Welcome back to Term 2!!! If you noticed the news headlines on Monday 29 April you would have read:

“Aussie students will be taught old-school discipline in a bid to rid classrooms of bad behaviour”, ”Stricter school discipline making comeback” and many similar comments. Whilst Sacred Heart enjoys some reprieve from the significant poor behaviour of some other schools there is a definite move to a program that will teach expected behaviour in group settings and a return to past methods of promoting positive social etiquette in a classroom and playground. Sacred Heart staff, along with Hennessey staff attended professional learning about the rationale and strategies of the Classroom Mastery program that will enable teachers to create consistently productive, safe and calm learning environments, increase engagement and improve wellbeing and academic outcomes. Last term there were three explanations of the programs included in the newsletters about the focus and routines that would be introduced this term. The staff are very keen to ensure that they make optimal use of the learning time in the classroom by improving engagement and time spent on tasks and learning. 

The calendar is already overflowing with different events and activities. Next week we have the Year 10s travelling to Young for the Careers Expo. Over 15 Universities will be in attendance along with a wealth of different career options, employers, trades and advice. Thank you to Mr Mahon and Ms Withers for their organisation. They will conclude their visit to Young with a tour of Hennessy Catholic College.

On Wednesday, our Primary students will travel to Young to compete in the Young Soccer Gala Day. This is a massive undertaking and we have lots of students keen to be involved. Thank you to Ms Van Kerk Oerle for her organisation and to the parents and staff who are supporting the day.

Our enthusiastic Primary Student Leadership are busy organising a social activity for the Years 3 -6 students with a disco at the S & C Club on Thursday 9^th May. All details are on the promotional poster included in the newsletter. All tickets must be purchased before the night and can be purchased from the Leadership Team at lunchtimes in front of the library. The cost is $3 with the proceeds going to our local Can Assist committee.

We will hold the first of our Primary assemblies for Term 2 next Friday 10 May with the presentation from 2N. Mr Niddrie and his class always put on an excellent presentation, so we look forward to them showcasing all that they are learning about and doing at school.

Our Year 7 students are very excited about their trip to Lacmalac for their cultural immersion experience and retreat at Camp Hudson. Please ensure that all permissions and payments are completed asap. We apologise for the unavoidable clash with the CECG Cross Country. Thank you to Mrs Maher, Mr Alderman, Mrs Black, Mrs Maxwell and Miss Wade for their organisation and generous commitment to the Year 7 cohort.

As the weather changes we are allowing a 2 week window for the transition into the winter uniform. There is an expectation that all students will be in the correct uniform for the start of Week 3 – 13 May - including the tie. Reminder that when you wear the tie you are expected to wear it correctly. We take enormous pride in our school uniform and we hope that our students continue to uphold the wonderful tradition of our school uniform.

Thank you to all our students and staff who supported the ANZAC March last week. It is such an important tradition to acknowledge and to pay our respect to past and present service of our Defence forces. Yesterday our Year 9 History class led the Sacred Heart ANZAC Day liturgy. It was a moving, reverent and respectful commemoration of the ANZAC service. Thank you to Mr Mahon for his leadership and to Mr Hennequin for his inspiring address. It was one of the best commemorations that we have held at Sacred Heart and our Year 9 students can be very proud of their inclusive and respectful presentation. Thank you to our student body for their attention at the commemoration. It was also incredibly special to have three Year 9 students represent their local cadet corps and take on the role of the catafalque party. Logan Bodel, Henry Fry and Iszak Balzan were impressive in their discipline and commitment to their responsibilities.

It has been a frantic but positive start to the term. Our Building Works have finally begun and we can’t wait for the day that we can take occupancy of our newly renovated primary building. It has been a long time coming and it will be worth the wait. This has necessitated a few changes in the day-to-day operation of the school with a reduction in playground space. It will be a small pain for long term gain.

Remember there is always a reason to be kind.

God Bless

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal