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- Our Mission Statement
To our school community, I warmly welcome you back to the routine and joy that is school life at Holy Spirit Catholic School. As I sit at my desk and look over our term ahead, it fills me with joy to see the many opportunities for our students, staff and families to come together in prayer, hospitality and service. From our recent NAIDOC celebrations in the Hall, Challenge Games this week and in the coming weeks, school photos, whole school gatherings, P&F meetings, Book Week, school camps, class masses, sacramental program for students in Year 3 and up and Child Protection Week. I look forward to seeing as many people as possible in these times of community.
This week, from our readings from our parish Mass, we’re reminded of two powerful stories from the Bible—Abraham and Martha—where God's people showed kindness by welcoming others. These stories teach us an important lesson: being open and welcoming to others is part of how we follow God.
In each story, the people offering hospitality didn’t know right away that they were welcoming someone special. It’s a reminder that God can come into our lives in ways we don’t expect. It might be through a stranger asking for help, a friend who needs someone to listen, or a co-worker who surprises us with their kindness. When we are open and generous to others, we are more likely to see the good—and maybe even the sacred—right in front of us.
Life today can be busy and full of responsibilities. We may not always feel we have time to slow down and reflect, like Mary did when she sat with Jesus. But at the same time, we shouldn’t let our to-do lists control us completely. Balancing service to others with an open heart can help us grow and build stronger, more loving communities.
This is how we help bring goodness—and God's love—into the world, one small act at a time.
Have a fantastic week and thank you for all you do in our school community.
Strength in the Spirit
Paul Martin
Welcome back.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, Queensland School Photography will be taking our class photos. This is a great opportunity to ensure that your child is wearing the correct formal uniform to school.
Please remember the following guidelines for the uniform:
- Shoes should be plain black.
- White socks should sit just above the ankle.
- Hair should be neat; long hair should be tied back with a hair tie or scrunchie in our school colours or the colour of your child’s hair.
- Jewellery should consist of a set of plain studs or small sleepers and a plain watch.
Additionally, please note that sibling photos (for school-age students) will be taken before school, starting at 7:30 AM on both days. Envelopes for ordering these photos can be collected from the front office.
Our new batch of Eco Warriors, also known as Bin Chooks, have used some of the money they raised from collecting Containers for Change to purchase doonas, blankets, and linen for donation to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal again this year. We hope that families in our community will benefit from our contributions.
Kind regards
Nicole Lennox
In this week’s Gospel passage (Luke 11:1-13), Jesus teaches us how to pray with trust and simplicity. He gives us the words of the Lord’s Prayer, reminding us to turn to God as our loving Father. Jesus shows us that prayer isn’t just about asking for things—it’s about building a relationship with God where we can speak honestly, ask for help, say sorry, and show forgiveness. He encourages us to keep praying, to keep knocking, and to never give up—because God listens and responds with love. At our Catholic school, this reminds us that prayer is powerful and that God is always close, especially when we are patient, persistent, and open to His Spirit.

Next Tuesday morning, our School Captains will attend the Catholic Education Week Mass at the Cathedral. The Mass to be celebrated with schools from across the Diocese will be presided by Bishop Tim.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller – APRE.
Welcome Back to Term 3
We hope all our families enjoyed a restful and refreshing break. It’s wonderful to see our students return with smiling faces, ready to embrace Term 3.
Smooth Start to the New Term
As we get ready to welcome students back for a new school term, here are some simple tips to help your child settle back into their school routine:
- ✅ Ease back into school bedtimes a few days early so your child feels refreshed and ready to learn.
- ✅ Re-establish morning routines to help the day start calmly and on time.
- ✅ Talk positively about school, reminding your child of the fun things they enjoy, like friends, favourite subjects, and upcoming events.
- ✅ Encourage healthy lunches and snacks to keep your child energised throughout the day.
- ✅ Limit screen time in the evenings, with quiet time or reading to help them wind down for sleep.
The term promises to be full of rich, engaging and hands-on experiences across all year levels.
Some highlights this term include:
- TCEO Spelling Bee – a fantastic opportunity for our confident spellers to represent our school and celebrate a love of language.
- Year 5 Camp to Paluma, which aligns with the Science unit around plants and animal adaptations.
- Book Week Parade - The theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure'. Friday, Week 6.
Kristy Bates
Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning (APPL)
Interschool Athletics Training:
All training for the Interschool Athletics Carnival has now commenced. Training will continue until we compete in week 4. See below for a timetable for each event.
Olympian Visit:
On Tuesday, students in grade 4-6 were fortunate enough to enjoy a visit from an Australian Olympian. Alex Ferlazzo has competed in multiple Olympic games in the Men’s Luge. Students had the opportunity to ask Alex questions and enjoyed learning about his time growing up in Townsville and competing in a sport that has many challenges.
NRL League Stars:
League Stars is coming to Holy Spirit in Term 3. Students in grade 2 and 3 had the opportunity to trial this program in their PE lessons this week. If you would like to sign your child up, please see the flyer for more information or ask the classroom teacher for a handout.
Spotlight on Sport:
Has your child accomplished something amazing in their sport? Share a photo with us and we would love to help celebrate their achievements.
The Book Fair is coming to Holy Spirit Catholic School
It will arrive on Monday 18th August and be here until Friday 22nd August.
Drop in and support our school, whilst getting your hands on the best new children’s books!
ROSTER |
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24.07.25 |
Helpers Wanted | |
25.07.25 |
Jessica Cuddy, Sue Viviers | |
28.07.25 |
Claire Parker | |
29.07.25 |
Nicole Glover |
|
30.07.25 |
Allison Jordan | |
31.07.25 |
Haylie Stanhope | |
01.08.25 |
Sue Viviers, Andrea Borellini |
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04.08.25 |
Julie Lloyd, Kerri Player |
|
05.08.25 |
Joy Orr, Nicole Boon |
|
06.08.25 |
Allison Jordan, Jillian Reddy |
CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |
04.08.25 |
Andrea Borellini, Emma Lercher |
05.08.25 |
Sarah Flanagan |
FRUIT |
|
28.07.25 |
Allyce Rawnsley |
04.08.25 |
Hayden Orth & Ashleigh Eddy |
First Visit to Brooklea Retirement Village Last Term
It was wonderful to catch up with everyone again and introduce a new group of Year 6 students during our first visit to Brooklea Retirement Village last term. The students took part in a five-minute "speed chat" with each participant, giving everyone the opportunity to say hello, connect, and share a smile.
These visits provide a meaningful intergenerational experience, fostering connection and understanding between young people and older community members. The Mini Vinnies motto, "Making a Difference," was truly seen and heard throughout the visit.
We look forward to more moments of connection and kindness in the future.
The relationship between social media and children’s mental health is one of the most important conversations of our time. That's why, from mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.
This week, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant outlined how Australia plans to take this bold action forward, in a speech delivered at the National Press Club.
Here's what parents need to know right now:
- It’s not a ban, it’s a delay. We’re giving kids more time to build digital skills and resilience before facing the pressures of social media.
- The responsibility lies with the platform. There are no penalties for children or parents—only for platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.
- You’re not alone. eSafety offers trusted resources for parents and carers, educators, young people and kids. We’ve got the flags, the swimming lessons, and the safety tips to help you support your kids. And our protective powers in areas such as cyberbullying and image-based abuse will still be there to help if things go wrong.
Australia is building a culture of online safety—just like we’ve done on our beaches. Because the internet, like the ocean, is not going away – and our kids are already dipping their toes in. To stay up to date on social media age restrictions, visit eSafety.gov.au.
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.
Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 Community Day – 02 Aug 25
Grab the family and enjoy a day full of entertainment and fun at the Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 Community Day on Saturday 2 August from 10am – 4pm at Riverway.
Check out the military vehicles on display including armoured vehicles from Australian Defence Force and international partners whilst enjoying performances by the 1RAR Band & 3RAR Pipes and Drums.
Stroll through the exhibitors and stalls, featuring capability displays, mascots, camouflage face painting, and more, or grab a delicious bite to eat from our local food trucks.
For more information on the event, visit Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 Community Day | What's On Townsville
Date: 2 August 2025
Time: 10am – 4pm
Where: Riverway Precinct, Kirwan
Save the Date!
Upcoming August Activities
Wed 13 Aug 25 – Coffee Connections
Friday 22 Aug 25 – Textured Art
Saturday 23 Aug 25 – My Dad and Me
Saturday 30 Aug 25 – Book Week Picnic in the Park
Kings Trust Australia
Opportunities for Young Veterans and members of the Defence Community
The King’s Trust Australia is inviting members of the defence community aged 35 and under to explore new opportunities — from free entrepreneurship programmes to The Rising Star Award, celebrating young veterans and ADF families in business.
️ Next free programme: 10:00 am – 1:00 PM | 3 & 8 July (online)
Award nominations close: 30 June
Register for a programme: https://events.humanitix.com/launch-lab-online-july
Nominate for an award: https://kingstrustaustralia.awardsplatform.com/
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.
In this edition of School TV – Online Gaming
Young people might have a lot of fun playing online games, but parents and carers need to make sure they empower their child to make wise decisions and help them manage the risks. Numerous games can help your child become more coordinated, adept at problem-solving and multitasking, and help them develop social skills through online interaction with other players. However, it's also critical to comprehend what may go wrong and what might be harmful to your child.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg states “Young people can be particularly vulnerable when exposed to excessive gaming. An unhealthy sedentary lifestyle, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, development of gaming disorders, or engagement in online gambling.”
Carers need to play an active role in understanding and being aware of what their young person is playing online and who they are interacting with.
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.
Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of School TV:
https://hsstsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/online-gaming
Upcoming dates.......
Wednesday 23 July - Challenge Games
Thursday 24 July - Challenge Games
- Interschool Sport Week 2
Friday 25 July - Lower school assembly - 1B
- Pyjama Day
Tuesday 29 July - School Photos
Wednesday 30 July - School Photos
Thursday 31 July - Interschool Sport Week 3
Friday 1st August - Whole School Assembly - 5B
Monday 4th August - Year 5 camp
Term Dates 2025 |
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Term 3 |
Monday 14 July 2025 |
Friday 19 September 2025 |
Term 4 |
Tuesday 7 October 2025 |
Friday 5 December 2025 |
Pupil Free Days 2025:
Friday 5th September
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.
All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings). Phone 4430 8500
Friday Assemblies |
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All assemblies in the hall |
8.40am |
Daily Bell Times |
|
8.15 am |
Students are allowed to move to class |
8.30 am |
School day commences |
10.30 am |
Morning tea bell |
10.55 am |
Five minute warning bell |
11.00 am |
School day resumes |
1.00 pm |
Lunch bell |
1.25 pm |
Five minute warning bell |
1.30 pm |
School day resumes. |
2.50 pm |
School day concludes |