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Welcome back to Term 3! Unlike the beginning of Term 2, we are looking forward to a term of more settled routines.
We especially welcome Mr Philip Clem who will be teaching 6D while Mrs Angela Bourne enjoys the reward of motherhood with baby Harry. Congratulations to Angela, her husband Craig and daughter Evie.
This term we will continue with many of the Covid regulations regarding hygiene routines. While we have been very fortunate in Queensland, particularly Townsville, I would ask that you continue minimising the presence of adults in our school grounds.
For the time being, assemblies will continue to be ‘virtual’ assemblies until there is a change to current regulations.
During the holidays I hope you were rewarded with some of the many amazing locations in Queensland or at least the benefit of a northern winter!
God bless
Geraldine
Welcome back to another exciting term at Holy Spirit. We especially would like to welcome our new families to the school community. Seven new students begin their time with us as well as Phil Clem (6D teacher) as Mrs Angela Bourne takes maternity leave.
The students in our upper school have continued their morning runs around Queensland this week. At 8am, students run, walk, skip around a set course and clock up the kilometres to see how far they can travel. Great to see so many students joining in, especially on those chilly mornings. If any student would like to join, the students meet Mr Martin, Mr Place or Ms Egelton in the Hall from 8am.
As the temperatures drop and we dig out those school jumpers, please remember that the uniform policy states plain red jumpers or red jumpers from School Locker are to be worn at Holy Spirit. The cold weather appears to be here for a short period but can sneak up on us sometimes.
We would love to thank those families using the Stop Drop and Go areas. Guidelines provided to us from the Catholic Education Office still asks adults, including parents to minimise entry into our school to comply with Covid 19 restrictions in Catholic Schools. Lots of families are taking advantage of the wonderful supervision provided at our waiting areas. Albert Street is open and not as busy as many believe it to be. The Church car park is running smoothly with our new routines and Hatchett Street is pumping along as usual. Thank you for keeping our school community safe.
Happy Days
Paul Martin
On Sunday, Jesus told us the parable of the farmer who went out to sow some seeds in his field. In Jesus’ day when the farmer wanted to plant seeds, he walked up and down the field, scattering the seeds by hand from a large open basket. The seed that fell on the rich soil grew healthy and strong but the seed that fell on rocky ground or amongst weeds was eaten by birds, or shrivelled or was choked by weeds and died. Jesus was encouraging His listeners to listen to God’s word (the seeds) and follow His example to live with love in their hearts so they could grow like a healthy plant.
This week at Holy Spirit we value unity. Unity is a very powerful virtue and it brings great strength to us as individuals and the greater whole. When we practice unity, we allow ourselves to feel connected to everything and everyone. To best describe what that can mean to us as a school community, I would like to share the following: ‘What is unity? How is it different than cooperation or tolerance? With cooperation, we work together to get something done. Unity is the feeling of being at one and connected with others. Unity naturally leads to cooperation. Unity is the feeling of being connected to our family even when we live miles apart. It is the sorrow we feel when we see someone’s suffering even if they are a total stranger. When we are united with others, their joy is our joy and their sorrow is our sorrow. Unlike tolerance, where we try and ‘accept’ differences, with unity, we notice and appreciate the uniqueness and diversity each individual brings to the whole. Although different in many ways, we feel connected.’ This week, we pray our students connect with those people near and far to show their appreciation for others and the gifts they share with each other.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME INFORMATION
At the end of last term, the Sacramental Team met with Fr John to discuss options for our students to complete the 2020 Sacramental Programme. An email was sent to all families. It was decided that children who attend Holy Spirit Catholic School will participate in the workshops during school time. This will occur over a period of 4 weeks at a time that is least disruptive to learning.
Tentative dates have been made for a joint Confirmation/First Eucharist Mass for children participating in the Sacramental Programme. Families will be given one of the following 2 dates:
- Sunday 30th August 2020 @ 10:30am
- Sunday 13th September 2020 @ 10:30am
Under current COVID-19 regulations, restrictions still apply in regard to the number of people allowed to attend Mass. Holy Spirit Parish has advised that no more than 4 people per family (including the child), may attend the Mass. Therefore, these restrictions mean: the child participating in the Sacramental Programme, the Sponsor of the child (for Confirmation) and only 2 additional people will be allowed to attend. Should regulations change, families will be advised.
A permission note will be sent out to our families prior to the commencement of the workshops (to commence in Week 3).
For any child who has yet to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please contact Fr John at the Parish, on 4779 1404 to organise a time for your child to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Unfortunately, children who have not made the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the workshops, will not be eligible to participate in the rest of the Sacramental Programme.
Thank you to Fr. John and the Sacramental Team for working together to enable our children to receive the Sacraments this year.
Tomorrow, 16th July, is the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. This Feast Day is of great significance to Father John, our Parish Priest. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the title given to Mary in her role as patroness of the Carmelite Order. The first Carmelites were Christian hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early to mid-13th century. They built in the midst of their hermitages a chapel which they dedicated to Mary. They prayed for her protection and her help in contemplative prayer.
Welcome back for the new term and God bless.
Caroline Fuller
HSCS Indigenous Shirt now ready
Holy Spirit Catholic School Indigenous Shirt for students and staff is ready to be ordered online. These shirts are optional and will have special days to be worn to school. There are shirts available in the Office to use as a size guide if needed (during Office hours). All orders must be in no later than 31/07/2020. Delivery will be made to the school at the beginning of September.
To order, please use the following link:
https://www.blackchrome.com.au/shop/holy-spirit-catholic-school/
Over the weekend we were saddened to hear of the loss of Wayne Hannah.
Wayne is a past parent and in his role as a tennis coach, worked with our students teaching basic tennis skills.
For many years Wayne has supported our school regularly turning up with prizes for the Cent Sale. Wayne’s wife, Julie and daughter Sally are in our thoughts and prayers.
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
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16.07.20 |
John Edwards, Rose McSherry, Andrea Sprott |
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17.07.20 |
Jeena Philips-Koshy, Tim Marrinan, Virginia Novinetz |
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20.07.20 |
Paula Luke, Kate Smith, Barbara Page | ||
21.07.20 |
Sue Viviers, Thiru Sasi Emmanuel, Tina McDonough | ||
22.07.20 |
Christine Nash, Kerri Player |
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CAKE (We are kindly accepting donations of packet cakes only at this time) | |||
20.07.20 |
Heather D'Mello, Lanie Hedger |
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21.07.20 |
Helen Spagnol | ||
FRUIT |
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20.07.20 |
Allyce Rawnsley, Emily Lyons | ||
21.07.20 |
Bernadette Bryant, Louise Sutton |
We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am in the Hall.
Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) would be appreciated.
Our choice of words when communicating with kids makes a huge difference when trying to get their co-operation, particularly with children and young people who like to have their own way. The more we push a child who is resistant, the more likely they are to push back and display greater opposition.
The way we make a request of a child can affect how they respond. It can be the difference between defiance and cooperation. In this article Michael Grose shares five words that invite resistance from kids, and gives alternatives that invite cooperation instead.
Webinar for Parents: Win kids' cooperation
In this webinar, Parenting Ideas founder Michael Grose shows you how to stop yelling, bargaining and bribing your kids to get the cooperation you want. Hear his most popular behaviour management techniques to help you get more cooperation and better behaviour from kids who don’t like to be told what to do.
Developmental Planners
How prepared are you to parent a child at each stage of development? Do you have the development knowledge required to manage, communicate with and raise kids at each stage? Our age-based developmental guides help take the trial and error from parenting
Save the date: Dr Seuss Picnic
Who doesn't love Dr Seuss! It has been a part of all our childhoods and the whacky author with his famous tongue twisters can bring a smile to the faces of both adults & children. Join us for a Dr Seuss themed picnic in the park. Come dressed as your favourite Dr Seuss character & BYO picnic. There will be lots of fun activities for the young & the young at heart. Pop Tuesday 18 August in your diaries and watch this space for further details.
Returning the end of July: My Dad & Me
Kids of all ages love spending time with their dads. Our monthly My Dad & Me program will return on Saturday 25 July. Get your running shoes on for some Backyard Olympics fun. ADF kids & their dads from toddlers to tweens can join in the fun. Remember: This is a Mum free zone so give her the morning off. More info will be posted to Eventbrite in coming weeks.
The calm after COVID - stepping out of isolation
For many we are entering a new phase of COVID-19 which is stepping out of isolation and re-integrating into post isolation life. Isolation may have been a period that allowed you time to develop a new skill, bake some bread and reflect on what you want your life and relationship to look like moving forward. For others it may have been a challenging time for you and your family.
Therefore moving into this next phase may leave you experiencing feelings of uncertainty, confusion, fear, grief or apprehension. Given the diverse range of experiences people have been through during this time, it is important to consider how you are feeling now and what you can do to keep yourself and your family strong moving into the next phase. Whatever your experience it is completely normal and it is important to know that there are strategies for you and your family as you step out of isolation. The four C’s were established to help cope with the stepping out phase of isolation.
Four Cs for Coping With Post-Isolation
- Control. Focus on what you can control versus what you can't. For example, you can wear a mask when you leave your home and bring sanitizer wherever you go. Also, you can rearrange your work environment to make you feel more comfortable such as moving desks apart or creating a policy or routine for sanitizing. Make a plan of action steps that will help you to feel safer and more secure when outside of your home. Follow all state and Fed health advice and policies.
- Clarify. Before you see friends, family or co-workers be clear with yourself and others about what your boundaries are. Let them know how often or in what context you feel comfortable seeing them. Be specific. A hug is not OK but 6 feet apart is alright.
- Calm. Before you leave the house, do some deep breathing exercises to reduce your anxiety level. Deep breathing is important for reducing your blood pressure and creating a sense of calm.
- Choose. Choose your pace. You don't have to jump back in fully. Take your time. Pace yourself. Go out for short amounts of time to habituate to being back in public places.
If this has raised any questions or concerns for you, DCO provides free confidential counselling to member’s and their families. If you would like support, please phone the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 and asked to referred to the Townsville office.
Exploring Townsville: Magnetic Island
You don't have to travel far to enjoy a holiday at home. There is so much to see & do on Maggie and it is only a short ferry ride away. Be prepared to set your watch to island time. Plan a day trip or a weekend stay. Your visit can be as relaxed or adrenaline filled as you like or maybe a bit of both. Jump on a jet ski, cuddle a koala, visit the day spa, go horse riding or eat out at one of the many restaurants. Relax and swim in the bays or take a hike on one of the Fort walks. The possibilities are endless.
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 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 |
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 |
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.