Holy Spirit Catholic School eNewsletter

There is a saying that supposedly came down to us from the ancient Greeks that goes something like this: “Tell me whom you admire and I’ll tell you who you are”. The ancient Greeks ensured that their people had suitable models to admire by focussing on the deeds of people such as Hercules, Ulysses, Archilles, Perseus and turning them into heroes.

We might understand heroes to be symbols for us, of all the qualities we would like to possess and all the ambitions we would like to satisfy. Because the ideals to which we aspire do much to determine the ways in which we behave, our choice of heroes is of great importance.

Our children’s choice of heroes usually follows a fairly predictable pattern. Young children often choose their parents as heroes because parents are their immediate providers and caretakers. As children grow and begin to question their parents’ influence, they choose peers as heroes, often someone close to their own age. Older teens usually admire people who can think for themselves and act individually.

Nowadays, the media have made it all too easy for us and our children, to confuse celebrity with excellence. In a celebrity age, we need to caution our young people about worshipping fame and beauty. Celebrities can become heroes to our children mainly because they are attractive, rich and famous and not for any redeeming qualities they may have.

Today’s popular culture worships the “antihero”, as some of today’s entertainers, athletes and other popular “icons” exemplify everything that is unheroic. These antiheroes encourage unheroic values such as selfishness, dishonesty, disrespect, irresponsibility, greed and violence – hardly the types of values we want to see expressed by our children; we need to impress upon our children how unheroic such behaviours are.

So, what do we tell our children? We can start out by telling our children what a difference people of courage, noble qualities and genius have made to our world. We can tell them that these heroes are people like us, that heroes too are human and so what was possible for them is possible for us. They stumbled, wavered, even made fools of themselves, but they rose and accomplished something of great importance.

Heroes instruct us by rising above the negative aspects of their lives and triumphing over their weaknesses. Heroes inspire us and push us towards our better self. Childhood is the time when the influence of positive role models can be most decisive. Children should see in heroes what they yearn to see in themselves: the ability to overcome weakness, fear or insecurity and to be brave, courageous and kind.

Being a hero is the sum of life, not just an event that happens; mistakes we make are just as important as the successes if we learn from them.

Helen Keller, who was blind for most of her life, has these encouraging words for us: “I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest person.”

Best Wishes

Kath

Naplan is fast approaching as we begin in 3 weeks. Please find attached the revised timetable for testing for Years 3 and 5 starting March 15. The tests must be completed in the order of Writing, Reading, Language Conventions and finishing with Numeracy. Our classes will complete a practice test on Friday February 24 so our students become a little more familiar with the testing style. Parents are welcome to visit the public demonstration site to check our the Naplan Online style and have a go yourself. This can be found here. Simply click on the year level you wish to view.

If you have any concerns or questions, I encourage you to contact your child's teacher to alleviate any stress.

At Holy Spirit Catholic School, we love our families joining us in a volunteer role. Some of these opportunities happen in the tuckshop, on carnival days, in the classroom, at special events like Mother's Day stall etc. TCE requires that volunteers complete the Volunteer Induction process which can be found on our school website. Volunteers complete the 8 modules, answer the quiz and fill in the attached documentation. The quiz will provide a certificate which needs to be attached to the documentation and handed in at the office. Copies of these documents can also be collected from the office. If you completed this training last year, this remains current for 3 years.

Parents are not required to have a Blue Card when working in school, however, it is recommended if you are planning on volunteering for any school camps. Adults other than parents, like grandparents, aunties etc, do need to have a Blue Card to volunteer in our schools.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Happy Days

Paul Martin

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent which lasts for forty days. 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 (this 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 this year 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.

This morning we celebrated Mass with Fr John. He spoke to the students about what they can do during Lent. 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.

The theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations’. This year, the theme asks us to think about the great yes that Mary spoke when the angel told her she was to become the mother of Jesus. She freely accepted God’s invitation to take up a unique place in the history of the human family. The prayer Mary shared with her cousin Elizabeth says, “all generations will call me blessed”. Her yes is for all future generations. May ours be too!

For over 55 years, Caritas Australia has worked hand in hand with the most marginalised and remote communities in Australia and overseas to confront the challenges of poverty. Project Compassion 2023 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. For more information, please visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES: Today, the eldest in each family will receive a Project Compassion box. We encourage our students to give up some of the foods they might enjoy such as McDonald’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

Go of all generations,

We thank You for those who have gone before us, especially those who have cared for Your earth and who inspire us to help respect Your creation and contribute to its healing.

We thank you for those with who we share our lives today,

Especially those who work for justice and peace.

May we welcome the opportunity that Lent brings to walk more closely with You,

Especially through fasting, almsgiving and prayer.

We thank You for the challenge of the future.

May the cross of Jesus remind us that only love finds a way forward.

As we work with big hearts, may we join Mary in her hope that from now on all generations

Will experience the great things You will do through us.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(Caritas Australia 2023)

God bless.

Caroline Fuller - APRE

Saver Plus – helping take the stress out of back to school time The Saver Plus community program has helped over 55,000 Australians take the stress out of back to
school time. It’s free for eligible people to join.

At Saver Plus, we pair you with a savings coach while you budget and save over the next 10 months. You attend online workshops to learn tips, tricks and information to grow your budgeting and savings skills. Once you reach your agreed savings goal, ANZ matches your savings dollar-for-dollar, up to $500. You can use that money towards education costs such as uniforms, text books, laptops or extra-curricular activities such as sport or music.

You could be eligible to join Saver Plus if you:

• have a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
• are at least 18 years old
• have some regular income from work (you or your partner) including casual, part-time,
full-time or seasonal (we also accept child support and carer’s payment as income)
• have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself.

If you’re eligible, start now and we’ll help take the stress out of next year’s back to school.

To find out more, or to apply, go to www.saverplus.org.au or call 1300 610 355

Last Wednesday two defence students accompanied Mrs Stanhope to the RSL to attend the 81st Fall of Singapore Memorial Service to lay a wreath and some donated books.

Other schools and dignitaries paid their respects to the fallen which concluded with a small morning tea.

Thank you to our two year 6 students who conducted themselves with the greatest empathy and diligence.

Coffee Connections, Cuisine on Bowen - Tuesday 7 March

Come along to Cuisine on Bowen for the March edition of Coffee Connections where you can meet other ADF families and get to know your local Family Liaison Officers. New to Townsville or have been here a while, everyone’s welcome!

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks. Children welcome under direct parent/carer supervision.

Where: Cuisine on Bowen

When: Tuesday 7 March 9:30am-11:30am

Registration: Eventbrite - Coffee Connections

Op Connect & Reflect, COVID Recovery Program - Wednesday 8 March

The COVID pandemic and the restrictions associated with this time presented unique challenges for our Defence families who were affected by these measures, particularly during extended periods of lockdown and separation from family. In acknowledging this experience and the lingering impacts of the early pandemic days still felt by many we would like to invite you to attend a special ‘COVID recovery’ edition of our Operation Connect and Reflect program.

This 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!

All welcome regardless of your COVID experience.

Where: DMFS Townsville, Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St Cranbrook

When: 4 week program beginning Tuesday 8 March 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Registration: Eventbrite - Op Connect & Reflect - COVID Recovery

Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)

Education Assistance Scheme

There is a range of financial support available to help minimise the disruption to education caused by posting. Support may include:

tutoring
boarding school allowance
tertiary accommodation
scholarship loss
reunion travel.

The ADF Pay and Conditions Manual provides further details on Education assistance.

If you require further information please contact the Education Support team at education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au

Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)

The Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) provides funding towards initiatives aimed at improving the employability of ADF partners.

Partners can access funding for support that helps secure employment. Support initiatives customised to individual circumstances includes:

professional employment services up to $1,500, and
professional state based re-registration up to $1,500 when it is legally required in the industry.

Eligibility requirements include:

that the partner is formally recognised by Defence
that the partner has relocated to their current location due to an ADF posting
that the member is serving in the permanent forces, is a Reserve member on continuous full-time service, or is transitioning for medical reasons.

Applications must be approved before engaging with a service provider.

Partners need to submit an application via the PEAP application form.

Remote Location Leave Travel (RLLT)

Defence has increased the Remote Location Leave Travel (RLLT) benefit.

RLLT has increased by one trip per year which will go a long way to reducing workplace and family stress.

Next time you and your family make a travel booking consider the new RLLT benefits.

For more information refer to the ADF Pay and Conditions website.

Defence Member and Family Helpline

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

Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) and bread are needed and appreciated, due to the increase in children accessing the program.

Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.

In this edition of SchoolTV - SCHOOL REFUSAL

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.

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 for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of SchoolTV

https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-refusal

Recently, we were made aware of a situation that put our students at risk during pick up time. 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.

New resource to help you speak with your kids about online safety

eSafety’s Mighty heroes is a new resource for kids aged 5 - 8 years old. It features four short-animated videos and conversation starters for parents to talk to kids and reflect on the online safety messages in each chapter.

There are four heroes - Wanda the echidna, River the sugar glider, Dusty the frilled neck lizard, and Billie the bilby - and each has an online safety superpower to share with your family.

You can also hear the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, talk about the Mighty heroes on the latest Squiz Kids podcast.

Make smart and safe tech gift choices this holiday season

The latest technology can make great gifts for children and young people, but it’s important to be aware of the risks that come along with these gadgets.

The eSafety Gift Guide offers advice on what to consider when giving kids gifts like drones, gaming headsets and wearable devices, as well as whether a device is age appropriate and what parental controls are available.

You can also learn more about immersive technologies and how to help young people interact in virtual environments safely.

Kick off the new year with a family tech agreement

A family tech agreement is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles, are used in your home.

Download a tech agreement template and get working on a set of rules that will work for your family.

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

Flexischools

ROSTER
23.02.23	Jillian Reddy, Rose McSherry
24.02.23	Helpers Wanted!
27.02.23	Margaret Vaughan, Kerri Player
28.02.23	Shelley Connor, Sifa Ayinkamiye
01.03.23	Anita Coggiola. Rebecca McLennan
02.03.23	Anne Fisher
03.03.23	Helpers Wanted!
06.03.23	Nicole Boon
07.03.23	Shelley Connor

CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time)
24.02.23	Tegan Scarborough, Therese Lynch
27.02.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Sam Connor
28.02.23	Petrece Dwyer-Sayers, Sarah Flanagan
02.03.23	Jo Leviston, Kerri Lovatt
06.03.23	Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger, Loren Parker, Sandra Greenway
08.03.23	Samantha Adame
FRUIT
27.02.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Jinomon Thomas, Sam Connor, Vicki Darr
28.02.23	Petrece Dwyer-Sayers
06.03.23	Kathryn Cripps, Loren Parker

Event
February

Date

24.02.23	Naplan Practice Test
25.02.23	Reconciliation Workshop 1 - 4.30pm
27.02.23	Mass - 3A & 3B, Playgroup
28.02.23	Life Education begins, Mass 3C & 3D

Event
March

01.03.23	Lower School Assembly - 2C
03.03.23	Clean Up Australia Day
04.03.23	Reconciliation Workshop 2 - 4.30pm, Board Formation Day
06.03.23	Mass 6A & 6B, Playgoup
07.03.23	Mass 6C & 6D
08.03.23	Upper School Assembly - 6C & 6D, Interschool Swimming Carnival

Term Dates 2023
Term 2	Monday 17 April 2023	Friday 23 June 2023
Term 3	Monday 10 July 2023	Friday 15 September 2023
Term 4	Tuesday 3 October 2023	Friday 1 December 2023

Pupil Free Day Friday 1st September, 2023

All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings). Phone 1800 826 155

The School Locker

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
All assemblies in the hall	8.40am

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