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- Principal's Corner
- FROM THE APA
- Staffing Update
- Father's Day
- Father's Day Stall
- Interschool "B" School carnival
- Arties' Entertainer of the Year
- Holy Spirit Rugby League
- Adopt a Cowboy
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Mini Vinnies
- Tuckshop News
- Breakfast Program
- Defence
- Lavarack Barracks Open Day
- Pastoral Chaplain's Chat
- Playgroup
- Date Claimers
- Term Dates
- Uniform Supplies
- Assembly and Bell Times
- Absent from School
- Our Mission Statement
Do you have a book on your bedside table? For many of us, reading is a great pastime, perhaps even a luxury. Reading for pleasure can be a great distraction from the flotsam and jetsam of life.
This week is Book Week and today we held the Book Parade. Dressing as book characters creates great excitement for children and brings many smiles and some memories of stories to the faces of adults. Even our closest neigbour, Ignatius Park College, joined this celebration of literacy. Year 12 students arrived in costumes to read to our youngest students.
Research indicates there are many benefits for those who read regularly. Many articles state that reading reduces stress, increases brain power, improves memory and increases the imagination just to name a few.
According to one article from CAE (Centre for Adult Education), Melbourne, “Reading makes us better thinkers by improving our critical thinking and problem-solving skills, boosting our general and specific knowledge and developing our social and communication skills. Tech billionaire Elon Musk learned how to build rockets by reading books and would spend more than 10 hours a day reading science fiction novels”.
At the core of our catholic schools are gospel values central such as reconciliation, inclusion, justice, compassion. These values are derived from the teachings of Jesus in the Bible.
Reading can take us to places and times that are otherwise inaccessible, especially given the current constraints of travel. In a recent novel, I discovered some facts about the area where my grandparents lived. Through reading, what appeared to me to be a family myth about a bushranger, now has a little more credibility.
The growing and increasing concern of the mental health of children is just one reason to instil in young people a love of reading. A study by the University of Sussex demonstrated that six minutes of silent reading can reduce stress levels by 68 per cent. Reading, like any habit, needs to be practised until it becomes commonplace.
Some tips to help children become readers are:
- Set a good example - be caught in the act of reading
- Make sure your child has a bedside table and lamp
- Have a book (rather than a phone or device) handy for any time your child needs to wait.
For further tips go to Parents’ Guide to Reading and Writing at Home
Did you know when we read, we escape into another world or another person and enter into an altered state of consciousness, which alleviates tension in the muscles and heart? I read that fact and I do hope it is from a trustworthy article!
Our librarian, Judy Prinsen, has placed a trolley of pre-loved books outside the library for parents to borrow. If any parents would like to establish a Holy Spirit Book Club please let me know. This could be a relaxed sharing of books rather than analysing the plot. We have the space and we can provide the cuppa!
Happy reading! God bless
Geraldine
Over the last 12 months, a working committee has been fine tuning "The Spirit Way". This is embedded into our behaviour management and teaches all of us about what it means to be part of the Holy Spirit Catholic School community. The committee have consulted with staff, student representatives and presented their work to parent groups such as the School Board and P&F.
Staff refer to the Spirit Way daily as we show the qualities we value:
S - Safe
P - Persistent
I - Inclusive
R - Respectful
I - Inspiring
T – Thankful
We have created a specific logo that will be visible throughout our school as a reminder to us all. May I present our logo:
Our spirit slips that are given to students daily reflect these qualities. We teach ( with the help of our parents) what these behaviours look like and demonstrate these to our kids.
You may see and hear more in the coming months about "The Spirit Way"
Get in the Spirit
Paul Martin
Currently Miss Fuller is on Long Service Leave and will return in Term 4. Mrs Evon Downie will be the Acting APRE until Sept. 3.
Alex Benedetto and Sherry Evans have been transferred to our school commencing in January, 2022. We look forward to welcoming these teachers.
Father's Day is a time for people to celebrate the men in their lives. For children, it is a day to show appreciation of their fathers and father figures. Holy Spirit will be recognising all of the father figures with a Father's Day liturgy next Wednesday 1st September at 9 am. Everyone is welcome to attend.
We will be holding the annual Father’s Day Stall on Thursday, 2nd September between 8:30 - 12:30pm.
If you can assist with the stall even for an hour please contact Kristy Bates, kbates@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au.
This is a great opportunity for children to select that special present.
Prices range from $1 - $6
Interschool "B" School carnival
Holy Spirit came first place in Interschool "B" School carnival.
A special mention to Nate Groves who broke the high jump record. He cleared 1.14m, the previous record being 1.12.
The following students were also selected to attend NQ Trials in Week 8:
Kayleen Heath, Brigitte Rose, Mala Brooks, Bryce Cassidy, Blaize Goodwin, Jacob Friskie, Nate Groves, A-tai Li-Downie, Braithe Palmer, Zac Pearce
A huge thank you to all of the parents and staff members who assisted in preparing the students and helping on the day.
Arties' Entertainer of the Year
Well done to the Spirit Rugby League Team on their 44-0 win over Marian in the Les Stagg Trophy. Onto the next round. Go Spirit!
Today, we welcomed Matty Bowen to our school as part of the Adopt a School program. As Valentine Holmes is in part of the NRL bubble, Matty put his hand up to visit. At lunchtime today, he took on Mrs Logan and some of the Year 5 and 6 students in a game of table tennis. Great to see the students enjoying the interaction with a local icon.
Matty then handed out the tokens for the Spirit Way and greeted the Spirit Slip awardees.
Thank you to the Cowboys and Bravus (sponsor) for allowing Matty to visit today.
Go Cowboys!
Last Friday night, a number of our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students participated in our Mini Vinnies Homelessness Awareness Night. Students were engaged in a number of activities to raise awareness for homelessness and generate compassion and understanding towards those who are less fortunate.
We will be accepting donations until the end of term 3.
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
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26.08.21 |
John Edwards, Margaret Vaughan |
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27.08.21 |
Tim Marrinan, Sue Viviers |
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30.08.21 |
Amanda Bell, Kate Smith | ||
31.08.21 |
Sue Viviers, Tina McDonough, |
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01.09.21 |
Christine Nash, Kylie Smith, Sandra Farrington | ||
CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |||
30.08.21 |
Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger | ||
FRUIT |
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30.08.21 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Kathryn Cripps, Penny Lange | ||
31.08.21 |
Bernadette Bryant |
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.
A big thank you to all who have donated bread and spreads!!!!
Couple’s Connecting - Relationship Workshop – Wednesday 25th 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
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@
On Saturday 28th August from 10am until 2pm, we’ll be opening the gates to Lavarack Barracks for the Army North Queensland Open Day. Townsville families are invited to meet our people and see some of the equipment we work with every day.
There will be demonstrations, including our infantry soldiers conducting a dismounted assault, an M1A1 Main Battle Tank crushing cars, cooking demonstrations from our catering teams as well as shuttle rides in our armoured vehicles.
There will be equipment displays, including our CH-47 Chinooks and MRH-90 helicopters, our M777 Howitzers, and plenty more.
But best of all, every cent raised at the Open Day goes to LEGACY North Queensland to support our serving soldiers and the families of our veterans.
We can’t wait to see you on Saturday 28th August for the Lavarack Barracks and Army North Queensland Open Day.
Finding the right parenting balance can be tricky to achieve, particularly if you default to one style of parenting. Effective parents can make subtle adjustments to their communication. They alter their style to suit the situation rather than let their moods dictate their communication styles.
Two household pets might just hold the key to this common parenting dilemma. Get the mix right and you’ll be able to give your children exactly what they need.
Dr Kristy Goodwin presents: Taming digital distractions
Dr Kristy Goodwin is a digital wellbeing and peak-performance speaker, author and researcher...and mum who also deals with her kids’ techno-tantrums! She worked as an educator for 14 years before becoming an academic and speaker.
Dr Kristy is on a mission to help children, teens and adults tame their technology habits so they’re not slave to the screen. In this webinar, she will help parents and carers understand why children and adolescents are vulnerable to digital distractions. She will provide science-backed solutions to help kids and teens develop healthy digital behaviours so that they can focus, learn and thrive online.
Michael Grose presents: Parenting like a cat and dog
In this webinar, Michael Grose uses cat and dog metaphors to introduce parents to two diverse styles of parenting. This will increase their ability and confidence to manage, nurture and build relationships with their children. The cat-dog approach to parenting is fun, easy to use, respectful and maximises parent effectiveness in challenging situations.
Date |
Event |
August |
27.08.21 |
Mini Vinnies Sleepout |
Date |
Event |
September |
01.09.21 |
Whole School Assembly |
02.09.21 |
Fathers Day Stall |
03.09.21 |
STUDENT FREE DAY |
Term Dates 2021 |
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Term 3 |
Monday 12 July 2021 |
Friday 17 September 2021 |
Term 4 |
Tuesday 5 October 2021 |
Friday 3 December 2021 |
Pupil Free Day: Friday 3 September 2021 |
All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings).
Phone 1800 826 155
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.
Wednesday Assemblies |
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Prep – Year 2 |
8.40am |
Years 3 – 6 |
2.10pm |
Whole School Assemblies |
8.45am |
Daily Bell Times |
|
8.15 am |
Students are allowed to move to class |
8.30 am |
School day commences |
10.30 am |
Morning tea bell |
10.55 am |
Five minute warning bell |
11.00 am |
School day resumes |
1.00 pm |
Lunch bell |
1.30 pm |
Five minute warning bell |
1.35 pm |
School day resumes. |
2.50 pm |
School day concludes |
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.