Sacred Heart Newsletter Newsletter No 7 Term 1

12 March 2020

What’s on at Sacred Heart

Fri 13 Mar Ride to School Day

Bop til u Drop Disco

ISS V Glen Katherine (AWAY)

Mon 16 Mar School Assembly 9.05 am

Yr 5 Teach the Teacher Workshop

Tues 17 Mar St Patrick’s Day – Liturgy 3 pm – wear a touch of green

Wed 18 Mar First Eucharist Faith Night – St Thomas the Apostle 7 pm

Thurs 19 Mar Open Classroom 9.15 – 10am

Fri 20 Mar School Photos – Summer Uniform

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence & Harmony Day

Sat 21 Mar First Eucharist Blessing Mass – St Peters, Hurstbridge 7.15 pm

Sun 22 Mar First Eucharist Blessing Mass – Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek 9 am

Mon 23 March Easter Bonnet Parade 9.05 am Parents Association Meeting 7.30pm Fri 27 March Final day of Term 1 - 2.30pm

Click on this link to view the school calendar: https://www.shdiamondcreek.catholic.edu.au/calendar/

Dates for your Diary…… Tues 14th April School Closure Day

Wed 15th April Students return to school

Dear Families and friends,

Fr Steve’s Homily:

2nd Sunday Lent (A) Do you have enough toilet paper? If you were running low on quantity, what would you do to acquire more?

I’m sure most of you would have read about or seen on TV the incident in Tamworth where a man assaulted staff & customers in a Big W store & was then restrained & tasered by police after a fight broke out – over toilet paper. We might be amused or scandalized by the incident, but desperate circumstances bring out the worst & the best in people. A mob mentality can drive people to become ugly human beings & act instinctively out of self-interest without consideration for the welfare of others.

While this is true, dire & tragic circumstances can also bring out the very best qualities of humans.

Recently we have seen wonderful examples of generosity, compassion & care for those whose lives have been devastated by bushfires; & history is filled with truly wonderful people who have gone out of their way to make this world we live in together, a better place because of their altruistic actions, motivated by a desire to love - We need examples of people like that so that we don’t fall into despair by just witnessing bad human behavior – people who model for us “the more” that human beings can be.

Sometimes this means making changes in communal attitudes & behavior & publicly declaring that the actions of our forebears in the world, in our country, in our church, have been wrong & that with enlightened minds & hearts, we need to apologise, make restitution & put into place new ways of living with one another – this should be so especially by those who are followers of Christ. What a moving ceremony it was in Federal Parliament back in 2008 Feb. 13th when Parliament said sorry to the Aboriginal stolen generations - & how appropriate that it was given in this season of reconciliation that is Lent – but we have yet to see this further developed if we are to be true to that apology. How are we called by our Christian faith to be reconciled with the first dwellers of this land & create a society in which they are not marginalized & in ways that are consistent with the teachings of Jesus? Today, on this International Women’s Day we need to acknowledge that throughout history, women, in society & in general, haven’t been seen as equals.

Even some of our influential Church fathers described women in terms such as “misbegotten males” (Aquinas), or suggesting that “Men should not sit & listen to a woman … even if she says admirable things, or even saintly things, that is of little consequence, since it came from the mouth of a woman. (Origen) & I can offer other deplorable comments from the history of the Church.

We might smile or joke about these quotes, or we might be shocked, but the truth is that ingrained prejudice against women is still alive & well today - & well defended & justified as that, in many places.

On this International Women’s Day, as followers of Christ, we need to be honest about the lack of equality for women in society & measure this against our Gospel values. We can ask ourselves what is our part in this story - do we care & if so, can we sharpen our minds & hearts to make a difference? The gospel of the Transfiguration is a revelation to the disciples of the beauty & wonder of the humanity of Jesus, & especially needed by them because they will soon be witnesses to what happens to him in the near future through the gruesome & deplorable behaviour of humans beings – the epitome of what people can do to another human being. They need to see what God thinks of humanity in this transfiguration event & the dignity God accords to human beings that is more powerful, true & lasting than the way humans can think of one another. You see, in Jesus, God not only reveals to us who God is in a language we can understand God with human attributes, but God also reveals to us who we are in his mind & plans.

The Transfiguration is a glimpse of our future in God’s eyes & the possibility for us not just individually, but as all humanity & all creation. We can freely reject this destiny, or we can share in it by being like Abraham of old as we heard in the 1st reading, or being like Mary & freely saying “yes” to our God of life. The Jesus we meet in the Gospel today brings dignity & hope to the vulnerable; challenges power that oppresses; respects the equal place of women, is the same Jesus who is transfigured on this mountain; whose face becomes illuminated & for whom the voice of God proclaims, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

It is this call to listen to Jesus that we need to heed & if we listen, we will know will how to respond.

We are made in the Divine image, each one of us – & indeed all of creation, made in the image of God, & so the vulnerable are central to our story & our mission.

Today, as we consider the place & story of women, we’re called to be faithful to the Spirit of Jesus in & among us - so that we contribute to a world where women & men are appreciated as equal in value, as complementary in the ways they are meant to work together for the sake of the world, & as who together make up the completeness of what it means to be truly human in the eyes of God.

As we aspire to be responsible agents for God’s dream, we will bring freedom, justice, peace & love to our world & then we will see the world transfigured, as imaged in the affirming love the Father has for Jesus in today’s Gospel.

Value = Reflectiveness

Student of the Week

Prep NG Emily Lamb 1/2 CN Lani Nugent

1/2 PA Audrey Hodgson 3/4 JD Mikayla Berriman 3/4 NJ Lola Nugent 5/6 CM Sophie Wright 5/6 RM Laila Bruzzaniti STEM Xavier Rowley Performing Arts Penny Motschall Visual Arts Tadhg Keating PE Jack Nicholson & Eleanor Audley

Building Works Update

Yr P – 2 – New classroom furniture

Dear Sacred Heart Families and Friends, It has been one week without our trusty leader, Jim, and we are still surviving. For those who missed the news, Jim has taken three weeks leave to travel both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with his wife Karen and friends. They have had many adventures already with many more ahead of them. We wish them a great break and life experience. Each week I will include a small amount of the great itinerary. They arrived in Auckland on Sunday and the first leg of their journey included:

Auckland to Hokianga via Waipoua Forest The drive north to Waipoua Forest and the Kauri Coast takes you along the remote West Coast of the North Island and around one of the world's largest natural harbours, the Kaipara Harbour. Waipoua Forest

covers around 15,000 hectares and is the last remaining substantial volume of the Kauri forests that once covered much of the North Island.

Hokianga to Paihia, Bay of Islands Crossing from the West Coast to the east you soon arrive at the subtropical Bay of Islands.

Great opportunities and a well deserved break - although Jim still emails daily so I’m not sure he knows how to stop and relax! I will be Acting Principal in this time (I think the acting is exactly what I will be doing). Bev Coghlan will be taking PE classes, but I will continue to check on PE classes as I will miss the students.

Coronavirus Update: Our first priority at Sacred Heart is the health and safety of our school community. I want to reassure you that the school is well-prepared for the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We are being provided the latest advice from the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd to ensure that our school practices are helping to keep our school community safe from the outbreak. Any incidents that arise will be addressed in accordance with the Critical Incident and Emergency Management Plan. We will also have access to resources and support from Catholic Education Melbourne and the Department of Health and Human Services. As parents, you have a critical role in helping the school manage this situation:

Exercise good judgment by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell for any reason.

Talk to children about the situation, as they may be feeling anxious or stressed. You have a key role in helping students feel prepared and safe.

Encourage children to be proactive and committed to their schoolwork, and to stay connected with the school and their teachers.

The Department of Health and Human Services has a number of resources on its website, which explain the virus, detail risk-reduction practices and behaviours, and answer frequently asked questions. These are available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. You can also find information about Catholic education’s response at http://www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Coronavirus-information-for-parents. This is an evolving situation, but we will keep you updated as things change. I ask that you continue to work closely with the school and to contact my office should you have any concerns. Thank you for your support as we work to keep our students safe. School Photos: Just a reminder that on Friday 20th March we have Advanced Life Photography coming out to take school photos. On this day there will be NO interschool sport. All students are to wear their correct summer uniform on this day. St Patricks Day: On Tuesday 17 March we will be holding a whole school liturgy for St Patricks Day at 3.00 pm in the Church. We welcome any families that are available to attend. We also encourage students to wear a touch of green on this day with their school uniform. Student News: Claire Waddington competed in the Victorian Junior State Championships for Nippers/Surf Lifesaving last weekend in Warrnambool. Claire represented Anglesea SLSC U10's. There were approximately 150 participants in this age group. Claire competed in Individual and Team events for both Beach and Water sports. Well done to Claire on some amazing results, we are super proud of your commitment to your sport.

Student Wellbeing: In response to child safety being the responsibility of the entire Australian community, the Government has developed a range of resources to empower parents and schools to protect children and prepare them to be resilient, responsible and respectful adults. These resources are relevant to all families so I have included links to them: www.esafety.gov.au – this site has resources that promote online safety including tackling image-based abuse and a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying; www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au – this site offers support for students, parents and teachers to create a learning environment that promotes student wellbeing and the development of respectful relationships; www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/ – this site provides educational resources and advice for children, parents and schools on how to combat and respond to bullying. Building Update: The demolition of Block A was scheduled to occur last weekend but due to issues with NBN this has now been postponed until further notice. The decision has been made that this will occur at the earliest stage during the school holidays when there are no students around. Over the holidays they will also continue to work on Block C roof and will complete the Year 5/6 classrooms to ensure minimal disruption to these areas. All other areas are on track to hand back to the school by the end of the term. Unfortunately with a few big items (roof and demolition of Block A) we are not in a position to order more furniture or make decisions in regards to landscaping and external works. Ride2School: We will again be participating in the Ride2School Day tomorrow. We encourage children to use active transport to get to school on this day. This may be riding a bike, a scooter or a skateboard, or even walking some of the way to school if riding skills are not developed enough yet. National Ride2School Day is the perfect opportunity to kick-start new healthy habits and promote the many benefits of active travel. We encourage all students and their families to leave the car at home and give riding, walking, scooting or skating to school a go, even if it is part of the way. Fruit will be available once students arrive at school. National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence: Friday, 20th March is National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. There are many great websites that have lots of information and activities relating to bullying – how to recognise bullying and what to do if you are being bullied (one provided in this newsletter). There are many resources where a number of famous young people talk about the devastating effects of bullying. In previous years there has been the message, ‘Speak… even if your voice shakes.’ We encourage you to always speak up if you, or someone you know is being bullied. As the famous proverb goes, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved.’ Secondary School Applications: Reminder to families of Year 5 students wishing to attend Catholic Secondary Schools, open days are currently happening and applications for 2022 close later this year. Year 6 students looking at applying for Government Schools information will be sent home early Term 2 via your child but I encourage families to start attending open days in the meantime. Running Club: Running Club will not be running for the remainder of Term 1 but will start up again early Term 2. Thank you to Dale for his commitment to this program and to the many parents and children that make the effort on a Friday morning to get to school early and work on their fitness.

Interschool Sport: Last week due to the weather Interschool Sport was cancelled. This week we play Glen Katherine Primary away. House Points: At the conclusion of week 7 the results were as follows:

CORDNER (GREEN) MACKILLOP (RED BUNJIL (BLUE)

3585 3971 4140

March Calendar

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

9 WEEK 7 A 10 11 12 13 14 15 ISS v Glen Katherine

AWAY Ride2School Day Bop Till U Drop Disco

Third Sunday of Lent

16 WEEK 8

B

17 18 19 20 21 22

Assembly Teach the Teacher 11.40am – 1.40pm Year 5

Tennis in PE St Patricks Day

Tennis in PE Eucharist Faith Night 7 pm

Open Classrooms 9.15-10.00am

No ISS V Laurimar (HOME) School Photo Day National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence

1st Eucharist Blessing Mass Hurstbridge 7.15 pm

Fourth Sunday of Lent 1st Eucharist Blessing Mass DCreek 9.00 am

23 WEEK 9 A 24 25 26 27 28 29

Assembly

Tennis in PE

Tennis in PE The Annunciation - Mass

ISS v END OF TERM 1 2.30pm

https://www.parentingideas.com.au/parent-resources/parent-webinars/webinar-future-proofing-your-child

News from the Office

SCHOOL FEES

2020 Fee Statements have now been issued to all families. Please note, the first instalment (Student

Levies) was due by Friday 07/02/2020 unless you have a Direct Debit arrangement in place. A Direct Debit

Authority can be collected from the office.

CSEF – Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund

Do you have a health care or pension card? If so, you may be eligible to receive a rebate of $125.00 per child from

your school levies. Forms can be collected from the school office and must be returned as soon as possible. If you

received the rebate in 2019 and still have a current HCC/Pension Card, a new form is not required – just please send

a copy of your card to the office asap. Please do not to hesitate to ask Allison in the office if you have any queries.

TEETH ON WHEELS

Reminder: Consent Forms must be returned to the office by TOMORROW Friday 14th March.

Show & Tell @ Sacred Heart

Finn & Frankie

Schoo l Photo Day – 20 t h March

Order Instruct ions

Harmony Week & National Day of Action

against Bullying & Violence

Next week 15 - 21st March is Harmony Week. Harmony Week is about celebrating multicultural diversity in Australia and developing a sense of belonging amongst our students. At Sacred Heart we are multicultural, let’s celebrate different cultures and take a stand against bullying by saying Bullying NO WAY!

On Friday 20th March we will celebrate Harmony Day and National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence at Sacred Heart. Students will be invited to bring something orange to put on AFTER school photos. This could be a hat, a scrunchie, a t-shirt, etc. In classrooms, students will participate in an activity that celebrates another culture. Eg. an art activity, singing or dancing from another culture. Students will also participate in lessons that explicitly address actions we can all take to say Bullying-NO WAY! All students will also be invited to share a special show and tell in classes with items that are significant to their own culture or a culture that they have visited, please encourage your child to think of something they could share with their class.

This week at Oshclub Hello to families from OSHClub Sacred Heart! For those of you who don’t know us, we are the before/after school care service provider at Sacred Heart Diamond Creek. Our hours are 7-9 am for before school care and 3.25-6 pm during after school care. The past couple of weeks we have been doing lots of fun activities including painting, cooking, drawing, playing indoor and outdoor games, we even made scones with Zach and Jacob! We also learnt how to play a new game called ‘’exploding kittens’.

To register and enrol, visit https://www.oshclub.com.au/register/ If you would like to talk to a member of our friendly staff, or even just want to check out our space and what we do, feel free to visit us in C block, room 3. Otherwise text or call Jaslyn Addamo, the coordinator of our service on 0478 182 335 or email us at sacredheartdiamondcreek@oshclub.com.au

Well Done Claire! S t a t e C h a m p i o n s h i p s J u n i o r N i p p e r s - R e s u l t s

Day 1 Beach Sprint 6th Individual Wade 1st Individual Wade semi-final 7th Team Wade 3rd Team Wade Final 4th Individual Board Race 7th Day 2 Beach Run 20th? Individual Board Race semi 9th Board Relay 9th Beach Flags got into 7th round Day 3 Marched for Anglesea SLSC

Smart Start incursion with Captain Cash

Open Classroom - Environmentally

E v i e , M a d d i e & I s s y M i c k y , M i c h e l l e & R u p e r t

Sarah & Finn Clarissa & Owen

Helen, Alfie & Charl ie

Community Noticeboard