World Teacher’s Day

On Friday, October 25th, we will celebrate World Teachers' Day at Holy Spirit. Let's take a moment to recognise and appreciate the hard work and care that our teachers put into their jobs. Teaching is more than just work; it's a calling that shapes and nurtures young minds and hearts in the spirit of Christ.

Showing our gratitude for our teachers can be as simple as creating a small token of thanks such as a handwritten note or a drawing. This is a way to recognise and appreciate the dedication of our teachers, who, like Jesus, guide, teach, and care for others. Let's come together to celebrate and give thanks for the important role our teachers play in our children's lives.

Day for Daniel 

On the same day as we celebrate World Teacher’s Day,  we also honour the memory of Daniel Morcombe with Day for Daniel, Australia's largest safety education and awareness day. Our school encourages everyone to wear red T-shirts on this day, and our classes will conduct child safety education activities to remind students of the 3Rs. I encourage our families to start conversations with their children about personal safety. The Day for Daniel website offers activities for families to participate in at home.

The disciples, James and John, wanted Jesus to promise them a special place beside Him in Heaven in Sunday’s Gospel. This caused the disciples to argue about which one of them was the greatest and, therefore, deserved the best place. Jesus reminded them that God the Father decides who deserves a place in heaven and they would be measured by their goodness and willingness to think of others before themselves. Conflicts are inevitable in the playground. Children have different ideas, solutions and ways of approaching problems. Because of this, it’s important that they learn how to resolve differences peacefully (without giving in) and how to get along well with others. Conflict resolution skills are gained by experience and practice: modelling the process and guiding students to employ effective strategies to peacefully resolve differences helps them develop stronger relationships. 

This week at Holy Spirit we value service. Service is giving to others, or to a larger purpose, to life. You serve with a giving attitude, without selfishness and self-interest. The attitude and virtue of service is motivated by love, caring and goodwill. It is when we have an unselfish desire to help others or to help in a larger purpose. This week we pray for our students and family members to continue their kind acts towards others to have a positive influence on those around them. One kind act is to support our Mini Fete this Friday and participate in the many stalls where all donations will go to Catholic Mission.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This Sunday, 20th October, is World Mission Sunday. Catholic Mission announced the theme for 2024 is "Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet". This year’s theme reflects the inclusive and urgent call to bring God's love to everyone. We can all join in this universal mission to spread the Gospel and
invite all to experience the joy of Christ's message!

MINI FETE: This Friday, our Mini Fete will be held. In the month of October, we as a Catholic Church in Australia, focus on supporting missions throughout the world.  In our school community, we will raise funds to support the Missions with our MINI FETE. Children are encouraged to bring a small amount of money (preferably in change) to participate, have fun and support the Missions. Teachers may be asking for assistance or asking for donations for their stalls. If you can assist, contact your child’s teachers. Thank you all in advance for supporting such a worthy cause. It is always a great afternoon to come together to support those in need. The afternoon concludes with 4 of our staff members being slimed by students.

ST JOHN PAUL II (Feast Day 22 nd October): (1920–2005) The first Polish Pope,
John Paul II, was head of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. John Paul II made extraordinary efforts to reach out to people around the world, to both Roman Catholics and those of other faiths. He loved young people and started World Youth Day so youth from around the world could meet every few years in faith and carry home the message received there to be Christ’s light to the world. ‘I imagined a powerful moment in which the young people of the world could meet Christ, who is eternally young, and could learn from him how to be bearers of the Gospel to other young people.

Prayer to St John Paul II (adapted)

Oh, St. John Paul, from the window of heaven, grant us your blessing!
Bless the church that you loved and served and guided,
courageously leading it along the paths of the world
in order to bring Jesus to everyone and everyone to Jesus.
Bless the young, who were your great passion.
Help them dream again, help them look up high again
to find the light that illuminates the paths of life here on earth.

May you bless families, bless each family!
St. John Paul, with your prayer, may you protect the family
and every life that blossoms from the family.

Pray for the whole world, which is still marked by tensions, wars and injustice.
You tackled war by invoking dialogue and planting the seeds of love:
pray for us so that we may be tireless sowers of peace.
Oh St. John Paul, from heaven's window,
where we see you next to Mary,
send God's blessing down upon us all.

Amen.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller

Prime Ministers Spelling Bee

The annual Prime Minister's Spelling Bee took place in September.   Students competed at a school level, then proceeded to the state finals and ultimately to the national final. Well done to all the students who participated. Congratulations to two of our students who made it to the state final.

Quest For Knowledge

In week 1 of Term 4, a team of Year 6 students participated in our diocese’s annual Quest for Knowledge trivia competition. The team spent the day answering over 200 questions and demonstrating Our Spirit Way through their excellent teamwork. The students fought hard and secured a tie for second place - what a fantastic achievement! Well done!

Year 1

Year 1 has been busy with math rotations, creating number lines, practicing spelling tricky words, and observing how food changes with heat.

Stem

Last term, our Year 5 STEM students engaged in an exciting escape room challenge. This activity fostered essential skills in cooperation and teamwork as students collaborated in small groups to solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover the mysteries of Jigsaw Island.

We introduced a new scenario this term that further developed students' problem-solving abilities. Students are learning to navigate real-life challenges, including selecting crucial resources, treating spider bites, and applying first aid to injuries. This experience encourages creativity while emphasising practical skills and collaboration.

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning 

Children’s Week 2024

19th October - 27th October

Children have the right to a clean and safe environment (UNCRC Article 24)

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. 

Hello Defence families,

I hope this weeks newsletter finds you all well. Please see below the upcoming events that you may wish to participate in to get connected with other defence families.

Our defence club has been busy with some chilled out lunch breaks - colouring in, playing games on the whiteboard and doing mandalas.  We have also started some lead up activities to Remembrance Day.  More information will be communicated regarding this in the coming weeks. 

Please reach out if there is anything I can do to make your child's time at Holy Spirit the best it can be!  

Warm regards,

Kat Jordan DSM 

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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 favorite 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

*Photographs will be taken at all DMFS events. Please let our staff know if you do not want your family to be photographed. Photos may be used on our social media channels or in a DMFS publication.

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.