At Holy Spirit, we take pride in our students embodying Our SPIRIT Way in all their endeavours. This commitment has been evident in the feedback we received from other schools and community members during the recent Rugby Union Gala, The Ruth Young Hockey Gala Days, and the B Schools Swimming Carnival. While our students may not have brought home trophies, they represented our school with enthusiasm and, in many cases, remarkable resilience. We are grateful for the dedication of our students, the support of parents, and the extra effort our teachers put in outside of regular school hours to prepare for the Swimming Carnival. Without their collective contributions, these opportunities would not have been possible—a heartfelt thank you to all involved.

We are incredibly grateful for the supportive parent community at HSCS. As parents, there are moments when we may have concerns that require attention and our voices to be listened to. I would like to kindly remind you of the document we all agreed to follow when enrolling our children at Holy Spirit. I have extracted a few essential paragraphs for reference. The complete document can be found on our school website.  It is important that we remember these key values when speaking to our staff and other parents on and off the school grounds and in the car parks.

Have a great week

Nicole Lennox

In Sunday’s Gospel account, Nicodemus was told that people can choose to believe or not believe in Christ; they can prefer darkness to the light. There has always been a choice. The choice is ours to make. Just as our students can choose to take responsibility for their choices and develop good attitudes and work habits.

This week we value Excellence.  Excellence often refers to greatness, the very best. Achieving excellence is a very difficult thing to do at times. It is a quality that people really appreciate, because it is so hard to find. Striving for excellence is trying to do our best at whatever task we set our minds to do. At Holy Spirit, staff are always looking for ways to help students achieve excellence. This, we pray that our students draw upon their many skills and show excellence in a given area.

PROJECT COMPASSION: Don’t forget to keep filling your Project Compassion Boxes. This year, Project Compassion features a number of stories of inspiring people who have been helped by Project Compassion. Visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/ronita-story/ Ronita’s story from the Philippines for Project Compassion: After the birth of her children, 22-year-old Ronita was at risk of having to leave school permanently. But with the support of Caritas Australia’s partners in the Philippines, she resumed her studies and now has a job to support her family.

Sacramental Programme: Please keep the students in our prayers as they make the Sacrament of Reconciliation tonight.

God Bless
Caroline Fuller

Last Friday the Holy Spirit year 5 and year 6 seven a side rugby union teams competed in the Gala Day at the Hugh St Rugby Grounds. Both teams played some outstanding rugby throughout the carnival. Both teams’ forwards displayed excellent rucking skills which allowed our speed machines out wide the time and space to worry the opposing defence. Captain Rosa was a stand out for the year 6 team demonstrating outstanding work in the middle of the field and Manaaki's pace and flair was a constant threat out wide. The year 6 team finished their carnival with a hard fought victory over Kirwan State School.

The year 5 team were outstanding all day and scored the try of the carnival against St Josephs The Strand after scoring on the 15th phase. The year 5 team narrowly lost the final. Forward Max prepared the following report on the day.

Personally, I loved playing in the rugby union gala day and all my friends did too. It was awesome fun and the day was very well organised. The game is basically non-stop which I loved. I understood the game very quickly. It is easy and fun. I play rugby league and I didn’t think that I would like rugby sevens but I did. It is one of the best sports I’ve ever played. I highly recommend it. The staff, coaches and Townsville District Rugby Union staff running the day did a great job. My coach was great, one of the best I’ve ever had and everyone there was fair and nice which was fun. Even though we lost the grand final against St Clares, we still loved the whole day. I recommend playing rugby union and thanks again to the people that organised the day and my coach for the amazing day.

Prep Enrolments are now being accepted for new enrolments and for siblings for 2025 – Application forms are available on the school website or click HERE

Families who have a sibling entering Prep in 2025, please submit your enrolment form to the office as soon as possible.

DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT (DMFS)

If you are preparing for time apart from your ADF member due to deployment
or other service reasons, we can provide you with advice, tools and resources
to help with preparing emotionally and practically, including resources for
children and advice on managing reunions.
Our online resources can be found here.
To access our support services, you can contact the DMFS Townsville office
on 07 4430 3879, or the 24/7 Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800
624 608.

DMFS UPCOMING EVENTS

My Dad & Me – Fun with Food – Saturday 16th March

Dads, bring the kids to Geckos and have some fun with food!

This month, My Dad & Me will have you and the kids making fruit or vegetable
stick-men, making mini pizzas, and decorating donuts. You’ll then enjoy your
creations for morning tea...mmm-mmm!
All you’ll need to bring is yourselves and a cool drink. Tea and coffee will be
provided.
My Dad & Me is a mum-free zone, so Dads, bring the kids and leave Mum to
put her feet up!
When: Saturday 16th March 2024
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Tickets: Eventbrite: My Dad & Me Fun with Food – DMFS Townsville

RSL Employment Information Sessions – Wednesday 20th March

Registrations are open for RSL Queensland’s employment Information
sessions being held in Townsville this month.
RSL Qld’s experienced employment consultants will dive into key skills and

practical advice for navigating the job market as a partner to current or ex-
serving Defence members.

Whether it is looking for a role in a new location, finding a new career, or re-
entering the workforce, come along and hear how you can navigate the

challenges of today’s civilian job market.
Defence Member and Family Support will also be providing a brief overview of
employment support to current serving partners available through the Partner
Employment Assistance Program (PEAP).
Light refreshments will be available.
Session 1
10:00am-12:00pm
Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Register here: Eventbrite – RSL Qld Employment Info session 1 - Geckos
Session 2
5:30pm-7:00pm
The Oasis, Oonoonba
Register here: Eventbrite – RSL Qld Employment Info session 2 - The Oasis

Prince’s Trust - Entrepreneurship Workshop – Wednesday 20th March

LAUNCH LAB, a free half-day program from Prince’s Trust Australia, is coming
to Townsville on March 20. Open to anyone in the ADF community, including
veterans, reservists, partners, and family members, this workshop is ideal for
those exploring entrepreneurship and offers valuable insights for beginners.
The workshop will be held at The Oasis from 10am until 1.30pm.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
 Explore Your Idea: Dive deeper into your business concept.
 Identify Strengths: Understand your unique strengths and skills.
 Effective Communication: Learn communication tips for your business.
 Networking: Connect with like-minded partners and veterans.
 Adaptability Skills: Develop skills for a changing work landscape.
Don't miss this chance to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Register now
for LAUNCH LAB!

Geckos Easter Bunanza – Sunday 24th March

Hop down to Geckos Family Centre at Lavarack Barracks and join in the fun
and festivities of the Easter Bun-anza!
Lots of entertainment and amusements for the whole family, including music
from the 1RAR Band, dinner, and the Easter Bunny’s going to hop in and
surprise the kids!
Ticket prices:
Adult - $10
Kids up to 15 yrs - $7.50
Babies under 12 months - $2.50 each.

When: Sunday 24th March 2024
Time: 4pm-7pm
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Tickets: Trybooking – Geckos Easter Bun-Anza

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.

The information contained in this bulletin is sent out on behalf of other agencies and groups. It does not
necessarily indicate DMFS support or involvement. The intention is to provide information to readers so that
they can self-select and research its suitability for them individually.

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.

Emerging Minds

New fact sheet for parents: 

Understanding child development

Understanding what a child is likely to be able to do at different ages helps parents and caregivers create a safe and supportive environment that’s appropriate to their developmental needs. It is important for parents to understand a child’s developmental journey so that they can respond to children in ways that are most helpful. (Emerging Minds, Jan 2024).

Child development: Preschoolers (3-5 years old)

Understanding how a child’s reactions, thoughts, behaviours and sense of control are influenced by their development can help you imagine what life is like for your child right now. Knowing what children are (and aren’t) likely to be able to do and understand at their current age helps you respond in ways that support their positive development and mental health.

This fact sheet describes the main developmental experiences and capabilities of preschoolers around 3-5 years old, and offers ways parents, family members and other adults can support children’s healthy development and wellbeing. (Emerging Minds, Jan 2024)

Screen time for your child – 7 tips

There is a lot of conflicting advice and emerging research around screen time. But, the right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. It can be easy to focus only on the clock and how long your child is spending in front of the screen, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement are just as important.

There is a lot of conflicting advice and emerging research around screen time. But, the right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. It can be easy to focus only on the clock and how long your child is spending in front of the screen, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement are just as important.

1. Be involved 

Sharing screen time and online activities like gaming with your child helps you gauge the appropriateness of what they are doing and manage potential risks. It’s also a great way to start conversations with your child about their online experiences.

2. Work with your child to set boundaries for screen use

If you decide that setting screen time limits is right for you and your child, discuss these new rules with your child. Older children are more likely to cooperate if they have been part of the decision-making process. Colourful pictures or charts of daily limits and other important activities is a fun way to get younger children on board.

3. Be clear about the consequences of not switching off

Part of our role as parents is to set clear limitations and boundaries. The same applies to technology limitations so, being clear and consistent about the consequences for your child if they do not stick to these rules is paramount. The Raising Children Network provides some useful tools and advice.

4. Set device-free zones and times at home

Device-free zones can help you manage your family’s digital use. Here are some ideas for setting digital boundaries within your home:

• no devices in the bedroom for younger children
• all screens off in bedrooms after a certain time for older children
• all screens off at least one hour before planned bedtime
• all family members switch off at dinner time
• charge devices overnight in a place your child cannot access

5. Ask your child to explain their screen use

Get your child in the habit of explaining why they want to be in front of a screen or online. It’s a great way to get them thinking about their own digital habits and balancing screen time with other activities.

6. Use tech tools to help manage access

There are robust products and device functions which allow you to see which apps are being used in your home and for how long. But try not to use these tools to secretly monitor your child. Instead, be open about the process and check the whole family’s usage, including your own. Start with Google Family Link for Android devices or parental controls and Screen Time for iPhone/iPad.

7. Lead by example 

Your behaviour is one of the most effective ways to help your child develop a positive digital mindset. Show your child you can put down your device too.

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

Flexischools

ROSTER
07.03.24	Daniel Groves, Nam Bassi
08.03.24	Sue Viviers, Virginia Novinetz
11.03.24	Emma Webb, Sarah Myles, Nam Bassi
12.03.24	Shelley Connor, Alicia Lestone
13.03.24	Rebecca McLennan
14.03.24	Anne Fisher, Shirley Hall
15.03.24	Sue Viviers, Virginia Novinetz, Jessica Cuddy
18.03.24	Kerri Player
19.03.24	Shelley Connor, Natasha O' Sullivan
20.03.24	Christine Nash, Natasha O'Sullivan, Tarah Donlan

CAKE    (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time)
12.03.24	Sarah Flanagan
14.03.24	Cathy Duvel
18.03.24	Kathryn Cripps
19.03.24	Leigh Robertson
20.03.24	Samantha Adame
FRUIT
07.03.24	Jo Leviston
08.03.24	Kate Smith
11.03.24	Emily Lyons
18.03.24	Allyce Rawnsley

In this edition of SchoolTV - EXAM JITTERS - FOR THOSE SITTING NAPLAN WEEK 8 & 9

Every year, more and more emphasis is placed on achieving good results in exams causing many students to feel extraordinary pressure and having unrealistic expectations. This month on SchoolTV, parents will find advice on how to help students cope with the pressure and how students can work smarter to achieve the results they desire.

Exams are like a game. Once you know how to play the game, your chances of achieving great results rapidly increase. Parents can learn how to assist their kids to maintain perspective and keep their sanity intact during exam time.

Diet, exercise and sleep all play an important part in helping a student balance a busy schedule and study smarter. Keeping stress levels to a minimum and reducing anxiety can be easily achieved through careful planning and having a supportive environment.

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 Exam Jitters edition of SchoolTV
https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/exam-jitters

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.