How beautiful was the rain?! Despite the fact that we had to postpone our Athletics Carnival because of the wet weather we were very grateful and pleased that it had finally rained after so long. Our annual carnival will now be held next Friday 30 May at Albert Park and we hope that the weather will be sunny and warm. However we have no control over the weather as we approach winter so stay tuned for updates as we move into next week. If you are available to lend a hand on the day there are many different opportunities to help throughout the day. Amanda is keen to have helpers in the canteen and Ms Withers and Ms Van would love some extra help at some of the track and field events. Please contact the school if you are able to offer any time over the day.

Next week is also a special week in our calendar when we will  celebrate National Reconciliation Week. The theme this year is "Bridging Now to Next". This theme emphasises the continuous connection between Australia's past, present, and future, urging all Australians to reflect on shared histories, acknowledge current challenges, and collaboratively work towards a more united future. National Reconciliation Week 2025 runs from May 27 to June 3, commemorating significant milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey: the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. These dates serve as reminders of the progress made and the work that remains in achieving true reconciliation. The theme is visually represented in artwork by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, featuring native plants known for their resilience and ability to regenerate after adversity. These plants symbolise collective strength and the potential for renewal, reinforcing the message of hope and the importance of nurturing relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. Bridging Now to Next" serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals and communities to learn from past lessons, engage in meaningful dialogue, and commit to actions that foster reconciliation. Throughout the week there will be various activities to generate awareness and celebrate the positive connections we have with our First Nations community. However, this week we did host the performers of Wiradjuri Echoes who shared cultural stories, music, dance and experiences with our students. We were very lucky to have secured these performers and our students enthusiastically participated in all activities led by Duncan. We thank Mrs Maher and Mrs Sannazzaro for their organisation.

On Wednesday our 2025 Mock Trial team competed against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School In Tweed Heads. This was a virtual trial and very different to being able to compete face to face. Our team of 6 dedicated Year 10 students Alexis Carr, Henry Fry, Matilda Lewis, Declan Emery, Makayla Whicker and Chelsea Larkman came away with a very convincing win. The students were very impressive in their understanding of how the trial process works and in the challenging skill of cross examination. We thank Dr Wellett Potter for her guidance in all things law. We look forward to the final round in the round robin and the team are striving to make the finals.

Last Friday the Local Area Command along with the Local Shire Council conducted the walk to school breakfast. Many of our students and staff met at the Youth Hub for an early morning breakfast before they were accompanied down Thompson St by several local police. It is important to teach our students safe crossing especially around busy times at the drop off and pick up at the end of the school day. Only last week there was a very close call of two of our primary students who hastily crossed Temora st without looking both ways. Out quiet country streets are little protection against an accident. We strive to instil in our students the necessity to always practice safe crossing to ensure safety.

This weekend the de la Salle House students and staff will lead the ministries at the vigil mass at 5pm. We hope as many families will attend to share in the Mass.

On Tuesday 20^th May we held the first of our 2026 Kindergarten information sessions. This was an extremely well attended event and there were lots of new families which is exciting to see. Mrs Chesworth and the Kinder staff – Mrs Niddrie and Mrs Fry gave a very comprehensive presentation about what we offer as a school and as a kindergarten experience. Thank you to our wonderful staff for their efforts and passion. If you know of anyone interested in enrolling, please encourage them to contact the Front Office. Also if you are intending to enrol, please do this as a matter of urgency as the Catholic Education enrolment period is in full swing and we need numbers to prepare for the 2026 cohort.

We are finally into our newly refurbished building. After many, many, many months of waiting and existing in the convent rooms and secondary spaces our patient Years 3-6 students and staff, along with Miss Van’s Stage 1 class have taken occupancy of the new learning spaces. It is wonderful to be in the fresh, light and exciting classrooms and our students quickly adapted to the new routines and procedures in the classrooms filled with glass and colour. New interactive TVs and new furniture are just part of the new spaces. We will have an official opening in coming weeks when we can coordinate all the stakeholders and people who need to be in attendance. There are still a few tweaks to come but the children can now learn in the warm and adaptable spaces. Thank you to all our staff and students who patiently weathered all the interruptions and challenges.

Friday 16 May was World Support Staff Day and the Sacred Heart community paid tribute to our valuable Classroom Support assistants with a special morning tea, words of appreciation, a small gift and flowers. We could not function without our tremendous support staff; Mrs Amy Vitnell, Mrs Heather Kingwill, Miss Libby Hartshorn, Mrs Aileen Maher, Mrs Sonya Ward, Mrs Shannon Smith, Mrs Janelle Forsyth, Mrs Kim Sannazzaro and Mrs Mel Simmons.

Next week our Year 9 students will travel to Temora for the annual Year 9 retreat program sponsored by catholic Education. This is a great opportunity for our students to reflect on their Faith journey, to meet new people and to be challenged about the choices they make. Thank you to Mrs Maxwell for her organisation and we hope it is an invaluable experience.

Don’t forget the Reconciliation Day Community Breakfast on next Wednesday 28^th May and the Uniform Free Day which will be a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House. In honour of Beanies and Hot Milo week at Ronald McDonald House we will carry this theme for our uniform free day. Wear a beanie and make a valuable contribution to such a fabulous cause.

Have a fabulous and safe weekend. Kindness is one of the most important things we can teach our children!

God Bless.

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal

Bullying or Unkindness? Understanding the Difference at School

From the Child Safe Advocate

At our school, we believe every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and included. One of the most important things we can do to create this kind of environment is help students – and families – understand the difference between bullying and unkind behaviour.

What’s the Difference?

? Unkindness is when someone says or does something hurtful once or without thinking. It might be a rude comment, being left out of a game, or an argument between friends. While this still needs to be addressed, it is usually not meant to harm long-term and often comes from poor choices or emotions running high.

? Bullying, on the other hand, is repeated, deliberate behaviour that is meant to hurt, upset, or intimidate someone. It usually involves a power imbalance – physical strength, popularity, or knowing someone’s secrets.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the difference helps us respond in the right way. All unkindness needs to be addressed – we aim to help students learn from mistakes and repair relationships. Bullying, however, requires a stronger and more structured response to protect the person being targeted and to stop the behaviour.

What We Do as a School

We take every report of unkind or bullying behaviour seriously. We:

• Investigate concerns respectfully and carefully
• Support those affected
• Teach students how to handle conflict and build empathy

• Work closely with families when needed

What You Can Do

Parents and carers:

• Talk with your child about their friendships and feelings
• Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if something feels wrong

• Help them reflect on their own behaviour, too

• Check out the resources available on sites like Kids Help Line and eSafety

• Keep the school informed when issues arise
• Be aware that although we will be doing something; we cannot disclose our dealings with students who are not your own

 Students:

• Be kind, even when it’s hard
• Try to imagine how you would feel in that situation
• Speak up if you see someone being hurt or treated unkindly

• Ask for help – you are never alone

Let’s work together to make our school a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and valued – every day.

Separation Anxiety and School Drop Off

Most every parent has experienced it at least once – the moment when their child cries and won’t let go of you when it comes time to go to school. It maybe they had an argument with a friend yesterday, maybe they have a test later that day, maybe they just didn’t sleep well and are struggling to manage because they’re tired… those occasional mornings where it’s a struggle is nothing you as a parent can’t handle.

But what if that happens every day?

When the behaviours and emotional displays become a regular occurrence, more likely than not, your child is experiencing separation anxiety, and this can be incredibly difficult as a parent to experience or manage.

Separation anxiety is the fear of being separated from a parent or carer. This is a normal part of your child’s early development. You see it as they start crawling and walking, they will roam further and further from you but often look back just to check in and make sure you’re still there.

As object permanence develops, there are less and less check ins as they become comfortable spending time playing by themselves out of your sight. By the time children reach preschool and school age, they will generally be comfortable leaving their parent or carer, particularly in situations with familiar environments and people.

It is also common that new situations or major life changes may cause that separation anxiety to reappear for a period of time. However, if your child experiences ongoing regular and significant anxiety upon separating from you, they (and you!) may need extra support.

Helpful tips to cope with separation anxiety:

• Consider your own emotions and behaviours – Young children learn from the things we do and say, even (maybe especially) when we don’t think they’re paying attention. Children are very quick to pick up on anxiety from caregivers, and your anxiety may be sending a message to your child that it is not safe if you leave them.
• Co-regulate – when children can’t manage their own emotions, it’s up to us to help them regulate. By staying in control of your emotions, you will be able to help them control their emotions until they learn to do it themselves.
• Always say goodbye – tempting as it is to sneak out when your child is occupied, this could result in an increase in your child’s anxiety. It may help when saying goodbye to remind them of the pickup plan and when you will see or talk to them next.
• Keep goodbyes brief - it could be helpful to talk to your child’s teacher and have a plan in place to distract your child with a fun or comforting activity while they settle after you have left.
• Don’t compare or criticise – comparing them to other children and criticising their actions will make your child feel worse which will only exacerbate their behaviours and emotions.
• Work with other families – sometimes it’s enough for your child to engage with another child, maybe in a carpool situation or having someone to sit next to on the bus or to play with before class.
• Create a routine – getting ready for the day is hard work, separation anxiety makes it harder, create a routine that includes a combination of fun and calming coping strategies like singing together, deep breathing, positive affirmations or gratitude conversations
• Try using a talisman – paint a small rock that goes in your child’s pocket that they can touch when they miss you during the day, draw a ‘love button’ on each other’s hands to connect you both through the day
• Consider using the ‘stepladder approach’ to managing anxiety (see “Raising Children Network” online resource)

If the anxiety is causing regular distress, or interfering with daily life, it may require some specialist support.  Get in touch with your child’s school and ask about speaking to the school counsellor.

20% Discount on Sports & Co-Curricular Group Photos available before 01/06/2025

Dear Parents,

These school sports and co-curricular groups were photographed on 26/03/2025:

We are pleased to advise that online ordering is now open for the groups listed above. If you would like to place your order before 01/06/2025 you will receive a 20% early order discount by simply clicking on the link below. Please note that whilst we are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days. The 20% discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Important

• Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school
• If your child's group or team is scheduled to be photographed at a later date, you will receive an additional email notification when the images are ready to be ordered
• Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed
• Past years' photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available at your school's advancedorder and your child's advancedyou photo sites

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Sacred Heart Central School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

++++++++++++++++++++

 ~Year 10s, using Oreos to create cell division in their Genetics unit X~

Sacred Heart Athletics Carnival

The Sacred Heart Athletics Carnival will be on the NEW DATE - Friday 30th May at Albert Park.  

Please find attached the program for the Athletics Carnival next Friday. We aim to run to time, but be aware that the times are only a guide.

The students' costume theme will be 'Characters' for all house groups. So come dressed as your favourite Blue, Red or Gold/Yellow movie, TV, or other character. The Best Dressed Infant, Primary and Secondary students will be judged during the Walk-a-thon.

Thank you to the parents who filled in the form to offer their assistance for the day. Someone will contact you to discuss roles, etc. There are still lots of helping roles for anyone who is available to assist. 

Adult Helpers Form - https://forms.gle/RKchD8UAZ6aAPPWP7 

Please contact the office, wendy.vankerkoerle@cg.catholic.edu.au or megan.withers@cg.catholic.edu.au, if you have any questions.

Primary and year two students will run their 1500m on Thursday, 22nd May, during lunchtime. 

Primary Sport

Canberra Goulburn Cross Country

Congratulations to those students who ran in Canberra last Friday. All our students performed exceptionally well, with some of the outstanding results below -

Georgie Dunhill 1st - 8/9yrs Girls

Emmeline Last 11th- 10yrs Girls

Ella Sannazzaro 13th- 10yr Girls 

Archie Byrne 5th- 11yr Boys  

Chase Evans 6th- 11yr Boys

Josh Knewstub 14th- 11yr Boys 

Will Manwaring 15th - 11yr Boys

Estee McLeod 5th - 11yr Girls

Max Winsor 13th- 12yr Boys 

Joey Walker 14th - 12yr Boys

Zoe Lake 3rd- 12yr Girls 

Ava Sannazzaro 8th - 12yr Girls

Well done everyone. Georgie, Archie, Chase, Estee and Zoe will represent our school and Archdiocese in Sydney on the 11th June. 

CG Rugby trials - Change of Date. 

The rugby trials have had to change the date of the trails. It will now be held on the 3rd of June. If your child wishes to register please follow the process through the NSWCCC website. 

If you have any photos from any event please email them through and we will put them in the newsletter next week.

If you have any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me via email

Kind regards

Wendy Van Kerk Oerle

Primary sports coordinator

wendy.vankerkoerle@cg.catholic.edu.au

Secondary Sport

CG Cross Country

Congratulations to the students who attended the CG Cross Country in Canberra last week. The results are as follows:

16 Years Girls

5th Willow Hall - qualified for NSWCCC Championships

15 Years Girls

3rd Sacha McLeod - qualified for NSWCCC Championships

5th Sophie Sannazzaro - qualified for NSWCCC Championships

16th Lily Peacey

17th Ruby Harris

14 Years Girls

12th Ally Evans

23rd Laila Matapo

24th Lucy Dunk

25th Caileigh Sides

13 Years Girls

19th Sophie Knewstub

30th Kaylee Craw

33rd Ruby Mitchell

37th Evelyn Drum

37th Maddison Schofield

16 Years Boys

12th Cash Fitzgerald

14th Declan Emery

15 Years Boys

11th Liam Drum

12th Roy Dunk

14 Years Boys

2nd Eamon Sutherland - qualified for NSWCCC Championships

3rd Ryan Dempsey - qualified for NSWCCC Championships

12th Joshua Ismay

13th Connor Loiterton

18th Noah Carr

13 Years Boys

8th Oliver Dempsey

15th Darcy Fry

20th Samuel Hunt

12 Years Boys

2nd Charlie Paterson - qualified for NSWCCC Championships

Full results HERE

SHC Team

Charlie Paterson, Kaylee Craw, Oliver Dempsey, Evelyn Drum, Darcy Fry, Sam Hunt, Sophie Knewstub, Ruby Mitchell, Kobe O'Toole, Maddison Schofield, Noah Carr, Ryan Dempsey, Lucy Dunk, Ally Evans, Joshua Ismay, Connor Loiterton, Laila Matapo, Caileigh Sides, Eamon Sutherland, Liam Drum, Roy Dunk, Ruby Harris, Sacha McLeod, Lily Peacey, Sophie Sannazzaro, Declan Emery, Cash Fitzgerald, Willow Hall.

NSWCCC Rugby League Trials

Well done to Sophie Boxsell for trialling at the NSWCCC Girls U16s Rugby League trials in Sydney earlier this week as part of the Southern Country team. It was a great experience to play with such up-and-coming talent. Sophie was given great feedback and was close to selection. Congratulations on your efforts.

NSW All Schools Swimming

Congratulations to Halle Johnson representing NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships in Sydney on Thursday and Friday this week. Halle placed 4th in the state for the 50m Backstroke in a personal best time of 31.89 and placed 6th in the state for the 100m Backstroke in a personal best time of 1:10.91. An outstanding achievement Halle.

Good Luck

Best of luck to Sophie Sannazzaro, who will be trialling for the NSWCCC Opens Girls Soccer team next week in Sydney, as part of the Southern Country team.

Secondary Sports Dates

Term 2 2025

W5

Tue-Wed May 27th-28th - NSWCCC Opens Soccer Trials, Glenwood

Fri May 30th - SHC Athletics Carnival

W7

Tue Jun 10th - School Girls Trophy, Girls Tackle League, Cootamundra

Wed Jun 11th - NSWCCC Cross Country, Sydney

W8

Tue Jun 17th - CG Soccer Gala Day, Canberra

W9

Tue Jun 24th - 14/16 Boys Rugby 7s, Wagga

Thu Jun 26th - 14/16 Girls Rugby 7s, Wagga

W10

Tue Jul 1st - School Girls Trophy Finals, Wagga

Term 3 2025

W1

Tue Jul 22nd - NSW All Schools Cross Country, Sydney

W3

Tue Aug 5th - Small School’s Rugby League, Boys 14s and 16s, Wagga

W4

Wed Aug 13th - NSW Schoolgirl and Schoolboy’s Trophy Finals, Bathurst

W6

Wed Aug 27th - CG Basketball Gala Day, Canberra

W8 

Thu Sep 18th - Yrs 7-9 League Tag, Wagga

W9

Mon Sep 15th - NSWCCC Athletics, Sydney

Kind regards,

Megan Withers

Secondary Sports Coordinator

megan.withers@cg.catholic.edu.au