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There are many lessons that we learn in life. It is human for us to repeat mistakes and sometimes we need a re-run of the lesson before we master the concept. It is interesting to reflect on what lessons we will learn from our experiences over the past two months.
In the past week I asked some students ‘What is something that has changed in your family during remote learning?’ I prompted the children with ‘Did your family cook more cakes, do more jigsaw puzzles?’
One child’s response was, ‘I learnt to use less toilet paper!’ This is the secret as to why teachers never leave school, the entertaining responses from children! I agreed with the student, I think we all learnt that life lesson!
My mother is a child of the depression and she often recalls stories from that time. One influence for her was to eat everything on her plate. While her family was fortunate that her father had employment and they had a cow and chooks, she saw the result for other families who had little to eat.
As a school, I believe we have seen the impact of good hygiene. Our staff members have always reminded children of the importance of hand washing. However, with a combined approach from parents, teachers, community announcements and advertising the number of sick staff members and students is minimal.
What will be the life lessons for you and your family? I will value the freedom to travel interstate to be with family, appreciate the generosity of others and remember to keep just a little extra supply of toilet paper.
We look forward to the return of students and all staff for the second part of Term 2.
God bless
Geraldine
One of the fantastic tools that has been used across the school has been the Google Suite, from emails and sheets to forms and Google Meets. The chatting option through Google Hangouts has been a fantastic opportunity for students to stay in contact with remote friends and with their teachers. We also take this opportunity to remind students about who they are chatting to. We have our settings so that this is within the school domain, however it is important that the message of cyber safety is part of our discussions.
As we dust of those school bags and lunch boxes and head into cooler weather, it might also be a great chance to give the red jumper a wash so we are ready for those chilly mornings. Thank you to the many families adhering to the uniform policy, even in these trying times. Your efforts are certainly noticed. You are true Holy Spirit Legends.
The Ascension of our Lord into heaven was celebrated on Sunday. The time had come for Jesus to say goodbye to his disciples and return to his Father in heaven. They had work to do when he was gone, but through the Holy Spirit they would never feel alone again or afraid. Each one of us in our own way can do our best to share God’s words and faith with those around us in our words and actions. We encourage our students to always take pride in doing their best in whatever they do at school, at home or in the community.
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 displayed in the office is work from Year 4B students. They have been learning about the different types of prayers, the structure of prayers and are starting to write their own prayers. Well done to the students that provide us with lovely prayers for this week.
God bless
Caroline Fuller
Dear Parents,
We are participating in the Redgum Book Club virtual catalogue this term. Every order will earn resources and books for our school. To view the current catalogue open link Redgum Catalogue
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The catalogue will consist of new releases, bestsellers and discount titles.
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Every parent order will earn Redgum credits for your school to purchase books and resources.
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All orders will be delivered to the parents/carers home address.
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Free delivery on all orders over $40. For orders under $40, there is a delivery charge of $6.50.
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Orders will be despatched from our warehouse within 2 days of placing the order.
If you have any questions, email Lesley on schools@redgumbookclub.com.au
Closes on Monday 25th May
Our Monster Dodger Draw!!
Thank you to all the families who have already sold and returned their dodgers!
For those that haven't returned them please do so ASAP.
We understand dodger sales may be difficult in this current situation but will still require the tickets returned sold or unsold to comply with the Gaming and Licensing Act.
Northern Cross Country @ Home - Virtual Fun Run
As we are all aware, due to the coronavirus, Northern School Sport in unable to offer this event in 2020.
In an effort to encourage activity in those students learning@home (as well as those students that have been attending school), Northern School Sport is conducting a Virtual Cross Country event.
Please see below for nomination form and further information.
Good news, our tuckshop is now back to our normal tuckshop menu.
Counter sales from 1.10pm - 1.25pm for cold cups and snacks only.
Helping your child transition back to school
COVID-19 has created a great deal of change for us all. Following on from this challenging and unexpected situation, families may be experiencing many different feelings about the upcoming return to school. Some children may be feeling excited about returning to school, where others may be feeling more apprehensive. With this in mind, it is important to remember that seeing some worry amongst children is normal and expected during this time. For some children, this may also include difficulty readjusting to the school routine.
A helpful way to approach your child’s return to school, is to think of it as being similar to the start of the school year. This means getting used to a more formal way of learning and routine again.
Below are some strategies parents may find helpful in preparation for the transition:
- Be prepared with uniforms, school lunches etc. Involve your child in packing their school bag so it is ready to go the night before.
- Have a familiar routine, calm evening and early bedtime the night before. Start re-establishing routines, such as bedtimes, waking times and snack times.
- You may like to read a story that talks about being separated from loved ones. Examples of this may include, ‘The Kissing Hand’, ‘Llama Llama Misses Mama’, and ‘The Invisible String’ (available for viewing online).
- Tune into your child’s feelings (talk to them about how they are feeling). Show patience and empathy with this.
- Remind them of home and school expectations.
- Explain beforehand the drop off and pick up plan (when you will pick them up, where you will pick them up from).
- Resist the urge to ‘hang around’ when doing the drop off. Don’t prolong the goodbyes, but make sure your child knows you have left.
- You may like to develop a special goodbye or temporary ‘keepsake’ (i.e. photo of mum/dad in their pocket).
- Try to appear relaxed and positive about the first day back.
- A reward chart may be useful if extra motivation is required.
It may take time for your child to settle back into the school routine. Every child will respond differently and that is okay. It is important to involve your child’s classroom teacher in the process, if there is particular difficulty with the transition. Be kind to yourself and remember that school staff are here to help.
Information contributed from raisingchildren.net.au, emergingminds.com.au, and parentmap.com.au
National Sorry Day
26th May 2020
The five-petal Native Cotton, Desert Rose, or Native Hibiscus as we know it, was chosen by members to symbolise the scattering of the Stolen Generations and their resilience to the eugenic policies of Australia. This was initially proposed by members of the Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation, and later endorsed by the National Sorry Day Committee. It is wholeheartedly supported by the National Stolen Generations Alliance.
This Stolen Generation flower was adopted because it is found widely across Australia and it is a survivor. Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing. https://humanrights.gov.au/about/get-involved/events/national-sorry-day
DCO Webinar: Education and schooling during and after COVID-19
ADF families with school aged children are invited to join us for the next webinar in the DCO webinar series, Education and schooling during and after COVID. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, 20 May at 8pm AEST and will run for about an hour and will provide information about the support provided by our Education Liaison Officers, the role of Defence School Mentors and the funding available through our Education Assistance Scheme.
The webinar will also provide information about navigating the different state or territory education systems, and tips and strategies to manage learning at home and managing the change back to face-to-face classes at school. The webinar will finish off with a Q&A session for parents.
Don't forget to download the free Zoom app from the Apple iStore or Google Play so you can join us.
Just launched: Kookaburra Kids Connect
Kookaburra Kids Connect has been developed to form and strengthen bonds between young people living in families experiencing mental illness and to increase their sense of belongingness and connectedness. Additionally, the program will help empower young people by improving mental health literacy and to promote safe and positive help-seeking behaviours.
The sessions are “hosted” by AKKF staff and volunteers and are designed to be a safe area where young people can express themselves in a supportive environment. The hosts do not record the sessions nor are these sessions designed to be like a school lesson or a therapy appointment.
Expression of Interest: Cert III in Community Services
Community GRO’s Skilling Queenslanders for work program is still accepting Expression of interest (EOI) for the next cohort of students. We will be starting back in the near future and there are still some places on the program available. We have adequate space at the Upper Ross Community Centre to adhere to social distancing requirements and are accepting a total of 17 participants in the next class.
Nationally recognised Certificate III qualification
First aid/CPR training
CORES Suicide prevention training
Training at no cost to participants
Tailored individualised support
Learner support
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.
Term Dates 2020 |
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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 |
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Prep – Year 2 |
8.40am |
Years 3 – 6 |
2.10pm |
Whole School Assemblies |
8.45am |
Daily Bell Times |
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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 |