Dear Parents and Carers,

We had the most beautiful Kindergarten Orientation mornings last Thursday and Friday. We had some very excited children, parents and teachers. They were so successful and I thank Mrs Imlach, Mrs Luscombe, Mrs Taylor, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Macourt, Mrs McCartney, Mrs Macri, Miss Morgan, Miss Adamo and Miss Monckton for the immense effort put into making our orientation mornings so incredible. We look forward to seeing our new Kindy kiddies again at the transition mornings coming up on 15 and 19 November. A special thanks to the parents who were able to support this event, Claire Tynan, Jo Timmins, India Drinan, Jason Ward, Jo Onesi, Flori Pyke, Louise Edwards, Kate Montgomery, Victoria McEvoy and Kevin Onesi.

On Monday, we stopped for prayer and reflection to commemorate Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting on the Western Front on November 11, 1918. At the time, the anniversary was known as Armistice Day, in reference to the formal agreement the German leaders signed to end the war. The name was changed to Remembrance Day after World War II ended in 1945. It has since become a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have died since World War I. Thank you Miss Jackson, Year 6 teachers and students for leading us in prayer this week.

Monday 18 November is a Staff Development Day for teachers. They will be on-site undertaking Professional Learning on Assessment and Reporting. No students at school that day.

We bid farewell to Mrs Victoria Merillo, who has been an invaluable part of our school. Over the years in her role as Learning Support Officer (LSO), she has shown remarkable dedication, patience, and kindness, helping each child reach their full potential, particularly those who needed that extra bit of support.

Mrs Merillo has not only shared knowledge but has also shared her extraordinary talent for music and the Creative Arts through collaboratively leading the choir and supporting the annual Nativity event. Her musical prowess has certainly added to the overall reverence and feel of our liturgical celebrations and we will definitely miss her passion and gift that she has so kindly shared with us over the years.

While we will miss her so much, we are incredibly grateful for Mrs Merillo’s contributions to Sacred Heart and wish her well as she becomes the Drama teacher in a highschool in Tuncurry. We know that she will bring the same passion and care to those children.  All the very best, Mrs Merillo!

Mrs Margaret Limbert retires after years of dedicated service to our school and to education generally. As a Learning Support Officer (LSO) at Sacred Heart, she has been a mentor, an advocate, and a source of strength for a number of our students. Mrs Limbert volunteered at Sacred Heart before officially becoming an LSO in 2010. 

Mrs Limbert’s impact has been profound, touching the lives of students, families, and colleagues alike throughout her educational journey. Her commitment to helping each child thrive has made a lasting difference in our community—a legacy that will be cherished.

Though we will miss Mrs Limbert, we wish her a retirement filled with joy, rest, and all the adventures she deserves.

TERM 1:

Friday 31 January – Friday 11 April 

*Staff return ONLY: Friday 31 January

*Year 1-6 students return: Monday 3 February

*Kindergarten students will commence: Tuesday 4 February (full days)

*Students last day Thursday 10 April

 Friday 31 Jan (Staff Development Day 1- no students at school)

Friday 4 April (Staff Development Day 2- no students at school)

Friday 11 April (Staff Development Day 3- no students at school)

 

TERM 2:

Monday 28 April - Friday 4 July 

*Students last day Thursday 3 July

Friday 6 June (Staff Development Day 4 - no students at school)

Friday 4 July (Staff Development Day 5 - no students at school)

TERM 3:

Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September

*Staff return ONLY: Monday 21 July

*K-6 students return: Tuesday 22 July

Monday 21 July (Staff Development Day 6 - no students at school)

 

TERM 4:

Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December

*Staff return ONLY: Monday 13 October

*K-6 students return: Tuesday 14 October

*Students last day Wednesday 17 December

Monday 13 October (Staff Development Day 7 - no students at school)

Thursday 18 December (Staff Development Day 8 - no students at school)

Friday 19 December (Staff Development Day 9 - no students at school)

May God bless all our families.

Leanne Meehan

Executive Principal

As we move into the later part of the term. Please add the events below to your calendar.

Open classrooms - Festive theme 

We are opening our classrooms with a ‘festive theme’ to finish the year.  Similar to ‘open classrooms’ on Mothers & Fathers day, the event is an opportunity for parents to come into the classroom to see their child’s learning and Christmas work or activities displayed around the room.  

The classrooms will open for 30 minutes and during the last 10 minutes, the teacher will gather the class and say a final farewell for the year. We have allocated two different times on the 16th to hopefully assist parents with multiple children - obviously this won't work for everyone but it at least gives a chance. 

Tuesday 10 December 

8:45 - 9:15 am Year 6 (combined with their Passion Project Expo) 

Monday 16 December

8:50 - 9:20 Kindy, Year 3 & Year 4

9:20 - 10:10 Year 1, Year 2 & Year 5 

We are hoping this will be a very simple and lovely way for students, teachers and parents to finish the school year.  

Final assembly for the year 

Our final assembly for the year is Friday 13 December - 8:40 am.  During this assembly we will award:

• Academic awards - one student from each grade Kindergarten to Year 5 for academic achievement in the following areas: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Deep Learning, Physical Education and Creative Arts. Our Year 6 Academic awards are given at their Graduation Mass. 
• Sacred Heart Blue Awards for Faith, Generosity and Courage
• Max Doohan Awards for Sport
• Pope Francis Awards
• Arrowsmith Awards

Guard of Honour for Year 6 & other students leaving 

A beautiful tradition where the whole school makes a guard of honour to farewell our Year 6 and other leaving students for the final time. This will take place on Wednesday 18 December at 2:20 pm. We welcome all parents and carers to join in this event. 

Amadeus

Year 2 Instrument selection - 14 November

The Amadeus instrumental program begins in Year 3.  To facilitate this, our tutors will introduce our Year 2 students to the types of instruments available for them to learn, during an interactive workshop, this Thursday. Once the students have ‘had a go’ of some of the instruments, each child will choose their preferred three instruments. The tutors, along with Mrs Luscombe, will then allocate preferences depending on the range and size of instruments we have available. If you have a child in Year 2 and there is anything you would like us to be aware of regarding your child’s choice, please email the office before 14 November.

Instruments - final lessons for the year 

The last Amadeus Instrumental lesson for Years 3-6 will be in week 6 with the concert in week 7.  We ask that students leave their instruments in their classroom after the concert. All instruments will be cleaned and checked by the tutors during weeks 8 and 9 and repairs organised if needed. We plan to return instruments once checked so that students may continue to play over the holidays.  

Concert - 28 November 2:00 pm - Years 3 - 6

Our second Amadeus concert for the year will be held on November 28th starting at 2:00 pm in the hall. The timing of an afternoon concert allows the Amadeus teachers to tune instruments, set up the concert space and have final rehearsals before they showcase the students' learning throughout the year. All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend.   

Christmas ‘Carols on the Court’ 

Please join us for ‘Carols on the Court’ Wednesday 11 December 5:30 pm to approximately 6:30 pm.  We celebrate the beautiful season of Christmas with the Nativity and Christmas Carols. 

Bring your picnic blanket or low chair. Some school chairs are available around the edge of the courts for those who need them.    

Mrs Conroy will advise you as to what children should wear on the night and it will be similar to last year with a colour theme and Christmas accessory for each year level. 

Classes for 2025

Every year we start afresh with two new classes for each year level, Blue and Gold. There is much thought that goes into placing a child in a class.  We consider a child’s academic and well-being needs, who each child works well with, if there is anyone who they do not work well with, friendship groups and children’s preferences, the number of girls and boys in each year level, social and emotional needs, information from parents, teachers and other individual circumstances.  

If you wish us to consider any information related to your child, please email the office by Monday 18 November, with your child's name and current class in the subject line.  info@shmosman.catholic.edu.au

When taking into consideration all requests, it is not always possible to ensure perfect outcomes for everyone.  Getting class selection ‘right’ is important to us and we ask that parents trust in the process. Once classes are organised, there are no changes as I’m sure you can imagine that changing just one child would have an impact on the whole process and class placement. Parent requests for individual teachers are not considered as our classes and staffing are not finalised until later in the term.  Students have an opportunity to meet their new teacher/ teachers and class members on Tuesday 17 December.  

Swimming Program

Our Swimming program was a huge success. To run the program required much cooperation and flexibility from all involved. Our class timetables, eating times and  playground play were all adjusted to ensure the smooth running each day. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and staff who ensured all of the students had a wonderful experience.  Thank you to our students who followed our school expectations and showed kindness, respect and responsibility during the lessons. A huge thank you to parents for being so organised with swimmers, towels, shoes and uniforms. It is a big ask to do this five days in a row (and ten days for some families) and we really appreciate your enthusiasm.  Finally, thank you to Lane Cove Aquatic Center for their organisation of the program and the teachers who taught the swimming skills. We will reflect on the program this year and look at any adjustments that need to be made for 2025.  

Around the classrooms 

Year 6 Deep Learning Cooking Experience

Over the last two weeks, Year 6 has had the exciting opportunity to learn how to reduce food waste and cook from the incredible Mr Lottefier. Mr Lottefier took time out of his busy schedule as a Pastry Chef and owner of Mosmans ‘La Vie en Rose’, to provide an exciting experience for our students. They were taught the importance of food waste when cooking, and how to cook Croque Monsieur, Lemonade and French Toast. We are so grateful for Mr Lottrfier and thank him endlessly for this experience.

Wishing you God’s Blessings, 

Jane Taylor

Assistant Principal

We wish our Year 3 students all the best for their upcoming First Reconciliation Ceremonies held at Clifton Gardens Church:  

• Tuesday 19th November- 5:00pm and 6:30pm                                      
• Wednesday 20th November- 5:00pm

Grade Masses- Fridays at 9.15am

• 15th November- Year Three
• 22nd November- Year Two
• 29th November- Year Four
• 6th December- Year Five

End of Year Thanksgiving Mass

Tuesday, 17th December 9.15am 

Term 4 Family Mass dates- Sundays at 9am

We have reached the halfway point in Term 4, which makes the end of the year so real with the calendar days disappearing all so quickly.  

Today, in this newsletter I'm really just reaching out to say thank you for the effort you have made to commit and attend my weekly initiatives. I hope our numbers will continue to grow in 2025.

It's been lovely to catch up with many of you at the front gate drop off over the last few weeks. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have a need. Our communications are an important link - visits are great but calls and texts can be helpful too.

The month of November is a time to remember all those who have died, especially our loved ones. 

We pray for them and the repose of their souls, and celebrate their lives. We also remember all those who left this life alone, with no one to pray for them. 

We encourage you to continue to use and share this Online Book of Remembrance with your family, colleagues and our community.  You are invited to add the names of your family, friends, loved ones and others who have passed, so that as a community we can pray and remember.

If you have or know of any young adults, this could be an enlightening retreat for them to attend.

iWitness annual young adults conference, Cobbitty 12-15 December

Calling all Young Adults (18-35). The long weekend provides participants with a spiritually transformative  experience, creating a space in which each person can grow in their love of God. Thurs-Sun $365; Fri-Sun $330. For more visit iwitnessaustralia.com

Reminder the next Community playgroup is Monday 18th November in the Parish hall. Please tell a friend and come along.

Morning tea is provided and Playgroup is free of charge.

Sacred Heart Primary Catholic School  

Christmas Tree of Joy, for the residence of Mackillop Grange.

I would like to share a Christmas initiative for the residents of Mackillop Grange from our school families.

Which is explained in the flyer below.

If you would like to participate, please come to the Sacred Heart School foyer from Monday 18th november, where you will find Christmas Tree tags displayed on the door.

Please take a tag & purchase your gift.

I will place a basket in the office foyer for you to return your gift wrapped with the tag attached.

Thank you in advance and I know we will put smiles on our wonderful resident’s faces again this Christmas.

In the continued Christmas Spirit of love, compassion & faith.

We hope to empower & give hope.

Anna Macri

Family & Faith Educator

Dear Parents and Carers,

Let’s talk about spelling, as we certainly don’t stop just because it’s Term 4! As parents, we’re always helping our children with spelling! Whether it’s sounding out words for homework or correcting tricky spellings when they’re writing a story or a birthday card, or simply reading a street sign. Spelling is such an important part of your child’s literacy development. So let’s take a look at how spelling is taught in the early years (K–2) and the upper years (3–6), and the learning we implement at Sacred Heart to help your child build strong spelling skills.

In Kindergarten to Year 2, spelling instruction focuses on phonological knowledge and phonemic awareness, the building blocks of literacy. These skills help children understand the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes), setting them up for success in both reading and writing. This approach, aligning with the NSW Syllabus outcomes, provides all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations needed to become successful readers and writers. The structure ensures that students develop key skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The explicit, systematic approach of the syllabus outcomes supports every student in building the necessary skills to confidently spell, read, and write.

Here’s a simple example of phonemes (the individual sounds in a word) and graphemes (the letters or groups of letters that represent those sounds): In the word "spoon" the Phonemes are: /s/ /p/ /oo/ /n/ (four distinct sounds). The Grapheme "s" represents the /s/ sound, "p" represents the /p/ sound, "double o" represents the /oo/ sound and "n" represents the /n/ sound.  Each phoneme (sound) is represented by a grapheme (letter or letter group) in the word. There are 5 letters in the word spoon.

As students move into Years 3-6, their spelling skills continue to develop, and instruction becomes more comprehensive, focusing on phonological (sounds), orthographic (spelling patterns), and morphological (word parts like prefixes and suffixes) components. At Sacred Heart, our spelling program supports this growth by introducing more advanced concepts, such as prefixes, suffixes, and Greek and Latin roots. Each week, each grade has a spelling  focus on a specific, more complex grapheme-phoneme correspondence (GPC), which helps students refine their spelling accuracy and understanding of word structures.

In addition, students learn to identify and apply derivational suffixes such as -able, -ness, -ian, and -ment. These suffixes are added to a base word or root to change its part of speech and meaning. For example, students learn that the adjective "sleepy" can be transformed into the abstract noun "sleepiness" by adding the suffix -ness, with the spelling rule of replacing "y" with "i" before adding the suffix. Understanding these rules helps students correctly spell and use words in different contexts.

Aligned with the NSW syllabus outcomes, the 3-6 spelling program also emphasises understanding the origins of words, which helps students break down and make sense of more complex vocabulary. For instance, knowing that words like "architect" and "orchestra" come from Greek helps students remember and understand their meanings. As they progress through primary school, the focus gradually shifts from simple sound-letter relationships to mastering these more advanced spelling skills. These strategies not only meet the NSW syllabus outcomes for spelling, vocabulary, and writing but also equip students with the tools they need for long-term literacy success.

Supporting Spelling at Home  

Parents can play a big role in helping their children become confident spellers with a few fun, and supportive activities at home. Start simply by encouraging regular reading, having fun with word games, or even discussing new words they come across. Games like Scrabble, Boggle, or even simple crossword puzzles can make spelling practice fun.

Give your child opportunities to write for pleasure - whether it’s a short story, a letter to a relative, or even a shopping list. The more they write, the more they’ll practise their spelling. Praise their effort and correct misspellings gently, focusing on learning rather than perfection.

There are plenty of apps and websites designed to make spelling practice engaging for children. Look for interactive spelling games or activities that reinforce phonics, word families, or tricky words for K-2 students and for 3-6 students, you can search for spelling apps or websites that include challenging word lists, vocabulary building, and more complex phonics and grammar patterns. Some keywords to try include, ‘free spelling apps for early primary students’ or ‘free interactive spelling games for Year 3-6’ or ‘free vocabulary-building games’. These searches should give plenty of engaging and suitable options! You’ll find great games for the upcoming school holidays, which will be so beneficial for retention of spelling strategies learnt throughout the school year!

By incorporating these activities into everyday life, you’ll not only help your child become a more confident speller, but you’ll also make spelling a fun and rewarding part of their learning journey. When children see spelling as something they can master, it makes the process so much more enjoyable!

Nerissa McCartney

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Dear Parents and Carers,

Next Week is Wellbeing Week! (Week 6)

With the Christmas season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to slow down and focus on our wellbeing. During Wellbeing Week, there will be no homework, allowing students to recharge and enjoy quality time with family. Children will create positive affirmation and compliment cards for each other at school, spreading kindness and encouragement. We hope this week provides everyone with a chance to pause, enjoy time outdoors, and connect before the holiday season begins!

School Wide Positive Behaviours for Learning (SPBL)

Our School Expectations are to: Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Kind. Teachers will be looking to reward students who display these positive behaviours for learning within all school settings.

For Year 6 PARENTS: 

Transition to High School Resource

Northern Sydney Population Health Promotion has developed a new, free, electronic resource to assist parents and carers as their child transitions to high school. Topics covered include:

• Screen time, gaming and online safety
• Healthy eating and physical activity                                                               
  
• Sleep
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Teen disengagement and school refusal
• Healthy relationships
• Vaping

Use the link below, to access this free resource: https://nshp.com.au/TransitionToHighSchool   

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

Amanda Macourt

Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

Dear Parents and Carers,

How this term is going by so quickly! We are now half way into the school term which means this is week 5 of the sporting edition. I look forward to bringing you the latest of our student’s sporting achievements.

Last Wednesday, we had three boys attend the Conference Basketball Trials. Congratulations to Jorge Pyke and Archie Montgomery who progressed to the next round and attended the Sydney trials.

As reported last week, on Monday that just passed, we then had a group of Sacred Heart students also trial for a place to progress into the MacKillop selections basketball trial. Congratulations to Lea Schmidt, Jorge Pyke and Archie Montgomery for progressing to the next round. 

On Tuesday 19th of November, we will have three boys representing Sacred Heart at the Sydney Boys AFL trial. We wish the best of luck to Lachlan Savage, Jorge Pyke and Zachary Meacock.

Lastly, in regards to trials on November 25th and November 26th, Sacred Heart will also have Zachary Meacock and Ignatius Findlay travelling down to Wagga Wagga to participate in the MacKillop Selections cricket trial. If successful, they will represent Sydney Catholic Schools in MacKillop Team at the State trials fighting for a spot to make it into the NSWPSSA team.

To end off our sporting section, we had our annual swimming carnival today. I would like to firstly thank Mr. Shane Kenny for conducting and executing the day in my absence and all of the staff members that assisted in making the day happen. A special shout out and thank you to Marist North Shore for providing with their students and assisting us on the day with the timing. Their help on this day is always greatly appreciated. Lastly, thank you to all of the parent volunteers who have sacrificed their time and volunteered on the day. Big events like this cannot happen so smoothly without all of your help and support. Thank you to:

• Jo Timmins
• Michelle Crone
• Marissa Koop
• Nikki James
• Kathryn Pearson
• Emily Billiau
• Karina Savage
• Martine Robins
• Paris Ballantyne
• Michelle Smith
• Jo O’Gorman
• Fiona Dynon
• Thuy Pham
• Monika Crennan
• Lisa Bunn
• Simone O’Sullivan
• Claudia Harley
• Golshan Cowan

That’s all for now in sporting news, I look forward to giving you further updates on our student achievements.

Until next time!

Kind Regards,

Miss Austrie Calizar

Sports Co-ordinator

Mrs Petersen and Miss Blake Fibonacci Club

On Instagram, we follow 1000libraries. They post amazing stories and pictures of libraries and book stores from all around the world. From remote communities, to the big cities, it is intriguing to find out how books are revered and displayed. Libraries can be found everywhere!

We would like to share just one story with you, about a Camel Mobile Library Service that delivers books to Garissa, a very remote and impoverished area in Kenya. Camels deliver more than 7,00 books to people living in these villages. Children eagerly await the arrival of the ‘library with four legs’ with a wish to be educated and to fulfill their ambitions for the future. Please read on and find out more about this wonderful community service. The photos show just how innovative one can be when sharing the love and need of literacy, no matter where you are.

At Sacred Heart, we are very fortunate to have a school library where our students and teachers can access a wide range of books, resources and educational tools, helping develop literacy and research skills. Our library also offers quiet spaces, library lunch club, creative group activities, meeting places and literacy workshops. The library space contributes to a positive school environment.

We are now in Week 5 and only have another 3 weeks of borrowing for this year. Please remind your child to start returning overdue books. Overdue notices will be sent home this week. If you are unable to locate any books, donations can be made via the school’s QKR app to replace lost or damaged books.

Premier’s Reading Challenge Certificates will be sent to school shortly. We are looking forward to handing them out to our students who completed their reading challenge earlier this year.

Scholastic Book Club has one more issue available for the year. If you are placing any orders, they will be delivered to school well before the end of term. Please let us know if you are purchasing any special gifts, we can make sure that these items are kept secretly and ready for you to pick up discretely.

Happy Reading!

Cecilia Jago and Josie Spano

This year we will celebrate Christmas as a community with ‘Carols on the Court’. The aim is to ensure that our celebration is a special time for us all to come together as a community and  also to remember the reason we celebrate at Christmas - the Birth of Jesus.

At the concert each year group will present two songs. More information to follow regarding costumes/colour schemes for each grade. Please keep an eye out on Compass for this next lot of information.

For ‘Carols on the Court’ we invite all families to bring a picnic blanket to sit on. Low chairs are also a good idea. There will be some school chairs around the back edges of the courts (mainly for elderly visitors).  You are invited to bring your picnic basket with snacks for the night. No alcohol allowed with children present. Further information about the night and map of where everyone will sit will be in an upcoming newsletter.

“Merry and bright and everything nice. A season of giving and sharing”

The Christmas Carol Committee

As part of our focus on school improvement and effectiveness, SCS has developed a series of online surveys directed at parents, which have been distributed using the Compass Insights Module.

The third survey in this series, Wellbeing, has been released to parents in your school portal. Further details regarding the survey can be found here. 

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.