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- Our Mission Statement
From the 10th to the 13th of May next term, all Holy Spirit students in Years 3 and 5 will automatically be participating in NAPLAN testing. The national body responsible for NAPLAN explains
“The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 participate in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. The assessment provides parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance.”
NAPLAN testing conditions are very different from the everyday classroom setting to which students are accustomed. NAPLAN tests come with strict time limits, pre-determined instructions, teachers and school officers unable to offer assistance, and individual seating in rows. Testing is also conducted online, with students required to have the technical skills to sign in and navigate the site. For this reason, our students need to be prepared in order to be able to do their best. Holy Spirit students have been engaging with a NAPLAN readiness program with their teachers. Yr 3 and 5 students will be participating in formal practice tests on the 24th and 25th of March to test our network and further familiarise students with the test format and online testing experience.
Adjustments can be provided to students with a disability during NAPLAN testing to encourage their participation and access to the tests. If your child is eligible to apply for adjustments you will receive a form from the school to sign. Parents also have the option to withdraw their children if they are philosophically opposed to the NAPLAN program. Please make an appointment with me if you wish to discuss concerns that may lead to a decision to withdraw your child.
Our test schedule is outlined in the table below. Please try to ensure your child is at school during this time. No catch-up sessions other than those outlined below will be offered.
On the Second Sunday of Lent, we hear the account of the Transfiguration. While praying on the top of a steep mountain, Jesus was transfigured (changed) so that his face and clothes shone with a brilliant light, as dazzling as the rays of the sun. Just as light chases away the darkness so that we can see, the light shining out from Jesus that day enabled the disciples to see the power and glory of God, become filled with the light of faith and recognise Jesus as truly God’s son.
This week at Holy Spirit we value generosity which we know as the quality of being kind and giving to others. It is a quality that is a lot like unselfishness. Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food or kindness to people in need. When we show generosity, we give away things or money or put others before ourselves. This week, we pray that our students and families recognise the needs of others and be generous toward others, especially those who need our help. A reminder of one way in which we can be generous to those in need is to put away a small amount each week during Lent for Project Compassion. Boxes were sent home with students last week.
This week’s Project Compassion story is that of Biru. Biru lives in a rural village in eastern India. He lost mobility in one of his legs after contracting polio as a child, which makes it difficult for him to walk. He managed to complete his education until grade six but was always dependent on his parents to get him to school because he was unable to walk so far on his own. Go to the website to read his story and see
how your donation will help those in need. Visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/primary-primary-hub/
Sacramental Programme
This weekend our students begin the Sacramental Programme by attending Mass with the parish. Families are invited to attend one of the following Masses to be introduced to the Holy Spirit Parish:
* 6pm Saturday, 12th March
* 8:30am Sunday, 13th March
* 5:30pm Sunday, 13th March
Students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday 24th March at 6pm in the Church. Please keep our students and those from the parish in your prayers.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller
In this edition of SchoolTV - FRIENDSHIP & BELONGING
Learning how to make new friends and keep them involved in a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a young person’s wellbeing. It gives them a sense of security helping them feel valued which in turn builds their confidence.
Positive friendships are an important part of the journey to adulthood. Adult carers can support their child or teenager by providing guidance in the many social and emotional skills required for a healthy relationship. This will help them to obtain, retain and maintain friendships. However, not all friendships are regarded as positive. Sometimes young people develop negative or toxic friendships. Therefore it is also important for them to learn how to identify, avoid or deal with such a friendship.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to support their young person’s friendship so that they experience a sense of belonging.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact your child’s teacher or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Friendship & Belonging edition of SchoolTV
https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/friendship-belonging
CLASS & COMMUNITY CONNECT GROUP (CCCs)
The role of the Class & Community Connect person/s is to support the teacher and assist parents in a variety of areas, fostering a parent friendly school environment. The Class and Community Connect group or CCCs, as they are affectionately known, are also involved in assisting with fundraising, assisting with special events and encouraging other parents to participate in this proactive school community.
The group has a unique role in building community spirit within the school, so it is ideal to have representatives for every class, when possible. However, over the years it has been noted that some year levels find it more difficult than others to engage parents, which generally reflects the busyness of life for parents, particularly in the upper year levels. To encourage parent participation, the responsibilities of this role may also be shared, which seems to have become the norm over past years. There have also been instances of parents generously volunteering their time, over two or more year levels.
Besides the opportunity for parents to find out more about what is going on in the school, the CCC role offers prospects for parents to engage with others across each year level, which is particularly ideal for parents who are new to the school. The CCC meetings are informative and held on the first Friday of each month, usually the same week as the C.A.F.E meetings (formerly known as P & F) at 8.35am in the staff meeting room.
So, now that COVID 19 restrictions have eased, we are seeking volunteers who may be interested in taking on the role this year. An email was sent to parents earlier, explaining the process now required for school volunteers. In line with our current requirements, volunteers must go through an induction process before working in our Catholic Schools in the Townsville Diocese. What does this involve:
- Volunteers must complete the 8 modules listed on our website.
- The quiz ( 6 questions) needs to be completed and a certificate from TCE printed.
- Complete the 5 forms and hand these (with the certificate) to the office.
-
All volunteers must sign in to the office when working in the classrooms / tuckshop etc. We do need to know who is on the school grounds for safety reasons.
The forms for completion can be collected from the office or your classroom.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your teacher or Kerry Donlan for further information.
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
|||
10.03.22 |
Anne Fisher, John Kars |
||
11.03.22 |
Sue Viviers | ||
14.03.22 |
Marissa Wallace, Joshua Soloman | ||
15.03.22 |
Shelley Connor, Leigh Robertson |
||
16.03.22 |
Christine Nash, Kerri Player, Rebecca McLennan |
||
17.03.22 |
John Karrs, Rose McSherry |
||
18.03.22 |
Sue Viviers |
||
21.03.22 |
Nicole Boon |
||
22.03.22 |
Shelley Connor, Sue Viviers |
||
23.03.22 |
Christine Nash |
||
CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |||
10.03.22 |
Cathy Duvel | ||
14.03.22 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Kathryn Cripps, Kylie Smith, Melissa Smith | ||
15.03.22 |
Leigh Robertson | ||
17.03.22 |
Jo Leviston | ||
18.03.22 |
Mayleen Nona | ||
21.03.22 |
Jo Leviston, Jordana Ferrara, Lanie Hedger, Sally Urquhart | ||
22.03.22 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers | ||
23.03.22 |
Gabbie Blain | ||
FRUIT |
|||
11.03.22 |
Kate Smith | ||
14.03.22 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Bernadette Bryant, Kathryn Cripps, Yela Yakere | ||
21.03.22 |
Bernadette Bryant, Preshy Sikhosona, Sally Urquhart | ||
22.03.22 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers |
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.
Virtual Trivia - Friday 18th March
Are you ready to get your thing caps on?
Join DMFS Townsville for a Virtual Trivia Night on Friday 18th March.
Test your general knowledge and have some fun with other ADF families.
Participants require access to a personal device and internet connection.
Zoom link will be sent out via email on the day of the event.
Where: The comfort of your own home!
When: Friday 18th March 7pm-9.30pm.
Registration: Eventbrite
Open Arms
Townsville Open Arms group programs are available for registration in March. Interested participants, register for these group programs by calling Open Arms on 1800 011 046 as soon as possible.
123 Magic & Emotion Coaching
The 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching program teaches parents how to deal with their children’s difficult behaviour by using easy-to-learn and easy-to-use signalling system.
Where: Open Arms Townsville
When: Wednesday 16th, 23rd & 30th March, 9:00am - 11:30am.
Registration: 1800 011 046.
Sleeping Better
Sleeping better is an educational and skills based group program to help you manage disturbed sleep.
Where: Open Arms Townsville.
When: Thursday 31st March & Friday 1st April
9:00am - 4:00pm.
Registration: 1800 011 046.
These programs are free of cost for eligible participants.
Geckos Family Centre - Easter Bun-Anza, Saturday 9th April
Join Geckos for an evening of fun on Saturday the 9th of April, from 5-7:30pm.
There will be amusements galore, the Australian Army Band, a 2 course meal, lucky door prizes, Defence community stakeholders, a little treat for all children and a surprise visit!
*Please note this event is for Defence families only.
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks.
When: Saturday 9th April 5-7:30pm.
Registration: Tickets are heavily subsidised and available via the link below.
https://www.trybooking.com/BXQWD
If you would like to keep up to date with Geckos’ upcoming events and activities, follow their Facebook page
RAAF Base Townsville Golf Club (RTGC)
The RAAF Base Townsville Golf Club (RTGC) commences the 2022 golf season on Thursday 3rd of February at Tropics Golf Club, Nineteenth Avenue, off Golf Links Drive Kirwan.
The RTGC is a thriving club but is always looking fore (excuse the pun) new members to enjoy a round of golf every pay Thursday afternoon.
Joining fees are $30 per annum plus $7 competition fee each Thursday.
The RTGC Constitution and further details concerning payment of annual subscription, competition fees and membership can be obtained from the club captain, WO1 Rodney Stone, raaf.tgc@defence.gov.au or OIC RTGC, SQNLDR Paul Howard.
Geckos Family Centre
For those new to the region, Geckos is located on Lavarack Barracks and provides services, support and activities to enhance social connections and family resilience within the Defence community of North Queensland.
Geckos offers many exciting events throughout the year and the team are looking forward to meeting all of the new families in the region.
Geckos Family Centre is open Mon-Thur from 9am to 4pm, and Fri from 9am to 3pm.
Geckos has a playground that is open all day every day - from dawn until dusk – with access to toilet, parking and cold water facilities.
If you would like to keep up to date with Geckos’ upcoming events and activities, follow their Facebook page
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
Australian Military and Veteran Families Study
ADF families, the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) is seeking current or former ADF members and families to take part in their Australian Military and Veteran Families Study.
The study is open to families of current ADF members and members who have left the ADF in the last five years, who have children under 18 or who are expecting or planning children. Participants need to be in families where the current or former serving member is under 40 (and over 18) years of age. The Institute would like to speak to:
- partners and former partners of ADF members, alone or in joint interviews with their ADF partner,
- partners and former partners of ex-serving ADF members, alone or in joint interviews with the former member, and
- ADF members and former members who are sole parents.
To volunteer to participate in the study contact the AIFS research team at amvf-study@aifs.gov.au
Further information on the study can be found by clicking here.
Markets
Strand Night Markets: the first Friday of the month from February to December at Strand Park from 5pm to 9.30pm
Willows Rotary Markets: in the car park of Willows Shopping Centre - every Sunday morning 7.30am – 11.30am.
Cotters Markets: every Sunday morning in the CBD.
North Shore Community Market – starting Saturday 26th March and then the 4th Saturday of each month thereafter.
Renegade Handmade: Marian School Currajong – 2022 details coming soon on their Facebook page.
Bushland Beach Markets: commencing March 2022 – keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.
*Please note – all days/dates are subject to change depending on COVID restrictions and weather
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
Date |
Event |
March |
10.03.22 - 22.03.22 |
Life Education |
10.03.22 |
Interschool Sport - Week 2 |
15.03.22 |
Board Meeting |
16.03.22 |
Interschool Swimming - A Schools |
16.03.22 |
Assembly 6B/2B |
17.03.22 |
Interschool Sport - Week 3 |
17.03.22 |
Close the Gap Day - Indigenous Shirts |
19.03.22 |
Bullying No Way National Day of Action |
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.
Term Dates 2022 |
||
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 |
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.
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 |
1.25 pm |
Five minute warning bell |
1.30 pm |
School day resumes. |
2.50 pm |
School day concludes |