ISSUE 6: 28th February, 2025

Principal Message

Gospel Reflection

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 6:39-45), Jesus reminds us that our words and actions reflect what is in our hearts—“A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in their heart.” As parents, we play a vital role in shaping our children’s hearts by teaching kindness, patience, and integrity through our own example.

This Gospel challenges us to speak and act with love, knowing that our children learn not just from what we say, but from how we live. May we continue to nurture hearts that are filled with goodness, faith, and compassion.

What’s on Next Week (Week 6)

Coming up in Term 1, Week 7

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff & Students,

Weekly Update

We’re already halfway through the term—time is flying! Our teachers have been busy assessing student progress, and we’re thrilled to see continued strong literacy results in our third year of Structured Literacy.

Last week was full of highlights! We successfully conducted an evacuation drill, with everyone doing a fantastic job, and we held our very first School Advisory Council meeting, where parent representatives provided valuable insights—thank you to those involved!

A huge congratulations to our boys’ and girls’ teams who competed in the District Cricket competition on Wednesday. A special shoutout to our Girls and Boys A teams, who both took out the District title.

Last week was full of highlights! We successfully conducted an evacuation drill, with everyone doing a fantastic job, and we held our very first School Advisory Council meeting, where parent representatives provided valuable insights—thank you to those involved!

A huge congratulations to our boys’ and girls’ teams who competed in the District Cricket competition on Wednesday. A special shoutout to our Girls and Boys A teams, who both took out the District title.

A big thank you to the 30 Foundation parents who attended our Parent Information Session to learn more about reading instruction at Sacred Heart. Your involvement makes a real impact on your child’s learning journey.

We also appreciate the staff, students, and parents who worked with Kevin Cummins on filming a promotional video and capturing photos for the school. We look forward to seeing the finished product—thank you to all who volunteered!

Thanks for your continued support—we look forward to another fantastic week ahead!

Burning of the Palms for Ash Wednesday

This Monday, we will be holding our Burning of the Palms ceremony in preparation for Ash Wednesday. The palms we use come from last year’s Palm Sunday, reminding us of the journey from celebration to reflection during Lent.

Each class will also bring along their Lenten Promise sheet, which has been provided to teachers. This is a meaningful way for students to reflect on the season of Lent and their personal commitments.

Shrove Tuesday Breakfast

On Tuesday, join us for a free pancake breakfast from 7:50am to 8:40am as we observe Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins in our Catholic church calendar. If you can assist with serving, setting up, or cooking, please inform the Office.

School Sports Victoria (SSV) District Swimming

We wish Cooper Bush and Will Tallent all the best at Wednesday’s Division Swimming. This event is being held at Mildura Waves.

Ash Wednesday Mass

This Wednesday at 10am, we invite parents to join us at the Sacred Heart Church for Ash Wednesday Mass with St. Paul’s Primary School. We eagerly anticipate coming together to observe the start of Lent. Lent is a time before Easter when Christians remember Jesus's journey. People often give up something they like and try to be kinder to others to show love and respect, just like Jesus did.

Project Compassion

On Monday, Project Compassion boxes will be sent home with all families. Project Compassion, Caritas Australia's annual Lenten appeal, invites us to join millions in supporting the world's poor. Please return your Project Compassion boxes to school by Friday, 4th April.

School Closure - Pupil Free Day (Friday 7th March)

On Friday we have a School Closure/Pupil Free Day with our teachers undertaking professional development in relation to our work we are doing in relation to “The Resilience Project”.  As a school we are very lucky to be doing this and our students seem to be getting a lot from their learning so far.    

Year 4 Campaspe Downs Camp

Year 4 parents should have received their Campaspe Downs camp permission form via PAM & Simon Everywhere. This form includes important details about the camp, and we kindly ask that it is completed by Tuesday. Thank you for your prompt attention to this!

Family Vine Leaves

A big thank you to all the new families who have sent in their completed vine leaves for our beautiful family mural, now on display between the office area and Amaroo. It’s looking fantastic!

If your family still needs a blank leaf to decorate, please reach out to Emma Kotsiakos at ekotsiakos@shmildura.catholic.edu.au  We’d love for everyone to be part of this special display!

 Parents and Friends Second Hand Uniform Shop

A big thank you to Anna Cavallo, Pauline Tallent, and Paxton Piscioneri for volunteering to coordinate our Second-Hand Uniform Shop—your support is greatly appreciated! To place an order, complete the form below, and it will be processed by our Uniform Shop Coordinators and School Office. Orders are typically prepared within a few weeks, and parents will be notified when they’re ready for collection. EFTPOS payment is required at the Office before collecting items.

Order here: Second-Hand Uniform Order Form

SHPS Family Footy Tipping 2025

The AFL footy season isn’t far away!  Our Family Footy Tipping competition is on again.  Join the fun!  See the note for all details.

God Bless!

Mr Mark Gibson

Religious Education

2025 Sacramental Dates

Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 3 & Above) 

• Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 2nd April
• Celebration of Sacrament - Friday 30th & Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June

Sacrament of Holy Communion (Year 4 & Above)

• Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 2nd April
• Celebration of Sacrament - Friday 20th, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd June

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Year 2 & Above)

• Parent Information Session - Wednesday, 15th October
• Celebration of Sacrament - Wednesday 26th November

Learning & Teaching

Term Overviews

Term Overviews have been provided to give parents an insight into the curriculum and content students will be learning in Term 1. We encourage you to discuss with your children what they have been learning at school. Please note that the timing of curriculum delivery may vary and is subject to change. All curriculum content aligns directly with the Victorian Curriculum. For more details, please visit:

All primary and lower secondary schools in Victoria are required to implement The F-10 Victorian Curriculum. At Sacred Heart, Classroom Teachers send home overviews which outline when the content of the curriculum will be taught throughout term. In addition to the classroom teachers, you are welcome to discuss any questions that you have about the curriculum; what we teach at Sacred Heart, with the Community Leaders: 

• F-2 Christine Sherry: csherry@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
• 3-4 Sophie Price: sprice@shmildura.catholic.edu.au
• 5-6 Kailla Coffey: kcoffey@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

Ensuring you have the correct information, prevents the spread of misinformation.

National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Year Three & Five classes are preparing for NAPLAN in Weeks Seven & Eight.  

The Test Schedule has been confirmed for the following days:

Week Seven:

Wednesday, 12th March 2025

Year Three Writing @ 9.15am

Year Five Writing @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 13th March 2025

Year Five Reading @ 9.15am 

Year Three Reading @ 12.00pm

Week Eight:

Tuesday, 18th March 2025

Year Three Conventions of Language @ 12.00pm

Wednesday, 19th March 2025

Year Three Numeracy @ 9.15am 

Year Five Conventions of Language @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 20th March 2025

Year Five Numeracy @ 9.15am

 You will have received a note regarding NAPLAN Parent Information. We understand that children can be nervous about NAPLAN testing and will endeavour to support students as much as possible with these assessments. Parents are encouraged to get in touch with their child’s teacher if you have any concerns to ensure that appropriate adjustments and support can be put in place. 

Learning Diversity

Upcoming PSGs - save the date

It is that time of the term again where we arrange a time for families of funded students to meet  for PSG meetings with teachers to review goals from Individualised Learning Plans (ILPS). These meetings will take place on Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th March. ILP’s and letters with meeting times will be available on SIMON by Friday March 14th.

The Each website is another great free resource to assist families. They offer a wide range of supports to assist members of our community to lead happier, healthier lives.

Wellbeing

Thanks to many of our new families who have sent in completed vinelaves for our family mural, displayed between the office area and Amaroo. They look amazing! Please contact Emma Kotsiakos if your family still requires a blank leaf. ekotsiakos@shmildura.catholic.edu.au

Easter Egg Raffle - This year we will be having an easter egg raffle. Families are asked to donate an easter egg and raffle tickets will be sold on CDF pay for $1.00 each. Insert Flyer

Breakfast Club - Breakfast club is coming to SHPS. On Tuesday morning toasties will be available from the canteen from 8.30am - 8.45 am for anyone who would like some breakfast before school. Starting Tuesday 12th March.

SWPBS

Our SWPBS focus this fortnight is Sharing and Taking Turns

Why Sharing is Important

Children need to learn to share so they can make and keep friends, play cooperatively, take turns, negotiate and cope with disappointment. Sharing teaches children about compromise and fairness. They learn that if we give a little to others, we can get some of what we want too.

Sharing is a key part of getting along with others, so it becomes more and more important when your child starts having playdates and going to school.

Helping children learn about sharing

Children learn a lot from just watching what their parents do. When you model good sharing and turn-taking in your family, it gives your child a great example to follow.

Children also need opportunities to learn about and practise sharing. Here are ways to encourage sharing in everyday life:

1. Talk about why sharing is good for your child and others. You can say something like, ‘When you share your toys with your friend, everyone gets to have fun. You might get to share your friend’s toys too.

1. Point out good sharing in others. For example, ‘Your friend was sharing her ball really well. That was very kind of her’.
2. When you see your child trying to share or take turns, give your child plenty of praise and attention. For example, ‘I liked the way you let Aziz have a turn on the swing. Great sharing!’
3. Play games with your child that involve sharing and turn-taking. Talk your child through the steps, saying things like, ‘Now it’s my turn to play a card, and then it’s your turn’ or ‘You share the red blocks with me, and I’ll share the green blocks with you’.
4. Talk with your child about sharing before playdates with other children. For example, you could say, ‘When Georgia comes over, you’ll need to share some of your toys. Why don’t we ask her what she wants to play with?’ 

(Sourced from raisingchildren.ent.au)

Schools TV

A Special Report: Managing Overwhelm

Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means that we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many children and their parents are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. It is therefore important for adult carers to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it. Providing children with the skills and strategies to cope will enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. This can be inherently stressful and overwhelming, not only for parents and carers, but children alike. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

This Special Report suggests a number of strategies to help manage any feelings of overwhelm that you or your child may be experiencing.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

Our resilience project lessons this week explore the concept of empathy and kindness. Students will be engaged in a range of activities, discussions and videos to explore empathy and kindness.

If you would like to learn more about the resilience project don’t forget to access the parent hub using the link below:

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2025-parent-carer-hub-inspire-1/

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Foundation News

This week in Prep we have had lots of fun learning to blend and segment words that contain the ‘satpin’ sounds. We have been practising how to correctly write these letters using the Victorian Modern Cursive font and to hear these sounds at the beginning of words.  Students have continued to work on rhyming words and syllables.

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Thank you to everyone for their attendance at our Foundation Reading Information Session. We hope that it was insightful and you now have an understanding of how we teach reading at Sacred Heart.  We hope you found the tips on how to help your child with reading at home useful.  Below are the links from the ‘tips’ handout…

The Foundation students will bring home their “Enhanced Comprehension” packs for reading with parents on Monday. These packs have been developed by speech therapists and include a quality picture storybook and question page both enclosed inside a plastic envelope. Please ensure that these stay together in the envelope. Enhanced Comprehension packs go home each Monday and are returned on Fridays. This book is to be recorded in your child’s reading diary each night it is read. If children forget to bring their pack back, they are unable to borrow a new one.

Here is an example of how to fill in the home reading diary…

Wednesday was our last Prep rest day… we will be at school every day of the week as of next week!

Some reminders:

• Students are required to have a set of headphones which are to be left at school.
• Each morning the students need to do their jobs before finding something to do. They need to bring into the classroom from their bag their drink bottle, lunch container, snack container and brainfood container. 
• The school library books are borrowed fortnightly on Friday’s (next Friday) and returned the Monday week before re-borrowing. If your child does not bring back their books or does not have their library bag on library day they will not be able to borrow new books. 
• Your child’s library bag needs to be at school every day - kept in their school bag.

Brainfood needs to be a small fruit or vegetable which can be eaten in 5 minutes - cut up and in a small container.

Year One News

We began the week with an Evacuation drill which saw our students walking and behaving safely and responsibly. Fantastic effort!  

 In Literacy, we have been focusing on reading and writing tricky words and understanding that these words cannot be sounded out. We kindly ask for your support in helping your child practice reading and writing these words at home. A copy of the tricky words can be found on page 15 of your child’s reader diary. So far, we have covered Sets 1, 2, and 3.

Please continue reading the ‘Enhanced Comprehension’ Books with your child each week. We would like this to be a positive learning experience, where children enjoy quality time with loved ones while developing their linguistic skills. They are to be borrowed on a Monday and returned on a Friday.

• When reading the story at home, sit your child close by so you can both see the book. Place the question card by your side away from the child. 
• If your child has trouble answering the question, use the prompts available on the back of the card or simply tell them the answer and then repeat the question.  
• With practice, your child’s skills will improve.
• For an extra challenge, ask your child to help you retell the story.

 During our History unit, Year One students have been learning about History and how families are connected. They have been exploring family connections and will be learning appropriate vocabulary through the study of family trees. On Monday 3rd March your child will bring home a proforma of a family tree. We please ask families to assist students with creating their own family tree diagram. Please have it returned to school by Tuesday 11th March as we will be presenting them to the class.

Show and Tell Topic for next week: My personal strength and how I have changed over time – What I am good at and why I am good at it compared to things that I couldn’t do previously (e.g. bike riding, doing a cartwheel, roller skating).

 Thank you for your continued support and we hope you have a great weekend!

Year Two News

Year 2 Children’s workbooks are will be coming home today  to be covered with clear contact. It would be great if this job could be completed over the weekend however if not, please return books to school Monday as we will need to use them and then organise another night for them to come home. If you have not covered your child’s diary, this weekend would be a good time too.

Year Three News

We can’t believe we are already halfway through our first Term! 

We would like to congratulate all of the children for their outstanding efforts in preparing and presenting their class captain speeches. Congratulations Oliver Love  and Olivia Petrie for being appointed as our Year Three class captains.

Please ensure your child has headphones at school - they will be needed during some of the Naplan testing.

Year Four News

Permission for our upcoming Year 4 Camp to Campaspe Downs has been made available on SIMON this week. Please ensure you have consented to this event by this Tuesday 2nd March. Please see the attached notes (also available on SIMON) with details of the camp, including a packing list and daily timetable. If you have any queries about the camp, don’t hesitate to contact us here at school.

Learning this week:

Year Four is learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ connection to Country in Humanities. The students were asked to choose a way they would like to think and learn about this connection to.  One way is the scientific way, another way is the Dreaming way. Ask your child which they chose and then have them tell you what their findings were( scientific way) or what the story told them ( Dreaming way). 

In Mathematics, we have been learning about number sequences. We have been looking at different strategies to learn our multiplication tables and playing games to help us practise.

We encourage a healthy brain food snack for students to have during our morning literacy block (10am). We find this provides a good break from learning and allows students to recharge for the second hour before lunch.  A reminder that the snack needs to be something- fruit or vegetable they can eat with their fingers. 

There are still some children who have not yet brought headphones to school. As we are halfway through the term we would appreciate this being rectified this week.

Have a great weekend!

Natalee & Cathryn

Year Five News

Congratulations to our Year 5 students who proudly represented Sacred Heart this week at the Senior T20 cricket tournament. 

Inspired by the Resilience Project, Gratitude Lessons, and AFL player Adam Trelor, the Year 5 boys expressed their gratitude by writing DIS on their wrists to remind them of how lucky they are to be involved in such wonderful experiences. 

Shortly, we will begin sharing some of the students' work via Seesaw. Please make sure you have access, so you can celebrate your child’s work.

NAPLAN 

All students require headphones for NAPLAN which is coming up in a few weeks. Please ensure your child has working headphones at school as soon as possible. Students have been practicing sample questions and writing strategies during class and this will continue next week to ensure students are feeling confident and prepared. Any students wanting some extra preparation are welcome to access this public access site.

Week Seven:

Wednesday, 12th March  -Year Five Writing @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 13th March  - Year Five Reading @ 9.15am 

Week Eight:

Wednesday, 19th March - Year Five Conventions of Language @ 12.00pm

Thursday, 20th March  - Year Five Numeracy @ 9.15am 

Upcoming Year 5 dates:

• Tuesday 4th March - Shrove Tuesday Breakfast 7:50am
• Wednesday 5th March - Ash Wednesday Mass 10:00am
• Friday 7th March - School Closure Day 
• Monday 10th March - Labour Day Holiday
• Friday 14th March - Barramunga Assembly
• Tuesday 18th March - Year 5 St Joseph’s visit - A note was sent home this week. Please also provide consent via SIMON
• Friday 28th March - Waminda Assembly

Year Six News

Congratulations to Wahroonga for hosting a wonderful assembly – well done! We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our parents for providing a delicious afternoon tea and joining with the students to celebrate their amazing assembly efforts.

A huge well done to the students who represented Sacred Heart at the T20 cricket on Tuesday – we are so proud of your efforts!

Has your child been saying "DIS" while pointing at things they love? During SEL, we have been learning about Stanzin, watch this short video to learn about Stanzin and DIS!

Dates to Remember:

• Tuesday 4 March - Shrove Tuesday Breakfast 7:50am
• Wednesday 5 March - Ash Wednesday Mass 10:00am
• Friday 7 March - School Closure Day 
• Monday 10 March - Labour Day Holiday

Student Awards and Presentations

Congratulations to this weeks Students of the Week and our One Agency Mildura Positive Behaviour Awards !

Londyn Balchin ~ Enayat Kaur ~ Alyssa Cursaro 

Library

Week 5 has been another busy week in the library. It has been lovely to see so many children, like these Amaroo students, sharing the joy of books with their peers during their class’s library session. 

Issue 2 of Book Club has been sent home. These orders will close on Tuesday, 18th of March. After this issue, we will move to one issue per term.

First Aid

Please ensure that if you have an outstanding medical plan for example an Asthma Action Plan, or ASCIA plan for your child, please ensure that this is organised and sent into the office as soon as possible.

Grade 4 Camp is approaching quickly, please ensure that the Medication Authority Forms are filled out and handed into the office as soon as possible, so I can begin organising a system for the camp.
If possible medications are encouraged to be handed in before the day of the camp, as the morning of the camp can be quite busy. If you are unable to bring in the medication before, please ensure that you find me the morning of the camp and we can ensure that we have everything we need to support your child and make their camp experience seamless.  

If you have any questions please contact me at ejones@shmildura.catholic.edu.au or 5023 1204

Ebony Jones - First Aid Officer

Parent Information

School Uniform

It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure, that their children come to school wearing the correct uniform. If for some reason, particular items are not available on a given day, a note should be sent with the child, to eliminate any misunderstanding. 

School Uniform Requirements

Physical Education Uniform Days

Children can wear their sports uniform on their sport and Physical Education days.

Foundation

• Eumeralla Miss Hayley Moore - Thursday & Friday
• Minga Mrs Rebecca O’Callaghan - Tuesday & Friday 

Year One

• Yongana Miss Brieanna Galvin - Tuesday & Friday
• Amaroo Mrs Katrina Groves - Wednesday & Friday                             

Year Two  

• Mootwingee Mrs Chris Carmichael - Monday & Friday 
• Nangare Mrs Wendy Collins - Wednesday & Friday

Year Three

• Narooma Mrs Sarah Beckwith - Wednesday & Friday  
• Dourim Mrs Jaimi Willersdorf - Tuesday & Friday

Year Four

• Illawarra Mrs Natalee Johnson - Tuesday & Friday              
• Myalla Mrs Cathryn Rowles - Monday & Friday

Year Five

• Barramunga Mrs Jacinda Deacon - Monday & Friday
• Waminda Mrs Rachel Slimmon/Mr Jacob Burford - Wednesday & Friday                  

Year Six

• Cooinda Mrs Jo Campbell - Wednesday & Friday
• Wahroonga Mrs Regan Zaxos - Thursday & Friday

School Hats

It is school policy that hats should be worn from September 1st until May 1st whenever the children are outside at recess or lunch.  Outside these times the wearing of a school hat is based upon the forecast UV rating.  Foundation children have a light blue hat so that they are easy to identify in the playground.

Shoes

Parents are asked to give special attention to the shoes children wear to school.  The uniform regulations specify black leather shoes.  There are many styles on the market that fit this description, however parents are urged to avoid shoes that feature coloured stripes, logos or any other coloured decoration.  Unless specifically authorised, (e.g. on Physical Education days) sneakers are not to be worn.

Socks

Specific attention is also drawn to the colour of the socks to be worn as part of the general uniform: pale blue for girls, grey for boys.  Sacred Heart sports socks or plain white sports socks (with no logos or markings) are to be worn as part of the Physical Education uniform.

School Uniform Purchase

The Uniform Shop is run independently to the school through Totally Workwear. The shop is located at 87 Lime Ave, Mildura (Ph. 03 5021 4697). 

Second Hand Uniform Shop

The Parents and Friends (P&F) operate a Second Hand Uniform shop. Opening hours are usually during our School Assembly times. All items for sale are donated and all proceeds go directly to the P&F to support our school.  An order form is placed on our website https://www.shmildura.catholic.edu.au/school-uniform .

School Bags

School bags with the school emblem printed on them are available for purchase from Totally Workwear but are not compulsory.

Library Bags

All students require a Sacred Heart Library Bag (ordered through Totally Workwear) which is used to protect books borrowed from school as well as newsletters and other correspondence.

Lost Property

Please label ALL UNIFORM ITEMS with your child’s name. Lost property can be retrieved from breezeway between the courtyard and Olive Grove and if left unclaimed, will be donated to the second hand uniform shop.

Hair, Jewellery, Nail Polish & Make-Up

Students should keep their hair neat and tidy. Long hair that may cover the eyes must be tied back in a ponytail, plait, or similar style—this applies to both boys and girls. Hair accessories should be in the school colors: pale blue or navy blue.

 Jewellery is generally not part of the school uniform, with a few exceptions:

• Earrings: Only plain studs (no glitter or dangling styles), with one stud per earlobe. No other piercings are allowed.
• Religious Medals: May be worn on a chain or pin but must be safe for play.

Nail polish and make-up are not allowed as part of the school uniform.

Arriving and Leaving Safely

Kiss & Go

To help keep everyone safe during drop-off and pick-up please take note of the following rules at Kiss and Go and the School Crossing that should be followed both in the morning (8:10-8:45am) and afternoon (3pm-3:30pm):

• Stay in your vehicle unless you need to assist younger students with their seat belts.
• Aim to keep your car in the Kiss & Go area for a maximum of two minutes to allow others to use the space too.
• Access the Kiss & Go only from Olive Grove, not 12th Street.
• Please refrain from dropping off students outside of cars in Olive Grove.
• Avoid performing U-turns within the Kiss & Go area.
• For your safety, use the school crossing if you need to cross 12th Street.


Thanks for helping us keep our school safe for everyone!

Pick Up and Drop Off Points

In the mornings, the Olive Grove gate will remain closed, so students and visitors can only enter through the 12th Street or Tamarisk Grove gates. After school, only the Olive Grove gate near the Art House will be open and supervised by a staff member. This change aims to enhance student and traffic safety.

Please ensure you find a suitable and permissible parking spot for your car in order to use these locations.

Riding Scooters & Bikes

Certain students walk, ride bikes, or scooters to school and are requested to use either the 12th Street entrance or the Tamarisk Grove entrance at the rear of the oval. Riding into or through the school grounds is not permitted.

Collect Children from School Grounds

Feel free to come into school to pick up your child directly from their classroom. It's an excellent opportunity to meet other parents, have casual conversations with teachers, and ensure your child is organised at the end of the day. If you choose this option, please park appropriately and be outside the classroom by the 3.10 bell; otherwise, your child will be directed to the supervised Kiss and Go area. Students and young siblings should refrain from using the playground equipment.

School Crossings

Students walking home are advised to use the school crossings on Twelfth Street, Walnut Avenue and Eleventh Street to safely avoid heavily trafficked roads. All crossings are supervised by a School Crossing Supervisor, and it's crucial to follow their directions.  We also encourage parents to model expected behaviours by using the School Crossings also.

Buses

Several of our students catch buses home from the St. Joseph’s bus stop on 11th Street. Each day a teacher gathers these children together and accompanies them to the bus stop to supervise until they are all safely on the bus.

Drop Off Times

Preferred 'Drop Off' Time: 8.25 - 8.45 am. For safety reasons, please refrain from dropping off students before 8.19 am, as there is no supervision provided.  Our gates open at this time.

Pick Up Times

Recommended 'Pick Up' Time: 3.10 - 3.25 PM. While we understand occasional delays, if regular or extending beyond 3.30 PM, please consider enrolling your child/ren in After School Care.

Walking or Riding Home

If your children walk or ride home or to your workplace after school, please submit written permission authorising them to leave unaccompanied. They must exit through the main 12th Street gate or accompany the 11th Street bus group through Tamarisk Grove.

Alternative Pick Up Places

For safety, we strongly advise against arrangements where children wait unsupervised at public pick-up locations like Walnut Avenue or St Joseph’s College.

EATING AND DRINKING AT SCHOOL

Healthy Eating

To sustain learning and promote healthy eating we encourage students to bring to school predominantly healthy food choices.

Brainfood

Students have a brain food break during the morning to keep children’s brains fuelled for learning. We ask that families send an extra fresh fruit or vegetable snack for children to have during this time. When sending the snack, please pack it separately from your child’s lunch in a small, named container so it can be placed on their desk each morning.

Lunch Snack

The main meal of the school day; a sandwich or roll, a salad or a slice of quiche. A healthy ‘treat’ may also be appropriate here that is healthy and gives long-term energy.  Lunch is eaten usually in the classroom from 11:25am-11:40am.

Recess Snack

We encourage parents to pack fresh fruit or vegetables in your child’s recess snack box.  You may like to pack one or two other snack items for them at this time.  This snack is eaten at 1:40pm.

Packing Food

 The school has a bank of refrigerators for the storage of students’’ food. For the ease of packing and unloading the fridges, we ask that parents provide separate, small, well-labelled containers or zip-lock bags for their child’s recess snack and lunch. Insulated ‘puffy’ lunchboxes and ice-blocks are not required.

School Canteen

Our School Canteen operates on a Wednesday and Friday and provides a range of lunch options at low cost.    The current menu and prices can be accessed through and ordered via the CDFpay.  This app is powered by Flexischools and  you will need to create an account.  Please download the CDF Pay App and ensure you create an account (the previous CDFPay doesn't transfer over to the app).

OFFICE INFORMATION

Office Hours

Office hours will run from 8:20am to 4:00pm every day. Phone calls can be made starting at 8:00 am.

Change of Personal Details

If there are any changes to your contact details (address/phone number/emergency contacts), kindly inform the office by calling 50231204, emailing office@shmildura.catholic.edu.au, or visiting the office in person.

Simon Everywhere and Parent Access Module (PAM)

Simon Everywhere is an App for smart phones that allows parents to access all information relating to their child/ren such as reports, attendance and much more. It also allows you to update medical information, give permission for excursions, access teacher emails and also receive notifications from the school.

For parents familiar with PAM, the new App works mostly the same as PAM and you can still access PAM through the web site: pam.shmildura.catholic.edu.au, however the app has additional functionality such as Push notifications and the ability to sign in without having to enter your username and password each time.

1. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search Simon Everywhere
2. Download and open the App and Allow Notifications
3. Enter your name and phone number and press verify, you will receive a code via SMS
4. Click on 'Add School'
5. Select Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura - Parent Access
6. Enter your PAM username and password. If you do not know your credentials, please call the school.

7. Click on the Home icon.
   

Simon everywhere works best when notifications are turned on. You can check the notifications setting on your phone to be sure by going to the Settings – Notifications – Then find the Simon Everywhere App.

Sickness at School

Children with severe colds, flus, or other debilitating illnesses must stay at home. Do not send the child if they have:

• Fever: Children with a fever over 38 degrees should stay home.
• Prescribed antibiotics: Keep a child at home for at least 24 hours if prescribed antibiotics for an acute illness.
• Diarrhea: Children with watery stool should return only after being symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
• Vomiting: Children who are vomiting should stay home until at least 24 hours after it has stopped.

After School Care

After School Care is available for Sacred Heart students and is located on our school grounds.  Camp Australia run this program for students from Sacred Heart Primary School and St Paul's Primary School.  The program runs from the Art House building which is located on Olive Grove.

Sacred Heart families can make use of the Camp Australia After-School Care Program that is held on the grounds of Sacred Heart.  The service is available from 3:10pm through to 6pm on school days.  A healthy snack is provided to children.  Registration needs to be done through the Camp Australia website www.campaustralia.com.au .  Further information can be obtained by calling 1300 105 343.  Each day the office will print out a list of students attending Out of Hours School Care and notify the students at the end of the day via the announcements.

Marking Child’s Absence 

1. Log into the App - SimonEverywhere or login via PAM (type pam.shmildura.catholic.edu.au in your address bar).
2. You can either log by clicking on the large blue calendar section that says Parent Notified Absences or you can click on the 3 menu lines at the top right-hand side of your screen. NOTE: On your phone it will appear below your child/ren’s name.
3. You will then need to click the blue + Add Absence button circled below
4. Then select your child, and in reason

If your family is going on an extended family holiday. Please contact the school to inquire about an Student Absence Learning Plan.

School Day

• 8:19 am - Gates open & students can access Courtyard
• 8:34 am - Access Courtyard and play on Oval (classrooms opening optional for teachers)
• 8.49 am - School day begins - classroom open
• 8:55 am - School starts.
• 9.55 am - Brain Break
• 10:55 am - Lunch Play
• 11.25 am - Lunch Eat
• 1.40 pm - Recess 
• 2.10 pm - Recess Finishes
• 3.10 pm - School finishes

Sports Uniform Days

Foundation

• Eumeralla Miss Hayley Moore - Thursday & Friday
• Minga Mrs Rebecca O’Callaghan - Tuesday & Friday 

Year One

• Yongana Miss Brieanna Galvin - Tuesday & Friday
• Amaroo Mrs Katrina Groves - Wednesday & Friday                             

Year Two  

• Mootwingee Mrs Chris Carmichael - Monday & Friday 
• Nangare Mrs Wendy Collins - Wednesday & Friday

Year Three

• Narooma Mrs Sarah Beckwith - Wednesday & Friday  
• Dourim Mrs Jaimi Willersdorf - Tuesday & Friday

Year Four

• Illawarra Mrs Natalee Johnson - Tuesday & Friday              
• Myalla Mrs Cathryn Rowles - Monday & Friday

Year Five

• Barramunga Mrs Jacinda Deacon - Monday & Friday
• Waminda Mrs Rachel Slimmon/Mr Jacob Burford - Wednesday & Friday               

Year Six

• Cooinda Mrs Jo Campbell - Wednesday & Friday
• Wahroonga Mrs Regan Zaxos - Thursday & Friday