In Sunday’s Gospel after Jesus had told the crowd he was the Living Bread, many who heard turned away and left because they did not believe him.  At Mass, we come together to listen to the divine inspired word of God in the scriptures and share in communion our belief in the risen Christ.  In the humble signs of bread and wine, changed into His Body and Blood, Christ walks beside us as our strength and our food for the journey and he enables us to become, for everyone,                                                                               witnesses of hope.   

This week at Holy Spirit, we value courage.  Most often, we associate courage with physical prowess or bravery.  In a world where it is a capital crime to communicate the Gospel or declare that you are a Christian in certain countries, it is becoming more important that we model this level of courage in our lives in order to defend our faith, especially to our children.  Courage requires us to be willing to face fear and uncertainty and many of us don’t really know what courage means.  Remember, courage is not the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of the fear.  This week we pray our students understand that with God’s protection and guidance, they have nothing to fear and can conquer anything.  

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary:  On Sunday 22nd of August, the Church celebrates the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This celebration was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and was celebrated on the 31st of May.  Since 1969, it has been observed on August 22nd to stress its relationship to the Assumption (15th August) when taken up into glory, Mary became queen of heaven and earth.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller 

Mini Vinnies - “Making a Difference”

Friday 20th August 2021

Each year, the Year 6 Mini Vinnies students are given the opportunity to participate in activities that highlight the fact of homelessness in the community. This year, to comply with COVID-19 regulations and ensure this event retains its significance, students will be given the opportunity to engage their individual perspective from a position of opportunity.  They will be invited to consider the issues of homelessness and associated stigma, as they participate in practical activities that prompt discernible conversation around possible scenarios and thinking laterally, outside of their own personal experience and what is considered the ‘norm’ in society.

While this event will not require students to stay overnight, it will create an experience that will inform and direct learning, outside the classroom context.  There will be a representative from St. Vincent De Paul directing activities that provoke students to consider homelessness as a reality.   Raising awareness is a tangible voice for homelessness and generates compassion and understanding towards those who are less fortunate in society.

In previous years, children have been asked to donate items that are needed in our own community.  This year, we have been advised that personal care products such as  deodorant, soap, razors, toothpaste, tooth brush, small nail clippers, short comb hair brushes, as well as cleaning products are in demand at present.  

In response to this need, we ask that students donate at least one product and would also like to extend this invitation to the wider school community, as an action of collective outreach to others. To support this event, please place your donations into the blue box, which can be located in the administration office or alternatively bring them to the classroom for collection.

Please note that the pictures below are only examples of what is needed.  Thank you in advance for supporting the collective outreach efforts of the Year 6 students and the Holy Spirit school community.

Today some of our students attended the Townsille Junior School Lego Compeition.  This is an opportunity for our most creative and inventive minds from primary schools to join forces as a team and challenge others in this great competition.  Our students worked amazingly as a team.

Congratulations to the following students who competed in the Southern Cross Speech Competition.

Year 4: Deona Emmanuel and Madison Long

Year 5: Jenna Donald and Amelie Edwards

Year 6: Riley Johnston and Daniel Player

Each student competed against students from Townsville catholic schools and presented a speech to students, parents and teachers. I was particularly impressed with our students who spoke with confidence in front of a packed audience.

Mr Laurence Hosking, Townsville Catholic Education reminded all present that the difficult decision was when the student decided to 'have a go'. Many of us shy away from public speaking, these students are a great example of courage - this week's value.

Well done to Riley Johnston who gained third place!

Today parents face a multitude of modern day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

SchoolTV addresses this as a new online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies.

Children from Holy Spirit School will compete in the Townsville Eisteddfod in September.

The program schedule is listed below.

Please note that start times are approximate.

Parents & friends are able to watch performances. Under the current Covid restrictions, the theatre is allowed 100% ticketed audience capacity.

Tickets will be available to purchase on-line or in person from the Townsville Civic Theatre Ticket Shop.
Cost for Day or Evening Session is $11 per adult, $5.50 per Concession, $2 per child age 3 to Year 12.

The Eisteddfod committee strongly advise pre-booking to ensure a seat and will advise as soon as bookings are open.

Following TCEO guidelines, dogs are not permitted on the grounds of our catholic schools. Please be mindful of the fact that there are a number of students and adults that may have a fear of animals like dogs so we ask you to be aware when moving about students outside the gates please.

Thanking you in advance for the safety of all.

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

Flexischools

Are you over receiving parenting advice that requires you jump through hoops to get better behaved, happier or resilient kids? These micro-habits are easy to implement, require no willpower and take less than a minute of your time.

The Japanese concept of Kaizen states that small habits are easy to do as they require no willpower. After a time, they become a natural part of what you do and you’re performing better, in this case parenting better, before you know it.

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.  

Couple’s Connecting - Relationship Workshop – Wednesday 25^th August

The Defence lifestyle can present unique challenges and opportunities for couple’s throughout a member’s career; navigating absence and mobility while moving through various life stages.

Changes can mean, at times, that couples may need to dedicate time to re-connect and re-establish their relationship.  

DMFS Townsville social workers are offering a two hour interactive relationship workshop that will provide Defence members and their partners an opportunity to learn new skills and strategies to maintain a healthy relationship. This session may be particularly useful to couple’s who are looking to re-connect following a period of service related absence. However, all couples may benefit from time to connect with their partner in a supportive environment.

Start time is 6pm however light refreshments will be provided from 5.30pm, so arrive a little earlier if you’re feeling peckish!

When:     Wednesday 25 August 2021

Time:       5:30pm-6pm refreshments; 6pm-8pm Workshop

Where:    DMFS Townsville Office – 340 Ross River Rd

RSVP:     Eventbrite to come, you can register your interest at DFMS.townsville@defence.gov.au   

Geckos’ Mums, Bumps & Bubs – with Mum2You – Tuesday 24th August

Join us for Mums, Bumps and Bubs with a special visit from Mum2You.

Krystle is a qualified and experienced child health nurse that will discuss sleep, nutrition and answer any questions you may have. Krystle will discuss how to "speak baby" and this private session will allow your individual concerns or questions to be addressed.

Morning tea will be provided.

Tickets are normally $42 each, but Geckos is able to subsidise these to $5 per adult.

When:       Tuesday 24^th August

Time:        10am-12pm

Where:      Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks

Register:   Geckos Mum2You-TryBooking

Geckos’ Sunset Cruise – 16^th October – tickets on sale 5^th August

Geckos is calling you aboard to enjoy a night of great company whilst Sealink spoils you with a private function admiring the sunset on the water, overlooking the night lights of Townsville City, The Strand & Magnetic Island.

This event is for persons over the age of 18yrs only.

What is included in your $50 ticket (usually $95)?

• 2-hour sunset cruise: 16^th of October, 5pm - 7pm
• 1 x welcome drink for each guest
• Antipasto platters
• Live entertainment

Tickets open on Thursday the 5th August via the link below (Please note this event is for persons over the age of 18yrs only.)

https://www.trybooking.com/BTGPA

Departure Location:

SeaLink Ferry Terminal

Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, TOWNSVILLE, QLD 4810

If required, more information is available from the friendly team at Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks ph 07 4446 1238.

Lavarack Barracks Legacy Open Day – Saturday August 28th

3rd Brigade will be hosting their annual Lavarack Barracks Legacy Open Day on Saturday 28th August from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

This is a fundraising events with all proceeds from the day going directly to Legacy.

Your attendance and support will be greatly appreciated.

For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the Helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.

The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

Phone 1800 624 608, or email memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

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.