Newsletter No. 8

                                     Thursday, 16^th March, 2006

 

 

Diversity,

Goodwill,

Community-

      Harmony.

21st March is national Harmony Day.  Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

 

Harmony Day is an opportunity for all Australians to get to know each other better, share our culture and say ‘no’ to racism.  Harmony Day celebrates Australian’s proud achievements as a diverse and harmonious nation.

 

At Sacred Heart School we will show our commitment to community harmony and the importance of upholding the best of Australian traditions of friendship, equality and a fair go for all, by celebrating this special day with an assembly led by LMU, followed by a “Meet and Greet” morning tea organised by the Sacred Heart Friendship group.  Please see enclosed invitation for all the details.

 

Our commitment to Harmony is also illustrated by the

Use of orange for the colour of the ‘person’ on our school emblem.

 

Spirit God, creator of all. You gave us this Mother earth to share.

Humble us with grace to listen – To listen with open hearts to the story of others,

As we journey through this land together.

Unite us all –All who drink of the same water

and breathe of the same air,

For this we pray.

 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Diocesan Principals’ Conference

Next week I will be attending the Diocesan Principals ‘Conference from Wednesday to Friday 22 to 24 March. Mrs Kath Byrne will be in charge of the school in my absence.

 

MYSA Conference: Rydges 2006

The Middle Years of Schooling Association (MYSA) was formed in 1999 and is a support network of educators with specific focus on improving adolescent student learning outcomes. Two teachers from the Conference visited our school yesterday, one from Emerald and one

 

from the Northern Territory. Thank you to Mrs Byrne for coordinating this visit and special thanks to Miss Baisden and MB, Mr Byrne and UB and Mrs Williamson and MW.

Mr Byrne and Mrs Williamson will be attending the Conference at Rydges today and tomorrow

A number of students from Sacred Heart will perform at the Conference today as part of the Livingstone Shire Choir.

Thank you to Mrs Byrne who has set up a static display at Rydges. The display includes our school

 flag and an array of photos which visually

represent our school.

 

 

Happy St Patrick’s Day for tomorrow, Friday 17^th March

A History of Saint Patrick

St. Patrick was born to Catholic parents about 385 in Britain. His father was a nobleman and a deacon. But Patrick's privileged life came to an end at age 16 when he was captured by slave raiders from Ireland. With a large group of prisoners, he was transported to the then pagan island.

Sold as a slave to a king in the northeast, Patrick had the lonely task of tending the pigs and sheep. In the midst of these harsh living conditions, Patrick's faith flourished as he turned to God in prayer.

After being held captive for six years, he heard a voice in his sleep say, "Soon you will go back to your homeland." A short time later, he heard the same voice say, "Your ship is ready."

Trusting in God, Patrick set out on a 200-mile journey through unknown territory. When he arrived at the ship, the captain at first refused to take him. But Patrick prayed to God for help, and the captain changed his mind. Then began a lifetime of dedicating his life to becoming a priest. He envisioned returning to Ireland to teach the Irish about Christianity.

During his 30 years in Ireland, Patrick founded more than 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000 people. Yet he still encountered much opposition, "Daily I expect either murder, robbery, or enslavement," he wrote in his Confessions. He escaped from 12 attempts on his life. Patrick died a natural death on March 17, 461.

By the end of the 7th century, many legends had developed about him. One, of course, says he charmed all the snakes in Ireland and led them to the sea to drown. Another, probably the most popular, is that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to unbelievers. This is probably why shamrocks, now Ireland's national flower, are worn by the Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

St Patrick’s Day Races

This Saturday 18^th March at Callaghan Park.  All money raised is distributed throughout the Catholic Schools in this Diocese.  Sacred Heart received $3500 from the 2005 St. Patrick’s Day Races.

If you are not planning to attend the Race Day on March 18 you can still support this fund raising effort by the Diocesan Catholic Education Office by purchasing a raffle ticket. These are available from the school office for $1. 1^st Prize is 12months Gym Membership in Rocky; 2^nd Prize is a leather Office Chair; 3^rd Prize is a Wheelbarrow of Drinks; 4^th Prize is an Ipod and 5^th Prize is a Basket of Cosmetics worth $300.

 

Licence for Outside School Hours Care

Congratulations to our Outside School Hours Care who have received their Licence this week. The Licence is a requirement of the Queensland Department of Communities under the Child Care Act 2002.  The licence recognizes that there is suitable space, facilities and staffing to adequately cater for 30 children at Sacred Heart Outside School Hours Care. The renovation of the OSHC building was a requirement to reach the Building Standards and we are grateful for funding from the Department of Communities for this project in 2005. The newly renovated Performing Arts Studio is to be accessed by OSHC in order to meet the requirements of the licence for total unencumbered indoor space. The next requirement is to be apply for accreditation with the National Childcare Accreditation Council. Keep up the good work!

 

Student Protection Training

On Tuesday afternoon Anne Czekanski (Student Protection Officer) and Craig Fairbairn (Assistant to the Director Schools) visited Sacred Heart and presented Student Protection information to the staff. Teachers, teacher assistants, OSHC staff, office staff and Mrs Bignell (bus supervisor: St Vincent de Paul site) attended this meeting. 

Child Protection Posters have now been placed in all of the classrooms. They read:

Feeling Unsafe?

Every student has the right to feel safe.

Sometimes you may feel unsafe around adults or other students at school or away from school.

If you do not feel safe there are things you can do.

Tell an adult you trust.

Remember: Nothing is so awful that you can’t talk about it with someone.

Some people you might choose could include: A parent, a teacher, a counsellor, the Principal Mrs Schick or Student Protection Officers: Mrs Byrne, Mrs Dean, Mrs Iafrati

 

Diocesan Parents and Friends Meeting at Sacred Heart

The Term 1 meeting of the Rockhampton Cluster of the Diocesan P & F will be held at Sacred Heart School on Tuesday 28 March at 7:30. Two P & F representatives from each Catholic school in the Rockhampton / Yeppoon area attend these meetings. Jane Walsh is our P & F Cluster Representative. As we are the host school, all parents at Sacred Heart  are invited to attend.

 

State P & F Conference at Rydges in 2006

This year the state conference will be held at Rydges from 1-3 June. This will be a good opportunity for Rockhampton / Yeppoon P& F’s to be well represented at this conference.

 

Year 1 Photos

The Morning Bulletin has taken photos of the Year 1 students today.  We will advise when these photos will be published in the Morning Bulletin.

 

‘Get Set Up for Prep” Kit

These kits have arrived at our school and are available to parents of students enrolling for Prep for 2006.

Remember with the changes your child must be born between 1^st Jan 2003 and 30^th June 2002 to be in Prep in 2006.  Parents who have already enroled please pick up your kit from the office and please encourage other parents to enrol if they have not already done so.

 

In the Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kate Blyde and family on the sad loss of Kate’s Grandfather last week.

 

APRE NEWS

The first of the Confirmation/Eucharist Information nights will be next week.

The first will be on Monday 20^th March at Sacred Heart Church at 6:45pm for all families with surnames beginning with letters A to M.  The second will also be at Sacred Heart Church at 6:45pm, on Thursday 23^rd for families with surnames beginning with N to Z.  Feel free to attend

either evening if one night is more suitable than the other.  Please bring your child’s Baptismal Certificate (this is not necessary If your child received the Sacrament of

Penance in this parish last year) and $20 to cover cost of book, medal etc.

 

Thank you Mr Honor and MH for launching our school project for Project Compassion during Lent.  The school community will be raising money for ‘Cowitas’ in order to

buy a cow, or cows, for the people of Uganda. Each cow costs $600.  Mr Honor’s class will keep a tally of money raised and add a spot to ‘Cowitas’ each time we raise $100.  Please support this worthy cause.

 

This Friday Mrs Wren and LWR will lead our prayer assembly.   See you there!!

 

This Friday is St Patrick’s Day.  A day for traditionally wearing the green. I’m sure there will be plenty of green evident at the race day at Callaghan Park on Saturday.

The race day has always been a great day out with plenty of entertainment, food and drink.

Monday 20^th is the special day set aside

to remember St Joseph..  Plenty of heroes

to talk about this week.

 

Library News

A big “Thank you” for their help, in the library, during the last week to: Tracey O’Dea, Kerry O’Hanlon, Melanie Sattler, Rosie Stevens and Glenda Hutchinson.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated.  If there is any other parent/carer who would like to help, please see Wendy or Alison in the library.

 

Instrumental Music

Elise Crawford

Drama Lessons start in Term 2.  A note has been sent home to all students.  Please return these by March 25^th.

Piano & Keyboard students have been given a note on practice.  Please read this note. 

 

FROM THE SPORTS FILE

KCD Friday sport

AFL and netball continue tomorrow.  Please remember $2 for bus and venue hire.

 

Senior swimming carnival

Senior swimming carnival has been set down for Wednesday March 29.  A detailed information note will be sent home early next week.

 

Development Cup

Congratulations to the Sacred Heart Sharks RL team on their win last Monday.  The boys defeated Taranganba SS 26 -10 in a good quality game.  Sacred Heart play the last game of the Development Cup competition next Monday against Emu Park/Cawarral SS. Game kicks off 4.00pm at St Brendans.

 

Catholic Schools Challenge Cup

Next Friday and Saturday sees our rugby league and netball teams compete in the inaugural Challenge Cup.  Children competing have received final information notes today.  Good luck to all children competing.

 

Sacred Heart Student Achievement

News from SBU Saints Swimclub

Congratulations to the following two swimmers who attended the CQ Swimming Championships in Biloela last weekend.

Gabrielle Dinsdale – 1 Gold (50 Breast), 1 silver (50 Free) plus 2 PBs

Annabel Dunphy Made it into  two finals (100 Fly & 100 Back)  and swam 5pbs out of  6 races.

 

Well Done Girls!!!! ( Leanne Dinsdale)

 

Support-A-Reader Reminder

Reply slips for Support-A-Reader are due to be returned by next Tuesday, March 21^st.  The workshop will be held on Friday 24^th March.  Please contact Julie Smout or the school office if you need any more info.

 

Date Claimers Mon. 20th March – Eucharist  & Confirmation                                 Sat/Sun 25th/26th March – Enrolment w/end for                           Information Evening                                                      Confirmation & Eucharist                            Development Cup 4pm @ Brendan’s                  Wed. 29th March – Craig Fairbairn to visit school Fri. 24th March  -  Challenge Cup

 

 

 

 

 

Community News

 

 

Community Tree Planting Day

Come and join in the fun and get to know your environment!

Where:  Lioness Park Lammermoor Beach Yeppoon

When: Saturday 22 April 9am – 12 noon

Sausage Sizzle and Refreshments supplied

Come and help the Sacred Heart Bungaleers, community volunteers and Council Staff who aim to plant 1000 trees.

Make a day of it at the Beach and help out the Environment on our beautiful Capricorn Coast.

 

 

Guides Qld (Girl Guides) is an organisation for girls 5-18 yrs and women 18 yrs + interested in joining an activity and skills based youth group.  For further information phone Keppel Coast District Leader – Pam 49 250915.

 

FOR SALE:  Casio touch sensitive electronic keyboard, 6 octaves, 61 keys, song bank (99 songs) & adjustable stand. Excellent condition.  $280  Please ring 4925 0251 after 7.00 pm week days

 

WANTED – School holiday care for 11 year old (week days only) – 0418 994178.