Principal News 

WEEK 7 - TERM 3

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BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Dear Families & Friends,

After yet another spectacular fortnight at Sacred Heart, it’s hard to believe we’ve managed to fit so much into this timeframe (e.g. Sports Carnival, Book Week, Talent Show, Public Speaking, Beach Clean-Up Walk and Author's Visit). Remarkably, despite all these ‘extras’ we are pleased to say the students still completed a full academic program, even dressed as the odd unicorn or book character along the way. 

It was just priceless dropping into the classrooms on Wednesday to see the students (and teachers) in full character completely focused on their learning (and teaching). From ‘Thing 1 & 2’ doing push-ups in PE, to Harry Potters, Where’s Wally and even the odd Star Trooper doing their Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Program across the morning block; we congratulate our students for their terrific composure throughout the week.  This was also noted at our weekly assembly on Friday as their manner throughout was superb. In addition, we are just thrilled to see the growing number of families attending these gatherings and celebrating the great happenings across our school community. 

SPORTS DAY 2022

Last Tuesday, we celebrated with our whole school sports carnival and what a fabulous day this was for our students. We sincerely congratulate Mr Thiessens for his outstanding coordination, acknowledging the considerable time required to prepare for this special day. Despite the odd sprinkling of rain, this certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the students as they had a brilliant time. We also thank our staff and many volunteers for their efforts, particularly being on your feet all day. 

WINNING HOUSE 2022

Whilst Xavier House celebrated a well-deserved win, perhaps the highlight on the day was again noting the exemplary manner and behaviour of our students as they engaged brilliantly across all facets of the carnival. Well done students, you continue to exceed my highest expectations in relation to these whole school events.  In planning for 2023, I have asked Mr T to explore some options in Term 1 during the warmer months and a Friday to close out the week for the students, staff and families.  We again thank our families for their active support and encouragement across the day, this was clearly appreciated by the children and the staff. 

• Xavier (red) - 738 points
• Vianney (green) - 725 points
• Marian (blue) - 718 points
• Nagle (yellow) - 692 points

House Chants 2022

Dendy Athletics Carnival

Congratulations and good luck to our athletics team of 70 students representing Scared Heart next Tuesday at the zone carnival. We again thank Mr T and the staff volunteers for their generous efforts in supporting the students with their early morning trials in recent weeks, particularly as this cuts into their valuable preparation and typical morning routines. 

BOOK WEEK

Wow, Sacred Heart clearly loves a dress up! What a gorgeous morning it was on Wednesday to see our students and staff get in the spirit and dress up for the Book Week parade - the first in three years. From a number of Harry Potters, to some Dr Seuss favourites, we thank our students (and parents) for making such an effort with their costumes, many worn for the entire day, even on the football field or basketball court. A passionate Mrs Pennington did such a wonderful job mc-ing our fun parade, attended by many families. 

Once again, it is worth noting the dress up didn’t stop our junior classes from focusing on their daily Heggerty Phonemic Awareness routines, all part of the structured approach to Literacy in our junior school at Sacred Heart. 

SACRED HEART 

WE HAVE TALENT

Well done to our brave and talented students on Tuesday and Thursday for performing and shinning in front of their peers for our very own talent show organized by Ms Bryce (Performing Arts) during the lunch breaks. The students loved this opportunity to perform and showcase their talents and even indulge in some popcorn treats in this theatre atmosphere. Thanks to our staff volunteers and again Ms Bryce for her efforts and generous time promoting these special performances. We must not forget for some students (and adults) just getting on the stage or putting their hand up to 'have a go' in front of 200+ peers takes tremendous courage.  

Social Justice in Action

All proceeds raised from this fun event will be donated to St. Joseph’s Primary School, Woodburn, recently impacted by the floods on the east coast of NSW. This is a joint fundraising initiative with all Catholic Peninsula Schools. 

Little Hearts Playgroup

What a success!

Next Session - 2nd September

To build further on our amazing community spirit, we started our first 'Little Hearts Playgroup' this Friday and what an extraordinary success this was for our current and prospective families. In total we had 28 toddlers and pre-schoolers attend the morning session after assembly in the library area.  This session ran for approximately 90 minutes and was a brilliant opportuity to make connections, ask questions and simply start or consider starting the journey at Sacred Heart.    

We encourage all families with preschool age children to come along, so please keep spreading the good word to any friends or family with preschool age children.  The more the merrier for this exciting new initiative.  

Thanks  Karen for setting up the cup of tea or coffee and a bickie for our special visitors. We also thank Virginia Simon and Adele Whineray for supporting and welcoming our families throughout and Mrs Pennington for being in her element reading to the children. We also had some excited senior students who helped out on the day due to the large numbers and many seniors have eagerly requested to support with our next session: 2nd September.  

School Closure

Respectful Relationships

At Sacred Heart, trust and respect for one another are the key to building positive relationships. Our staff continue to provide every opportunity for the students in their care to grow within a safe and nurturing environment; the optimum conditions for learning. Underpinned by the best evidence based practices and approaches such as Respectful Relationships and Berry Street, we are proudly prioritizing the wellbeing of all members of our community.  

The staff had a hugely beneficial day last Friday for their Respectful Relationships professional learning. Perhaps the most affirming aspect of the day was the feedback from the facilitators, invited colleagues, MACS representatives and staff from surrounding schools who noted the investment and passion from our staff. We again acknowledge Mr Brown for his leadership and efforts in inspiring our team, students and families with this invaluable program. We simply cannot underestimate the impact and influence this program is having in shaping our children and culture. Promoting inclusivity, respectful relationships and positive behaviours and attitudes will remain our priority at Sacred Heart. 

Feedback from another school in attendance:

I just felt the need to reach out to you and say a big thank you for offering to have us at the RR PD last week.

It has been on my mind ever since. Not only due to the energy of the PD itself but also the 'vibe' and friendliness of your staff. It was so inspiring to be amongst people who were all on board and passionate about the children in their care. 

Anyway, thanks for including us on the day and all the best for continued success in implementing the program. 

NEW FAMILIES

Over the coming weeks and months we are thrilled to announce  a good few new families will join Sacred Heart across various grade levels. This is certainly worth celebrating as most have been referred on by current families - thank you! We warmly welcomed Nate and the Dooley family to our wonderful community on Monday. Thanks 1/2P and Miss Prosser for making Nate’s first day a 10/10.  

This week, as I showed a potential student through the school, we visited the senior classes  and I asked the students if they would love another student to join them later this year. The response was met with cheers and a resounding yes.  Later that day, I had two students from Yr.5 drop by my office with handwritten letters and a passionate plea as to why the new student should join their class.

"We can make him feel welcome." 

"Our teacher is calm and my sister and I love/d having him as our teacher." 

"He can sit at my table and I'll make him feel so welcome and show him around our great school." 

You made my day Joel & Jasper, as this is what we are all about at Sacred Heart - welcome and inclusivity. We continue to shape impressionable and awesome students at Sacred Heart! #itsmorethanacademics

Not surprisingly, another affirming observation on this tour was the tremendous sense of welcome offered by our teachers as we entered the classrooms. These 1%ers and first impressions are one of the many reasons why families choose our wonderful school. 

School Tours 

In recent weeks (even over the semester break) it has been terrific to take families around the school on tours. Either looking to join our Prep intake or enter at another year level, we have just loved this opportunity to showcase our school and share our story. Keep up the great work families as many families are citing your referrals #bestschoolinthebayside

Prep Orientation 2022

• Prep Information Evening – Tuesday 18th October 7pm – MacKillop Hall (Enter via Sandringham Road gate)
• Orientation Session #1 – Wednesday 26th October 9:15am - 10:15am
•  Orientation Session #2 – Wednesday 2nd November 9:15am - 11:00am
• Orientation Session #3 – Wednesday 9th November  9:15am - 11:30am

Children attend all Orientation sessions, and the times are extended each time from the first one hour block, to build up confidence and stamina.  We will have refreshments for parents who wish to stay on site during the orientation sessions, or alternatively you can take advantage of having some time to enjoy the local cafes.

MACSSIS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SURVEYS 

Next week, random families will be sent a letter with information regarding the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). The 2022 edition of these surveys will be shared with parents, staff and relevant students to complete in the coming weeks. We encourage families to please take the time to complete them as the more reliable the data will be. This year’s MACSSIS will be open from Monday 29 August to Friday 16 September 2022. We sincerely thank you for your support with this school improvement survey. 

Swimming Program 2023

We are in the process of finalizing the cost for the 8 session swimming program to be introduced in Term 4 this year. This program will be for Yr.1 - Yr.6 students only and some costs for families will be offset by grants. Karen will send an email outlining the cost in the coming weeks. We expect all children in Yr.1-6 to participate in this invaluable program. 

Program: 11th - 21st October (excluding Monday 17th). 

P&F NEWS

Annual Masquerade Ball 

26th November 

and 

Father's Day Stall

A must for all families, so lock in the date and start your planning for what is certain to a stunning and fun night in Term 4 for the inaugral Sacred Heart Masquerade Ball.  

Please drop by the office from time-to-time to see how our the new P&F fundraising barometer is tracking. One target already met and new furniture for the junior school arriving in September. Next target is senior furniture and digital display panels for some of the classrooms. We remain indebted to our most generous families and P&F for their fundraising efforts.

New Calendar 

Karen has linked our school Google calendar to the school website. This live calendar reflects  key events within the community. 

Little Gems

It was pretty special to drop into Prep and see Magnus play his new harmonica. I melted with joy as the students sung 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" accompanied by Magnus on the harmonica. Miss Maloney continues to create the conditions (warmth and confidence) for these special moments to happen with her gorgeous class. 

MAKING REAL LIFE CONNECTIONS

Always looking for real life connections, it was pretty special to see the Yr.1/2s bake some yummy pizzas for their engaging fraction maths lesson. 

Mr Blake was in his element on Friday morning as he mixed up the regular Friday morning Running Club with a range of fitness activities. Our students, staff and parents just loved his PT session to get their day going. Just for the record, we have some very competitive parents in our community.  

Key Dates and Reminders

• Dendy Athletics - 30th August
• Father's Day stall- 31st August/1st September
• Father’s Day Assembly - 2nd September
• Dad’s Footy Day - 3rd September
• End of Term - 16th September

And finally...

As I observe my tiring staff, I again ask our families to carefully monitor what is certain to be amplified fatigue across our students in the coming weeks. So let's please put some sensible measures in place to ensure we make it to the finish line in a safe and positive manner. 

We've got this - three full weeks before we close out Term 3. 

No finals footy for this disappointed Blue Boy, (Editor's note: GO TIGES!!!)

Simon Collis

Principal