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- From the Principal's Desk
- From the APA Chair
- APRE News
- Challenge Games
- Interschool Athletics Carnival
- Book Week 2023
- Colliers Kids Triathlon
- Date Claimers
- Spirit Playgroup
- Tuckshop News
- Pastoral Chaplain's Chat
- Breakfast Program
- Defence
- eSafety
- eSafety News
- Suburban Parks Cricket
- Childcare Subsidy
- Term Dates
- Absent from School
- Uniform Supplies
- Assembly and Bell Times
- Our Mission Statement
- Community News
Our school community never ceases to amaze me with their generosity; a special quality that Holy Spirit Catholic School is renowned for. In the last 2 weeks, our staff and parents have volunteered their time and energy so our Year 5 students receive the experience of a Gumburu camp at Paluma. Our parents take part of their annual leave to be part of this and our staff camp away from family for our students. In our current climate, family time is valuable but these adults see this experience and learning opportunity is important for our students. We are so grateful to the many who continue to show generosity this way. Thank you for continuing the tradition.
On August 20, we will run our 4th Colour Me Crazy at Holy Spirit. Again, we call on our staff and parents to come together to celebrate life at Holy Spirit catholic School and build on our community spirit. We are looking for volunteers for the BBQ and stations so we can all experience a wonderful event. If you can help, please email Angela Lone at alone@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au
Gumburu
We welcome back the last of our Grade 5 campers today. 5C & 5D were sworn to secrecy, so as not to spoil the experience for 5A, so I am sure tomorrow there will be exciting stories to share. Another huge thank you to our parent volunteers and of course to our teachers, who without, we wouldn’t be able to provide this opportunity for our students.
Eco Warriors
Our group of Eco Warriors, tirelessly collect, sort and recycle containers at our school. Today they presented Stephen from St Vincent de Paul with blankets, doonas and pillows for the Winter Appeal. These items were purchased with some of the proceeds that we make participating in Containers for Change. Thank you to all our students who remember to recycle their containers in our green tubs and specially marked bins.
School Photos
On August 29th and 30th, we will be holding our school photos with Queensland School Photography. The schedule is being finalised but envelopes have been sent home. There are a variety of packages available and all the information on how to purchase will be on the envelope. If you have more than one student at Holy Spirit, you might like to have a sibling photo taken. Envelopes for these can be collected from the Office.
Supervision:
A reminder that our supervision before school begins at 8 am when students are asked to be in Bibi Goo Yumba (Prep to Yr 3) or in the Hall (Yr 4-6) where a staff member is on duty. This supervision continues until the 8.30 bell.
The afternoon supervision is in 3 areas where staff supervise: Hatchett St, Albert St and the Church car park. Duty for these areas will finish at 3.15 pm. Students not collected by this time can be picked up from our Office, the office closes at 3.30pm. We ask you to stay in your vehicle at the Hatchett Street and Church pick-up areas. It is an extremely busy time of day, and I’d like to say a big thank you to parents who keep the traffic moving. Our paramount concern is for the safety of our students, please help us look after your child by not crossing the road between cars. At the Church Pick up area we are fortunate enough to have a pedestrian crossing and a teacher who stops the traffic for you and your family to cross safely.
Kind regards
Nicole Lennox
This Sunday's Gospel passage (Mt 14:22-33) speaks of Jesus walking on the water of the stormy lake. During the crossing of the lake by night, the disciples' boat is hindered by a sudden wind storm. At a certain point, they see someone walking on the water, coming toward them. Upset, they think it is a ghost and cry out in fear. Jesus reassures them: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear”. Then Peter answers: “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water”. Jesus tells him: “Come”. Peter gets out of the boat and takes a few steps; then the wind and waves frighten him and he begins to sink. “Lord, save me”, he cries and Jesus grasps him by the hand and says to him: “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”. This Gospel story is an invitation to abandon ourselves trustingly to God in every moment of our life, especially in the moment of trial and turmoil. When we have strong feelings of doubt and fear and we seem to be sinking, in life’s difficult moments where everything becomes dark, we must not be ashamed to cry out like Peter: “Lord, save me”. May the intercession of Mary help us to persevere in faith and love when the darkness and storms of life place our trust in God in crisis.
This week at Holy Spirit we value hospitality which is about opening one’s home and heart to those who need a place to belong. Hospitality is at the heart of many of the gospel stories. Being kind, generous and welcoming to our friends, family and those we know is easy. It takes courage to welcome or help the stranger by extending hospitality to those in need. This week, we pray that our students recognise the needs of others and be generous toward others, especially those who need help.
Yesterday was the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop. Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne on January 15, 1842. Together with Fr Tenison Woods, Mary founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph in 1867, an Order dedicated to the education of poor children. By 1891, there were three hundred sisters working in nine dioceses in Australia and New Zealand. An ordinary Australian woman, yet a woman of heroic holiness, goodness, warmth and determination, Mary died on August 8, 1909. On October 17, 2010 Mary MacKillop, Saint Mary of the Cross, was declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI. One of her best-known sayings is ‘Find happiness in making others happy!’
Next Tuesday, August 15, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”. Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. The Feast of the Assumption gives each of us great hope as we contemplate this one facet of the beautiful woman of faith, our Blessed Mother. Mary moves us by example and prayer to grow in God’s grace, to be receptive to His will, to convert our lives through sacrifice and penance, and seek that everlasting union in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Father in heaven,
All creation rightly gives you praise,
For all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
God bless.
Caroline Fuller
Our Students Shine at the Challenge Games
A group of our remarkable students recently participated in the much-anticipated Challenge Games, an event specifically designed for children with disabilities. Their exceptional display of courage, camaraderie, and sportsmanship not only made us incredibly proud but also emphasized our school value of inclusion in the wider community.
Our student' participation in the Challenge Games was a testament to the values we hold dear at Holy Spirit. Their perseverance in the face of challenges, their boundless enthusiasm, and their genuine kindness were truly remarkable to witness. In the midst of spirited competition, our students demonstrated inclusivity as they cheered on their fellow participants, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, and formed connections that transcended differences.
At the heart of Holy Spirit’s connection to this incredible event is Mr. Martin, a teacher and leader who has tirelessly dedicated his time supporting the Challenge Games, for nearly twenty years. His commitment has been a guiding light for both students and staff alike, and a leading example of embracing diversity.
On arrival back to school, the Challenge Games Athletes were celebrated by their peers with a Guard of Honour starting at the gates of the church all the way through BibiGoo. This was such a highlight for our participants and caused many tears in the eyes of the staff.
As we reflect on this heartwarming experience, let us celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Let their example inspire us all to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive community that recognizes the potential within each and every one of us. The following writing piece by Imoen in Year Three sums up the power of these events perfectly.
“If I had a superpower…
I already have a super power. My super power is ADHD and Autism. All these special powers are my ability to be myself. I help myself work out problems. I love my special powers. Oh and myself.”
We can’t wait for the 2024 Challenge Games!
Taryn Pickering
Event |
|
August |
Date |
10.08.23 |
Interschool Athletics Carnival - B schools |
|
14.08.23 |
Mass 4C & 4D, Playgroup |
|
15.08.23 |
Board Meeting |
|
16.08.23 |
|
Upper School Assembly - 3B |
18.08.23 |
National Day of Action against Bullying |
|
21.08.23 |
Playgroup |
|
21.08.23-25.08.23 |
Bookweek |
|
22.08.23 |
Mass Year 5's |
|
23.08.23 |
Book Week Parade |
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
|||
10.08.23 |
Rose McSherry | ||
11.08.23 |
Virginia Novinetz | ||
14.08.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Kerri Player |
||
15.08.23 |
Breanaa Shortland, Shelley Connor, Sifa Ayinkamiye |
||
16.08.23 |
Rebecca McLennan, Christine Nash | ||
17.08.23 |
Anne Fisher |
||
18.08.23 |
Virginia Novinetz |
||
21.08.23 |
Nicole Boon, Breanna Shortland |
||
22.08.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Sarah Myles, Shelley Connor |
||
23.08.23 |
Helpers Wanted |
CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |
10.08.23 |
Cathy Duvel |
11.08.23 |
Therese Lynch |
14.08.23 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Melissa Smith |
15.08.23 |
Leigh Robertson, Sarah Flanagan |
17.08.23 |
Kerri Lovatt |
18.08.23 |
Jessica Mannion |
21.08.23 |
Emma Philippa, Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger |
22.08.23 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers |
23.08.23 |
Samantha Adame |
FRUIT |
|
11.08.23 |
Kate Smith |
14.08.23 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Emily Lyons, Jinomon Thomas, Vicki Darr |
Mini Vinnies
“Making a Difference”
Each year, the Year 6 Mini Vinnies students are given the opportunity to participate in activities that highlight the fact of homelessness in the community.
To ensure this event retains its significance, students will be given the opportunity to engage their individual perspective from a position of opportunity. They will be invited to consider the issues of homelessness and associated stigma, as they participate in practical activities that prompt discernible conversation around possible scenarios and thinking laterally, outside of their own personal experience and what is considered the norm in society.
While this event will not require students to stay overnight, it will create an experience that will inform and direct learning, outside the classroom context. There will be a representative from St. Vincent De Paul directing activities that provoke students to consider homelessness as a reality. Raising awareness is a tangible voice for homelessness and generates compassion and understanding towards those who are less fortunate in society.
In previous years, children have been asked to donate items that are needed in our own community. This year, we have been advised that personal care products such as deodorant, soap, razors, toothpaste, tooth brush, small nail clippers, short comb and hair brushes are in demand at present.
In response to this need, we ask that students donate at least one toiletry item and would also like to extend this invitation to the wider school community, as an action of collective outreach to others. To support this event, please place your donations into the blue box, which can be located in the administration office or alternatively bring them to the classroom for collection.
Please note that the pictures below are only examples of what is needed. Thank you in advance for supporting the collective outreach efforts of the Year 6 students and the Holy Spirit school community.
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.
Thank you to students who continue to help with toasting and service to the community
Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.
DMFS TOWNSVILLE’S UPCOMING EVENTS
Dogs Day Out - Saturday 12 August
Join in the Fur Family Fun at our Dogs Day Out!
All friendly dogs are welcome. Whether they bring a single parent, couple or
family, all can enjoy a sunny Townsville day.
Take time to connect, play, or chill out with a free cuppa and bickie.
QPS Paws On Patrol will be joining Townsville’s Defence Member and Family
Support team to provide free dog tags, local information and as many pats and belly scratches as possible.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and dog treats will be provided.
Where: North Shore Off Leash Dog Park
When: Saturday 12 August 8:30am-10:30am
Registration: Eventbrite – Dogs Day Out
My Dad and Me, Fishing - Saturday 26 August
Townsville ADF Dads and their kids are invited enjoy some bonding time while
fishing of the banks off the serene Ross Creek.
Thanks to our friends from Reeling veterans, this activity, rods and bait are free
for our Dads and their kids who want to wet a line, enjoy the tropical NQ
weather and visit one of Townsville’s recreational fishing spots. But if you fancy
yourself as the next Rex Hunt or E.T., feel free to bring your own gear!
Where: South Townsville Recreational Boating Park
When: Saturday 26 August
Registration: Eventbrite, My Dad and Me
*Photographs will be taken at all DMFS events. Please let our staff know if you do not want your family
to be photographed. Photos may be used on our social media channels or in a DMFS publication.
CONNECTING WITH YOUR DEFENCE COMMUNITY
Kookaburra Kids Defence Program
Townsville Activity Day, Saturday 19 August 2023 at Pitstop Karting
Eligible to Defence & Veteran young people ages 8-18.
Do you know a young person impacted by family mental illness? Visit the
kookaburra Kids website to refer them.
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/getinvolved/refer/
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.
While there is plenty to be worried about, there is also plenty to be celebrated. Access to education and information, ease and speed of communication, creative expression - the positives are undeniable.
My message to you: Our digital kids WILL be ok!
But they’ll be more ok if they integrate screen use with a whole and balanced life.
How can they do this? And - importantly - how can we help them?
Find out how in the article below!
Term Dates 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
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.
All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings). Phone 1800 826 155
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 |