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- From the Principal's Desk
- From the APA chair
- APRE News
- Book Fair
- Preparing for high school
- Eisteddfod Results
- Sports News
- RACQ Road Safety
- eSafety
- Spirit Playgroup
- Date Claimers
- Tuckshop News
- Pastoral Chaplain's Chat
- Guidance Counsellor Corner
- Breakfast Program
- Defence
- Term Dates
- Absent from School
- Uniform Supplies
- Assembly and Bell Times
- Our Mission Statement
Dear Holy Spirit Community,
I am thrilled to temporarily join the Holy Spirit family for the next three weeks as your Acting Principal while Mr Martin is on leave. My name is Sharyn Bell, and while my time here will be relatively short, I am dedicated to supporting the continued growth and excellence of Holy Spirit School.
I was lucky to arrive in time for the Whole School Liturgy and Spirit Awards this morning, where our community came together to celebrate World Mission Month and the achievements of our students. Congratulations to our Term 4 school captains, Amber Cashmore and David Greenway on leading the assembly so competently.
This year for World Mission Month, Catholic Mission has announced the theme as "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move" to raise awareness of the life-giving work of lay and religious missionaries around the world. During October, students are encouraged to engage in both a physical and spiritual journey, to share the message of love and hope not only through their words, but also through their actions.
The Spirit Awards ceremony acknowledged and celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students. I loved seeing their smiling faces, and it was evident that our school spirit is alive and well. Congratulations also to the students who received maths competition awards and placed in the recent Eisteddfod.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community, and I look forward to getting to know you better in the weeks ahead.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Bell
Welcome to Term 4!
I trust that you enjoyed spending some extra time with your child/ren over the school holidays. I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of days exploring Sydney and then time at home, resting before another big term.
There were big smiles on the faces of our students as they arrived at school yesterday and their smiles grew even bigger when they remembered that we had a new Library to explore. Both the Library and the new building that houses the Tuckshop and another learning space were open for business, on day one. We still have some unpacking, and organising to do but the feedback has been all positive. Staff and students are excited and looking forward to working and learning in these spaces.
Our tuckshop staff would love to welcome new volunteers, it is a great way to meet people and I know from experience they have good music and lots of laughs. Our little people are grateful for the Tuckshop, so close to them, saving their little legs a long walk!
I look forward to working with you all again this term.
Nicole
Welcome back to a busy last term. I hope you all had an enjoyable break ready for what the term brings. This week at Holy Spirit Catholic School, we value respect. Having respect for someone means you think good things about who a person is or how he or she acts. We reinforce that showing respect to someone is to act in a way that shows they care about others feelings and well-being. This week, we pray that our students show respect for others by thinking and acting in a way that shows others they care about their feelings and their well-being, to see a need and do something about it.
October is Missions Month. The World Mission Month of October is a time when we can teach our children to respect people from other cultures and reach out to those people, particularly children who live in poverty. It is an opportunity for reflection, prayer and support for the missionary efforts of individuals, communities and the whole Church. This year, students across Australia are encouraged to not only learn about Timor-Leste and the work of the Church there, but to do something extraordinary for Mission through the fundraising, advocacy and prayers. At the end of this month, our school will hold a Mini Fete to raise funds for Catholic Missions.
When we look at the world at times, we can see that it is not very fair. Some people have lots of food. Some people don’t have enough. Some people have clean water in their homes. Some people have to walk a long way to collect water for their families. Catholic Missions gives hope to communities so that real changes can be made for
people in need around the world.
Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary: On Sunday, October 7th, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is traditionally a day to pray for peace in the world. Watch this video to reflect on the importance of praying the Rosary! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IvhoSNf6Ls With the ongoing incidents of violence both at home and abroad, there is a great need to pray for peace. You might like to pray a decade of the Rosary for peace in our world with your family.
God bless and welcome back.
Caroline Fuller
Small group student sessions on ‘preparing for high school’ are being offered by Tegan Towler (Guidance Counsellor) this term. Students from Grade 6 have been invited to participate in these sessions (consisting of two sessions, approximately 30 minutes each).
The group will aim to assist students with preparing for high school by normalising feelings associated with this change, and addressing questions and concerns about high school (including friendships, timetables, and exploring organisation strategies). Although facilitated by Tegan, this informal small group setting will allow students the opportunity to share and learn from each other.
If you are interested in your child participating, please contact their classroom teacher by the 13th of October.
Congratulations to all students who performed in the Eisteddfod.
The children in the Grade 5 choir competed in the Unison chorus and Folk Song. They sang well and were awarded 3rd place and highly commended for their performances.
The children in the Grade 6 choir competed in the choral championship, where they sang the chief chorus and a song by an Australian composer. They sang beautifully and were awarded 3rd place.
The children in the Grade 4 choir competed in the junior choral championship, where sang the chief chorus and a unison song. Their presentation was energetic and entertaining. They were awarded 2nd place.
The children in the school band performed in the mixed ensemble. They looked great and played beautifully. They were awarded 3rd place.
A big thank you to Mrs Ferguson who accompanied the choirs and Mrs Crimeen for her support.
Congratulations to Noah for making the Northern Track and Field team 10-12yrs, that was selected on August 29th.
Noah will be travelling to Brisbane in October to compete in the State Championships.
This term, the RACQ Streets Ahead road safety program is being delivered to our Prep to Year 2 students focusing on pedestrian, passenger and riding safety. Resource Packs with age- appropriate activities and videos demonstrating strategies are available
here: https://www.racq.com.au/streetsahead. These will assist you to continue to teach road safety, implement the strategies your child/ren have learnt and apply them
to your everyday lives.
Online safety advice in First Nations languages
Our online safety advice animations are now available in additional First Nations languages.
Find animated videos exploring how to be safe online and what to do if things go wrong in Aboriginal English, Torres Strait Islander Creole, NT Kriol, Kimberley Kriol, Arrernte, Yolngu and more.
Hands-on online safety training for mob
eSafety offers a new Strong People, Safe Spaces online safety training, tailored to First Nations organisations and communities with an active presence online.
The free training steps participants through ways to use and engage with social media safely, report online abuse, and support their own wellbeing. It has been developed to help you feel comfortable yarning about being deadly online with your community.
To learn more about the training and register your interest, please complete this form.
Download the First Nations toolkit and share our resources
Our updated stakeholder toolkit has all you need to share our First Nations resources including social media images, suggested copy, a poster promoting eSafety’s new training and more.
Encourage your networks to explore eSafety’s website to hear stories from mob, read the latest First Nations research and find tips and tricks to help them stay safe online.
We also encourage all Australians who witness online abuse, regardless of who the target may be, to be an upstander, rather than a bystander. This means supporting the person who is being abused or harmed and letting them know help is available. Find out more at eSafety.gov.au.
Event |
|
October |
Date |
05.10.23 |
Interschool Sport Wk 3 | |
06.10.23 |
Coloured Clothes Day - Cent Sale Hampers |
|
09.10.23 |
Playgroup, 3A & 3B Mass |
|
10.10.23 |
3C & 3D Mass |
|
11.10.23 |
Upper School Assembly - 3D |
|
12.10.23 |
Interschool Sport Wk 4 |
|
16.10.23 |
Playgroup, 4A & 4B Mass |
|
17.10.23 |
Group Photos, Board Meeting, 4C & 4D Mass |
|
18.10.23 |
Lower School Assembly - Prep C |
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
|||
05.10.23 |
Rose McSherry | ||
06.10.23 |
Virginia Novinetz | ||
09.10.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Brooke Vass, Kerri Player |
||
10.10.23 |
Shelley Connor, Breanna Shortland |
||
11.10.23 |
Rebecca McLennan, Christine Nash | ||
12.10.23 |
Anne Fisher |
||
13.10.23 |
Virginia Novinetz |
||
16.10.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Nicole Boon |
||
17.10.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Sarah Myles, Shelley Connor |
||
18.10.23 |
Christine Nash |
CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |
05.10.23 |
Jo Leviston |
06.10.23 |
Therese Lynch |
09.10.23 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Melissa Smith |
10.10.23 |
Sarah Flanagan |
12.10.23 |
Cathy Duvel, Kerri Lovatt |
16.10.23 |
Emma Philippa, Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger |
17.10.23 |
Leigh Robertson |
18.10.23 |
Samantha Adame |
FRUIT |
|
09.10.23 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Emily Lyons, Jinomon Thomas, Vicki Darr |
13.10.23 |
Kate Smith |
16.10.23 |
Kathryn Cripps, Loren Parker, Preshy Sikhosana |
In this edition of SchoolTV - SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!
However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
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 speak with the classroom teacher for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the School Transitions edition of SchoolTV
https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions
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
My Dad and Me: Masks and Minions, Saturday 28 October
Dads, bring the kids to Geckos this month for a morning of creative art.
We’d love to see the kids (and big kids) dress-up in their favourite costume
then show their creativity by painting and decorating themed masks or rocks –
a fun addition if you’re adventuring out trick-or-treating later that week!
My Dad & Me offers dads the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with their kids, so remember, My Dad & Me is a mum-free zone, so Dads, bring the kids and leave Mum at home!
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
When: Saturday 28 October, 9:30-11:30
Registration: Eventbrite – My Dad & Me
Good mental health and wellbeing in the foundation for thriving individuals, families and communities. This year’s theme, “Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ reflects the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
Awareness is about understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing, and knowing when we need to reach out for help and where to get it.
Belonging is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported, and understanding that however we feel, we’re not alone, and that there are others going through the same thing.
Connection is about our relationships with our friends, families, and those we care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks around us that we rely on to help keep us happy and healthy, wherever we live, work or play.
The DMFS North Queensland can assist you to navigate the various challenges and opportunities associated with the Defence lifestyle.
Defence Social Workers are professionals that assist current serving members and their families mental health and wellbeing. They offer FREE and CONFIDENTIAL appointments. Social workers can assist you: Understand the emotional cycle of service related absences and what it means for you and your family.
* Understand and identify strategies to learn about ways to care for self and our significant others
* Maintain and enhance your couple and family relationships
* Navigate and engage in the defence and wider community to access a range of support services.
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.
Term Dates 2023 |
||
Term 4 |
Tuesday 3 October 2023 |
Friday 1 December 2023 |
Term Dates 2024 |
||
Term 1 |
Monday 22 January 2024 |
Thursday 28 March 2024 |
Term 2 |
Monday 15 April 2024 |
Friday 21 June 2024 |
Term 3 |
Monday 8 July 2024 |
Friday 13 September 2024 |
Term 4 |
Monday 30 September 2024 |
Friday 6 December 2024 |
Pupil Free Day Friday 30th August, 2024
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 |