Term 3 - Week 10 (13 September, 2024)

From The Principal

Dear Families, 

Parents as Co–Creators in Learning— At Sacred Heart we aspire to create resilient, lifelong learners. The ‘we’ in this is very important as it implies exactly what is required to support the progress of every child – a partnership. The strongest formula for this partnership is where parents are engaged in this progress. When we were at school, you may have experienced your parents only paying any attention to what you had been doing at school when the report card was sent home at the end of the semester. This is not the engagement in student progress we are talking about.  

The terms ‘Parent Engagement’ and ‘Parent Involvement’ are often used to mean the same thing. They are not. Both are good, however one has much more of an impact on student learning progress than the other.  

Parent involvement in schools includes attending events, volunteering in class or other activities, and serving on school councils and parent committees. Parent engagement in learning encompasses parent involvement in schooling as well as a broader range of activities, including parent support for children’s learning at home, at school and in community contexts—recognising the cultural and social diversity of families and communities.  

Why is parent engagement in learning important? There is strong evidence that parent engagement is associated with improvements for students of all ages. This includes early literacy, school adjustment and student attendance, motivation, self-regulatory behaviour, social skills, retention, and graduation rates. This evidence confirms the importance of valuing and supporting parent engagement in learning.  

School effectiveness research has identified positive home-school relations as a characteristic of schools with high academic standards, regardless of student background variables. Highly effective schools regard parents as partners in education and promote home-school partnerships.  

Research has shown that there are elements of engagement that have the greatest effect on academic achievement. This good parenting includes:  

• Providing a safe, secure and intellectually stimulating home environment.  

• Modelling educational values and aspirations, has a significant and positive effect on achievement and a child’s ability to adjust to change.  

• School-based parent involvement is very important and helps create good relationships between schools and families, facilitating positive teacher-child interactions. The good news, is that many of our families do this regularly by: 

• Taking a keen interest in what their child and what they are currently learning at school; 

• Being invested in their child’s current learning goals and assisting them in developing a growth mindset that focuses on progress over product. 

For more information go to Parent Engagement in Learning - Department of Education, Australian Government. 

Thank you Mrs Horne – Mrs Katie Horne has been our acting Assistant Principal (Religious Education – ‘APRE’) for the last 12 months while Mrs Alice Lucas was on parental leave. 

In the time that Katie has been with us, she has gained a wealth of experience and has contributed much to our school community. In addition to the day-to-day administrative elements of her role, some of the things she has achieved include: 

• teaching physical education, coordinating sports carnivals (both ours and regional events) and other events (e.g. NAIDOC Week). 

•  leading the Student Representative Committee and the Minnie Vinnies           groups and the activities arising from these meetings. 

•  coordinating new school signage (in progress). 

•  co-leading the spiritual formation of students and staff. 

• supporting wellbeing initiatives for students and staff. 

• mentoring one of our early careers teachers and supporting teachers in the planning and delivery of quality religious education lessons. 

We thank Mrs Horne for her many contributions in the last 12months and we look forward to working with here in a part time capacity for the remainder of the year as Mrs Lucas returns 4 days per week next term. Katie will teach back at her school at St Saviours Primary for 4 days per week and work with us on the completion of a teaching project on Fridays for the remainder of the year.   

Thank you families for your continued support of your children and our school in attaining our vision to ‘nurture and empower, resilient, lifelong learners so that they can contribute to a positive future in a changing world’. 

Have a great end-of-term break. 

God bless, 

Mr Tyronne Maher

From The APRE

The old saying, “All good things must come to an end”, is ringing true at this moment. It is with great sadness that I write my final APRE message to the Sacred Heart School Community and welcome Mrs Alice Lucas back to her role. 

Exactly one year ago, I eagerly walked through the gates with anticipation to meet with Alice and find out what great things I would be working on over the next 12 months while she was on maternity leave, and what a year it has been!  

In Term 4 of 2023 I had the opportunity to work in all classrooms, teaching one day a week while also taking the PE lessons. I had never taught sport, but what a term of fun and learning we had. I also had the opportunity to purchase lots of new sports equipment thanks to the ‘Go for Gold’ grant that the school had received. The only downside was the tendinitis that I received when pumping up and labelling all the balls- my office looked a bit like a ball pit. 

In 2024, my role took a slight change, I started working with students in 1R and 2J on their sounds, reading and writing. I love the early years and thrive on all the small successes that we made! I also stepped out of the HPE teacher role to support staff, families and students throughout the school. Interestingly, Term 3 was the term of athletics. Sacred Heart had been nominated to co-ordinate the Catholic Schools and West Zone Track and Field carnivals. I felt like I was living and breathing athletics all term! 

Reflecting on the past year there are many things that I, along with the PEN, staff and students have achieved. But the one thing that sticks out to me the most, is the loving friendships that I have made with staff and families alike. When anyone asks me about Sacred Heart, I confidently (and proudly) exclaim - it is like a big country school in the middle of Toowoomba, everyone is kind and thoughtful - they all walk in the footsteps of Jesus. 

Thank you for all of your support over the past year. It has been a pleasure working with each and every member of the Sacred Heart community. I will truly miss my daily interactions with you all and wish you all the best for your future endeavours! 

May God’s love shine on you all, 

 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 Lucas, 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

Another term has passed and this last Term 3 has been filled with dedication, enthusiasm, and a love for learning.   

As we approach the final term of the year, it is important for our students to take a well-deserved break and recharge their batteries. Rest is an essential component of learning, and it allows our young minds to consolidate their knowledge and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. We encourage them to create a balance between relaxation and engaging in enriching activities during the holidays.  

Let us celebrate the incredible learning journey of our students this term while embracing the upcoming break as an opportunity for rejuvenation. We express our gratitude to our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our hardworking students for their commitment to education. Together, we can continue to foster a love for learning and create a positive and nurturing environment for our children. 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable holiday! 

Mrs Charlie Barrett

From the Learning Support Teacher

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Explained 

ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behaviour.  

Children with ADHD often have trouble getting along with siblings and other children. They may have trouble paying attention at school which often results in learning difficulties. An impulsive nature may at times put them in physical danger.  

ADHD includes three groups of behaviour symptoms:  

Inattention  

• Often has difficulty paying attention, appearing to daydream, or not be listening. 

• Is easily distracted from work or play 

• Often does not seem to care about details, makes careless mistakes 

• Frequently does not follow through on instructions or finish tasks 

• Is disorganized and often forgets things. 

• Frequently avoids doing things that require ongoing mental effort 

Hyperactivity 

• Is in constant motion, as if "driven by a motor" 

• Cannot stay seated 

• Frequently squirms and fidgets 

• Talks too much 

• Often runs, jumps, and climbs when this is not permitted 

• Cannot play quietly 

Impulsivity 

• Frequently acts and speaks without thinking 

• Frequently has trouble taking turns 

• Cannot wait for things 

• Often calls out answers before the question is complete 

• Frequently interrupts others 

Not all children with ADHD have all the symptoms. 

The symptoms are usually classified by the following types of ADHD:  

• Inattentive only (formerly known as attention-deficit disorder -ADD) Children with this form of ADHD are not overly active. Because they do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, their symptoms may not be noticed. Among girls with ADHD, this form is more common. 

• Hyperactive/impulsive Children with this type of ADHD show both hyperactive and impulsive behaviour, but they can pay attention. They are the least common group and are frequently younger. 

• Combined inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive Children with this type of ADHD show a number of symptoms in all 3 dimensions. It is the type that most people think of when they think of ADHD. 

It is normal for all children to show some ADHD symptoms from time to time. Your child may be reacting to situations at school or home, be bored, or just going through a difficult stage of life. It does not mean he or she has ADHD.  

Sometimes a teacher is the first to notice inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity and bring these symptoms to a parent's attention.   

If you are concerned that your child is showing symptoms of ADHD, please discuss with your class teacher. 

Mrs Genny McNair

Kindness Week

Week 7 of each term is ‘Kindness Week.’ Although we stive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus every day, Week 7 is when we celebrate our kindness. Throughout the week students can earn, not one, but two gotchas. They also go to the Heart Shop, to trade their heart cards in to buy a variety of cool treats- ice blocks, popcorn movies, special guest lunches and even extra play.  

Mercy Awards

Prep Enrolment

Sacred Heart Trivia Night

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.   

DANCE CLUB:

The Senior and Junior Dance Club are currently working towards their items for the Christmas Concert. 

INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM:
Lessons will continue on Wednesday with Miss Joy for Term 4.

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

2024 Touch Gala Day

On Tuesday the 10th of September the Year Four students attended the annual Touch Football Gala Day held at Kearney’s Spring.  After listening to a special welcome by Dr Pat Coughlan, the students began their much anticipated first game.  The Sacred Heart students were well prepared for the day by our school PE teacher, Mrs Wann.  The boys team had four games with one loss and three wins.  The girls also had four games, winning two and losing two.  The students not only showed great skill and game awareness, but most importantly demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and participation, encouraging their team mates and congratulating their opponents. Students competed with enthusiasm and were also delighted to spend the day catching up and interacting with their friends from other Toowoomba Catholic Schools including St Saviour’s Primary School, Mary McKillop Primary School, St Thomas More’s Primary School, Mater Dei Primary School and Holy Name Primary School. 

 Congratulations Max! 

Congratulations to Maxton French for being chosen to represent Queensland for Touch Football. Max has represented his club and the Darling Downs team with skill and great sportsmanship. We wish you all the best at States Max! 

 Mrs Katie Horne and Mrs Kara Wann

Toowoomba Hockey Presents Summer Sixes

Catholic School Parents Australia - National Parent Survey

National Parent Survey

The CSPA 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning is seeking your perspective as parents/carers of children who attend a Catholic School in Australia.

You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or challenges in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning. Please consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey.

More information about the study, how to participate, and how to have questions answered, can be found here.

Thank you for your interest.

St Saviour's College - Principal's Tour & Mercy Girl for a Morning

St Patrick's Cathedral - Annual Carnival of Flowers Presentation

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 during the Term 4 Prep Transition Afternoons the Uniform Shop will be open:

Thursday, 3rd October 2.30 - 3.30 pm

Thursday, 17th October 2.30 - 3.30 pm

Tuesday, 5th November 2.30 - 3.30 pm

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