Dear Families,

Today I need to convey the greatest “Thank You” to the amazing teachers I am
privileged to lead at Sacred Heart. The effort and commitment they have to
improving the students’ learning outcomes was evidenced last night in the
school performance.
The production was central to the focus of our vision and mission

Vision
Gospel values inspire our vision,
Empowering all learners to achieve their potential in contributing to a flourishing world.

Mission
As a community of faith, we strive to educate all learners to be respectful,
inclusive and caring to realise their own excellence and contribute to the world.

All of you who attended Wednesday night would be aware from my discussion that the production is now part of a two-year cycle at Sacred Heart. All Grade 5 and 6
children will always have an opportunity for speaking roles if they are inspired
to do so. All children have the opportunity to contribute with their talents in
the senior area. Either back stage, engineering, prop production, dancing,
singing, writing and play development.
Whilst we had a few nerves, we had many more “get ups” and “stand ups”, we
had empowered students supporting each other and confidence from
achievements that were not considered possible.

At Sacred Heart the production was an example of our child centred teaching.
The work came from the students, the story created by the students was a
personal narrative that reflected the intensity of the last few years and how
“we’re still standing” after the pressure of the height of the COVID pandemic.
The teachers followed he curriculum for children at their point of need, the
flexibility of their considerations gave opportunity for many children to show
off their talents and discover new experiences that have been wonderful.
Over the last year, the students, in general have found the routine and rhythm
of school, especially the older ones a challenge to return to after the previous two years. Lock downs and illness have created a perpetual inconsistency in
their learning that is taking a toll. This production however, was embraced by
the students and they owned the development, expression and presentation.
All the children contributed, even if they did not perform, they rehearsed, gave
opinion and feedback and constructed.

The challenges with song choice, developed into articulated debates in some
rooms. (I believe in the Green Room there might have been a mini mutiny with
some of the Grade 2 children considering their song “Hot Potato” a bit too
childish.) The debates in the older classes were a little more sophisticated and
the children settled with rational discussion. All of this was long considered not
an issue when we celebrated on Thursday afternoon with a dance party hosted
in the multipurpose room by Indiana our “Our Patch” leader.
Song requests for the afternoon included “We will rock you”, “The Haka” and
of course “Hot Potato”. Thanks to those oldies (the teachers) who showed
their talents with “The Nutbush”.
The production now over for the next two years… I ask in advance the children
in Years 3 and 4 to get their thinking caps on to create a story of wonderment
for 2024.

Death of the Queen
I take this opportunity to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Whatever our
consideration of the monarchy, none of us can deny the enormous effort the
Queen put into her public duties. Our school captains have been ensuring our
flags are at half-mast as we have been directed as a school to keep that
protocol until further notice.

Car Park
Please pay attention to the new speed signs. 10 kms per hour to enter on
Wilson St. and 5 km per hour in the car park.
Also, we expect that all children are dropped off and picked up in the car
park or down at the gate. No children should be dropped off in front of the
flags in the morning and walking back up to the top gate. Drop off through
drive through in the morning must be at the bottom gate.
This is essential for the safety of the children

Holidays
Please enjoy the blessings of your children over the holidays, rest up and get
ready for a brilliant Term 4. Our Big Idea is Connections focusing on
Geography… so fairly exciting trips planned. Grade3/4 camp and lots of other
exciting learning experiences.

God Bless you all,
Anne-Marie Robb

After all the preparation and pre-rehearsals, the students were more than excited to present their production to the attentive audience.  The night held at Morwell Central was a huge success.  The audience showed their pleasure and gratitude with their applause and the students through their nerves and excitement had a wonderful night.  Here are captions from behind the scenes.

A remembrance prayer For Queen Elizabeth II

God of our longing,
hear our prayers
protect our dreams,
and listen to our silent hopes.

Deal gently with our pain,
speak to our sadness,
and remove the barriers 
that imprison our spirit.

Shed your light
where shadows are cast,
that we may feel your warmth
and know your presence.

Give us courage 
to hold fast to our vision
that we may build our world
and create our future.

Grant eternal rest for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace.

Amen.

A fun day was had when the students supported the Footy Hot Lunch day and came to school dressed in their favourite footy colours.  Thank you to Mrs Heineman who oraganised the hot lunch orders.  The lunch orders raised $368.05 which will go towards the new running track at the school.