Another fortnight passes and we are ever so close to getting access to our new facilities. The current plan is they will be finished by the end of August and we will start moving furniture into these spaces from September 4. Depending on how quick fences come down as to whether the new Tuckshop opens at the end of this term or will start Term 4.  Exciting times ahead

Thank you to all our volunteers and participants from our 'Colour Me Crazy' family event last Sunday. There many smiling faces around the school grounds, from young and the young at heart on the course or the volunteers and staff flicking colour and slime. Not sure who had the most fun. From our proceeds, a donation will be sent to the Black River Rural Fire Brigade to say thanks for their assistance on the day. It is always great to support our locals.

A reminder that Friday September 1 is a Pupil Free Day and our staff will be working their way through professional development. Our school officers are participating in a Zoom meeting around Trauma in the classroom and our teaching staff are engaged in the new version of the Australian Curriculum.

Happy Days!

Paul Martin 

Hello Holy Spirit Catholic School Community,

Yesterday we had a visit from our Adopt-a-Cowboy, Valentine Holmes.  He spent some time with the 3B and 5D classes.  3B started with a Q&A on healthy eating and resilience, followed by a game of Touch football.  5D moved straight into a game of Touch, followed by questions about rival teams and finals football.  Thanks for visiting Valentine, we appreciate your time.

Our Hall will be set up for our Class Photos and portraits next Tuesday and Wednesday.  Our students will be required to wear their academic uniform for their photos. I have included the Timetable so that you know which day your child will be having photos taken.  Sibling Photos are being taken from 7.30 am to 8.30 am (before school) on both days.  The expectations for Sibling photos are on the special envelope you collected from the office.

Kind regards

Nicole Lennox 

Everyone knew that Jesus was a special person, who healed the sick and blind and did many marvelous things. Many thought he was a prophet, a wise man telling people how God wanted them to live. Yet, one day when Jesus asked the disciples, “Who am I?” only one disciple could tell him (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus chose that person, Peter, to be the rock upon which to build the Church. 

This week at Holy Spirit, we value courage. Most often, we associate courage with physical prowess or bravery. Courage can also be seen in the form of being honest, fair, not giving up, or being a peacemaker. This type of courage often requires us to sometimes step out of our comfort zone and do something we might not usually do but know we must as it is the right thing. This week we encourage our students to think about how they can be courageous and help others.

This Friday, a number of our Year 6 students will participate in the Mini Vinnies homelessness experience. We will welcome Stephen Gasparini to our school, the Youth Engagement and Development Officer for the Townsville Diocese St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. Stephen will speak to the students, sharing information on the number of people experiencing homelessness across Australia and how we can help. The children will participate in a number of activities to raise awareness of homelessness. You can help by donating much-needed items for people in our community. This year we encourage donations of cleaning products or hygiene products. Donations can be sent into the office to be part of our donation on Friday
night. Your compassion and generosity will be very much appreciated.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller

Some of the items available from our Father's Day Stall next

Wednesday 30th August!!

School Photo's are on next week! 

Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th August. 

Please note:

Sibling photos will ONLY be taken between 7.30-8.30am

Congraulations to our HCSC rugby league team on their win last Monday night, it was a huge team effort and they all showed great spirit!!

They are through to the next round and verse Cranbrook at 6pm next Monday night.

We wish them good luck!

Visit by Registered Nurse for Free Prep Vision Screening

Good vision is important for a child’s educational, physical and social development. Vision screening checks for common eye conditions that may impact your child’s ability to see and therefore impact their learning and development.

A Registered Nurse will be visiting the school on Monday 4 September 2023 to conduct vision screening for children in their prep year.

If you wish to have your prep child participate in this FREE
vision screening program, please complete a consent form-
1. Online by 21/08/2023
2. Paper consents return by Thursday 31 august 2023

Participation in this free vision screening program is not compulsory. If you do not wish for your child to participate in screening, please complete the consent form and indicate that you wish to decline screening.

Parents do not need to be present for screening, however if you would like to be, please contact the school to arrange this.

If you have concerns about your child’s eyes at any time, please take your child to see an eye health professional (optometrist/ophthalmologist).

For further information, please scan the below QR code to visit the Program website or contact the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program on 1800 687 372.

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

Flexischools

ROSTER
24.08.23	Jillian Reddy, Rose McSherry
25.08.23	Virginia Novinetz
28.08.23	Breanna Shortland, Margaret Vaughan
29.08.23	Shelley Connor, Breanna Shortland
30.08.23	Rebecca McLennan, Jillian Reddy
31.08.23	Anne Fisher
01.09.23	Virginia Novinetz
04.09.23	Nicole Boon, Breanna Shortland
05.09.23	Breanna Shortland, Sarah Myles, Shelley Connor
06.09.23	Anita Coggiola

CAKE    (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time)
25.08.23	Therese Lynch
28.08.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Sam Connor
29.08.23	Sarah Flanagan
31.08.23	Kerri Lovatt
04.09.23	Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger, Loren Parker, Sandra Greenway
06.09.23	Samantha Adame
FRUIT
28.08.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Jinomon Thomas, Sam Connor, Vicki Darr
04.09.23	Kathryn Cripps, Loren Parker

                           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.

A SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Father’s Day

For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on.

Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender.

Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks.

In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/celebrating-fathers-day

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

Look what's been happening in Defence Club. Open to defence students every Wednesday morning tea in the vacant 5B classroom. 

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.

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.

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

The School Locker