Deputy News 

Dear Parents and families, 

We are almost at the finish line in what has been another incredible fortnight at Sacred Heart, Christmas is in the air with the carols blaring from the office, the Christmas decorations are up and the Christmas giving program is in full swing. There are even a few mischievious elves around the classrooms causing a lot of excitement. Please remember to drop by the office with your gifts and food for St Vinnies. It is most  appreciatcd and  an important message for our students that Christmas is  a time to think of others and especially those less fortunate than ourselves. Thanks Ms Collins for organising this yet again this year. 

Year 7 Transition 

This week  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take some Yr 6 boys to St Bedes for an extra Yr 7 transition session. St Bede's offer this transition tour to a few select students each year, so they can familiarise themselves with the campus, learn about the timetable, how the lockers  work and ask lots of questions. We did a thorough tour of the grounds, the Science labs, the year 7 area including the most important place on campus, the canteen. We then went to the Technology centre, the Art area and the auditorium, where they have assemblies. This is the same venue where we had our Peter Pan production in September, so the boys already felt very familiar. I am incredibly grateful to Cathy Lynch, Cas Goodchild and the team at St Bede's for providing this opportunity to our students. They are certainly in good hands when they move onto Secondary school. 

I've also had the opprtunity to meet with several secondary schools including  St Bede's, Star of the Sea and Mentone Grammar. These meetings are most worthwhile to ensure our students are as well prepared for yr 7 as possible. This time of change is an exciting and can be  a nervous time for many students. We hope that they will take all the tools in their toolbox that that they have learnt at Sacred Heart, through our Respectful Relationships and Berry Street programs and they will certainly be well equipped. 

PSG MEETINGS 

Over the last few weeks and at the end of each term I have the oppotunity to support some families  in PSG- Program Support Group meetings. These meetings are to support students in our school who require adjustments to access the curriculum. I work closely with Classroom teachers and LSO's (Learning Support officers) to ensure our students can work to their full potential. Effective communication between home and school is essential for developing and maintaining a positive partnership. 

The aims of PSG's are to:

Ensure that teachers and parents  work together  to establish shared goals for the students educational future

Plan reasonable adjustments to the students so they have access to the curriculum 

Monitor  and celebrate the progress of the student

Develop and review Personalised Learning Plans (PLP)

Review appropriate adjustments made to ensure students can meet their termly goals

By the end of these meetings PSG minutes record the actions and summary of the meeting. This has been a most rewarding process. I have the honour of working with some of the most outstanding educators and in these meetings we have the opportunity to celebrate the progress the students have made. Occasionally, we proudly shed a tear or two, especially with the year 6's leaving Sacred Heart. To see them embark on the next stage of ther educational journey is something very special. 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS ASSEMBLY

As we are not having our traditional evening Carols service this year but we will have a Sacred Heart Little touch of Christmas Assembly next week on the 8th of December at 9am. Students have been rehearsing during Music lessons and with their class teachers. Thanks to Mr Coutts for your support at this busy time of the year. This will be a lovely opportunity for our community to celebrate Christmas with some songs and Carols from each class. The students can wear a touch of Christmas on this day. Teachers will give you further details. 

CHRISTMAS PLAYGROUP

Next Friday followng our Christmas assembly we will have our final playgroup of the year with a small Christmas morning tea and some more Carols and Christmas actvities. We hope to see any pre schoolers and our preps in 2024 join us. 

Have a wonderful and  festive weekend and we hope to see you at Chalkfest , 

Brigid Pennington 

Deputy Principal, Learning Diversity Leader and 3-6 Literacy Leader