Principal News

Dear parents, staff and students,

Semester Two brings the opportunity for all students to learn more about the world, to improve on their achievements and to perhaps place further attention on areas of need.  It also brings further opportunities for our school community to continue the positive culture that SSPS is well known for amongst the wider community.  Together we strive to provide the best educational and pastoral environment for all associated with our great school.  

It is the joint responsibility of all parents, staff, and students to actively contribute to this strong sense of culture positively.  The valued input of parents in their child’s education is fundamental to the success a child has at school.  All families who choose to enrol their children in a Catholic School have a responsibility to that school to add to its unique culture and Christian dimension.  Our school continues to operate successfully due to the unified purpose and approach by all involved. I know you will continue to work with us, so your children can grow in confidence as St Saviour’s Learners.

You as parents assist us by the importance you place on education and encouraging your children to be respectful citizens of society. I ask that you regularly have conversation with your children about treating everyone with respect, attending school, being on time, wearing the correct uniform and placing a high value on learning.  The value you place on the traits of a learner and being a global citizen will be the values your child holds into the future. Primary school is the crucial time to establish values, develop positive dispositions and an understanding of the benefits of being resilient and to persist in all endeavours.  

Our teachers and support staff pride themselves on doing their best to support your child’s learning and to strive for goodness in their daily interactions. I applaud those parents who show a keen interest in their child’s learning. Remember, communication between home and school is vital for a happy and productive school year. Your child’s teacher will inform you on the most effective mode of communication. Myself, Mr Sam Hannant (Assist. Principal) and Mrs Judy Smith (Assist. Principal Religious Education) are more than happy to meet and discuss matters at any stage. 

We know that issues arise from time to time.  A school comprises of many different parties: the Parish, Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, School Administration, teachers and support staff, visiting specialists, parent groups and students. As educators of children, we understand the concerns of parents and we ask that parents in return understand that the roles of the teacher continue to become more demanding and complex.  Education is very much a partnership, so when an issue arises, please contact the person concerned directly at the earliest opportunity and in the least formal way, i.e. a quick chat before or after school, courteous email or phone call at a reasonable time of day. Following this initial contact and if the matter seemingly cannot be resolved, the Principal or Assistant Principal should then become involved. Please show your trust in your child’s teacher and avoid the approach of “going over their head” as all this creates is a feeling of distrust. 

Another important point is to keep an open mind about what you hear.  We love and cherish our children however it is wise to remember that they can sometimes embellish and misinterpret things. Checking ‘stories’ with those concerned in a courteous manner should resolve any such problems. As mentioned earlier, communication is key to continued harmony and care of all students.

I am very proud of the way the children conduct themselves with their learning and the exemplary behaviour and approach they show each day here at St Saviour’s Primary School.  This of course does not occur by accident or good luck.  The pride the children take in learning new things and respecting each other is no doubt due to the great parenting and highly effective teaching and learning team of SSPS.

The students who recently received an academic excellence award and encouragement award are true testament to the great place of learning our school is each and every day.  

Catholic Education Week 2020 

Queensland ‘s Catholic schools this year celebrate 175 years of Catholic schooling.  In our school, in this week particularly, we celebrate Catholic Education in Queensland experienced in the past.  We congratulate all those who continue to give personally and professionally to Catholic Education.  Here at St Saviour’s we recognised the following staff for reaching various milestones of service: Mrs Julie Robinson (20 years), Mrs Paula Wagner (25 Years), Mrs Narelle Jackson (25 years) and Anita McVeigh (20 years).

We remember and give thanks to God for all those whose passion, dedication and hard work have brought us to this time and place in Catholic Education.  The theme for this year is A Spirited Tomorrow. We look toward to the future with excitement and anticipation of what is to come for our journey ahead, trusting in God’s Spirit who walks with us and guides our way.  In our school, in this week particularly, we celebrate the vision of what Catholic Education in Queensland can mean for the future. In Queensland there are more than 310 Catholic schools, 20 000 staff and 149 000 students across five Dioceses. We recognise that each one of us today – those in Queensland and beyond – has a place in shaping the future of Catholic Education.

Today, Friday 31st July is a student free day.  Staff have come together for continued professional development in the area of Religious Education.  Mrs Judy Smith (APRE) has lead the staff in a day of reflection.  Thanks to Toowoomba Catholic Schools for preparing the materials for the professional development for staff and to Judy for organising and presenting on the day. 

COVID Update

If your child develops flu like symptoms, please:

• keep the child at home and seek advice about undergoing COVID testing
• contact your doctor or contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately
• call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery, advising of your child’s symptoms

Interstate travel (NSW)

The Premier of Queensland has urged all Queenslanders to avoid interstate travel to NSW. People undertaking interstate travel (particularly staff) should be aware of the possibility of changes to border restrictions at short notice and the possible impact this may have on quarantine rules and arrangements.

Current declared hotspots requiring mandatory quarantine are: in Sydney, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Fairfield LGAs, and the whole of Victoria.

Thank you all for your ongoing support of Catholic Education in Queensland.

Many blessings and thanks for reading.

Madonna