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Like so many other firsts during this time of social distancing and regulations for gatherings, this Sunday, families will find new ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. Zoom meetings, FaceTime, video calls will be just some of the ways for families to connect on this special day but it is no surprise to any of us that it won’t be the same.
Earlier this year, we could not imagine the response across our country to ‘Light up the Dawn’, I am sure Mother’s Day will be just as inspiring. I, like many of you, won’t be able to celebrate with my mother this Mother’s Day, but I am keen to see the creativity of families who will recognise the significant women in their lives.
I hope some of the following quotes resonate with you!
“Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mum taught me.” —Lady Gaga
“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.” —St. Therese of Lisieux
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” —Marion C. Garretty
“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” —Rudyard Kipling
“The phrase ’working mother’ is redundant.” —Jane Sellman
Wishing all the mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts and special women who contribute to our school community a very happy Mother’s Day!
On Monday Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a partial resumption of schools from next week, with Prep and Year 1 to return to school on May 11. At Holy Spirit, we will continue to practise social distancing, this continues to be a difficult concept for young children who spend many of their early years seeking the security of being physically close to others. In addition, their peripheral vision and spatial awareness are still developing. Our staff will endeavour to monitor the proximity of students.
Hygiene practices throughout the school, including handwashing will be a priority. For the safety of our students and staff members, I encourage all parents and carers to minimalise their presence in the school. While some regulations have been relaxed let’s keep our vigilance and maintain practices for the good of all in our community and beyond.
Thank you for your co-operation, take care and God bless!
Geraldine
Welcome to Week 3.
How did everyone go with the 'Golf Challenge'? Thanks to all those families that gave it a go and gave feedback on their scores. I can inform you that based on my scores over the week-end, I will not be joining the pro tour.
Last Friday was 'Tropical Friday' and what a display we had from students at school and at home. It was great to see so many students and staff get into the 'spirit' of things. This week, we will wear BLUE as blue is the colour for wellbeing.
A reminder that the Albert St gate is locked as no staff are currently on duty in the afternoons. Pick up zones are through Hatchett Street, Ross River Road crossing and through the Church.
We are looking forward to May 11 as our Prep and Year 1 students return to school full time. This will see learning delivered face to face at school for these year levels. The online portal for Years 2-6 will continue until the projected date of May 25 when they are expected to return to school as well. Thank you to all our families who continue to support the school, staff and our families during these changing times.
Stay safe, healthy and..
Happy Days
Paul Martin
Why did Jesus call himself the Good Shepherd? A good shepherd, in Jesus’ time, knew his sheep by name, and led them to good pasture and water. When he called, the sheep recognised his voice, for in his voice was the assurance of the next meal and of safety in times of trouble. Most importantly, a good shepherd would never forsake his sheep. If a wolf approached, it was the shepherd who guided his flock to safety; guarding them with his own life. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus likened himself to a shepherd promising to be there for all of us if we followed his way.
This week at Holy Spirit, we value gentleness. Gentleness is the virtue of doing good causing the least possible harm to others, therefore promoting the well-being of others. We can make everything we do a little act of love for God through the virtue of gentleness. If we love God, we love one another! This week, we pray our students will be encouraged to put this into action by becoming aware of where help is needed, helping others and appreciating the help of others, and most of all being respectful of everyone.
MAY, THE MONTH OF MARY: By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. In May, it is the Blessed Virgin Mary. This devotion arose among Jesuits in Rome in the late 18th century and quickly spread throughout the Western Church. There are several Marian feast days in May in Honour of Mary including; Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (13th May), Feast of Mary Help of Christians (24th May) and Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (31st May).
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day. The history of Mother's Day is centuries old and goes back to the times of ancient Greeks, who held festivities to honour Rhea, ‘the mother of the gods,’ by offering honey-cakes, flowers and drinks. Mother’s Day has evolved and developed over the years in different countries to the celebration it is today. On this day, we show our appreciation for the achievements and efforts of our mothers and or mother figures. I hope all our mums have a wonderful day surrounded by loved ones.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller
This Friday, students and staff are welcome to wear something 'BLUE' . We need to look after our well-being and Blue is a colour that has a positive influence on our mindset.
All members in leadership within the catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese, are required to complete an appraisal in the penultimate year of their contract. Parents and staff members may be contacted by the Catholic Education Office to complete a survey this term.
Throughout this term all parents and staff members are invited to complete the survey. The link when available will be provided in the school newsletter.
Good news, our tuckshop is now back to our normal tuckshop menu.
There will still be no counter sales at this stage.
Stay Connected with DCO
Create an online " support crew" to help during self-isolation
Gather my crew is an Australian based charity that helps bring people together to coordinate the right kind of help from friends, family and neighbours. In 3 easy steps you can coordinate support and help each other.
- Select the help needed from a list of common tasks
- Invite family and friends to be your support crew
- Crew members check the list and select things they can help with
FREE parking in CBD
All Council-controlled (including on-street) parking will be free in the CBD for the period of 25 March until 30 June 2020.
Free parking is a great way to bring visitors into the CBD and encourage them to shop local.
Applicable to all Council pay and display areas, however time restrictions still apply and will be enforced.
Defence Family Helpline
For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Family Helpline. Run by the Defence Community Organisation, the Helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.
The helpline is available 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
Parenting Blog
Maintaining kids' mental health during the coronavirus pandemic
by Michael Grose
Children and young people are beginning to feel the strain of life in family lockdown. While a great deal of media attention is being placed on their learning, their mental health also needs to be prioritised.
In this article Parenting Ideas founder Michael Grose outlines a practical framework that will help keep maintain good mental health in your child or young person.
Term Dates 2020 |
||
Term 2 |
Monday 20 April 2020 |
Friday 26 June 2020 |
Term 3 |
Monday 13 July 2020 |
Friday 18 September 2020 |
Term 4 |
Tuesday 6 October 2020 |
Friday 4 December 2020 |
Pupil Free Day: Friday 4 September 2020 |
If your child is going to be absent, please enter the details through Compass, as this is the most efficient way to inform the school.
All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings).
Phone 1800 826 155
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.
Wednesday Assemblies |
|
Prep – Year 2 |
8.40am |
Years 3 – 6 |
2.10pm |
Whole School Assemblies |
8.45am |
Daily Bell Times |
|
8.15 am |
Students are allowed to move to class |
8.30 am |
School day commences |
10.30 am |
Morning tea bell |
10.55 am |
Five minute warning bell |
11.00 am |
School day resumes |
1.00 pm |
Lunch bell |
1.30 pm |
Five minute warning bell |
1.35 pm |
School day resumes. |
2.50 pm |
School day concludes |