This week, is another week of firsts for our students, parents and staff members.

We are mid-way through the first week of remote learning for our school community. Many families in our country experience remote learning more commonly known as School of the Air.

Congratulations to our students, parents and staff members for accepting the challenge. While it may be a little daunting for some, for others it is another chance to gain a new skill set. Finding a space for learning and a space for relaxation can be problematic. As adults, we know the importance of separating the work space from the home space, children too, have the same need.

Another first, is the commemoration of ANZAC Day on Saturday. This year for the first time in more than twenty years, our students, like many throughout our country will not attend the Dawn Service or the ANZAC March.

Townsvillians are encouraged to light up their driveways to observe ANZAC Day. I encourage you to share the brief commemorative observance provided by Caroline Fuller in the APRE section of this newsletter. Children’s stories such as 'My Grandad Marches on ANZAC Day' by Catriona Hoy, are available on YouTube.

It is a great week to be reminded of the spirit of the ANZACs when so many in our Townsville community and beyond experience the adverse effect of Covid-19. This spirit of the ANZACS lives in all of us as a gift from the Resurrected Christ.

If your family has been financially impacted by Covid-19 and you have any concerns, please contact me or Allison Lyons, the school Finance Secretary via email at accounts@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au

At Holy Spirit, we continue to follow the protocols of social distancing, always a challenge for young children, as well as the many reminders about handwashing. More sanitiser arrived this week!

Thank you for your patience and support.

Take care and God bless

Geraldine

One of the Gospel stories told at this time is the story of the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus after his death and Resurrection.  They were telling others what had happened when Jesus suddenly appeared among them.  Jesus reassured them telling them not to be afraid, and convinced them he was real and alive, despite his wounds, by eating a piece of fish.  Jesus told his disciples to go out and tell the world that he had died and risen to new life.  They were to be his witnesses to all that had happened.  As members of the Christian family we are called to follow Christ and be  witness for him every day of our lives by living God’s way.

As we begin a new term, this week at Holy Spirit we value joyfulness.  We are an Easter people, a people marked by joyfulness.  Jesus is raised.  His resurrection means our salvation.  How could a person not be filled with joy over such wonderful news? 

While Easter happens on one Sunday of the year, we are called to be Easter people all of the time:  in Lent and Easter, Advent and Christmas, and Ordinary Time too.  Every day is or can be a day to be joyful!  Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  As we begin a new term in these unusual circumstances, let us all take the time to pray for thanks for the joy in our lives.

PROJECT COMPASSION:  During Lent, we were asked to help raise funds to send to CARITAS to support their mission work.  Well done to all who contributed to the Project Compassion boxes at home and at school.  A little bit goes a long way! 

ANZAC DAY:  On Saturday, we remember the ANZACS, who through their bravery gave us the freedom to live our unique Australian life with pride.  Just imagine, these Australian and New Zealand soldiers came from different places, homes and cultures.  Some were teenage boys; others were fathers with young children. All had a common purpose and individual differences had to be set aside as they joined to work for the best outcome for our countries.  This Saturday, we encourage all our families to gather and say the following prayer together.  For music, thanks to the wonderful work of the creators of the ‘ANZAC Websites’, you may like to access the following link for music for our students:  http://www.anzacwebsites.com/sound/music-dva.htm

Family Member: ANZAC Day is a special day for all Australians and New Zealanders.  This year, we cannot go to a parade or join in an ANZAC Day march, but we can still remember and give thanks to all those who have protected our country and continue to do so today.  We are in this together, united in Spirit.

Family Member:  A Reading from the Gospel of John:  “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”   The Gospel of the Lord.  All:  Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

The family might like to take one minute in silence.

Depending on your resources (see link above) you could then:

• Play The Last Post
• Have someone recite The Ode - They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn.  At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.  All:  Lest we forget
• Play the Reveille. 

Family Member:  Hear these prayers

For the service men and women- the ANZACs, who fought around the world for the freedom of all Australians. 

For the men and women who continue to serve to keep Australia safe and to assist those in greatest need.

You might like to conclude with the Our Father and or sing the National Anthem! 

God bless.

Caroline Fuller