Dear Parents and Carers, 

R U OK Day

Last week we celebrated R U OK? Day. On this day we’re encouraged to start a conversation and ask, "are you okay?". By listening and giving someone your time, you can show that you notice them and care. When someone is struggling, asking "are you okay?" can help them to feel less alone and better supported in seeking help. It can be hard to reach out when you’re going through a tough time. That’s why we’re asked to start a conversation that could help someone share what’s on their mind. It can also prevent little things from becoming a bigger issue. There are lots of resources online to help you feel more confident in starting a conversation. In preparation for R U OK? Day, you might like to explore the website www.ruok.org.au

CREATIVE ARTS EXHIBITION

This Thursday and Friday, we will have our Creative Arts Exhibition. HUGE thanks to Mrs Conroy, our students and all of the volunteers who have spent so much time preparing for this exemplary exhibition of art by our beautiful children. I know that the children are so thrilled to be able to share their work with family and friends.

SPBL (SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR LEARNING)

The purpose of our commitment to SPBL at Sacred Heart Mosman is to develop a schoolwide process for improving behaviour in school; outdoors and in our indoor learning spaces. In 2020, SPBL was established and some systems were put in place. Over time, it appears that the systems are a little convoluted and difficult for our staff and students to understand and maintain. The SPBL committee has established 3 new school expectations; Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Kind and the language chosen ensures accessibility and understanding across K-6 students. We are now developing a more succinct and clear framework around processes and procedures to manage behaviours. You will see some changes in regard to merits in our first phase in Term 4 but I ask you to read the further explanation that will be sent out by Mrs Macourt next week.

SNAPSHOT OF DATES- TERM 4

Please see attached dates for Term 4. All dates have been made ‘public’ on the calendar also.

*note Reconciliation Retreat Day date change

Children finish up next Friday 27 September and will return to school on Monday 14 October. Please note, on Friday 18 October is then a Network Curriculum Reform Staff Development day.

Wishing you all a well-deserved break and thank you for another wonderful term.

May God bless all our families.

Leanne Meehan

Executive Principal

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

This Friday, students in the McAuley (Blue) house are invited to wear their sports uniform & a blue accessory (eg. blue hair band, hat, ribbon, socks etc. (NO coloured hair spray, please) in acknowledgement of Catherine McAuley.  

On Sunday 15th September we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows. It commemorates the profound union of heart that existed between the Mother of the redeemer and the Saviour, through which she experienced many interior sorrows as a consequence of His Mission, but particularly during His Passion and Death.

On Saturday 21st we celebrate the Feast of Saint Matthew. Gospel author and one of the twelve apostles. Matthew’s gospel recounts how Jesus called him to abandon his work as a money changer to follow him.

He said to them, "Follow me."

And he got up and followed him. Matthew 9,9

Please add these dates to your diaries/calendar.   

                                                                                         

In term 4, I am changing the dates of my Eat, Pray & Laugh group to Wednesdays & Walking group to Tuesdays.

Hopefully this will accommodate more of you so our groups get larger and our connections can grow stronger.

Over the next few weeks, I will be praying for our HSC students who are about to sit for their exams. With the Holy Spirit guiding them, I pray they stay strong, confident.

I encourage you, to remind the children to call on god for guidance leading up to and during the exams.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays.

Many blessings,

Anna Macri

Earlier this term, I introduced Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction as a new strategy our teachers are adopting to enhance classroom practice at Sacred Heart. This week, I am excited to provide an update on how these principles are being implemented to improve teaching and learning across our school.

Our dedicated teachers have been applying Rosenshine’s evidence-based methods to create more effective and structured lessons. These include reviewing previous learning to reinforce understanding, presenting new material in small, manageable steps, asking frequent questions to ensure comprehension, and offering clear models and scaffolding for our students. By focusing on these areas, we aim to  create and foster positive impacts on student engagement and achievement.

One key strategy they are using is the provision of success criteria, which aligns with several of these principles:

• Presenting new material in small steps: Success criteria break down the writing process, helping students focus on each component without becoming overwhelmed.
• Providing models: Teachers use clear exemplars to show students what successful writing looks like, giving them a concrete target.
• Guiding student practice: Success criteria act as a roadmap, helping students practise their writing with focused, structured support.
• Checking for understanding: With success criteria, teachers can assess how well students are progressing toward specific goals, allowing for timely feedback and support.

By aligning classroom practices with these principles, our teachers are fostering a structured and supportive learning environment that helps students improve their writing skills.

The accompanying photos show our teachers in action, utilising these techniques to deliver programs with precision and care. Whether it's through success criteria, providing models or scaffolds, we can already see improved student outcomes as a result of their efforts.

Last Thursday 12 September was RUOK? Day. A special day dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being by encouraging meaningful conversations. It is about checking in with those around us, asking "Are you OK?" and offering support if needed.

Why It’s Important:

Children, like adults, can experience difficult emotions and challenging times. RUOK? Day is a gentle reminder for all of us to take a moment to connect with our children, ensuring they feel heard and supported. By asking, listening, and offering reassurance, we help create a culture of care and compassion.

How You Can Support Your Child:

• Start the conversation: Ask your child how they’re feeling and listen without judgement. Simple, open-ended questions can help them express their emotions.
• Be present: Spend time with your child without distractions. Creating moments of connection strengthens your bond and helps them feel valued.
• Model empathy: Show your child how to care for others by being a role model. Encourage them to ask their friends, “Are you OK?” and to look out for one another.
• Support resources: If you or your child ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school or external services for support. Together, we can create a strong, connected community.

Let’s continue building a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable asking, “Are you OK?”

Have a wonderful week and remember to keep refilling that cup,

Amanda Macourt

Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

On September 24, we will also have Gisele Camus and Olivia P representing Sacred Heart at the MacKillop (CPS) Athletics Championships at SOPAC in Homebush. We wish these girls the best of luck in their events and we are looking forward to hearing of their results.

Today, we also had Stage 3 participate in their Interschool Sports Gala Day for European Handball. As we have been preparing all term for this event, I am sure students will enjoy this day. Students have taken a great liking to the sport with the help of the Olympics. I would also like to take this time to say thank you to our parent volunteers who assisted today and sacrificed their time.

Shortly, Year 4 and Year 5 parents will receive a google form outlining sporting Pathway opportunities for their child for 2025 - this will then determine whether a physical trial will be required. Sports include cricket, tennis, basketball, AFL (boys) and swimming. Swimming is determined through our school swimming carnival held in term 4. If a physical trial is required and you are able to assist and are familiar with any of the above sports, please reach out to me! Please note that the Conference trials which your child will progress to are not come and try events. Do read through the student requirements provided by Sydney Catholic Schools and determine whether your child would be suitable:

• The student is to demonstrate a high level of skill development and talent in their selected sport (play in reps, academy, elite squads, etc.)
• The student is to have experience playing in regular competition outside of school
• Students need to have their own playing equipment and protective gear in their selected sport
• Selection trials are not come and try activities for students - Do not send students with limited experience

On this note, Compass notifications would have already gone out for the swimming carnival in Term 4. Please be sure to fill out all mandatory questions to the best of your ability to assist with the planning and organisation of the event. This year, It will be held on Wednesday November 13 at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. Further information and schedule of events will be released two weeks prior to the event when all Compass permissions have been received.

That’s all for now in sporting news. I just want to thank parents and carers for another amazing term with our students. I hope you all have a joyful and restful break. I look forward to giving you all further updates on our student achievements in Term 4. Until next time! 

Kind Regards,

Miss Austrie Calizar

Sports Co-ordinator

Dear Sacred Heart Families and Friends,

We are thrilled to announce that the Sacred Heart Mosman Annual Spring Fair is just around the corner! Get ready for our most exciting event of the year, happening on Sunday, 27th October, from 12 pm to 4 pm.

This isn’t just another fair—it’s an unforgettable day packed with jaw-dropping fun for all ages! With a dazzling array of thrilling rides, a silent disco, and even pony rides, there’s something to captivate everyone. Oh, and let’s not forget about the student talent quest, where our amazing students are sure to set the stage on fire as they showcase their incredible skills! 

Indulge in delicious food and take part in some old-fashioned fair fun with jumping castles, laser tag, and more! There’s even a petting zoo to keep the little ones entertained. This is a wonderful day to celebrate our vibrant community and raise funds to enhance the experience of every student at Sacred Heart.

Tickets go on sale from Sunday, 13th October, so be sure to mark the date and get ready to join the fun!

We warmly welcome everyone from our wider community, especially new families joining Sacred Heart in 2025. Bring your family and friends, and let’s make this year's Spring Fair a celebration to remember!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,
P & F Sacred Heart Mosman

The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents, carers as well as teachers on a range of topics essential to child safety.  

This new digital edition (link below) includes important content updates from: NSW Rural Fire Service (NEW fire danger ratings), NSW Health (Water & Pool Safety), Transport NSW (School Bus Safety).