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Dear Parents and Carers,
Another wonderful week at Holy Spirit, with so much to celebrate in our school.
First Eucharist
On Saturday, our Year 3 students received their First Eucharist. It was a beautiful occasion, and our students were very reverent and respectful. It reminds us that in receiving the Eucharist, we are called to go out into the world to be Eucharist for others – to be the living image of Christ, to nourish others through our words and actions. We congratulate all of our student on receiving this important Sacrament. We thank our Year 3 teachers and Mrs Doig for leading these children in the program.
Online safety
We consistently reinforce the importance of online safety to our students. Through our programs, we develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability as students learn to use ICT effectively and appropriately to access, create and communicate information and ideas, solve problems and work collaboratively in all learning areas at school and in their lives beyond school. ICT capability involves students learning to make the most of the digital technologies available to them, adapting to new ways of doing things as technologies evolve and limiting the risks to themselves and others in a digital environment. (www.australiancurriculum.edu.au- General Capabilities ICT)
Monitoring children’s digital usage so that they are safe and lead balanced lives, and teaching the importance of respectful relationships, is paramount in our changing world. We now not only interact with people, socialise and develop relationships face to face, we do so online. We need to teach our children to interact safely and respectfully with others in all situations. The enormity of our cyber world is overwhelming, however, the basic principles of safety and respect for ourselves and others, do not change.
The following site from the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner has many useful and informative resources for parents.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information
Another great link for parents that offers tips on social media is
https://www.parentline.com.au/kids/issues/social-media-and-safety
Summer Uniform
A reminder that Summer Uniform commences in Term 4, so please check the wardrobe and visit the Clothing Pool and Lowes if any items are needed. We will have the usual transition period early in Term 4 to cater for the unpredictable weather.
A reminder that sports shoes should be predominately white and that black leather school shoes are an essential item of uniform.
Walk & Talk-a-thon
Tomorrow is the day! The whole school will be walking and talking tomorrow to raise funds for our community. Children will begin the event with their buddies and will have talking topics for every kilometre they walk. P-2 children will walk 4km and Years 3-6 will walk approximately 8km. The children will have a fruit boost mid-way and a sausage sizzle for lunch on their return. Could all parents please ensure their child has their school hat and drink bottle, as these are essential items for the walk? Sunscreen will be applied before the walk. If your child uses a puffer for asthma, please ensure they have one at school so that it can be taken with them. A note was sent home this week with all the information required for tomorrow.
We are so grateful to all of the parents who have volunteered to help us. Over 60 people! Simply amazing! A huge thank you to all the staff who have done so much to organise this event. We are truly blessed at Holy Spirit.
Please return Sponsorship Forms by tomorrow so that teachers can sign off that the walking and talking has been done. It will then be sent back home so that promised money can be returned.
Emily
From the second I put my robe on to the minute I walked into the church I had nerves in my body from head to toe. As I walked to my seat, shaking, I started to sing the welcoming song. I started to feel more comfortable as people started reading and I felt the same for the rest of the mass, until one of the Parish helpers read out “could the children reading the Prayers of the Faithful please come forward.” I walked, nervously, with the five other people reading and we bowed and lined up. When it was my turn I started to read. It felt like forever but when I was done I was very proud. Almost straight after it was time to actually receive the Eucharist for real. As Father Mark held up the host and said “the body of Christ” I hesitated but finally said “Amen.” It tasted as if it was an ice-cream cone. The mass was over and I felt excited. It was time to return my robe. Then I went back to my house to have brunch with my cousin. That was a day I would never forget.
Zac
I looked at the script and then the crowd. My heart was pounding. Everyone stared at me. I wondered if I would be able to read the response. Ok...here I go...Deep breathe...“Response I will rise and go to my father,” I said happily. Everyone in the Church repeats it. I did it! I walk back to my seat. Well that’s my job done.
Adeline
From the minute I put on the robe to the second my job was to be done I was scared. I had butterflies in my tummy. I could not believe that I did my Eucharist. I was scared, I was creeped and I was stressed about this day and Assembly. I sat down in my seat. I looked around and so many parents were crying.
I started to sing glory to God in the Highest. Then they started singing and talking. I waited for all the jobs to be done then it was my turn to carry up the food basket. I was so scared I went to the front room and grabbed the food basket and lined up behind Hue and we started to walk. As we walked, it was time to hold up the items that we had. Finally it was time to have the First Eucharist. I looked at the host, it had a cross on it. I remembered to say Amen. After Mass, a million families came up to take photos. I went home to have brunch with my family.
Olivia
‘Mum, when do l go up and what job do l have?’
‘l don’t know Olivia, l wasn’t there when you got your job so you’ll have to remember yourself!’
How rude!! Think think think think think.....GOT IT !
l carry down the candle; but what if the flame burns me as I walk. This is going to be the most nerve racking day of my life!
THE NEXT DAY!
When l got to Holy Spirit Church l went to the office to put on my white robe. It was a bit big but l didn't care. l saw there were lots of people inside the church and l got butterflies in my tummy. It was time …
l walked in and everyone was staring at us. l was so embarrassed. As I walked down the aisle I saw my family and knew everything would be ok.
When it was time for me to carry the candle l was shaking with fear. PHEW, l’m glad l didn’t burn myself. Then it was time to receive my first Holy Communion. When l walked up and got the bread it tasted strange. The texture wasn’t something l had ever tried before. I imagine that’s what cardboard would taste like.
FLASH FLASH FLASH photos were taken from every angle at the end of the service from our families - it was like we were famous! Everyone lined up to get a photo with Father Mark too; what a special man he is!
I am so glad I made my first Eucharist! I wonder what my confirmation will be like in Year 6?
At Holy Spirit we have been working hard to learn about how our actions can impact our planet and what sustainable practises we can adopt to ensure we take care of all living things. It has been great to see students bringing in Wrapper Free lunch boxes every second Wednesday and discussing with teachers and peers about why it is important to use less wrappers in our lunch boxes. A reminder that next week is our last Wrapper Free Wednesday for the term!
Classes have also been given class plants using milk cartoons as pots, to learn about how we can take care of plants and why they are important for our world.
Garden club have been getting their hands dirty and have been planting trees, weeding garden beds in preparation for new plants and painting gnomes for Floriade! Their gnomes will be on display at Floriade starting this weekend! Garden club meets every Wednesday lunchtime at the garden beds outside the year 1 block. Everyone is welcome!
Thank you for your continued support in working towards taking care of our planet!
On September 6th, some of our students joined with JPC students and headed over to Gungahlin Shopping Centre to raise money for Legacy. They assisted the Legatees in selling badges and bears to raise money to support the children and spouses of injured and deceased veterans around Australia. The students were a credit to their Defence parents and their school.
Remembrance Day Project
We are looking for photos of your family members who have served in WWI, WWII or other campaigns. If you had someone who served for their country, we want to know about it. Please send your photos in with their name, rank, service (and the campaign if you know it). They will be recognised at our Remembrance Day Ceremony this year.
Please let me know if your family is being posted onto a new and exciting place for next year, so I may best support your child. As usual, if you have any concerns about your child, please contact me.
Vicki Walsh
DSM
"So You Want To Be A Leader" - will provide an opportunity for gifted and highly able students to come together with like-minded peers to engage in a range of challenging workshops which will develop self-awareness, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and organisational skills.
Dates: 30 September & 1 October (students attend both days)
Times: 9.30 am - 3.45 pm
Venue: Canberra Grammar School
Fee: $272 (incl. GST)
Please contact our office on 03 9894 2116 if you require any further information.
Kind regards,
Joanna Kane
Program Coordinator
Phone: +61 3 9894 2116
Email: joanna@gateways.edu.au
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Tennis Canberra Holiday Camps @ Old Parliament House Tennis Club
- Camp 1: September 30th, October 1st & 2nd
- Camp 2: October 9th- 11th
- Morning, Half & Full Day options available
Sign Up: www.tenniscanberra.com.au/holiday-program
Free Trial - Term 3 - Give Tennis A Go!
We invite new players to our sport to a free trial before Term 4. This is a great opportunity for all students to see if tennis is the sport for them. Please e-mail play@tenniscanberra.com.au to request a free trial and our team will get back to you with the best options.
After-School & Weekend Coaching - Term 4
Run by Tennis Australia professional at a Tennis Canberra Club near you. Our coaches are excited to see many new players hit our courts in the Spring. Learn a sport they can play for life.
Sign up: www.tenniscanberra.com.au/junior-tennis
Email: play@tenniscanberra.com.au
Phone: 0416 186 121
Kind regards,
Robbie Manzano
GCertPH BCoach BHumNutr ANutr
Director of Tennis Canberra
m. 0423 366 014
e. robbie@tenniscanberra.com.au
Twitter: @TennisCBR | Instagram: @TennisCBR | Facebook: /tenniscanberra
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DANCE
The Live Your Dream holiday program is an exciting curriculum that combines Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Stretch & Conditioning. There is a choreography component to give students the creative space to explore their own movement based ideas and concepts and develop their self-confidence.
Students receive four days of fun, fitness and friends!
The program hours are: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm.
The program is wrapped up with a special performance for parents on the last day.
Ages 6 - 12. Be quick!
https://www.gdance.com.au/live-your-dream-holiday-program
Thank you and any questions please let us know.
e: admin@gdance.com.au
Follow us on Facebook
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FOOTBALL
The clinics are for new and existing players aged 4-11. We believe the best way to learn football is by playing football and our curriculum is designed to cater to all skill levels. Our qualified coaches are there to guide players through fun and football relevant activities and games, which are stimulating and challenging for all involved.
WHAT TO BRING
Players are advised to bring a hat, full drink bottle, football boots, shin pads, healthy lunch and snacks to fuel them throughout the day, and to wear weather appropriate clothing. Football boots are not compulsory and players are welcome to wear joggers. Shin pads are compulsory for safety.
Please be aware that players attending the clinics may have allergies (e.g. nut) and we ask that you consider this when packing your child’s food. We also have a no sharing food policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Basic first aid and sunscreen will be available to participants throughout the clinic, as will a drink station/taps for players to fill up their drink bottles. Mandatory breaks are scheduled throughout the day for players to eat, re-apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Participants who require medication will also need to provide the clinic director with an action plan and show that required medication has been packed each day/where it is kept in the bag. Alternatively you can leave it with the clinic director each morning when you sign in.
The program runs from 9am to 12pm each day, Parents/Guardians MUST sign their child/children in and out each day. If someone other than a parent is doing the pick up and drop off please notify the clinic director in writing.
PROGRAM FEES
$175 per 9 hour clinic for all participants.
Family Discount of 10% is available when registering more than one sibling per clinic.
Daily rates available upon request
All participants will receive a Canberra United Participation pack and Aldi Miniroos Certificate as well as an exclusive Canberra United Kids Club Membership which gives your child access to all Canberra United home games and a chance to high five the players in the tunnel after their warm up.
Wet weather policy
Please note that in the case of field closures Capital Football are not notified until 8:45am at the earliest. If grounds are closed staff will notify registered participants ASAP and will do their best to find an alternate venue.
Clinics go ahead in the rain, unless there is excessive rain predicted, thunder, lightning, hail or grounds become unsafe.
If you have any questions feel free to send me an email.
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PARENT EFFECTIVENESS TRAINING (P.E.T)
Supported by Parentline ACT
Tired of yelling? Looking to find a way to get out the door on time, while still liking each other? Learn respectful communication skills for a peaceful, gentle approach to parenting, without the use of punishment or reward. P.E.T helps children and parents develop resilience, emotional intelligence, confidence and consideration. The course is powerful, proven and practical, and will help you put peace back into your parenting.
For more information visit our Parent Skills website; join the Parent Skills Facebook community; and read P.E.T. on a Page.
The 24 hour course consists of three-hour sessions, once per week, for eight weeks. Booking is essential.
Investment includes a workbook and textbook.
Course begins: Tuesday, 22nd October, 2019 (minimum number of participants required); Time: 6.30 pm to 9.45 pm; Place: Weston, ACT.
Enjoy P.E.T. with Larissa, accredited P.E. T. instructor. info@parentskills.com.au
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