Term 2 - Week 8 (7th June, 2024)

From The Principal

Dear Parents, 

Attendance Matters – We have all heard the message from schools over the years that, when it comes to attendance, ‘every day counts’. This today is still certainly the case and a message worth revisiting. However, we would go a step further and add that every minute of every day counts. A child that is thirty minutes late each day, loses two and a half hours (or half a day) of learning each week. Arriving late also triggers a heightened, anxious state for most children as they are coming into an environment, not knowing what they have missed in both learning and social interactions. 

A recently published government document, ‘Creating parity- The Forrest Review’*, by Andrew Forrest, identified that if a child’s school attendance falls below 90% (i.e. they frequently miss more than half a day of school a week) their education is considered at risk. If attendance falls below 80% (ie they miss a day of school every week) their education is significantly diminished. Other points raised in the report: 

• Less than 80% attendance - no better than no schooling at all. 
• 90% attendance is required for a child to receive the education needed for job readiness. 
• Attendance is even more important than the quality of the school. 

Attendance is constantly monitored at Sacred Heart Primary School. If an attendance concern is identified, then a letter is sent home that raises the concern and family is invited to discuss with me the reasons for this. If there is still no improvement, a letter is issued stipulating that attendance must improve in a two week period. At the end to the two week period, if there is still no improvement, the family is contacted again to discuss the student’s enrolment at our school.   

An enormous amount of time, planning and funding goes towards ensuring that everything is set for your child’s learning every day. When they are not here to utilise the learning opportunities, this time is wasted. Please contact the school if you are having difficulties getting your child to school. 

* The ‘Forrest Review’*: creating parity (Andrew Forrest, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet) 

First place doesn’t matter, trying does – Today, we held our annual athletics carnival. In talking with the students on Wednesday about their efforts at an event we had completed, I congratulated those who challenged themselves to do their best. In a world where first place is seen to be the more important than anything, we forget to acknowledge and support those who have gone beyond their comfort zone to ‘have a go’ or those who have trained or practiced with the aim to improve. This notion of having a go, is what our parents told us and they were ahead of their time when it comes to instilling in us a growth mindset. 

A person with a growth mindset knows that making a mistake or not coming first is okay. They also know that each learning experience increases their learning and that mistakes are learning opportunities. Children develop this very positive outlook on learning when parents say things like: 

• You didn’t come first but you improved on your last effort! 
• You trained hard, that’s how you got your 2nd place ribbon, well done! 
• Let’s practice your spelling so that we can improve on your first effort. 

 Growth mindsets’ opposing concept is a ‘fixed mindset’. People with a fixed mindset are closed to learning and may even get to a point of not trying. They are the person that will run in the 100m event because they know they’ll come first but will avoid running in the 800m event, because they find this more challenging. They are also the child that will tell their teacher that ‘I’m no good at mathematics’, as a way of saying ‘I’m not going to try here’. 

As parents, we must become experts at encouraging the growth mindset in our children, while identifying and dismantling the fixed mindset that a child may have developed. Nurturing the idea that learning is lifelong, builds success and resilience in our children. 

Enjoy the remainder of your week. 

God bless, 

Mr Tyronne Maher

From The APRE

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development course- ‘SPIRITUS’: Leading Evangelisation in Catholic Education. This course was designed for leaders within schools to assist with development of faith among staff and students. 

Throughout the course, we investigated the importance of the ‘New Evangelisation’ within the Catholic Church and examined the Church Teachings from Pope Paul VI to Pope Francis. We engaged with two lecturers who shared practical ways that we, as religious education leaders, can assist staff and students to build a connection with their Faith using contemporary and engaging experiences.  

Over the past few days, I have been visiting classes during their Religious Education lessons. I have had the pleasure of watching Year 5 perform skits that show ‘the fruits of the spirit’, Year 2/3 learning about the Baptism of Jesus and  Year 1 sharing their knowledge of Baptism, Communion and the Church after visiting the Sacred Heart Parish and Fr Hermi. Thank you to the staff and students for making me feel welcomed into their rooms! 

Sacred Heart Day 

Next Friday, as a school we will be celebrating our feast day: Sacred Heart Day. We will have a liturgy followed by a shared morning tea, rotations in our house groups, Pizza (provided by the PEN) and some fun activities and craft in the afternoon. More information will come via the parent portal as soon as we receive confirmation details from the Council. 

 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

Visual and Media Arts Curriculum in our school: 

Prep: 

• In Prep, our youngest learners engage in Visual Arts by experimenting with colours, shapes, and materials. They create imaginative drawings, explore patterns, and learn about basic art elements. Through playful activities, they develop fine motor skills and express their creativity. 
• In Media Arts, Prep students begin to understand the power of visual communication. They explore simple digital tools, create digital collages, and learn about basic photography concepts. 

Year 1: 

• Year 1 students continue their artistic journey. They explore different media, such as painting, collage, and sculpture. They learn about famous artists and create their own masterpieces. Our budding artists also begin to understand the role of art in different cultures and contexts. 
• In Media Arts, Year 1 students experiment with short-animated clips using basic software, exploring storytelling through visuals and motion. 

Year 2: 

• In Year 2, students delve deeper into visual arts. They refine their techniques, experiment with composition, and explore themes. Students learn about art history and analyse artworks. They express their ideas through various forms, from self-portraits to nature-inspired pieces. 
• In Media Arts, Year 2 students explore digital storytelling. They create simple narratives using images and text, enhancing their media literacy skills. 

Year 3: 

• Year 3 artists expand their horizons. They explore mixed media, printmaking, and digital art. Students investigate cultural diversity in art and create collaborative projects. They also learn about the power of visual storytelling and how art can communicate emotions and narratives. 
• In Media Arts, Year 3 students explore basic video editing. They learn about shot composition, transitions, and sound effects, creating short video clips related to their interests. 

Year 4: 

• Year 4 students focus on creativity and critical thinking. They explore abstract art, perspective, and design principles. Our young artists experiment with colour theory and create artworks inspired by their environment. They also learn about Indigenous art and its significance. 
• In Media Arts, Year 4 students dive into graphic design. They create posters, logos, and digital advertisements, understanding how visual elements convey messages. 

Year 5: 

• In Year 5, students engage in both visual and media arts. They explore photography, graphic design, and animation. Students analyse advertisements, explore symbolism, and create digital collages. They also learn about ethical considerations in media production. 
• In Media Arts, Year 5 students explore digital photography. They learn about composition, lighting, and photo editing, capturing moments and telling stories through images. 

Year 6: 

• Finally, our Grade 6 artists refine their skills. They study art movements, experiment with 3D art, and create multimedia presentations. Students explore the impact of media on society and develop their own artistic voice.  It's a year of growth, creativity, and self-expression! 
• In Media Arts, Year 6 students delve into video production. They script, shoot, and edit short films, combining visual storytelling with technical skills. 

At Sacred Heart we encourage the artistic journey of all our students! 

Mrs Charlie Barrett

From the Learning Support Teacher

The role of the School Guidance Counsellor 

We are very fortunate to have the services of Sarah Jackman in our school, particularly as Guidance Counsellors are in very short supply.   

One role of the School Guidance Counsellor is to support student well-being and this can best be achieved through a whole school approach with the promotion of programs like our Positive Behaviour for Learning program (PB4L), Zones of Regulation and Smiling Minds.   

Sarah can be used for short term intervention for students in crisis situations such as trauma or death in the family.  However, if a child is needing intensive, ongoing support, it is recommended they be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.  When time allows, she does conduct check-ins with particular students who have been raised previously.  

Sarah is also qualified to conduct assessments including cognitive assessments and screeners for ASD and ADHD. Sarah can complete reports based on these assessments but is not able to diagnose such conditions.  Once the assessments are completed, a student may be referred through a GP to a psychiatrist or paediatrician who can then make a diagnosis using these reports provided by the school. 

Sarah works 1.5 days and is in the school each Thursday and every second Wednesday. 

Mrs Genny McNair

Prep Enrolment

The Arts

CHOIR:

Congratulations to the Sacred Heart Choir and their involvement at the Toowoomba SING OUT this week. The students performed “Whisper” as well as four massed choir songs with 500 students from around the Darling Downsl This was an amazing experience for the students and I hope they enjoyed this opportunity.  

LUNCH TIME CONCERT: Wednesday, 5th June 1.00-1.40pm:

Congratulations to the following students who participated in the lunchtime concert this week.  

Kailee Scheerer-Harrison, Sienna Gunzler, Kimberley Alston, Reagan Morris, Amaraina Levaai, Kiarah-Lee Forbes, Arsheyah Isidto, Ella & Georgia Nissen, Carter Zell , Lucy Laherty, Brydee Nelson, Scarlett Vonhoff, Saskia Neleman-Wilkes, Gabriella Clarke, Kohen Zell, McCalla Pearson, Liam Buckle and the Sacred Heart School band. 

This has been sent through from Miss Joy to all the students involved;  
Congratulations to all students who performed in the instrumental lunchtime concert! You all performed so wonderfully, and you should all be very proud of yourselves for showcasing your musical talents. Thank you to the parents, families, friends and staff for supporting our instrumental students by attending and celebrating the students’ musical success. Many thanks from: Miss Joy 😊 "  

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Dance/Drama Schowcase: School Hall
I am very sorry for the Senior Showcase being cancelled due to my ill health in Week 7. The Senior and Junior Dance Club will be able to perform their dances during Week 10 assembly on Monday 17th June. 

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

Sport

Congratulations Lillie! 

On Monday, Lillie Gilbert attended the Girls Rugby League Trials. Lillie showed determination, skill and great sportsmanship and made the Darling Downs team. We are proud of your achievement Lille! 

 Mrs Katie Horne and Miss Elley Pinnuck

Late Arrivals

Occasionally we have children that are running late for school. 

When arriving late; past 8:40am; children are to be escorted by an adult family member to the office so that a late slip can be completed (by the adult). From here, your child will be sent to class. Family members are not to be escorting children to class past 8:40am. Very young children (Prep and year 1 students) will be shown to their class by a member of staff. 

Thank you for your support. 

Parking at the School

Please be reminded that the Church Carpark is only for Prep parents for pick up and drop off, no long term parking.  Should the school have an event on, parking is NOT permitted in the Church Carpark.  Other areas to park are the top carpark in North Street, Tor, Prosser and Fitztpatrick Streets. 

Thank you for your attention. 

Year 6 Winter Meal Deal Fundraiser

Next Wednesday 12th June 2024, 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.

Classroom Awards

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