A number of students from our school have been playing a game called Infinite Craft. It can be used as both a learning tool and a game. The game is set in a vast world where players can explore different biomes, encounter unique creatures, and build their own civilisations using four fundamental elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. By combining these elements, players can create new materials and tools, allowing them to build anything they can imagine. The game can be accessed through a web browser, making it available to anyone with an internet connection.

Unfortunately, some users have hacked the game and shared their knowledge through TikTok. Unfortunately, not all of these hacks are appropriate and some contain obscene and sexually explicit words and phrases. We recently discovered these hacks, which led us to have additional conversations with some year levels about online safety. We also initiated reviews into our technology use at school.

Several students have informed me that they discovered this game, along with its hacks, through TikTok. However, they were surprised to learn that TikTok has an age limit of 13+ and a 12+ App store rating. It can be challenging to monitor our children's internet use, but it is essential. Safe internet use is everyone's responsibility. For your convenience, I have provided a link to the eSafety Commissioner's website.

I encourage you to talk to your child about Infinite Craft, regardless of whether they have played the game or not. This can be an excellent opportunity to initiate a conversation about their technology use.

Nicole Lennox

Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter Season on the Church Calendar. In John’s Gospel, Jesus comes to his small group of terrified disciples, hiding in a locked room and offers peace with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This peace transforms the disciples into a community of believers who go forth to preach to the world the very mission that had led to the crucifixion of Jesus! Pentecost is a good time to stop and acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to take stock of how we are using our gifts and talents to the very best of our ability.

This week at Holy Spirit we value compassion, meaning sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else's situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives. It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others. It supplies the will power to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place. This week, we pray our students show compassion to those around them.

Next Friday, we celebrate Holy Spirit Day. Our day begins with a Liturgy led by our Term 2 School Captains. Everyone is welcome to join us for the Liturgy and stay on for SPIRIT Steps.

The Feast of Mary, Help of Christians is May 24 th . Mary Help of Christians is the Patron Saint of Australia and also of the Townsville Diocese. When the Bishops of Australia met for their first synod, in 1844, they decided that under the title “Help of Christians”, Our Lady should become the Patroness of the Australian Church. Mary has long been recognised for her powerful role as intercessor to her Son, Jesus, for the needs of the faithful and their protection.

Mary Help of Christians

Patroness of Australia & Townsville Diocese

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller

What’s been happening in the Classrooms

Last week, Uncle Les worked with Prep and Year 1 students. Preps learnt about the importance of art and how it connects with people, culture, and country. Year 1 students explored art techniques used by First Nations peoples. 

"Our Prep students hosted morning pampering sessions in their classrooms to celebrate Mother's Day."

Guess what exciting things the Year 1 students are up to? 

They are currently exploring the world of suffixes and plurals in their writing! How cool is that?

Townsville Eisteddfod

Holy Spirit Catholic School has participated in the Townsville Juvenile Eisteddfod for many years. This year, we are excited to announce our participation again. Each class can submit up to five students for the creative writing competition, fostering their creativity and love for writing.

Parents can nominate their children in various sections through the Townsville Juvenile Eisteddfod website.

Reports

The Semester One reports will be available through COMPASS on Thursday, June 20th, after 3 p.m. If you have difficulty accessing COMPASS, please contact our office staff, who will gladly assist you with any queries. 

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning 

Next Friday May 24th will be our 'Spirit Steps' walk as part of our Feast Day celebrations. We are looking for volunteers to be course marshalls to be spaced out around the walk so we can keep our students safe and to provide first aid in key sections. The walk will be followed by a picnic back at school which you will also be invited to come along to.

If you are able to assist with being a course marshall/ first aider, please email Rebecca Nieminen at rnieminen@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au or contact your class teacher.

Thanking you in advance,

The Spirit Steps Team

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program has been developed here in Australia and is now the world’s most widely researched parenting program with hundreds of clinical trials and real-world studies to back it up. Triple P is a toolbox of strategies, skills, and knowledge. It can help you create a closer bond with your child as you support their learning, development, life skills and emotional wellbeing. Triple P can work for you too—and it’s online or find a face-to-face provider in Townsville. Details can be found at https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-en/free-parenting-courses/triple-p-online-under-12/ 

A big thank you to our Flag Monitors for carrying out the duties of hoisting the flags up in the mornings and another shift of Flag Monitors bringing down the flags and preparing them for the next day.  The students are on a roster and have shown great respect and commitment to this very important task.  Once again thank you to our team of 17 defence students and school leaders. 

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.

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.