It is hard to believe we are about to reach the halfway mark of our 2024 school year. What an action packed 6 months we have achieved; Cyclone Kirrilly, start of school (twice), staff changes, an increase in enrolments, Sacramental program, interschool sport, interhouse cross country and soon, very soon, athletics, interschool swimming and cross country, Brooklea visits, Lenten program, Stations of the Cross, Holy Spirit Day, Spirit Steps, welcoming of our new parish and parish priests, and all the other events that are too many to mention....and a new principal. I want to say thank you to the many staff, families and students that have contributed to our 'generous' school community.

On June 1, some of our Year 4 students celebrated their sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist with the Bishop in our church. It was a wonderful celebration and our students did shine in front of their family and parish community. Thank you to Caroline and Kristy who were part of the Sacramental Team to prepare our students for this important event in their spiritual life.

This week, we want to say thanks to our First Responders in our community. This is celebrated today but as a school, we will recognise our families involved in this career choice and say thanks on Friday at our assembly.  We will also have a 'Cuppa and a Chat' in our staffroom for any families that would like to join us. We look forward to catching up with our families.

With holidays fast approaching, please remember to enjoy your time with the kids as they grow up so fast...might not seem like it at the moment. Stay safe, enjoy some family time and we look forward to another action packed term on July 8

Happy Days

Paul Martin 

Dear Parents,

I wanted to let you know that our classrooms will start using URSTRONG’s Friendology Curriculum next term. This whole-school friendship strategy has made a positive impact in schools around the world, helping over a million kids, parents, and teachers with a common language of friendship. We are excited to be a part of the URSTRONG School Communities and are dedicated to equipping your children with essential friendship skills.

You are welcome to sign up for a FREE Parent Membership to access numerous resources, including an 8 session video series. This will help you understand the same language and strategies being taught in the classroom through the Friendology 101 curriculum. By joining the URSTRONG Family, we hope you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, and kindness at home.

As a next step, we recommend:

- Clicking here to view an overview of URSTRONG.

- Activating your FREE Parent Membership and exploring all the resources available to your family.

- Exploring the abundance of resources for you!

We believe that empowering our students with these skills will promote a culture of kindness at our school, and together, we can support your children in developing healthy, positive friendships. This is a great way to enhance our SPIRIT WAY!

Nicole Lennox

In the Gospel on Sunday, Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4: 26-34). In the parable, Jesus talked about the tiny mustard seed and the way it grows into a large and sturdy plant. This is to explain how the Kingdom of God can grow. To live in the Kingdom and be part of it is to live as Jesus taught us. Showing respect, kindness, love, understanding and forgiveness towards others helps God’s Kingdom grow on earth. We encourage our students to respect others and make good choices in their behaviour to build positive relationships. 

This week at Holy Spirit, we value service. Service, by definition, means doing
something for others. The motive for our service is supposed to be love. Our love for God is proved in our love for others, so the quality of our service is a direct reflection of our love for others. This week, we pray for our students and family members to continue their kind acts towards others and have a positive influence on those around them.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta reminds us to seek ‘the face of God in everything, everyone, all the time and His hand in every happening; this is what it means to be contemplative in the heart of the world. Seeing and adoring the presence of Jesus, especially in the lowly appearance of bread, and in the distressing disguise of the poor’.

As we approach the colder months of the year, there are many in need of blankets and other everyday items that we take for granted. St Vincent de Paul is once again looking for winter blankets and doonas to donate to people in need in Townsville. Donations can be dropped into the Vinnies Donation Hub, Woodham Street, West EndThis is a simple way to help and be of service to others. Please share this with your friends and families as well. Your generosity is always appreciated.

This Sunday, June 16th, is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion dates back to the Middle Ages and recalls the mystery of God who is love and honours the heart of Jesus as the source and center of God's incarnate love. Jesus’ sacred heart is often portrayed as a flaming heart, shining with divine light, reminding us of the incredible fire of Christ’s love for us.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller

Questacon Science Circus 

Last Monday and Tuesday, the Questacon Science Circus visited our school to present lively science shows for Prep to Year 6 students. Questacon brings these entertaining and educational shows to schools across Australia, and it was a fun experience for all.

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.

School Holiday Guide

Mark your calendars – the school holidays are here again!

The best way to keep the kids entertained during these school holidays is to use the Council’s school holiday guide, which is back for the June – July Edition.

Packed with plenty of events, activities and workshops to fuel young imaginations, the Council’s school holiday guide is your ticket to fun!

School holidays run from Saturday 22 June – Sunday 7 July 2024.

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning 

Holy Spirit Interhouse Athletics Carnival – Monday, 17 June

This year the Holy Spirit School Athletics Carnival will be held at the Sports Reserve in Bourke Street, North Ward on Tuesday, 17 June 2024 for Prep - Year 6 students. Children may be taken directly to the Sports Reserve from 8am onwards; the entry point will be through the Bourke Street gate. Students will need to sign in on arrival to avoid being marked not present for the day.

When: Monday, 17 June 2022 from 8.30am - 2pm  

Transport:  Children will be transported to and from the carnival by bus. 

Should a student arrive late to school, parents will be required to transport their child to the Sports Reserve. 

What to wear:  Students are to wear their Sports Uniform. Students may choose to wear a coloured t-shirt to represent their House colour. Students must wear a school hat and covered footwear to and from school.

What to bring: Sufficient water and food for the day, there is no access to the canteen or school tuck-shop. For convenience, some students may prefer to bring their own sunscreen.

Tuckshop: Students are not permitted to access the canteen and there is no school tuck-shop. 

Volunteers: We are seeking parents to assist on the day with tasks such as judging, long jump, shot put and tabloid sports. Please email rlobley@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au if you are able to help.

Please see the program below for approximate event times:

NEWS FLASH!  

Playgroup to start in Term 3.

e-Safety - Family Tech Agreements

A family tech agreement is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home.

Start the chat with your family and develop an agreement that will suit the age and needs of your children. 

DMFS Townsville Office – temporary relocation

Due to minor works being carried out in our office, the DMFS Townsville team
have temporarily relocated to Building 176 at the RAAF Base.
We’re all still available in person, on our office phone number 07 4430 3879, or
via our email address dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au
Should you need assistance visiting us on Base, please give us a call.
We’ll send an update when we’re back in our normal office at Aitkenvale.

Australian Military Bank – onsite at RAAF Townsville

Australian Military Bank attending RAAF Townsville
Come and mMeet Lending Specialist, Michaela Street from Australian Military
Bank.
When: Every Wednesday 09.00 – 12.30
Where: RAAF Base Townsville, Building 71 Conference Room (Opposite
AAFCANS, West side of Building)
Michaela will be able to assist with your banking needs including:
 DHOAS (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme) Loans
 Personal and Car Loans
 Credit Cards
 Term Deposits
 Everyday banking needs
For any appointments outside of this time, please contact Michaela directly:
Lending Specialist
Michaela Street
mstreet@australianmilitarybank.com.au
*please note that no cash transactions will be available at this time.

Mates4Mates Townsville

Mates4Mates Townsville have some exciting free school holiday activities
coming up for current and ex-serving Defence members, who are registered
with Mates4Mates. From building burgers at Grill’d, a fun cinema experience,
Ninja Parc and much more craft and sporting activities, catering to children of
all ages.

For families to participate in these activities, you’ll need to join Mates4Mates by
completing our online new client form. This process ensures that families
receive the necessary support and information to fully engage in the activities
offered and are aware of the resources and support available to them.
Simply scan the QR code to get started.

Mates4Mates Townsville Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre
40 Anne Street, Aitkenvale
(07) 4771 9600
townsville@mates4mates.org
Follow Mates4 Mates Townsville on Facebook.

Defence Member and Family Helpline

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.

Just a reminder: The toasters will be turned off at 8.15am, so bread with spreads will be the choice once the toast runs out.  This allows both students and staff enough time to be ready for the start of the school day. 

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.