Term 3, Week 4, 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
Firstly, I would like to congratulate publicly Brendan Luck (HPE Teacher) who was successful as the winner in the category of primary expert teacher at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools' Excellence Awards last Thursday night. Brendan's commitment and enthusiasm toward health and physical education is exceptional and I would like to thank him for the work he does at St Saviour's Primary.
Additionally, Warren Farquharson (School Groundsman) was also successful in the category of education support. Although Warren has only been at St Saviour's for a short period of time, he has developed positive relationships with staff and students that flows into the quality of work he produces to keep our grounds and facilities maintained to a high standard. Congratulations Warren!
This awards ceremony was one of the many highlights of Catholic Education Week last week where we also celebrated Mass as a whole school and staff spent the day with colleagues at the annual Bishop's Inservice Day last Friday.
Whilst on the topic of the fantastic staff we are fortunate to have at SSPS, I would like to acknowledge and welcome Mrs Sarah La Caze to the position of 4H Classroom Teacher for the remainder of 2024. Sarah joins us after teaching stints with Education QLD and several international schools. Her experience will be valued in Year 4. This position arises as Ms Rachel Harlen will be on a secondment from next week as Middle Leader at St Stephen's Pittsworth. We wish Rachel all the best for her first leadership appointment.
I would also like to welcome Mrs Rachel Kelly to the position of music teacher. Rachel is currently the Year 3K teacher and will commence as music teacher this week with students in Prep to Year 2 and with the whole school in Term 4. Rachel has extensive experience as a music teacher across all year levels and I look forward to Rachel engaging the children in the joys of music. Congratulations of obtaining this position, Rachel.
Finally, you will notice the building works continue to move along well on the oval. The playground and shelter shed are both nearing completion and we are hoping that all works will be complete this term. A big thanks to all members of the community for your patience whilst works continue and we start to see the benefits of the new facilities for the students, staff and families of St Saviour's Primary School.
Regards,
Sam Hannant
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Last week, we celebrated Catholic Education Week and as part of our celebrations of Communities of Faith, Hope & Love, we celebrated Mass together. Our theme of “Celebrating diversity through love” gave us the opportunity to celebrate our culturally diverse community and that we are all one community loved by God. Check out our social pages for all the photos.
Also, as part of our Catholic Education awards, we congratulate the following students who were recognized at our Mass for demonstrating Faith, Hope and Love to others in our school and the wider SSP community; Rose Stead, Estelle Harlen, Kahlia Kuhn, Alvina Farkarlun, Tia Ein Al Shaeba, Eli Schulze, Violet Osborne, Ewan Phillips, Penny Lucas, Allen Forkpah, Imogen Kelly, Archie Neumann, Charlotee Gibson, Indi Hobday, Haddie Hall, Amelia Menhinnitt, Molly Cryle and Sophie Grice. Well done and thank you!
As a staff, we came together on Friday for a day of professional day learning at St Mary’s College. Australian country music legend, Graeme Connors, was our guest speaker. As a catholic himself, Graeme shared his spiritual journey through music. My key takeaways from the day were:
- Love works (everywhere, every time)
- We need to be hope for each other, and
- Let’s ask questions to start dialogue with each other (not just talking but real, genuine listening).
This is our challenge in our homes, schools and work places. As people of faith, it is in the relationships we share with others where we can be hope for them, show them love and listen to them, that we experience the Holy Spirit and that, I believe, is living a purpose-filled life.
Pastoral Care – If you know someone who is in need in our community, please let us know how we can provide a practical helping hand to them. It could be as a simple as accessing warm uniforms, a phone call, arranging transport or providing networks of support. Thank you for assisting us to be able to reach out to those families. Give the office a call on 46 371 700 or email me on ann-maree.ward@twb.catholic.edu.au
St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish news
Calling Young Parishioners to Be Altar Servers
In the spirit of connecting generations, we invite our young parishioners to become altar servers. This role is very important in our Mass celebrations. It helps young people be active and conscious participants in the liturgy.
The Second Vatican Council calls for everyone to take part in the liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14), and the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that serving at the altar is a key way to join in the Church's life (CCC 901).
Being an altar server is a wonderful way for young people to grow in their faith. They learn about the Mass, the Church, and the importance of service. It also helps them build a sense of responsibility and community. By serving at the altar, they can form a deeper connection with God and the Church.
Join Us as Altar Servers: We welcome all young children who want to be part of our parish life to become altar servers. This is a great way to grow in faith and service.
First gathering is on 3rd August at 2-4 pm in the St Patrick's Cathedral Parish Centre Conference Room
Second gathering is a tour and Practice Session on 11th August at 2-4 pm at St Patrick's Cathedral
This altar serving training for children, teens and youth will focus on teaching young individuals the spirituality and practice of being an altar server. Please come with a parent or caregiver to the information session. In the coming weeks we will announce the date intended for the Adults altar serving as well.
Support and Join Us! Let us work together to support our elderly and involve our youth in meaningful service. For more information or to sign up, please contact Fr Brian on 0488 147 734 or email him at brian@stpats.org.au. Join us in this wonderful ministry and help our Church family grow stronger. Together, we can ensure that our elderly feel loved and connected, and our young ones grow in their faith and service.
We remember in our prayers, Betty Howell (Bishop Ken’s Mother) who passed away last week. May she Rest in peace.
ROSIES TOOWOOMBA NEEDS YOUR HELP Rosies is now recruiting (adults and students aged 16 yrs and over) outreach volunteers to commence a new street outreach on Tuesday nights between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. If you have 4 hours to spare monthly or fortnightly and would like to help our friends on the street as an outreach volunteer, please visit https://rosies.org.au/charity/toowoomba/
For all queries, please email toowoomba@rosies.org.au or call 0499 111 730.
Date claimers:
Movie Premiere: Glorious Lives – Mary MacKillop – Wednesday 7th August 6.30pm – 9pm Strand Boutique Cinemas. From the award winning series “Glorious Lives,” Shalom World brings you the remarkable story of Australia’s first saint. She followed God’s path and championed love and forgiveness through every challenge. A saint who knew that love and education could transform lives. This movie-documentary starring diocesan local, Bethany Valente, as young Mary MacKillop, Archbishop Mark Coleridge as an interviewee and features 15+ young Toowoomba Catholics. Children 5-11yrs $15 each Adults $25 each – To book tickets go to www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1257002
School/Parish Mass: Sunday 18th August 9am St Patrick’s Cathedral. All welcome! Let me know if you can come!
Term 4 - Week 2 - Thursday 10th October - Whole school Mass & Grandparent's day
Enjoy a great week and thanks for reading.
Ann-Maree
One of the highlights of my days at St Saviour’s are the many conversations and interactions I have with students. The openness students have to sharing their joys, fears, interests and thinking is always a sign to me that they are keen to connect and feel comfortable to share.
As a former Early Years teacher, I recall many show and share stories from students that would make me laugh, as well as often feel embarrassed for parents of some of the ‘over sharerers’! Younger students are often still learning the concept of boundaries. Older colleagues would often suggest sharing with parents a well-used phrase, I won’t believe half the stories your child shares about home, if you do the same for the stories they share about me and school. I am not condoning keeping secrets, or filtering what is shared, however when only one side of a story is heard without considering perspectives around a situation, assumptions can easily be made. I would always encourage you as a parent that if you hear stories from your child that trouble you or doesn’t sound quite right, to reach out to their teacher. Likewise, teachers will do the same for you. Ultimately, when we assume good intentions of each other and work collaboratively in the best interests of the child, student outcomes are tremendously improved.
Similarly, circumstances that occur outside of school for students, such as when they are unwell, upheavals and shifts in home life and changes in routines can have a significant impact on how students present at school. Sharing this kind of information with teachers is really appreciated, as it can be the missing link a teacher needs to understand the behaviour of students, and how best they may be able to help them.
We are exploring many concepts as we develop the relationship domain of our wellbeing framework. Compassionate curiosity is a way of being that we are striving for. Guided by our Mercy value we are inspired as a community to show up for each other with a compassionate heart, and an openness to hear and validate each other’s stories.
Katie Hauser
Catholic Schools Touch/Netball Gala Day
Students in Year Five and Year Six competed against other Catholic schools in Netball and Touch Football for Catholic Education Week, playing in either competitive or non-competitive teams. Students are to be commended on their sportsmanship and the way they represented St Saviour’s Primary on the day. Everyone played with heart and determination with lots of fun had by all teams. Both the competitive boy and girls touch football teams made the grand final with the boys going down to St Mary’s and the girls winning against Our Lady of Lourdes.
Zone and Darling Downs Trials
All Zone and Darling Downs trials will be placed on Parent Portal. Please check Parent Portal regularly or set up notifications on your phone if you wish for your child to be eligible to trial for Zone and Darling Downs sporting teams as you will be required to obtain paperwork from myself. I am unable to nominate students after the closing date so please make sure you do keep an eye on Parent Portal. Any questions, please contact me at brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au.
Upcoming Events (Term Three)
- Aussie Hoops (Wednesday 17th July – 28th August, 12:45-1:30)
- AFL AusKick (Thursday 25th July – 29th August, 3:15-4:15)
- Friday Sport (Friday 2nd August – 23rd August, 11 – 1:45)
- Zone Athletics Carnival (7th August 2024, 8 – 2:15)
- DD Athletics Cranival – (20th August 2024, 8 – 2:15)
- Touch Football Gala Day (Year 4) (Tuesday 10th September 2024)
Cheers
Brendan Luck
HPE Teacher
Important Term 3 Reading Events
Book Week is celebrated around Australia in Week 7 this term, 17th - 24th August with the theme
"Reading is Magic".
- The main event will be for our parade on Tuesday 20th at 8.40 am in the Mercy Centre. Students are encouraged to think how their costume could be a bit magical. Copies of the book used to inspire the costume are not needed for the parade.
- Prep - Year 2 are enjoying the short-listed Early Childhood books during library lessons each week.
- All year levels have been invited to take part in the colouring and writing/drawing competitions. Entries are due to library staff by Wednesday 7th August.
- Library displays and lunchtime activities for Week 7 are being organised
Family Book Club
Our Family Book Club meets next Monday 5th August in the library at 3.15pm to talk about "The Lost Library" over afternoon tea, all are welcome! We will be choosing our Term 4 book so bring along your suggestions.
HOPE YOU ARE ALL ABLE TO READ UP A LITTLE MAGIC THIS WEEKEND!
Anne Anderson
Teacher Librarian
SAVE THE DATE
SSPS will host a Father's Day Fun Night on Thursday 29th August, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Please note this event in your calendars and check the next newsletter for more details!
