Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday.  This is a season to ask for forgiveness and search our heart to also show mercy to those who have hurt or offended us.  God shares his mercy and forgiveness with us so that we may share it with others.

The Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent (next Sunday) offers us a promise with the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert.  Jesus spent forty days praying and fasting in the desert.  He was tempted 3 times; to change stones into bread, to become King of all the land and to jump off the roof of the temple to prove God’s love.  But Jesus trusted in God’s love.  With God’s help, he could turn away from temptation and choose to do the right thing.  We can begin the journey of Lent with confidence, for this Gospel shows us that we too can change and turn back to God’s love.  It is not always easy to turn away from temptation and choose to do the right thing.  We teachers and parents can encourage our students to do their best and not give up so that they can achieve great things in their learning and in their behaviour.

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal.  Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.  Over the coming weeks, a feature story from the Caritas Australia website will be shared.

The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is ‘For All Future Generations’.  It is an expression of hope and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come.  It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.  Project Compassion 2022 shares the stories of resilient and inspiring individuals whose lives and futures have been impacted by the ongoing support of our partners and by your generosity. We encourage students to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution, however big or small, can have in the lives of others. When we lend a hand to someone in need, they will go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations.  Compassion is contagious and creates a ripple effect of kindness and prosperity.

Project Compassion shares feature stories on their website.  The first is that of Anatercia who is 12.  She lives with her brother, mother and elderly grandparents in a small hut in southern Mozambique.  Like many rural communities, Anatercia’s village has no electricity, hospital, secondary school or supermarket.  Go to the website to read her story and see how your donation will help those in need.  Visit:  https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/primary-passport-hub/ 

PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES:  Next week, each family will receive a Project Compassion box.  We encourage our students to give up some of foods they enjoy such as MacDonald’s, lollies, soft drink etc. or spend time doing jobs for family and placing the money saved into the boxes to help others in need.  Boxes can be returned to the Office at the end of Lent.  For more information about CARITAS and its work go to www.caritas.org.au 

Loving God,

In the life of Jesus, You have shown us the way of love.

Teach us to follow this way in the great and small events of life.

Grant us a spirit of self-denial and greater love this Lent.

Guide us in the way of compassion, to help our brothers and sisters in need.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord

Amen.

( www.cathnews.com.)

God bless.

Caroline Fuller - APRE

Congratulations to Isaac W (6B) who on the weekend competed in the Queensland School Sports Aquathlon at Hervey Bay. Isaac finished the event, which consisted of 1km run/200m swim/1km run. Congratulations Isaac on representing both Holy Spirit and the Northern Region School Sport proudly. 

I would like to introduce myself, Tegan Towler, as the Guidance Counsellor here at Holy Spirit. I began my journey as a Guidance Counsellor with Townsville Catholic Education in 2015, visiting many different schools and towns along the way. I am fortunate to now call Holy Spirit ‘home’, having moved to this wonderful school in 2020. 

About my role

Guidance Counsellors work collaboratively within the school environment to provide assistance in supporting students. This can include classroom support, short-term counselling, assessment, planning adjustments for learning, and strategies for behavioural management. If concerns arise and are impacting your child at school, parents are encouraged to speak with the teacher as the first point of contact.  

Promoting wellbeing and resilience through a preventative and inclusive approach is an area near and dear to me. This is why you will often hear me talking about programs, such as The Zones of Regulation Program. This year, I am excited to explore the use of Lego therapy to assist with building social skills. This is being offered to Year 2 and Year 3 cohorts initially. More details will be provided about this in the near future. If this is something you think your child may be interested in, you are welcome to speak with your child’s teacher for further information. 

Lastly, I would like to draw your attention to a new online resource, SchoolTV. This is designed to empower you as parents/carers with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Each newsletter you will find a new topic posted under the ‘Guidance Counsellor Corner’. 

Take care,

Tegan

Welcome to the Holy Spirit Catholic School Community

I would like to introduce myself, Kerry Donlan, as the Pastoral Chaplain at Holy Spirit Catholic School.  This position was created towards the end of 2006 and is recognised for providing pastoral care and assistance to students, staff and families, in the school context.  

We have a strong community spirit at Holy Spirit Catholic School, hence our school motto “Strength in the Spirit”, and there are many ways in which you can become involved.  We have an annual Fete, C.A.F.E group (formerly known as Parent & Friends), School Board, Class and Community Connect group, Tuckshop volunteers and Spirit Playgroup, to name a few.  We would encourage you to participate in activities at school, when possible, because it is an opportunity for you to meet other people and see our community in action.

To the new and existing families starting this year, I hope you and your child/children have settled and everyone has found our community a place of welcome.  If you would like any information, please do not hesitate to contact me or speak with your classroom teacher, as the first point of contact.  My email address is kdonlan1@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au or via the school office on 47794255. 

Enjoy discovering what this school community has to offer, stay safe and healthy.

With gratitude 

Kerry

Please see the attached information in relation to the 2022 Holy Spirit Parish Sacramental Programme.  If you are intending your child/ren to participate in this year’s programme, please download the necessary forms and return to the Parish Office.  

If you are having any problems with downloading the forms, please call the school.  Alternatively, Enrolment Forms are available at the Holy Spirit Parish Office.  

Registration closes this Friday 25^th February.

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

Flexischools

We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am-8.25am at the hall.

Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) would be appreciated and bread is welcome.

Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.

Thank you to Zander's family (2A) for the donation of bread last week.

Operation Connect & Reflect– 4 week program from Tuesday 1^st March

Take some time to connect and reflect!

Operation Connect and Reflect is a four week program where we will explore various art modalities, meditation and mindfulness and reflect on how these strategies can be used as part of a self-care routine.

There will be the opportunity to connect with fellow Defence partners in a relaxed and friendly environment. No artistic experience necessary!

Light refreshments will be provided. Covid-19 safe practices will be in place.

Where: DMFS Townsville office, 340 Ross River Rd, Aitkenvale

When: Tuesday 1^st March and weekly thereafter until 22^nd March

Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm

Register: Watch this space – Eventbrite ticket registration details will be sent out in an e-Newsflash in the coming weeks

FIND OUT FIRST!

Join our mailing list

Do you know someone who has recently moved to Townsville, or perhaps they have been here a while and may not be on our mailing list?

Why not flick them this e-News so they can scan the QR code at the bottom of this email, and subscribe to receive information about upcoming events and services!

Did you know? DMFS Townsville also have an Eventbrite page. Tickets for events will be uploaded to Eventbrite for registration.

Keep an eye on the page to see what’s happening and to secure your spot at the event.

DMFS social media pages will also share links to upcoming events.

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@defence.gov.au

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.