Thank you to the many families who took the time to complete a recent survey around the Assistant Principal's role and how I am performing. I really appreciate the many positive comments as well as the feedback on how to keep improving in this role. A wise person once told me that all feedback is a gift as we can always take something to be better educators for our students and their families.There were so many respondents and this in itself is a positive. But the feedback was wonderful to hear the many positives so Thank You! From here, I have developed, in consultation with a representative from Townsville Catholic Education, a professional plan to continue to support our students and their families at Holy Spirit Catholic School.

Recently, we were made aware of a situation that put our students at risk during pick up time on Ross River Road. A Compass message was sent to families to remind everyone of the safe pick up zones for our students.

Hatchett St Carpark - Students wait in the Hall and families are called by a member of admin to meet in the pick up zone in the carpark.

Albert Street - A staff member is supervising students inside the gates on Albert St as parents park in the allocated parks to collect their child.

Church Carpark - A member of admin calls families to the designated pick up zones. Students are seated on the grassed area and are supervised by staff.

Can I please ask, for the safety of our students, that cars are not parked illegally on footpaths, in ``No Standing" areas, on the crossing. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.

Good luck to our Year 6 cohort and staff as they head off on the next adventure, Year 6 Camp at Lake Tinaroo. We wish them safe travels.

 

Happy Days

Paul Martin 

The Sadducees were a group of priests who held the most important positions in the Jewish Church (Luke 20:27-38). They did not believe in the Resurrection or life after death and were displeased that so many people were listening to Jesus and believing what he told them. So, they tried to trick him and make him look foolish. We encourage our students to be respectful of each other’s gifts and talents and to encourage each other in their learning. Some students are afraid they may not be as good as everyone else or think they have to be perfect at their work and if not they are failing. Mistakes are important in helping us learn and enable us to critically reflect on the process. A positive response from staff and parents, helping students reflect on their learning and identifying steps to help them improve enables students to maintain a positive, interested attitude in their learning.

This week at Holy Spirit, we value courage. Courage enables us to act in a brave way to go out of our way at times to help others. This week we ask our students to think and act on ways they can show their courage and that with God’s protection and guidance, they have nothing to fear and can conquer anything.

This Friday our Mini Fete will be held. In the month of October, we as a Catholic Church in Australia focus on supporting missions throughout the world.  In our school community we will raise funds to support the Missions with our MINI FETE. Children are encouraged to bring a small amount of money to participate, have fun and support the Missions. Class teachers are organising stalls.  This is a great afternoon where we can all support a very worthy cause. If you are able to assist, contact your child’s teachers. Thank you everyone in advance for assisting with our Mini Fete.

Yesterday was ALL SOUL’S DAY, a Catholic Day of Remembrance which we celebrate the day after All Saints Day. We remember and pray for friends and loved ones who have passed away, we pray particularly for the souls of those in purgatory waiting to be received into heaven. The Feast of All Souls reminds us of our obligation to live holy lives so that our souls too, may one day be received into heaven.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller

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 and 7, 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 Kokoda Memorial Pool, Mundingburra. 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, 25 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
HPE Specialist

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

Flexischools

Next week for Remembrance Day we will be selling Poppy merchandise within our school community, all money from the sale of this merchandise is directed to the RSL Veteran Welfare Projects.

Merchandise available will be..... 

Poppy Flower single ..........$0.50

Poppy on safety pin ..........$1.00

Poppy badge ....................$5.00 

The North Queensland Army Museum is facilitating a display in November with the theme of "Animals at War".  Some of our defence students and their friends worked on a piece during defence club, which is held every Wednesday at morning tea. All the students worked well and to view the finished product you can visit the NQ Army Museum from the 8th of November.  The Museum is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 9am-1pm.  Admission is FREE.

We are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-8.25am in the hall.

As we head towards the end of the term, breakfast spreads would be greatly appreciated!

Is the first step towards personal growth and learning how amazing you are!

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.