Term 2 - Week 4 (10th May, 2024)

From The Principal

Dear Families, 

Parent Engagement – You will often hear schools and the media talking about the importance of parent engagement. Parent engagement includes any activity that involves parents in the learning of their children. The impact of parent engagement on a child’s learning is well documented. 

Parent ‘engagement’ is not to be confused with ‘involvement’. Involvement is any activity a parent or family member does in a school that is not linked to learning. Helping at the weekend barbeque fundraiser or volunteering as a timekeeper at our athletics carnival are examples of involvement. Parent involvement is necessary and appreciated but does not directly impact the learning of your child. 

Examples of parent engagement include: 

• Asking your child about what they are learning and how they are going. 
• Attending parent and teacher meetings. 
• Coming along to parent information sessions run by educators. 
• Email communications to check in on the progress of your child. 
• Attending conferences or seminars about your child’s learning. 
• Working with other professionals (e.g., Speech Language Pathologists) to enhance your child’s learning. 

The thing often not mentioned when talking about the impact of a parent’s level of engagement, is the effect on the child when they see their parent taking an interest in their learning.  

It was wonderful to see so many mothers and mother-like-figures along to our Mother’s Day afternoon on Tuesday. To have so many parents come along to classrooms to see what learning is taking place in their classrooms, is just another way that we try to engage families in the learning of their child. Thank you to those of you who were able to be a part your child’s classroom and our Mother’s Day celebration. 

Farewell Mrs Jesshope and Welcome Mr Young – Today we farewell Mrs Jesshope who will be leaving our school for a period of parental leave to take care of soon-to-arrive, Baby Jesshope. Her work, both as a classroom practitioner and leader of all things child behaviour and wellbeing, has been very much appreciated by her children, families and fellow staff. We look forward to Hannah’s return to Sacred Heart and to the news of Baby Jesshope’s arrival in the weeks to come. As was communicated a few weeks ago to the Year 2J parents, Mr Reilly Young will be continuing the great work of Mrs Jesshope in the classroom with 2J. The learners of 2J were able to meet with Mr Young when he visited and they are very excited about him becoming their new teacher. 

Congratulations to our Cross Country Runners – well done to all of our runners who represented our school at the Zones Cross Country Carnival last week. Many of these children have been training for some time and being able to represent their school at this level, is testament to their hard work. Good luck to MaCalla Pearson and Anita Juac, who were chosen to represent West Zones at the next level of competition. 

I wish all of our Mums a great Mother’s Day this Sunday. 

God bless, 

Mr Tyronne Maher

From The APRE

Mother’s Day originated in the United States, where it is observed on the second Sunday in May. During the Middle Ages the custom developed of allowing those who had moved away to visit their home parishes and their mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent.  Let us remember all mother’s throughout the world, especially Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Let their strength and compassion guide us all. 

 Whole School Mother’s Day Afternoon 
It was amazing to see all the Mums, Nans, Aunties and other Mother figures here on Tuesday for our Mother’s Day Afternoon. The students loved having you come into their classrooms and see what they have been learning. Thank you to the PEN committee and their volunteers for setting up the afternoon tea. A special thank you to 4M for leading us in a beautiful liturgy - your song was sensational! As the students shared, the infinite support and guidance that you give to your children is greatly appreciated.  

See you around Mrs Jesshope! 

During the Mother’s Day afternoon, we also wished Mrs Jesshope all the best during her leave. Mr and Mrs Jesshope are expecting the delivery of their first baby later this month. We have been very fortunate to have Mrs Jesshope working in the school for over eight years! We are not saying goodbye, just see you later! 

Prep Mother’s Day 

Today the Prep classes held their Mother’s Day Morning. The students led a beautiful prayer gathering then pampered their mums to say thank you for all that they do.  

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For me, being a mum is the highlight of my life… and I am so lucky to be able to support and guide so many students in the work that I do daily. We wish all mums a wonderful day on Sunday. Enjoy your special time with your family celebrating the amazing person that you are! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 

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 Mrs Katie Horne

Prayer of the Week

Student Protection Contacts

School Student Protection Contacts (SSPC) 
Our school has five School Student Protection Contacts. Mr Maher, Mrs Jackman, Mrs Horne, Mrs Barrett and Ms Campbell. These are nominated staff members to whom students, staff and parents can raise concerns related to student safety. Although School Student Protection Contacts receive additional training, all school staff receive regular training and information to enable them to respond to student protection concerns. 

From The Middle Leader/Curriculum Co-ordinator

Unlocking Your Child’s Mathematical Journey:
Foundation (Prep) to Year 6 

Introduction 
As educators and parents, we play a crucial role in supporting our children’s learning. Understanding their mathematical progression from Foundation (Prep) to Year 6 helps us guide them effectively. Let’s explore this journey in parent-friendly language. 

The Building Blocks 
Foundation (Prep) 

• Number Sense: Your child begins by understanding numbers, counting, and basic addition and subtraction.
• Measurement: They explore length, mass, and capacity using everyday objects.
• Geometry: Identifying shapes and patterns becomes exciting!

Year 1 and 2 

• Number and Place Value: Your child consolidates understanding of numbers up to 100, place value, and basic operations.
• Measurement: They learn about time, money, and simple conversions.
• Geometry: Exploring 2D and 3D shapes is like solving puzzles.

Year 3 and 4 

• Multiplication and Division: Fluency in multiplication tables develops, along with division strategies.
• Fractions and Decimals: They dive into fractions, decimals, and their equivalence.
• Measurement: Area, perimeter, and volume become familiar terms.
• Patterns and Algebra: Recognising and extending number patterns is a fun challenge.

Year 5 and 6 

• Number and Place Value: Working with larger numbers, decimals, and percentages.
• Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: Comparing, ordering, and operating with these concepts.
• Measurement: Calculating area, volume, and converting units.
• Geometry: Exploring angles, symmetry, and coordinate geometry.
• Statistics and Probability: Collecting, organising, and interpreting data.

How Can You Support? 

1. Be Curious: Ask your child about their mathematics lessons. What did they learn today? Share their excitement!
2. Real-Life Maths: Involve them in cooking, shopping, and measuring. Maths is everywhere!
3. Games and Puzzles: Play mathematical games, solve puzzles, and explore patterns together.
4. Positive Attitude: Encourage their efforts. Maths can be challenging, but persistence pays off.

Every student’s mathematical journey is an adventure. By understanding their progress, we can empower them to embrace Maths with confidence. Let’s unlock their potential, one Maths problem at a time! 🌟🔢 

Mrs Charlie Barrett

From the Learning Support Teacher

What is the NCCD?  

The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with disability. It requires all schools to report the data collected for the NCCD to the Australian Governments each year.  The NCCD enables schools, education authorities (such as the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office) and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.  

Within the NCCD students are provided supports at 4 levels 

• Quality Differentiated Teaching Practice where supports are provided within the usual teaching practice for diverse learners. 
• Supplementary Level where supports are provided for particular activities at particular times throughout the week. 
• Substantial Level where supports are provided for most activities on most days. 
• Extensive Level where adjustments are highly individualised and are provided at all times. 

The categories for disabilities include 

• Sensory eg visual and hearing impairment. 
• Cognitive eg Intellectual Disability, ASD, Speech Language Impairment. 
• Social Emotional eg anxiety disorders, conduct disorders 
• Physical eg Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, acquired brain injury. 

Recently schools have been involved in moderation processes to ensure the judgements being made regarding categories and levels are consistent across schools and education systems.   

Please ask your classroom teacher or contact myself, if you would like any information about the NCCD or the support being provided to your child. 

Mrs Genny McNair

From the Guidance Counsellor

Momentum

Momentum is a new free online evidence-based program, called, Momentum, has just been released, to help children with emotional difficulties. Momentum (momentumhub.org.au) offers tailored online treatment programs to help children and adolescents (7-17) learn new ways to cope with feelings of anxiety and/or unhappiness. Momentum also offers help with sleep difficulties, as well as information on well-being and help-seeking, and tips and information about substance use for adolescents. 

Momentum has been designed in collaboration with young people, parents, clinicians and researchers. The program is free to use in Australia and can be worked through at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. 

Want a better overview? Explore the site and check out  the short videos that overview the program for 7-12 year olds, 13-17 year olds or on the parent page.   

Who is behind Momentum?  Momentum has a strong research background and involves a range of University and Translation partners including: University of Southern Queensland, Griffith University, Federation University, Queensland University of Technology, and the Australian National University.  

Mrs Sarah Jackman

Prep Enrolment

The Arts

Choir: 
The Sacred Heart School Choir will be competing in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod at the Empire Theatre in the following sections. 

Friday 17th May 
The choir will be performing in the Primary School Hymn Singing section during the evening session, which commences at 6pm. 
Arrive: 5.45pm (Grassed area next to the Empire Theatre Ticket Box Office) 
Approx finish time: 7.30pm (collect out the front of the Empire) 

Sunday 19th May 
The choir will be performing in the Primary School B Grade Choir section during the afternoon session, which commences at 2.30pm. 
Arrive: 1.50pm (Grassed area next to the Empire Theatre Ticket Box Office) 
Approx finish time: 4.00pm (collect out the front of the Empire) 

Your child will need to wear full school winter uniform, as stated by the school rules. Students will not be able to leave prior to the approximated finish times, unless organised with Miss Runciman in advance. There is no cost for the students to perform at this event. Parents will need to purchase tickets from the Empire Theatre Box Office if you would like to watch their child perform. Please complete the parent portal for this event if your child is involved. 

Dance / Drama Showcase (Week 6): School Hall
Part of the National Curriculum is that students need to have the opportunity to perform their work in a public arena. The showcase aims for students to share their performances with other classes and parents.  

Thursday 23rd May: 11 – 1pm : 3C, 4M, 5R, 6B: 3C/4M will have the finalists from the Poem in Pairs and a dance routine. 5R will be performing a First Nation Drama and Dance routine and 6B will be performing different Fairy Tales. 

Friday 24th May: 11 - 12pm :  PN, PC, 1T, 1J, 2J, 2/3C: Each class will perform a small poem of some type and dance routine. 

Lunchtime Concert: Wednesday, 5th June 1.00-1.40pm:
We will be holding a low-key lunchtime Concert in the hall on this day. Miss Joy will discuss with her students who will be participating. The Junior and Senior Dance club will be having their debut performance at this concert. 

Instrumental Program:
There are still spots available for this year. If you would like to enrol your child, please fill in the online form below or contact me directly via email. Cherie.Runciman@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Ms Cherie Runciman

Library News

Both students and staff are looking forward to the up and coming library event. On May 16th and 17th we have 2 authors, Nat Amoore and Gregg Dreise visiting our Years 1 – 6 students.

Each author will run a workshop, talking about their writing / illustrating processes.   

Being able to react with a ‘real live’ author gives the students a great thrill and often provides a spark for their own writing. 

During library lessons the students have already been introduced to these authors and some of their books. 

The program for the two days is as follows:   

Thursday, 16th Nat Amoore:  9.00 – 10.00 Years 4 – 6  

Friday, 17th Gregg Dreise – 2.00 – 2.45 Years 1 – 3  

Later in the term, June 21st, Emma MacTaggart (local Toowoomba author) will visit our Prep classes.

 Mrs Jan Watkins

Sport

Zone Cross Country 
On Friday 26th April, we had ten students represent the school at the Western Zone Cross Country at Kearneys Spring. All the students ran well and should be proud of their achievements. Congratulations to Anita Juac (6B) and MaCalla Pearson (5R) who will be competing at the Darling Downs Cross Country next Tuesday (14th May). We are so proud of you! 

Athletics Carnival 
In sport, the students have been busily learning and practicing their events for our Athletics Carnival on Friday 7th June. Please note that the (2012-2015) High Jump and 800m races will run earlier than the remainder of the events. More details to follow via the Sentral App next week.  

 Mrs Katie Horne and Miss Elley Pinnuck

Year 6 Winter Meal Deal Fundraiser

This term on Wednesday of Week 9 (12/6/24), Year 6 is organising a meal deal consisting of a hot milo/chocolate (with marshmallow) and noodles for $5 at lunch time.  

Gluten free options for both items are available. 

Funds raised assist with the costs of the Grad Mag publication and end of year decorations for Graduation.  

Please order on Flexischools by the afternoon of Monday 10th June.

The Change Project - Pietra Kids

2024 Fee Schedule

Term 2 School Fees have been charged to family accounts and sent via email and were due on 3 May 2024.    The School accepts payment as a Bank Transfer, Direct Debit or Centrepay.  To set up an automatic payment please complete the Direct Debit Form below.  If you need assistance please contact the School Office.

The Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop hours:
Mondays (THIS INCLUDES PUPIL FREE DAYS) & Thursdays 8.00am - 10:30am.  If a Public Holiday falls on a Uniform Shop day, the Uniform Shop will be closed.

PLEASE NOTE: WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT DONATIONS OF PRE-LOVED ITEMS
Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

*We accept EFTPOS only - NO CASH OR LAYBY*  

SCHOOL BAGS: School Bags are COMPULSORY to the WHOLE SCHOOL.
Do you have the correct bag?  These are available from the Uniform Shop for $39.50 

SCHOOL PULLOVERS - This is a compulsory uniform item for Years 1 to 6.

SPRAY JACKETS are compulsory for students in Years 1-6 only.
PREP STUDENTS DO NOT REQUIRE SPRAY JACKETS!

FREE BUTTONS available for boys’ red shirt, girls’ red and white blouse & Prep red polo.

Thank you for your continued support of the school’s uniform shop.

 Mrs Fay Rhodes
Uniform Shop Convenor

Sacred Heart Parish

Tennis Coaching 2024