Term 3 - Week 6 (16th August 2024)

From The Principal

Dear Families, 

Strategies for Life’s Challenges – Embracing the ‘Pit’! -  We all understand the concept of resilience, but how do we cultivate it in our children? In a world overflowing with information and constant change, it’s crucial to help children understand and interpret their surroundings and their role within it. As a school community, our mission is clear: we aim to nurture resilient, lifelong learners. 

As parents, we naturally worry about our children’s feelings. From a young age, children learn to communicate their needs for survival. When they’re hungry or in pain, they cry, and we respond. As they grow, they articulate their feelings so we can assist them. But what should this assistance look like as they mature? This can be a tricky area for adults. Sometimes, we take the path of least resistance and do things for them, inadvertently forming habits we didn’t intend. For instance, if a sick child crawls into bed with you one night and continues to do so for two months, you quickly learn that getting them back to their own bed as soon as possible is best for everyone’s sleep. 

At Sacred Heart, our learners are familiar with the concept of ‘being in the pit’. The ‘learning pit’ is a metaphor for explaining and reflecting on the strategies lifelong learners need when faced with challenges. Discussing the strategies needed for a particular lesson or day, or reviewing what was used when challenged, helps children understand the ‘tools’ they might need next time. This concept applies not only to academic subjects like Mathematics or reading but also to life’s challenges in general. 

Consider a child experiencing friendship difficulties. You could solve the problem for them by intervening at school or keeping them home until they feel better. While these are strategies, they don’t involve the child doing any of the work, thus missing the opportunity to learn how to handle such situations in the future. Instead, sharing an example of a time when you were challenged and discussing how you resolved it can build their strategies and resilience. Pair this approach with a quick email to their teacher, and you create a supportive environment that encourages your child to tackle the problem themselves. If these strategies don’t seem to be working, follow up with the teacher. Always keep your child’s teacher informed and partner with them to build these strategies. This collaborative effort pays off significantly, equipping our children with the tools to face challenges throughout their lives. 

God bless, 

Mr Tyronne Maher

From The APRE

Assumption of Mary 

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast Day for ‘The Assumption of Mary.’  It is a timely reminder that God not only creates human life but also gives it great value. Jesus gave his life on the cross to redeem each individual human person. By doing this, Jesus said, “Your life is worth my dying to save you.” Jesus promised that the body and soul of a person, separated at death, will be joined together again in glory and people will be whole for all eternity. 

The feast of Mary’s Assumption is a preview of what our lives will be. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up into heaven body and soul. The Church has always believed in Mary’s assumption into heaven. But on November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII focused the attention of the whole world on the Assumption of Mary as a mystery of our faith. This mystery shows us that God wants every human person, body and soul, to be in glory forever, just as Mary is now - it shows how important every single human life is. Pope Pius XII hoped that by thinking about Mary’s Assumption, people all over the world would develop a deeper respect for their own lives and their own bodies. He also hoped that people would grow in respect for the lives of others. 

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas 

At the last Parent Engagement Network Meeting, we discussed how many families are wanting to pack healthy options in their children’s lunchboxes, however finding a variety of easy recipes is challenging. 

Healthy lunchboxes play a role in developing lifelong healthy eating habits.  Packing healthy lunchboxes with your child can help develop an understanding of: 

• The importance of eating a variety of whole foods 

• The relationship between food, growth and development 

• The value of food and taking time to prepare and enjoy healthy food with others 

• That discretionary foods (foods high in saturated fat, added sugar and/or salt) are not good choices for everyday 

Australian Nutrition Foundation  

Below is a website that has some fun and healthy options for families. If you have a tried and tested recipe that your child/ren love, please send it through to me. 

100 kid-friendly lunch box recipes and snacks - Kidspot 

Father’s Day Afternoon 

Please see the attached flyer for our Whole School Father's Day afternoon on Monday 26th August. Year 2/3C will be leading us in a special liturgy in the hall. As part of the liturgy, we are looking for some photos of students with their dads (father figures). If you are happy for a photo of your child/ren and their father figure to be used, please email the image to either Katie.Horne@twb.catholic.edu.au or Meghan.Curtin@twb.catholic.edu.au by 3pm on Thursday 22nd August. 

 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

WEEK 6 IS SCIENCE WEEK 

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of Science and Technology. This year’s theme is Innovation: Powering Future Industries. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage students and the public in science-related activities. From in-person events to virtual tours, webcasts, talks, DIY experiments, quizzes, and citizen science, there’s something for everyone. 

 "The Australian Curriculum: Science aims to foster students' curiosity and exploration of the changing world. It consists of three interrelated strands: science understanding, science as a human endeavour, and science inquiry skills. Through these strands, students develop a scientific view of the world, gaining knowledge and skills that empower them to answer important questions about the biological, physical, and technological aspects of our lives."  

6B: Our Sacred Heart Seniors were set a STEM challenge when provided with a balloon, rubber and a straw to design a balloon powered car with other recycled materials. The distances the cars could travel were to be measured and the winner travelled the largest distance.  

The winning design was created by Kevin and Xander with their LIGHT SPEED vehicle, travelling 6+metres. Congratulations on the excellent design of your winning vehicle! 

2nd place went to Kohen Z with THE ONE, travelling 5.9 metres. 

3rd place went to Ben S & Noah with NVBS’s SNOOPER CAR 3000, travelling 5.8 metres. 

5R: Changes to the Earth’s Surface 

Our students explored the fascinating processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition through interactive experiments. By simulating these natural phenomena with cookies and different materials, the students observed how weathering breaks down the landforms, erosion transports the sediment, and deposition creates new landforms. These engaging activities not only deepened their understanding of Earth’s dynamic surface but also sparked their curiosity and excitement for science.  

4M : Product Packaging Design  

New materials have revolutionised modern life. Plastics have been used instead of glass in bottles and windows, and even instead of metals in aeroplanes. Lighter, stronger, warmer fabrics have made extreme weather conditions more comfortable. Designers incorporate new materials in clothes and bags to better suit our needs. Materials scientists are now researching materials that have desirable properties but which have less impact on the environment.  In Year Four, students have thrown themselves into the role of package designers and this has presented us with many challenges.  Firstly our students have had to develop an understanding of the properties of natural and processed materials and how these properties relate to use.  During Science week this term, students brainstormed how to test the properties of a variety of materials and will use this newly acquired knowledge to influence their selection of materials when producing a package capable of withstanding impact.    

2/3C: Exploring Life Cycles  

This term in our 2/3C science class, we’ve been diving into the fascinating world of life cycles. We focused on understanding how both humans and various animals transform from eggs to fully grown adults. The different stages of a life cycle have allowed us to explore various aspects and compare the journeys of different creatures.  

Making Animal Life Cycles  

This week, our young learners let their creativity soar as they crafted their own animal life cycles. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students demonstrated the distinct stages of these creatures’ development. From paper cutouts to colourful diagrams, our creative minds were on full display.  

Curiosity Unleashed  

As the children worked on their projects, their inquisitive minds sparked a flurry of questions and wonderings. We pondered the intricacies of all creatures, from tiny insects to majestic mammals. It was a delightful exploration that enriched our understanding of the natural world.  

Connecting to English  

Our science adventures didn’t stop there! The knowledge gained from studying life cycles also laid the groundwork for our English unit. Next week, we’ll be writing reports about specific animals. Armed with research on life cycles, habitats, behaviour, and more, we’re eager to put pen to paper and share our findings.  

2J: Impromptu Science Lesson as to why it rains for Science Week 

Mrs Charlie Barrett

From the Learning Support Teacher

The Role of the TCS Occupational Therapist (OT) 

Within our Toowoomba Diocese Schools, we have a small number of Occupational Therapists (OTs) who are available to provide support in a consultancy capacity. 

In Term 1, the OTs conduct whole class observations of Prep classes to identify students who may need support in the areas of gross and fine motor skills as well as sensory seeking behaviours. 

They provide teachers with recommendations to support fine motor strength and stamina for drawing, handwriting, and cutting activities.  They may also have recommendations to develop gross motor movement, strength, and balance. 

The OT can also provide recommendations for ‘sensory seeking’ children. Some children require a lot of stimuli (sensory input) to be able to respond.  That is, they need sensory input more frequently and more intensely than their peers. They are often active students, continuously engaged in their environment, fidgety and excitable. 

‘Sensory seeking’ students need additional sensory stimulation included in their daily lives to meet their sensory needs and be able to attend to what needs to be done. The sensory input the child seeks can often be movement and deep pressure input.  

‘Heavy work’ and deep pressure opportunities may give children the sensory stimulation they need. Heavy work gives necessary input to the child’s body, helping them develop an improved body awareness and regulating their system. These may include completing specific jobs – carrying books, handing out papers to the class, watering plants, pushing, or pulling classroom items, erasing the board, etc. 

Other adjustments may include  

• Movement breaks 

• Seating modifications such as wobble stools/cushions,  

• Keeping hands busy with fidget/calming tools and activities 

• Reducing visual and auditory stimuli in the classroom 

• Strategies and routine to improve focus and self-regulation. 

Students may also be referred to the TCS OTs through our Student Support Processes. They may then make recommendations for further support through external OTs and Physiotherapists. 

Mrs Genny McNair

From the School Counsellor

“In a World Where you can be anything- Be Kind” (Author unknown) 

Research has shown that students who have the most successful outcomes often have a parent or carer who value the importance of an education and have an invested interest in supporting their child whilst they are at school. I believe that at Sacred Heart Primary we pride ourselves in trying to work together with the school community to achieve the best outcomes for all our students. I also believe that all children at Sacred Heart can achieve their goals and become successful. Parents and Teachers can work together by helping children identify their strengths, interests and help them set short- and long-term goals that are achievable so our students can feel a sense of success and accomplishment.  Part of this learning process also is about identifying mistakes as areas for improvement and opportunity for learning.  

Each week at Sacred Heart, the School has a particular focus on student behaviour to improve learning and engagement outcomes. This week our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus is ‘Whole body Listening’ and next week it is ‘Kindness week.’ Whilst both topics are important, ‘Kindness Week,’ is my favourite. In today’s fast paced world, where opportunities are endless, I believe the value of teaching our children to be respectful, show compassion, empathy and kindness cannot be understated. 

Kind Regards, 

Mrs Sarah Jackman

Prep Enrolment

The Arts

CHOIR:

Every Thursday afternoon 2.55-3.30pm in the Music Room.  

The choir is available for all students in Year 3 to 6. We are currently working towards preparing new songs for Sacred Heart Idol in Week 8. 

If you would like your child to be involved in the choir, please contact Cherie Runciman, cherie.runciman@twb.catholic.edu.au  or send them along next Thursday after school.   

SACRED HEART IDOL:

Successful FINALISTS for Thursday 29th August, 9am, School Hall 

VOCAL - Jessica Bol, Kimberley Alston, Aaliyah Bevin, Georgia Desmond, Reagan Morris  

DANCE - Tiffany Clifford & MacCalla Pearson, Aaliyah Bevin, Georgia Desmond & Torryn Farrugia, Slaina Hagin, Tia Bland, Lucy Laherty, Harper Harrison & Ella Wilkins. 

VARIETY - Max French, Anita Juac, Kimberley Alston, Akoi Bol and Ruby Harding. 

INSTRUMENTAL - Kiarah-Lee Forbes, Kaidan Bland, The Predators - (Liam Buckle, Liam Faulkner, Benjamin Stinson and Kohen Zell), Brydee Nelson & Ivy Goodman. 

Congratulations to everyone who auditioned. It takes great courage to get up and perform in front of people. There are feedback forms available from Mrs Menkins (office) that will give feedback on how to improve your performance.  

If you were successful, you will have Thursday lunch times available in Week 6 and 7, to gain assistance from Miss Runciman in the music. The assistance will include how to introduce yourself more confidently, picking the right section of your song/dance to perform to fit within the time limit, making sure you are delivering lines/words clearly and engaging the audience and polishing dance moves. 

It is the students' responsibility to come to the music room for this assistance, as Miss Runciman will not be chasing children. 

DANCE CLUB:

The Senior and Junior Dance Club will recommence rehearsals this week after having a break last week for the Sacred Heart Idol auditions. We will be revising our dances for the Idols performance.

Junior – Music Theatre Dance                               Senior - Jazz Dance 

INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM:
Lessons will continue on Wednesday with Miss Joy for Term 3.

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

BOOK WEEK: 19th – 23rd August, 2024 

Our Book Week activities will be held this year in Week 7 (Aug 19th - 23rd)  
The theme for Book Week this year is “Reading is Magic”  

There will be the usual favourites:  

 Book Week Dress Up Parade – Thursday 22nd August at 8:30am in the school hall. Students are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character or dress up around this year's theme.  

 Short Listed Titles: Reading of shortlisted titles & follow up activities.  

 Reader’s Cup Competition: Wednesday 21st until Friday 23rd August  

 Book Fair opening times:  
*Monday 19th August: CLOSED 
*Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st August - 8:00am to 8:30am, 3:00pm to 3:30pm   
*Thursday 22nd August – 8:00am to 8:30am, 9:30 – 10:00am (Parents only), 3:00pm to 3:30pm 
* Friday 23rd August - 8.00am to 8.30am ONLY  

We will be holding our annual Book Warehouse Book Fair during this week. There will be a large variety of books for sale at prices to suit everyone. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy some great books and help the library gain new resources as the school receives 30% of the total sales as our Commission.  

Please note, we will not have a lot of cash for change so it would be appreciated if you could bring in cash as close to the amount as possible.

Book Fair Online Ordering 

1. Click on the link in the flyer or scan the QR Code 
   
2. Scroll down 
   
3. Choose school – Sacred Heart Primary School – Toowoomba 
   
4. Click to Confirm Book Fair 
   
5. Add Students first and last name 
   
6. Add student’s class – e.g. 4M 
   
7. Click on Submit 
   
8. Start Shopping 

Mrs Jan Watkins

Meal Deal - Term 3

MEAL DEAL for Term 3 

Funds raised support the 2024 Seniors and their end of year Grad Mag publication 

 Week 8 of Term 3  -  Wednesday 28th August, 2024 

 $5 meal deal – Sausage in Bread & Snow Cone 

Gluten free option available 

Orders on Flexischools - Link below

Disco Night

Classroom Awards

Sport

West Zone Schools Track and Field Carnival 

Last Tuesday (6th August) 16 qualifying students represented our school at the West Zone Track and Field Carnival at O’Quinn Street Oval. Congratulations to all competitors for showing great determination and sportsmanship throughout the day, even though the weather was miserable. Well done to Harper Strugnell, Tiffany Clifford and Ethan Gilbert who will now complete at the Darling Downs Reginal carnival on Tuesday 20th August to represent both Sacred Heart and the West Zone Team. Good luck to you all! 

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Goodbye Miss Pinnuck and Welcome Mrs Wann 

Last Thursday was Miss Pinnuck's last day with us at Sacred Heart Primary School. We will welcome our new PE teacher, Mrs Wann next week. Mrs Wann has worked with many of the students as a relief teacher and we are looking forward to welcoming her to this new position!  

 Mrs Katie Horne and Mrs Kara Wann

Northern Brothers Diggers Cricket Club - Come and Try

Warriors Softball Club - Come and Try

St Ursula's College Tmba Fun and Fitness - Come and Try day

St Ursula’s College Toowoomba Fun & Fitness – Come and Try Day 2024 is on Thursday, 5 September.     

The event will run from 8:30am to 2:30pm, with morning tea and lunch provided and is open to current Year 5 & Year 6 students. This day offers your daughter the opportunity to meet other students, participate in fun-filled activities and experience what it is like to be an 'Ursie Girl'.

Following this, we also extend the invite to families who would like to try out Boarding. Spend the night at our Boarding House, enjoy dinner with our fellow boarders, breakfast is included. Please email sucenrolment@twb.catholic.edu.au or call 07 4631 0870.

Child Protection Week Activities

Vera Lacaze Kindergarten - 60 Years Celebration

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