Principal News 

TERM 1 - WEEK 3

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CAMPS 2024

*Updated Key Dates T1-T4 2024

REMAINING CALM THROUGH THE STORM

Dear Families and Friends,

It's safe to say that this week at Sacred Heart has been quite unusual, marked by various events and occasional challenges, mainly due to unseasonal weather fronts disrupting key moments throughout the day. We kicked off with Shrove Tuesday pancakes and Ash Wednesday, dealt with unpredictable weather affecting playtime and dismissal routines, proceeded with parent-teacher interviews, and wrapped up with a Kaboom extravaganza on Friday. Maybe a fitting way to close out out our BIG week with a 'kaboom' to mark the first Taylor Swift concert at the MCG in the evening. Needless to say, we had some very excited Swifties (inc. staff and parents) exiting the grounds on Friday afternoon to get ready for what is certain to be an amazing concert. 

Once again, despite the unpredictability and a particularly full schedule, our students and staff were remarkable, adapting and remaining composed to ensure all boxes were ticked by the end of each day. Referenced by many staff throughout the week, we have been so impressed by the manner of our students. Long may it continue. 

SHAKING IT UP ON FRIDAY

At Sacred Heart, collectively, our staff and students have worked diligently in recent years, adapting and remaining flexible while staying true to our academic program. We take pride in the fact that, despite the occasional chaos that can consume a school, all classes have adhered to their tight learning schedules, ensuring consistent and regular routines, especially in our literacy and numeracy blocks, are maintained.

One staff member remarked on Tuesday, "What a most bizarre day, but we all survived." Indeed, we not only survived but possibly thrived, as our students appeared completely unfazed by the changing weather patterns throughout the day. On that note, we extend our sincere thanks to our families for promptly and safely picking up their children early as the storm swept across the bay on Tuesday afternoon. Many referred to it as Murphy's Law, as the heavens opened right up at pick-up time, again.

On Wednesday morning, following the turbulent weather the previous day, I couldn't help but notice these superstars (Isla, Rose, Kate, Gus & Connor) in the playground cleaning up the fallen debris. This clearly reflects the immense pride they hold for their school. It is worth noting they undertook this task voluntarily, without any prompting. 

KABOOM

A SEA of COLOUR & SMILES

What a way to close out our week

GRATTAN INSTITUTE & RECENT MEDIA PUBLICATIONS

WE'RE AHEAD OF THE GAME

Circulating all media platforms (radio, TV & paper) this week, the message is loud and clear, and we are thrilled to acknowledge that Sacred Heart remains most proactive in it's approach to a Structured Literacy Approach - Explicit, systematic, and sequential teaching of literacy P-6. Below are 'some' recent articles and media releases specifically highlighting the recommendations and practices we already proudly have in place at Sacred Heart.  

Our daily, two-hour literacy block addresses the curriculum content areas of Reading and Viewing, Writing, and Speaking and Listening. We believe in a careful balance of direct instruction and explicit teaching (Structured Literacy Program), while exposing our students to a wide range of good quality literature from diverse voices.

In Prep Year 1 and Year 2, the literacy block starts with explicit teaching of phonics, using the Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) approach and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum. MSL incorporates five essential steps for effective reading instruction: identifying letter sounds, sounding out words, fluency, accuracy and comprehension. Students in Years 3 to 6 receive direct instruction around sound-letter patterns and spelling generalisations, using the evidence-based Spelling Mastery program.

In the P-6 Writing program, using The Writing Revolution (TWR), students progress from sentence construction to complete compositions. They are explicitly taught concepts of grammar and punctuation, before practising these in the construction of a range of text types. Students learn to use text features and structure to entertain, persuade or inform the reader, all while developing their author’s voice.

Be sure to click on the following links:

• The Project
• ABC News

Not surprisingly our other key academic pillar aligns beautifully with our the above practices. Mathematics is fundamental to ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary skills to successfully take part in our contemporary society. Mathematics at Sacred Heart is organised into the strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Students are scheduled to participate in a structured and engaging mathematics lesson for an hour each day. We endeavour to develop the problem solving skills of all students via explicit instruction.

READY TO LEARN

Sacred Heart Playbook

Our team have been unwavering in their commitment to setting clear expectations from the first thing each morning. The emphasis has been on establishing consistent and predictable routines to create an engaging and calm learning environment – the optimal conditions for effective learning. Each day, the staff ensures that their classrooms and tabletops are prepared and ready for students with 'just' the resources they need for the session i.e. best practice. 

A notable introduction in recent years has been mini whiteboards across all grades, from P-6. These valuable resources empower students to promptly and interactively showcase their learning. The mini boards serve as a beneficial addition to lessons that require students to demonstrate their understanding through written or drawn responses, without the need for permanent entry in their books. They prove particularly effective during daily reviews and the guided practice component of explicit lessons. We thank Mrs Stroud and Miss Rafferty for working with our staff implementing this most effective teaching strategy. 

YEAR 5 CAMP RUMBUG

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our super Year 5 team:  Mrs. Maddocks, Miss Bull, Miss McKay, Miss Healey, and Mr. Blake, for their invaluable support during the recent camping adventure to Rumbug. Despite it being early in the school year, the students were exceptionally responsive and well behaved throughout the three-day camp.

A special acknowledgment goes to Miss McKay, who, in her role as Senior Level Leader, organised this terrific outdoor experience for our students. School camps are clearly her 'thing', and our students and staff just love the energy and leadership she exudes during this time away.

While the students have already settled into their learning routine, clearly they have benefitted greatly from this bonding opportunity so early in the school year. 

Ash Wednesday & New Parish Priest

The celebration of Fr. Martin's first 'whole school' mass on Ash Wednesday was  wonderful. As our new parish priest, he has already left an immediate impression on our school community by taking the time to meet with all the staff and students in recent days. Fr. Martin's friendly and social nature is most apparent and certainly something we will embrace at Sacred Heart. During the mass he delivered a fabulous homily, actively engaging and interacting with the students. We are excited about the prospect of building on this positive relationship in the coming months and are confident that Fr. Martin will be a warmly welcomed addition to our community.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser - Caritas

Congratulations and thank to our senior leaders, parent helpers, Mr Blake, staff and students for raising a remarkable $950 for Caritas. We also sincerely thank our families who kindly donated the pancake mix for this special occasion.  This level of support and generosity is never taken for granted.

Staffing News

As many of our families are aware, Mr. T and his wife, Ash, joyfully welcomed their first child, Atlas, just before the start of the new school year. When asked for an updated photo of his dear little boy, Mr. T was quick to respond, saying, "We have plenty of those." It's evident that he and Ash are wholeheartedly savouring and embracing this delightful new chapter in their lives.

This year, we warmly welcomed/embraced two new Learning Support Officers (LSOs) to our outstanding support team, and we feel truly blessed for their remarkable integration into Sacred Heart. They have seamlessly become a part of our Sacred Heart family. Sharon is frequently spotted shooting hoops during breaktime with our students (i.e. building relationships), and Mary has definitely found her groove enjoying the odd Taylor Swift dance with our dear Preps. Our LSO team is truly phenomenal and share a deep passion for working with our students. 

Look out Mr Brown, we may have a new basketball hustler in the community threatening your mantle. Miss Bulte has been seen taking on the students in a game of one-on-one in the mornings and afternoons. 

SPREAD THE GOOD WORD - OPEN DAYS 2024

We strongly encourage our families to spread the positive news and share the wonderful experiences within our beautiful school community with their networks. Open Days are scheduled for Feb. 26th, March 4th and 12th. If families wish to arrange a tour outside of these sessions, kindly contact the office at 9598 9322, and we would be delighted to guide you through our amazing school. We also have a tour booking link on the school website. 

No need to book for these dates:

Open Day Schedule:

• Monday, Feb 26th, 9:30 am - 3:15pm
• Monday, March 4th, 9:30 am - 3:15pm
• Tuesday 12th March, 9:30am - 3:00pm

Little Hearts of Sandy Playgroup

Family and friends are most welcome to attend our Little Hearts Playgroup. Please note, there is no age limit on toddlers or pre-schoolers. We typically have about20 pre-schoolers (inc. 2025 & 2026 Preps) and toddlers and it has been fabulous to see lots of new faces at these sessions. We'd love to see you there! 

• 23rd Feb @ 10am
• 22nd March
• 19th April
• 31st May
• 21st June
• 26th July
• 30th August
• 18th October
• 22nd November
• 6th December

P&F NEWS

Many thanks and congratulations to our wonderful P&F for organising the parent welcome gathering at the Sandy Club last Saturday. What a stunning evening it was for our families. All parents are welcome to the first  P & F meeting for the year on Monday 19th of February at 7pm in the staff room. We'd love to see some new faces from our new families. 

A Few Gentle Reminders

We once again politely remind our families to adhere to the express pick-up zone. We have been notified by a number of local residents concerned about the vehicles banking-up and double parking. Your support is appreciated with this safety issue and community expectation. 

STAR OF THE SEA

Year 7, 2026 Applications Open

Applications for Star of the Sea College are now open for Year 7 2026. Please visit our website to apply: starmelb.catholic.edu.au/enrolments.

2024 College Tour schedule

The Star of the Sea College Tour schedule for 2024 is now available. Star are excited to welcome prospective families and provide the opportunity to explore their College. To tour our College, please book via trybooking.

Visit the Star website to access Trybooking links to book your tour starmelb.catholic.edu.au/enrolments/college-tour.

LITTLE GEMS

This impressive Yr.2 student dropped by my office to share her amazing Japanese work. Mary named and pronounced (to my limited knowledge) no less than twelve animals in Japanese. One very proud student!  

We Embrace Our Differences Because That's What Makes Us Unique

I managed to catch these two students having a sneaky peak at our first whole school art piece for the year done in Ms Hyslop's art classes. 

And finally....

Enjoy a beautiful and restful weekend, as we have certainly hit the ground running and couldn't have imagined a better start to the school year for our students, families, and staff.

Counting my blessings,

Simon Collis

Principal

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Instagram: @sacred_heart__sandringham