Dear Parents and Carers,

This week we celebrated the Assumption of Mary (15 August). According to our faith, the Holy Mother, having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. It marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection/Ascension. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason, we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.

Mary urges all people, regardless of culture or beliefs, to open their minds and hearts to God. Mother Mary explains how to live more fully conscious of our presence and purpose here on earth, and how to prepare ourselves for re-entry into the spirit world after physical death. She is the masterwork of God and the start of God bringing mankind into communion with Jesus. I thank Miss Jackson and our Pope Francis students for preparing our very special mass to celebrate the Assumption of Mary.

Announcement

I am humbled and very excited to be continuing in this role as your Executive Principal. I appreciate that there have been challenges this year but with the clarity we now have on our future structure I think we can move forward with greater confidence together. I thank you for your ongoing support throughout the process and I look forward to creating more opportunities for us to develop and grow together. Please see attached communication to both communities that I sent out last night. Thank you kindly to those who were able to attend.

Just a reminder that we have our Father’s Day events coming up on Friday 1 September.

1. P&F will be providing a coffee cart. It will be set up closer to the Kameruka entrance area so as not to impede on the basketball courts where we will have some handball games. Thank you kindly to the P&F!
2. Purchase your Father's Day breakfast items on Qkr
3. Purchase your Father's Day Cana gifts on Qkr
4. We will have our usual Friday award assembly followed by a Kindergarten Father's Day presentation. 

Holy Communion Retreat Day

"Do this in memory of me" Luke 22:19. Our First Communion Retreat Day was exceptional, educational and empowering! It was even more enjoyable because we made lots of new, great friends from Blessed Sacrament and the other schools that joined us. Our favourite part was when we practiced for our First Holy Communion Mass in the Church. We practised all the parts of the mass and we role played receiving Communion, the Body of Christ. We also learned about the Road to Emmaus story and what it teaches us about the Mass. We are so excited to be making our First Holy Communion soon because we will be able to receive Communion every time we go to Mass!

By Abigail.L and Emily.F (4 Gold)

Science Week

We have had a terrific start to Science Week.

We have worked with Farmwall to understand how to be astro farmers and grow microgreens in space. At this hands-on workshop, we learned that this technique of farming allows crops to be grown in space, harvested every 2 weeks and the greens are 40 times more nutritious than regular vegetables. Very efficient and sustainable!

The workshop was a lot of fun, everyone got their hands dirty! The Sacred heart “space farm” is now up and running in the hall. Our plants will be ready to harvest and eat in two weeks.

Today, we were visited by Dr Alana Wylie from Eyeheart Science. Dr Wylie took us through some of the greatest moments in Science this year. Students  learned about flying car technology, plant discoveries, new marine life species, moonlet discoveries and even facetime for Birds!

Each day this week workshops have been run by the Year 6 Science and Tech team and leaders supported by Ms Adamo, Ms Morgan and Mrs Petersen. Workshops have included food science experiments, chemical experiments, design and make activities and technology. VIP scientists have had lots of fun exploring science at these workshops. The shrieks and exclamations of joy and discovery have been heartwarming.

The environment team also had the opportunity to present at the recent Zero Emissions schools network meeting, hosted by Blessed Sacrament, where they met with Zali Steggall MP OAM and heard about environmental issues being debated in parliament.

I sincerely thank Mrs Petersen for all of her hard work, creativity and genuine joy at providing such a wonderful experience for our children!!

May God bless all our families.

Leanne Meehan

Executive Principal

Dear Parents and carers,

At our last P & F meeting, I was asked if I could clarify a few items including morning bell times, dogs in the school grounds and morning drop off. Additionally, our new buzzer and gate locking times have been amended starting tomorrow so please see information below.  

Bell times

The morning bell music starts at 8:37 am. This is to allow time for students to use the toilets and line up ready for assembly at 8:40 am.  You might notice that some children line up before this time, especially the younger students.  This is their choice as they like to be at the front of the line and even with teacher reminders that they still have time to play, they prefer to sit and wait. School starts at 8:40 am and we allow 5 minutes for late arrivals, before locking the gate at 8:45 am.  Please note it is an attendance requirement that if students arrive after this time, they are accompanied to the office by a parent or carer to sign them in.  

Morning Drop-Off

After the P & F meeting, I spoke with the Council Parking officer who advised that parents should use the three available drop-off areas in the morning.  One is as you turn from Military Road into Cardinal Street on the Church side (2 car spaces) and the other two are on the school side of Cardinal Street (3-4 spaces each).  These are the areas marked with the yellow ‘School Drop-off Zone’ - white/red ‘No Parking’.  There is one as you turn the bend and the other in front of the main school gate.  The council officer advised that parents should remain in the car whenever possible and depart the ‘No Parking’, drop-off area within two minutes, as any longer can result in a fine.  Drivers should be aware that their whole car should be within the ‘No Parking’ zone when dropping off as if even some of the car is in the ‘No Stopping’ section, then fines can be issued.  

To be considerate of all who use the drop off, we ask that parents, grandparents, carers or any drivers, do not get out of the car.  If your child needs assistance with their bag or uniform then you should park your car and allow them to walk, or walk with them.  The drop-off is just that, for dropping off only.  Students should have their school bag on the seat next to them or in front as this saves drivers getting out of the car to access the boot. 

If you are using the drop zone near the bend, please note there will be no change to the back gate access to the school.  The back gate will remain locked as this area is unsupervised in the mornings.  Students should just walk carefully up the street, like the children who walk to school do, and then enter the front gates.

Please give way to cars exiting the drop-off area and let them back in the line.  Once they have cleared the crossing they will be able to drive past those dropping in front of the school gate. Drivers should also be aware when pulling out from the front of the school, that some cars may have already dropped off and will now be driving up the street.  

No Dogs on school grounds

Just a reminder that parents and carers are not able to bring dogs onto the school grounds in the mornings or afternoons.  As much as we understand that dogs are an important part of family life, the ‘Companion Animals Act 1998 No 87’, prohibits dogs in some public places including school grounds.  This applies to whether or not dogs are on a leash or being held.    

If you are bringing a dog on your walk, please tie the dog safely outside the school gate whilst you collect your child.  

Security 

As mentioned previously, a security audit from our facilities representative at Sydney Catholic Schools raised concerns about our front gate being opened at all times before and after school.  This meant that anyone could walk into the school grounds and also that children were arriving at school before the supervised time of 8:10 am. 

I am pleased to say that we now have a new operational security buzzer on the gate (the gate adjacent to the glass doors) and a camera/ buzzer installed in the hall for SCECS.  

This means changes to the gate opening times.  Mrs Carvalho and I have looked at all the times that we have sport and extra curricular activities including sports club, tennis, chess, iScience, Soccer, Music mates etc before or after school care and we have programmed the gate to open for a short time to allow entry and exit of students participating in these activities at the times needed.  It is important that your child arrives for their training or activity on time.  Siblings should remain in your care.  

For students participating in our Arrowsmith and morning mathematics programs, the teacher running the program will meet your child at the gate at the allocated start time.  

Importantly, no child should be on the school premises unsupervised.  Please do not drop your child for school before 8:10 am, as they will not be able to enter the school grounds.  No students should use the buzzer as SCECS will only operate the buzzer for parents.

For parents using SCECS before and after school care, please use the buzzer on the entry gate and staff from SCECS will buzz you in and out of the school.  

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our teachers and Year 3 and Year 5 students on their NAPLAN results.  NAPLAN complements the wide range of formal and informal assessments used by schools. It provides additional information to support teacher judgement about a child’s level of literacy and numeracy attainment.  Starting in 2023, NAPLAN results are reported against a new measurement scale of 4 proficiency standards:  They tell us whether a student: 

1. Needs additional support: The student’s result indicated that they did not achieve the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing and are likely to need additional support to progress.
2. Is Developing: The student’s result indicated that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
3. Is Strong: The student’s result met challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
4. Is Exceeding: The student’s result exceeded expectations at the time of testing.

Please see the following graphs that summarise the results for each of the tests - Numeracy, Reading, Writing, Grammar & Punctuation and Spelling. Our schools overall results are very high and are affirming for teachers as they reflect what teachers already know about each student in their class and the differentiated teaching and learning that they and our Diverse Learning Coordinator and team provide.    

Staff Professional Learning 

To maintain teacher accreditation, our teachers are required to participate in professional learning which builds and improves their professional knowledge, practice and engagement across priority areas.  The priority areas identified by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) are:

• delivery and assessment of the NSW Curriculum/Early Years Learning Framework 
• student/child mental health
• students/children with disability
• Aboriginal education and supporting Aboriginal students/children

Our teachers ended Term 2 and started Term 3 with professional learning on student/child mental health with a focus on wellbeing. The first day involved collaboration with staff from Blessed Sacrament and was presented by a wellbeing facilitator, Jacqui Jones, to identify practical strategies that teachers can do with their students to promote student wellbeing.  The second day was an introductory course for ‘Rock and Water’, a program - which provides students with ‘a pathway to self-awareness, increased self-confidence and social functioning’.  You may have seen some of the photos of our teachers participating in ‘Rock and Water’ on our Facebook page. 

Go Matilda’s 

Thank you for your support with our green and gold day.  The students look amazing in their supporter gear and are really in the spirit of cheering on the Matilda’s.  Qkr app remains open until Monday morning at 9am for your donation toward our Catholic Charitable Works Fund.  

Science Week 

Thank you to Mrs Petersen for organising all of the wonderful activities, shows and speakers for Science Week.  As you can imagine, this takes much thought and coordination and Mrs Petersen has been planning events since early in the year.  We thank you for your passion and for helping us all to love and understand science. 

Book Week

Reminder - Book week is next week so hopefully your child has decided on their costume ready for our parade on Friday 25th August.  The parade will start straight after assembly and all parents are welcome to attend.  

We have a ‘Book Fair’ from 21- 25 August in our library.  You are invited to come before and after school to buy a book for your child.  Donations of books to the library are also very welcome and Mrs Jago has a label which will be added to the book to acknowledge your family donation. 

Our ‘Book Week Performance’ incursion is on Tuesday 5th September.  

Wishing you God’s Blessings, 

Jane Taylor

Assistant Principal

School Grade Masses on Fridays- parents are warmly welcome to attend!

Year 1 School Mass- Friday, 8th September @ 9:30am

Kinder & Year 6 School Mass- Friday, 15th September @ 9:30am

Sacramental Program dates

First Holy Communion Masses: 26th August, 27th August and 10th September

Family Masses

This Sunday at 9am, we invite Year 2 families to attend a Family Mass followed by morning tea. We very much look forward to seeing you then! Thank you so much to the Sacred Heart families who attended, and volunteered to assist, at the Kinder/Year Six combined Family Mass and the Year 1 Family Mass!

Sydney Catholic Schools Christmas Story Art Competition

Students in Years 5/6 who may be artistically inclined, are warmly welcome to take part in the annual Christmas Story Art Competition by Sydney Catholic Schools. Please see the flyer attached and if your child is interested in participating, could you please email: kristen.jackson@syd.catholic.edu.au

Kristen Jackson

Religious Education Co-ordinator 

Dear Parents and carers,

Eat, Pray & Laugh group is meeting every Tuesday.

Join me in beginning our day with a 20-minute morning mass on Tuesday’s at 9:15 am. It is truly a wonderful way to start the day.

Then join me for a walk & talk to a local cafe for coffee.       

A reminder that our very First Sacred Heart Playgroup is beginning Monday 28^th August in the Parish Hall. I’m looking forward to meeting many of you and your toddlers. It will be a great morning to relax a little and have quality time with your little ones.

Faith and Prayer are positive options when we are making decisions, feeling loss, overwhelmed, lonely, insecure.

They are free and constantly rewarding.

Faith and Prayer fill your heart and lighten your mental and physical load.

Mary Queen of peace, Pray for us.

Positive Affirmation for your week :  

Dear Parents and Carers,

On Monday 7th August, we had 34 students represent Sacred Heart, Mosman at the Athletics Championship in Barton Ridge. Despite the bad weather, our students gave each event they participated in their 100% and did not let the rain hold them back!

It was a very successful day with children being on their best behaviour. I am truly proud of every student that attended and represented Sacred Heart.

Upon leaving the event, our area was the cleanest section! It is great to see our students living up to the “Greener, Cleaner” initiative by picking up all of their rubbish.

Thank you to the parents who gave up their time to attend and who took their children or others to the event. Thank you to those who also stayed back to assist in the pack up.

Lastly, a big thank you to Mrs. Brierley who attended and assisted me throughout the day and ensured that no child missed out on their event!

As the results have finally been sent through, we have three students progressing to the next round. Congratulations to Eloise Horan, Gisele Camus and Leon Pichler.

In another set of sporting news - on the 22nd August, we will also have a few of our Year 5 and Year 6 girls from the Sacred Heart Netball Club representing our school at the CPSNSW Gala Day. This is an event where Catholic primary schools from all over NSW join together for a game of Netball and compete against each other in a friendly competition. Please wish these girls luck.

To finish off, coming up in Week 8, I am looking at running an AFL trial for the AFL MacKillop Pathway for both boys and girls in Year 4 and Year 5. As there are many requirements for selection, only a very limited number of students are being selected. Please only contact me regarding interest if:

• The student plays at an Academy level
• The student is able to demonstrate a high level of skill development and talent in AFL
• The student has experience playing in regular AFL competition outside of school

I am also seeking any parents who can assist with making the trial happen if it is required. If you know of any coaches and/or selectors who can volunteer for the trial to occur, please contact me at austrie.calizar@syd.catholic.edu.au

Sacred Heart is looking forward to another sports filled term with all of the children’s successes and achievements!

Kind Regards,

Miss Calizar

Please see the attached Flyer for details.   Students are invited to design a theme for the Spring Fair.  

Entries are to be submitted to the school office by Friday 18th August, 2023.