What an eventful couple of weeks, with our students participating in a wonderful variety of events and activities! Our heartfelt appreciation goes to all the teachers who have invested countless hours in organising, coaching, training, and practising with our students. Without their dedication and effort, we simply couldn't continue to provide these enriching opportunities that make such a difference to our children's school experience.

Camp

As you read this, 5A will be saying their farewells to Gumburu after an incredible camp experience, while 5B will be settling in for their turn. This also means our dedicated 5A parent volunteers will finally be reuniting with their comfortable beds tonight! Please spare a thought for our amazing teachers who will remain at camp until Friday, continuing to create memories with both groups.

I know it's been said before, but it bears repeating: without the dedication of our Year 5 teachers and the generous parents who volunteered their time, we simply couldn't provide this experience. This is such an exciting milestone for our Year 5 students, who have been eagerly anticipating this adventure throughout much of their time here at Holy Spirit.

We can't wait to hear all the stories and see the smiling faces when they return.

Interschool Athletics Carnival

After regular coaching sessions run by some of our teachers, before school and during their lunch breaks, we have our team ready to compete against the other B Schools in our district.  We wish all our competitors the best of luck on the day.

Italian

Señora Sim will be taking a group of our students to the Young Language Ambassadors conference this Friday, held at James Cook University. The College of Arts, Society and Education is thrilled to bring back its annual Young Language Ambassador (YLA) program in Townsville. This inspirational conference invites language students and their teachers to participate in engaging activities that promote International Mindedness and Global Citizenship. What a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with peers from other schools while celebrating the importance of language learning in our global community!

Señora Sim will also accompany another group of students to the Italian Speech Competition next week, held at Ryan Catholic College. This presents yet another fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their Italian language knowledge and speaking skills alongside peers from across the region.

We're so proud of our students' enthusiasm for language learning and their willingness to step up and represent Holy Spirit at these events!

Sean Choolburra

One of Australia's most loved and acclaimed Indigenous performers entertained our Year 4-6 students this week. Sean, a proud Townsville local, draws from his rich ancestral heritage of Gu-Gu-Yalanji, Kalkadoon, Kandju and Bwgcolman peoples from around Townsville and Palm Island.

He captivated our students by masterfully combining high energy and humour with historical facts, spiritual wisdom, and deep ancestral knowledge. Through interactive dancing and singing, Sean engaged and encouraged every student, creating an unforgettable cultural experience that both educated and inspired.

Nicole Lennox

Jesus tells the parable of the master who trusted his servants to be standing ready and trusted to complete their usual tasks while waiting for him to return. Just as Jesus trusted his disciples to carry on his work when he left, we are trusted to carry on sharing the good news of Gospel, opening the doors of our hearts in our words and actions. We encourage our students to be positive in their learning and make good use of class time. The standard of work students achieve very much depends on the way they approach their learning with a positive attitude, the effort they are prepared to make and in the way they accept and work with staff and their peers.

Jesus’ words are so comforting in this week’s Gospel (Luke 12:32-48): “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” In the midst of busy family life and everyday challenges, Jesus reminds us not to be afraid, for God delights in giving us His kingdom—His love, peace, and promises—right now. He calls us to focus on lasting treasures like kindness and faithfulness, not temporary things. As we stay ready and watchful for His presence in our daily lives, even in small acts of love, God sees our faithfulness and promises to care for us. We can all take hope in knowing we are not alone—God is always with us, guiding, strengthening and blessing us all on our journey.

This week at Holy Spirit Catholic School, we value respect. Respect means seeing the good in others and showing care through our words and actions. We are teaching our students that being respectful means thinking about how others feel and choosing to act kindly and thoughtfully. Whether it’s listening carefully, using kind words, or lending a helping hand, we want our children to notice when someone needs support—and take action. This week, we join in prayer that our students grow in empathy and show true respect by caring deeply for the feelings and well-being of those around them.

Sacramental Programme: Our Parish Sacramental Programme began last week with 30 students from our school participating. Last night, our children made the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep these students in your prayers as they continue their faith journey.

Today, August 6th , is the day the Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord. This unique event in the Gospel occurred when Jesus took his three closest companions, Peter, James and John, up a mountain and was transfigured: ‘His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as light.’ This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. There is more on the Transfiguration at:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15019a.htm 

This Friday, 8th August, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop. Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne on January 15, 1842. Together with Fr Tenison Woods, Mary founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph in 1867, an Order dedicated to the education of poor children. Mary faced many challenges, not least of which was her (questionable) excommunication by Bishop Shiel in September 1871 – an excommunication lifted five months later. By 1891, there were three hundred sisters working in nine dioceses in Australia and New Zealand. An ordinary Australian woman, yet a woman of heroic holiness, goodness, warmth and determination, Mary died on August 8, 1909. On October 17, 2010, Mary MacKillop – Saint Mary of the Cross, was declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI. One of her best-known sayings is ‘Never see a need without doing
something about it!’ Visit: http://www.marymackillop.org.au/ 

Monday, 15th August, is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared as a dogma revealed by God that ‘Mary, the Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into the glory of Heaven’. Likewise, the Second Vatican Council taught in the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium that ‘the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things (n. 59)’.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller

Book Week 2025 

Book Week is a special annual event that celebrates books and the work of Australian children’s authors and illustrators. Organised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), this year marks 80 years of Book Week celebrations. Schools and libraries across the country will join in with book-themed activities, story times, and of course, the much-loved dress-up parades.

At Holy Spirit Catholic School, we will celebrate with a Book Character Dress-Up Parade on Friday, 22 August from 8:45–9:30 am. Students are invited to dress as a favourite book character — costumes can be as creative or straightforward as you like, and we encourage families to use items they already have at home. 

• Students are welcome to come to school dressed in their costumes, but please ensure that closed-in shoes and sun-safe clothing are either worn or packed in their bags. 
• Parents and carers are invited to come to school from 8:45 to 9:30 am to watch the Book Week parade! 

We look forward to celebrating the joy of reading with our community during this special week.

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning  (APPL)

Interschool Athletics Carnival:

Selected Holy Spirit students will compete at the Interschool Athletics Carnival this Thursday. We wish them the best of luck as they compete against other schools from the North Queensland region. 

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.

Holy Spirit Catholic School students recently took part in the annual Challenge Games, a wonderful inclusive sporting event held at the Townsville Sports Reserve. This inspiring two-day event brought together over 995 students from 59 schools across the region, all united in the spirit of competition and fun.

The Challenge Games is designed specifically to provide children with a disability the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sporting activities in a supportive and inclusive environment. As well as traditional athletic events, students also had the chance to experience activities such as Wheelchair Rugby League, Table Tennis, and Australian Rules Football.

Our students represented Holy Spirit Catholic School with pride, demonstrating not only sportsmanship and determination, but also joy and enthusiasm throughout the event. Sam R and Thea G competed in the invitationals, with Thea making the NQ team.

A special thanks to Mr Martin and Mrs Bourne, who proudly represented our school as part of the Challenge Games Committee, helping to make this fantastic event possible. Mr Martin celebrated 25 years of service on the committee.

We are incredibly proud of all our participants and grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful celebration of inclusion, perseverance, and community.

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!

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. 

Thank you to the Wojcicki Family for the generous donation of bread and spreads.

Smile and be friendly to the people you see today!

eSafetyparents

Online safety basics – what you need to know

DMFS Programs – Emergency Support for Families

We know that balancing Defence life and family responsibilities can be challenging - especially when unexpected situations arise.

If a family emergency occurs while the serving member is away on duty or called into work at short notice, emergency support may be available to assist recognised family members.

This support is designed to help in situations that are unforeseen, sudden, and beyond the family’s usual coping mechanisms. Whether it's a medical situation or an urgent care need at home, help is just a phone call away.

To apply or learn more, contact the DMFS Townsville office on 07 4430 3879, or the 24/7 Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608. Your family’s wellbeing matters, and we’re here to support you when it’s needed most.

Positions Vacant – Defence School Mentor (DSM) – The Cathderal School and St Benedict’s, Townsville 

Are you passionate about supporting the wellbeing of children and young people from Defence families? Do you have a strong understanding of the Defence lifestyle and a desire to make a meaningful impact in a school community?

The Cathedral School and St Benedict’s Catholic School are

seeking a compassionate and proactive Defence School Mentors (DSM) to join their teams. 

The roles are part of the national Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP), funded by the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Defence. 

For more information and to apply, head to the job ad for The Cathedral School on Seek, and the link to the ad for St Benedict’s is here.

Interested? Don’t hesitate - applications close soon!

Textured Art - Friday 22 August

ADF members and partners over 18 years, unleash your inner artist at our Art Inspired Laugh and Chat Night, where we will be creating a stunning textured wall art. Get inspired, and let your imagination run wild!

Whether you are a seasoned artisan or a curious newbie, you will find joy in every texture and embellishment, creating a unique masterpiece to adorn your wall. Unleash your inner artist and let your imagination run wild in this playful and relaxing environment.

This event is strictly for adults only (18+)

Date: Friday 22 August 2025

Time: 6pm

Save the Date!

Upcoming September Activities:

3^rd & 4^th – Partner Information Sessions at Geckos Family Centre

19^th - Child of the ADF Medallion Ceremony

Venue: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks

Register: Eventbrite – Textured Art

 
Join Trent Ray, co-founder of the Cyber Safety Project, for essential expert insights on deepfakes, AI companions and online truth.  
 
In today’s connected world, parents play a powerful role in shaping safe and healthy digital habits. This practical session is designed especially for busy parents who want to: 
 
 - Cut through the overwhelm: Clear, up-to-date info without the tech jargon  
 
 - Know what tech your child’s using: AI chatbots and tools explained simply  
 
 - Start the chat with confidence: Easy ways to talk about deepfakes and fake news 
 
 - Guide safe, ethical use: Practical tips to support smart choices online.  
 
Who should attend: Parents/Guardians and people caring for Primary and Secondary aged children.  
 
Proudly supported by Catholic Network Australia
 
Parents can register through the link below. 

Register for the Parent Webinar

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.