I trust the first week of our final term for 2020 was successful and everyone is back into their routines. I recently took part in a webinar around behaviour management and how to best accommodate student behaviour, particularly in these ‘tricky’ times. One of the presenters talks about routine being our students best friend. If we as the parents and teachers can get this right, we set our students up for success. Even the little things such as time to go to bed, getting ready for school, waiting areas, preparing at school for the start of the day etc. All these patterns assist in having a successful day. However, what also goes with this is how we teach our young people how to handle change. This is the resilience part we talk about and need to teach, particularly when we as adults have to deal with change in our routines. These are the teachable moments in our day that we need to embrace and show our students that we can be like NIKE and ‘Just Do It’. Embrace the challenge!

Speaking of challenges, we as a school community love the next chapter of our building project which is expected to start sometime next week. Last week’s newsletter showed the architect's view of the front of the school. Here is what our new front office will look like:

With this building project comes some challenges. We already know that this will impact on the entrance to the school on Hatchett Street. Further details still to come. However, this may lead to a slight change in drop off and pick ups. It is again that I ask for your assistance with all our pick up areas. Please, can you place a sign with your family name in the windscreen / on the sun visor to assist those staff members on duty. This will allow us to have your family member in the safe pick up zone for a quick ‘get away’. Thank you to the many families who are already assisting with this. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. A small lucky draw prize is up for grabs for the consistent families with their sign on display. 

In the next 2 weeks, we have a multitude of events happening at Holy Spirit. We currently have Tropical Friday this Friday for Missions Month, Book Week next week and World Teachers Day on Friday 23rd October. And that is just the next 2 weeks. Please see your child’s class teacher for any further details or if you have any questions.

Have a fantastic week everyone

Happy Days

Paul Martin

Acting Principal.