Filter Content
- From the Principal's Desk
- From the APA Chair
- APRE News
- Spirit Playgroup
- RACQ Streets Ahead
- eSafety News
- Tuckshop News
- Pastoral Chaplain's Chat
- Guidance Counsellor Corner
- Breakfast Program
- Defence
- Date Claimers
- Townsville Cricket
- Term Dates
- Absent from School
- Uniform Supplies
- Assembly and Bell Times
- Our Mission Statement
Dear Holy Spirit Community,
Last week, we had a special visit from members of the Diocesan Education Council (DEC). The DEC is an official body that assists the Bishop in formulating educational policies for our diocese. Their formal visit included a tour of the school and meetings with Holy Spirit school leadership, staff, and board members. The visit also included a whole school assembly where the Acting Executive Director of Townsville Catholic Education presented The Holy Spirit community with our School Renewal Validation Certificate.
The School Renewal Validation Certificate marks the completion of the 2019 - 2022 School Renewal Cycle. Catholic School Renewal is a process that enables school communities to examine the way in which they work together so that they can continue to develop and adapt their practice to better meet the needs of the children they serve. Over the last few years, we have been reflecting on our performance and collaborating with our community to determine the desired future of our school. This discernment has led to the creation of Renewal Priorities which will guide the future direction of our school.
When presenting us with our certificate, the Acting Executive Director, Mrs. Louise Vella-Cox, congratulated Holy Spirit on our conscientious self-review and the development of a rigorous School Renewal Strategic Plan. Upon his return, Mr Martin will officially launch the School Renewal Plan which outlines priorities that will shape our school's direction for the next five years.
This Friday will be my last day in the Acting Principal role with Paul returning next Monday.. Thank you for your warm reception over the last three weeks. I wish the staff, students, and families of Holy Spirit all the best for the remainder of the term and years ahead.
Warm Regards,
Sharyn Bell
Hello and welcome to Week 3. Today I assisted the photographer from QLD Photography as he took our group photos, like our Grade 6 Cohort, our Eistedfodd Choirs, the Nalgaray group and Les Stagg Football team, to name a few. It is always a tricky day for uniforms, especially for students who represent our school in many ways, some had to change into 4 different uniforms!
The wardrobe changes were certainly impressive but how the students wore their uniforms with pride was particularly humbling. Our partnership and communication with families assist us greatly on days like this so I thought I might remind us all of our Uniform Policy, which can be found in our handbook and also on our school website.
The Holy Spirit Catholic School uniform should be worn with pride on all occasions. It is the collective responsibility of all (parents, students and staff) to ensure the Code of Dress requirements apply to every student.
Currently, the most common breach of uniform is the wearing of jewellery/accessories and incorrect socks and shoes. I draw your attention to the following:
C. Jewellery
Students may wear:
- A watch.
- A religious necklace (crucifix, holy medal or scapular) is to be removed while undertaking physical activity.
- One earring per ear. All earrings must be studs or sleepers which are plain (eg: birthstone, silver or gold)
- No dangling earrings (A reminder that sleepers may be dangerous in some games and activities)
E. Uniforms
I have taken the liberty of summarising the footwear for all students:
White short socks (must be visible above the ankle)
Black leather shoes (for Formal uniform) black leather joggers (for either uniform)
Children MUST NOT be at school with:
- coloured varnished nails
- hand drawings or writing on skin
- tattoos or decals
The School Administration reserves the right to insist on appropriate hair design, cut and colour. The criteria are that such things be modest and in keeping with the need for uniformity and in an effort to comply with health standards (eg. hair tied tightly to reduce of risk of headlice).
- Hair attire eg. ribbons, scrunchies/clips must be red, white or teal in colour. Bands to fasten hair may be the same colour as hair.
Thank you for your support of our Uniform policy, it is much appreciated.
Have a great week.
Nicole
The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus in Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 22:15- 21) and were trying desperately to get rid of Him. So they tried to trap him by asking, “Tell us then, is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” They were expecting Him to tell people to give their money to God and not to the Romans, which the Pharisees knew would get him arrested and punished for treason. Jesus’ answer was not just clever, it had a very basic message that we often forget: God is in control! We don't need to try to
manipulate God or others. If we are faithful to God, we will give Him the gift of ourselves and live the values we are taught.
This week at Holy Spirit we value justice. Justice, as we have learnt this year, refers to fairness. We should always be looking to discover ways in which we are called to be people for others. We are called to: show dignity to others; help those in need with the essentials required for a decent life (food, clothing and shelter); pay special attention to the needs of those who are poor; care for one another; care for all that God has made. This week we pray that our students support those around them in need.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This Sunday, 22nd October, is World Mission Sunday. Catholic Mission announced the theme for 2023 is "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move". Inspired by the Pope's message for World Mission Sunday, this year Catholic Mission is raising awareness of the life-giving work of lay and religious missionaries
around the world with the theme "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move".
Mini Fete: Next 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 (preferably in change) to participate, have fun and support the Missions. Teachers may be asking for assistance or asking for donations for their stall. If you are able to assist, contact your child’s teachers. Thank you all in advance for supporting such a worthy cause. It is always a great afternoon to come together to support those in need.
ST JOHN PAUL II (Feast Day 22 nd October): (1920–2005) The first Polish Pope, John Paul II, was head of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. John Paul II made extraordinary efforts to reach out to people around the world, to both Roman Catholics and those of other faiths. He loved young people and started World Youth Day so youth from all over the world could meet every few years in faith and carry home the message received there to be Christ’s light to the world. ‘I imagined a powerful moment in which the young people of the world could meet Christ, who is eternally young, and could learn from him how to be bearers of the Gospel to other young people.’ I have been fortunate to attend two WYD’s and be part of these extraordinary spiritual events and meet many people from around the world, gathered as one.
Prayer to St John Paul II (adapted)
Oh, St. John Paul, from the window of heaven, grant us your blessing!
Bless the church that you loved and served and guided,
courageously leading it along the paths of the world
in order to bring Jesus to everyone and everyone to Jesus.
Bless the young, who were your great passion.
Help them dream again, help them look up high again
to find the light that illuminates the paths of life here on earth.
May you bless families, bless each family!
St. John Paul, with your prayer, may you protect the family
and every life that blossoms from the family.
Pray for the whole world, which is still marked by tensions, wars and injustice.
You tackled war by invoking dialogue and planting the seeds of love:
pray for us so that we may be tireless sowers of peace.
Oh St. John Paul, from heaven's window,
where we see you next to Mary,
send God's blessing down upon us all.
Amen.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller
The RACQ Community and Education Team will be delivering the RACQ Streets Ahead road safety lessons to Prep to Year 2 students in Term 4 Week 4 Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 October.
If you would like to reinforce and extend your child’s learning of pedestrian, passenger and riding safety, you can access Resource Packs with different age-appropriate activities in each. In addition to these packs, there are also four educational videos demonstrating the strategies taught for Prep – Year Two students. These resources will assist you to continue teaching road safety, implementing the strategies your children will learn, and applying them to your everyday lives.
Celebrating Children's Week
Children’s Week is happening across Australia from 21 to 29 October 2023. It’s an opportunity to recognise that all children have the right to relax, play, and participate in activities they enjoy.
Celebrate Children’s Week by saying YES to safe online play. When you join in children’s online play, it supports family wellbeing and results in better outcomes for children now and in the future.
Want some resources to help bring play to online safety conversations? Here’s where you can start:
- Read – Online safety picture book and song.
- Do – Story puzzles with Swoosh and Glide.
- Play – Activities to introduce basic online safety concepts.
Encourage your child to share their online experiences with you.
Join our free webinar: Wellbeing and Digital Technologies
eSafety research shows that a third of children have sought emotional support online from friends or mental health support services.
Learn more about how games, apps and social media can influence young people’s wellbeing with eSafety’s Wellbeing and Digital technologies webinar.
The webinar is designed for parents and carers of secondary school students and covers a range of topics including:
- the latest research on young people and time online
- steps to take if your child is exposed to distressing or harmful content
- the strategies young people can use to support friends online.
Grandparents in the digital world
Grandparents across Australia provide hours of care to young people every week. During this time, they often watch, share and play with them on devices.
Engaging in the digital world allows grandparents and children to learn from each other, building children's confidence and self-efficacy as they teach their grandparents about their online activities.
While it's educational, it's also important to be safe. Our Online safety guide for grandparents provides advice about online safety issues affecting young people. It includes a range of practical tips to help them talk about issues and manage them.
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
|||
19.10.23 |
Jillian Reddy, Rose McSherry | ||
20.10.23 |
Virginia Novinetz | ||
23.10.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Kerri Player |
||
24.10.23 |
Shelley Connor, Breanna Shortland |
||
25.10.23 |
Rebecca McLennan, Jillian Reddy | ||
26.10.23 |
Anne Fisher |
||
27.10.23 |
Virginia Novinetz |
||
30.10.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Nicole Boon, Margaret Vaughan |
||
31.10.23 |
Breanna Shortland, Sarah Myles, Shelley Connor |
||
01.11.23 |
Anita Coggiola |
CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |
20.10.23 |
Jessica Mannion, Therese Lynch |
23.10.23 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Sam Connor |
24.10.23 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers, Sarah Flanagan |
26.10.23 |
Kerri Lovatt |
30.10.23 |
Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger |
01.11.23 |
Samantha Adame |
FRUIT |
|
19.10.23 |
Jo Leviston |
20.10.23 |
Jessica Mannion |
23.10.23 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Jinomon Thomas, Sam Connor, Vicki Darr |
24.10.23 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers |
30.10.23 |
Kathryn Cripps |
Student Wellbeing Hub for Parents
Parents play a vital role in the mental health, happiness and wellbeing of their children. The parent area of the Hub provides a guide to the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework and information and resources about important topics. The parent area offers advice and strategies for helping to make children’s experience at school a safe and positive one.
In this edition of SchoolTV - RAISING BOYS
Many parents will attest to the fact that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but this should not affect how a parent acts towards their son. Be careful not to pigeon-hole your son into sex-specific behaviours or gender roles. The male brain is distinctly different in its development. A boy’s physical maturity is often at odds with his mental and brain development.
Societal beliefs about how to raise boys can sometimes influence their adult carers. Although we are not determined by our biology, it is a factor. It is important to support boys in their natural tendencies and nurture their strengths and abilities. Teach them the skills they need for their future and to develop a healthy identity. It is important for boys to have a role model they can connect with and acknowledge who they are. One of the most important determinants for a boy’s development is how secure they feel growing up.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will gain a better understanding into some of the more complex issues relating to raising boys.
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 classroom teacher for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Raising Boys edition of SchoolTV
https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-boys
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 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Education Assistance Scheme
Defence's Education Assistance Scheme offers financial support to help
minimise the disruption to education caused by posting.
Financial support available under the Education Assistance Scheme includes:
Tutoring
Tuition and boarding school allowance
Tertiary accommodation
Loss of scholarship compensation
Reunion travel
For assistance with your application email
education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au or visit
https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/partners-
dependants/childrens-programs/education-assistance-scheme
Families with Special Needs
Moving can be a challenging process for any family, but when you have a
family member who has special needs, the complexity and stress can be even
greater.
Defence offers additional assistance to Defence families who have a resident
family member with special needs. These practical support services are
designed to make the relocation process smoother and more accommodating.
Families can also access support through the Defence Special Needs Support
Group (DSNSG). The DSNG serves as a national support network for families
with special needs, offering resources, guidance, and a community of
individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Defence families.
For more information on assistance measures visit the Defence website.
https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/partners-dependants/family-
programs/families-special-needs or email
Partner Employment Assistance Program
Are you an ADF partner looking to enhance your employability?
Defence offers ADF partners $1,500 towards professional employment
services which can help you with interview skills, resume writing and more.
We also pay re-registration fees for those partners whose jobs require them to
be registered.
To find out more and to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria visit
www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/partners-dependants/family-
programs/partner-employment-assistance-program or email
partner.employment@defence.gov.au
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.
Event |
|
October |
Date |
19.10.23 |
Interschool Sport Wk 5 | |
20.10.23 |
Coloured Clothes Day - Cent Sale Hampers |
|
23.10.23 |
Playgroup, Yr 5 Mass |
|
25.10.23 |
Upper School Assembly 5A |
|
26.10.23 |
Interschool Sport Wk 6 |
|
27.10.23 |
World Teachers Day, Day for Daniel, Missions Mini Fete |
|
30.10.23 |
Playgroup, 6A & 6B Mass |
Event |
|
November |
Date |
01.11.23 |
Whole School Mass - Thanksgiving & Spirit Awards, All Saints Day |
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 |