In the last few weeks, our school has been in consultation with various parent groups discussing and reviewing our current Mission Statement. The School Board, the P&F groups and it will go to our First Nations Parent group next week. Staff will engage with this statement as well to see if it is still a true reflection of what we are doing as a Catholic school.

If any family would like to make a comment, to discuss it or has some words of wisdom in our review, please do not hesitate to contact me, come to a P&F meeting (September 8 is the next one) or come and have a chat at the upcoming parent interviews in week 8. 

I wanted to express my gratitude to our staff in Year 5 for providing such a wonderful experience to our students in the recent camps at Gumburu. There have many many challenges to overcome including access to the camp site since the landslides along the range from February. I also wanted to thank our parents who volunteered their time to assist with the care and safety of our campers. In today's times of risk management, our staff and families go along way to ensure the safe environment and the learning opportunities for our students. This is the 'Strength of the Spirit" in action.

Looking forward to celebrating Book Week with our school community this week and especially Friday with our parade. Hope to see you all there.

Strength in the Spirit

Paul Martin

Our Year 5 camps to Gumburu have wrapped up for another year, and what an incredible experience it was! You can see the joy for yourself through photos we're sharing on our social media platforms - the beaming smiles against the stunning backdrop of the Paluma Rainforest tell the whole story.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our dedicated Year 5 teachers who invested countless hours in planning and preparation, then generously left their own families to provide 24-hour care for our students. Equal appreciation extends to our wonderful parent volunteers who took time away from work to contribute to this unforgettable camp experience. Your collective efforts made all the difference.

Digital Safety Reminder This week, I'd like to highlight a valuable resource that's readily available to all families: esafety.gov.au. This comprehensive website offers extensive information and practical resources to help navigate our increasingly digital world, particularly in keeping our children safe online.

Even popular platforms like Roblox have specific safety settings that, when properly configured, provide important protection for young users. To support you further, I've included three detailed information sheets in this week's newsletter covering Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok - platforms many of our students are encountering.

These resources empower families to have informed conversations about digital citizenship and online safety with their children.

Nicole Lennox

We are reminded in this Sunday’s Gospel Lk 13:22-30), that following Jesus is not always the easy path—it is like entering through a “narrow door.” It takes daily effort, choices and faithfulness. Just knowing about Jesus is not enough; we are called to live in a way that reflects His love, truth and compassion. For our children, the most powerful lessons often come from what they see in us. When we choose patience over frustration, kindness over harshness, and forgiveness over resentment, we are helping them understand what it means to truly walk with Christ. May we guide our children not just to know Jesus with their minds, but to follow Him with their hearts and lives.

This week, we value service. Jesus teaches us that following Him means making real choices, not just saying we know Him. One way we can do this is through service—helping others without expecting anything in return. When we serve, whether it’s by including someone who feels left out, helping at home without being asked, or showing kindness to a classmate, we are choosing the “narrow door.” Serving others is a way of showing that we want to live like Jesus, putting love into action every day.

Sacramental Programme: We continue to keep our 30 students from our school participating in this year’s programme in our prayers as they continue their faith journey. After receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our students will continue participating in workshops for Confirmation and Eucharist.

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: On the 22nd of August, the Church celebrates the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and was celebrated on the 31st of May. Since 1969, it has been observed on August 22nd to stress its relationship to the Assumption (15th August) when taken up into glory, Mary became queen of heaven and earth.

God bless
Caroline Fuller

Spelling Bee 

Last week, 7 of our students in Year 3-6 represented Holy Spirit at the Townsville Catholic Education Spelling Bee, hosted by Marian Catholic School. 

These students have been practising diligently in preparation for the competition, we are incredibly proud of their commitment and effort, showing Our Spirit Way in Action. 

We are so proud to celebrate outstanding results, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place. Well done to all our super spellers!

Pupil Free Day 

Please note that Friday, 5th September, will be a pupil-free day. On this day, all staff will participate in professional development focused on curriculum and planning to enhance teaching and learning across the school, providing a valuable opportunity for staff learning and collaboration. 

Kristy Bates

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning  (APPL)

Interschool Athletics Carnival:

Holy Spirit students competed at the Interschool Athletics Carnival on Thursday 7th August. All students displayed outstanding sportsmanship and performed exceptionally well. Holy Spirit finished in 6th place (but only 15 points away from 3rd) and with 7 students selected to trial for the Northern team. We wish them the best of luck on Tuesday 2nd September.

Congratulations:

Two students in grade 6, Rocco and Ezra represented the North Queensland region (and Holy Spirit School) in Roma in the School Boys QLD U12 State Championships for Touch Football. The boys and the team did amazing over the 4 day championship and came second in the state only losing by one point. This is an incredible outcome for the boys, Holy Spirit and the region. Well done boys!

Cricket:

Save the Date:

The rescheduled date for the Interschool Swimming Carnival is Tuesday, 21st October, and it will be held at the Long Tan Pool. Students who were originally selected to represent Holy Spirit will remain nominated for the event. We encourage all team members to begin preparing and training in the lead-up to the carnival. We look forward to a great day of competition and school spirit.

Spotlight on Sport:

Has your child accomplished something amazing in their sport? Share a photo with us and we would love to help celebrate their achievements.

We are open Tuesday and Thursday 8am-8.25am in the hall.

Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) and bread are needed and appreciated, particularly honey and golden syrup, due to the increase in children accessing the program.

Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.

Just a reminder: The toasters will be turned off at 8.15am, so bread with spreads will be the choice once the toast runs out.  This allows both students and staff enough time to be ready for the start of the school day. 

My name is Zita Whiteside, I'm excited to be your DSM (Defence School Mentor).  I will be keeping everyone up to date with events and information from DMFS (Defence Member and Family Support) through the school newsletter.

I have worked for over fifteen years at Holy Spirit and know many defence families already and am looking forward to meeting many more.  I’ve previously worked in this role and have enjoyed the opportunity to assist defence students and their families.  I’m available on Mondays to Wednesdays during school hours and can be contacted in person, through the office or by email zwhiteside@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au.

Over the next few days I will be going around to the classrooms and introducing myself to the students. 

I will also be restarting the Defence Club program. (More information will be available shortly).

Book Week Picnic in the Park – Saturday 30 August

Calling all wizards, wild things, curious monkeys, and caped crusaders!

You're invited to a magical Book Week Picnic hosted by DMFS.

Join us for a whimsical morning of games, giggles, and literary adventures at the playground at Norman Park, which is in the Jezzine Barracks precinct.

Dress-up is highly encouraged – come as your favourite storybook character and BYO picnic as we enjoy the last weekend of winter, and each other’s company.

Date: Saturday 30 August 2025

Time: 10am-12pm

Venue: Norman Park – playground area at base of the Jezzine precinct

Register: Eventbrite – Book Week Picnic in the Park

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.