Last week, Year 6, staff and students and a handful of parents ventured to Lake Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre for 4 days. The students and adults incorporated the 5 keys of success that they have been learning about into action around the lake. The 5 keys are: Getting Along, Confidence, Resilience, Organisation and Persistence. What a fantastic 4 days!

The students tested their abilities around these keys through abseiling, high ropes course, canoes, kayaks, as well as learning about sustainability and the environment. Thank you to the parent helpers who gave of their time to assist with this camp.

Thank you also goes to the staff for the time, energy and commitment to our students as they take on the parent role 24 hours a day for over 100 students. A massive ask and they do this with professionalism. If you please get a chance, pass on your thanks to these staff members for such a memorable camp for our students.

This week, we saw our future arrive at Holy Spirit with the Orientation day for 2020 Prep's and new students. There was much excitement as they visited their teacher and classroom for the first time. Thank you to the many families that took the time to familiarise their child in preparation for 2020.

Next week, Holy Spirit is full of action as we have our Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday, Carols on Thursday night and Swimming Carnival on Friday. If you can assist with the swimming carnival, please contact the office. Looking forward to another action packed week at our school.

Happy Days

Paul

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the coming destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and warns that his followers will face persecution for their beliefs.  Jesus encourages his disciples never to lose faith in Him and their belief in God in times of trouble.  As disciples of Jesus, we need to trust in the continuing presence and power of His Holy Spirit of love in our lives. 

This week at Holy Spirit we value hospitality which is about opening one’s home and heart to those who need a place to belong.  Hospitality is at the heart of many of the gospel stories.  Being kind, generous and welcoming to our friends, family and those we know is easy.  It takes courage to welcome or help the stranger by extending hospitality to those in need.  We pray that our students recognise the needs of others and be generous toward others, especially those who need help.

St Vincent De Paul Class Christmas Hamper:  This week, classes begin their collection for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper.  Each year we donate Christmas goodies to St Vincent De Paul to distribute to those in need in our community.  We ask that all students begin collecting suitable items for the Christmas Hampers.  If we all generously put in a little something we end up with quite a large donation to help those less fortunate than ourselves.  What better way to open our hearts to those in need this Christmas?  These will be presented at our Christmas Liturgy in the last week of school.   Please do not send in any perishables.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller

Year 6 Camp Fees

If you haven't paid your child's camp fees, please do so immediately.

All school instruments must be returned to Mrs Laing or the School Office by Thursday 28th November. Students who have an instrumental lesson in week 9 must hand their instrument in after their last lesson.

Thursday 28^th November

 Children in the HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL ORCHESTRA need to assemble in the Quadrangle at 6.15pm. Their performance will commence at 6.30pm.

Children in the GRADE 4, 5 & 6 CHOIR need to assemble in the Quadrangle at 6.30pm for their performance at 6.45pm.

Children in the Recorder Ensemble need to assemble in the Quadrangle at 6.45pm for their performance at 7.00pm.

Children are not required to wear school uniform. 

Please wear smart casual or Christmas clothes!

The Lions van will be selling food and drink.

Santa will be available from 5pm for photos!

Order of Events

Holy Spirit School Orchestra

Choir

Recorder Ensemble

Prep

Grades 4 & 1

Grades 6 & 3

Grades 5 & 2

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.

White Ribbon Day 2019 is on Friday 22 November, and is Australia’s national day for raising awareness of men’s violence against women, and how to prevent it in your community and receive ongoing support.

A White Ribbon School is an overt symbol of a school’s commitment to building safer, more respectful and productive schools and communities. https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/day/resources

Holy Spirit Catholic School is proud to be recognised as a White Ribbon School.

It is everyone’s responsibility to “spread the word about respectful relationships and preventing violence”.

Save the Date: Welcome to Townsville Expo 2020

Defence Community Organisation invites Townsville families to join us to find out about the services available in the region. Visit information stalls for community agencies, sports and recreation groups, employment and recruiting agencies. There will be plenty of free activities for the children.

Where: Townsville Stadium

When: Saturday 9 February 2020 from 10.00am – 1.00pm

There is always something happening at Geckos Family Centre

Did you know that you can pop into Geckos just to let the children burn off some energy on the play equipment even if the centre is closed?

If you drop in during business hours, Nikki & Kylie are always happy to share a smile, a cuppa and a chat.

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

All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings).

Phone 1800 826 155

The School Locker

Uniform days for students:

Monday and Wednesday - Formal uniform
Tuesday and Thursday - Sports uniform
Friday - own choice
Senior shirts may be worn on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Annual Seminary Appeal

This week is the annual Seminary Education Appeal in Parishes. This appeal helps support the formation and education of our seminarian attending the Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane. It was only last week the Diocese saw the fruit of the work the Seminary is doing with the Ordination of Fr Emene Kelemete. Townsville’s other seminarian William Brennan is currently completing his second year of formation.

Your donation helps support these young men to become the shepherds of the future in our diocese.

Please consider making a regular monthly contribution. Envelopes will be made available in the Parish.

Be an angel of hope to vulnerable families around the world: buy a Global Gift this Christmas.

No matter what Global Gift you choose, you will be the angel the most vulnerable people in the world need to walk with them and transform their lives.

Order Global Gift cards online at www.globalgifts.org.au or call us on 1800 024 413.

National Prayer Campaign for Drought

The Catholic Bishops of Australia have announced a National Prayer Campaign for Drought to take place during November. People across the country are encouraged to pray for the gift of rain, for people affected by the drought and to provide practical support, where possible. The Bishops note that large parts of the country are directly affected by the drought, but the impact is national – and so should the response be national. Access resources and find out more at: www.catholic.org.au/drought

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 compass app.