Wow! What a term. The school community has had to hit the ground running with the start to the year we have had. It was fantastic to see our school community rally around to support those in need. This is what we call the 'Spirit Way'. 

The annual school Cross Country is this Friday morning. This is our first opportunity to see the Branagan Blues, Stephen Whites and the Arnold Reds take to the track to compete against each. Thanks to those parents assisting on the course to keep our students safe. Good luck to all competing.

Next term, we will be participating in the ANZAC DAY march along the Strand. A note was sent out today to all students in Year 3-6 that were interested in representing our school. Please contact the office for this permission note if your child missed out.

This is a great opportunity to say thanks to our parents, staff and students for the successful term. Stay safe these holidays and term 2 begins April 23.

Happy Days,

Paul Martin

This week at Holy Spirit, we value prayerfulness.  One of the greatest values anyone can develop is a sense of prayerfulness.  Prayer links us to God and helps us to listen to what He has in mind for us.  It can, at times, give us insight that we may get in no other way.  As we continue our Lenten journey, let us all take the time to pray for those in need in our community. 

Last week I was fortunate to attend the annual LA RE Congress.  This is the largest Religious Education Congress and gathering for Catholics held in the USA with over 36,000 people in attendance this year.  Over the days, I was able to attend a number of workshops that were presented on this year’s topic “Thirsting For Justice”.

This week's feature story is 100% INCLUSION with 14 year old Nguyet from Vietnam.

Nguyet is a teenager living with a disability in a small town in Vietnam. She lived the first 14 years of her life isolated at home. Her disability restricted her movements and any chance of going to school..

Around 7% of people in Vietnam are living with a disability. They often have poorer health, fewer education and employment opportunities and higher poverty rates.

The future appeared bleak for Nguyet, until a Caritas Australia program, implemented by our partner Catholic Relief Services (CRS) changed her life forever. Around 4,000 people have now benefitted from this inspiring Caritas program.

The program is helping people like Nguyet, by focusing on inclusive education, health services and building strong community networks to help to break down stigma and discrimination for those with disabilities and their families.

Two years after she featured in Project Compassion 2017, Nguyet has built a successful online business selling T-shirts, accessories and home-cooked snacks made by her sister.

She is also more confident in communicating with people – and is riding a motorbike she bought from her profits.

“I can go out independently now. I would like to have my own shop in the village one day. And I hope that other people with disabilities in Vietnam will receive help like I did.”

Nguyet has great hope and a real commitment to succeed in her future. She hopes her story will inspire others to see what is possible for a person once isolated and unheard.

God Bless,

Caroline Fuller

What a great response we have received from our generous sponsors to support the Monster Dodger Draw for our upcoming fete.  We have 29 prizes worth over $8000 with three top prizes of $1000 Cash.

The playground for our senior students is well underway. The students are excited and looking forward to enjoying this fabulous facility in Term 2.

Last Friday night, many of our students presented Stations of the Cross.  The students – both choir and actors – were outstanding in their singing and performing on the night.  They are to be congratulated for their dedication over the last couple of weeks.  Thank you to all our families and friends who joined us on Friday night.  Thank you also to the staff who assisted preparing the students.  Stations of the Cross will be seen again this Thursday morning, at 8.45am  as part of our Easter Liturgy in The Hall.  Everyone is welcome to come along and join us in prayer.

This year’s ANZAC Day March is to be held along the Strand on Thursday 25 April. Students in Years 3 – 6 are invited to participate in the March which begins promptly at 9.00am.

Students should be assembled at the assembly area along the edge of the road near Strand Park by 8.15am.  As students will be waiting for a minimum of 45 minutes (possibly up to an hour), it is advisable that children bring a disposable water bottle as they will not march with water bottles.  Water will be available at ANZAC Park.

The parade will process along The Strand to the ANZAC Park Cenotaph.  Parents may collect children once we reach ANZAC Park.

Children should wear the formal uniform (not sports uniform) and their red hats and black shoes are a must.

A permission note has been sent home with students.  Notes should be returned to the class room teacher as soon as possible.

We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am at Tuckshop.

Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) would be appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.

There will be NO TOAST on this Friday as it is the Fun Run!

Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system.  To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:  

Flexischools

Parents, it is essential that you advise the office if your child is going to be absent. This can be done by emailing absent@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au or via the skoolbag app.

Natalie Arnel

(School Psychologist)

narnel4@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au

The Power of Positive Parenting Seminar

Date:       Wednesday 8^th May 2019

Time:      6.30 – 8.00pm (tea/coffee available from 6.00pm)

Venue:   The Ryan Community Centre, Morindo Drive, Kirwan

Cost:        FREE

Bookings essential:  Register at www.triplep-parenting.net

Click on the link below to see the flyer.

2019 Mission:  One Heart Many Voices

Australia’s premier conference on mission is being held between the 13^th and 15^th of May at SMC Conference & Function Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney.  The event offers a unique opportunity to listen, converse and experience the many and diverse voices that are an expression of the one heart of mission.  Above all, the conference is a time to read the signs of the time with an aim of affirming what we do well, nurturing our growth and rethink and reformulate how we effectively live and lead mission today and tomorrow.  To find our more and to register visit www.mohmv.com.au or call 1800 257 296

Team Townsville Recovery Actions

Door Knock is now in phase 2 heading to the streets on the weekends to care for the residents of Townsville by asking, "How are you doing?"  and connecting them to essential services, serving residents and helping them to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the floods.

This is a unique opportunity to work together with the Townsville City Council to meet a huge need in our city; to look people in the eye and ask if they're okay. The teams who have headed out so far have found it has been a tremendous support to people who have been through very traumatic circumstances. This is a God given opportunity to take the love of God to this city

Deployment times are at the YWAM Campus at 215 Walker Street and will be happening the following dates: 

• Saturday, 6 April 

o Morning: 8am-12:30pm 

o All day: 8am-5pm

o Afternoon: 1-5pm  

This includes one-hour orientation at the commencement to explain vision and goals and also to become familiar with the tools available to assist people. 

Those interested can register by clicking here. We are all so encouraged to have a community led response of caring people working together strategically to help our city! If you volunteered during phase 1, there is no need to re-register.

For more information contact YWAM on 4771 2123

Please click the link below for the April School Holiday Program.