Over the last 2 weeks, Healthy Harold has been visiting classes as part of the Life Education program. Donna Walker has presented many healthy messages to our students ranging from eating habits, friendships and cyber safety. It is always pleasing to hear the conversations with students being positive around their visit and what messages they are getting from these presentations.

ANZAC Day is fast approaching and Holy Spirit Catholic School will continue the long tradition of marching in the Townsville March along the Strand. The RSL committee has advised schools that we are able to have up to 50 students marching to represent our school. This will be opened to our senior students in Year 6 first as many take this opportunity to be part of something with our community. A note will be sent home in the first week of the new term.

Great to see our Interschool Sport competition finally kick off last week after a 2 week delay due to weather. Our students love the opportunity to represent the school in the sporting arena and some even try a new sport. Thank you to the many staff involved, giving of their time to make sure these opportunities are provided. If you get a chance, say thanks. I know they will appreciate this.

Paul Martin 

On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we listen to the story of the Prodigal son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32).  We all know how good we feel when we say “sorry” and make up after a quarrel.  Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son, who took his share of his inheritance from his father because he wanted to enjoy it now.  He wasted his time and money and eventually ended up with nothing.  The parable not only reminds us to make good use of our time but shows that when we forgive and are forgiven, we can find true peace and happiness with each other.  On the weekend, students from our school and the Holy Spirit Parish attended their first workshop for the Sacramental Programme.  The focus was Reconciliation as students will receive this sacrament this Thursday evening.  The story of the Prodigal Son was discussed with the students and is a good example of how we can forgive and be forgiven.  Please keep these students in your prayers.

This week our Holy Spirit Value is ‘Mercy’.  The Founder of the Sisters of Mercy, The Venerable Mother Catherine McAuley, is displayed prominently on the side of the Lynch Family Hall.  She was a guiding light with her testimony of faith, holiness and hope as she ministered to the poor and disadvantaged.  Our school was joined by the Sisters of Mercy in 1971 and their charism of mercy and justice is just as important to us today.  Pope Francis said:  ‘People today…need us to bear witness to the mercy and tenderness of the Lord which warms the heart, rekindles hope, and attracts people towards the good.’   This week we pray our students be merciful towards other by encouraging them to show compassion and take the time to show kindness to others.  

This week’s Project Compassion story is that of Shaniella who is from the Solomon Islands.  Shaniella was determined to forge a path out of poverty, moving away to a rural vocational school.  With your support, she was able to overcome the challenges of natural disasters and gain the skills she needs to create a brighter future for herself.  For more information on Shaniella’s story, visit https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/shaniella-story/

Project Compassion Easter Raffle:  A book of tickets was sent home yesterday with the eldest in the family to raise funds for Project Compassion.  There will be a first, second and third prize.  Additional tickets will be available in our Office at the Front Reception.  The raffle will be drawn at our Easter Liturgy next Friday morning.  Our donations can help train students in disaster risk reduction, provide chickens to help boost food security and install water tanks to help improve access to clean water. Good luck everyone and thank you for your generosity in supporting Project Compassion where little donations go a long way helping those in need, like Shaniella in the Solomon Islands.  

God bless

Caroline Fuller

Term 1 fees are due 1st April, 2022.  If payment has already been made or if your are on a payment plan please disregard.

Can you please advise the office or Mrs Laing on or before Monday 28th March if your child is not continuing with instrumental tuition in Term 2.

There are vacancies in the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and percussion program in Term 2. Please contact Mrs Laing if you would like your child to participate in the Holy Spirit School Instrumental Program on or before Monday 28th March. 

In this edition of SchoolTV - RESILIENCE

Resilience is one of those skills that all kids need and should have. It refers to their ability to cope and adapt in situations when confronted with challenges such as adversity, trauma, tragedy, or even stress. It is essential to their mental health and wellbeing as part of their journey to adulthood. It is a skill that can be learned from an early age through the support of an adult role model.

However, being resilient does not mean your child won't experience any difficulties, but it will better equip them to manage those situations. Over-protective parenting can be viewed as being unhelpful towards the building of resilience. Although this may be a natural instinct, potentially experiencing failure is all part of the process. Encouraging children to take healthy risks will help them trust their capacity to deal with uncomfortable situations and increase their capacity for courage.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will gain an understanding of how to support their child’s brave behaviour to help them adapt and build resilience.

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 Resilience edition of SchoolTV

https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/resilience

EASTER 2022 HOLY SPIRIT PARISH - CRANBROOK

Who we are

The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.

We are the world’s first government agency dedicated to keeping people safer online. We started our operations in 2015 and we have remained at the forefront of the fight against online abuse and harm ever since.

5 tips to keep your family safe online

Parents and carers can use a combination of strategies to help young people build their digital technology skills and have safer experiences online.  

1. Start the chat Get into the habit of talking about online safety as a family, so your child feels comfortable coming to you if they ever need help working out an issue. It’s never too early to introduce good online habits such as respect, empathy, critical thinking, responsible behaviour and resilience. As your child grows older, eSafety’s advice about hard to have conversations will help with some of the tricky topics like sending nudes, online pornography and contact from sexual predators.
2. Create a family technology agreement Creating a Family Technology Agreement can help you and your kids decide together when and how digital technology will be used at home. As a family, brainstorm easy-to-follow rules and display them where everyone will see them. Your agreement could cover things like: time limits, apps your kids are allowed to use and online behaviour. Families with younger children can download a template to guide the conversation. 
3. Set up parental controls Parental controls let you monitor and limit what your child sees and does online. It’s best to use them in combination with the other online safety strategies listed here. Taming the technology can help you understand your options. Grab a device and get started with our guides to setting up parental controls on devices and accounts or in social media, games and apps. 
4. Choose games and other apps carefully Use eSafety’s App checklist for parents to think about the positives and negatives when your child asks to download a new game or other app. The checklist covers things like age ratings, managing privacy settings and reporting abuse in-app. You can also use The eSafety guide to check and set up safety features with your child.
5. Use digital technology together. Exploring or playing on devices or online with your child can be a positive experience that promotes learning and development.

Ask questions, be curious and get involved. To learn more, read our blog post, “How to encourage good screen practices for your child.” esafety.gov.au 

Geckos Family Centre - Easter Bun-Anza, Saturday 9^th 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 9^th April 5-7:30pm.

Registration: Tickets are heavily subsidised and available via the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/BXQWD

Defence Community Dogs

The Defence Community Dogs program provides, at no cost, highly trained Assistance Dogs to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and anxiety disorders; including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Running since 2014, this truly unique Win-Win-Win program gives rescued and rehomed dogs a second chance, rehabilitates inmates (who train the dogs within Correctional facilities under the direction of professional dog trainers), and helps Veterans to both rebuild and to literally save their lives. 

The program is fully funded by donations and sponsorships through the Defence Bank Foundation charity.

To date, they have successfully placed more than 57 Assistance Dogs with Veterans throughout Australia.

To find out more, and to apply, visit www.dcdogs.com.au

Kookaburra Kids

Kookaburra Kids Program for ADF families

The program dedicated to supporting the unique needs of children from serving and ex-serving ADF families has been made possible by the Australian Government.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is funding the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation to deliver the Defence Kids Program across Australia, which provides camps, activity days and age-appropriate mental health education focusing on coping skills and resilience, while allowing children to bond with peers who are facing similar challenges.

The Community Liaison Officer (Defence) for Townsville is Hannah Elizabeth Gallinar. Hannah’s details are below:

Mobile: 0484 544 451 Phone: 1300 566 525
Email: Hannah.gallinar@kookaburrakids.org.au

Website: www.kookaburrakids.org.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

Mobile: 0418 796 561

Email: nth.qld@dfa.org.au

Website: www.dfa.org.au

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

Flexischools

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.