Principal News 

WEEK 9 - TERM 4

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Are we there yet?

Dear Families,

Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe we only have 8 ½ days left before we close out our fabulous school year.  In spite of this timeline, it’s most affirming to note our staff still have a gentle foot on the ‘learning’ accelerator as they approach the finish line to ensure we maximize every precious minute and keep the students focused. 

Whilst we only have a few days remaining, we are noticing the emotional 'elastic band' is starting to stretch - typically toward the end of term. We ask for your support to carefully monitor for signs of fatigue and emotional irritability. Earlier nights, limiting device/screen time and perhaps the odd circuit breaker or afternoon of rest is encouraged.  

For our Yr.6 students in particular, we must commend them for their wonderful manner as they start their transition to secondary school. For some, this feels quite real now as they have spent some time at their new school in recent days. We cannot underestimate how our most senior students must be feeling as they prepare for their next chapter. From the excitement of new beginnings, to letting go and celebrating their precious formative years at Sacred Heart, this will certainly be a roller coaster of emotions in the coming days for our 6ers. One thing is for sure, they will ALWAYS be welcome back for visits. 

In addition, typically we expect some restlessness from our Prep - Yr.5 students as their thinking gently shifts towards a new level and potential new teacher in 2023.  Not surprisingly, I have had some students try to elicit their teachers' names for next year, ahead of the ‘moving up’ day, December 12. Be assured we will support all students with this change and transitional period.

On that note, in light of Mrs Brown's movement, we have employed Miss Donnelly as one of the full-time Yr.2 teachers in 2023. During her most impressive interview, Miss Donnelly highlighted the diverse range of educational settings she has worked across in recent years. Her stunning journey and clear passion for wellbeing, literacy and maths makes her a perfect fit for Sacred Heart.  We have struck gold, yet again, with another exceptional Irish educator joining our community. Miss Donnelly will be here for the ‘moving up’ day and a planning session with her new team in the coming days. 

We are also thrilled to announce the final piece of our specialist puzzle has been filled with Miss Robertson joining as our new ‘music’ teacher. This slight change of tact with our specialist program was influenced by Miss Roberson’s clear love of music and singing with children. She currently works as an accomplished singing teacher (inc. choir, solos & Glee groups) and we cannot wait to see her impact across the school as our students just love to sing and perform. Miss Roberston will also drop in next week to ensure she has a great handover from Miss Bryce.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

This week, our ‘whole staff’ gathered to review our Annual Action Plan for 2022. This plan involves a series of targeted school improvement goals, outcomes and strategies across 5 school spheres:

• Education in Faith
• Learning and Teaching
• Student Wellbeing
• School Community
• Leadership and Management

Led by members of the leadership team, staff rotated through each AAP sphere to review how we were tracking as a school. With a focus on ‘what has worked well’ and ‘more of’ in 2023, this was an incredibly affirming process for our team. From a personal perspective, I was overwhelmed by the responsiveness of our staff and their strong desire to keep raising the bar next year and continue our investment in a clear and purposeful school improvement agenda. 

In the coming weeks, the leadership will prioritize key items from this review process to consolidate and implement in 2023. Our focus again next year will be to ‘do less well’ and only invest in evidence-based practices that will have the greatest impact on student outcomes. Please note, discretion will be used by leadership to focus on priorities and experiences of what works well/best. In time, we look forward to sharing the finalized AAP with our families. 

CURRICULUM PLANNING 2023

In addition to the above plans, we are pleased to acknowledge Sarah Rafferty has worked intently and purposefully with ‘all’ teaching teams in recent days planning for 2023. Sarah’s leadership and clear direction (inc. structures and processes) and expectations with our teaching and learning program will see greater gains and clarity for our teams next year as we seek to better map, align and maximize the curriculum exposure and delivery for our students. 

As many may not be aware, we have a particularly crowded curriculum, and catering for ALL of these curriculum entitlements continues to be a challenge for our schools. We are indebted to Miss Rafferty for this comprehensive review of the curriculum and pulling this complex puzzle together to ensure our 25hr learning week consists of: 10hrs Literacy, 5hrs Maths and 10 hrs of other key curriculum areas (*RE, Topic, History, Science, Geography, Civics & Citizenship, Wellbeing and a 4hr specialist program). 

Please note, assembly, masses, liturgies, morning prayer, excursions, incursions and additional sporting activities are included in the hourly portions of *other subject curriculum entitlements. This is typically averaged out over the course of the term. 

I once again thank our staff for their enthusiasm and hard work in preparation for the new school year and Miss Rafferty for her most considerable investment in leading our teams with this pivotal area of school improvement. We are in for another exciting ride in 2023 with more notable shifts on how we do things at Sacred Heart.  

MOVING FURNITURE DAY - DEC 9

Next Tuesday, we hope to see the arrival of our new senior school furniture so generously paid for by our P&F. As a result of all classrooms being relocated in 2023, we have scheduled a BIG moving day next Friday, December 9. Next year, we will align classrooms in order from Prep to Yr.6 throughout the school. Due to the nature of this move, MANY adult hands will be required to support with the moving of furniture. If you are able to support at any stage throughout the day, we welcome your help largely moving tables and chairs to these new learning areas.  Navigating the stairwell is a priority as the Preps will move downstairs and Yr.6 upstairs. 

Christmas Play & Carols

8th December 6pm - 8pm

Our Christmas play and Carols evening is fast approaching, and two weeks ago an Operoo email was sent to all families with a list of costumes for classes and also main characters. All costumes should now be in a named bag and at school. If not, please ensure your child's costume is at school on Monday at the latest.

We again sincerely thank Ms Bryce and Mr Thiessens for their work in supporting the children with their preparation and rehearsals. This unique production was written by our multi-talented Mr Thiessens. 

STAFFING 2023

We are pleased to confirm all staffing has been finalized and aligns beautifully with our well considered and balanced student classes for 2023. The important moving up day on the 12th December will be a wonderful opportunity for our staff to get a better sense of these student dynamics and set the tone for the new school year.    Thank you again for trusting the professional judgements with these arrangements.  As disappointed as some students may be not knowing their teacher for 2023, trust these details will be sent on Monday via Operoo. 

LEADERSHIP 2023

We love your work Mrs Brown. Our multi-talented Yr1/2 teacher recently coordinated an Art Show at St Agnes where she works one day a week as the specialist teacher. What an incredible achievement, particularly working across both schools. In chasing her passion for art, we once again wish Mrs Brown every success next year as the newly appointed fulltime art teacher at St Pat's, Mentone. They are so fortunate to have you. 

NATIVITY SCENES 

What a joy it has been to watch the juniors enter the gates this week with their home-made nativity scenes. Not only marking the significance of the season of Advent, but also showcasing their creativity for this special occasion. Thank you parents for your gentle encouragement with these important projects, the children were so proud of their efforts and would have loved your involvement. 

JUNIOR ADVENT LITURGY

What a stunning way for our P-2 students to gather for their special Advent liturgy on Tuesday morning. From reflective prayer, to the Gospel reading, prayers of intention and beautiful singing, this was just such a lovely way to start the day for our students and families. Thanks to the junior team for preparing this important celebration. 

Yr.2 SLEEPOVER

Many thanks to our dedicated Junior Team (Miss Rafferty, Miss Prosser, Mrs Harper & Miss Healey*) for generously supporting our Yr.2s with their ‘overnight’ camping experience. Our Year 2s were just fabulous and just adapted superbly to their first school sleepover on Thursday evening. Whilst we acknowledge the timing is not ideal at this late stage of the year (student fatigue and staffing demands), this remains a perfect entrypoint for a sleepover in an all too familiar environment - their classrooms. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

In addition to the wonderful Yr.5 leadership videos viewed prior to, it was such a privilege to have interviews with all potential School Captains this week. Such was the quality of these outstanding nominees, Mrs Pennington and I spent a number of days deliberating over ‘every’ applicant and the eventual outcome for 4 school captains. It has perhaps been my hardest decision since joining Sacred Heart and I cannot commend these students more highly - they were all deserving of this opportunity. Thank you Yr.5, you will all be exceptional leaders next year with many students in the lower levels aspiring to these opportunities as a result of your leadership. 

P&F ELECTION DAY BBQ

Once again, we extend our gratitude to our P&F and team of volunteers for offering their generous time to work the BBQ for the recent State Election booth at Sacred Heart. We remain blessed to have this level of support within our community on such occasions. All funds will be directed towards our students. 

NATE'S FUNDRAISING

For additional information, please read 'Nate's Mental Health Fundraising Page.'

We are super proud Nate McCabe (Yr.3) as he will compete in full 10km Fun Run on Sunday. Nate has been training with his mum to run 10 km for the last 5 months and his determination and persistance was on full show as he completed a non-stop10km training session just prior to the election booth BBQ opening last Saturday.  Nate's last few metres were running a few laps of the school playground 10.02m.  

Always wearing his heart on his sleeve, he would love nothing more than everyone getting behind him to believe he can finish this. If you would like to donate towards mental health (in particular, Nate says he’s running to protect his friends from being worried) and also leave a little note of encouragement on his dashboard he would be over the moon. Every little bit counts.

Nate's fundraising page:

https://2xuwellness22.grassrootz.com/beyondblue/nate-mccabe

He’s already managed to raise over $2000!

Good luck, Nate, we are so proud of your efforts and focus on raising funds for mental health. 

"It's a merry, merry Christmas..."

Little Hearts Playgroup

What a beautiful way to finish our final Little Hearts Playgroup with a festive Christmas celebration on Friday. Once again, we sincerely thank Carol Mathias for providing the entertainment with a gorgeous arrangement of Christmas songs and carols and our parent reps, Bridget Lynch and Adele Whineray for so warmly welcoming our families. We also thank Karen and Brigid for setting up each morning for these sessions. Be assured, we will definitely be back next year with this highly successful and requested playgroup. Dates will be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

VINNIES VIDEO

Yr.6 ANNUAL SLEEPOUT FOR THE HOMELESS

Little Gems

Is their a better way to for students and families to finish their week than with Mr Brown and Mr Blake's Boot Camp before school every Friday morning.  This wonderful program has been such welcome option for our active students (and parents) looking to kick start their Friday morning before heading off to class or work. We love your inspiring work Mr Brown and Mr Blake. 

Key Dates and Reminders

Please note we have started to include some 2023 dates in the 'Key Dates' page.

• 8th Dec - Christmas play & Carols 
• 9th Dec - End of Year Mass
• 12th Dec - Moving Up Day
• 13th Dec - Yr.6 Big Day Out
• 14th Dec - Yr.6 Graduation and last day for Yr.6
• 15th Dec - Students' Last Day
• 16th Dec - Staff Last Day

And finally...

Please note, we will only have one more newsletter for the school year and this will include some key reminders for 2023 and 2022 acknowledgements. We also wish to confirm, leaving families will be acknowledged at the close of Yr.6 Graduation liturgy. We appreciate this will feel different for some families based on previous years. 

Simon Collis

Principal