Dear Families,

I wish you a belated welcome to Term Three. Even with the increased cold weather this term we have been able to enjoy sunshine and plenty of time on the yard. The children are settled and working in beautifully together in the classroom and out.

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviours Support (WSAPBS)

At Sacred Heart we use a Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support. This process is all about using a set processes to develop positive behaviours for the whole school community. I would like to challenge parents to ask their children what the three expectations of behaviour are at Sacred Heart. These expectations are reflected on daily and the words we use around them during the day, in class and in the yard are threaded into all our work.

One of the fun ways we encourage students to follow our expectations is to reward positive behaviour with “Heart Coins”. These coins are used to purchase small items and services at the PBS shop. Running the PBS shop is coordinated by the leaders in the school. The most valuable item and hotly sort after is “Lunch with the principal”, that costs $150 coins. Other items for sale are “a ride in the elevator”, “free play”, “Hot Milo” and even a $5:00 lunch.

COVID

We have continued to be challenged with illness in the school community.  The current COVID pandemic, influenza and the common cold are common and wide spread illnesses at school. With some community suffering more than one of these illness at a time.  For this reason we appreciate the current strong recommendation by the Victorian Department of Health. That is face masks be worn in indoor settings, or when physical distancing is not possible. This is because the wearing of masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and all airborne respiratory illnesses. The recommendation that until the end of winter, students aged eight (8) and over and all school staff are strongly encouraged to wear face masks when in class (noting that exceptions to the recommendation apply to circumstances when clear enunciation or visibility of the mouth is essential) is positive. We have some seniors who regularly wear masks in class and I would like to commend them for their example. It is to be noted that the use of face masks should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including

music, sport and performances. This means students are able to self-regulate the use of them when appropriate.

I continue to extend my thanks to all families for keeping to the RAT testing schedule. This is the best way to identify COVID and help to minimise the spread. At school we have maintained a double cleaning schedule during the day, have air filters in all learning areas and still have the play equipment cleaned between play times. If you have been unwell please allow yourselves and your children the time to recover, we are all in the same situation and to function well in all areas of our lives we need to look after our health.

ARTIST in RESIDENCE

Bernard Mangakahia is a performer who will spend three days in our school. Each class/grade will be taught one or two dances from Hawaii, New Zealand Samoa, Fiji or American Indian. Each class/grade will perform their dance in a mini concert held at the school on Wednesday 27th July at 2:00pm in the Josephite Centre. All parents are invited to attend this performance. A paper note has gone home for all families to send back indicating how many attendees will be at the performance on Wednesday. Please let us know if you are coming.

A separate flyer advising of the activities will be sent out separately for your convenience.

Please enjoy the blessings of your children over the weekend,

God Bless,

Anne-Marie Robb