Prayer to Begin a School Year

At Sacred Heart Primary School

God of wisdom and might,

we praise you for the wonder of our being,

for mind, body and spirit.

Be with our children as they begin

a new school year.

Bless them and their teachers and staff.

Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;

wisdom and knowledge to their minds

as they search for understanding;

and peace and zeal to their hearts.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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29th January 2016

Dear Parents and Members of our Sacred Heart School community, Welcome back to the new school year. Though our week was short it has been a great opportunity to get around the classes and see our learners – bright, cheery, full of life, and eager to learn. It has also been warming to catch up with our ‘old’ school families and begin to get to know our new families for the year. To all our new families – “Welcome to the school community. I hope you find it as warm and welcoming as I do.” At Assembly this afternoon we welcomed our new students from Year 1 to Year 6. At next THURSDAY’S assembly (Yes, change of day for Term 1 2016 only) we will welcome our new Prep students too. Please feel free to join us for this and all our school occasions.

IMPORTANT DATES

MON, 1st FEB

Meet N Greet, 8:25am in Donna Philps Place

DDJ Instrumental Music Lessons

TUES, 2nd FEB

School Board mtg 7pm

WED, 3rd FEB

Parent Information Night & Volunteer Induction

6:30pm in Hall

THURS, 4th FEB

Assembly @ 2pm

FRI, 5th FEB

Dance Cart

Welcome back BBQ & Disco 5:30pm

SUN, 7th FEB

Family-Parish-School Mass 5pm

Our Year 3 - 6 students joined in Mass this week to mark the start of our new school year. This year, fortnightly Mass will be attended by only Year 3 – 6, with Prep to Year 2 to attend liturgies elsewhere within the school setting. We believe that this will allow us to create ceremonies which best suit the age groups involved. Welcome to our new Staff members at Sacred Heart – Mrs Jo-Anne Downing (our new Learning Leader), Mrs Amy Lovett (class teacher of Year 2M), and Mrs Shoko Thompson (our new teacher of Japanese language and culture). I’m sure you will make each of these people very welcome as you come across them in the life of the school. Special thanks to the parents of Year 1 Maroon who provided the Welcome Back Morning tea on Wednesday morning. It was very much appreciated by all who could stay for a cuppa. Each class takes a turn during the school year to cater for a school event, with all parents of that class expected to contribute to the event both in provisions and in ‘man’-power. By each taking a turn we share the load and bring our school community to life. WELCOME BACK BBQ

Our annual ‘Welcome Back BBQ and Disco’ takes place on Friday night (5th February) in the school grounds.

This event is the most well attended each year as it is a great way to connect to old and new families alike. It’s a family affair with the gathering commencing at 5pm. A disco for the children and young-at-heart commences at 6:30pm and concludes at 8:30pm. I thank our School Staff who give of their time to supervise this disco to allow parents to continue to mix and mingle and get to know each other whilst the children are safe and secure. Can I challenge each of our existing families both now and in the playground and at this function too to go out of their way to make our new families welcome. WITH SYMPATHY

Whilst the vast majority of families had a wonderful and relaxing time, for some the time away was tinged with sadness due to a family bereavement. This was the case for three of our Staff members. Mrs Kath McGovern (Integrated Arts teacher), Mrs Vicki Norris (Teacher-Aide) and Mr Michael Lloyd (Class Teacher last year) who each lost one of their parents during the break. May our loving God bless and hold each one of these Staff members and their families in his loving hands. SO HOW DO I FIND OUT …….. This Wednesday night (3

rd) we will hold our annual Parent Information Night. The night commences at

6:30pm sharp in the Hall and then we move to the classrooms – Session 1 runs from 7 – 7:45pm, with it being repeated from 8 – 8:45pm. This allows families with multiple children to attend a number of sessions on the same night. The purpose of the night is to

Set the scene for the 2016 school year as a school community

Get as many parents as possible to attend the revamped Parent Volunteer session and as such ensure their eligibility to volunteer within the life of the school.

Remind parents as to how best engage in communication with the school including Parent Portal, Classroom blogs, and the School Ap.

Engage with your child’s teacher about the year ahead – what’s planned so far, what expectations surround school life

And for you to ask the many questions that have already arisen for you. We look forward to seeing you there. VOLUNTEER INDUCTION SESSIONS

To work within our school all volunteers must each year attend a Volunteer Induction. Please note Parents do not need to obtain a Children’s Commission ‘Working with Children’ card (all other volunteers including Grandparents who want to work with children must, and must register that card at the school office), but all parents and other volunteers must annually attend one of the opportunities provided to be inducted as a volunteer. This year the three opportunities provided are:

Wed 3rd

Feb as part of the introduction of the Parent Information Night (6:30pm)

Tues 9th Feb – just prior to the 1

st Parents and Friends Meeting of the year – 6:30pm.

Mon 15th Feb – 8:30am – just after drop-off.

If you wish to work with our children in any capacity in 2016 you must attend one of these sessions. There is no guarantee that session will be run later in the year just because you missed these three offerings.

FRIENDS OF THE HEART MORNING TEA

This year I plan to resurrect the monthly ‘Friends of the Heart’ Morning Tea as an opportunity for parents – new and old – to catch up over a coffee or tea in a very informal atmosphere. The first of these will be next Friday morning (5

th February) at the Sandgate Coffee Club, commencing at 8:45am. Best part is – school’s

shout! So come along and join me for a coffee and a chat, and maybe meet your new best friend. YEAR 5 CAMP

By now our Year 5 families will have received their forms for their leadership camp which takes place from Wednesday 17

th February to Friday 19

th February. Camp forms were due back TODAY, with camp

payment due by Monday 8th February. I look forward to joining Year 5 on camp at Camp Mudjimba at Twin

Waters. DANCE CART

This term, as part of our curriculum offerings, all classes from Prep to Year 6 will take part in weekly Dance Cart lessons on a Friday. By the end of term the children will have created a dance spectacular to thrill you in the last week of Term 1. You’ll love it! TREEHOUSE PLAYGROUND UPDATE

Our Treehouse playground commissioned at the end of last year is almost completed with about a fortnight’s worth of work remaining. I know we have many very eager children ready to try it out. The wait is almost over. My thanks to the Sacred Heart Parents & Friends Assoc for funding this project. P & F MEETING – TUESDAY 9

TH FEBRUARY

Our Sacred Heart Parents and Friends Association. It is your association – a way for you to connect with the school and engage in activities which enhance the life of the school and make it even better for our children. AFTER-SCHOOL SUPERVISION

After the school day the school provides supervision of children in front of the school only for children waiting to be collected from school. We do not offer any supervision in the playground or at the rear of the school. All children not in the front of the school area are their parent’s responsibility and parents are required to keep a close eye on them and actively monitor their behaviour and actions. As the school grounds are a potential hazard without proper supervision, as well that there is a need for our Cleaners and Groundsman to commence their work in the grounds, the school grounds (gates) will be locked at 3:15pm each day. All parents are asked to vacate the grounds by then to enable this process to commence. PARKING

In the interests of the safety of our children no parent is to park in the Church carpark in the times immediately before school or immediately after school. This area is for Staff only during the times from 7:30am – 3:30pm. Please do not park in this area. Parking is available on the street, in the carpark at the rear of the school, in the carpark further down Brighton Road in the CBD, or the carpark near the Scout’s Hut. Our area is heavily policed and you will be towed and you will be fined. Please avoid an ugly scene and park in the correct places. FROM THE PARENT HANDBOOK ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO CHILDREN

The following are key points, which parents should note and follow immediately. As per Brisbane Catholic Education guidelines, 1. A parent/legal guardian must gain written authorisation for any medication,

including Panadol or similar products, to be administered at school. This must be achieved by completing the appropriate school form, a copy of which is available from the School Administration.

2. Medication must be provided in the container labelled by the pharmacist, which

shows clearly: a) The name of the drug b) The “Use by” date c) The name of the child’s medical practitioner d) The name of the student e) The dosage f) The frequency of administration.

All unused medication will be returned.

3. At no time will medication provided for one child be administered to others, even though

they may be brothers or sisters of a child for whom the prescription was issued.

4. Parents will need to supply all medication including Panadol or similar and deposit these at the school office (with the only exception of asthma medication) with the required signed forms at the commencement of the school day. No child is permitted to self-administer any form of medication with the exception of asthma medication. All medication is dispensed from the Office with a record kept of all such occurrences.

We strongly suggest that, should your child be prone to frequent headaches/migraines that parents obtain written consent from their child’s doctor (must be renewed annually) that Panadol or similar may be taken and in what dosage. It is then a parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child has a supply of medication for this purpose at school and that it is registered at the school office in the required way.

Should your child be going through a bout of illness requiring Panadol or similar then the guidelines as given in the preceding paragraph should also be followed.

If your child requires Panadol or similar on a casual basis (eg due to a one-off headache) we will contact you to request that you come to the school to administer such medication (i.e. presuming you do not have reason to have instructions from your child’s doctor already lodged with the school for these one-off occasions).

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS 2016 Regular weekly hours:

Monday 8am – 9am Thursday 8am – 9am Thursday 2:30pm – 3:30pm THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

‘Let us allow God to fill our hearts with his goodness and mercy’. (Pope Francis) Sincerely

Chris Chris Bathersby Principal

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Welcome to the new school year at Sacred Heart

Today we had a special welcoming assembly which included Liturgy of the Word for new teachers and students and to commemorate the new school year. The reading was from the letter of St Paul to the Corinthians. He reminds us that we need to walk in faith, hope and love. Faith is Symbolised by the Cross

What Jesus did for us on the cross is the centre of our faith. It is what lets us know that God loves us and is our friend. Faith in what Jesus did for each one of us, gives us a sense of purpose. We should always be thankful to God for the gift of the God’s love shown us in the cross of Jesus.

Hope is Symbolised by the Anchor Boats need an anchor to hold them safe and steadfast in their place. Without an anchor, a boat will drift aimlessly and end up in dangerous waters. Where does hope come from? Hope comes from God. Trusting in God allows us to hope in something bigger and better, something different from what might be happening around us. Hope helps us to reach out to others – for help and support….and to give it too. Love is Symbolised by a Heart

In our Gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples to love one another as he has loved them. Jesus spent his time caring for people, healing people, teaching people about God and showing them the best way to live. That’s what he asks of us as his followers. We are called by Jesus to be loving and that means taking care of each other, watching out for each other, treating each other with respect and always seeking good things for each other. Family-School-Parish Mass on Sunday 7

th February

On Sunday 7th February we will be celebrating Mass together as a family/school/parish. Mass will

commence at 5:00pm followed by a sausage sizzle. During this Mass there will be a Commissioning Ceremony for all staff. We hope to see many families in attendance as the partnership between family, school and parish is a key element in the Religious Life of the School. It helps to spiritually develop that sense of community and we are all part of it. As mentioned after Mass there will be a sausage sizzle in the school grounds. If you are able to assist in cooking the sausages please send an email at gshegog@bne.catholic.edu.au or leave your name at the office. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. 2016 the Year of Mercy

The year 2016 is recognised by the Church as the Jubilee Year of Mercy. This is a time of grace, peace, conversion and joy. It is meant for everyone: people of every age, from far and near. There are no walls or distances which can prevent the Father’s mercy from reaching and embracing us. The Holy Door is now open in Rome and in all the dioceses of the world.

Yours in Christ

Gerald Shegog Assistant Principal – Religious Education

‘As Christians, we cannot be self-centred, but must always be open to others and for others.’ Pope Francis

STUDENT COUNSELLOR

Parents, Grandparents and all Carers, I welcome you to our 2016 school year. May this year be one filled with wonder, joy, love, achievement and success for each of our children, as well as for your children attending Colleges, TAFEs or Universities.

Please contact me through the Office if there is anything I can do to assist you as you care for your children this year and support them in their educational journey. You are always welcome to come in for a coffee and a chat. If you or anyone you know would like a delicious home cooked meal, please let me know, and I will arrange for you to collect it or have it delivered to you. This year I will be at Sacred Heart on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Regards, Teresa

SCHOOL NEWS

IMPORTANT - UPDATING OF PERSONAL DETAILS

Have you recently moved house, changed your mobile phone or work number? Do you have a new email address? Does the school have your correct contact details? It is extremely important to ensure we have your correct contact details for communication purposes and in times of emergency. Please notify the school with any changes by logging into the Parent Portal and accessing ‘My Student’.

***The lost property is held outside the Integrated Arts Room***

Please ensure that your child’s school uniform and hat is clearly named. Also, can you please have a look at your child’s uniforms, including hat to make sure it doesn’t belong to another child? If so, please return them to the office. FLEXISCHOOLS NEWS - IMPORTANT

To ensure future Tuckshop Orders and Uniform Orders are processed correctly all parents are required to login to Flexischools at www.flexischools.com.au and update their child’s class. (There is a red message requesting you to do this. Simply click on the message and it will bring up all this year’s classes) All new parents to Sacred Heart School are encouraged to register their child’s details with Flexischools, as this is the preferred method of payment. Flexischools is a convenient way to order and pay (Credit/ Debit Visa, Mastercard and BPay** and Direct Deposit**) for your child's tuckshop and uniforms.

TENNIS NEWS

Hi all, I hope you have enjoyed the Summer of Tennis and now wish to learn or continue your tennis development in 2016. Term 1 Tennis Coaching will commence next week from Monday 1st February. All new Tennis enrolment forms will be distributed at your school this week. Term 4 students will automatically be re-enrolled for Term 1 this year. All new students will receive a Free Hotshots Tennis shirt. All tennis enquiries to me on 0438 195 723 / hampson.wayne@gmail.com I look forward to seeing you back on court next week. Cheers, Wayne

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal enables easy access to information about happenings in the school, forms that need to be returned, names and contact details for staff, policy information and much more. There’s also a special section to allow you to check the details we have recorded in our enrolment system about your children, and if necessary, advise us of any changes. You can also check on information about your child’s attendance, teachers, timetable, NAPLAN performance and report cards. We are increasing the use of the Parent Portal to provide a range of information to parents now and in the future. BCE Connect Mobile App

BCE Connect, the mobile app for all BCE Schools, is another great way to participate in our community.

BCE Connect gives parents, staff, extended family, friends and the public easy access to school information, making it easier to keep track and stay in touch. The app works with Google maps for location and directions, and gives instant access to phone numbers, emails and school calendars. BCE Connect has been designed to work on both Apple and Android devices. You can download our app from:

Search for BCE Connect. The app is designed to work on both Apple and Android devices.

BCE Connect features

The app gives parents, extended family, friends and the public easy access to school information, making it easier to keep track and stay in touch. It works with Google maps for location and directions, and gives instant access to phone numbers, emails and public school information.

Now, parents/legal guardians can use their BCE login to access extra Parent Portal features and private information such as absences, directories, and newsletters.

L.O.T.E NEWS

BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS

Sacred Heart School’s Behaviour Expectations

Our School Motto, “For God, Others, Self, is the foundation for the Four Non-negotiable Behaviours. These

non-negotiable behaviours are expected at Sacred Heart School. They are:

We are Learners

We are Safe

We are Carers

We are Respectful

It is expected that Sacred Heart Students will use appropriate behaviour, always and everywhere.

As important partners in your child/.children’s educational journey, we ask you to reinforce these non-

negotiable behaviours at home. Your child/children will better understand these expectations at school if they

are also valued at home. Each week one of these non-negotiable behaviours will be explained in more detail

with examples of how this behaviour should be demonstrated.

Regards,

Mrs Tracey Paskin on behalf of Sacred Heart Behaviour Team

FORTNIGHT AHEAD

Mon 1st Feb

Meet N Greet 8:25am in Donna Philps

Place. All welcome.

DDJ Instrumental Music Lessons

Tues 2nd

Feb BUDDY lunchtime!

School Board meeting 7pm

Wed 3rd

Feb Parent Information Night & Volunteer Induction 6:30pm commencing in Hall

Thurs 4th Feb Assembly - Welcome to new students in Prep 2pm in Donna Philps Place.

All welcome.

Fri 5th Feb Dance Cart Prep to Year 6

Welcome back BBQ & Disco 5:30pm with Disco starting at 6:30pm

Sun 7th Feb Parish / School Sacred Heart family Mass

incorporating the commissioning of the School Staff by Fr Modestus.

5pm. Hope you can join us.

Mon 8th Feb

Meet N Greet 8:25am in Donna Philps

Place. All welcome.

DDJ Instrumental Music Lessons

Tues 9th Feb

BUDDY lunchtime!

Pancake Tuesday

Volunteer Induction 6:30pm in Library

P & F Meeting 7pm in School Library. All welcome.

Wed 10th Feb

ASH Wednesday

Year 4 1:1 Laptop Parent information and laptop hand-over

7pm

Thurs 11th Feb Assembly 2pm in Donna Philps Place.

All welcome.

Fri 12th Feb

Dance Cart Prep to Year 6

Districts Swimming Carnival

Year 6 fundraising day

PARISH NEWS

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2016

Information on the next Parish Sacramental Program is available on the Church noticeboard and on the

website. A Parent Information Evening for parents wishing to have their children receive the Sacrament of

Confirmation will be held in the Sandgate Parish Hall on Monday 15th February at 7pm. This meeting is

compulsory for inclusion in this year’s program. Don’t forget to check out the Parish website

www.sandgatebrightoncatholic.org.au and like our Parish Facebook page to keep updated.

2016 Youth Group

Is it true that young people just want to be part of something? Have you considered joining the Sandgate/Brighton Youth Group? Our group is a youth initiative designed to bring like-minded young people together for an unforgettable experience, building friendships, having fun and experiencing things you may never have thought could happen to you. We meet at the undercover area behind Sacred Heart Church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays during the school term, and are open to those young people from Grade 6 to Grade 12. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Youth Group Co-Ordinator Travis Rosevear (travis@rosevear.info or 0419 789 293).

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Tuckshop will return Friday 5th Feb. Flexischools is open now for ordering. If you don't have Flexischools set up the instructions can be found on the parent Portal. Flexischools is the preferred method of payment. You can also if you haven't set up Flexischools as yet send your order and money to school. The menu is also on the Parent Portal with prices. Lock out time for your order is 7am on the morning of Tuckshop. Year 1 parents if your child orders tuckshop this year, after the second bell they can go up to Tuckshop (as can Year 2 – 6) to get their ice-cream or ice-block. Just remind them to bring their Tuckshop bag with the item name on it. Thanks Tracey and Jo

MASS TIMES Weekday Masses Monday: Brighton 9:15am Tuesday: Sandgate 7:00am Thursday: Sandgate 5:30pm Friday: Sandgate 7:00am 1

st Friday only: Masonic Care 10:00am

Weekend Masses Saturday: Eventide 9:30am Brighton 6:00pm Sunday: Brighton 7:00am Sandgate 9:00am Sandgate 5:00pm School Masses Sacred Heart School: 8:45am (1

st & 3

rd Thursday of each month) Principal: Chris

Bathersby Phone: 3269 3427 St Kieran’s School: 2pm (2

nd & 4

th Tuesday of each month) Principal: Marissa Clark

Phone. 3269 5989

SCHOOL BANKING

If you are new to the school and would like to find out how to join please contact Madonna Whillans - mwhillans@optusnet.com.au

COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL BANKING - AVAILABLE FOR ALL STUDENTS AND THEIR SIBLINGS Every child must learn that Mum and Dad are not the bank! Don’t forget that Tuesday is School Banking day and students should bring their weekly deposit. Please fill in the Deposit Slips with Date, Name, Student No, (Account No. if new) and Amount.

Madonna Whillans School Banking Co-Ordinator mwhillans@optusnet.com.au

COMMUNITY NEWS

KIDS LOVE DRAMA PARENTS LOVE THE RESULTS!

Our unique drama system develops confidence and communication skills

in children and teenagers.

Dynamic and structured, our programme covers speech, movement, creative drama and

language development with all students participating in an end-of- year production.

Our acclaimed drama programme is implemented by dynamic teachers who work

enthusiastically to bring out the very best in your child.

Affordable Fees! No Hidden Costs!

Lower Primary (5-8), Upper Primary (9–12) and Youth Theatre (12–18).

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy

Please phone the Principal Margaret Treuel B.A., Dip. Ed.

3353 0555

FAMILY SUPPORT FOR FREE

Free confidential counselling support for our school community at ACU Brisbane Psychology & Counselling Clinic, Australian Catholic University, Banyo. No referral is required.3623 7453. Email: brisbanepsychologyclinic@acu.edu.au

The Great Host Family Hunt is on again!

World Education Program (WEP) Australia, a registered, non-profit student exchange organisation is looking for volunteer families who would like to host a 15 to 18-year-old girl or boy.

Our students come from countries such as Italy, France, Belgium, Finland and Chile and are arriving in

July 2016. They are looking forward to living and learning about Australia and enjoying our famous Australian hospitality and lifestyle.

Without the generosity of families around the world, student exchange could not exist.

Experiencing a foreign language and culture in your own home is the next best thing to living overseas.

To request a free information pack for your family, contact us today!

1300 884 733 info@wep.org.au www.wep.org.au

World Education Program Australia Limited – WEP Australia ABN 82 098 289 897

A NON-PROFIT STUDENT EXCHANGE ORGANISATION REGISTERED/APPROVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS/REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN NEW SOUTH WALES, QUEENSLAND AND VICTORIA.

Junior Netball is starting soon for another term at Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports!

Played every Friday of the school term, only $6 per player. Teams and single

players welcome to join anytime

Daytime Ladies competition every Tuesday and Thursday during the school term.

Daytime Ladies netball is a great way to keep fit and meet new friends. Single

players and teams welcome.

Email us: info@brisports.com.au. Or call us on 3261 2666.

Brisbane Catholic Education Secondary Schools in the Local area – Quality Inclusive Catholic Education we recommend:

St John Fisher College - Bracken Ridge Girls Years 7 – 12 Ph: (07) 3269 8188 www.sjfc.qld.edu.au

Southern Cross Catholic College – Secondary, Scarborough Co-educational Years 7 – 12 Ph: (07) 3480 3600 www.sccc.qld.edu.au

Mt. Maria College – Petrie Co-educational Years 7 – 10 (with Vocational education based Year 11 & 12) Ph: (07) 3285 5500 www.mmcp.qld.edu.au

St Benedict’s College – Mango Hill Co-educational Years 7 – 12 Ph: (07) 3490 1758 www.stbenedictscollege.qld.edu.au

Mary MacKillop College – Nundah Girls Years 7 – 12 Ph: (07) 3266 2100 www.mmc.qld.edu.au