Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 4!! I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for another busy term. Our children have been so happy to catch up with all of their friends.

Our school Spring Fair is next Sunday 22 October. Thank you so much to our amazing parents for all of their preparation to this point. In order for these events to be successful, we need all of your help. We have a number of shifts that still require volunteers, please sign up now using the link in the P&F President’s Letter attached or directly contact the P&F for further information. 

Franco Obnial (Year 3 Gold) has joined our Sacred Heart family. We welcome him and his parents to our community.

After an extensive recruitment process last term, I am very pleased to announce the following appointments:

Nerissa McCartney: Leader of Teaching and Learning

Nerissa is currently employed at Sacred Heart, Mosman on my Leadership Team as a coordinator. She leads exemplary, innovative and evidence-based practices for classroom teachers K-6. Nerissa is a contemporary educator with extensive experience in leading and managing administrative and governance processes related to curriculum and assessment. She fosters a culture of transparency, collaboration, and accountability, resulting in the continuous improvement of all educational programs. Nerissa facilitates a range of professional learning which enables teachers to reflect on their practice and set goals so as to nurture a culture of growth, both personally and professionally. More recently, Nerissa has had a huge hand in the implementation of the new K-6 English Syllabus. Nerissa’s commitment to education and research, focus on data and ability to work across all Key Learning Areas has very much impacted her students and the overall success and outcomes of Sacred Heart. I am thrilled for Nerissa and hope that you will join me in congratulating her and wishing her well on this next leadership journey. Nerissa will work across Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament in 2024.

Amanda Macourt: Leader of Well-being and Engagement

Amanda is currently employed at Blessed Sacrament, Clifton Gardens on my Leadership Team as a coordinator. She has worked in many of our Sydney Catholic Schools over the past fifteen years. Amanda has a postgraduate certificate in Early Years Education, has further education in Gifted Education and is currently undertaking a Master of Education (Leadership and Management). Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the ability to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based programs that foster students’ social and emotional growth. Amanda has led the design, planning and implementation of a School-Wide Pedagogy Framework which focused on positive behaviour management and creating safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments for all students. In her leadership roles over the past 10 years, she has been involved in case management and targeted interventions for students and understands the importance of valuing the contributions of all stakeholders. Amanda values relationships and recognises the importance of staff well-being, she understands that staff morale and building a culture of holistic well-being is paramount if we are to  be  successful in schools. I thank Amanda for her enthusiasm and commitment to education and I congratulate her and wish her well as she works across Blessed Sacrament and Sacred Heart in 2024.

Wednesday 25 October at 7pm in the school library

Carols on the Court 13 December (5pm-6:30pm)

This year we will celebrate Christmas as a community with ‘Carols on the Court’. We have a working party, led by Mrs Conroy, that will meet fortnightly to organise this wonderful event. The aim is to ensure that our celebration is a special time for us all to come together as a community but also to remember the reason we celebrate at Christmas- the Birth of Jesus. There will be a Nativity reflection/play as well as singing from each class. Further details to follow.

May God bless all our families.

Leanne Meehan

Executive Principal

Dear Parents and carers, 

I hope that you were able to have a break over the past two weeks and enjoy time with family and friends.  I was so happy to see our students' smiling faces on Tuesday morning and am excited that they have returned to school settled and ready for learning. 

Uniforms

Most of our students are coming to school with the correct uniform and we ask that parents ensure the full uniform requirements including shoes, socks and school hat. Whilst this week is a transition from winter to summer, all students should wear only their summer uniform starting next week, Monday 16th October. 

Swimming

Being confident in the water and learning to swim are important skills for all children.  We support a school learn to swim program for our students however swimming programs need to be booked a year in advance and unfortunately we were unable to have lessons for this year.  I am currently investigating times and dates for programs for our students Kindergarten to Year 5 for 2024 and hope to finalise this soon.  

Good news - we have secured a surf program for Year 6 students this year and I am happy to say that our students will attend a day, run by SEA Australia & Surf Educators International, at Manly beach on Monday 20th November. The program includes a pre video presentation at school and then on the day, teaches surf awareness and surf skills, with children practising skills both in the water and on the sand and then learning to use boards safely.  

Swimming Carnival

Our swimming carnival is on Friday 17th November for students in Years 2-6.  Miss Calizar has sent an event for carnival permission.  

Given we have not had swimming lessons and teachers can’t see our students' swimming skills before the carnival, we did a brief survey with the children and found that across all classes, some of our students indicated that they can not confidently swim 50 metres.  Swimming a full size Olympic pool usually requires consistent practice. 

We therefore ask parents to be cautious when choosing races on the event permission and only nominate for a 50 metre race if they are sure their child can swim the whole race without stopping.  If they cannot confidently swim 50 metres, please choose the non-swimmer event. 

Shine and Share

An exciting idea has been proposed by our leadership team to showcase our students' learning.   ‘Shine and Share’, similar to a class expo, is an opportunity for students to celebrate and display an area of their learning that they are proud of.  Parents are invited to the classroom to see their child’s learning and the learning of their peers.  To organise this event, teachers and students work together to share work that is important to them and enable them to ‘shine’.  Students might choose a piece of writing, some mathematics learning to share, perhaps art work or a piece of music they have learnt.  

Our ‘Shine and Share’ sessions will be held across the last 2 weeks of term - dates to be confirmed and advised by each year level, and will replace the character strength awards which have happened in past years.  We hope this will be a wonderful opportunity to share in the learning of your child’s year, to give thanks to our wonderful teachers and for all, in their own way, to have the opportunity to shine. 

Zing Activ - Gymnastics 

Today is our first day of Gymnastics with Zing Activ.  Each year level will have a 40 minute lesson on Wednesday each week.  The lessons cover movement and balance skills outlined in the syllabus. 

School Fair

Excitement is building around our fair and thank you to all the parents working hard to get ready for the event.  This week parents have been collecting donations of books, dress up costumes and communion attire.  If you have any of these to donate please drop them at carline or bring them into school.

Cyber Safety Talks

We have organised with the Youth Liaison Office from Chatswood Police, Senior Constable John Wilson to present a Cyber Safety talk to our Year 5 & 6 students on Wednesday 25th October.  These talks are based on a program from the Australian Federal Police ‘Think you know’ and are adapted to suit the age of the students and discuss ways to ensure you know who you are speaking to inline, current laws and ways to stay safe. 

Wishing you God’s Blessings, 

Jane Taylor

Assistant Principal

Welcome everyone to Term Four. Here’s hoping you all had a restful break with your families.

Here are some important upcoming dates in our Religious Education calendar.

Sacred Heart Special Events

Blessing of the Animals following the Kindergarten Family Mass - Sunday, 29th October 

Please come along for the Blessing of the Animals, Sunday 29th October on the Sacred Heart Church grounds, 10:30am. Bring your pet or fluffy toy to be blest!

Faith Celebrations with John Burland - Tuesday, 21st November 

Families are warmly welcome to join the children in the school hall for a Faith Celebration with singer/songwriter John Burland.

Years K-2 Faith Celebration - 9:00am-10:00am

Years 3-6 Faith Celebration - 11:30am-12:30pm

School Grade Masses on Fridays at 9:15am - families are warmly welcome to attend

• Years K and 6 Grade Mass - Friday, 20th October at 9:15am
• Year 4 Grade Mass- Friday, 27th October at 9:15am
• Year 5 Grade Mass- Friday, 3rd November at 9:15am
• Year 2 Grade Mass- Friday, 10th November at 9:15am
• Year 3 Grade Mass- Friday, 24th November at 9:15am
• Year 1 Grade Mass- Friday, 1st December at 9:15am

Whole School Masses & Liturgies

All Saints Day Mass led by Year 3 & the Year 6 Pope Francis team - Wednesday, 1st November @ 11:30am

Remembrance Day led by Year Four - Friday, 10th November

Year 3 Reconciliation Program, 2023

• Lesson 1: Wed 18th Oct choose either 5pm OR 6.30pm (catch-up on 24/10/23 at 3.45pm) at the Parish Hall.
• Lesson 2: Tues 24th Oct choose either 5pm OR 6.30pm (catch-up on 30/10/23 at 3.45pm) at the Parish Hall.
• Lesson 3: Mon 30th Oct choose either 5pm OR 6.30pm (catch-up on 31/10/23 at 3.45pm) at the Parish Hall.
• RETREAT DAY: 7th November

Year 3 Reconciliation Ceremonies

• Tuesday, 14th November 5pm or 6:30pm at Blessed Sacrament Church
• Wednesday, 15th November 5pm or 6:30pm at Blessed Sacrament Church

Advent begins Sunday, 3rd December 2023

Advent Prayer Week One - ‘Hope’ - Monday, 4th December

Advent Prayer Week Two - ‘Peace’ - Monday, 11th December

Advent Prayer Week Three - ‘Joy’ - Thursday, 14th December

Year Six Graduation Mass - Thursday, 7th December @ 6:00pm

End of Year Thanksgiving Mass - Friday, 15th December @ 9:15am

Dear Parents and carers,

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday break.

On Monday we had our first playgroup for Term 4. Our playgroup family is growing and we have so much fun. Friendships are being formed and the children are having a wonderful time. If you know of anyone with toddlers who would like to come along, please share the flyer with them.

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

The best way to celebrate the month is,

1. Pray the rosary daily, privately or with friends and family
2. Pray the rosary during the day - try not to postpone it until the end of the day or bedtime
3. If possible, use a book like “Holy Rosary” or an audio recording of the Rosary to help you enter more deeply into each mystery OR
4. Sacred Heart Church is hosting a public Rosary on Saturday 14th October at 1pm.  “Public prayer is far more powerful than private prayer”

There are seven Feast Days to celebrate this October:

October 1st: St. Therese of Lisieux. Patron of AIDS sufferers; aviators; bodily ills; florists; France; illness; loss of parents; missionaries; tuberculosis
October 2nd: Feast of the Guardian Angels. Every human has their very own Guardian Angel and today is their day!
October 4th: St. Francis of Assisi. Patron of animals, ecology, environment, and peace - Founder of the Franciscans
October 5th: Saint Faustina. Apostle of Divine Mercy and Patron of World Youth Day
October 7th: Our Lady of the Rosary. Helped defeat an army at the Battle of Lepanto
October 15th: Saint Teresa of Avila. A Carmelite and the Patron of loss of parents, religious, sickness and Spain
October 22nd: Saint Pope John Paul II. Born as Karol Jozef Wojtyla the 1st non-Italian Pope in 400 years.

All are welcome to the Anointing Mass for the sick - 3 rd November at 12 noon at Sacred Heart Parish Hall.

CHRISTMAS AT CANA 

Christmas at Cana Farm

Christmas is getting close.  Its time to get your orders in. Cana Farm is now stocked for all your Christmas shopping.  Our much loved Christmas Cake is back.

When you buy your Christmas Goodies at Cana Farm you are helping those in need at the same time!

CANA FARM VEGGIE ORDERS 

It’s also time to order your veggies!

Please place your order by Monday 16^th October, for delivery to Sacred Heart Mosman on 17^th October.

When placing your please don’t forget to use the free delivery code SACRED - every time you place your order. 

It’s time to get those orders in!

• Please order by Monday night 16^th October.
• Have a look at the veggies you will be receiving on our  Veggie list
• Visit the ‘Fresh produce’ category of our shop canafarm.com.au/our-shop/fresh-produce to place your order.
• Take a look at all the goodies on offer canafarm.com.au/shop

As our loyal customer, we thank you and continue to offer you free delivery. Please apply the discount code SACRED in Payments section at checkout to secure free delivery.

If you have any questions about our new process, please call me 0412046940, or send an email to shop@cana.org.au.

Regards and thank you from all of us at Cana Farm.

Anna Macri

Family Educator 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope the children have all enjoyed their break and that you have also managed some R&R time in between too.

Now that the term is back, we are kicking off with all of the sporting news!

Term 4 will be a big and busy term with sporting events. Before getting into the nitty gritty, I would firstly like to recognise one of our very own Sacred Heart students.

On the 18th September 2023,  Eloise Horan in Year 4 participated in the MacKillop Championships at SOPAC stadium and placed 3rd in her high jump event. Eloise will now progress through into the MacKillop team and will compete for a spot in PSSA. Please wish Eloise luck as she competes in her event on Wednesday 25th October.

Term 4 will also begin our Interschool Sports for Stage 3 in weeks 8 and 9. Unfortunately Year 4’s Interschool Sports had to be cancelled due to a lack of participating schools, but we look forward to running it again next year. More information to come closer to the date.

This is also a friendly reminder that there will be sporting trials for Years 4 and 5 in regards to sporting Pathways. Basketball trials for boys and girls will be held after school this Friday 13th October. The girls trial will commence at 3:10pm and the boys will begin at 3:50pm. For any questions regarding this trial, please feel free to reach out to Miss Calizar.

School trial information for Touch Football (boys and girls) and Cricket (boys and girls) is currently being prepared. Please note that any child that is planning to trial (for consideration to progress to MacKillop) must:

• demonstrate a high level of skill development and talent in the sport
• have experience playing in regular competition outside of school
• play at an Academy or Representative level

If you are interested, please let Miss Calizar know to nominate your child. For any sports with a high level of interest, a trial will be required so I am looking for any parents who can assist with the trials for touch football and cricket if needed. If so, please reach out!

Lastly, our Swimming Carnival will be occurring on Friday 17th November. Any parents who can spare the time to volunteer would be greatly appreciated. It will be held at Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre. Further details to come.

Until next time!

Kind Regards,

Miss Calizar

*HELP WITH SPRING FAIR*

Dear Parents

One of the most anticipated events on the P & F calendar (certainly by our kids) is the SHM Spring Fair, which this year will be held on Sunday 22 October 12-4pm.
There has been an amazing group of parents that have pulled together all the fun for this day, but it requires help on the day from many parents to ensure it runs smoothly. There are many different roles – including BBQ, Face Painting, Clean-up, Guessing Comp, Biscuit Decorating, Photobooth and others – there will be something that everyone could do.

As such we are now asking K-6 parents, carers and/or older high school siblings to sign-up for one or two shifts at the fair ideally covering two hours in total. This allows you to share the load as well as enjoy all that the fair has to offer. There are over 175 shifts to fill so we really need every family to contribute.

Follow this link to select the timeslot that suits you best and get some friends together and have fun helping to make it a fun day. Sacred Heart: 2023 Spring Fair (signupgenius.com)

Also early bird showbags, ride wrist bands, coupons and fair food are on sale now on Qkr. If you are unsure what to purchase ask parents in older year groups or your class representative for suggestions.

Lastly, Sacred Heart's Got Talent is back - budding musicians, singers, dancers and speakers might like to rehearse in the holidays. Remember to register it is FREE to enter Sacred Heart Spring Sports Fair Talent Show Tickets, Sacred Heart Sports Spring Fair, Mosman TryBooking Australia

We really need your help on the day to make sure the fair is a fun and safe day for all, and if we all give a little time it will be a fun time for all.
On behalf of the SHM P & F and the Organising Committee.

Mark O’Neil
President

Come and join us on Sunday 22nd October 12 - 4 pm for the 2023 Sports Fever Spring Fair.  Tickets for wristbands, tokens, food and drink and showbags can be purchased via QKR at a discounted price prior to the day.