ISSUE 11: 8th April, 2022
Principal / Executive Leadership Team
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students & Friends,
I would like to thank all students, parents and staff for your commitment, dedication and efforts throughout Term One. Even though we continue to navigate the challenges of COVID, we have been able to provide students with many positive learning experiences and have set a good foundation to build upon. I sincerely wish everyone a happy, safe and Holy Easter, and look forward to seeing everyone back at the beginning of Term Two on Tuesday, 26th April.
2023 Prep Enrolments are Now Open
We are currently taking enrolment applications for 2023 Prep Students. Enrolments will close on Friday 20th May 2022 at 4pm. We encourage existing families to apply now via the school website if you know your child will be attending Sacred Heart: (Click Here)
If you know of any new families who are looking at enroling we encourage you to share our enrolment processes that are outlined here.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day is being celebrated on Monday, 25th April, which is a public holiday. The Student Leadership Team will represent the school at the 11.30am service at Henderson Park. Staff, students & parents are welcome and encouraged to attend this service to remember those that served our country. Lest we forget.
Staffing Update
A warm welcome back to Mrs Bianca Niutta & Mrs Danielle Gunn who return from Maternity Leave at the beginning of Term Two. In addition to staff returning, there will be some changes to staff roles to support student learning. At this stage, these arrangements are in place for Term Two:
- Mrs Niutta will take up the role of Learning & Teaching Leader, working in a part-time capacity from Monday to Wednesday. She will work in this position as we trial a different approach to supporting teachers in their role.
- Mrs Loretta Thompson will move to a support role in the Year Five team as a full time classroom teacher, working with our two current Year Five classrooms Illawarra and Myalla for Term 2. This will allow on the ground support that will focus on improving engagement in learning and the wellbeing of students. As mentioned before this provides a different approach to supporting teachers in their role.
- Mrs Maria Beer (Monday & Tuesday) & Mrs Gunn (Thursday & Friday) will continue to provide support to the Senior Unit, however may be utilised in other areas of the school if needed.
- Mrs Maree Irvin (Bundaleer) will be on Long Service Leave for the first three weeks of Term Two. Mrs Christine Sherry will work with Bundaleer during this time. Mrs Lisa Cirillo, our Italian teacher is also taking Long Service Leave for the first two weeks of Term Two.
Start of Term Two
Term Two begins for all students and staff on Tuesday, 26th April. We look forward to Term Two with great optimism and positivity.
SHPS Cross Country
Our annual Cross Country is being held on Wednesday, 27th April at the Aerodrome Ovals. Students will be dropped off at the Aerodrome Ovals (Athletics Track) from 8.30am onwards and will be bussed back to school following the completion of all events. A BBQ will be provided for all students and back at school. Lunch orders are not available on this day. Parents will have received a notification for this event via PAM, please provide consent for your child/ren to attend.
Cross Country Schedule:
APPROXIMATE TIMELINE FOR SACRED HEART CROSS COUNTRY
- From 8.30am - All students to be dropped off at the Aerodrome Ovals Athletics Track.
- 9.15am - Event distance 2km: Girls 9/10 age group run first, followed by Boys 9/10 age group.
- 10am - Event distance 1km: Girls 7/8 age group run first, followed by Boys 7/8 age group.
- 10.45am - Event distance 750m: Prep Girls run first, followed by Prep Boys.
- 11.20am - Event distance 3km: Girls 11/12 age group run first, followed by Boys 11/12 age group.
- 1.00pm (approximately) - All students return to school via bus. A BBQ lunch will be provided back at school for all students. If your child doesn’t wish to eat a sausage in bread, then please provide a packed lunch.
All students will need to bring their own snacks for recess, a hat and a drink bottle in their school bag.
New School Website
A reminder that our new website is now available. The website is www.shmildura.catholic.edu.au
Journey Pole Painting
Another successful Journey Pole Painting campaign has come to an end. A big thank you to Mrs Thompson and Mrs Deangelis for coordinating the painting on Monday & Tuesday and special thanks to our Year Six helpers who supported students and did many jobs over the two days. Finally, well done to all students for contributing to these special poles which symbolise the learning journey that we are all on in 2022. Please take the time to walk past, we’re sure you’ll agree that they look fantastic!
Administration News
Just a reminder that if you have committed to pay school fees via Reception or Direct Credit (that is, you paying directly into our school account), Term One fees are now due and payable. If you are paying directly into our bank account, please ensure you make reference to your account or child.
There has been a substantial payment paid into the school account on April 6th. The payment does not have any reference, therefore cannot be receipted or deducted from the account. If you believe you have made this payment, please contact Mary Avery at the school immediately.
Staff News
We are pleased to announce some exciting news for two staff members and their families. Mrs Kerryn Weaver and her husband Luke are expecting their second child in September and Mrs Xana Priestley & her husband Daniel are expecting their first child in October. Congratulations Kerryn & Xana, we wish you well during this special time.
School Sports Victoria - Rugby
Congratulations to all students who represented the school during this week’s Rugby Gala days that were held for the Year 5/6 ’s on Wednesday and the Year 3/4 ’s on Thursday. All students enjoyed this opportunity and represented our school well, showing great sportsmanship and teamwork. Thanks to Mr Burford, Mr Dashington & Mr Barbary for coaching and supervising.
Click and Collect Second Hand Uniform Shop
As a response to current COVID measures we have developed an click and collect system for Second Hand Uniform Shop orders. Please complete the order below. Parents will be contacted when the order is prepared. Parents collect their package at the Office with payment required via eftpos before taking items home.
Second Hand Uniform Shop Order Form
Assembly
Our first Assembly for Term Two will be dedicated towards Cross Country presentations. Assembly will be held in the Stadium at 2.30pm.
Class Contacts
We are seeking parents to volunteer to be class contacts for our classrooms in 2022. We still require people for Bundaleer, Kyema and Yongana. If anyone is able to assist or has any queries please contact Rebecca Siale on 0427 300 878. It would be great to fill these positions soon.
COVID Cases
Our school community needs to be congratulated on the way that you have assisted in minimising risk as COVID has moved through the community. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. As we move into the cooler months it will be important that this effort is maintained.
Over this week we have eight COVID cases impacting the classes of Eumeralla (Year 3), Minga (Year 3), Amaroo (Year 4), Illawarra (Year 5) & Dourim (Year 6). We encourage families to complete their twice weekly RA Tests as some cases within the school have had no symptoms but testing has indicated a positive test. Please inform the school of positive cases.
Students with any COVID-19 symptoms should be tested for COVID-19 and kept home even if they test negative on a rapid antigen test, until their symptoms subside. If students display symptoms at school they will go to the sick bay and parents will be called to collect their child.
Have a wonderful break everyone.
God Bless
Mr Gibson
COVID Positive Case Procedures
Below is a summary of what you need to do in the event that your student or a member of your household produces a positive test result.
A student tests positive to COVID19, either through RA test or PCR test
- Isolate at home or in private accommodation for 7 days (inclusive of weekends) and do not attend school during this period.
- Inform the school that they have tested positive to COVID-19.
- Self report via https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/rapid-antigen-tests#report-a-positiveresult-on-a-rapid-antigen-test
- A negative test is not required to return to school following completion of 7 days of Isolation.
- Anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 is exempt from testing and quarantine requirements if they are re-exposed to a case within 30 days of testing positive.
- Follow the Checklist for COVID cases located at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases
A student is a household contact to a positive COVID-19 case:
- You have spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID-19 inside a house, accommodation, or care facility.
- Inform the school that the student is a household contact.
- Follow the Checklist for COVID contacts. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklistcases
- Students must quarantine for 7 days (inclusive of weekends) and must not attend school during this period.
- Contact at school is not included in this definition, unless contact has occurred in a school based residential setting, e.g. school camp or boarding school.
A student has been in contact with a case of COVID-19 at school:
- If asymptomatic, students should continue to attend school and monitor for symptoms.
- If symptomatic, all students must stay or return home, take a rapid antigen test, or get a PCR test if a rapid antigen testing kit is unavailable.
- On receipt of a negative test result, and if well enough, the student can return to school.
- If students are too unwell to attend school, usual leave/absence policies apply.
Follow the Checklist for COVID contacts. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases
Religious Education
Palm Sunday Reflection - Michael McGirr
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday. The following reflection, by Michael McGirr explores what this day and the commencement of Holy Week may mean in the lives of Christians today.
This cup came with a guarantee that it can keep your drink either hot or cold. It reminds us of the mob in the time of Jesus. On Palm Sunday they were hot. By Good Friday they were cold. On Sunday they were calling “Hosanna!” On Friday they were shouting “Crucify him!” What happened in such a short time? One answer is that it was becoming clear to their so-called leaders what Jesus was really on about. People who were used to creating fear were themselves becoming afraid. Jesus was a threat to those in power.
We all run hot and cold. We have to accept ourselves as human beings and know our limitations. We all know fear. Holy Week reminds us that faith is a long story, not just a week. We walk with Jesus (from a Christians perspective) in good times and bad. Some days it feels like people are laying down cloaks to make the way easier. Other days it feels like we are being stripped bare.
Let us pray...
Loving God, May we enter the commemoration of Holy Week
with still and open hearts.
May we not be carried away by the mob,
But find our footing on you, our rock,
who is there with us in all seasons, and all weather.
Amen
Project Compassion
Thank you to all of the families who have supported this year’s Project Compassion.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Congratulations to many of our Year 3 & 4 students who celebrated their First Reconciliation on Wednesday night and thank you to all families who have supported their children during the preparation phase of this Sacrament.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Registration forms (blue) have been sent home with all Year 3, 4 & 5 students. If parents wish to register their child for this Sacrament please fill out the form and return to the Parish Office with a payment of $50. See dates below for this Sacrament. A reminder that the Parent Information evening for Confirmation is being held at the church on Wednesday, 27th April at 7pm.
2022 Sacramental Program Dates
Sacrament of Confirmation 2022 Year 3, 4 & 5 students
Parents Information Night Wednesday 27th April 7pm Sacred Heart Church
Celebration of Sacrament Friday 3rd June, Saturday 4th June & Sunday 5th June
Sacrament of First Communion (Eucharist) 2022 Year 4 students
Parents Information Night Wednesday 7th September 7pm Sacred Heart Church
Celebration of Sacrament Friday 21st Saturday 22nd Sunday 23rd October
Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) 2022 Year 2 students
Parents Information Night Wednesday 12th October 7pm Sacred Heart Church
Celebration of the Sacrament Wednesday 23rd November 7pm Sacred Heart Church
General News
School Photos
Our whole school photo and student leadership photos are on display in the school foyer now. If you would like to place an order for one please advise the office ASAP, these are $12 each.
Prep Unit News
Well we can’t believe that we are already at the end of Term 1... and what an AWESOME term it has been. We would like to thank all Prep parents for their support throughout the term with reading at home and establishing routines at school. Our Prep students have settled into school well and are ready for a well deserved break.
This week we continued our Cross Country fitness training – don’t forget to keep running during the holidays as Cross Country is the first Wednesday back at school. We also made some Piet Mondrian inspired artwork. Ask your child who Piet Mondrian is? What colours did he use? What are the colours called? and what type of lines did Piet Mondrian use? We added some work to our Seesaw accounts, spent time making Easter craft with our buddies and made things in our STEM lessons to write about.
This week Sid (Wahroonga) became a BIG BROTHER… x2. Sid and his family welcomed twin baby boys, Julius and Franco on Monday. Congratulations Sid and family!
Today your child has brought home their holiday reading, please continue to keep a regular routine of reading each night and practising our sounds and blending.
We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter break and look forward to seeing you all back in Term 2.
Prep Unit Team Contact Details
- Unit Leader: Mrs Rebecca O'Callaghan
- Cooinda (Year Prep): Mrs Rebecca O'Callaghan
- Wahroonga (Year Prep): Miss Courtney Sheridan
Junior Unit News
What a fun, action packed and exciting start to our school year. We are appreciative to all parents and caregivers for the time and energy you have given to support the growth and development of our Junior Unit Students. We are extremely proud of the way these little people have adapted to new year levels, teachers and routines in 2022. We look forward to continuing on this journey together in two weeks' time.
This week, all Junior Unit classes visited our Church, participated in the Stations of the Cross as well as engaging with other Holy Week symbols and traditions. We deepened our understanding of Holy Week, through walking, talking and wondering. Our students demonstrated reverent behaviour and respectful conversation. We hope our Students share this valuable experience with you at home.
Over the school holidays, students have access to Reading Eggs and are encouraged to read/ practice their tricky words. As we have our school Cross Country on Wednesday 27th April at the Aerodrome ovals, we ask that students have a t-shirt in their house colour for this day. Feel free to visit the ovals in the school holidays should your child/ren want additional practice before the event.
Year One children have CHANGED their Sport days for the remainder of the year. Students will be required to wear their PE uniform on Monday and Wednesday.
May your Easter and holiday break be enjoyable, safe and all that you need it to be. We look forward to hearing about the adventures our students have experienced when we return on the 26th April and thank you all for the support, energy and time you have contributed towards the growth of our Junior Unit Students..
Happy Easter!
Junior Unit Team Contact Details
Click on the teacher's name if you wish to email them.
- Unit Leader: Mrs Katrina Groves
- Karinya (Year 1): Mrs Katrina Groves (Monday-Thursday) & Mrs Amilea Pacher (Friday)
- Bundaleer (Year 1): Mrs Maree Irvin (Tuesday-Friday) & Mrs Amilea Pacher (Monday)
- Barramunga (Year 2): Miss Georgina Hewitt
- Waminda (Year 2): Mrs Chris Carmichael
- Kyema (Year 2): Mrs Kim Taylor
Middle Unit News
Year 4 Roses Gap Camp
We had such an action packed, fun filled time on our Roses Gap Camp. From canoeing to the giant swing, students are to be commended for their bravery to try some things that might have been out of their comfort zone. Camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their independence, resilience and persistence - well done Year 4!
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
To wrap up our term’s learning about being healthy, today the Middle Unit enjoyed making some rainbow fruit skewers to enjoy at recess. Thanks to all the students who brought in some fruit to share.
Cross Country
Our Cross Country will be held on the first Wednesday back of Term 2 (Wednesday 27th of April). We have been training for this at school and encourage students to continue this over the holidays.
Happy Holidays!
Well done to all Middle Unit students on their hard work this term! It has been lovely to have some consistency in being at school face to face all term. Have a happy and holy Easter and we look forward to seeing everyone back for Term 2.
Middle Unit Team Contact Details
Click on the teacher's name if you wish to email them.
- Unit Leader: Miss Sophie Price
- Minga (Year 3): Mrs Cathryn Rowles
- Eumeralla (Year 3): Mrs Sarah Beckwith
- Amaroo (Year 4): Mrs Natalee Johnson
- Yongana (Year 4): Mr Corey Barbary
- Mootwingee (Year 4): Miss Sophie Price
Senior Unit News
We wish our students and their families a wonderful and holy Easter break. Students may wish to use this time as an opportunity to continue practising and developing their times table knowledge and we encourage all students to continue a daily reading routine. We look forward to seeing you all again in Term Two, refreshed and ready for an exciting term ahead.
Senior Unit Team Contact Details
Click on the teacher's name if you wish to email them.
- Unit Leader: Mrs Jo Campbell
- Myalla (Year 5): Mrs Kerryn Weaver (Monday-Wednesday) & Mrs Emma Kotsiakos (Wednesday-Friday)
- Illawarra (Year 5): Miss Belinda Zappia
- Narooma (Year 6): Mrs Jo Campbell
- Dourim (Year 6): Mrs Xana Priestley
Performing Arts
Next term all grades will be exploring a unit on Puppets. During the term we will be making our own sock puppets. Please find some clean old socks over the school holidays that can be transformed into puppets. Football socks, colourful socks, bed socks and dad's work socks are all great examples.
Please also start collecting craft objects that may be glued onto the socks to add interesting features to the character. E.g. pom poms, buttons, googly eyes, wool for hair, paper clips for glasses, felt and material scraps for clothes etc.
Students will be notified when they will be required to bring their socks to school, and if possible please bring extras for your friends in case anyone forgets.
Library
It has been wonderful having conversations with children of all year levels regarding books they are enjoying! Many children ask for recommendations of good stories to read - and often it is their classmates offering up suggestions! I love hearing the children discussing different books - even if it is just “I loved that book! It was really funny!” Why not take some time these holidays and ask your children which books they have enjoyed reading this term? There are lots of Easter themed books available at the moment too - maybe pop some of these on your ‘to read’ list!
Lots of children have taken the opportunity to borrow a few extra books over the holidays. Please ensure they are kept safe in library bags and returned during week 1. Note that due to the Public Holiday on Monday 25th April and the Cross Country in the morning on Wednesday 27th, some library times are changed.
Monday - Public Holiday
Tuesday - Year 5, Barramunga, Kyema
Wednesday - Waminda
Thursday - Mootwingee, Preps, Amaroo
Friday - Minga, Karinya, Eumeralla
Principal's Awards - Term 1
