Filter Content
Last Friday, children from across Australia put their feet first, and journeyed towards a healthier future by participating in the National Walk Safely to School Day.
The annual event raises awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term wellbeing of children. Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a favourable impact on their cognitive and academic performance. I thank Mrs Macourt and Miss Hollingsworth for coordinating this event and leading us all so well!
Congratulations to the following students who were the competition winners:
We were extremely lucky to be able to celebrate our Mothers, Mother-figures and Grandmothers last week with our Mother’s Day breakfast, open classrooms and Mass on Friday.
Mothers are timeless teachers in the classroom of life. They are the most influential educators and they share with us great wisdom; a legacy so precious and valuable. The love of a mother is pure and unadulterated. They do not have any selfish motives and offer the most unconditional love on earth. All mothers are no less than a miracle.
As a Catholic community, we should also recognise Mary, Jesus’ Mother. Her willingness to say “yes” to God’s calling is one which we try to emulate in our lives every day. Mary demonstrates the important role a mother plays in their child’s life, even if that child is the Son of God. We see her gentle guidance in Jesus’ formative years, and it was through Mary’s prompting that Jesus performed his first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
For those who have lost their mum, always remember that the memories of our mother’s live on forever as they leave an indelible imprint on our hearts. Let those memories of the times you shared give you comfort for her life was rich because of you. She will continue to participate in every act, thought and decision you make. Mothers may hold their children’s hands for only a short while, but they will hold their hearts forever.
Much effort goes into these special occasions and it is very much appreciated. I thank Jackie Grover and her team for all of their preparation for our Mother’s Day Breakfast, Miss Jackson for her thoughtful and always considered masses. Miss Jackson goes above and beyond in everything she does and our community is very fortunate to experience such wonderful examples of her faith in action. A special thanks to Mrs Merillo and our choir for leading us so beautifully as usual.
P&F fundraising money:
Thank you so much to you all for your contributions in 2023. As I mentioned in previous communications, we are looking at revamping some of our playground spaces. The first phase will cost just under $40k and we will utilise the P&F contribution of $20K. Mrs Taylor and Mrs Carvalho have been meeting with those undertaking these works and further details can be seen in Mrs Taylor’s section below.
TTFM- TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEYS (ATTENTION Year 4, 5, 6 parents ONLY)
As part of our focus on school effectiveness, Sacred Heart will be participating in an online survey for students – Tell Them From Me® (TTFM®). The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. All parents and staff will be invited to participate in this data collection also (further information to follow).
During the next few weeks, all students will be given the opportunity and time to participate in this survey during regular school hours. Students who agree to complete the survey will be given a random username and password to access and complete the survey online. Students’ names cannot be linked to their responses which allows it to be completely anonymous. Results will show all student scores combined together – it is not possible to single out individual students in the results.
The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The survey measures include such topics as emotional and social well-being, physical health, and behaviours and attitudes linked to student success. The survey also allows students to give their thoughts and feedback in open-ended question responses.
Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish to. If, during the survey, your child is uncomfortable answering any question, he/she should leave it blank and move on to the next one. Your child can stop the survey at any time.
If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, please contact the school office by Monday 20 May.
FOR THOSE WHO MAY HAVE MISSED IT………
Max Doohan award winners in Term 1 for Basketball Comp 1, 2024 are as follows:
Year 1: Noah Silva
Year 2: Xavier Lane
Year 3: Rosie Grover
Year 4: Charlie Roberts
Year 5: Mia O'Callaghan
Year 6: Isabella Johnson
May God bless all our families.
Leanne Meehan
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL
Mini Soccer Field
One of the wishes that our students often speak of is having a soccer field. Over the past few months we have had a number of playground companies visit and after much discussion and considerations, they have advised that the area which will give us the best surface and space for a mini soccer field is the Primary Undercroft area (the bitumen area near the Primary equipment). We have received a number of quotes for this work, costing around $40 000 and have decided to use the P & F funds as part of this exciting playground upgrade.
The design includes leaving some of the undercroft area available so that we can still use the space for BBQ’s and events and once the field is laid we will look into how we might ‘upgrade’ this area as well. As the handball courts will be covered over, we will upgrade ground markings to make more handball courts in the area under the hall.
The work on the mini soccer field will start on Friday afternoon with the delivery of the artificial grass and patching of the concrete. The company will then work over the weekend to lay the turf and then return later for field markings and finishing the surface with sand. This area will be out of action for approximately a week until finished. We are excited to ‘green’ this space and have a wonderful mini soccer area for the students to play.
Sport
Our annual Athletics Carnival is only two weeks away, Wednesday 29 May. The event is at Rotary Athletics Field: Mowbray Rd W, Lane Cove North as this field provides access to high jump and long jump facilities and equipment hire. If you haven’t done so already, please access Compass for details and to grant permission for your child to attend.
ACARA Item Trial
Sacred Heart has two classes chosen to participate in the ACARA Item Trial this year - 3 Gold and 5 Blue, which will take place on Friday 17 May. We have now been advised that both classes will do a 50 minute Reading and 45 minute Conventions of Language test.
Students in these classes need to have their headphones and iPad fully charged. They also need the NAP 2024 app on their iPad (the same app they used for the NAPLAN tests this year).
Uniform
Hats
We have noticed that some students are not wearing their school hat each day. Students should wear their school hat for play in the morning, at recess and lunch. Teachers are going to keep a note of any students without hats and will email parents if this is a regular occurrence. Please assist by ensuring your child has their hat either on their head or in their bag each day.
Around the classes
Science of Energy and States of Matter
Year Two and Three students were treated to an exciting science demonstration by Kaleidoscope last Friday. In Year Three, they delved into the fascinating realm of changes in states of matter, learning about atoms and particles through engaging experiments. Year Two embarked on an exploration of energy and its various transformations into heat, light, and sound. The Year Two students were particularly enthusiastic about sharing their newfound understanding of how vibrations produce sound, with some even conducting experiments at home over the weekend.
Sustainability and Recycling
Kindergarten and Year One students were thrilled to engage in a hands-on workshop led by Ms. Loani Tierney from Mosman Council. During the session, they discovered the journey of our rubbish once it hits the ground and learned the importance of sorting waste into the right bins at school. A highlight of the workshop was the lively game of "Pass the Parcel," where students eagerly opened boxes when the music stopped, selecting a piece of (clean) rubbish and placing it in the correct bin. So much fun according to Year One!
Ocean Competition
Just a reminder that our recycled art competition is underway with lots of great entries so far. Students are reminded to please include their name and a caption / message for their art work. Full details of the competition are attached.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_KjizQNvVAoLNY2A2sXynXnSqmTXeyKVwFPRZ-laIfo/edit?usp=sharing
May God’s love be with you.
Jane Taylor
Year Five ANZAC Service
What a beautiful and reverent ANZAC service presented by Year Five during our first week back this term. Thank you Year Five for leading the school through such a moving experience & thank you to those in our community who were able to attend.
Sacred Heart Feast Day, Friday 7th of June
St Vincent de Paul Winter Hamper Drive
As part of our feast day celebrations, the community of Sacred Heart partakes in an annual winter hamper drive to show our support to the St Vincent de Paul society and the works that they do to assist families in need. Please see the flyer below, for information on which items each grade will donate. Donations can be brought to the classrooms. Thank you sincerely for your contributions!
School Grade Masses, Fridays at 9:15am (families warmly welcome to attend!)
- Friday 17th May- Year Three Grade Mass
- Friday 31st May- Year One and Year Five combined Grade Mass
- Friday 14th June- Year Two Grade Mass
- Friday 21st June- Kinder & Year Six combined Grade Mass
- Friday 28th June- Year Four Grade Mass
Year Six Confirmation Retreat Day: Tues 21st May (Year Six students to wear Mufti on this day)
Year Six Confirmation Creed Masses: Weekend of May 25/26- families can attend any of the Holy Family Parish Masses over the course of the weekend.
Kindest Regards,
Miss Kristen Jackson
Religious Education Coordinator
This month we celebrate May Month of Mary
Our Lady of Fatima May 13 marks the anniversary of the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children of Fátima, Portugal. Lucia dos Santos (aged 9) and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto (aged 8 and 6, respectively) were tending sheep in central Portugal in 1917 when they had a vision of a woman surrounded by light who identified herself as the Lady of the Rosary. She exhorted them to pray the rosary for world peace and, over the course of her six apparitions, gave the children three "secrets." She promised a miracle in October, and on the 13th of that month a crowd of perhaps 70,000 people witnessed a "miraculous solar phenomenon," in which the Sun appeared to fall toward Earth. After initially questioning the authenticity of the children's visions, the Vatican accepted them as appearances of the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Fátima), and Fátima became the location of one of the greatest Marian shrines in the world, visited by thousands of pilgrims each year.
Celebrate Our Mother Mary this month by praying the rosary with your children.
Tips To Pray The Rosary Every Day - Catholic-Link
We can also participate in May the month of Mary by walking with Fr Mark and the
Holy Family Parish Pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Chapel, North Sydney
Join us Saturday 25th May at 11am!
Walk with us from Blessed Sacrament Church to Mary MacKillop Chapel via Sacred Heart Church and St Joseph’s Church. click here to view online.
To find out more or to RSVP by 13 May email secretary@holyfamilymosman.org.au or call 89693200.
Sydney Catholic Schools are encouraging our participation at this event. It focuses on family and parenting in such a difficult world.This event is free to SCS families also includes drinks and a light supper.
Jason talks about the difficult conversations - and how to have them. How to raise respectful children in an age of great concern. We know it's an important topic and a much valued discussion that needs to be aired.
While I have been getting to know a few of the parents at the front gate, there seems to be an interest in beginning a “Walking for wellbeing” group. It will be a.. Come when you can morning and will begin next wednesday(week 4). We will walk for approximately 1 hour. We will walk to Mosman park or the surrounding area, most likely including Tea/coffee or juice too.
Let me know if you're interested so we can start a whatsapp chat group. Otherwise meet at the front school gate by 8:45-9am.
Also, a reminder of our playgroup which takes place every Monday fortnight. Term 2 dates are on the flyer. Our Sacred heart playgroup is growing and families from surrounding areas are welcome.
The playgroup is free and we have lots of toys for the children and morning tea for the adults.
Also, Eat, Pray & Laugh Mass & Morning tea are on a Tuesday.
A few parents have asked me to pray for family members which I am honoured to do. If you cannot attend this morning Mass & yourself or someone you know is going through a difficult time, please email me or come and find me at the front gate on Tuesday or wednesday morning. I will be happy to light a candle & say a prayer for you & them.
If you're free and would like to come with me, that would be amazing too.
Many Blessings to you
Anna Macri
Family & Faith Educator
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Tuesday May 7 we held a Parent Information Workshop on the schoolwide ‘Grow Your Mind’ Wellbeing Program that we have introduced this year. The workshop was facilitated by program founder Kristina Freeman. During the session parents were provided with information about the program, ways of supporting wellbeing at home and promoting positive mental health. Thank you to those who were able to attend. If you were unable to make the session, find attached a fostering family wellbeing parent ebook for your reference.
Importance of School Attendance
As part of supporting the children’s Wellbeing it is important to remind ourselves of the importance of your child’s attendance at school and being on time. To best support your child’s success, make sure that they attend school, all day, every day! Every Minute Counts!
Healthy Nutrition and Lunchbox Ideas
For families looking for healthy nutrition ideas for home and school. Refer to the Healthy Lunch Box Ideas- provided by Nourish with Karina. There are some great nutritious lunchbox and snack ideas, easy dinner recipes and tips for managing fussy eating. Thank you Karina.
Have a wonderful week and remember to keep refilling that cup.
Amanda Macourt
Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement
Our focus will be on, ‘Understanding the Development of Reading in the Early Years and How to Support your Child at Home’.
This workshop is aims to explain and support you in your understanding of reading development in the early years and the significance of adopting a balanced approach to reading. It aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of how foundational skills in reading evolve and share effective strategies to foster a love for reading in your child at home.
As a parent or carer, your engagement is critical to your child’s learning and reading journey, and we see this journey as a partnership in which we work collaboratively as a community to ensure learning growth for all children.
If you are able to attend please RSVP with your name, your child’s name and year level to n.mccartney@syd.catholic.edu.au
Look forward to seeing you there,
Nerissa McCartney
Leader of Teaching & Learning
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Week 3 of the school and sporting week. It has been a busy term already with many sporting events passing by or getting postponed.
Firstly, on Wednesday 8th of May, we had seven girls represent Sacred Heart at the Competitive Interschool Sports netball event. Unfortunately, due to the rain, the event got cancelled at the beginning of game 5 with the boys soccer event overall being postponed, but the girls fought hard and tried their hardest. Although, they did not progress to the next round, the girls enjoyed themselves and had a great day out to further develop their teamwork.
On Friday 10th of May, Henry Pearson also represented Sacred Heart in the Rugby League MacKillop selection trials. The competition was very tough, and although he just missed out on being selected, we applaud his efforts on making it that far. It is not an easy feat!
The Stage 3 Interschool Sports Netball (Friendly) program for Stage 3 that was meant to take place on May 15 is also postponed due to multiple schools withdrawing at the last minute. I will be sure to update students and families on the new date.
Yesterday, we also had 31 students represent Sacred Heart at the Conference (Zone) Cross Country event at Sydney Motorsport Park in Eastern Creek. Every student tried their best and gave their all to each event in which students should be proud of their efforts. A special congratulations to these students who placed in the top 10 for their Conference:
- Gisele Camus who placed 2nd in her Conference, and placed 5th overall in her age group out of 312 students
- Thomas Lee who placed 10th in his Conference and 25th overall in his age group out of 404 students
- Alma Pyke who placed 10th in her Conference, and placed 22nd overall in her age group out of 312 students
- Grace Meacock who placed 6th in her Conference and placed 7th overall in her age group out of 352 students
- Augustin Dumont who placed 10th in his Conference and placed 33rd overall in his age group out of 274 students
All of our students represented our school with pride not only with their behaviour and performance, but also with how they left our seating area. We are truly a Greener Cleaner school and I am sure that our school community would be proud.
On Tuesday May 21st, we will also have four boys representing Sacred Heart at the Rugby Union Conference trials. We wish Henry Pearson, Flynn Malcolm, Jorge Pyke and Archie Montgomery the best of luck for this event!
Lastly, a final reminder that on Wednesday 29th of May is also our K-6 Athletics Carnival. We will be partnering again with Zing Activ to assist with the running of the day. As mentioned previously, we will be trialling a new venue this year at Rotary Athletics Field, Lane Cove North with access to equipment hire and a long jump pit. As per usual with the running of any sporting event, any parent volunteers are greatly appreciated to assist with carrying out the roles required for the day. If you are interested and available, please be sure to contact me and have all of your volunteer documentation up to date and submitted to the school office.
That’s all for now in sporting news. I look forward to giving you all further updates on our student achievements. Until next time!
Kind Regards,
Miss Austrie Calizar
Sports Co-ordinator
