Recently, Bishop Tim and Executive Director, Jacqui Francis attended our school for our Blessing and Opening of the Library and L block (new tuckshop). What a fantastic morning as we welcomed current and past staff, parents and families. Bishop Tim had the best time in the 'treehouse'

In the past 2 weeks, interviews were held for the positions of Assistant Principal - Administration and Assistant Principal - Pedagogy and Learning. These senior leadership positions are highly contested throughout our diocese. Congratulations to Nicole Lennox ( Assistant Principal - Administration) and Kristy Bates (Assistant Principal - Pedagogy and Learning) on being successful in your application. Our Leadership Team is now finalised going forward.

Over the past few weeks, some of our staff have been impacted by the loss of a parent. Please keep Cara McConochie and Suzanne Dunlop in your prayers as they work through this time of sadness.

Last Sunday, Father Lijo spoke to the congregation at Mass about our gifts given to us by God. This week, our staff engaged in formation as we dived deeper into the Gospel values and how our Mercy values are embedded. It was during these times that I was reminded that we all make choices but we are encouraged to have Christ as part of our decision making: compassion, respect, service, courage, justice and with a sense of excellence. We are all called to use our gifts to make our community a better place.

Strength in the Spirit

Paul Martin 

At Holy Spirit, we strive to operate as sustainably as possible, aligning with the Pope’s vision of all of us being Stewards of Creation and caring for our Common Ground. Our latest initiative toward sustainability is transitioning to a paperless system. Many families may have noticed that Permission notes are now being sent via Compass instead of being crumpled at the bottom of your child’s bag. While accessing information and permissions through Compass may be a change for most, it’s worth noting that our high schools and several primary schools in the Diocese have successfully adopted this method for some time.

To assist with this transition, our School Website has been updated to include a comprehensive guide on how to use the Compass app effectively. Under the Parent tab, you will find a link for Compass Parents. While there are features we are not currently utilising, we may explore them in the future. We encourage you to take some time to familiarise yourself with the ‘Events, Consent, and Payments’ section.

From experience, the most common mistake is not completing all the required boxes, preventing Compass from allowing you to 'submit' the form. I guarantee that once you get the hang of it, you will find it time-saving!

Thank you for your support as we move toward a more sustainable future.

It's time for haircuts and refreshing ourselves with uniform expectations. All students, except for Prep students, are expected to wear their formal uniform for our photos. Photo day may not coincide with the day your child normally wears their formal uniform, but your child’s class teacher will let you know their photo day. A few reminders of our uniform expectations (for both formal and sports)

• Plain white socks - must be visible above the ankles, no trim or logos
• Plain black shoes
• Hair tidy, long hair tied back (preferably)
• Hair ties must be school colours or the colour of the hair
• Acceptable jewellery - watch, a chain with a religious symbol, 1 pair of plain stud earrings
• Red School hat or Teal school hat for Preps

Thank you for taking the time to ensure your child is dressed appropriately for their school day.

Nicole Lennox 

In Sunday’s Gospel (John 6: 60-69) after Jesus had told the crowd he was the Living Bread, many who heard turned away and left because they did not believe him. At Mass we come together to listen to the divine inspired word of God in the Scriptures and share in Communion our belief in the risen Christ. In the humble signs of bread and wine, changed into his body and blood, Christ walks beside us as our strength and our food for the journey, and he enables us to become, for everyone, witnesses of hope.

This week at Holy Spirit, we value courage. Most often, we associate courage with physical prowess or bravery. Courage can also be seen in the form of being honest, fair, not giving up, or being a peacemaker.
This type of courage often requires us to sometimes step out of our comfort zone and do something we might not usually do but know we must as it is the right thing. This week we encourage our students to think about how they can be courageous and help others.

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: On Thursday 22nd of August, the Church celebrates the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and was celebrated on the 31st of May. Since 1969, it has been observed on August 22nd to stress its relationship to the Assumption (15th August) when taken up into glory, Mary became queen of heaven and earth.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller

What’s happening around our school

Dancing

Dancing in the Australian Curriculum plays a vital role in fostering creativity, physical fitness, and cultural awareness among students. It allows them to express emotions, ideas, and stories through movement while also developing coordination, rhythm, and teamwork. Students from Prep to Year 6 will engage in dance lessons for the last four weeks of this term and the first four weeks of next term. 

Book Week

This year's theme is Reading is Magic, and Australian Illustrator Jess Racklyeft is honoured as this year’s Featured Illustrator.

This year, celebrate the extraordinary power of stories to transport minds and provoke curiosity about the wonders of our world. Discover books that ignite conversations and curiosity as the language and illustrations magically transport young readers into a new world.

Book Week Parade is on Friday 23 August.

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning 

Earlier this month, 75 Holy Spirit students represented their school at the Interschool Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all students who represented their school exceptionally well and a special mention to the 8 students who were selected to represent Townsville at the Northern Athletics Carnival.

 Holy Spirit students using their talents in the recent Annie Jr Musical

Click on the link below to see how to be an eSafe kid.

e-Safety kids 

In this edition of School TV – School Refusal

Though many children will refuse to go to school at some stage in their lives, school refusal is very different to truancy. It is a more serious condition than separation anxiety and often stems from a child’s anxiety about school. They may be worried about their schoolwork, interacting with other kids, dealing with teachers, playing sports or being away from family. School refusal is a behaviour that can also be accompanied by sadness or depression, physical symptoms and social isolation. This condition is equally common amongst boys and girls, from all socioeconomic groups and across both primary and secondary levels.

Want to learn more? There are many great resources such as articles, information booklets, and videos about school refusal available at the link below.

Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of School TV:

https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-refusal

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of School TV 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.

Mini Vinnies 

                       “Making a Difference

                         Friday 6th September 2024 

Each year, the Year 6 Mini Vinnies students are given the opportunity to participate in activities that highlight the fact of homelessness in the community. 

To ensure this event retains its significance, students will be given the opportunity to engage their individual perspective from a position of opportunity.  They will be invited to consider the issues of homelessness and associated stigma, as they participate in practical activities that prompt discernible conversation around possible scenarios and thinking laterally, outside of their own personal experience and what is considered the norm in society.

While this event will not require students to stay overnight, it will create an experience that will inform and direct learning, outside the classroom context.  There will be a representative from St. Vincent De Paul directing activities that provoke students to consider homelessness as a reality.   Raising awareness is a tangible voice for homelessness and generates compassion and understanding towards those who are less fortunate in society.

In previous years, children have been asked to donate items that are needed in our own community.  In response to this need, we ask that students donate at least one cleaning and/or toiletry item and would also like to extend this invitation to the wider school community, as an action of collective outreach to others. To support this event, please place your donations into the blue box, which can be located in the administration office or alternatively bring them to the classroom for collection.

Thank you in advance for supporting the collective outreach efforts of the Year 6 students and the Holy Spirit school community.

Park Adventures – Wed 28^th Aug - The Junction Park

Calling all families! Join us for a fun-filled morning in the park.

Enjoy a relaxing time while the kids have a blast on the playground equipment. It's the perfect opportunity to mingle with other spouses and make new connections, bring a blanket or a chair if you wish.

So come on out and meet your Friendly DMFS Staff

When: Wednesday 28^th August 2024

Time: 9.30am -11.30am

Where:  The Junction Park North Shore Mt Low / Burdell

Tickets: Eventbrite: Park Adventures – DMFS Townsville

My Dad And Me – 24^th Aug – Budding Scientist

This month, Dads and kids will engage in a light – hearted challenge to showcase their creativity, silliness and unique qualities.

Each dad and their child will participate in messy yet enjoyable and safe experiments.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own Water Bottles, sunscreen, and hats. Following the activities, everyone can relax and enjoy some light snacks together.

When: Saturday 24th August 2024

Time: 9.30am -11.30am

Where: Geckos Family Centre  

Tickets Eventbrite: My Dad And Me - Budding Scientist – DMFS Townsville

Mates4Mates Townsville

With mates behind you, there’s power to move forward.

At Mates4Mates, veterans and their families can find a way forward from service-related injuries. Mates4Mates understands the challenges they face and provide support proven to make a real difference.

Become a Mate today.

Head to Mates4Mates Townsville’s Facebook page for more info.

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.

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 and golden syrup, 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.