Principal News
Dear Sacred Heart Community
It has been great to catch up this week, with many of our students in Year Prep and One/Two and their parents, who have come into the school to pick up their latest package of books. All parents have had a smile on their face, and yes, the majority have volunteered that whilst it has been a great learning experience for them, they cannot wait for school to resume. One young student who shall remain nameless, offered that mum was doing an even better job than their teacher. Again I would like to congratulate all our parents and guardians on the magnificent job you have done over these four weeks. Your feedback has been very positive, and interactions with our teachers so respectful and courteous. We know it's a stressful time for you, so we are very appreciative of how you have worked with us.
Next Monday we are expecting some information from our premier, on plans for the reopening of schools. Please be rest assured that once we have a clearer picture on the prospects of our students returning to school, we will let you know.
Displayed below are images from the first four weeks of this term. Amongst the images are pictures that show Denise and our IT technician Phil, organising computers for our students and handing one to Eleni (mother of John and Stellina) who required an extra device, our students in the school social distancing, the infant teachers reading materials set up for exchange this week, and Bethany meeting with Raffaele's family to explain aspects of the remote learning program. Included also are images of Maria and Jodi in the first days, taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe, a picture of our Year Six student Isaac at school, in a google classroom meet with his peers undertaking distance education, and finally Miliana and her mum, meeting with Marie and Francesca to get more resources for her distance education.
Wellbeing Resources
Catholic Education Melbourne alerted Principals this week to some resources for parents, that address wellbeing issues some students are suffering, with the challenges presented by the Covid 19 virus. We are aware that some children are experiencing emotions perhaps never felt before. The resources give parents some guidance on how to navigate the challenges their children may be experiencing. I have had a look at the resources and recommend them. An explanation on how to access the material is detailed as follows.
Wellbeing Checklist for Primary: Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
While most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage during this challenging time, others are not faring as well. Some are experiencing a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety, all of which are considered normal or natural responses to the current situation. It’s important for parents/carers to remain vigilant for any signs of unusual distress or behaviour, even if their child may not have any prior history of a mental health disorder.
Wellbeing resources from SchoolTV
SchoolTV has generously shared two special video reports as part of its coronavirus series. In these special reports, parents/carers are provided with information on how to support the wellbeing and mental health of their children.
Mathematics Planning at Sacred Heart - Our Learning and Teaching Coordinator Belinda, Publishes the Sacred Heart Model
Congratulations to our Learning and Teaching Coordinator Belinda, for having her work detailing how planning for the mathematics curriculum area at our school is conducted, published in the Mathematical Association of Victoria magazine "The Common Denominator". The article highlights the teacher's openness to evaluating current practices and taking on initiatives to improve our student's outcomes. Belinda has been able to lead a group of dedicated teachers to a new model of planning, based upon the collective efficacy of the group. This collective efficacy is based upon trust within colleagues, and a desire to improve the learning and teaching in our school. Can I take this opportunity to again congratulate Belinda on her leadership, and the dedication of our staff.
Please stay safe
Yours Sincerely
Mark Tierney
Principal