Dear Families,

Feeling like we’re on the other side of the world today on the 1 st day of
Summer and we’re all rugged up. I am ever so grateful for the mild day in
Healesville yesterday. It was perfect weather for walking and viewing … and
walking we did. The exhibits were all in natural enclosures with double door
safety measures. The children were able to be up close and personal with the
animals and there were many viewing spaces with infrared lighting so we could
see nocturnal animals in action. The pleasant weather just after the rain and
warming throughout the day allowed the bush smell of the Eucalypts permeate
as we walked through. I’m not sure if the kids picked up on the sensory
environment but I know they were all excited about the animals exhibited.

Aboriginal Families Afternoon Tea

During this last fortnight we celebrated our biannual Aboriginal Families
Afternoon Tea. We gathered in the Bush Tucker Garden (officially for the
1 st time). The calm day just started to get windy as we set the garden up
however, we persevered and enjoyed some time using the yarning circle.
The children all brought a friend and will continue to do this as we move
forward with the initiative.

Advent

The first week of Advent and the first Sunday of Advent mark the beginning of
the Advent season in the Christian liturgical calendar. Advent is a period of
preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on
Christmas Day. Each of the four weeks of Advent has a specific theme, and the
first week typically centres around the theme of “Hope” or “Expectation.” On
the first Sunday of Advent, Christians light the first candle on the Advent
wreath, which is purple in colour. This candle is called the "Hope" or "Prophet's candle," symbolizing the anticipation of the coming Messiah and the hope that
he brings to the world. The Scripture readings and prayers during this week
often focus on the prophecies in the Old Testament about the promised Savior
and the expectation of His arrival.

Icy poles

The Social Justice Team are selling icy poles every Tuesday and Thursday. 50c
an icy pole on Tuesday and Thursday. Proceeds go to Catholic Mission and the
Mini Vinnies group.

School uniform

I thank you all for your continued commitment to Sacred Heart. We will
continue with random uniform checks. Please ensure to send your child with a
note (email to teachers- I ask that adults explain this) if they are out of
uniform. We understand wet socks and muddy shoes and not yet dry jumpers
on occasion.
In following weeks parents may receive a ping on their SIMON everywhere app
if their child is in the incorrect uniform.
Socks should also have no branding unless it is the Sacred Heart brand, socks
can be white, black or green.

Communicating with teachers

At Sacred Heart we invest in the partnership we have with families. We invite
all parents and carers to communicate with teachers about any concern you
may have regarding your child’s education. If there is a concern brought to
your attention, please let us know so we can work together to improve
learning outcomes. Email is an efficient way to communicate.

Junior teachers
Mrs. Erin Larkins elarkins@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au
Ms. Barton kbarton@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au
Ms. Mancarella smancarella@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au
Senior Teachers
Mrs. Inchincoli minchincolii@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au
Mrs. Robb arobb@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au
Mrs. Trotman ttrotman@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au
Mrs. Martin smartin@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au

Absence at school

If your child is unwell for an extended period, we are required to ask for a
medical certificate. If you are taking your child for a holiday or have a family
event for any period of time, we must have written notification. This can be via
email or the SIMON everywhere app. Attending school is compulsory, and we
are required by law to record daily attendances. The department of education
standard for school attendance is 90% any lower than this can impact your
child’s learning.

Please enjoy the blessings of your children over the weekend,
God Bless,
Anne-Marie Robb