Principal News 

TERM 4

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Hitting the ground running...

Dear Families & Friends,

We are thrilled to welcome back the students after what appears to have been a restful break following the phenomenal closure of Term 3, marked by our stunning school production, 'Peter Pan.' We extend a warm welcome to our new students and families - Raff & Max Ireland, Maya Deo, Sienna Hopkins, Annabelle Chalk, and Ethan Els - as we commence the final school term of 2023. Throughout this year, we have proudly witnessed incredible growth and achievements among our students and staff, especially in the vital academic disciplines of Literacy and Numeracy. We eagerly look forward to building upon this progress in the coming months and years.

It's worth noting that on Thursday morning, we hosted another school's 'Teaching & Learning' team for a visit to showcase the remarkable aspects of our Literacy program. As Mrs. Stroud mentioned, "They were blown away by our teaching practices and what we are doing in this learning space".

This term, our focus is on creating a memorable experience for our most senior students who will sadly bid farewell to their journey at Sacred Heart in the coming months. Where has the time gone for these students and families? Simultaneously, our Preps to Year 5 students, with leadership opportunities, will gently begin their transition to the next grade level, preparing for the exciting year that lies ahead in 2024. It's important to recognise the potential impact this transition period might have on certain students, realising that their teacher could change in the upcoming year. This underscores the immense value we place on these meaningful relationships.

As we hit the ground running in this final leg, there is still so much to look forward to! Our Year 1-6 swimming program, Year 3 and 4 respective camps, the enthusiastic welcome to our two full Prep classes for 2024 during their orientation program in late October, and the ramping up of preparations for our $5.2M transformational refurbishment program set to commence in 2024.

Hold on and enjoy the ride, here's to a fantastic and fulfilling final term of 2023!

Yr.6 Vinnies Annual Sleepout 

Congratulations to our Year 6 students and staff for their unwavering commitment to our annual Vinnies Sleepout Appeal. This initiative, spearheaded by our passionate Year 6 teacher, Miss McKay, involved our senior students spending a night at school sleeping on cardboard, all in an effort to raise awareness and provide support for the many Australians experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness.

In addition to doing various 'Mini Vinnies' workshops throughout the evening, the students organized stalls using their personal funds to resource, and all the donations raised will be directly utilized to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness.

This support will encompass:

• Funding new initiatives
• Ensuring the continuation of existing homeless services, such as food vans and emergency support
• Expanding the reach of existing programs to ensure every Australian can access accommodation, meals, and emergency assistance when needed.

Well done, students and staff! We are incredibly proud of your dedication and efforts.

Many thanks again to Miss Healey, Mr. T, and Mr. Blake for so generously offering their time to support this wonderful program.

P&F News

We want to once again extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated and generous families at Sacred Heart for their unwavering support of various P&F initiatives throughout the years. This week marks a significant milestone as we received the final piece of the furniture puzzle, with the arrival of new middle school furniture for Year 3 and Year 4 classes.

The impact of this furniture upgrade on the learning environment has been remarkable, bringing about a transformation and uniformity that significantly enhances the learning spaces. Both students and staff have expressed their appreciation for the new furniture, and we cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are to our P&F for their exceptional level of support.

Over the past 12 months, the P&F has generously funded over $100,000 worth of new furniture for the entire school, catering to every student from Prep to Year 6. This is truly a substantial investment in the education and comfort of our students, one that will undoubtedly  benefit our students for many years to come.

We eagerly anticipate the commencement of our school's $5.2 million refurbishment program next year, which will complement this new furniture. This will include new STEM space, carpets, wall fabrics, doorways, lighting, ceiling acoustics and the removal of the side offices to increase the size of the learning spaces. 

A sneak peak, but please note these are ONLY concept drawings.

Staffing News

We are pleased to welcome Mr Blake back after his extended Long Service Leave (LSL) to Ireland and want to express our thanks again to Mr Brown for taking Yr. 5 class full-time during this period. Additionally, we extend a warm welcome back to Miss McKay, Mrs Tucker and Mrs Harper after their short period of leave late in Term 3. We look forward to some settling weeks ahead with all staff now back in the mix from the commencement of Term 4.

LIFE LONG LEARNERS

As many families are aware, we currently have three staff members who are pursuing further studies while maintaining full-time work schedules. We are thrilled to announce that Miss Rafferty (Masters of Educational Leadership) and Mr. Blake (Masters of Education - Student Wellbeing) are in their final weeks of their respective Master's programs, and Mrs. Stroud (Masters of Literacy) has 12 months remaining in hers. 

Below is a letter shared by the Dean of Education at Latrobe University, acknowledging Mrs. Stroud's achievements for the 1st Semester. The letter congratulates her on the recent "A" grade(s) for the first half of 2023. 

On behalf of the Sacred Heart community, we extend our congratulations to Kate, Sarah, and Dara on their outstanding achievements in their respective studies.

ANNUAL REVIEW MEETINGS & STAFFING CHANGES

Over the coming days, I look forward to meeting with all staff for their annual formal review meetings. These purposeful meetings provide a great opportunity to review, acknowledge, and affirm staff and student growth. Additionally, this is also an opportunity to review staff aspirations, intentions, and class allocations for 2024. I very much look forward to discussing these matters with all staff and finalizing our staffing plans in the coming weeks. 

Please note that there will be some staff movement next year, including the addition of a second Prep & Year 6 class. At this stage, we are pleased to confirm that the highly impressive Miss Hanna Wood will be joining our team from St Joseph's, Black Rock, although the year level has yet to be confirmed. It's certainly shaping to be a fabulous year ahead. 

Clash of Courts

Photos for students new to the school

Next Thursday, our photographerswill be onsite to take individual photos of students who have started from the beginning of Term 2.  They will all have their photo taken and you will have the chance to order photos, if you wish, online.  Details will be sent home on how to order.  Our photographers are MSP Photography.  Please send students in full summer uniform (for anyone with sport on that day, please send sport uniform or runners to change into).

Little Hearts of Sandy Playgroup

Next Sessions:

• 27th October 10am
• 24th Nov. 10am
• 8th Dec. 10am

Family and friends are most welcome to attend. No age limit on toddlers or pre-schoolers. Last session we had over 20 pre-schoolers and toddlers and it has been fabulous to see lots of new faces at these sessions. 

Extra Curricula 

In addition to before school Fitness, Art and Gardening Club on offer this term, we are thrilled to now offer Karate (Tuesday) and Robotics (Wednesday - starts next week) classes throughout the week. We are so pleased the positive numbers and expressions of interest for these respective new offerings at Sacred Heart.  

LITTLE GEMS

Right at home....

Below is a precious exchange when Ms Hanna Wood dropped over to say hello after accepting a position on staff for 2024. As you can see, she is clearly at home and a perfect fit for Sacred Heart. 

What incredible writing....

We continue to be absolutely blow away by the standard of writing being produced by students since the introduction of The Writing Revolution (TWR). These Yr.1 students are absolutely flying! 

LOCK’EM IN

SWIMMING & CAMP DATES

And finally....

While my beloved Blues did not make the grand final, we extend our congratulations to all our Pies fans in the community. What a great win, indeed deserving of the best team all year.

We have some significant weeks ahead, so I kindly remind all families to stay informed about the calendar and important communications in the coming weeks. While we always strive for a smooth journey leading up to December, it's important to acknowledge that the pace will be rapid, with events such as camps, swimming, a full learning schedule, graduation, and orientation for two Prep classes.

Here's to a fabulous Term 4,

Simon Collis

Principal

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