Holy Spirit Catholic School eNewsletter

I want to pass on my thanks to Sharyn Bell for assisting at Holy Spirit as the Acting Principal in my absence for the first few weeks of this term. In the short time Sharyn was here, she developed positive relationships with students, staff and families and provided some valuable insight into what she saw as our strengths as a school community.

This week, the P&F met for the final time this year and I am grateful for the input of these members towards our community. The P&F is a great opportunity for school and families to continue to grow our connections in the interests of student learning and well-being. The Leadership Team looks forward to continuing the strong ties to our school community in 2024. All are welcome.

Our Year 6 students head off next week on their camp to Lake Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre with our staff. The staff have worked tirelessly for the past 12 months planning this key event and we wish them safe travels. Thank you also to the parent volunteers as camps do not happen without adequate supervision. At last week's meeting, these parents indicated great enthusiasm for this camp and we hope they still are enthusiastic after 3 nights away with over 90 people.

Finally, most of our new furniture arrived for our Library and learning spaces in the new building. The money raised from Spirit Steps contributed to the purchasing of these items. On behalf of our students, thank you. The feedback from our staff and students has been positive and with a sense of gratitude. We even have other schools wanting to come and see our facilities. What a statement we have made! Bravo to Simon Bell Constructions and i4 Architecture.

Happy Days

Paul Martin

Preps, Year 1 & 2 participated in lessons brought to us by RACQ. Students in these classes learned about pedestrian, passenger and riding safety. You may not be aware that we have a Pedestrian Crossing at the front of the Church and in the afternoon we have a staff member who has the STOP/Slow Down sign which they use to enable our families to cross safely. Crossing between the vehicles that are in the pickup line is very dangerous and I’d like to encourage our parents and carers to serve as role models to our students/your child/ren and cross safely at the crossing. Thank you to those families who support us in keeping your children safe.

Visiting the classrooms this week I was impressed with the number of students who were wearing, not only the correct uniform but they were also wearing it to the letter; the white socks above the ankle & black shoes were a standout. A gentle reminder that any hair accessories should be of school colours or black/brown elastics and a simple stud or small sleeper if wearing earrings. Necklaces if worn should carry a religious symbol. Focusing on Years 3 -6 this week, 3B, 4D, 5A & 6A had the most number of students in the correct uniform and were awarded a Zooper Dooper each. Well done to these classes! I will endeavour to visit the Prep to Year 2 classes next week.

Have a great week

Nicole Lennox

The Parable of the Talents, (Mathew 25:14-30) reminds us that God has given talents to each one of us that are gifts from God. Three men were each given a different number of talents. The first man used his talents well and doubled them; the second also worked hard and used them wisely but the third felt that he had little to offer and hid his talent away and did not use it. Each of our students has differing gifts or skills and we are challenged as parents and teachers to encourage and guide our children to develop them and use them wisely. A good attitude and pride in doing their best allows children to grow to be the best that they can be as a person and life-long learners.

This week at Holy Spirit we value excellence. Striving for excellence is trying to do your best. At Holy Spirit, staff are always looking for ways to help students achieve excellence by doing their best to produce excellent work. This week, we pray that our students draw upon their many skills and show excellence where they can.

Feast Of All Saints – 1 st November: A Saint is someone who has dedicated their lives to God and whom the Church believes is God. Wrongly, we often think Saints are perfect, but in fact, their greatest witness is how they coped with the ordinary difficulties of life and how their love, sacrifice and fidelity inspired others to follow Jesus. Sometimes, we can look around us and see people who are living a holy life, finding blessings within their daily lives and demonstrating the extraordinary power of God working in them through their words and actions. We encourage our students this week to speak in a kind and respectful way to everyone so all feel respected and valued in our school.

All Souls Day – 2 nd November: is a Catholic Day of Remembrance which we celebrate the day after All Saints Day. We remember and pray for friends and loved ones who have passed away. The Feast of All Souls reminds us of our obligation to live holy and good lives so that our souls too, may one day be received into heaven.

Thank you all for the wonderful fundraising efforts to support Catholic Mission’s work with children worldwide last week at our Mini Fete. The total funds raised at our Mini Fete is still to be finalised and I look forward to sharing this with our school community. All of this is due to the wonderful efforts of our staff, students and families. The money is used to support projects that improve the quality of life for children by giving them education opportunities or developing sustainable projects that help them and their communities build a better life. For more information please visit: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/

This morning, our whole school gathered for our Thanksgiving Mass. Fr John joined us and we were very thankful to have him with us for his last Mass with the school. As you all know, Fr John will be leaving our parish and moving to Ingham at the beginning of next year. There are a number of events coming up that Fr John will be in attendance but we were blessed to have him lead us in prayer this morning.

God bless
Caroline Fuller – APRE

Well done to Chase who was awarded his Medal of Excellence for his colouring in this morning. Chase was 1 out of 25 other students who were awarded across the state after classes sent entries in for our students. The photo of this presentation will be sent to the Prime Minister for his NAIDOC Week final report. The judging of entries was adjudicated by a panel including Koori Kids, Aboriginal elders, Agent Delegates and other members of the community and award presentations were held in Sydney during NAIDOC week. Congratulations to Chase on this award and proudly representing our school.

Townsville Catholic Education is delighted to announce the opening of our first Co-Educational Secondary College; Mary Help of Christians Catholic College. Located in Shaw, next to St Benedict's Catholic School, the new college will cater to the growing demand for Catholic secondary education in the region. In 2025, the new college will open its door to incoming Year 7 students.

Expressions of interest are open, click here for more information: https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/schools/mary-help-of-christians-catholic-college/

Event
November

Date

06.11.23		Playgroup, 6C & 6D Mass
07.11.23		Year 6 Camp
08.11.23		Year 6 Camp, Lower School Assembly - Prep D
09.11.23		Year 6 Camp
10.11.23		Year 6 Camp
13.11.23		Playgroup
15.11.23		Upper School Assembly - 5C, SMMC Orientation Yr 6

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

Flexischools

ROSTER
02.11.23	Rose McSherry
03.11.23	Virginia Novinetz
06.11.23	Breanna Shortland, Kerri Player
07.11.23	Shelley Connor, Breanna Shortland
08.11.23	Rebecca McLennan, Christine Nash
09.11.23	Anne Fisher
10.11.23	Virginia Novinetz
13.11.23	Breanna Shortland, Brooke Vass, Nicole Boon
14.11.23	Breanna Shortland, Sarah Myles, Shelley Connor
15.11.23	Helpers Wanted

CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time)
02.11.23	Jo Leviston
03.11.23	Therese Lynch
06.11.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Loren Parker, Sandra Greenway
07.11.23	Sarah Flanagan
09.11.23	Cathy Duvel, Kerri Lovatt
13.11.23	Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger, Melissa Smith

FRUIT
06.11.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Jinomon Thomas, Loren Parker, Vicki Darr
10.11.23	Kate Smith
13.11.23	Emily Lyons, Kathryn Cripps

War and conflict can bring up a range of emotions including anger and outrage, anxiety, sorrow, fear and helplessness. You might be worried for the safety of loved ones living or working in the conflict zone or grieving the destruction of cities, towns and important cultural sites.

For full article please click HERE

A SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world.

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/special-report-discussing-war-conflict

People usually know how to keep themselves safe offline, but it's not always the case when we go online. In our latest initiative, we compare online safety to everyday objects that keep you safe – just like eSafety does when you go online.

When it comes to online safety, we can help. We educate Australians about online safety risks and help to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children and young people, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse and illegal and restricted content.

Help get the word out about online safety! Forward this email to friends and family to let them know there’s support available if they experience online abuse.

The eSafety Commissioner can support with:

Advice for parents, kids and young people on staying safe online
Digital skills needed for staying safe in games and apps using the eSafety Guide
Webinars for parents and carers to help children have positive online experiences
Investigating reports of serious online abuse and help with the removal of this content.

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

Remembrance Day

VS

ANZAC Day Explained.....

Australia has two major commemorative days for those who have served our country: ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. While they share many similarities, they have some key differences outlined below.

ANZAC Day is observed as a public holiday on April the 25th every year. A national day of remembrance, the date Australia and New Zealand had their first major battle in World War 1.

Remembrance Day is observed as an international day of commemoration on the 11th of November every year. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is historically significant as the time that fighting in WW1 officially ended.

ANZAC Day is the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' landing at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25th of April 1915. The first ANZAC Day was observed in 1916. The traditions include attending a Dawn Service or ANZAC Day March, baking ANZAC biscuits, enjoying a gunfire breakfast and playing a game of two-up.

Remembrance Day is held on the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in Germany in WW1 in 1918. Remembrance commemorations began a year later in 1919, on what was originally known as Armistice Day. It is primarily observed in Commonwealth countries where it is usual to observe at least one minute of silence at 11am to pay respect to those who have served and sacrificed for their country.

Several traditions are followed on both days such as playing the Last Post and reciting the Ode of Remembrance.

The floral symbols are common features of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, you may have seen them laid at the memorial sites or worn on lapels.

The red poppy is associated with all military commemorative days, however the traditional floral symbol of ANZAC Day is a sprig of rosemary.

This is because the rosemary is linked to memory and it was growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, giving it deep significance to ANZAC Day.

The red poppies were among the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of the Western Front, making them a powerful symbol. The community is encouraged to wear a red poppy on Remembrance day in memory of all our service men and women from our country and the many allied countries who fought in WW1.

Lest we forget

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

The School Locker

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