Welcome back.

I've had the opportunity to chat with some of our students this week as I've been making my way around the school, and they all have interesting stories to share about their holidays. It's heartwarming to see that they enjoy having a break from the regular school bells just as much as I do. Of course, there are students who can't wait to get back to the routine and are excited to catch up with long-lost friends!

I understand that every term is busy, but for our Year 5 students, Term 3 is particularly packed. This term, in addition to Interschool Sport, our Year 5 students will be attending camp. Each Year 5 class will visit the Gumburu Environmental Centre at Paluma for a 2-night/3-day camp. The camp will include a full schedule of activities that promote environmental stewardship, learning related to their Science unit on Adaptations, as well as activities focusing on leadership and resilience. At this time of year, they will also enjoy the cooler weather as they walk through the Rainforest, up and down the range into creeks and outdoor classrooms. The students will learn independence by carrying out daily routines, trying new foods, and sleeping away from home, which is challenging but rewarding. I want to acknowledge the hard work of our teachers in organising the camp and sacrificing their family time to be on duty 24/7 for five days to provide our students with this experience. A big thank you to our Camp parents who will also be on duty 24/7, taking leave from their jobs and families to assist our teachers for the duration of their child’s class stay.

With Catholic Education Week just around the corner, our Eco Warriors are on a mission to positively impact our community. They've raised funds by collecting containers for change and are now ready to kick off the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Their aim is to use the money to purchase much-needed blankets and pillows for families in our community who may require assistance during the cooler season. These are challenging times for all our families due to the soaring cost of living. If possible, your contribution, whether it's a new pillow, sleeping bag, blanket, doona, warm socks etc., would be greatly appreciated. We will be accepting donations until Monday, 22 July. Please bring your donations to the front office.

Regards

Nicole Lennox

Welcome back for Term 3.  It was heartwarming to see so many smiling faces on Monday as our families returned to school.  A special, warm welcome to those families and students who are new to our school this term.  Your presence enriches our community and we are excited to have you with us. 

Just as a good shepherd always puts the needs of his flock first, we encourage our students to take the lead in striving for excellence. In the Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, put the needs of others before His own.  He never grew angry or impatient with people; He never let them down or turned them away. He called the twelve apostles to Him and then sent them out to preach and minister to people.

As we begin a new term, this week at Holy Spirit we value excellence.  Striving for excellence is trying to do your best.  At Holy Spirit, staff are always looking for ways to help students achieve excellence by doing their best to produce excellent work.  This does not mean they are all expected to get A’s in their learning, but they use their gifts to be the best they can be and look for opportunities to share their gifts with others.  This week, as we commence a new term, we pray that our students draw upon their many skills and show excellence where they can.

Celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 309 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos.  Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.  Catholic Education Week in 2024 will be celebrated in Queensland from 21 July – 27 July.  The theme for the years 2022 – 2024 celebrations is ‘Communications of Faith, Hope and Faith.’  This year, our Term 3 Captains, Emma and Michael, will attend the Catholic Education Week Mass on Tuesday, 22nd July, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.  

Welcome back to the new term.

God bless

Caroline Fuller

Welcome Back to Term 3

Welcome to Term 3! We are excited to begin another enriching term of learning across the school. Get ready for engaging lessons, exciting activities, and valuable experiences that will benefit all students.

What’s happening in the classroom

Year 1 students are bubbling with excitement as they return to the classroom, ready for another term of learning and eager to immerse themselves in the world of literacy rotations, a key component of their academic growth. 

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning 

On the last day of Term 3, Holy Spirit competed in the NQ Schools Netball Cup, along with 44 teams from all across the northern region.

It was wonderful seeing the students show such determination, sportsmanship and resilience throughout this tough competition. Congratulations to all students who were involved in this carnival. 

On the last day of Term 3 the Holy Spirit senior rugby league team participated in the Bill Nettle Challenge. The competition is a highly competitive, strenuous and nerve racking event, consisting of three tiers and 24 schools.

Our team was amazing and made themselves, their families and our school extremely proud, as all of our Spirit values were on display from beginning of the day until the end. As their coach it was extremely rewarding seeing their perseverance, resilience and sportsmanship. After several challenging games, including a try after the siren in our semi final, we made it to the grand final of tier 1.

We were victorious in the big game, which is the first time a Holy Spirit team has won this tier of the competition. Well done Spirit and thank-you for all the support from the families who contributed to the success of the day.  

Exciting news is buzzing through our school! During Term 2, students at Holy Spirit had a fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of wheelchair use right here in our own school. Thanks to the initiative of our Inclusive Practice Team, HPE department and collaboration with a local organisation, Sporting Wheelies, students had the opportunity to embark on a journey of inclusivity, skill-building, and fun. 

For many students (and adults) this might have been a whole new experience. Wheelchair sports offer a unique perspective on athleticism and teamwork, breaking barriers and fostering understanding. Moreover, participating in wheelchair sports aligns with our school's commitment to diversity and inclusion. By embracing these activities, we strengthen our understanding of accessibility and create a more supportive environment for all students, regardless of their physical abilities.

Our Year 5 & 6 Interschool Sport Season One ‘stay back at school students’ had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful program and test their skills. Our Years 3 and 4 students also participated in their HPE lessons during Term 2. Their task? Making their way around the whole school in a wheelchair, in one line, without touching the grass!  Beyond the physical aspect, wheelchair sports promote important values such as teamwork, perseverance, and respect for diversity. It's not just about learning new skills; it's about building a community where everyone feels valued and included.

Students wheeled into action and made this experience one to remember! Thank you again to all of those involved in bringing this wonderful experience to Holy Spirit!

By Miss Amelia Davis and Year 6 students

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, particularly honey, 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.