If you are new to Holy Spirit Catholic School Community, you may not know that our school was founded on generosity. With the words,  "It's a gift my Lord" said to the Bishop.  Ron and Pat Lynch donated the land where our school stands today.  This past week, I have seen great acts of generosity from students, parents and our wider community so it is wonderful to see this legacy continued.

The letter requesting sponsorship for the Dodgers (raffle tickets might be a more familiar term), has created a generous response and enthusiasm for our fete. Yes, at this stage we are preparing to hold our fete on May 14. One young student even volunteered her grandfather's dance group as entertainment. I am not sure what her 'poppy' will think of her generous offer! 

On Saturday, a group of Year 6 students and staff members volunteered their time at our Open Day. This provided an opportunity for future prep students and their families, including grandparents, to view our facilities and interact with staff and students. I was particularly proud of our students as they welcomed families and provided tours. It would not have been possible for the students to attend without the generous support of their parents.

We are frequently reminded throughout Lent (we are over half way), a time where we are asked to make personal sacrifice. We hear regularly the term 'time poor' so to give time for others is certainly a personal sacrifice. It might be considered a small gesture but it can have a big effect.

For some, Lent is a time to 'give up' something but I like to see it as a time to 'take on' something.  We are human and while we might not always succeed, some of the following suggestions might help us to be mindful of our actions as we prepare for Easter

1. Don't buy anything that you don't NEED.
2. Throw away 40 things for 40 days.
3. Avoid gossip.
4. Take care of the body God gave you.
5. Each day say three positive things to your family members.
6. Pray.

 It's always a work in progress, the good news is there is still time!

God bless,

Geraldine

Parking

For the safety of our students and their families, please do not park near the traffic lights on Ross River Road in the NO STANDING zone or the bus stop.  Our students safety is paramount.

Swimming team

Congratulations to students, staff members and parents who have worked together for the upcoming interschool swimming carnival over the past weeks.

Students have had an early start at IPC pool to attend swimming training.  We appreciate the commitment to all who have contributed.Special thanks to Miss Stephanie Prizeman, head coach and Mr Brenton Place, PE teacher.

Today the Holy Spirit Swimming team were introduced at assembly, Go Holy Spirit!!

Happy Days!

Paul Martin 

This week at Holy Spirit we value service.  Service is giving to others, or to a larger purpose, or to life.  You serve with a giving attitude, without selfishness and self-interest.  The attitude and virtue of service is motivated by love, caring, and goodwill.  It is when we have an unselfish desire to help others or to help in a larger purpose.  This week we pray for our students and family members to continue their kind acts towards others to have a positive influence on those around them.

This week our Project Compassion feature story is Arsad from Indonesia.  Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet in his home, so he had to walk into the forest to the open defecation area, even at night or in the rain.  Around 17 percent of Indonesia’s rural population practice open defecation , with many unaware that it contributes to spreading diseases.

Arsad’s family was often sick and open defecation caused neighbourhood disputes.  With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner, Laz Harfa, he took part in hygiene, sanitation and financial management training.  He decided to fund the building of a toilet in his house and facilitated others in his neighbourhood to save up for toilets.

Now, Arsad and his family are healthier and have reduced their medical expenses.  Their community no longer practices open defecation and is more harmonious.  A community event, called ‘Declaration of Open Defecation-Free’ was even held to acknowledge their achievements.  Improved hygiene practices helped Arsad’s community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Caritas Australia, through Laz Harfa, also shared prevention measures and distributing soap and masks.  Arsad has inspired his neighbourhood to ‘Be More’.

“We help each other, the ‘togetherness’ is growing.  Our solidarity had increased,”  Arsad says.  For more information on Arsad, please visit https://lent.caritas.org.au/week-4 

Becoming New in Christ – Parish Renewal

This year our Parish will join Parishes across the Diocese will commence a renewal journey called Becoming New in Christ.  As we discern what it means to BELONG, Pope Francis has said “I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” 

Find out how you can be involved in our Parishes response to Becoming New in Christ.  If you would like to learn more about the ‘Becoming New in Christ’ Parish Renewal campaign, visit www.tsv.catholic.org.au/becomingnewinchrist 

Sacramental Programme

This weekend our students begin the Sacramental Programme by attending Mass with the parish.  Families are invited to attend one of the following Masses to be introduced to the Holy Spirit Parish:

• 6pm Saturday, 13th March
• 8:30am Sunday, 14th March
• 5:30pm Sunday, 14th March

Please keep our students in your prayers.

Have a great week.

God bless

Caroline Fuller

Mulkadee is back! We are picking up where we left off and will be presenting

 "The Wizard of Oz" in July. 

Mulkadee will be held at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre (TECC) from 19-23 July 2021. 

The student google registration form is now live HERE and registrations will close on Thursday 1st April, giving students 4 weeks to apply. 

Please note, due to the popularity of Mulkadee, not everyone who applies will be accepted into Mulkadee. 

All students are encouraged to fill in the experience question and also have the opportunity to explain why they would like to be a part of Mulkadee 2021. 

Please check that you have the correct class for your child in 2021 on your flexi school account.

This will avoid lunches going to the wrong classroom.

Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system.  To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:  

Flexischools

Our next gathering is Monday 15th March!

Townsville CityLibraries are hosting some writing workshops with Phil Kettle on Saturday 20 March.

Details are available here - https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/creative-writing-workshops

We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am in the Hall.

Your support with donations of bread, spreads, vegemite, jam etc. (excluding peanut based spreads) would be appreciated.  

“Remember to teach your children 

that it’s not about being better than anyone,

 it’s being better than you were yesterday!”  

(Author Unknown)

All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings).

Phone 1800 826 155

The School Locker

Uniform days for students:

Monday and Wednesday - Formal uniform
Tuesday and Thursday - Sports uniform
Friday - own choice
Senior shirts may be worn on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

If your child is going to be absent, please enter the details through Compass, as this is the most efficient way to inform the school.