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- Tuckshop News
- Guidance Counsellor Corner
- Ignatius Park College
- Southern Cross Catholic College Open Day
- Ryan Catholic College - Year 7 Expo
- Community Notices
- Term Dates
- Uniform Supplies
- Absent from School
- Assembly and Bell Times
- Our Mission Statement
Our school Mission Statement talks about an environment of generosity. Our school only started in 1969 due to the generosity of the Lynch Family when they donated the land to Bishop Ryan for the establishment of a Catholic primary school.
Holy Spirit continues to embody this generosity on a daily basis. Last Saturday, members of the School Board joined with Townsville Catholic Education and the school boards of the school in the diocese for a formation day. The commitment by our parent representatives and staff to give their week-end family time was greatly appreciated.
Our staff give their time outside school hours for such activities as swimming training, professional development, and information sessions already in the first few weeks of the year.
Our students give generously during breaks to assist others at playtime, represent our school at swimming carnivals (with the training as well). This coming Saturday, our school captains will be at school in uniform promoting our school to the potential Prep families of 2025. What a fantastic group of young people we have in our school community.
I would like to thank the many families who continue to follow the road rules around our car parking areas. The STOP, DROP and GO areas are exactly that, drop off points. We have a few cars parked in these drop off areas but the majority of our families are aware of the safety procedures in place for our students and their families. Please continue to be patient. I watched today as the Church car park, as much as it might look chaotic, flow when drivers maintained their patience.
Finally, I would like to thank the Main Roads department who have allocated key staff to the driveway areas of the Church car park so our families can cross safely while the Fitzroy street crossing gets a 'makeover'. It is the little parts of generosity that make our school thrive.
Happy Days
Paul Martin
Yesterday, some very enthusiastic classes visited the Life Education Van at Holy Spirit School. Harold the giraffe has started his two-week stay at the school, and students had the opportunity to spend time with Donna and Harold inside the Van. Don't forget to ask your child about their experience and what they learned during their visit.
Some of our high schools have already begun their visits to Holy Spirit School. They are talking to our Year 5 and 6 students about their respective schools and what they have to offer. Southern Cross already visited last week, and this week we will welcome St Patrick's College, St Margaret Mary's College, Ryan Catholic College, and Ignatius Park College. If you haven't yet decided on a high school for your Year 5 child, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Please don't hesitate to contact the individual schools for more information about school visits, open days, and submitting applications.
At Holy Spirit Catholic School, we value the collaboration of our families within the school community. Volunteering in the tuckshop, at carnivals, and events is greatly appreciated. What our students cherish the most is having our families volunteer in the classroom. If you are interested in volunteering, please note that TCE requires the completion of a Volunteer Induction, which can be accessed on our school website. Don't be daunted by the 8 modules; they can be completed with minimal hassle! Upon finishing the quiz, you will receive a certificate to be submitted along with the necessary documentation to our office staff. This training certification remains valid for 3 years.
While parents are not mandated to hold a Blue Card for school activities, it is advisable if you plan to volunteer for school camps. Non-parent adults, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., are required to have a Blue Card to volunteer in a Townsville Catholic school. If you need a Blue Card, please reach out to the Office so we can assist in linking you to our school.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Have a great week,
Nicole
Last week, our children in Years 4-6 joined parishioners for Ash Wednesday Mass and our Prep to Year 3 participated in a liturgy. Ashes are made by burning the blessed palms that were distributed the previous year on Palm Sunday and a cross is marked on our forehead. The ashes for us symbolise penance that we are sorry for things we do wrong and we would like to change and live the Gospel values as God wants us to. It is a time to grow and change, just as the land springs back to life after a bushfire, we too can grow back to find new life with God. As we prepare for Easter, we reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus who died on the cross for us.
Life is full of surprises. Around every corner, in every part of life, experiences 
of wonder await us. We only need to open ourselves for the possibility of the different, the unexpected. But the rote and routine of life often dull our sense of awe. In the reading for the Second Sunday in Lent this weekend, we read of the Transfiguration: Peter, James, John accompanied Jesus to pray in a quiet, peaceful place at the top of a mountain. While they were there, Jesus appeared to change becoming radiant in God’s glory. His face and clothes shone with a brilliant light as dazzling as the rays of the sun and Moses and Elijah appeared on either side of Jesus, talking to him. We can see that His glory might be reflected in everything around us, the whole of creation, and we can feel the warmth of God’s love in our lives if we open ourselves to the possibilities. We can glory in the gifts he has given us and use them to be positive and see the possibilities in everyone we meet.
Sacramental Programme: This weekend, students participating in Holy Spirit Church’s programme will be attending their first workshop followed by attending Mass. Please keep all these students and those from our Parish in your prayers.
Project Compassion 2024: Last week, a Project Compassion box was sent home to all families. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Project Compassion reminds us that what we do today can have an impact for all future generations. For more information, please visit https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
Leaia's story from Samoa for Project Compassion: Not having access to a reliable source of clean water was very difficult for Leaia and her family. But
with the support of Caritas Australia, a water tank was installed at their home,
improving their health and living conditions.
We encourage students to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution, however big or small, can have in the lives of others. When we lend a hand to someone in need, they will go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations.
Project Compassion Prayer 2024
God of all hope,
we pray for our world with all its beauty and need.
We thank you for the love in our lives that is
a mirror of your unending love.
May all creation know your compassion this Lent
and may we take courage to share it, especially with
those who don’t have what they need.
In our time, we hear the same words you spoke to Moses:
‘I will be with you,’ when you ask us to do courageous things.
Through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving,
move us to act in the company of your Spirit,
showing compassion and acting for justice
to renew the face of the Earth,
now and for all future generations.
We ask this in the name of Christ.
Amen
God bless.
Caroline Fuller - APRE
Classroom Showcase - Save the Date
You are invited to come and visit your child’s classroom on Wednesday 20th, March between 3:00 pm and 4:15 and Thursday 21st, March, from 8:00 to 8:25.
6 Great Reasons to read aloud to your child
- Reading aloud to children creates a lifetime interest in reading
- Reading to young children extends their attention spans
- Reading aloud to children aids in language development
- As you read aloud, the power of a child’s imagination is strengthened
- Reading aloud helps a child's comprehension
- Reading aloud is a great one-on-one bonding time
Additional Professional Development Day - Pupil Free Day
Townsville Catholic Education Office has approved an additional professional development day in 2024. The date will be Friday, 26th April 2024, a pupil-free day. This day follows the ANZAC Day public holiday on Thursday, April 25th. The reason for granting this additional professional development day is to provide the time and opportunity for all teachers to prepare to implement V9.0 of the Australian Curriculum. This planning day will focus on supporting teachers in understanding the changes to content and assessment from the current Australian Curriculum to the newly revised curriculum. Much planning is already occurring in all schools to ensure all teachers are well-placed to provide rich learning experiences for their students.
Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN
When is NAPLAN?
The NAPLAN testing window begins in Week 8 of Term 1. Our school schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday 13th March - Writing at 9 am
- Thursday 14th March - Reading at 11 am
- Tuesday 19th March - Conventions of Language at 9 am
- Thursday 21st March - Numeracy at 9 am
If you need help during a crisis or support during deployment, posting or relocation, Defence provides a range of support to help ADF members and their families manage challenges when they arise.
The DMFS Helpline – 1800 624 608 – is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community. It is available 24-7 and staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
Defence social workers help you to address personal and family issues through brief counselling services, referrals to community providers, long term support planning and crisis intervention.
For further information visit our website.
DMFS support services are free for ADF members and families.
It’s summer and it’s H.O.T. so we’re throwing a family pool party!!
Bring your togs, towel and sunscreen and cool off in the crystal clear waters of the Kirwan Aquatic Centre. As well as water slides, an awesome toddler’s area, and a 25m 9-lane pool, the Tropical Splash inflatable obstacle course will be up for those wanting a slippery challenge!
This is an event exclusively for ADF members and families only.
With complimentary entry and sausage sizzle, what are you waiting for?
Numbers are limited, so don’t miss out – grab your tickets now!
When: Saturday 24th February 2024
Time: 4pm-6pm
Where: Kirwan Aquatic centre, Hudson St Kirwan
Tickets: Tropical Pool Party – Aquatic Centre
Light refreshments will be provided.
Commences: Wednesday 6th March then weekly - 13th, 20th & 27th
Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm
Where: DMFS Townsville Office, 340 Ross River Rd, Cranbrook
Tickets: Op Connect & Reflect – DMFS Townsville
Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack Barracks
Moving? You can change your Area Office subscription by clicking this button too!
Our monthly eNews provides information about our support services, programs and upcoming events.
Be the first to know about upcoming DMFS events and activities so that you don't miss out on tickets. Stay up to date with community information and stay connected with what's on in your community.
By joining our mailing list, you will receive a monthly update straight to your inbox. It's as easy as scanning the QR Code. Please share with new families posting to the region.
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.
We are open Tuesday and Thursday 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.
Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.
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Event |
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| February | |
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Date |
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23.02.24 |
Lower School Assembly - 2A | |
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24.02.24 |
Prep Open Day | |
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20.02.24-08.03.24 |
Life Education Van Visits |
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Event |
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| March | |
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Date |
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01.03.24 |
Upper School Assembly - 6B |
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05.03.24 |
"B" School Swimming Carnival |
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08.03.24 |
Lower School Assembly - 2B |
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
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ROSTER |
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22.02.24 |
Brooke Davies, Nam Bassi |
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23.02.24 |
Sue Viviers, Virginia Novinetz | |
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26.02.24 |
Emma Webb, Margaret Vaughan, Nam Bassi |
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27.02.24 |
Shelley Connor |
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28.02.24 |
Jayson Daldy | |
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29.02.24 |
Anne Fisher, Shirley Hall | |
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01.03.24 |
Sue Viviers, Virginia Novinetz |
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04.03.24 |
Kerri Player |
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05.03.24 |
Shelley Connor, Natasha O' Sullivan |
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06.03.24 |
Jillian Reddy, Natasha O'Sullivan, Tarah Donlan |
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| CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |
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26.02.24 |
Sam Connor |
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27.02.24 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers, Sarah Flanagan |
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04.03.24 |
Kathryn Cripps, Andrea Borellini |
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06.03.24 |
Samantha Adame |
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FRUIT |
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26.02.24 |
Sam Connor |
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27.02.24 |
Petrece Dwyer-Sayers |
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04.03.24 |
Allyce Rawnsley |
In this edition of SchoolTV - SLEEP
Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.
Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune systems and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing.
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 the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Sleep edition of SchoolTV
https://hsstsv.catholic.
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Term Dates 2024 |
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Term 1 |
Monday 22 January 2024 |
Thursday 28 March 2024 |
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Term 2 |
Monday 15 April 2024 |
Friday 21 June 2024 |
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Term 3 |
Monday 8 July 2024 |
Friday 13 September 2024 |
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Term 4 |
Monday 30 September 2024 |
Friday 6 December 2024 |
Pupil Free Days:
Friday 26th April, 2024
Friday 30th August, 2024
All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings). Phone 4430 8500
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.
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Friday Assemblies |
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All assemblies in the hall |
8.40am |
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Daily Bell Times |
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8.15 am |
Students are allowed to move to class |
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8.30 am |
School day commences |
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10.30 am |
Morning tea bell |
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10.55 am |
Five minute warning bell |
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11.00 am |
School day resumes |
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1.00 pm |
Lunch bell |
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1.25 pm |
Five minute warning bell |
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1.30 pm |
School day resumes. |
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2.50 pm |
School day concludes |
