Deputy News
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Dear Parents and families,
What a wonderful fortnight we have had at Sacred Heart. A true highlight has been celebrating our 100 days of prep on Wednesday where all the preps dressed as 100 year olds. We had so much excitement as the many grey haired 100 year olds walked through the gate. Overnight they had suddenly aged, wearing their pearls and glasses and walking with sore backs, with their waking sticks in toe. It was an absolute delight to spend the morning in the prep room where they decorated t-shirts and made construction with 100 counters or blocks or planks and did some craft activities,
such a creative class. They had a special morning tea with fairy bread and cupcakes. They continued the day counting out 100 items with their buddies and finished with a party. A huge thanks to Miss Moloney for organising the day and making it so memorable for our preps. They are very lucky to have such an enthusiastic teacher.
Reading Club
I have been fortunate enough to join Mrs Brown who has had a f ew successful Monday lunchtime clubs reading two beautiful books related to the Respectful Relationships program. They read Perfectly Norman and Two Blankets which focused on feeling safe and happy. They created a paper quilt and drew and write what made them feel safe and happy. This will be on every Monday at lunchtime for any students interested from Prep- Yr 4.
Staff PD
This week the staff undertook some 'in house' Professional development on the High Impact Teaching Strategies run bySarah Rafferty and the evidence based strategies that we are already using at Sacred Heart. It was interesting to know that 'The teacher has the biggest impact on student growth'. Staff will continue to investigate these strategies to better our teaching practise.
We also had an afterschool session on Stress relief and Calming Toolboxes and what we can do to support your children in the classroom. Many classrooms at Sacred Heart have calming corners or reading areas for students to relax and have some time out to self regulate. You can also set up a calming area at home and create a calming toolbox or home. This is all links in with our Respectful relationships program and our Berry Street training on self-regulation. Students from prep- Year 6 have also made some excellent Mr Huff posters to show what strategies they use to self regulate or calm, down when they need to. Here is an example of something you can make at home to help your child.
Year 4 visits to Nagle Kinder
Its always a highlight of my week when I get to take a handful of Year 4 students to Nagle kindergarten. Its been a wonderful way to build community connections and both the kinder students and Year 4 students (Big Kids) love it!
BOOK WEEK
In week 7 from the 22- 26th August it is Children's book Council Book week. This year's theme is "Dreaming with eyes open".
All students are asked to dress up for the parade on Wednesday 4th August in their favourite book character and bring the book along so we know which character they are. ALL PARENTS AND FAMILIES ARE MOST WELCOME. There will be a Book Week themed assembly on Friday 26th August and the students will also have an Author visit from Chris Kennet on Friday to culminate our week.
Year 5/6
Advanced Youth Leadership Project
The 5/6 students have been fortunate enough to participate in this excellent program and if you were in assembly on Friday you will see how confidently they spoke. They are learning so many amazing public speaking skills with the support of Sandra de Geest who runs the program and the 5/6 staff. Thanks to Tim Corrigan and Miss Mackay and Olivia S and Johnny S for being good sports in assembly and doing an "off the cuff " speech.
Our Grounds
We have had some new synthetic turf laid this week under our new shade sails, outside the Art room, it so soft and sensory and a lovely place to sit and relax or play. Patricia the cow is very happy in her new patch of grass!
THANKYOU
It's been an extremely busy week with both Simon Collis & Karen Mathiesson out and a few other staff also out with illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and we wish them a speedy recovery, it just hasn't been the same without them. A huge thankyou to all the staff and parents for their support this week. It really is appreciated. It really has been 'all hands on deck' this week.
Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy weekend,
Brigid Pennington
Deputy Principal , Learning Diversity & English Leader