Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Principal’s Conference for the Diocese here in Townsville. We gathered to discuss the finer points of running Catholic Schools as well as reflect on where our schools are headed. During the morning session on day 1, the message of ‘Made in the image and likeness of God’ was presented. It does make us think about our interactions with others and how we speak, act ‘being Christ like’. I watched a Year 5 boy and his brother arrive at school last week a little late. They naturally took themselves with Mum to the office, signed in and started on their way to their classrooms. Both the brothers headed out of the office towards the lIbrary where they came to the crossroads - Year 2 boy headed to his side of the school and his older brother in the opposite direction. Before they split and went their separate ways, the older brother kissed his little sibling on the head, like a protective parent, said ‘love ya mate. Have a great day’. It just warms the heart of this grown man that our kids at Holy Spirit show such love and support to each other. There, in front of me was ‘Made in God’s image’. What fantastic world we live in, even during Covid. We sometimes just need to open our eyes and see the good.

Our principal, Geraldine Egelton, has confirmed that due to family illness, she will remain in Sydney until the end of the term. She hopes to join us again at the start of Term 4. Thank you to Brenton Place as he continues the role as APA while I keep the principal’s chair warm.

This week Queensland recognises ‘Road Safety Week’. Every day, road crashes devastate the lives of Queenslanders and take an enormous toll on families and communities.

The number of lives lost and people seriously injured in crashes on Queensland roads continues to rise. 

Holy Spirit Athletics Carnival: Friday, 28 August – Reminder

Our much-anticipated Prep to Year 6 Athletics Carnival will take place this Friday on our School Oval.  Please see important information below:

• Due to the Covid-19 guidelines regarding spectator numbers, the carnival may only be attended by students and staff.
• Students are invited to wear their House colour shirt or sports uniform.
• Bring a hat, water bottle and healthy lunch.
• Coloured hairspray and zinc may be applied at home.
• Unfortunately, Livestream is not possible, we will take lots of photos for parents and families.

Thank you Mrs Linda Stringini for efforts preparing the students for this carnival within HPE Lessons. Appreciation also to Mrs Evon Downie and the Sports Committee for making this carnival possible.

Blue Card – New Laws

Working or volunteering with children in Queensland? New laws are coming to strengthen and streamline the Blue Card System from 31 August 2020. These will apply to all volunteer parents, volunteers under 18 years and those people who rely on an exemption to volunteer with children. Find out more about these laws and how the affect you here: Blue Card Changes

Schools are now  required to ensure that all proposed volunteers sign a declaration to confirm that they are not a restricted person before they are able to commence as a volunteer. If you currently or intend to volunteer in our school in any capacity, please drop into the front Office first to sign the declaration.

Thuringowa and Northern Region School Sport

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

Well done to Tyler M, Jack E, Archie D and Sam D for representing Thuringowa at the Northern Region School Hockey Trials. Congratulations to Jack E his selection into the Northern Region Hockey Team. Jack will travel to Ipswich to compete in the State Championship from October 22nd – 25th October.

Thank you also to Mrs Melissa Taylor and Mrs Kirsten Logan for their efforts coaching Thuringowa Hockey and developing sport in our region.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and there will be a stall with gifts for students to purchase on Thursday, 3 September.

Strength in the Spirit,

Brenton Place

Acting Assistant to the Principal – Admin

Everyone knew that Jesus was a special person.  He healed the sick and blind and did many marvelous things.  Many thought he was a prophet, a wise man telling people how God wanted them to live.  Yet, one day when Jesus asked the disciples “Who am I?”, only one disciple could tell him.  Jesus chose that person, Peter, to be the rock upon which to build the Church.  The Church continues to be grounded in the faith that Jesus Christ is Lord.

This week we value creativity.  Being creative means taking risks and ignoring doubts, sometimes facing fears.  It can also mean doing something different to make a change in the ‘normal’ routine.  This week we pray for our students to be respectful of others and support each other as they show their creativity. 

Mass Livestream

Sunday Mass from the Sacred Heart Cathedral will continue to be Live Streamed for the community. You can find the stream here https://www.youtube.com/c/SacredHeartCathTSV

Prayer resources and other important information can be found www.tsv.catholic.org.au/COVID-19

This Sunday, the first of two groups will conclude their Sacramental Programme with a combined Mass.  Due to Covid-19, numbers are restricted and we thank our families for their understanding at this time.  Over the last 4 weeks, Mrs Bates and myself have worked closely with the Holy Spirit children in preparing them.  We keep all those students who will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist this Sunday with the Holy Spirit Parish in our prayers this week.  There will be a second Mass for the remaining children in September.

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.  

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.

Webinar for Parents: Managing your child's anxiety

In this webinar, we help parents better understand the nature of anxiety, equip them to recognise it in children, and provide practical tools to help children and young people manage and minimise their anxious states.

VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS

Online Course: Parenting Anxious Kids

Parenting Anxious Kids is an online course is designed for the parents and teachers of children who experience anxiety. Designed by author and award-winning parenting speaker Michael Grose and anxiety author and wellbeing expert Dr Jodi Richardson, the course provides parents and teachers with a detailed understanding of what anxiety is and ongoing ways to respond and adapt.

VIEW COURSE DETAILS

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.