APMI News

….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition

Dear families

Last weekend was Pentecost, a special day in the Catholic church’s Liturgical calendar. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the church.” It comes 50 days after Easter and marks the moment when the followers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit. It’s a day when they felt full of joy and began speaking in different languages so that people from places could understand them. The receiving of the Holy Spirit is about connection, diversity and the power of shared purpose of sharing Jesus’ work here on Earth (ie including others, showing compassion and listening with empathy). Those students in our community who are participating in the Sacramental program received the gift of the Holy Spirit on their Confirmation a couple of weeks ago- a very special gift.

Bishop’s visit: Last Friday (6/6/25) at SSPS began with our special prayer assembly led by students in 4H. Thank you to Mrs Harlen and her class, and Mrs Kelly and her singers and musicians, for making our prayer assembly truly unique and special. Bishop Ken saw our new classrooms and learning areas and interacted with the students in their classrooms. Year 4C had some great questions for  the Bishop about his role and Bishop Ken shared the different hats he wears for ritual traditions celebrated by the church. It was fabulous to have Bishop Ken here and we hope he can join us for Graduation at the end of the year, seeing he received a personal invitation by a Yr 6 student.

Beginning Semester 2, as part of the HPE curriculum, classroom teachers will be teaching students about respectful relationships which includes conversations about protective behaviours and puberty, self-worth, respectful flourishing relationships and safety and wisdom in the online space. Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) is focussed on students learning through the curriculum and living their learning in everyday life. The Australian Curriculum (2022) requires the integration of RRE in Health and Physical Education, and across other Learning Areas using the General Capabilities to make meaningful curriculum connections. 

When teaching students about respectful relationships, the Real Talk program will be used. It is a personal approach that educates, equips and empowers students with the skills necessary to navigate these sensitive and difficult areas. Entitled Sprout (Prep – Yr 4) and Flourish (Year 5 -7) these programs will discuss the following topics in an age appropriate way - Personal identity, Relationships, Media and Technology, and Puberty.

Real Talk Education – School Community Access for Parent & Caregivers  

As part of Toowoomba Catholics Schools, our school has access to the classroom and parent resources of Real Talk Education.  

Real Talk is a global leader in providing Catholic values-based materials on the human person, relationships, and the digital world. Real Talk gets to the heart of topics, challenging unhealthy behaviours whilst bringing hope for the future and a compass for living life to the full. 

Real Talk’s online resources and presentations (for students, staff, and parents) enables young people in primary and secondary schools to be formed in healthy relationships, cultivate resilience, pursue meaningful change, and improve their mental health. 

As part of our school’s subscription to Real Talk Education, the Real Talk team have given our school community FREE basic access to their Real Talk Parents site. 

The site includes quick reference guides, conversation starters, printable resources, videos and curated links for parenting on the tough topics to do with relationships and eSafety. 

The Real Talk for Parent Short Video Series currently provides short accessible videos on keeping your kids safe online, family tech agreements and phone access. The Primary and Secondary Aged Resources Portal provided links to a range of useful sites, guides and video links to further explore issues of relationships and online safety.  

We invite you to explore the available content as we partner in forming respectful young people that understand their dignity and worth.  

Sign up here: www.realtalkeducation.org/parents 

If you’ve any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.