Dear Families

Last week, Sacred Heart students and staff listened to the beautiful children’s storybook ‘Bowerbird Blue’ by Aura Parker during National Simultaneous Storytime. This event is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, bookshops and many other places around the country. This fun event aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

‘Bowerbird’ Blue by Aura Parker carries a meaningful message for children about the connection between wanting things and love, using the story of a bowerbird named Blue. Blue is a bowerbird who works hard to create an impressive bower, collecting all sorts of blue objects to decorate it. However, Blue becomes so focused on finding and acquiring these objects that he forgets the true purpose of his efforts. Along the way, he learns important lessons about the true nature of love and what really matters.

The key message for children is that while it is natural to want and collect beautiful things, these things should not overshadow the importance of kindness, connection, and genuine affection. Bowerbird continually searches for something and, at the end of the story, finds a friend. Through Blue's journey, children learn that the pursuit of material things can sometimes distract from the more important aspects of life, such as building relationships and showing love and care for others.

Reading is more than just a skill; it's a gateway to a world of imagination and knowledge for children. It enhances language abilities, improves concentration, and fosters a lifelong love for learning. Regular reading helps children develop empathy by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences. It also strengthens cognitive development, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Together, we can all nurture a love of reading in our children, opening doors to endless adventures and boundless possibilities for their future. If you would like to read further, please access this link: https://childmind.org/article/why-is-it-important-to-read-to-your-child/.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank students and parents for their support in ensuring students are wearing the correct uniform. We are currently updating our uniform guidelines and will share them with the community once they are finalised through our Sacred Heart Advisory Board. I would like to welcome our new Board Chair, Mr Carl Ptolemy, and look forward to his positive contributions to our Sacred Heart Advisory Board.

An advisory board in a Catholic school plays a crucial role in supporting the principal and leadership team in embracing the Mission and Vision of the school. They are a sounding board for the wider community and provide feedback that supports student, staff and school improvement in alignment with our Catholic faith. By performing these functions, the advisory board supports the school in thriving both academically and spiritually. If you would like to join our Advisory Board and would like some more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with the front office for an application form.

Thank you to our School Captains and Staff for supporting students' participation in our Sacred Heart Cross Country. It is great to see students active and encouraging others. Mr Scott will select the team to represent Sacred Heart at the NW Cross Country on June 7th at Stella Maris.

In partnership

Charlene Best
Principal

On Monday 28th May we welcomed our new Insight Coach, Rachel Ruhle to Sacred Heart. Rachel has been a key coach at Mastery Schools Australia through her role as a Master Teacher. She has extensive knowledge and experience in Explicit and Direct Instruction to coach and mentor teachers to improvement and excellence. 

Rachel worked with our 2024 Insight leaders Miss Cook, Mr Allison and Miss Allison and also Mrs Best, Miss Davis and Mrs Lane.

During her visit, Rachel completed observations of our 3 Insight Leaders conducting a Daily Review in their classrooms and then facilitated a feedback session afterwards. Rachel also led our staff meeting with teachers on Attention Control and a deeper look into Daily Review delivery. 

Rachel was very impressed with our insight leaders. Some of the feedback we received was:

• The core components of Explicit Instruction were covered.
• Teachers provided clear instructions and expectations.
• The Daily Review content was relevant and well-organised.
• Students were paying attention and responding regularly.
• Teachers were regularly checking for understanding and giving feedback.
• Teachers were using consistent attention signals. 

Rachel specifically commented on how calm our classrooms were and what a welcoming learning environment we have here at Sacred Heart. We look forward to Rachel’s next visit in August where she will model Explicit and Direct Instruction in some of our classrooms.

Last week, we learned about and celebrated Pentecost. This happens each year 49 days after Easter.

On Pentecost, we remember when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in a powerful wind and with tongues of fire.

Throughout the week we studied a fluency text on the topic of Pentecost and practised answering short and open-ended questions in full sentences. 

Last week Sacred Heart participated in National Simultaneous Storytime. Our students gathered to listen to Mrs Best read Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. The beautiful words and pictures encouraged reading for enjoyment.

 

This week, we recognise Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. National Sorry Day is held on 26 May each year, to remember and acknowledge the Stolen Generations and the history of forcible removals of First Nations children from their families and its ongoing impacts. On Monday, we had a whole school prayer assembly to remember the Stolen Generation and students made a flower to contribute to our 'Sorry Day' display. 

The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'Now More Than Ever.' NRW is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community. Throughout this week, students and staff are participating in a variety of experiences that encourage reflection on and appreciation of First Nations Peoples' histories, cultures and achievements and explore how they can contribute to Australia's reconciliation journey. 

Thank you to all who supported this worthy cause.

Keeping our community safe:

An important reminder to please be vigilant at the Tucker Street school access site as it is becoming quite conjested during pick up and drop off times. Please ensure you have a heightened awareness of students, parents and vehicles while using this area. 

Keeping our community well:

With the cooler months upon us, please be mindful of not sending your children to school when they are unwell. We are currently experiencing staff and student absences due to sickness. 

It is also important to remember that staff and students are required to isolate at home for 48 hours when they have any gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/or Diarrhoea).

If your child is not attending school, please remember to mark them as absent/unwell on Compass. 

Congratulations to Tennyson who recently came 3rd in the 4th and final Tasmanian motocross championship round at St Helens in the 85cc 9-12 class. Quite an achievement as it was one of his first serious races, and Motorcross is taken quite seriously in Tasmania.

Well done Tennyson, what a terriffic effort.

Brixhibition is on again!