Welcome to the start of Term 4! We hope that the break has provided your family with rest and rejuvenation. As we enter this final term of the year, there is much to look forward to! As we embark on Term 4, our focus sharpens on curriculum and assessment as we guide students toward completing their academic year with success. This term is an important time for consolidating learning, assessing progress, and preparing students for the transition to their next stage of schooling.

As you are aware, we have a Staff Development Day early this term. Our teachers are participating in professional learning that aligns with the ongoing NSW Curriculum Reform—a comprehensive overhaul of the current K-12 curriculum. As part of this significant change, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is committed to supporting our system by creating and sharing valuable resources and offering targeted professional development opportunities. In line with SCS system priorities, our staff will be engaging in professional learning focused on K-2 Reading, Years 3-4 Writing, and Years 5-8 Maths. These sessions are designed to equip teachers with the latest strategies and knowledge to best support your child’s learning. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support as we work to implement these important changes,ensuring the highest quality education for all students.

Teachers will be sending home curriculum newsletters soon to provide parents and carers with an overview of the content being covered throughout the final term. These newsletters are a valuable resource, offering insight into the key learning areas and topics your child will be exploring. By outlining the focus of all key learning areas, these updates help you to stay informed about what is being taught in the classroom. This can support meaningful conversations at home, reinforce learning, and ensure a strong partnership between school and home as we work together to support your child’s progress.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, it’s a great time to remind your children of the importance of maintaining a consistent homework routine and encouraging them to stay engaged in their learning. Whether it’s building good reading habits, staying on top of homework, or preparing for end-of-year assessments, your encouragement and support at home can make a world of difference. Regular reading continues to be one of the most valuable ways to support your child's academic progress, so we encourage families to set aside time each day for reading from a wide variety of genres. Don’t forget those times tables and counting practice!

At Sacred Heart, we value the partnership between parents and teachers. This collaboration is crucial to supporting your child’s learning journey. If you have any questions about your child’s progress please do not hesitate to reach out to their teacher. Ongoing communication is key to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their best, and we encourage all parents to remain engaged in their child’s education as we move through this busy and exciting term!

Nerissa McCartney 

Leader of Teaching and Learning