ISSUE 9: March 31st 2023
Principal / Executive Leadership Team
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends,
Well, we have made it to the end of Week 10 and only have three days of school remaining for Term One. I would like to say a huge thank you to all families for your hard work and commitment to working in partnership with the school throughout this term. Everyone has made a great start to the year and students have had the opportunity to engage in many positive learning experiences.
Our students have had a wonderful week working with the STOMP instructors and dancing up a storm each day. We look forward to tonight’s Picnic & Concert.
Due to our shortened week we will only be sending home a very brief newsletter next week. This will likely be on Wednesday.
STOMP Family Picnic & Concert - Friday 31st March
Please be aware of the following:
- This will be held on the school oval with the picnic beginning at 5.15pm
- The concert starts at 6.15pm.
- It is expected that the concert will finish at 7.15pm.
- The concert is aimed to be very relaxed and social for students, staff & parents.
- Students will dance on the grass (no stage needed) and parents will bring in chairs, picnic rug etc.
- Students can wear casual clothes or a dress up of their choice.
Holy Week - Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday this weekend. We encourage everyone in our school community to attend Mass this Sunday (9am) as we begin the most sacred week on the Liturgical calendar. Students are welcome to join the choir if they are willing.
School Crossing - Student Safety
The School Crossing lady on 11th Street has mentioned that on occasions children walking to and from school have crossed over the busy 11th Street away from the school crossing. A reminder to all families and students that for the safety of everyone it is very important that students cross 11th St at the School Crossing which is always supervised at the beginning and end of each day.
Energy Drinks
There has been a little bit of media coverage lately of a new energy drink by the name of Prime. This drink has serious health risks for students. There have been some discussions at school amongst students regarding this popular, new drink. From a school perspective, students should not be bringing an energy drink like Prime to school or any other form of energy drink. These are not appropriate for the school environment and are harmful for children under the age of 15. Please refer to this article for more information.
Journey Pole Painting
As is tradition at Sacred Heart, we are painting our class Journey Poles on Monday & Tuesday. All students will ‘take their turn’ to contribute to their class pole. Students will need to wear an art smock while they are doing their painting. We look forward to the finished product!
Region Tennis Finals
We wish Thomas Colbert all the best at this Monday’s Region Tennis Finals in Swan Hill.
2023 Prep Enrolment
Enrolment processes have now commenced for new Prep students in 2024. Enquiries, applications and tours can be made by visiting
Enrolments will close on Friday 19th May 2022 at 4pm. We encourage existing families to apply now via the school website link above. If you know of any new families who are looking at enrolling their child at Sacred Heart we encourage you to share our enrolment processes that are outlined above.
Year 3/4 Swimming
Well done to our Year 3/4 students who have participated in their swimming program this week at Mildura Waves. Students have done a great job and thoroughly enjoyed these lessons. Thank you to Mildura Waves staff and our Year 3/4 teachers.
Graduation - Miss Hayley Moore
We congratulate Miss Moore on her University Graduation this week. Hayley has made a great start to her teaching career in Bundaleer Year One. Well done Hayley!
School Vision & Mission
Chris Robarts was with us on Tuesday to continue our work on the School’s Vision & Mission. Chris worked with teachers throughout the day and also joined the School Advisory Council meeting in the evening. Following many great discussions and lots of collaboration, we now have a ‘Statement of Context’ in place and a Vision statement. Our next objective will be to work on our School’s Mission. Thank you Chris.
Boys & Girls Division Cricket
Well done to our boys and girls cricket teams who competed in Division Finals this week. Both teams did a great job and really enjoyed this opportunity. The boys won 2 of their 3 games and the girls won all their games and were named the champion team. Most importantly, each of our teams represented our school proudly with great behaviour and sportsmanship.
School Fees
Just a friendly reminder to parents who have chosen to pay school fees directly via internet Termly. Your first instalment is due on 5th April. Please make payment on or Prior to that date.
School Assembly
Our final Assembly for Term One will be held this Wednesday afternoon at 2.30pm in the Stadium. The School Choir will be hosting this week’s Assembly. Term One Principal Awards will be presented.
Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) - Parent Survey
A big thank you to those parents who have completed the ECSI Survey. We do require more parents to complete the survey by Thursday 6th April. We are asking for a big effort in getting a high number of participants for this survey. We really appreciate your time in completing the survey and your input is valued. Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding the survey.
Last day of Term One (Casual Clothes) - Wednesday 5th April
Students' last day for Term One is this Wednesday, 5th April. Please note that students finish at normal time (3.10pm). This will be a Casual Clothes Day for all students & staff. We are asking for a gold coin donation that will go towards Project Compassion.
Staff Professional Learning (Pupil Free) - Thursday 6th April
Staff are taking part in the Structured Literacy professional learning at Our Lady’s Merbein this Thursday.
First day of Term Two - Monday 24th April
Term Two begins on Monday, 24th April. Tuesday 25th April is the ANZAC day public holiday.
Project Compassion
Families are encouraged to return their Project Compassion boxes to school by this Wednesday.
Wishing everyone a happy and Holy Easter and a relaxing break with your loved ones.
God Bless,
Ryan O’Callaghan
Religious Education
Sacrament of Confirmation
Thank you to parents for attending Wednesday’s information session. Any parents who were unable to attend, your child’s folder has been sent home.
This week is Week One (Wednesday 22nd March to Saturday 1st April) and the focus is on ‘Showing We Care’. Lessons 1-3 need to be completed by Monday 1st May and handed in at the Parish Office. Please ensure lessons are clearly named.
2023 Sacramental Dates
Confirmation
Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 22nd March 2023 @ 7pm SH Church
Sacrament of Confirmation - Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2023
First Eucharist
Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 12th July 2023 @ 7pm SH Church
Sacrament of First Eucharist - Friday 25th to Sunday 27th August 2023
Reconciliation
Parent Information Evening - Wednesday 11th October 2023 7pm SH Church
Sacrament of Reconciliation - Wednesday 29th November 2023 7pm SH Church
Soup Kitchen
We would like to acknowledge and thank the many students, parents and teachers that help with the running of the Soup Kitchen throughout the year.
The Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen provides sit down meals twice a week, and takeaway meals for people in our community who may otherwise go hungry.
Our staff and students help with cooking the 3 course meal, setting the tables, making hot drinks and serving those who come for a meal and some company.
Volunteering at the Soup Kitchen provides students with the opportunity to
- learn how other people in our community live
- feel a sense of gratitude for the things they may have taken for granted
- develop their communication skills
- experience the joy of helping others and expecting nothing in return
If your child/ren would like be Soup Kitchen Volunteers on a Monday night between 4.45pm and 6.15pm please contact
the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen Coordinator, Chris Carmichael ccarmichael@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
An expression of interest note will also be coming home early next term for those who are interested, to select a date to volunteer that suits your family.
The Soup Kitchen is an important part of our social justice program here at Sacred Heart and we are honoured to be able to assist those who are less fortunate than ourselves. "Christ has no hands, but ours!"
Learning Diversity News
Scholastic Book Fair- ‘Bookaneer Book Fair - Where Books are the Treasure.’
We are excited to announce that after a hiatus of many years, Sacred Heart will be hosting a Scholastic book fair. Book Fairs are a wonderful opportunity for children to explore books and celebrate reading as well as raising money for our school. Prior to the book fair, students will attend with their teacher, view the books and create a ‘Wishlist’ which they will take home and share with you. Should you decide to purchase any books, the Book Fair will be open before and after school so that parents can attend with their child and make a purchase. Keep an eye out for more information which will be shared early next term.
Date: Monday 22nd May- Friday 26th May
Location: On the stage in the stadium
Shopping Times: 8:20am - 8:40 am and 3:00pm -3:40 pm each day
Prep Unit News
This will be our last Prep newsletter report for term 1… can’t believe that we are already at the end of term. 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 term we have really focussed on learning the SATPINM sounds. Please practise these sounds at home - here is the link on the correct articulation for these two new sounds
We have had a fabulous week dancing with Katelyn and Maddy from STOMP. The Prep’s dance moves have been very impressive and we can’t wait to show you tonight at our school picnic! Over the next weeks we will be continuing our Cross Country fitness training – don’t forget to keep running during the holidays as Cross Country is the first Friday back at school.
Next week your child will bring home their holiday reading, please continue to keep a regular routine of reading each night and practising our sounds and blending on the fluency charts.
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: Mrs Rebecca O'Callaghan - bocallaghan@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
- Wahroonga: Mrs Wendy Collins - wcollins@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
Junior Unit News
As we conclude our first Term for 2023, we thank our families and students for their dedication to nightly reading, Tricky Word practice and for your awesomeness! We cannot believe how quickly the term has flown by and are very appreciative of your support.
With STOMP dancing everyday this week, our students moved, grooved and sang along as they practised hard to showcase their talents for you tonight. Special thanks to Maddy and Katelyn for sharing your dancing skills with us.
We all visited the Church during the week reflecting on the Holy Week events and the Stations of the Cross.This brought about many wonderings and sincere appreciation changes from the past to the present.
Next Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th, students will be participating in the painting of their class Journey Pole. Our students worked together to discuss/design a plan for their Journey Pole adding things that are sacred or important to them. Students will be working with paint and if possible, are asked to bring an art smock/old oversized shirt to wear while painting.
In Week 1 Term 2 (Friday 28th April) Sacred Heart Primary School are hosting their annual Cross Country event at the Aerodrome ovals where the children will run 1 km. Students are encouraged to practise running in the holidays in preparation for this day.
In Digital Technology throughout the Term, Students have been using Book Creator to create a book about themselves.
The skills they have been using are:
- Adding shapes
- Adding Text (Changing font and colour)
- Adding images from the web
- Setting backgrounds
- Creating voice recordings
- Resizing items.
Maybe over the holidays, your child/ren could show you these skills in action?
Next week, we are sending home additional reading books for the school holidays. These are an optional extra however, we believe that our students would certainly benefit from reading throughout the holidays to maintain their reading skills.
On Tuesday next week, Year One children are making bird feeders as part of their Science Unit. Should you have any empty soft drink or water bottles, orange juice containers or materials you’d like to donate, please send these in on Monday morning with your child/ren.
We look forward to seeing our students again on Monday 24th April. Wishing you a blessed Easter and restful time with your family.
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 Christine Sherry (Friday)
- Bundaleer (Year 1): Miss Hayley Moore
- Barramunga (Year 2): Mrs Chris Carmichael
- Nangare: (Year 2): Mrs Maree Irvin
Middle Unit News
What a huge week we have had in the Middle Unit!
We were so impressed with our students’ enthusiasm and persistence at STOMP Dance sessions each day this week. We can’t wait to show you our cool moves tonight at our school picnic!
We also enjoyed a huge week of swimming this week! All students should be very proud of their efforts at Mildura Waves. We all enjoyed the waves this afternoon to round out a great week!
Unfortunately we have noticed that some students have been bringing energy drinks and lollies to school. This is not appropriate for school and we ask that parents ensure these items are not packed. Please refer to this article for more information.
We sincerely hope everyone has a happy and holy Easter and a restful break with their families. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back in Term 2!
Middle Unit Team Contact Details
Click on the teacher's name if you wish to email them.
- Unit Leader: Miss Sophie Price
- Amaroo (Year 3): Mrs Sarah Beckwith
- Yongana (Year 3): Mrs Georgina Whitehouse
- Mootwingee (Year 3): Mrs Jaimi Willersdorf
- Minga (Year 4): Miss Sophie Price
- Eumeralla (Year 4): Miss Rosie Lennox
Senior Unit News
It has come to our attention that some students are bringing Prime energy drinks to school. These types of drinks are not permitted, please make sure you are aware of what your children are packing in their lunchboxes.
Journey Pole painting will be happening next week. Many of the Year 6 students will be asked to assist younger classes so don’t forget to send an old large shirt to cover the school uniform.
We have been super impressed with the students’ level of enthusiasm and dance ability at STOMP Dance sessions each day this week. We are looking forward to showcasing these dances tonight at the school picnic!
During Science and Technology this term, Year 6 students have been investigating major geological and extreme weather events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, drought and cyclones. Students investigated scientific and technological developments in measuring, predicting and minimising the effects of natural disasters. In small groups, students planned, produced, tested and evaluated a design to minimise the effects of a natural disaster.
We wish all our students and their families a happy, healthy and safe Easter break.
Senior Unit Team Contact Details
Click on the teacher's name if you wish to email them.
- Unit Leader Year 5: Mrs. Natalee Johnson
- Unit Leader Year 6: Mrs. Loretta Thompson
- Illawarra (Year 5): Mrs. Cathryn Rowles
- Kyema (Year 5): Mrs. Natalee Johnson
- Myalla (Year 5): Mrs. Emma Kotsiakos (Monday-Thursday) & Mr. Corey Barbary (Friday)
- Narooma (Year 6): Mrs. Jo Campbell
- Dourim (Year 6): Mrs. Loretta Thompson
- Illawarra (Year 6): Mrs. Amelia Pacher (Monday-Thursday) & Mr. Jacob Burford (Friday)
Italian News
During Term 1 the students at Sacred Heart have learned or revised how to introduce themselves, asking someone their name, share how they feel and also ask someone else how they are feeling. Some of our favourite songs: “Ciao come ti chiami ? & Dov’e` Pollice? which helps the students remember the language. Playing Tombola (Bingo) also reinforces numbers & colours. We made our own Chiaccarone ( chatterbox) and played them during week 10. This allowed the students to challenge their classmates, asking questions & answering in Italian for the Yr 5 & 6 and answers in Italian for the 3 & 4 students.
The junior students also have been revising language learnt during this term such as Numbers & Colours and classroom conversation. They have been practising reading and speaking Italian whilst playing games such as Tombola/Bingo games.
Library News
Scholastic Book Club:
The much-anticipated Issue #2 orders were sent home with students on Monday. Almost $60 in Scholastic Rewards was raised for SHPS, and this money will go towards funding a variety of books for the library for students to enjoy.
Holiday Borrowing:
With the Term break fast approaching, some classes have begun borrowing in preparation for the holidays. Most year levels encourage students to borrow extra books during designated library sessions. However, with various other school activities changing the timetable, students can also return and borrow before and after school on Mondays and Fridays.
Shout-out:
I am happy to announce that many students have made a valiant effort to search school bags, classroom tubs, their homes and houses of grandparents, etc., for their overdue and 'missing' library books. Most of the students were successful, and I give a BIG THUMBS UP to all the students for being conscientious.
Friendly Reminders:
- Students can return books into the library 'minion' returns box on any school day.
- Library bags are essential and must be brought to school every day.
Thank you, Ms Zema
Admin News
Dont miss this years Easter colouring competition with Banjo's Mildura.
Each Child will get a free hot cross bun when they drop their picture into the store, and will go into the draw to win an easter prize pack for their age group.
*Hard Copies available at the School Office.
Please see below a position vacant at St Joseph's Secondary College
Student Services & Reception Officer – Mercy Campus
Are you an organised office admin whiz who enjoys supporting a busy and successful team?
Do you possess impeccable customer service skills and have experience assisting with first point of contact queries?
Are you searching for a part-time role now that your children have started school?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, the Student Services and Reception Officer role at St Joseph’s College Mildura could be the perfect fit for you.
Based at our Mercy Campus, this part-time job share position’s hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 8:00am to 4:00pm. The college is offering this role to a successful applicant on an initial fixed term of 12 months with the possibility of an ongoing engagement thereafter.
If you’re ready to be an important part of a learning community known for hospitality and excellence, apply now at this link. We look forward to hearing from you.