holy spirit school newsletter Term 4, Week 5, 13th November 2024

Principal's Message

The Influence of Parents

‘Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.’ (Anonymous)

Imitation is a wonderful representation of flattery. I still remember smiling and sometimes pulling faces at my daughters when they were born. Engaging with your children from the moment they are born is one way of developing bonds, demonstrating your love and developing a lifelong relationship. As years pass, these actions will always remain important. Others become just as important.

We all grapple with being parents. I was reading a research article by the Australian Scholarship Group (ASG) about the importance of parents influencing their child’s opinion on education. Research is clear, parents who take an active and positive influence on the education of their child, can and will assist their child in being successful at school. Equally a child’s success otherwise at school is the best measure of their future well-being. Education is one of the most critical investments that parents, families and communities can make. Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

ASG reveals that parent’s aspirations for their children are the most important driver for their children’s success. The report suggests whether children are just starting their primary school years, or they are in their final year of secondary school, it is important parents maintain their value systems and regularly communicate their support of, and expectations for, their children.

Regardless of the type of school a child attends, parents should demonstrate their support of their children, and remind them as they grow and learn how important education is to them. Parents who have a shared passion and aspirations for their children’s post-secondary options and future ambitions, will positively influence a child’s own belief in their ability to succeed.

We are all aware that there will be many influences on a child and the direction their life takes. Some of these are outside our control but the positive is that there are many we can influence. They include:

• What you do matters (Children watch and learn from your behaviours)
• Be involved in your child’s life
• You cannot be too loving (Remember spoiling a child is not love)
• Foster your child’s independence and resilience
• Be consistent
• Avoid harsh discipline
• Inspire intrinsic motivation
• Establish and set rules, explain your rules and decisions
• Treat all people with respect

Consider your interactions with Holy Spirit. Do you promote the positive in front of your child? When things don’t go well at school, how do we respond? We are co-creators of the future society, what will the imitators (our children) be reflecting?

Matt Kean

Principal

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to our Year 2 students who recently made their very First Reconciliation. A Catholic's First Reconciliation is a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. It marks the beginning of their understanding of sin and forgiveness, and it provides them with an opportunity to experience God's mercy and grace. It was a wonderful occasion for our students and their families.

Saturday School Mass

Thank you to the students who took part in Mass last weekend. Evelyn V, Elka C, Evelyn D, Isobel W, Adaline V, Billy I, Mia P, Cooper M, Chelsea H, Max T and Jack I.

The next school Mass is December 7th.

2024 - St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

The time has come to think about the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. As in previous years, Holy Spirit School have been invited to participate. If anyone would like to donate new unwrapped toys up to 12 years of age, or “in date’ non perishable food items, please leave these in the front office. Boxes are available in the front office that items can be placed in.

• Gifts should remain unwrapped with appropriate age and gender details attached or written on the packaging.
• Should food items be donated it is important that they are well inside the ‘best by’ and particularly the ‘use by’ dates (a legal requirement).

Some ideas for food items include Christmas pudding, tea, coffee, milo, fruit cake, jam, pancake mix, cereal, dried fruit, biscuits, pasta, pasta sauce and vegemite.

The boxes will be collected at school by St Vincent de Paul on Monday 9th December to be distributed by St Vincent de Paul.

Thanks for your support.

Kind regards,

Jo Davies

Religious Education Coordinator

IMPORTANT DATES

• Leadership Speeches: Wednesday 4th December - 9:15am
• Year 6 Graduation: Monday 16th December - 5:00pm

Key Dates

2024

• Kindergarten 2025 Snapshots: Thurs 14th Nov, Thurs 21st Nov, Thurs 28th Nov 9:30-11am
• Super Bingo: Wednesday 20th November (doors open 6pm, eyes down at 7pm)
• Year 6 Canberra Excursion: Wednesday 20th Nov - Friday 22nd November
• 2024 School fees to be paid in full and accounts settled: 1st December
• Leadership Speeches: Wednesday 4th December, 9:15am
• Kindergarten Orientation Day/Parent Information Session: Thursday 5th December, 9:30-11am
• Year 1-6 Orientation/Transition Day: Monday 9th December, 9:15-11am
• Year 6 Graduation: Monday 16th December, 5pm
• Last day of Term 4: Wednesday 18th December

2025 Dates

• Staff return: Friday 31st January
• Student Free Day: Monday 3rd February
• MAI (Years 1-6): Tuesday 4th February & Wednesday 5th February
• Best Start Interviews for Kinder students: Tuesday 4th February-Monday 10th February
• Years 1-6 start school: Thursday 6th February
• Kinders commence school: Tuesday 11th February

Remembrance Day