Martha and Mary lived in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem.  They were close friends of Jesus who often came to visit them when he passed that way.  Jesus and his disciples had been invited to stay for a meal, but while Martha was busy preparing the meal, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him, speak.  Martha grew angry at having to do all the work, but Jesus, while grateful for what Martha had done, told her that Mary had done the right thing.  He was happy that Mary had chosen to take time to listen to the word of God (Luke 10:38-42).

This week at Holy Spirit we value trust.  Trust is the belief and confidence in the integrity, reliability and fairness of a person, an essential human value that quantifies and defines our interdependence in relationships with others.  Trust is a choice we make toward someone when we are inspired that they have either earned our confidence or are by some other means worthy of it.  It is difficult to acquire and when fractured even harder to redeem, so perhaps the lessons of trust are not not how to earn it, but what it takes to keep it.  Perhaps the greatest value of trust is not the accomplishments we make with it, but rather what trust accomplishes in us on our quest to become people who are worthy of receiving it from others.  Trust brings out the very best in people.  This week we pray our students show those around them that they are that special person in their lives that they can trust.

Next week we celebrate Catholic Education Week.  The theme for Catholic Education Week in Queensland in 2019 is ‘Many Voices. One Spirit’.  This theme has been chosen for its promotion and support of inclusiveness.  The ‘Many Voices’ represent those of students, teachers, families, communities, parish, social services and government within all five dioceses in Queensland and include students of all educational ages (kindergarten to university) and beliefs.  ‘One Spirit’ will be interpreted differently by different audiences and could include for example:  faith, the Holy Spirit, charisms, or school spirit, team spirit, parish spirit, family spirit.  The theme brings feelings of energy, enthusiasm, love, joy, values, relationships, togetherness, learning, unity and belonging – all ideals relevant to Catholic schools in Queensland.  Next week our Term 3 Year 6 Leaders will attend the Catholic Education Week Mass at the Cathedral that will be presided by Bishop Tim.  We will also have a Whole School Liturgy on Wednesday morning.

Alpha Program Reminder

Have your heard about Alpha?  ALPHA is a series of gatherings with the aims of loving, learning and living by bringing people into a relationship with Jesus by sharing the good news of the ‘gospel.' It involves each week gathering, commencing with a shared meal, friendly interaction and getting to know each other, prayer and watching a 30 minute video, then breaking into small groups to discuss and share thoughts, experiences and questions about each video. One weekend during the series we will hold a day retreat especially focusing on the Holy Spirit - who He is, what He does and how we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. There is no cost involved, apart from your own time and now and again bringing along a meal to share. All people are welcome as well as family and friends from other areas, those not practising their faith and or those interested in exploring the Catholic Faith. Alpha will be run in Holy Spirit Parish again this year, following its success last year and will commence on Thursday 25th July from 6-8 pm and then on each Thursday evening till September. For further information or to register, please contact Blanche on 0428 736 726 or blanchecrisp@gmail.com

God bless.

Caroline Fuller

This week, envelopes for the Bishop’s Appeal were sent home to all families.  For those unable to access email, the following is the message from Fr John:

My friends,

The annual Bishop’s Appeal for our Diocesan Ministries is now on. This appeal directly assists our Townsville  diocese operate vital ministries. These include: Chaplaincy services to prisons and hospitals, Promotion of Social Justice and Multicultural Ministry, Catholic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministry, Ecumenical and Interfaith activities, Youth Ministry initiatives, Faith education and formation for Adults and liturgical training and Vocations awareness.

I request you to please support this appeal by your generous contribution to allow our Bishop Tim to continue this great work in our Diocese and be part of the mission of the Church. It is our way of reaching out to our brothers and sisters with a helping hand. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver!

In His Love,

Fr. John Kunnathumadappallil OCD

Holy Spirit Parish Cranbrook

Townsville

To assist us in planning for 2020, could you please return the continuing enrolment form by Friday 8. August. We realise this is very early for some families, however, we require approximate numbers to inform the Townsville Catholic Education Office.

CAFE Community and Friends Engagement (formerly Parents and Friends)

Thank you!

Thank you to the parents and caregivers who helped to make the Year 5 & Year 6 Disco such a success!  Your support at events such as these is appreciated by the school administration team and staff.

Eighteen Holy Spirit boys rocked up at the Murray AFL fields to play in the AFL Qld Schools Cup last Wednesday. It was the first time for a while and there were plenty of nerves but even more excitement.

The boys represented the school with pride and gave their best all day only missing out on the semi-finals by a few percentage points.

Final scores; Game 1:Holy Spirit 4.3.27 v Southern Cross 0.0.0, Game 2: Holy Spirit 11.7.73 v Hermit Park 0.0.0, Game 3 Holy Spirit 0.1.1 def by St Anthony's 8.7.55 and Game 4: Holy Spirit 9.5.59 v Ryan 2 0.0.2

Great appreciation goes to Ben Payne who gave assistance in coaching the boys on the day.

 B.Wootton (Manager)

Well done to Jack and Henry Hedger who were both awarded first place in the Art Section of the Townsville Show. 

Great sketching boys!

We hope to see you at Holy Spirit Under the Stars, 5.30 pm -7.30 pm Saturday, 3 August. All you need to do is turn up and watch our children shine!

BYO child, picnic blanket or chair, picnic (optional). The Lions van will be selling food and softdrink. Steve Hedger will be back to run the bar.

Catch up with other parents after the children perform and enjoy the sounds of Stoney Bay!

This is a night for everyone to celebrate the past 50 years!

Friday 16 August, another opportunity for parents will take place in our Lynch Family Hall.

Described as a psychological Indiana Jones, Dr. Jo Lukins and Child psychologist, Tracey Walker will give a breakfast presentation at 6.45 am for 7 am, Friday 16 August. The focus for the presentation will be mental health and well being.

A light breakfast will be provided for parents and children. Supervision for Holy Spirit students will be provided.

Screen Time - How long is too long?

Cyberbullying and sexting – what are the risks? How do I keep my child safe online?

These topics will be covered at a parent information Evening at Marian Catholic School, Currajong, next Tuesday, 30 July at 6pm. For more information see the flyer in this week’s newsletter.

Once again, one of the P and F fundraisers is the 2019/20 Entertainment Book. This year, no hard copies will be sent home. Families are asked to use the following link to purchase a digital or hard copy of the Book. Books can still be collected from the school after you have purchased them online. The P and F thank everyone in advance for supporting this fundraiser.

Go to https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/27151x3

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.

National Tree Day

National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia's largest community tree-planting and nature care event.

It’s a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community.

2019 Schools Tree Day is Friday 26th July and National Tree Day is Sunday 28th July.

Don’t miss this great community event!  DCO Out & About: Park Run North Shore

ADF families are invited to join us to walk, run or skip at this local community event. Get connected with your community and have some fun. Park Run is a free weekly 5km event. It is open to everyone from serious runners to families who just want to get fit. Bring the dog and the kids and start your Saturday off on the right foot. Light refreshments will be available after the event.

Families are encouraged to wear purple as part of the ADF family

Important Info

• No scooters, skateboards or bikes are allowed
• Only one dog per person
• Prams are welcome
• In the interest of safety, if you are pushing a pram, another family member/friend will need to take your dog

Park Run is a free weekly timed event. You can register to have your time recorded or you are welcome to come along and try. For more info, visit https://www.parkrun.com.au/northshore/

Where: Main St, North Shore (opp. Woolworths car park)

When: Saturday 17 August, 6.45am for a 7.00am start

To assist with catering, please RSVP by Wednesday 14 August

Click here to RSVP. Please include number of adults and children attending

Coffee Connections  – Tide Café - Thursday 1 August – 10.30am – 12.00pm

Did someone say coffee?

ADF families are invited to join us for our monthly coffee catch up. The winter weather in North Queensland is too perfect to be stuck inside. Come along and chat over a cuppa and cake. We visit a different venue each month as we explore the local café culture.

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks. Children are welcome.

To ensure we book enough seats for everyone, please RSVP here

Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)

The posting season brings lots of great new opportunities for families but there are also some challenges. Partner employment is a focus for many families. Will I be able to secure a job in the new posting locality?

Why not get a head start on your job search by accessing the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) to revamp your resume, smash those selection criteria and brush up on your interview skills. Partners can access up to $1500 per posting. 

Applications can be submitted once a posting order is received and up to 12 months from the posting effective date 

Eligibility criteria, application forms and guidelines: http://www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Family/Partners/PEAP.asp

Is your family on the move to your next posting? Stay connected with DCO

The best way to connect with your new community is to link with your local DCO office. Visit the DCO website to access local area information and services available in your new locality. 

To keep up to date with events and activities in your region, contact your local office and request to be added to their mailing list. Follow the link below, to get in touch with your local DCO office. 

More info: http://www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Community/default.asp

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.

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