If students are unwell and have flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell, runny nose and fatigue), they must stay at home and seek advice about undergoing COVID-19 testing when symptoms persist/increase for more than 24 hours. Contact your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately and call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery advising of your child’s symptoms.

Students and staff must stay at home until test results have been returned. This is to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and to keep the school community safe. Please adhere to Government regulations and keep children at home until test results have been returned.

As you'd be aware, some states are currently trying to manage significant outbreaks of COVID-19 caused by community transmission. In order to protect Queensland residents from the spread of COVID-19, the Chief Health Officer (CHO) has issued a Border Restrictions Direction which imposes border control measures on entry and re-entry into Queensland. These measures include strict quarantining obligations for those returning from declared COVID Hotspots, which now includes all of NSW, ACT and Victoria.

If you are intending to travel interstate, please be aware of this situation and of the possibility of changes to current restrictions at short notice. I strongly encourage you to have a discussion with a member of the Leadership Team regarding any future private interstate travel plans. This will assist us in managing our school community and the work, health and safety obligations to our staff and the broader school community.

Recently Pope Francis reminded us and firmly reassured us that God is with us during this global pandemic. Let's continue to pray for those directly affected by the virus: doctors and nurses, the sick, those who have died and their family members in mourning.

A reminder to lock in September 4 as a Pupil Free Day. This day is set across all Queensland schools and replaces the usually scheduled day in October. Our staff will be working our data to make informed decisions around teaching and learning.

National Science week continues this week and Holy Spirit catholic School loves being involved. We have Prep's working with water, ocean waves in a bottle, students working with Saint Margaret Mary's doing experiments to our senior students designing ocean probes that would map the ocean floor. Thank you to the many people involved in our school community for assisting us to highlight Science Week.

Happy Days,

Paul Martin 

Joy To The World

There’s a famous cartoon song-line “Don’t worry … be happy” that reminds us that others depend upon our happiness. From a teacher and parental point of view, our children are greatly reliant on us for their happiness. So what does happiness “mean” to us? Is it having things and “stuff”? Is it connected to doing things OUR way? Or is it connected to life and our relationships? The greatest happiness and prosperity in life is not any material thing, but life itself. The basic things that we often take for granted are the things that can bring the greatest happiness. Happiness is inwards –
it’s a frame of mind. As I wonder through our playground and classrooms, I always look for the sparkle in children’s eyes; those eyes that give a glimpse of happy soul. Happiness starts from the inside and flows out.

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

Our much-anticipated Athletics Carnival will take place next week on our School Oval. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions this event is for students only.
Day 1 – Thursday, 27 August: Year 3 to Year 6 students will participate in Long Jump, Shot Put as well as selected students will qualify for the High Jump finals based on HPE lessons.
Day 2 – Friday, 28 August: Prep to Year 6 students will participate in sprints, novelties and relays.
Students are invited to wear their House colour shirt or their sports uniform.

Northern Region School Basketball Selection

Congratulations to Charlie F – 6B for his selection into the Northern Region School Basketball Team.
Charlie will travel to Carrara (Gold Coast) on the 28th  October to compete in the State Championship, October 29th  – November 1st . Well done Charlie!

Strength in the Spirit,
Brenton Place
Acting Assistant to the Principal – Admin

On one of his trips, Jesus met a Canaanite woman who was from Canaan (Matthew 15:21-28).  She wanted him to help her daughter whose mind was disturbed.  But Jesus ignored her at first, because he had been sent to bring his message to the Jewish people.  But she persisted and Jesus was struck by the strength of her belief and cured her daughter.  We learn that Jesus is ready to listen and help anyone who asks who has faith and belief in him and his message.

How do we listen to others?  ‘I told my Mum but she was busy cooking tea. She said “yes” so I did tell her,’ said a little person to me the other day.  How often do we get caught out because we haven’t given someone our full attention when they tell us something?  Quality listening is engaging with the person speaking, good eye contact, being still, thinking and responding appropriately.  These are skills our students need to learn to engage in their learning, think creatively and respond to their full potential.  We are their greatest models!

This week at Holy Spirit, we value thankfulness.  This is the feeling of being happy or grateful because of something.  When we are pleased and grateful for something we have, this is an example of a time when we are thankful.  This also helps us all to think of other people’s feelings and acknowledging the good by paying them a compliment or simply being reminded of the good things in our lives.  This week, we pray that our students show they are thankful for the good things in their lives to those around them.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller

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.  

Last chance to RSVP: Dr Seuss Picnic

Just a reminder that the Dr Seuss Picnic is next Tuesday 18 August on the lawns at Queens Gardens from 10.00am – 12.00pm.

Come dressed as your favourite Dr Seuss character. We have plenty of great activities planned. There will be cupcakes to decorate, all your favourite books will be there to read with the kids, big colouring plus even more fun to fill the morning. We can’t wait to see you there.

BYO rug and picnic to enjoy on the lawns. We will provide some light snacks, cordial, and water but you will need to                                            BYO coffee.

“It’s fun to have fun but you have to know how”. It's not too late to grab a ticket. Email dco.townsville@defence.gov.au to register.

Only 3 spots left: Operation Connect & Reflect

We have 3 spots left on this great program which starts on Wednesday night, 19 August. If you would like to join us, email dco.townsville@defence.gov.au by COB Monday. ADF partners in Townsville are invited 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!

RSL Scholarships – applications open 18 August

The RSL Queensland Scholarship program aims to empower ex-Defence personnel, Defence partners and veteran dependants by supporting them through tertiary study.

Visit the RSL Queensland website for full scholarship eligibility details, application processes and scholarship terms and conditions.

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.

Queensland Road Safety week will be held from 24-28 August 2020.  It is being delivered in partnership by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service.

Road safety is everyone's responsibility and putting road safety first should be the priority every time we're on or near the road.  Despite traffic volumes on our roads being greatly reduced during the COVID-19 restrictions, the number of lives lost on Queensland roads continues to rise.

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.