Message From Our
Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Next Sunday we begin the Advent Season. Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is the season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent Liturgies will take place again and classes will be present and record a reflection focusing on each of the four weeks. These will then be played to all the other classes. These are always prayerful, lovely reflections and I’m sure they will be something very special again this year.
I am very pleased to announce our new staffing for 2021. Emily Slaughter comes to us from St Augustine’s College, Kyabram and Nicole Brown is currently teaching at P-12 Kyabram. Both of these teachers bring with them a wide range of skills and experience and a great passion for learning and teaching. We are delighted to have Emily and Nicole join us in 2021, and look forward to them being part of our wonderful school community.
Alexander McKinnon, who has taken leave over the past two years has decided to continue his role at MCP, Notre Dame College and will not return to Sacred Heart School. We wish Alexander all the best and thank him for his many years of dedicated work in our school community.
The last School Board meeting of the year took place last night. Not only was it our last meeting of the year but it will also be our last meeting under the name, Sacred Heart School Board. There will be minimal changes to the role of this group and the wonderful work they do on behalf of our school but with the changes in Governance taking place in 2021 it will now be known as Sacred Heart Advisory Council. Agenda items discussed by Board members at our final meeting of the year included 2021 School fees and levies and planning for the coming year. We also viewed our new website which will go live today. I would like to sincerely thank Board members for their valued support, advice and time given throughout this year.
As mentioned above our new school website will go live today. We hope this will be an effective and engaging way to communicate all the exciting learning and important information needed for those using the website. Please take a little time to browse through the website and see what’s new. There is further information as to how to access Out of Uniform notices and OSHC cancellations on the school news page of this newsletter. Thank you, to Jenni Kennedy, [CES Communications Manager] for the beautiful photos and Sally Dickinson for all her work in getting this project completed. The school app will be phased out so please take the time to become familiar with the website.
Mr Hooper’s Art classes are busy finishing off all their Term 4 Art pieces ready for the Sacred Heart Virtual Art Exhibition next week.
A real example of our Mercy school spirit is the generosity shown each year in our Christmas Appeal. As part of their Religious Education Unit, Year 5 and 6 will be leading this initiative with their Giving Tree. There is further information about this in the newsletter but we ask that all families donate items to be passed on to our local SVDP for families who need some extra support to enjoy Christmas. Hopefully we can be very generous, fill up our sleigh and enjoy the real spirit of giving this Christmas.
Orientation Day will take place on Tuesday, December 8th, however will be a little different because of the existing government restrictions. At 12:30-1:30 all current students from F-5 will spend an hour in their new learning area with their 2021 class and teacher. Our current Year 6s can come to school as usual and will be involved in other activities during this time. Foundation students have received information regarding their arrangements for this day.
With the hot weather on its way, we ask that all children bring a big supply of water each day. Teachers will refill bottles as needed but we are still unable to turn the bubblers on. A reminder too that in order for children to participate in any outdoor activities they must have a school hat for sun protection.
Congratulations to Maggie Pogue and Amelia Petrie who received the Principal’s Awards. Maggie consistently follows our school PBIS expectations in the yard and in the classroom. She is a real quiet achiever, she's an extremely hard worker but also very modest. Maggie is always a great friend, has beautiful manners and a warm, welcoming smile. Amelia is an excellent role model to others who is always doing her best and giving things a go. She is reliable, responsible and always treats others with kindness and respect. Well done Maggie and Amelia.
A reminder that Friday, December 4th will be a student free day. Staff will be at school planning for 2021.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to watch over our school community and bless us always.
Pauline Hindson
Principal
Jobseeker & CSEF
For parents/guardians who have recently applied for the Government's JobSeeker support due to COVID-19 and now hold a Health Care Card your children may be eligible for Camps, Sports and Excursions Funding (CSEF) of $125 per student. Please complete the application form from the school website link below, return to the completed form to the school office and we will lodge an application for CSEF on your behalf.
The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria has advised that the eligibility for the CSEF has been extended to Monday 5 October, with the closing date for CSEF applications now Friday 27 November. Please note we will be unable to lodge applications after this date.