In the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them everything and remind them of all he has said to them.  When we receive the sacrament of Confirmation, we learn of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that bequeath us with:  knowledge, understanding, wisdom, courage, right judgement, reverence and awe.  Jesus asks us to let the Holy Spirit live in our hearts so we are close to God and filled with his peace and goodness.  We encourage our students to stay positive, use their gifts well and when things become difficult or challenging, whether it is in friendships or work, not to give up but keep trying until the situation is resolved or they achieve success.  In this way they develop resilience and have the ability to meet life’s challenges positively.

This week at Holy Spirit, we value honesty.  Honesty is the foundation upon which a person builds any relationship with their loved ones such as family or friends.  By being honest to our loved ones, we make them feel that they are trustworthy and close enough for us to totally expose our true self.  This week we pray for our students to be honest and sincere to build trust and relationships with others, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

This week is National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme is ‘Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage’.  National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.  The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.  These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.  Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Art of Contemplative Practice: exploring and practicing meditation in the Christian tradition:  Take on this ‘spiritual boot camp’ and:  learn and experience the basics of meditation; establish (or renew) your practice and depth your knowledge of contemplative living; meditate and learn in the company of others who are also seeking to deepen their spirituality and; shape sustainable spiritual practice for everyday wholeness and wellbeing.  A Six Week Challenge in attending to your spiritual life will be held on Thursday evenings between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, June 6^th to July 11th at the House of Prayer, 17 Thomas Street, Pimlico.  Each session will include meditation and teaching on meditation and contemplative living.  For more information, please contact the House of Prayer.

Congratulations to those students who received the Sacrament of First Eucharist on Sunday with the Holy Spirit Parish.  It was lovely to see so many families and friends support the children on their faith journey.  We keep all those remaining students who will receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist this Sunday with the Holy Spirit Parish in our prayers this week.  Everyone is welcome to come along to support the children on their faith journey. 

God bless,

Caroline Fuller

2A had a visit from the school Adopt-a-Cowboy Javid Bowen. He taught the class all about healthy eating habits and exercise. The students also had a game and learnt some "Cowboy" tricks. Look out NRL, here come 2A!  

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.

Dates coming up....

4 June - Resume & Cover Letter Writing Workshop

ADF partners are invited to attend a free resume and cover letter writing workshop facilitated by a local Family Support Funding Program funded provider. Learn how to write effective resumes and cover letters that will help you land an interview.

Please bring your current resume and cover letter with you. This half-day workshop will teach you the skills to be able to tailor your resume and cover letters for any job that you are applying for.

Limited places available. A light lunch will be provided. This event is not suitable for children.

When: Tuesday 4 June 2019 9.00am – 2.00pm

Where: DCO Townsville, Nathan Business Centre, Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St

Click here to register

Over the past week our staff members have suffered the loss of their parents. 

In the past week, Paul Martin and Cathy Noye suffered the loss of their mother and Diane Moore suffered the loss of her father.

Please keep these staff members and their families in your prayers.

The 2^nd Offer Dental Forms are being issued via your child’s teacher. School Dental Vans exclusively provide treatment to children and adolescents in a professional, school- based clinic.

We deliver a full range of general dental services and offer specialist referrals if required. All students are eligible for free dental care. The only requirement is a medicare card.

If you would like to take up this offer, please return the form to your child’s teacher. Students will visit the van in class groups for check-ups. Parents will be advised of results by mail.

If you would like to attend for your child’s check-up, please phone the van on 0418 155 562 to arrange an appointment. All queries can be directed to this number. Our friendly staff look forward to providing high quality dental care for students in a caring, child focused environment.

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

Flexischools

Natalie Arnel

(School Psychologist)

narnel4@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au

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.

The Art of Contemplative Practice: exploring and practicing meditation in the Christian tradition

Take on this ‘spiritual boot camp’ and: Learn and experience the basics of meditation.

Establish (or renew) your practice and depth your knowledge of contemplative living.

Meditate and learn in the company of others who are also seeking to deepen their spirituality. Shape sustainable spiritual practice for everyday wholeness and wellbeing. A Six Week Challenge in attending to your spiritual life. Thursday evenings between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, June 6^th to July 11th at the House of Prayer, 17 Thomas Street, Pimlico. Each session will include meditation and teaching on meditation

and contemplative living. Together participants will form a co-learning community.

St Patrick’s College (The Strand) Past Students Assoc.

The annual Mass and luncheon for the St Patrick’s (The Strand) College Past Students Association will be held on Sunday 8 September. Mark this in your diary and more information will be available soon.

Hospital Admission  

Dedicated priests and trained volunteers visit as many of our sick parishioners as possible in all our hospitals. If you are admitted to hospital remember to ask staff to mark your religion as 'Catholic' if you would like the ministry of a priest or Catholic hospital visitor.

Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) 

Pope Francis has called us to care for creation. In response ARRCC is supporting a new campaign called Big Solar 4 Townsville. We want to hear parishioners' ideas about renewable energy and creating sustainable jobs in the Townsville Diocese! Please answer our short survey under the campaign page: https://www.facebook.com/BigSolarForTownsville/ 

and learn other ways to act at https://www.arrcc.org.au/