This Term, the students and staff have been learning from the "Resilience Project" platform. This teaches us about G.E.M - Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness while discovering emotional literacy. Teachers have been working through lessons and students completing tasks through their journals. We are in the middle of completing our student surveys to enlighten us with where our students sit in relation to well-being. One of the big things to come out of this program is the ability to see the good happening rather than focus on the negative. Research shows we can receive 1000 positive comments and 1 negative and we will focus on the negative. How true!

My challenge to all is this. Ask these questions each night around the dinner table:

1. What went well for you today?
2. Who was someone that impressed you?
3. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Here is a short video that explains the program briefly for our students

GEM for students

This week, Year 3 and 5 had a trial run with a sample test for Naplan in Naplan conditions. This is a wonderful opportunity, as we explained to our students, to do some training. All good 'athletes' train to improve and so do we as student 'athletes'. The Year 5 students participated in the Writing Test and learnt what style the test is delivered. The teachers had their training in the protocols of administering and what support we can assist our students to do their best. I myself train in using the dashboard that controls the schools administering such tests and making sure our internet systems can handle the Naplan portal. Tomorrow, we do it all again for Year 3 with the Omnibus Test ( sample from Numeracy, Language Conventions, Spelling and Reading). If ever there was an example of 'The Spirit Way', this week is it. Persistence and Inspiring are 2 such qualities that shine bright. It is such a joy to see a student give the thumbs up, with headphones on, indicating that they are good to go with their 'training'. Our students show us much resilience, we just need to look for it.

If you have any concerns or questions around Naplan 2021, please contact your teacher or see myself. We are more than happy to assist and answer your questions.

Get in the Spirit!

Paul Martin

This Sunday, called Palm or Passion Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week.  Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are called the Triduum—three days that are the highlight of the Church year. There are two Gospels proclaimed at Sunday’s Mass.  The first Gospel tells of Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem.  Riding on a borrowed colt, Jesus was hailed by the crowds as they blessed God and shouted “Hosanna!”  The second Gospel goes on to tell of the events leading to Jesus' Crucifixion.  Next Tuesday we will begin the Easter story with Prep/one acting out the Palm Sunday story.  Year 5/6 will present the events leading to the crucifixion at a special Easter liturgy on the last day of the term.  

This week at Holy Spirit we value compassion.  What does this mean?  It means sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.  Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else's situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives.  It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others.  It supplies the will power to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place.  What better way can our community show compassion?  By supporting Project Compassion and the good work of many people across the globe.  

This week our Project Compassion feature story is ‘An Australian Icon’.  For over half a century, generations of Australians have participated in Project Compassion. The initiative has raised more than $500 million since it began in 1965 – making it one of the nation’s longest running charity campaigns.

For many, Project Compassion’s iconic collection boxes have become a nostalgic part of their lives – a reminder around home, school, church and the community that it’s time to support Caritas Australia’s annual appeal.  

Throughout five decades of natural disasters, conflicts and crises, Caritas Australia has worked alongside vulnerable communities with the generous support of Australians. Project Compassion has also helped with access to education, health services, agricultural training and through programs that reduce maternal and infant mortality.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, local partnerships have helped Caritas Australia to respond quickly to minimise the spread of the coronavirus.  This year, Caritas Australia has presented five stories from people striving to ‘Be More’ – just a few stories amongst the millions of people who have been helped through Project Compassion.

Project Compassion thanks generations of our supporters nationwide for their

ongoing generosity, which allows us to move forward with lifesaving strategies to tackle new challenges.

Thank you to all our families who have purchased raffle tickets for Project Compassion.  A reminder that tickets are due back on Monday 29th March for the draw of our baskets on Thursday at our Easter Liturgy. 

Have a great week.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller

Tombola Coloured Clothes Day 

(Clothing needs to SUN SAFE and enclosed shoes). 

Friday 26th March 2021

Tickets are now available for our Stations of the Cross on Friday 26th March, 7pm in the Lynch Family Hall. To follow COVID regulations, all those wishing to attend will need to use the following link to secure seats: https://www.trybooking.com/BPRTI There is no cost to attend this event!

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

The student google registration form went live on Monday 8th March. Registrations will close tomorrow (Thursday) 1st April.

Children will be transported to and from the Entertainment Centre by bus Monday to Friday.  The transport cost for students in Grades 5 & 6 is $30.

The transport cost for students in Grade 4 is $15.

All students are encouraged to participate in this wonderful event.

The student google registration form is now live HERE. 

This is the final call for anyone who would like a paver such as the ones near the hall.

Pavers were ordered as part of our 50 year celebrations and they will be placed in the proximity of the new Admin block.

The cost is $25. 

Please click - HERE for paver order form.

Our next gathering is Monday 29th March!

  EASTER 2021

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH - CRANBROOK

Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

The Holy Spirit Catholic School community celebrates Harmony Week, every week!

We STAND TOGETHER!

Easter is fast approaching, so if you are looking for some Easter Getaways.....Don't forget to check out Defence Holidays NQ.... it's not too late!

Defence Holidays NQ provide affordable holidays for Defence staff, personnel and families.

Easter and the school holidays will be here before we know it, so to organise your Easter holiday – or any upcoming getaway - contact Sarah or Amanda at the Lavarack office on

4725 3842 or by emailing admin@defenceholidaysnq.com.au

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.  

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.