Thank you to our families once again for the continued support of our school community during these changing times. Our pick up zones are one area that we have made changes to and many families are patient, considerate and can get through the line reasonably quickly. Ms Fuller does an amazing job in the Hatchett Street carpark entertaining all while getting our students to safely enter their vehicle. Our staff in the Church carpark do an almighty job coordinating the students, the crossing area and directing traffic to the pick up zones. The many families that have added their family name to their sun visor to assist with getting our students ready has been most impressive.

Recently, there have been some drivers heading in the wrong direction, particularly with the Church carpark. In the photos included below, we have tried to show where a few vehicles have been driving against road directions clearly signed. We have also had vehicles parking in areas that is illegal to park and this does put the safety our children and their families at risk. 

The Townsville Police have visited our school recently and will continue to monitor the situation to assist us to maintain a safe environment for our families.

I would like to thank those patient people for their self control and persistence with the safe and correct manner to collect your children. You certainly have displayed “The Spirit Way” and deserve credit for your actions. Please continue to follow the road rules and keep our children safe.

Next week in our Library is our Book Fair. Thank you to Judy, our Librarian, for organising this event and to install Covid safe protocols for those visiting the Library. This is a great opportunity for  adults to display our love of reading and how important this is to our lives. This week we had Matthew Bowen and Gavin Lloyd visit our Prep class and join in with spelling rules to assist us with reading. Great for our male figures to demonstrate this to our younger students. As Molly Meldrum would say, “ Do yourself a favour” and get in and visit the Book Fair next week.

Happy Days

Paul Martin

End of School Day Questions

Here are a great set of questions to help focus on the positives. These may assist to turn your son or daughter’s end-of-day attitude around and also get them sharing their highlights. I practise some of these questions with our 3-year-old son after day care and he is now starting to return questions “What did you teach today Daddy?” 

1. What is one good thing that happened today? 
2. What is something funny or interesting that happened today? 
3. Who is someone who helped you or was kind to you today, and how? 
4. What is one thing you are looking forward to tomorrow? 

The list is quite simple but the secret is in everyone sharing – mums and dads too. 

Adopt-a-Cowboy

On Tuesday, we were fortunate to have a visit from Matty Bowen and Gavin Lloyd from the North Queensland Cowboys. Year 5B students participated in team building skills and touch football drills. While Prep B had a Q & A about healthy eating and the importance of attending school. Prep B also taught Matty and Gavin about digraphs sounds. 

Holy Spirit Athletics Carnival – Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August - Reminder

Training for track and field events has been taking place during physical education lessons and will culminate with an Athletics Carnival held on the School Oval across two days on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions this event is for students only. Further information to follow in the coming weeks. 

Strength in the Spirit,

Brenton Place

Acting Assistant to the Principal – Admin

Sunday’s gospel told the story of Jesus walking on water towards the disciple’s boat in a storm.  Peter got out of the boat and walked towards Jesus but as he moved further from the safety of the boat and felt the strength of the wind, he grew afraid and started to sink.  Jesus reached out his hand and pulled Peter to safety.  Sometimes we are like Peter - full of courage and enthusiasm, but often let down by our lack of faith and fear of the unknown.  Jesus is always forgiving and ready to reach out to save us. 

This week we value persistence, a quality of The SPIRIT Way.  To have persistence is to be able to continue in an opinion or course of action despite the difficulties or opposition faced.  Our students are encouraged to always do their best, be ready to learn at school and always model respectful behaviour.  We see examples of this when students try even when they find the work frustrating, be motivated to keep going regardless of the reward and rise to the challenges with their best efforts.  This week we pray that our students be encouraging to others and be the best they can be.

On Saturday, August 15, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”.  Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times.

The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.  The Feast of the Assumption gives each of us great hope as we contemplate this one facet of the beautiful woman of faith, our Blessed Mother.  Mary moves us by example and prayer to grow in God’s grace, to be receptive to His will, to convert our lives through sacrifice and penance, and seek that everlasting union in the Heavenly Kingdom. 

God bless.

Caroline Fuller

Monday 17th - Friday 21st August.

8.15am - 3.30pm

School Library

Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system.  To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:  

Flexischools

We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am in the Hall.

Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) would be appreciated.  

Operation Connect & Reflect

Have you registered to attend our Operation connect and reflect’ program? This is a four week program where we will explore various art modalities, meditation and mindfulness, and reflect on how these strategies can be used as part of a self-care routine. There will be the opportunity to connect with fellow Defence partners in a relaxed and friendly environment. No artistic experience necessary!

Light refreshments will be provided. Covid-19 safe practices will be in place.

Last chance to RSVP: Coffee & Conversation

ADF families are invited to join us at the beautiful Heritage Tea Rooms at Hervey Range to indulge in some of their fabulous food while relaxing in the tranquil garden. Come along and chat over a cuppa and cake. We visit a different venue each month as we explore the local café culture.

Linda from the Transitions team will be joining us and will be able to answer any questions about the transition process and support for families leaving Defence.

To allow time to travel, we will meet at Reading Cinemas, Cannon Park at 10.00am. If you have a spare seat or 2 in your car and would be happy to carpool, please add details on the Eventbrite registration page.

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks. Children are welcome.

1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching Program for parents

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.

1000 Hearts is a “kindness” project that originated in Hobart, Tasmania. It's simple, yet powerful message of “spreading love and compassion” to others is it’s driving force. The act of making and sending “hearts” that are small enough to be carried in a pocket or purse, means that people know they are not alone in times of hardship.  It sends a message of appreciation and love to those who worked tirelessly in community recovery, particularly during and after natural disasters or are in need of knowing that someone out there, cares. There is strength and unity in the spirit of compassion towards others 

At the moment, we are unable to visit our friends at Brooklea Retirement Village because of current restrictions.  So becoming a “heartist” was an option offered to our Year 6 students, as a lunchtime activity and a way of showing our care and concern for the residents at Brooklea.  This idea was welcomed by the students and teachers who were happy to share the art of stitching and more importantly, the importance of nurturing positive relationships.  The purpose of making hearts for our friends at Brooklea offers students the opportunity to continue the Mini Vinnies model of “see, think and do”, as it considers others in the school and wider community. 

If you would like to support this ongoing project, please let us know.  Information can be found at the 1000 Hearts .  You may like to sew “hearts” or donate felt, fill or thread.  Every little bit helps and demonstrates our unity, as a whole school community.  Donations may be left at the office or if you would like to contact me for more information, please email me at kdonlan1@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.

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.