One of my favourite parts of my role as Assistant Principal this year has been getting to know students and families across the school. The ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ or a simple ‘hello’ from students as they pass throughout the day always makes me smile. Yesterday was an extra special day for me as I witnessed time after time our students showing our SPIRIT Way. From a Year 1 student who wished me a great day; after helping her with her water bottle, to a Year 3 student inviting a new family into his classroom, to a Year 4 student assisting an injured bird. Yesterday was World Kindness Day, at Holy Spirit, however, we witness these sometimes small, sometimes big acts of kindness, regularly.

Our SPIRIT Way is alive and well in our school community and I am proud to be a part of that.

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, at times, 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 learner. 

This week at Holy Spirit, we value justice. Justice, for many people, refers to fairness. We should always be looking to discover ways we are called to be people for others. We are called to show dignity to others, help those in need with the essentials required (food, clothing and shelter), pay special attention to the needs of those who are poor, care for one another and care for all that God has made. This week, we pray that our students and families recognise the needs of others, especially those who require our help. A great way to help those in need and make a difference in our own community will be to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers that will take place in the coming weeks. 

This week, classes will receive information about their collection for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper. Each year, we donate Christmas goodies to St Vincent De Paul to distribute to those in need in our community. We ask that all students begin collecting suitable items for the Christmas Hampers. If we all generously put in a little something, we end up with quite a large donation to help those less fortunate than ourselves. What better way to open our hearts to those in need this Christmas? These will be presented at our Christmas Liturgy in the last week of school. Students will be provided with items to be included in our Christmas Hampers this year. As I was once reminded at a Christmas Appeal Launch, “Let’s make the festive season a brighter one for those less fortunate.” 

Mini Fete Update: Thank you all for the wonderful fundraising efforts to support Catholic Mission’s work with children worldwide at our Mini Fete that was held recently. This year, funds raised at our Mini Fete was just over $2700. What a huge effort for our school for those in need! This is due to the wonderful efforts and donations 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/ 

Lord Jesus, teach me by your example…
Make me, through all of my efforts, be a shining light to all

people and all things around me.
I want to always do things that make you happy.
Look over me and please give me the strength and the
wisdom to continue to do your work on earth.

Amen

(based upon words from St Vincent)

God bless.
Caroline Fuller – APRE

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Sunday, November 19th, 2023

Holy Spirit Catholic School will host a ‘Festival of the Arts’ morning on Sunday 19th
November in the Lynch Family Hall. Children participating in the Instrumental program will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in the areas of Voice, Woodwind (recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone) Brass (trumpet), Percussion (snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel, piano), Guitar and Orchestral Strings (violin, cello and double bass).

The morning’s entertainment will commence at 10.00am. Children are asked to arrive at the hall no later than 9.45am.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

Please be aware that all medicine held at the school needs to be collected by the end of the school year.

Lost Property will be cleared out over the holidays so please come in to check for anything you have lost.

e-Safety News

Express learning for busy families 

Explore our video series about supporting young people to deal with online safety issues – taken from our parent and carer webinars. 

Parental controls

This video helps parents and carers to understand more about the different parental controls available and which settings are best suited to your family. It’s designed for parents of kids aged 4 to 13 years old.

Cyberbullying and online drama

This video provides the tools to support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships and what to do if things go wrong. It’s designed for parents and carers of young people aged 11 to 18 years old.

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

Flexischools

ROSTER
16.11.23	Jillian Reddy
17.11.23	Virginia Novinetz
20.11.23	Breanna Shortland, Kerri Player
21.11.23	Shelley Connor, Breanna Shortland
22.11.23	Rebecca McLennan
23.11.23	Helpers Wanted
24.11.23	Virginia Novinetz
27.11.23	Breanna Shortland, Margaret Vaughan
28.11.23	Breanna Shortland, Sarah Myles, Shelley Connor
29.11.23	Helpers Wanted

CAKE    (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time)
17.11.23	Jessica Mannion, Therese Lynch
20.11.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Emma Philippa
21.11.23	Leigh Robertson, Sarah Flanagan
23.11.23	Kerri Lovatt
27.11.23	Kathryn Cripps, Lanie Hedger, Sam Connor
28.11.23	Petrece Dwyer-Sayers
29.11.23	Samantha Adame
FRUIT
16.11.23	Jo Leviston
17.11.23	Jessica Mannion
20.11.23	Allyce Rawnsley, Jinomon Thomas, Loren Parker, Preshy Sikhosana, Vicki Darr

World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day is observed on 13 November.

Let's not make kindess just one day.

What is World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world.

If every Australian performed an act of kindness on World Kindness Day, we would have 25 million acts of kindness in a single day.

The possibilities are endless – together let’s make Australia kinder.

What can you do?

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.

No toast next Friday 24th November due to the swimming carnival!

Remembrance Day

Holy Spirit Catholic School remembers.......

Spouse Paint-and-Sip Night, Friday 18 November

Art shouldn’t be just for gallery walls or to win prestigious prizes!

Art - well, a paint-and-sip session - is all about having social connection and having fun, so come along to DMFS Townsville’s Spouse Paint and Sip night, meet other Defence spouses, discover your hidden artistic talents and have a relaxing night out - and there’s sure to be lots of laughs.

You don’t need any experience as the experts will be there to help you create your very own masterpiece. It will be a fabulous reminder of your time in the Ville.

While there is no ticket cost for this event, food and drinks are not being provided, however you are welcome to bring your own.

Where: Wasted Paint Studio

When: Friday 17 November 6:30-9:30pm

Registration: Eventbrite – Spouse Paint-and-Sip Night

RSL QLD Defence Partners Employment Sessions, 15 & 17 November

Whether it is looking for a role in a new location, finding a new career, or re-entering the workforce, partners of current and ex-serving Defence members often experience challenges navigating the civilian job market.

The experienced Employment Consultants from RSL Queensland’s Employment Program would like to welcome you to a face-to-face workshop at The Oasis, Townsville, where we will dive into key skills and practical advice for navigating the job market.

The Oasis Townsville - https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/defence-partners-employment-information-session-oasis

Geckos Family Centre - https://www.rslqld.org/whats-on/defence-partners-employment-information-session-geckos

Fishing & Fun event – Reeling Veterans, 25 November

North Qld Reeling Veterans is hosting their annual Fishing & Fun Event at the Barra Fun Park on the 25^th of November.

This fun event is open to current and ex-serving ADF members and their families.

But be quick as there’s limited tickets available!

Join their private Facebook page to get your tickets and for more information, send an enquiry to northqld@reelingveterans.com.au

Geckos Christmas Party, 26 November

Geckos will be hosting their annual Santa in the Sun Christmas Party on Sunday 26 November 2023.

There’ll be lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family as well as an awesome buffet-style meal.

Ticket numbers are limited so bookings will be essential – check out Geckos’ Facebook page for ticketing details.

Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks

When: 26 Nov 2023

Time: 4pm – 7pm

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

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

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