Passive play space - playground update
We have had a number of companies come out to measure and are awaiting quotes to update the final ‘concrete’ play space in our playground - the area at the back of the school near Bardwell gate.  Students have many active areas in our playground and have expressed the need for a more ‘passive’ space where they can play board games, draw, colour or just sit.  At the moment the area is not very inviting so we plan to install artificial grass, some chess board markings and chalk boards to enhance the feel of the area.  This should make a big difference for the students who do not want to play ball games or run around during lunch.  

Thank you to the P & F, as money raised will go towards funding this upgrade.

Carline pick up
Thank you to those of you who have your surname clearly visible from the windscreen visor.  This means teachers can have students ready and waiting in advance.  When cars arrive with no name it ruins the system and means delays while we have to ask drivers who they are collecting.  If you don’t have a label, please order through the office. It is helpful if you have one for each car that collects (grand parents, relatives). 

Please also be reminded of courtesy for our neighbours when in the carline.  Neighbours have advised of cars blocking the roundabout on the intersection of Bardwell Road and Prince Street while waiting to pick up after school.  It is a driving offence to enter an intersection when the intersection or road beyond is blocked.

Public Speaking
In line with the oral language and communication outcomes of the new English Syllabus, we are pleased to offer public speaking next term as an option for our Stage 3 students (Year 5 & 6).  This is the only stage where the outcome suggests students communicate to “wide audiences … by interacting and presenting.”  There will be no whole school public speaking competition as this does not match what the teachers are teaching from the Sydney Catholic School English units. 

At the beginning of Term 2, we will run a lunch time Public Speaking Club and ask for ‘expressions of interest’ from our Year 5 & 6 students.  Those interested can work with Mrs Meehan or myself to look at the topics given and then prepare their speech (at lunch and at home).  After practice, students present their speeches to each other for the opportunity to be selected to compete in the North Sydney Harbour network schools competition.  We can enter just one student in this event, held towards the end of next term.

Our Artists
Year 2 has been learning about the work of artist Henry Matisse.  He uses organic shapes and positive and negative space to compose his art.  Look at some of the innovations that our Year 2 students created. 

Mrs Jane Taylor
Assistant Principal

You may notice that your child's maths homework focuses on reinforcing learned concepts and practicing maths facts. This isn't just busywork! These tasks are designed to build your child's mathematical fluency. Regular practice helps them solidify their understanding, recall essential information quickly, and develop the ability to apply their knowledge flexibly. By consistently consolidating these skills, your child becomes more confident and efficient in their mathematical thinking, laying a strong foundation for future success.

Mathematical fluency is a cornerstone of the K-6 Mathematics syllabus as outlined by NESA. It's woven throughout the curriculum, not as a separate topic, but as an essential skill that underpins all mathematical learning. 

So What is Mathematical Fluency?
More than just memorising facts, maths fluency is about empowering your child to become a confident and capable problem-solver. It's the ability to efficiently and accurately navigate mathematical challenges, freeing up mental resources for deeper understanding - like riding a bike without training wheels! 

Maths Fluency encompasses:

• Recall: Quickly and accurately remembering math facts (like times tables).
• Number Sense: Understanding the relationships between numbers and being able to estimate and reason about them.
• Flexibility: Being able to solve problems in different ways, choosing the most efficient method.
• Accuracy: Getting the correct answer.
• Representation: Understanding how math concepts can be shown in different ways (pictures, diagrams, etc.).

For example, when faced with 3×4, a fluent child might:

• Recall the answer instantly.
• Use repeated doubling: 3×2=6, then 6×2=12.
• Recognize that column multiplication would be unnecessarily time-consuming.

Essentially, fluency empowers children to choose the most efficient and accurate path to a solution.

Why is Mathematical Fluency Important?

• It Makes Maths Easier: When basic math facts are
  
  children can focus their mental energy on more complex problem-solving, allowing them to think critically and solve problems independently.
• Saves Time: Fluency allows for quicker problem-solving, which is especially beneficial during tests and longer math tasks, and everyday life.
• It Builds Confidence and Independence: Knowing they can solve problems makes kids feel good about maths.

How You Can Help at Home:

• Practice basic math facts regularly.
• Encourage your child to explain their thinking process.
• Present math problems in real-life contexts (e.g., calculating the cost of groceries).
• Play math related games.
• Encourage the use of mental math.

By working together, we can help your child develop strong mathematical fluency and confidence in their learning! Please encourage your child with their maths homework, even if it involves games or online fast-facts recall, as every little bit of practice contributes to their mathematical growth.

Wellbeing Week
Last week, we celebrated Wellbeing Week with a focus on gratitude. Students engaged in activities including: gratitude journaling, kindness challenges, and thank-you notes, fostering a spirit of thankfulness. It was wonderful to see our community embracing gratitude, which brings joy and strengthens our connections. Let’s continue to cultivate grateful minds every day!

Harmony Day
We are fortunate to live in multicultural Australia where we can enjoy the gifts of different cultures everyday, in the sharing of different foods, ways of dressing, languages, customs and beliefs. This week we recognise and celebrate Harmony Day. A day to acknowledge diversity, foster inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different cultures make a valuable contribution to society. A reminder that the children wear orange this Friday 21 March and donations to Project Compassion can be made via QKR.

Attendance & Wellbeing – The Importance of Being on Time
We have noticed an increasing number of students arriving late to school. Punctuality is important for student wellbeing, as it helps them start the day calmly, settle into routines, and engage fully in learning. Arriving on time fosters responsibility and ensures students don’t miss valuable learning time. We encourage all families to support regular and timely attendance to help our students thrive. Thank you for your cooperation!

Have a great week!

Amanda Macourt
Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

Holy Week Reflections, Thursday 10th April
Parents are warmly invited to attend our Holy Week Reflections on Thursday, 10th April
starting from 2pm at Sacred Heart Church. 

Kinder, Year One, Year Two, Year Five and Year Six will present their reflections this term. Year Three and Year Four will present their Easter Reflections next term, on Friday 2nd of May, 2pm in the Church.

Project Compassion- Unite Against Poverty
Sydney Catholic Schools supports Project Compassion, an initiative that runs throughout the Church season of Lent each year. Project Compassion is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of faith, love and generosity of caring supporters, all in the name of justice and peace. The theme for Project Compassion 2025 is Unite Against Poverty. 

During Lent, we prepare ourselves for Easter by giving things up that we don’t need. We focus on Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Each of us can give something up during Lent. For example, instead of buying a special treat, we could simply save the coins & donate them to the Project Compassion boxes for Caritas Australia. The money raised will be collected and used to help communities in need. So this year, what will you give up for Lent? Through Project Compassion, your efforts will make a difference for communities around the world! 

Lenten Craft
Our Year Six Mission Team leaders held a Lenten craft group last Friday, 14th March at second lunch. It was an opportunity for our K-3 students to take part in creating various Lent-themed crafts. Thank you to the Year Six Mission Team leaders for initiating this idea and for providing a reflective Lenten activity for our younger students to engage in.

Kristen Jackson
Religious Education Coordinator

The Lenten journey is a unique period in the church calendar that allows us to examine our relationship with God.

Lent is divided into 3 parts:

• Prayer and Contemplation 

• Almsgiving in the form of Caritas (Project Compassion) and charity work.

• Fasting or sacrificing - giving up something you love.

A few more ideas of things you can do as a family during Lent:

• Participate in Family Mass on Sunday.
• Do a good deed for a family member, friend or a neighbour.
• Reflect as a family on your favourite moment of your day. Talk about what it was and why it was so special to you.

St Joseph feast day is March 19th

March is dedicated to St Joseph, a model of faith, humility, and trust in God’s plan. Who is St Joseph? 

St Joseph was no ordinary guy—he was the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. He wasn’t rich, famous, or powerful, but he was chosen for one of the most important roles in history: to raise and protect the Son of God. A humble carpenter ?️, Joseph showed us that real strength isn’t about showing off—it’s about faith, hard work and love.

• Ways to honour St Joseph this month:
• Pray for guidance & strength in your mission
• Follow his example of quiet service & trust
• Reflect on how God is calling you to lead

Saint Joseph is well known as the patron saint of fathers, workers, especially carpenters, expecting mothers and unborn children.

St Joseph’s day is celebrated in many different ways, mainly the making of meatless foods because Solemnity of St Joseph always falls during Lent. Making bread was used the most & many a selection of shapes & styles are baked then blessed by a priest. A fun activity for you to do as a family could be to bake a loaf of bread & enjoy eating it together as a family.

Some creative shapes are in the picture below.

Reminder:
Our next community playgroup is on Monday 24th March at 9am in the parish hall. Parents, grandparents, carer’s… All are welcome.
Tea/coffee & light morning tea is provided for adults.

Walking for Wellbeing group Tuesday morning at 8:45am. Meet at Cardinal St school front gate. We walk for approx 45 mins, then have morning tea.

SPaR - Stop, Pray and Reflect. Begins with morning Mass at 9:15am at Holy Family church. Then coffee & conversation for whomever is available.

If you would you like to join a Lenten prayer group,

• Deacon Justin’s prayer group will take place at 10am Fridays of Lent (starting 7 March) in the MacKillop Community room. To join call 8969 3200 or email secretary@holyfamilymosman.org.au
• Fr Matthew’s prayer group will take place in the parish hall on Cardinal Street, Mosman 7pm Wednesdays of Lent (starting 12 March) following 6pm Adoration in Sacred Heart Church.
• Denise Playoust’s prayer group will be meeting 6.30pm Mondays during lent at various homes (starting 10 March)

If you are interested in joining or hosting a Lenten prayer group, please contact the parish office secretary@holyfamilymosman.org.au
Booklets provided at the session.

Anna Macri
Family & Faith Educator

Last week, our school came together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women and promoting equality. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) took the lead in marking this important occasion by delivering a presentation at our school assembly.

During the presentation, the SRC highlighted the importance of respect, inclusion, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender.

The assembly was a fantastic opportunity for our students to reflect on the contributions of women in our community and beyond. We are incredibly proud of our SRC leaders for their thoughtful and engaging presentation.

Welcome to the seventh week of Term 1. How this term has flown by so quickly! Keep reading on for the latest sporting updates and information about our cross country. The next week seems to be a busy week for the sporting sector.

On Monday 24th of March, we will have three students competing at the Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.We wish the following students the best of luck in their events:

- Eliza Pearson: Girls 10 50 Free & Girls 8-10 50 Fly JUNIOR

- David Persinger: Boys 8-10 50 Breast JUNIOR

- Lachlan Woodlock: Boys 12-13 50 Back SENIOR

Tuesday 25th of March is an eventful day with cross country (which will be addressed further down in this article), as well as Zachary Meacock and Jorge Pyke attending the MacKillop AFL Selections trial in Wagga Wagga. They have succeeded in making the Sydney Catholic Schools team and are now trialing for a spot in the MacKillop team. If successful, they will progress onto the state trials.

On Friday 28th of March, Conrad Barbour will head to the Eastern Suburbs and trial in Rugby League to make the Sydney Catholic Schools team. Eve Grover and Elle (Year 6) will also be heading to the Heffron Centre in Maroubra for their netball trial. If successful, they will progress and make up the Sydney Catholic Schools team. We wish all of the above students who will be trialling next week in their respective sport the best of luck. I am sure that they will represent Sacred Heart and their community well.

This now brings me to our postponed event, our annual Sacred Heart Cross Country! Due to the poor weather last week, this event has been moved to next week on Tuesday 25th of March. The timetable and all of the other details remain the same. Please ensure that your child/ren is wearing their sports uniform on that day and bring sun protection, hats and filled water bottles. Let’s hope for great weather on this new date. Please find the timetable attached below.

That’s all for now in sporting news. I look forward to giving you all further updates on our student achievements. Until the next time!

Kind Regards
Miss Austrie Calizar
Sports Co-ordinator