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This Sunday the church celebrates Pentecost
Mary Help of Christians
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Mary Help of Christians, the Patron of our Parish and Australia.
In Australia’s early days there were no priests and mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely devotion to Mary and the Rosary that kept the faith alive.
Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.
In the Opening Prayer of the Mass for Our Lady Help of Christians, the Church prays that through Our Lady’s intercession God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens”, so that “under her protection Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace”.
Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
National Reconciliation Week 2023 - 27 May to 3 June
Be A Voice for Generation
This coming Monday 29th May, will be a public holiday in recognition of this important time when we are encouraged as Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Winter Illness
We need everyone to help as winter takes hold and we have an increasing number of absences due to illness. We extend our thanks to parents and carers for keeping children home when they are unwell and request that you continue to support each other in this way.
School Survey - Tell them From Me
Please keep an eye out for the annual school survey link which will be sent home through COMPASS next week.
Keep a look out for Sacred Heart on the Action busses.
Take care and keep safe
Safeguarding and WWVP Processes at Sacred Heart
An important update and clarification to processes around volunteering in school and at school events, was included with the Term 2 Parent Information.
We welcome (indeed it is at times essential) parent helpers. We would like to stress the importance of knowing your responsibilities in terms of WWVP compliance. We attach the information again for your ease. The last part of the letter has specific examples of how this legal compliance applies to your activities in the school. Click Here
Student Attendance
We know that every day of attendance at school adds to your child's chances of success and achievement from Kindergarten through to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school but later in life.
This week we are conducting a general review of student attendance. We will be contacting parents and carers shortly to inform you if your child's attendance to date this year has dropped to 90% or below, as this is of significant concern.
It is a legal requirement that children attend school (ACT Education Act 2004). We now take the opportunity to remind you of attendance requirements and processes:
- Teachers are legally required to mark the roll every day and retain all documentation relating to attendance.
- Teachers mark the roll within 30 minutes of the day beginning. Late arrivals are discouraged. Parents/carers must accompany any child arriving after the start of the day to the office to be signed in.
- If a child is absent for 3 consecutive unexplained days, we will contact parents by the third day at the latest.
- Parents are legally required to give an explanation for absence, either before or within 5 days after. Our preferred method is via COMPASS. Refer to the COMPASS instructions on our website here or speak to the office for assistance with this.
- Schools are required to respond to all emerging absenteeism, and work with parents/carers to support improved attendance.
- Planned absences of more than 25 school days (including 25 part days) in a twelve-month period for reasons other than sick leave (S) require prior consideration and approval by the Principal. Please speak to our office staff for the necessary forms.
- Parents and carers can access attendance data for their child on COMPASS.
For further information and support with any attendance matter, please contact the school.
Thank you for all you do to support your child's full attendance at school. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.
Uniform and Equipment
Winter uniform is now expected to be worn daily, rather than short sleeves and pants. Please refer to the uniform policy on the website for details. We are noticing many children do not have names on items such as gloves. Everything should have names on it. We endeavour to return items with names to your child. Items that have no clear name are sent to lost property in the hall.
'End of May is hats off day!' Please continue to wear our sunsafe hats until the end of the month.
Children need to have their own drink bottle at school daily. It is very important to stay hydrated even during the cooler weather. Asking for a cup from the office should only be a last resort on a day a bottle has been forgotten. We ask for your attention to this, as our wonderful office staff are overwhelmed with cup requests at the moment.
Yours faithfully,
| Week 5 | Friday 26th May |
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| Week 6 | Monday 29th May |
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| Wednesday 31st May |
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| Friday 2nd June |
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| Week 8 | Monday 12th June |
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| Friday 16th June |
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| Week 10 | Friday 30th June |
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Compass Notifications
Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:
- Head lice
- School Enrolment Flyers
Vinnies Winter Appeal 2023
The Sacred Heart Mini Vinnies group are asking our community for donations of warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags for the 2023 St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.
Donations can be brought to the Front Office over the next few weeks.
Karissa, Hope, Bella and Natasha (Mini Vinnies)
The following students will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation next Friday 2nd June and Saturday 3rd June at Sacred Heart Church.
Please keep them in your prayers.
Edward. B, Maxx. B, Isabella. D, Imogen. H, Natasha. L, Marissa. M, Mikayla. R, Jennifer. T
Author Visit – Dr Cameron Stelzer, The Story Doctor
On Tuesday 6 June, we have a special visit from Author and Illustrator Dr Cameron Stelzer. Dr Cameron is visiting Sacred Heart Primary School to run workshops with our K-6 students. K-2 students will enjoy an interactive Big Screen Book Reading and follow-along drawing activity with Cameron. Year 3-4 students will participate in a writing workshop focusing on idea formation and inspirations for narratives. Cameron will be engaging Year 5-6 students in a workshop exploring exciting and descriptive writing. Students and teachers are looking forward to a great day!
In conjunction with the Author Visit, Sacred Heart PS families have a special opportunity to purchase signed and personalised copies of Cameron’s books at special prices. Individual books are $10-$15 each and there are also exclusive book sets available. Students will receive an order form on the day of the workshops (payment is via the online payment portal listed on the form; no cash). Forms can be returned the following day, to the Office.
“Parents and carers, you can pick up a few tips to help get the most out of reading with your child at home to improve their literacy skills.”
Corey Tutt OAM is a proud Kamilaroi man and YoungAustralian of the Year for NSW 2020. He is the CEO and founder of the charity DeadlyScience.
In 2022 Corey was awarded an Order of Australia medal inrecognition of his service to Indigenous STEM education.
Congratulations to the following students celebrating their birthday this week
Finley G, Olivia T, Merissa M, Grace M, Angus F.
Awards will be presented during the school assembly on Friday from 2.40pm.
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Kindergarten |
Angus C, Lila D, Ivy S, Ted H, Maria R, Devine N. |
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Stage One |
Orla K, Declan K, Poppy W, Olivia T, Nicholas B, Rebecca M, Will I, James A, Rhys M. |
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Stage Two |
Harry A, Fred N, Isabel U, Oliver K, Sophia S, Matilda W, Lucy M, Riley W. |
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Stage Three |
Tom L, Aatharai M, Riley D, Hayley L, Ella B, Destiny N, Marissa M, Isabella D. |
Playgroup
We have lots of fun at playgroup!
National Ride or Walk to School Day
National Ride or Walk to School Day was a great success this morning!
Gymnastics
Sacred Heart is enjoying our lessons with the visiting coaches from Southern Canberra Gymnastics.
Musica Viva Australia In Schools
We were entertained and inspired this week by 'Timmy and the Breakfast Band', which featured Rachel on the cello and saw Emily-Rose on the piano-accordion, and Gareth, as Timmy, playing the banjo. The performance combined music and circus to explore how music affects our emotions, and made us laugh and sing along as we helped Timmy get ready for school.
Rostrum
On Tuesday 23rd May, the Sacred Heart Rostrum (public speaking compitition) final took place. All students were outstanding and spoke with grace and poise.
Congratulation to Imogen H 6R (winner), Aneka T 5R (runner up). Imogen will go on to represent Sacred Heart against other local schools in the coming months.
