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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATE
- VINNIES CHRISTMAS HAMPER DRIVE
- FAMILY EDUCATOR
- WELLBEING & ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
- TEACHING AND LEARNING UPDATE
- SPORTS UPDATE
- LIBRARY NEWS
- ENROLMENTS OPEN
- CHRISTMAS MASSES
- MARIST SISTERS' COLLEGE NEWMAN SYMPOSIUM
- MOSMAN CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARTY
- CALLING ALL ACTORS
- QUICK LINKS TO GUIDES AND FORMS
Dear Parents and Carers,
Huge thanks to our amazing children for their participation and sportsmanship at our Swimming Carnival. As usual, our staff, House Captains and parent volunteers were incredible and really do ensure that the day runs smoothly and is successful for all. In Miss Calizar’s absence, Mr Kenny was able to run the day and it is no small feat to organise our whole school, so thank you sincerely Mr Kenny!
RECONCILIATION
Congratulations to our children on their Reconciliation. Such an important step on your sacramental journey. Thank you, to Mrs Jackson and our staff for their preparation and attendance. Huge thanks to Thomas, the Sacramental Coordinator, for all of his work with our children and families.
Congratulations to Mrs Roache and her husband, Luke who welcomed their first child, Ivy Rose. What a treasure! She was born in the early hours of Saturday 23.11.24. We are overjoyed for their family and friends and can’t wait to meet her!
We welcome Mrs Sarah Forrester to our Administration team. Sarah currently works at St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Nth Willoughby where she will remain 2 days a week and at Sacred Heart 3 days per week in 2025. Sarah is a very experienced School Support Officer and uses all of the platforms within our school so that transition will be seamless. She will visit tomorrow to meet with Mrs Imlach and the team to begin handover. We welcome Mrs Forrester to our Sacred Heart Family.
Mrs Martina Petersen will be leaving Sacred Heart at the end of 2024. While we are saddened to see her go, we are also excited for the new opportunities and adventures that await her.
Mrs Petersen has been an integral part of our school, inspiring students with her passion for the environment and nurturing their growth with care and dedication. Over the past 7 years, she has made a lasting impact on our community through her leadership around Science and Technology and Deep Learning.
She has accepted a role of Numeracy Specialist K-6 at Redlands. While she will be greatly missed, we know Mrs Petersen will continue to inspire and make a difference in this next chapter of her journey. Congratulations, Mrs Petersen.
CAROLS ON THE COURT
The children and staff have been working immensely hard on our upcoming Carols on the Court evening on 11 December at 5:30pm.
We will begin promptly at 5:30pm so your children should be dressed and at school at least 20 minutes prior. It is also likely to be quite warm on the basketball court so I am asking that you consider this in your preparation.
We will provide some chairs (approximately 350 chairs) around the perimeter of the court and we invite families to bring a picnic blanket or their own low chairs to sit on as there will be some spaces for that on the court in front of the usual assembly area. There will also be standing room in some of the undercroft area above Year 1 classrooms.
COSTUMES
Kindergarten:
- Red T-Shirt/Black Shorts/Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Angel Headwear
- Santa Hats/Santa Accessories
- Sports shoes
Year One:
- Green T-Shirt/Black Shorts /Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Christmas Tree Accessories/Tinsel
- Sports shoes
Year Two:
- White T-Shirt/ Black Shorts/Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Snowman accessories/snowflakes/winter hats/scarfs
- Sports shoes
Year Three:
- Red T-Shirt/Black Shorts/Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Reindeer head accessories/red nose
- Sports shoes
Year Four:
- Green T-shirt/Black shorts/Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Corkscrew hat/ Australia Day accessories/ Green and Gold accessories
- Sports shoes
Year Five:
- White T-shirt/Black shorts/Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Kings crown
- Drumming sticks (provided by teacher)
- Sports shoes
Year Six:
- Black T-shirt/Black shorts/Skirt (appropriate for dance movements)
- Any Christmas accessories in general
- Sports shoes
May God bless all our families.
Leanne Meehan
Executive Principal
A reminder of some of the events coming up:
Amadeus Concert - 28 November 2:00 pm - Years 3 - 6 school hall
Please join us for our Amadeus concert tomorrow 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.
All students should 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.
Open classrooms - Festive theme
We are opening our classrooms with a ‘festive theme’ to finish the year. This 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.
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
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.
Around the classrooms
Fibonacci Fair - Miss Blake and Mrs Petersen
Last Thursday, our Fibonacci students showcased their projects at the vibrant 'Fibonacci Fair.' It was a wonderful opportunity for them to present mathematics in creative and engaging ways to their peers. A long line of excited students eagerly awaited the chance to learn about a variety of mathematical concepts, shared by their friends in an interactive and fun setting.
Over the past few weeks, many students dedicated their lunch breaks to working on their projects, and their hard work truly paid off. The fair featured a diverse range of topics, from statistical analyses of dog breeds, to exploring the relationship between music and math, to creating angle games and examining the atomic masses in the Periodic Table.
It was inspiring to see Sacred Heart students actively supporting and celebrating each other’s efforts, offering praise and encouragement for all the creativity and dedication on display.
Seahorse Saviour- Miss Blake
Our Seahorse students have been hard at work designing and constructing their very own "Seahorse Hotel." After a class vote, they decided to name their creation Seaweed Stables and chose the fun-loving mascot, Disco Dan, to represent their project. This Wednesday, the students will embark on an exciting adventure to Chowder Bay, where they will deploy their Seaweed Stable into the ocean, bringing their hard work to life in its natural habitat.
Seahorse Saviour Deployment Day - Miss Blake and Mrs Petersen
The Seaweed Stables seahorse hotel has been launched at Clifton Gardens!! The students were very excited to see their hotel with all the special seahorse enrichment activities placed into the environment to support Seahorse conservation. An amazing experience!
Wishing you God’s Blessings,
Jane Taylor
Assistant Principal
Advent
As we draw closer to entering the Church season of Advent, we will have an Advent Prayer for the next three weeks of Advent at our Monday morning Assemblies.
This Monday, 2nd of December we enter into the first week of Advent, Hope.
Next Monday, 9th of December will bring us into the second week of Advent, Peace.
The final Advent Prayer on Monday 16th of December, we will reflect on the third week of Advent, Joy.
Upcoming Grade Masses- Fridays at 9.15am
- 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
This year St Vincent dePaul is asking for food items to help families prepare a memorable lunch & dinner meal on Christmas Day. It would be greatly appreciated if you could donate lunch & dinner meal on Christmas Day.
We know the power of prayer ... waiting on Jesus when going through tough times is never easy, but when a few or a group get together and pray, offer it up and surrender for a cause, the force of this is hard to refute.
Please remember, I am here to pray for you and your family members. I can take your intentions with me to Wednesday morning Mass or if you have a need, just reach out to me at the front gate in the morning or on email. anna.macri@syd.catholic.edu.au
These prayers always remain confidential.
If you have not yet added the name/names of your beloved to the online Book of Remembrance, there is still time. 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.
I encourage you to continue to use and share this Online Book of Remembrance with your family, colleagues and our community. So that as a community we can pray and remember.
INITIATIVE FOR RESIDENTS AT MACKILLOP GRANGE
Thank you in advance and I know we will put smiles on our resident’s faces again this Christmas.
In the continued Christmas Spirit of love,compassion & faith.
We hope to empower & give hope.
Community Playgroup in Sacred Heart Parish Hall
Reminder we only have 2 more Community playgroups for the year.
Monday 2nd & 16th December in the Parish hall. Bring a friend and come along. Morning tea is provided and the playgroup is free of charge.
SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER WE BEGIN ADVENT.
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Week 1 Advent Family Prayer : A Prayer for Hope God of Hope, Bless us as a family as we gather around our Christmas Tree. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas time. Jesus is your greatest gift to us. As we prepare for Christmas, may we take the time to open our hearts to others. May we listen and wait patiently, As we wait and prepare for his coming. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen. |
Week 2 Advent Family Prayer : A Prayer for Peace God of Peace, Bless us as a family as we gather around our Christmas Tree. Help us to be peaceful people at school, home and at work by using kind words and treating others with care and respect. We pray for all people around the world, that they can live in peace. We give thanks for the peacemakers in our lives. May this Advent remind us that God is there for us, No matter what life may throw our way, And may this give us a deep sense of God’s peace. Amen.
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Week 3 Advent Family Prayer : A Prayer for Joy God of Joy, Bless us as a family as we gather around our Christmas Tree. Remind us that you are the source of our joy. May these special decorations remind us of the joy that Jesus brings into the world. May we see your joy in our friends and family. May we also show this joy to others this Christmas through our words and actions. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Week 4 Advent Family Prayer : A Prayer for Love God of Love, Bless us as a family as we gather around our Christmas Tree. As we stand here we think of your love for us and how we can share your love with others this Christmas. Baby Jesus was and still is a visible sign of your love. Help us to celebrate His birth with love and thanksgiving. We prepare to celebrate not only the birth of Jesus but also His presence in our family. May we love one another as you have loved us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Anna Macri
Family & Faith Educator
This term, our students have been deeply engaged with the Grow Your Mind program, focusing on important themes that support their well-being and personal growth.
Through their lessons and activities, they have explored:
- Character Strengths: Helping students identify and celebrate their unique qualities.
- Perspective: Building empathy by understanding different viewpoints.
- Bucket Filling and Being a Good Friend: Encouraging acts of kindness and positivity in everyday interactions.
- Looking After Our Mental Health: Developing practical strategies for emotional well-being.
It has been inspiring to see the students actively applying these lessons in their interactions and daily routines. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home, reinforcing the values and skills they are developing here at school.
Check out The Grow Your Mind Podcast! Use the link to the full-sized podcast episodes. Perfect for road trips, each episode explores a well-being theme, mental health tips, and solutions to common problems. Featuring the Grow Your Mind animals, it’s a fun way to reinforce what students are learning at school.
Year 6 High School Mentoring Workshop
On Wednesday, 20 November, our Year 6 students participated in a high school mentoring workshop with students from St Mary’s Cathedral. The day was filled with valuable discussions about what to expect in high school. Students shared tips on building independence, taking responsibility, and fostering positive relationships and networks. They also explored high school expectations, the importance of organisation, and learned how to navigate a high school timetable. The workshop wrapped up with a pizza lunch, celebrating a day of learning and connection!
Have a wonderful week and remember to keep refilling that cup.
Amanda Macourt
Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement
Explicit Instruction has become a key focus within the education system because of the strong evidence showing its power as a teaching strategy. Research continues to support it as an effective practice for students of all ages and backgrounds. It aligns with how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves information, making it a great fit for how students naturally learn. That’s why, at Sacred Heart, our teachers use Explicit Instruction daily in their lessons; because it highly benefits and supports our students' learning, ensuring they feel confident and supported.
Every student benefits from explicit teaching, especially when learning new or complex concepts. This approach helps them build foundational skills and knowledge, which in turn enables them to apply their learning with greater independence. Teachers draw on their expertise to select the most effective explicit teaching strategies, ensuring they are used at the right time and for the right purpose. Strengthening these practices begins with a shared understanding of key concepts such as how learning occurs, the limitations of working memory, and the importance of maintaining high expectations. This aligns with our commitment to Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction and the SCS system priorities, both of which emphasise clear, guided learning at every stage.
Why does Explicit Instruction work so well?
Explicit Instruction works because it helps students learn in small, manageable steps. When teachers break down tasks and model how to do them, students can focus on each part without feeling overwhelmed. This approach is perfect for all students, no matter their age or ability, and it gives them the building blocks to understand new or tricky ideas. Here’s just a couple of examples how our teachers use Explicit Instruction effectively in the classroom:
- Whole Class Learning: In a Maths lesson, the teacher starts by clearly demonstrating how to solve a new type of problem, explaining each step while showing the process. The teacher checks for understanding throughout the demonstration to ensure students are following along. Then, the whole class practises similar problems together, with the teacher guiding and supporting as needed. This ensures everyone has a chance to see the process clearly before trying it on their own.
- Guided Practice: In a reading lesson, the teacher models a strategy, such as predicting what happens next in a story, by “thinking aloud” as they read the text. Afterward, students practise this skill in small groups, with the teacher offering feedback and guidance as they apply the strategy themselves.
At Sacred Heart, we believe in the power of Explicit Instruction to help all our students succeed. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that every child feels confident, prepared, and ready to move forward in their learning.
Nerissa McCartney
Leader of Teaching and Learning
We have had a very eventful past two weeks in the sporting sector with many trials, awards and achievements occurring. Please continue to read the latest of our student’s highlights.
To start us off, last week on Tuesday the 19th of November, Lachlan Savage, Jorge Pyke and Zachary Meacock had their AFL Sydney trials held at Barden Ridge. The students’ had a great trial with both Jorge Pyke and Zachary Meacock progressing to the MacKillop (Selections) AFL trial in 2025.
The next day on Wednesday 20th of November, Zachary Meacock was also invited by Sydney Catholic Schools to attend the Sydney Catholic Schools Sports Awards Ceremony and breakfast where he received a special sports medallion. His award was to recognise his excellence in the sport of cricket where it was also noted that Zachary was the youngest player and the only year 5 student to be selected into the MacKillop team.
On this note, his performance and victory in the MacKillop team this year saw his selection into the NSWPSSA Team which will occur from Thursday 28th of November as he begins his training for Nationals Cricket. On Saturday 30th of November to Friday the 6th of December, Zachary will be in Adelaide to compete in a week long competition while representing New South Wales at the School Sports Australia Cricket Championships. We wish him and his team the best of luck for their games, and congratulate him on progressing so far.
On Monday 25th - Tuesday 26th of November, Ignatius Findlay and Zachary Meacock were in Wagga Wagga competing at the MacKillop Cricket Trial. As reported by Nic, it was a gruelling two long days of cricket with the boys playing in 37 degree heat.
Iggy fought very hard and was in the top 24 students out of 60 students trialing. We praise Iggy for his efforts and for making it so far. Zachary however, was successful in progressing into the NSWPSSA State Championships in February next year, and has had the privilege of being selected to captain the MacKillop Team. Congratulations to both of our students who represented Sacred Heart so well.
I hope you enjoyed reading our students’ latest sporting achievements. 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
To apply, click the cog wheel on the top right-hand side of your existing parent Compass account and then “Family and Enrolments” in the drop-down. If you are applying for your currently enrolled child please click on their name in Student Profile, complete the profile to get to 100% and you will then be able to create an application. For new students (e.g. Kindergarten), please create a new student profile before submitting an application. You must select at least two school preferences to submit. Upon submission, you'll receive a confirmation email, and your Compass account will display the status as “submitted.” Here is a step-by-step guide if you need assistance.
Open days will be held in early Term 1 2025, and final enrolment applications are due in late March/early April. Each school will confirm their deadlines during the open days. Feel free to share this information with friends, family, and community members who may be interested in enrolment.
