Welcome back to another exciting term at Holy Spirit Catholic School. It is hard to believe we are in the month of October, Missions Month. How the year flies by.

This term, we welcome some new members of staff for the remainder of the year. Please make them feel the sense of community we are so very good at Holy Spirit. Welcome to Sonia Foster in 1D, Ignatius Veukiso in 5A and Nancy Johnson team teaching in 6C. These new staff members have had some experience with our school already, but we do welcome them back.

Over the holidays, I was reading a variety of books and articles and one particular literary piece spoke to me as the Principal of this great school. I talk to staff about 'feedback' and we can either reject or accept. However, feedback can be known as a variety of terms in today's society. If we only provide negative comment, we can be labelled a 'whinger'. If we provide only praise, it can lose its potency.

A past Principal once said, " Our Spirit is expressed in Constructive Criticism" What this means is that you provide a learning opportunity when you give feedback on an action someone has taken rather than a judgement.

Taking this in, I was able to find some helpful tips that we as the Spirit community can use for 'Constructive Feedback':

1. Only criticise the action not the person.
2. Always give specifics and avoid generalisations. It is in the details that we provide the learning opportunity.
3. Provide suggestions on what the person can do to improve. This is what makes it constructive criticism.
4. Provide your feedback in private, never behind someone's back or in public. There is never a positive to come from this.

Later this term, part of my own reflection, I will be asking for feedback on my year as Principal. I look forward to hearing suggestions for me and how we can continue to make Holy Spirit "GREAT"

Happy Days

Paul Martin 

Welcome to Term 4. I hope you enjoyed some quality time with your children during the school holiday period. If not during the holidays, perhaps for the Monarch’s birthday, a Public Holiday next Monday, 7 October.

We're excited to start the leadership process early this term with our Year 5 students. Some of our students have been eagerly awaiting this opportunity since they were younger, and some are starting to have conversations with their families and peers as they courageously step forward for consideration. Our school's student leadership is not just about titles, but about service to others, a value that is deeply embedded in our school motto, 'Strength in the Spirit.' We look forward to witnessing the growth of these students during this process and their leadership in 2025.

From the FRIENDOLOGY desk:

I’d like to remind parents that they can access the Parent Portal on the URStrong Friendology website. The portal contains a number of quick but interesting reads on assisting our children with friendships.

I particularly like this one:

Try thinking of yourself as a “Friendship Coach.” Coaches don’t go out there and play the game for their players. Instead, they give them advice and send them to play. Then, they stand back on the sidelines and watch. When they call their team in, they point out what they saw and give the players some tips and guidance. It should work that way with parents too, coaching your children through their friendships.

For the full article please follow the link to Article 11 under the Parent Tab.  The message that we want to give our children is, “You’ve got this!” not, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this for you!”

Nicole

Welcome back to a busy last term. I hope you all had an enjoyable break ready for what the term brings. This week at Holy Spirit Catholic School, we value respect. Having respect for someone means you think good things about who a person is or how he or she acts. We reinforce that showing respect to someone is to act in a way that shows they care about others feelings and well-being. This week, we pray that our students show respect for others by thinking and acting in a way that shows others they care about their feelings and their well-being, to see a need and do something about it.

October is Missions Month. The World Mission Month of October is a time when we can teach our children to respect people from other cultures and reach out to those people, particularly children who live in poverty. It is an opportunity for reflection, prayer and support for the missionary efforts of individuals, communities and the whole Church. This year, students across Australia are encouraged to not only learn about the Caring Centre in Mongolia and the work of the Church there, but to do something extraordinary for Mission through the fundraising, advocacy and prayers. On Friday, 18th October, our school will hold a Mini Fete to raise funds for Catholic Missions. Teachers will be sending home information in relation to the stall your child’s class will be holding and what will be needed to make it successful.

When we look at the world at times, we can see that it is not very fair. Some people

have lots of food. Some people don’t have enough. Some people have clean water in their homes. Some people have to walk a long way to collect water for their families. Catholic Missions gives hope to communities so that real changes can be made for people in need around the world.

Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary: On Monday, October 7th, the Catholic Church
celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is traditionally a day to pray for peace in the world. Watch this video to reflect on the importance of praying the
Rosary! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IvhoSNf6Ls With the ongoing incidents of violence both at home and abroad, there is a great need to pray for peace. You might like to pray a decade of the Rosary for peace in our world with your family. 

God bless and welcome back.
Caroline Fuller

We hope this message finds you well-rested and ready for a fantastic Term 4 ahead!

What’s happening around our school 

Reflective Practice Day

Last Term, teachers engaged in collaborative Professional Development. This year's focus is on Reading, Science, and HPE  Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to work together to plan engaging lessons and have rich conversations with colleagues.

Australian Mathematics Competition

Well done to our students who participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition earlier this term. At this assembly, we presented the top 3 results from Grades 3-6, all of which achieved a credit. Congratulations to Leon, who achieved a Distinction and the best result in our school! Well done, everyone!

Townsville Eisteddfod

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Townsville Eisteddfod Creative Writing competition. We achieved three first places, six-second places, three third places, and twenty-four Highly Commended awards. Keep up the excellent writing!

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning 

Cent Sale 

Don't forget to visit our Cent Sale in Mercy Place!

$2 for 10 tickets Drawn on the Thursday 10th October.

Tickets are on sale Monday through Friday from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cash and EFTPOS are available. Thanks for supporting our School Fundraiser!

Click to HERE view our cent sale prizes.

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program is coming to our school.

This is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. 

Screening will commence Tuesday 8th October, 2024

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. 

Welcome back to Term 4...the last 10 weeks of the school year!

I hope you all managed to get some good family time over the holidays and were able to recharge as we head into a very busy time of the year. 

If you are expecting any changes in the next couple of months, please reach out and I will assist where I can.  

I am looking forward to seeing the kids back at Defence club on Tuesdays and Fridays this term. 

Park Adventures  - Friday 11 October

Calling families! Join us for a fun-filled morning in the park.
Enjoy a relaxing time while the kids have a blast at the playground.

It's the perfect opportunity to mingle with other spouses and make new connections. Bring a blanket or a chair if you wish.

- Playground fun for the kids

- Public amenities

- Fresh Air

- Central location

- A chance to meet other families in the neighbourhood

So come on out, slap on some sunscreen with a hat and join us for a morning of fun and adventure in the park!

When: Friday 11th October 2024

Time: 9.30am-11.30am

Where: Townsville Recreational Boating Park

Tickets: Park Adventures Recreational Boating Park

Tropical Pool Party – Saturday 12 October

It’s warming up so we’re throwing a family pool party!!Bring your togs, towel and sunscreen and cool off in the crystal clear waters of the Kirwan Aquatic Centre. As well as water slides, an awesome toddler’s area, and a 25m 9-lane pool, the Tropical Splash inflatable obstacle course will be up for those wanting a slippery challenge!

This is an event exclusively for ADF members and families only.

With complimentary entry and sausage sizzle, what are you waiting for? Numbers are limited, so don’t miss out – grab your tickets now!

When: Saturday 12 October 2024

Time: 4pm-6pm

Where: Kirwan Aquatic centre, Hudson St Kirwan

Tickets: Tropical Pool Party – Aquatic Centre

Coffee Connections – Wednesday 23 October

Join us at café on river way for the October edition of coffee connections where you can meet other ADF families and get to connect with your local DMFS staff. New to Townsville or have been here a while everyone is welcome to join in.

Come along and enjoy a cup of coffee while making new connections and building a supportive community. Remember, your attendance is crucial to keep these events going strong, lets come together and make this coffee connection a success.

When: Wednesday 23^rd October 2024

Time: 9.30am-11.30am

Where: café On river way, 15 Sporting Dr Thuringowa

Tickets: Coffee Connections – Café on Riverway

My Dad and Me – Halloween Masks – 26 October

Townsville ADF Dads and kids are invited to our Ghoulish My Dad & Me. We’d love to see the kids (and big kids) dress-up in their favourite costume then show their creativity by painting and decorating themed masks or rocks – a fun addition if you’re adventuring out trick-or-treating later that week!

Numbers are strictly limited, so make sure you register now to avoid missing out. And remember, My Dad & Me is a mum-free zone, so Dads, bring the kids and leave Mum at home!

When: Saturday 26^th October 2024

Time: 9.30am-11.30am

Where: Geckos Family Centre

Tickets: My Dad and Me – Halloween Masks

Lateral Families Meet & Greet – Wednesday 30 October

While moving far away from home can be an exciting time, you and the family may be experiencing a range of emotions and we're here to support you in any way we can. We are delighted to invite you and your family to an afternoon tea for the opportunity to meet the local DMFS team and other recently arrived lateral families.

Tropical North Queensland is a fantastic place to live, but you may have lots of questions, and want to know how to live like a local, or meet other families who have experienced, or are experiencing, similar circumstances to you. Come along and let us help answer any questions you might have. We'd also love to hear all about your journey!

Please note – this event is for lateral transfer members and families only.

When: Wednesday 30th October 2024

Time: 4.00 pm -6.00pm

Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks

Tickets: Lateral Families Meet and Greet – Lavarack Barracks

The Amazing Race – Friday 8 November

NOTE: This event is only for Australian Defence Force members and their families.

Townsville ADF members, singles, couples and families are invited to be a part of this year’s (almost) amazing race. You can register a team - friends, fam, school teams, or as an individual and we will place you in a team.

Navigate your way around Norman Park beside Jezzine Barracks on The Strand, deduce clues, solve riddles and complete challenges to be crowned the 2024 winners.

We invite you to join us for an exciting day of activities! please register promptly, as spaces are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. We look forward to having a great time together and can’t wait to see you there!

When: Friday 8th November 2024

Time: 4.30pm-6.00pm

Where: Norman Park 11-13 Isley St North Ward

Tickets: The Amazing Race - Eventbrite

Spouse Paint & Sip Night – Friday 15 November

We know it’s 6 weeks away and a lot can happen between now and then, so we’re taking expressions of interest now for our Spouse (adult 18+) Paint & Sip night on Friday the 15th of November.

If you’re keen to come along, complete our EOI form here.

Numbers are capped, so don’t delay – first in first served. You’ll be contacted closer to the day and tickets allocated via Eventbrite then.

The details are:

Where: Tipsy Doodle, 80 Mather St, Garbutt

When: Friday 15 November 2024

Time: 6.30pm-9.30/10pm

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.