2016: Opening Doors to God’s Mercy

We have had a great start to the 2016 academic year, with our fabulous Year 7 students leading into the school in their new uniforms. Some nervousness was apparent, mainly from parents, and a lot of excitement and anticipation from the new Collegians. Our transition program stood the test and all Year 7 students settled in well. I have no doubt they will be exhausted come the end of this first week. It was great to meet so many parents, some past students, here at the welcome morning tea for Year 7 parents. Our Year 12 students provided a lending hand as our new leaders of Sacred Heart, assisting the new students with lockers and sharing a barbecue lunch. Staff enjoyed the opportunity to meet our Year 7, 8 and 9 parents and students who attended the information session at the College on Wednesday night. The Year 10 and 11 Information Night is to be held on Monday 8 February. I find it interesting that newspapers and other media take a great interest in VCE scores, but no interest in the actual destination of students. At Sacred Heart we are truly blessed to have hard working staff and a highly professional Careers Team who assist our students to determine their pathway in life, or at least the first cautious steps post school. Our class of 2015 has had great success in achieving their preferred destinations, with close to 80 percent receiving their first university preference. In total 93% of the group received an offer of a tertiary placement in their top three preferences, this is an improvement of 10% on the previous year. Because of our location our students can obtain an offer that is normally reserved for a marginally higher score. In the past this has assisted some of our students to get into highly scored course, including medicine and surgery, the Arts and other placements.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE - Mr Craig Holmes

NEWSLETTER

5 February 2016

SACRED HEART COLLEGE KYNETON

A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd Main Office 54211200 ABN 69 154 531 870 Senior Office/Absences Years10-12 54211242 94 High Street, Kyneton Junior Office /Absences Year 7-9 54211223

www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au Uniform Shop 54211274 principal@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

2

Just over 50% of our students applied for courses in Paramedicine/Nursing, Arts, Engineering, Science and Sports/Health related courses. In all of this we are not forgetting the many students, including those who completed VCAL, who have found employment, traineeships and those who have commenced apprenticeships. A very successful outcome overall.

3

Thank you to the staff and parents who have addressed the requirements of the College Uniform policy, as set out in the booklet sent late last year. Our biggest issue remains the length of the girls’ dresses, which have in many cases becoming embarrassingly and unacceptably short in length. As stated, the College requires that the dress be worn to the top of the knee. This will be addressed this week with action being taken next week. Please take this as notice of our commitment to make this a ’non-issue’ as we move forward as a place where learning is our most important endeavour. Establishing an orderly environment with appropriate standards is a well-researched pre-condition for school improvement. I trust that parents are supportive of the school in this endeavour. The uniform timeline in essence sees the old uniform being phased out at the end of 2017. The exception will be Year 12 in 2018 (Current Year 10) who can continue with the old uniform. We need to clarify exemptions to our no mix and match policy:

Our preference is for the first column rather than the second, but do understand financial implications. This only applies up to the end of 2017. Students are not permitted to interchange old and new shirts and winter skirts, likewise other winter / summer combinations. New winter shirts require new ties. If in doubt contact the Uniform shop or your students Year Level Leader.

Recently there have been reports in the news of hoax bomb threats. We always monitor these events as a College. We are well equipped to inform all parents without delay, of any such situation via our school community wide SMS capability. The College has contracted a company to review and re-develop our emergency procedures. We have a current set of procedures in place and will utilise them next Tuesday to do an evacuation drill at school.

The College Commencement Mass and Opening and blessing of the Vivian Dwyer Senior Learning Centre will be held on Thursday 11 February at 9.00am, families are welcome to attend.

Our VCE Award Assembly will be held in the morning of 16 February, and our welcome Mass for Year 7 families that evening. Year 12 families and students attend their goal setting evening on 17 February. This busy start of the year culminates with the Swimming Sports on 18 February.

Our aim is to motivate new generations of young people with the courage to embrace the challenges of the future, and continue to live life to the full. I thank all staff and you the families of Sacred Heart for the support in meeting our goal to provide a vibrant learning environment for our students to thrive.

Old Uniform can be combined with:

New Uniform can be combined with:

New blazer Old blazer

New Jumper Old jumper

New Sports Jacket

4

Thur 18/2 - COLLEGE SWIMMING CARNIVAL Fri 19/2 - Year 9 LINCS Team Building Excursion to Lady Northcote Centre Thur 25/2 - Debutante Ball Practice 4.00-5.30pm - SSV Swim Training 4.00-5.00pm Fri 26/2 - SSV NMR Senior Cricket Round 1 - Year 7 2017 Applications Close Mon 29/2 - U3 Physics & Specialist Maths Excursion to Luna Park Tues 1/3 - U3 OES Dive Camp 1/3 to 4/3 Portsea - Year 7 Immunisations Thur 3/3 - Debutante Ball Practice 4.00-5.30pm Fri 4/3 - U3 Dive Camp returns 3.30pm

CALENDAR DATES

Fri 5/2 - Year 7 Melton Waves Mon 8/2 - Year 10 & 11 Information Evening Wed 10/2 - Ash Wednesday Ceremony Thur 11/2 - Beginning of Year Mass 9.00am and the Official Opening of the Vivian Dwyer Senior Learning Centre 11.00am - Debutante Ball Practice 4.00-5.30pm Fri 12/2 - College Photo Day Mon 15/2 - SSV Mickleham Senior Cricket and Tennis - Year 10 VEIP Placements begin Tues 16/2 - 2015 VCE Awards Assembly P1 - Debutante Ball Practice 4.00-5.30pm Wed 17/2 - College Tour 9.00-10.30am - Year 12 Goal Setting & Mentor Program Information Night 6.00-9.00pm

Bereavements - Your prayers are asked for the following families who are grieving the loss of a loved one recently. The Nettle family on the passing of Mr Denis Nettle, father of Caroline 8D. The Morris family on the passing of Mr John Donohue, grandfather of Jessica 11C. The Rumble family on the passing of Mr Leon Rumble, grandfather of Caitlin 8B and Sarah 10D. The Takos family on the passing of Mr Nick De Ridder, grandfather of Chantelle 8E and Gabriel 7A and the Murphy family on the passing of Mrs Marcia Watts, grandmother of Devin 10C and Jackson 11E. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

5

It is a privilege to be able to introduce myself as the new Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing at Sacred Heart College Kyneton. In the short time that I have been here, I have been welcomed by all areas of the College and have met many wonderful students, parents and staff. Book Day was a fabulous opportunity for meeting families, and I certainly gained a sense of the community feel of this College. I look forward to meeting many more over the year. My role at SHC is to oversee the Wellbeing processes and systems that create the environment that is conducive to learning – our core business. As a Health Promoting school, our focus is on providing programs, processes and education and awareness raising opportunities that assist students to make connections, develop and keep relationships and build resilience, all vital, life enriching skills. These are the qualities that can move a good life to a great life, and this from a Wellbeing sense is what our aim should be. The processes developed and developing are based around civic behaviours – attendance, behaviour, completing work and uniform. These are life skills and necessary for a successful life after school. Sacred Heart has introduced a lovely new uniform this year, and our Year 7 students wear it brilliantly. At the end of 2015, a letter was sent to all families regarding the old uniform, specifically the length of girls dresses. All girls have been reminded of this at an Assembly, and have been given until Monday to adjust if necessary. I understand that this may be difficult for some families, so after taking names on Monday of girls still needing assistance, help will be available in the Textiles room. I would like to take this opportunity to ask if there are any parents, either through the College Service Scheme or simply as a volunteer, who may be keen sewers and therefore happy to assist with the dress length task. Please contact me at the College if you would like to be involved, or mention this in your Parent Service Scheme form. It would be greatly appreciated.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENT WELLBEING - Ms Julie Mortimer

Thank you to those who have made me welcome in the Sacred Heart community. I am the product of a Mercy education in Bendigo, so I am delighted to be part of a Mercy school again. For the past four years I have been at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat, and prior to that I was at Padua College in Mornington for many years. This background has resulted in an understanding of the particular circumstances of country schools and the issues and needs of students in our school. In 2016 I hope that we can build on our communication with students and parents. This will require more effective use of our Intranet system Simon, as well as the Parent Access Module (PAM). We will be moving to a new reporting system that has Simon as its platform in Semester Two. This should complement the continuous reporting that occurs through PAM through-out the year. Learning Areas will be consolidating the implementation of the Victorian Curriculum throughout 2016 as well, completing the good work that began over the past couple of years. I am looking forward to 2016 as an exciting year for Learning and Teaching at Sacred Heart Kyneton and I also look forward to getting to know the members of the Sacred Heart wider community.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING & TEACHING - Ms Debra McNaughton

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS - Mr Ian Mills

I would like to introduce myself to the College Community as the new Director of Business. As a new member of staff at the College, I would like to express my appreciation for the way I have been welcomed, by both staff and parents, and l am becoming familiar with the lay of the land. I am looking forward to the challenges of College life and working with both staff and parents as the College embarks on its next phase of development.

6

COLLEGE NEWS

MUSIC NOTES - Mr Terry Carrick

Transitioning to High School in 2016

The transition to High School is an important milestone for our young people and we endeavour to make this experience positive and one that responds to the diversity and needs of students and their families.

It is very normal for new students to feel unsettled for a time, as this can be a challenging time for parents and families, as many may have concerns about their new beginnings.

As a parent and as a school, there is a lot you can do to make this transition as smooth as possible. As a school we are mindful of all the possible stresses, big or small, for the student. We have a well-managed transition program which extends far beyond the initial few weeks of the new term and has a large focus on student wellbeing.

As a parent, it is important to ensure that the young person develops good sleep habits, as sleep is not a luxury, it is essential. This also encompasses being vigilant about the use of technology in the evening times. It is important that you try to be available to chat with your child in case there is anything worrying them as this may go undetected and become a larger issue.

Another resilience building strategy for young people is to encourage them to identify some people at school that they feel comfortable asking for help. This simple strategy will increase their ‘help-seeking’ skills and is a major foundation to building their resilience.

Enjoy your first term at Sacred Heart College.

WELLBEING TEAM NEWS - Ms Catherine Poussard

All students are invited to learn a musical instrument in our Music Program. In order to enrol, please approach the Music Department or the Main Office for an enrolment form. Students who learned an instrument last year are required to com-plete an enrolment form in order to recommence their instrumental lessons. Please note that Instrumental Music lessons will start back next week, however, a small number of students will have received their lessons in Week One. Please contact Mr Carrick in the Music Department for further information.

STUDENT PHOTO DAY - FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY - All student photos will be taken on Friday 12 February. Each student must have their own envelope. Family Envelopes are also available for group family photos. Please make sure your students are in correct uniform. Blazers must be worn for all the photos. House Captains, Vice Captains and Junior House Captains will be required to bring their House Polo Shirt and P.E. gear for the House Photos.

School Photos ‘Catch Up’ Day will be Friday 19 February at 2.30pm.

2016 Fee Payment Plans - Mrs Melinda Plumb, Accounts Department

Could we please have all fee payment plans returned to the College Accounts Department ASAP, in order to commence payment arrangements. Please ensure payment plans include additional costs i.e. Music, Service Scheme etc. If you require another copy please contact the College Accounts Department. Should you wish to discuss your family account with options, please contact The Director of Business Mr Ian Mills.

7

This week the House Captains met to begin organising the upcoming Swimming Carnival to be held at the Sunbury Aquatic Centre on Thursday 18 February. One of the questions that was asked of this group is “what do you hope to achieve on the day”?. The answer was simple but also significant – to increase student participation and involvement and to have a fun day. When we began discussing this in more detail it became obvious that students could participate in a number of ways whether it be competitively swimming, entering races to earn points for their house, participating in the novelty events (for those people less comfortable in the water), getting a team together for the volleyball competition, cheering and creating house spirit or assisting staff with their duties. There is something for everyone! All that is required is a willingness to have a go. Students will travel to and from the pool via buses as outlined in the letter delivered through Caremonkey. A roll will be taken on the buses. Upon arrival at the pool students are to report to their homeroom teacher and then go to their house areas where they will receive their competitors code. Regardless of weather conditions (unless they place us at risk) we will push ahead with the Carnival. Full PE Uniform is to be worn which can include the House Polo. House Captains and the Year 12 students are encouraged to dress up in their House colours. House coloured hairspray and zinc are not to be worn in the pool. A BBQ will run on the day. As well, the Justice and Service Group will be selling cans of drink as part of their fundraising activities. Students are encouraged to be Sunsmart and to bring sunscreen, hats and sufficient water. I look forward to seeing as many parents as possible at our sporting events such as this one. They are simply a great community day and one of fun.

Sharina Mayman 10C - Macedon Ranges Shire’s ‘Young Citizen of the Year’

Sharina Mayman, current Year 10 student, has been awarded the Young Citizen of the Year for initiating a mental health awareness campaign for other young people in the Macedon Ranges called ‘Think about it”. Sharina used video to interview victims of bullying and got support from a Woodend sign company to produce banner pens with vital mental health details. "It makes me feel nervous but also excited at the same time that my work is getting out to help others," Sharina said. Sharina is a member of the Life4Life crew, a student group that helps to deliver the mental health program to younger students. She hopes her growing knowledge and interest in mental health and helping others will help her become a youth worker when she finishes school. "Ever since I was in year six or seven, I've wanted to help people. When I see an injustice I can't just stand by and not do anything about it," she said. Sharina said she was both shocked and excited to receive the shire's Young Citizen Award and thanked those who have supported her. The College is extremely proud of Sharina’s achievement. (Courtesy of Midland Express)

8

9

School Lunches from Home - As part of the food safety regulations we encourage the following

procedure for lunches in warmer weather:

Avoid including food in lunches that would normally be kept in the fridge during the summer months. You could put a frozen container, such as a frozen drink, in the lunchbox with food that is normally refrigerated. Alternatively use an insulated lunchbox or a cooler

Discard any leftovers and do not re-use.

Use of microwave or access to boiling water is not available to students in Years 7/11.

Parent Service Scheme - Ms Jenny Baldwin

The SHC Art Department is seeking a keen parent who would like to assist in with setting up classes and cleaning in the Art Studios from 1.00pm to 3.00pm each day. If you can assist in anyway with this, please call Jenny Baldwin or Maxine McKee at the College. Please see below cafeteria roster for Term 1.

Mon 8 February (1) Patricia Grant

(2) Bettina Bokori-Mayman

Tues 9 February (1)Sharon Cosgriff

(2) Sharon Cosgriff

Wed 10 February (1) Josie Rutledge

(2) Josie Rutledge

Thurs 11 February (1) Tracey Noonan

(2) Sharon Cosgriff

Fri 12 February (1)Ana Harrison

(2) Amanda Carlyle

Term I Cafeteria Roster

(1) denotes person on 11am-2pm shift

(2) denotes person on 12 noon – 3pm shift

Mon 15 February (1) Lee Nugent

(2) Lee Nugent

Tues 16 February (1) Jeanelle Dolll

(2) Doreen Heagney

Wed 17 February (1) Josie Rutledge

(2) Josie Rutledge

Thurs 18 February swimming sports

Swimming sports

Fri 19 February (1) Siobhan Mele

(2) Sharon Cosgriff

Mon 22 February (1) Sandra Doricic

(2) Tanya Dinwoodie

Tues 23 February (1) Catherine O’Keefe

(2) Catherine O’Keefe

Wed 24 February (1) Catherine O’Keefe

(2) Andrea Paton

Thurs 25 February (1) Yvette Rowland

(2) Clare Long

Fri 26 February (1) Julie Barras

(2) Sherridan Butcher

10

COMMUNITY NEWS

MACEDON TENNIS CLUB OPEN DAY - Sunday 14 February 2016 - From 4pm to 7pm. Come and join us for a game of social tennis, games and fun. Our new club coach, Scott Vaughan will be on-hand to hold practise sessions as well as offering tips and advice on how to improve your game. ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS WELCOME - Prizes awarded throughout the day for just

giving it a go! Food and drinks available. Macedon Tennis Club is situated at Tony Clarke Reserve, Waterfalls Rd, Macedon. For further information: Visit to Club’s website www.tennis.com.au/macedontc drop us an email at macedontennisclub@hotmail.com or contact Wendy on 0439433665.

Gisborne Soccer Club - 2016 Memberships, Join Now - Information Day February 20 9.00am to 12noon - Dixon Field. All enquiries to gisbornesoccerclub.com.au or call on 0417 791 280.

Saints Netball Club Registration & Team Selection Day - Saturday 27 February, 2015 At MRNA Courts, New Gisborne - Ages 7yrs – 18yrs - Under 9’s & Under 11’s : 10am - 11am Under 13’s : 11am – 12pm - Under 15’s & Under 18’s : 12pm - 1pm Please join us for registration for the 2016 Netball season. We will be conducting try-outs for team selection on the day so bring your runners ! Registration fee: $180 per child. Please register & pay online prior to the day

via MyNetball ***Under 9’s will need to register and pay on the day*** Any queries please contact: Michelle @ info@saintsnc.com.au More information available on our webpage: http://www.saintsnetballclubgisborne.com/ Macedon Ranges Summer Series Orienteering - This is a popular introduction to navigation sports for the family, and for fitter people looking to add interest to their regular walk or training run. The events take up to an hour (all in daylight), and use a map of each local town. You can participate individually or in a group, and choose a shorter or longer course. Power walkers have the added interest of a score course, in which control points are of different values, making it important to choose which ones to visit in the one hour time limit, without incurring a penalty for finishing after the hour. Cost $4 adult $2 child Event starts at 7.00pm. Best to be there by 6.30pm Event finishes at 8.00pm Feb 3rd Sunbury - Galaxy Land Belleview Dr Sunbury Feb 10th Woodend - Information Centre Main St Woodend- Feb 17th Gisborne - Lions Park Gisborne. (Opp Aquatic Centre) Aitken St Gisborne