Last Friday, our Year 4 teachers were part of the culminating event for our Writing Project. that were part of a range of teachers across our Diocese celebrating with students the love of writing and we could not be prouder of our staff and students. We have some amazing writers in our school and Year 4 did not disappoint.

Our Christmas Carols has had various success across the last 5 years with a cancellation due to Covid, postponements with rain and cramming into the Hall utilising every available space ( crammed in so to say). Carols for 2023 was moved to an event during the day to allow all students to be involved. We get the chance for all 640 of our students to join in the Christmas Spirit and put those skills being taught in our Music and Choir lessons ( including our Band) out on display. Last year, we had our Carols in the morning over 3 days so as to allow our students to perform and this beautiful. This year, the decision was made to combine this on to one day with father John being able to join us. At our last P & F meeting, the parents representatives suggested a family gathering similar to our 'Spirit Day' which we took on board. This year, Thursday 23 November, all are invited to join us in Bibi Goo Yumba where sound will be set up so all our fantastic voices can be heard. We invite our families to come along and join in the singing as we prepare for Advent (December 3 - December 24) this Christmas season. As 'Our Spirit Way' teaches us, we need to be thankful for what we have, not want we do not have, particularly in these troubled times across the globe.

Last week, our Year 6 students took part in a camp that not only challenges them physically with various activities, but also to see that they can achieve great things when they apply themselves. This could have been at high ropes, team challenges, losing in a game of volleyball to being organised for the day as an individual. I think the biggest challenge for all was maintaining positive relationships when you are not in a familiar environment for 4 days with 100 people. Now that can be a challenge. But, as usual, Holy Spirit students, staff and our fantastic volunteer parents amazed me again with their courage, hospitality, respect, compassion, and justice - all of our Mercy values while maintaining the excellent reputation we have developed over the 30 odd years we have been going to Tinaroo. I know the students have come away with amazing memories and hopefully the belief that they are capable of great things when they display that 'Strength in the Spirit'.