As the end of term 3 draws close, I wish all of our students, teachers and families a very happy break - a time to relax and refresh. I will be taking long service leave for the first two weeks of term 4. Miss Jackson will be available when Mrs Meehan is at Blessed Sacrament. 

Debating

Some of our Stage 3 students are participating in the Sydney Catholic Schools North Shore Network, debating Competition.  Over three weeks, our students debate against St Michael’s Lane Cove, Blessed Sacrament Clifton Gardens or Marist College North Sydney. Congratulations to Olivia N., Mia, Hattie, Maddie, Stephanie, Iggy, Caitlin, Isabella, Jorge, Leah, Olivia D., Cole and Emily who have prepared their debates on the given topic. The debates are run by the students with the nominated chairperson and time keeper ensuring the debates run smoothly. Sacred Heart have won their first four debates with the students showing confidence, knowing their topic and using eye contact and gestures to enhance their points. Our last debate will be held on Monday at Sacred Heart.  Thank you to Mrs McCartney and the Stage 3 teachers for their support in running this event.

Uniform

Students should wear full Summer uniform on return to school next term.  Please ensure your child still wears the correct school or sport uniform on their allocated day - sport twice a week and school uniform three times a week. The correct school hat should always be worn.  Sport shoes should be simple black or white - please avoid bright colours.

Swimming Lessons

We are excited to be offering swimming lessons for all students in Kindergarten to Year 5 at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. Lessons were booked a year ago in response to parents' requests and give students the chance to experience water awareness and build confidence before the Years 2-6 swimming carnival.  Our Year 6 students will continue with their surf awareness program which was introduced last year.  There are 5 lessons for each student with Blue classes going to lessons Week 3 - every day Monday 28 October till Friday 1 November and Gold classes going to lessons Week 4 - every day Monday 4 November to Friday 8 November.  

For the 5 days of swimming, students should bring the following items in a small waterproof bag:

• swimming costume (or worn under uniform)
• T-shirt, robe or hooded towel to wear over their costume
• sandals, crocs or thongs to wear to and from the pool
• Goggles - these are optional (though recommended)
• towel
• underwear
• comb or brush

Please see the Compass note for further information.

Good News Stories

Netball

Exciting news for the Sacred Heart Sport club netball teams, SHM01 (12B) and SHM02 (12E) who played in their netball grand final on Friday 6th September.  To reach a grand final in any sport is an amazing achievement and to top off their season, both teams won!  SHM01 had a particularly tough game coming from 7 goals down.  Congratulations to both teams on your wonderful sporting ability and achievements.

Cricket

Great news - Zachary has been selected into the firsts U12 team for the state championships representing MacKillop in October.  He played so well for Sydney Catholic Schools in Wagga last week and has been rewarded with state selection. Congratulations Zachary on this exciting achievement.

R U OK?

Congratulations to Noah and Evie who recently spoke at a Corporate event for R U Ok Day.  Along with their dad Dominic, the children spoke about mental health.  Evie calmly and confidently read a blog post written by her mum about her vulnerability and support and Noah spoke about the bond with his mum and how he wants to continue talking and listening for her.  In Noah’s words “Let’s commit to asking, listening, and supporting—not just on R U OK Day, but every day. A simple conversation could change a life. So, let’s be brave enough to ask, strong enough to listen, and kind enough to act".

Wishing you God’s Blessings,

Jane Taylor

Assistant Principal