What a week we have had  celebrating NAIDOC, World Staff Day, and now, thank you to our Volunteers Cuppa.

Last week, we celebrated NAIDOC Week as it had been postponed nationally due to ‘the virus’. Thank you to our wonderful staff led by Kirtsen and Eileen for the fantastic sessions around our Bush Tucker Trail, the colouring competitions, lessons associated with NAIDOC and finally, our Indigenous dancers treating the school to our dance sessions. We are proud to create awareness of our indigenous culture and to be actively involved with this community. Stand proud!

Last Friday, our school celebrated ‘World Staff Day’ as we believe everyone in our school community contributes to the education of our students and this is certainly evident throughout this year. A lovely morning tea was provided by the Catholic Education Office and staff were treated to lunch courtesy of the school. Bravo everyone.

Today, we recognised the many volunteers who have contributed to the life of the school. Some were unable to attend this mornings ‘cuppa’ but I am sure the classes have sent a little thank you to you. To all our volunteers and supporters, thank you as you continue to amaze our staff with the continued support you have for our students, families, staff and each other. That one simple comment, gesture, photocopy, task completed to assist our staff may be the time they need it most.

As we turn the corner towards the final few weeks of an amazing year, please continue to maintain routines, stay connected to your child’s learning and keep supporting our fantastic school community.

Happy Days,

Paul Martin

Swimming

Swimming lessons for our lower school start next week with Year 2 attending five consecutive days of an intensive swimming program.  Please remember to label your child's belongings. 

Children will need the following items each day:

• Swimmers (one piece for girls)
• Shirt to wear on bus
• Towel
• Slip on shoes 

Year 6 

Next week, we see the Year 6 cohort travel to Lake Tinaroo for their camp. Thanks to the staff for volunteering to give up those cosy beds and time with their families to have a '3 night sleepover' with 100 students. Doesn't that sound inviting? We wish them safe travels.

Year 5 Leadership Day 

The Year 5 students will be attending their Leadership Day on Friday 6th November at Riverway in preparation for 2021 Leadership skills. 

Have a great week.

Kristy Bates

Acting Assistant to the Principal - Admin 

Sunday’s Gospel, the parable of the ten bridesmaids at a wedding, finishes with the line, “Stay awake because you do not know either the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:1-13).  Jesus uses this story to tell us to always be ready for when He comes again.  Like the wise bridesmaids who kept their lamps burning, we can live each day as well as possible being the best we can in our relationships with others.  We encourage our students to make good choices and to be kind and caring towards others.  

A short prayer which may be useful to help us to interact with others as Jesus would with empathy and kindness that can be said at any time as we go through our day could be:  “Help me, Lord, to seek, to find, and to respond to you in every person and every experience of this day.”’

This week at Holy Spirit we value honour which is the quality of knowing and doing what is right.  It is also showing high respect for someone or fulfilling an obligation.  The term honour has always been a word used to describe men and women of high moral worth or great achievement.  When we honour someone, we are showing them respect for what they have done.  This week at Holy Spirit, we pray that our students show honour to everyone, whether deserved or not.  We encourage this so that when they show someone honour, they lift them up, inspire and encourage those around them.

From the Diocese

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal Launch:  St Vincent de Paul Society QLD invite you to the launch of their Christmas Appeal on Thursday 12th November from 1:30pm at St Anthony’s Church, Veales Road, Deeragun.  RSVP at 4430 4002 or Townsville.office@svdpqld.org.au 

Please contact us if you would like a supporter box to collect donations in your workplace or community group for our Christmas appeal to help families in the Townsville region.  Donations of non-perishable food items, gifts, or money would be appreciated.

Furniture Donations:  St Vincent de Paul Society Townsville are urgently seeking your donations of good quality second-hand furniture for local families in crisis. Items such as bed bases and mattresses, dining tables & chairs, Lounge suites, wardrobes & chests of drawers are in high demand and our stocks are low. If you would like to donate please contact Vinnies on 4430 4002 or Townsville.office@svdpqld.org.au to arrange collection.

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, vegemite, jam etc. (excluding peanut based spreads) would be appreciated.  

Only a few spots left : Geckos Posting Party - Friday 13 November

Come and join the team at Geckos in tropical attire for our posting party' on Friday the 13th of November from 5-7pm. It is a celebration for our beloved children that will be posting at the end of the year. We understand 2020 has been especially challenging and hope this party can build excitement and take away some of those jitters. We will have face painting, balloon art, fairy bread, treasure hunt and pass the parcel! We hope it is a special day for our little ones.

*Please note this event designed for families that are posting.

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.

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.