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- Principal's Corner
- FROM THE APA
- APRE News
- School TV
- Swimming Lessons
- HSCS Swimming Carnival
- Student Travel Rebate
- Playgroup
- Tuckshop News
- Breakfast Program
- Pastoral Chaplain's Chat
- Defence
- Date Claimers
- Term Dates 2021
- Uniform Supplies
- Assembly and Bell Times
- Absent from School
- Our Mission Statement
- Mary Mackillop Chidcare
Every five years, each of the catholic schools in our diocese undergoes a process of School Renewal. It is an opportunity to critically reflect on the previous five years and to plan effectively for the next five years.
This year, staff members and key parent groups of the School Board, CAFE, Indigenous Parents Reference Group and Class and Community Connect provided feedback on the Ten Characteristics of an Effective Catholic School. These characteristics cover Mission and Purpose, A Climate Conducive to Learning and Emphasis on Learning.
The process examines the relationships not only between the staff members and the students, (including their families) but also a wider lens is used to view the links to our parish and the local community. The effectiveness of teaching and learning, provision of resources and strategic planning are all areas for scrutiny. In 2020, one particular highlight was providing laptops for students during Covid-19, a welcomed resource for many parents.
It is easy to look at the physical aspects of our classrooms and playgrounds, the depth of our growth is also measured through the success of our students across the domains of the spiritual, academic, physical and cultural.
This year our students have achieved success in new arenas. Just recently, student results in the Townsville Eisteddfod were quite amazing. Newsletters and our Facebook page regularly highlight student success, the personal growth of students is not as easily measured.
Last Friday at the Mini Fete, children generously worked on stalls to raise funds for children who cannot easily access education. We will never know the impact of the funds raised, but we do know education is key to assisting others to step out of poverty.
One Year 5 student’s compassion resulted in running a stall and due to his personal effort he raised $91. Many students like this young man, spent their time working on stalls rather than enjoying the variety of activities. The personal growth and generosity of these students are unquantifiable! Emphasis on education is critical when we measure our success as an effective place of learning, so too is the development of each individual, their level of tolerance, compassion and action for social justice.
I can’t imagine the pride experienced by the parents of our Year 5 Stall Holder and the child who offered his remaining money as a donation, rather than pocket it for later. With so many stories of the selfishness of the ‘want it all’ generations, we need to keep our eyes on the many generous children who consider others first - that’s the Strength of the Spirit!
God bless!
Geraldine
As well as exhibiting heroic virtues, a person becomes a saint when a miracle is attributed to him or her. Sunday’s Gospel is about the miracle that faith can achieve. Unlike marvels or feats, miracles require a level of faith. Miracles require people to trust in a power greater than they possess. On a dusty road, a blind beggar saw with faith what was possible (Mark 10: 46-52) and he reached out to the one who could help him.
During this Mission Month of October, the Blind Man challenges us to have mercy and show compassion, generosity and forgiveness towards others. In the time of Jesus, the phrase ‘have mercy’ meant to pay debts; when the debtor paid his or her creditor, he or she was "having mercy" on the creditor. In his cry for mercy, the blind man was really challenging Jesus. His faith enabled him to regain his sight but also gave him the power to see with his mind and heart, the ability to understand God’s love for him.
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 Catholic Missions and the good work of many people across the globe.
Thank you all for the wonderful fundraising efforts to support Catholic Mission’s work with children worldwide. The funds raised at our Mini Fete last Friday was approximately $2700. This is due to the wonderful efforts of our staff, students and families. The money is used to support projects that improve the quality of life for children by giving them education opportunities or developing sustainable projects that help them and their communities build a better life. For more information please visit: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/
God bless.
Caroline Fuller
Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means that we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many children and their parents are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.
On our school website is a link to 'School TV'. Here you will find a variety of articles and little videos to assist parents with topics such a stress, anxiety, mental health and positive parenting. A new special report about Managing Overwhelm has been added.
Here is the link to this special report
Swimming Lessons Prep, Year 1 and 2
In Term 4 our Prep to Year 2 children have swimming lessons. This year we are going to continue with our intensive 30-minute lessons over five days. The lessons will be in Weeks 6, 7 and 8, with each Year Level having five consecutive days of lessons across the week. There will be no cost for parents as this is included in your school fees.
Classes will be transported via bus to and from the Paul Saddler Swimland, Douglas. Qualified instructors will run the program throughout the week. Teachers will also accompany the students to the Swimming Pool.
To participate each day, children are required to have:
- Togs (one piece for girls)
- Sun safe swim shirt
- Slip on shoes
- Towel
- Water bottle
HSCS Swimming Carnival Years 3 to 6
When: Week 8: Friday, 26 November
Where: Long Tan Memorial Pool
It is an expectation that students in Years 3-6 attend and participate. We will have plenty of events to cheer for and some entertaining races to get involved in that are jam packed full of fun. We aim to cater for the wide range of swimming ability on the day. There will be an event for all swimming abilities.
Yours faithfully, and in sport
Mr Brenton Place
P-6 HPE Specialist
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
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21.10.21 |
Helpers wanted |
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22.10.21 |
Sue Viviers, Tim Marrinan, Virginia Novinetz | ||
25.10.21 |
Amanda Bell, Kate Smith | ||
26.10.21 |
Sue Viviers, Tina McDonough |
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27.10.21 |
Christine Nash, Kerri Player |
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CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |||
21.10.21 |
Jo Leviston | ||
25.10.21 |
Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger, Sally Urquhart, Sam Connor | ||
26.10.21 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers | ||
FRUIT |
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25.10.21 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Kathryn Cripps, Penny Lange, Sally Urquhart, Sam Connor | ||
26.10.21 |
Bernadett Bryant, Petrece Dwyer-Sayers |
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.
We are asking for donations of jam especially please.
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)
With Telstra upgrades to our old phone lines, our local office phone number has changed, so please update your records J
Our new phone number is 07 4430 3879.
The Townsville office email address is dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au
Defence Families of Australia (DFA)
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the official body appointed by the Government to represent the views of Defence Families.
What we do:
· Inform the Government and Defence on the needs of ADF families (DFA team members are partners of current serving members)
· Advocate on behalf of families across a range of issues
· Provide a forum for families to raise issues and concerns
· Inform families on assistance and services available.
Do you need someone to advocate for you? Reach out to the Northern Queensland delegate:
Larissa Ostermann
T: 0418 796 561
Facebook: DFA Northern Queensland
Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG)
DSNSG provides support, information, assistance and advocacy for all ADF families who have a serving member, or an ex- serving member, with a Special Need or who have dependants (child, spouse or other dependant) with Special Needs.
Cherie Davis is the local DSNSG Townsville Coordinator as well as the Assistant National Coordinator for DSNSG.
DSNSG provides:
· Advocacy to liaise with Defence and other Federal and State Departments concerning the issues that affect families with special needs, particularly those being mobile.
· Assist families with housing/posting issues, liaise with Defence Housing Australia, Toll Transitions, Defence Community Organisation, Defence Families Australia with family’s circumstances.
· Programs: Computer 4 Kids, Drive Safe, FYI, Posting Plans, Grants, Family Events
· Support Local Area Coordinators, Closed Facebook page for families to connect with other special needs families, unlimited resource of information
For more information, visit the DSNSG website, contact Cherie at townsville@dsnsg.org.au or phone her on 0417 182 233.
RSL QLD Scholarships – 2022 Applications now open
Defence Member and Family Helpline
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@
Date |
Event |
October |
26.10.21 |
Group Photos |
29.10.21 |
Day for Daniel (Wear Red) |
29.10.21 |
World Staff Day |
Date |
Event |
November |
03.11.21 |
Thank You Liturgy |
08.11.21-12.11.21 |
Year 2 Swimming Lessons |
09.11.21 |
Orientation Day |
Term Dates 2021 |
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Term 4 |
Tuesday 5 October 2021 |
Friday 3 December 2021 |
Term Dates 2022 |
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Term 1 |
Monday 24 January 2022 |
Friday 1 April 2022 |
Term 2 |
Tuesday 19 April 2022 |
Friday 24 June 2022 |
Term 3 |
Monday 11 July 2022 |
Friday 16 September 2022 |
Term 4 |
Tuesday 4 October 2022 |
Friday 2 December 2022 |
Pupil Free Day: Friday 2 September 2022 |
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 |
|
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.