March - Year 5 St Joseph’s visit - More details to come soon
• Wednesday 19th March - NAPLAN 12:00pm
• Thursday 20th March - NAPLAN 9:15am

• Friday 28th March - Waminda Assembly

Year Six News

Next week, Wahroonga students are excited to be hosting assembly. This will be a special assembly, as it marks the last time they will host one at Primary School! We warmly invite our students’ families to join us in celebrating the achievement of the school community.

Also, a reminder for those students interested in joining SHEC this year. All application forms need to be completed and returned to school as soon as possible.

Student Awards and Presentations

No awards this week

Library

All Book Club orders have arrived and been sent home. From the orders from this issue over $70 was earnt for the school which will go towards purchasing new books for the library throughout the year. 

Many students have been enjoying visiting the library during lunch and recess. During these break times students can choose to read, play with Lego or try to master yoyos while enjoying the cool, quiet space.

First Aid

All classrooms are equipped with sunscreen to apply when going outside. Teachers will continue to encourage students to apply this, as well as drinking plenty of water and wearing their hats whilst outside.

Please ensure that your child has a drink bottle here with them at school and they drink plenty of water throughout these really hot days. 

If you have received some hard copy Student Risk Minimisation Plans, please ensure these are sent back to school as soon as possible please.

Please also continue to check the junk folder in your emails, as my emails like to make their way there.

If you have any questions regarding First Aid here at school, please contact me at: ejones@shmildura.catholic.edu.au or 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