Dear Parents and Carers, 

A WORD OF THANKS

As tomorrow marks the end of Term 3, it is important to reflect and give thanks for all that goes on at our exceptional school.  We are truly blessed in so many ways.  Firstly, we are very grateful for our dedicated staff, who in their varied roles, give fully of themselves every day to ensure that our students are educated, cared for, nurtured and inspired, and that their family works in partnership, and is involved in the life of our school. We give thanks for our students; the people who fill the days with joy, excitement, adventure and inspiration. We acknowledge and express sincere appreciation for the parents, carers and community members of Holy Spirit, who constantly support, fundraise, assist, and in so many ways help us create this wonderful place where the Spirit is alive and evident in so many ways.   

UNIFORM

Students are to wear their summer uniform at the beginning of next term. We will have the usual two week transition period to cater for the unpredictable weather. It is important that students apply sunscreen and wear a hat. Please mark all clothing with your child’s name.

TEAM COLOURS' DAY - TOMORROW

Students are invited to wear their favourite sport team colours tomorrow and to bring in a gold coin to support our Global School partner - Obwari Academy in Kenya. We are a school that reaches out beyond our own community to help others in need. Please follow this link to learn more about the school we are supporting.

WALK & TALK-A-THON

What a fantastic day! Last Friday, students, teachers, parents, grandparents and other family members, participated in our first Walk & Talk-a-thon. A phenomenal number of parent helpers prepared lanyards, cut fruit, barbequed 1800 sausages, walked with classes, stamped cards at check points, and served sausage sandwiches on the day. Our students happily walked with their buddies, ate fruit, and talked about a variety of topics all the way around the course. The staff, an amazing group of collaborative and generous people, organised the event and ensured that every aspect was perfect. It really was a fabulous event that united our community and demonstrated the spirit of our school. We are truly blessed to belong to Holy Spirit. Thank you to everyone for their help, support and participation.

We are now collecting the sponsorship money and again, parents are helping with the counting and recording. Please send your sponsorship form and money into school by the end of Week 1 Term 4 or simply use QKR. We have collected over $10 000 already! There are over 100 prizes to be won and these will be drawn in Week 3 of next term.

FAREWELLS

As a school community we sadly farewell two of our staff members this week. We sincerely thank Katrina Cambridge and Sofia Whitehouse for their positivity, tireless energy, beautiful nature with the students and their valuable contributions to our staff and community. We wish them all the very best as they enter new positions - Katrina at Catholic Education as the Aboriginal School and Community Officer for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, and Sofia as a classroom teacher at Brindabella Christian College. God bless you both.

WELCOME BACK

We welcome back Mr Gaynor next term. He has had a wonderful time overseas and is currently enjoying the relaxing pace and the glorious sunshine of Greece. We hope he has a safe trip back and look forward to his return. 

We wish you all a restful and enjoyable break from the busyness of the school routine. Have a safe and relaxing holiday. School resumes for Term 4 on Monday, 14 October.

Thank you for your constant support as we continue to work together to educate your child.

Anna D’Amico

Acting Principal

A huge thank you to all of the parents and staff that supported and helped with our major school fundraiser - the

GUNGAHLIN
GUNGAHLIN

 PLEASE RETURN ALL SPONORSHIP MONEY BY FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER.

PRIZES:

• For every $10.00 raised, students will receive a ticket to go into the draw to win a variety of fantastic prizes.
• A uniform free day, pizza and movie party will be given to one class in the ELC to Year 2 and one class in Year 3 to Year 6 with the highest total funds raised.
• The FAMILY that raises the most money wins entry to Questacon and lunch vouchers
• The student with the highest amount of money collected and returned to the school, will win a $400 Westfield Voucher.

Our bears are still MIA.  As of Week 10, 2 bears have not returned to base (1 army and 1 navy).  If you find a bear over the holidays (this may be challenging as they are dressed in cams!) please, please return them to base in Week 1.  We have students who have not had a chance to take a bear home this year.  Thank you. 

Next term I, along with Mrs Johns, will be hosting our Pink Spirit Breakfast!  This will be held in Week 2 from 8am at Holy Spirit.  Come along and support our goal to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research and then pop along to the Focus Assembly afterwards.  There will be yummy food and entertainment provided by JPC students.  If you can’t make the breakfast, you can donate directly through this link.  Thank you for your support.

Don’t forget to send in your photos of past and present serving family members.  This is a Remembrance Day Project and photos, along with any information should be sent asap to vicki.walsh@cg.catholic.edu.au  Please see flyer below for more information.

Calling all Mothers in business!  Duntroon Community Centre is offering coworking session with childcare for four weeks in October and November.  The goal is to provide a place and time for women and mothers to work and connect with others and space for young children to play.  Come along from 9:30am-12:30pm every Monday to:

• Meet other mums working on business or professional projects
• Tick off those to do list tasks
• Take advantage of subsidised on-site childcare with a qualified educator
• Enjoy some morning tea.

There are four sessions only Oct 14, 21, 28 and Nov 4.  For more information, please follow the link.

ForceNet has gone mobile!  You can now access all your favourite ForceNet features whenever and wherever you like via the new free mobile application.  Keep up-to-date with news, events and information and stay involved with your unit group.  ForceNet Families is also available via the ForceNet mobile app at Google Play and the App Store. 

If you need support or local community information over the holidays, don’t forget the Defence Family Helpline.  Defence Family Helpline. The DFH is run by DCO and is the best way to access the programs and services which can help your family manage defence life.  The helpline is available 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

Defence Family Helpline number 1800 624 608

Don’t forget to head out and enjoy Canberra’s biggest celebration of spring!  Floriade is happening and is a beautiful place to take the kids.  For information about Floriade visit https://floriadeaustralia.com/ and for more information about what is happening around Canberra visit  https://visitcanberra.com.au/events  Enjoy your break with your children and family. 

Vicki Walsh

DSM

The school DISCO will be held on ​Friday 8​th​ November ​in the school hall:

▪ ELC to Grade 2 – from 6.15pm to 7.15pm

▪ Grade 3 to 6 - from 7.20pm to 8.30pm

The entry fee will be $5 which will include a packet of popcorn/plain chips, a drink and a glow stick.

Please note: ELC parents/guardians​ – children are able to attend the disco provided a parent/guardian ​is present​.

Extra Children: ​Should your child have younger siblings who do not attend Holy Spirit School but would like to attend the disco, they are welcome and ​must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.​ Please include their details and payment for them on the form.

K – 6 - Collecting children: ​Children will not be permitted to leave the disco without an adult. Please collect children on time.

Please complete the note that was sent home (and sent via Schoozine/Skoolbag App) and return it to your child's teacher with payment by no later than Tuesday 22 October 2019.

If you are able to help out prior to or on the night, please email the Community Council: hspsnparentsandfriends@gmail.com

Thanks in advance!

Holy Spirit Community Council