Term 3, Week 8, 2025
Listening Hearts: Embracing Synodality in Our School Community
Dear Parents and Carers,
At St Saviour's Primary School, we are committed not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing a community grounded in faith, compassion, and shared purpose. As a school leadership team, we have been reflecting on the concept of synodality—a word that may be unfamiliar to some, but one that holds deep meaning for how we journey together as a Catholic school.
What is Synodality?
Synodality comes from the Greek word synodos, meaning “walking together.” In the context of our school, it’s about fostering a spirit of collaboration, openness, and active listening among students, staff, families, and parish. It’s a way of being that encourages every voice to be heard and valued.
Listening as a School
Listening is at the heart of synodality. This means creating spaces where children feel safe to express their thoughts, where parents are invited to share their hopes and concerns, and where staff work together with humility and purpose. Whether it’s through classroom conversations, parent forums, or prayerful reflection, we are learning to listen deeply—to God, to one another, and to the needs of our community.
Why It Matters
In a world that often moves too fast, synodality reminds us to slow down and walk together. It helps us build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and grow in faith. When we listen with open hearts, we become more inclusive, more compassionate, and more united in our mission.
How You Can Be Involved
We invite you to be part of this journey. Ask your child what they’re learning about listening and sharing. Join us at upcoming community events. Share your thoughts as your voice matters. Early next term there will be opportunities for parents, students and staff to share with the leadership team their thoughts on the school and how we are progressing. These opportunities will be either via survey, face-to-face and can be in a group or individual setting. All of this feedback will inform future planning at SSPS.
Warm regards,
Sam Hannant
I would like to let the community know of a few staffing updates at SSPS:
Anne Woodcroft-Brown will be moving into the role of acting Education Officer: Guidance Counsellor Coordination at Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office from next week until the end of Term 4. Anne will return to SSPS in Term 1, 2026. During this time Karen Fernie will take Anne's place. Karen is currently school counsellor at Mater Dei and will work 0.5 at SSPS and 0.5 at 0.5 at SSPS. Congratulations Anne on this opportunity and welcome Karen for the remainder of 2025.
Mrs Katie Horne has been successful in obtaining the position of Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity at St Stephen's School in Pittsworth commencing in 2026. Congratulations Katie on this amazing achievement and we look forward to celebrating your time at SSPS as we move toward the end of the year.
Meg Kimmorley is expecting her second baby in the coming weeks which means she will be on leave from the end of this term. Congratulations and all the best Meg. Siobhan Grundon will replace Meg and work with Fiona Case in Year 2 during Term 4.
Hannah Kraschnefski will not continue her work in Year 60 after this week and will transition into a different role within the school. Mrs Natalie O'Brien will move back into this class for the remainder of the year in a fulltime capacity.
Finally, I will be on leave next week (week 9) and will return in Week 10. Mrs Katie Hauser and Mrs Ann-Maree Ward will be deputising in my absence.
As always, thanks for your understanding with these staffing updates.
Sam Hannant
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Dear Families,
Staff values – As a whole staff, we have been working towards creating a document which outlines the practical ways in which we can be living our school values of Compassion, Excellence & Service. Often we ask the students to do exactly that but over look how we might go about modelling those values in action with each other as adults. Take a look at the document attached. I would love to hear your feedback.
I was privileged to spend time at the TCS APMI Retreat in Bunya Mountains last week. What a blessing it was to spend time in nature: silence & stillness; just so important for our wellbeing. The retreated entitled, “Pilgrims of Hope on our Great Southern Sacred Ground” gave me a sacred opportunity to connect deeply with Country and encounter God, our Creator. Br Damien Price presented a number of Encounter experiences which allowed me to be present, open and aware. This time has inspired me to create a similar encounter for our staff and therefore our students. I am grateful for the experience and the supportive group of like minded educators who took part.
As we welcome the vibrant season of Spring, we also enter a special time in the Church’s Liturgical season known as the Season of Creation—a global celebration running from 1 September to 4 October. This season invites us to reflect on the beauty of the natural world and our shared responsibility to care for it.
What is the Season of Creation?
The Season of Creation is a time when we unite in prayer and action to protect our common home. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, it encourages us to see the Earth as a precious gift from God. Children are invited to explore how they can be stewards of creation—caring for plants, animals, and each other with love and respect.
Spring is a season of renewal and growth. It brings warmer days, blooming flowers, and the return of many native animals. Students learn to observe seasonal changes—like weather patterns, plant life cycles, and animal behaviours—and understand how these changes affect our lives and the world around us. It’s a wonderful time to encourage outdoor learning, nature walks, and creative expression inspired by the beauty of creation.
On 1 September, we celebrated the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, the patron of the Toowoomba Diocese. This day holds deep meaning for our local Catholic community. The Southern Cross constellation, visible in our night skies, symbolises guidance and hope—just as Mary points us toward her Son, Jesus. This feast day is unique to our Diocese and marks:
- The anniversary of our first Bishop taking possession of the Cathedral;
- The beginning of Spring; and
- A time to pray for unity and renewal across our diocesan family.
The Year 6 students took part in a special Mass on Monday, led by Toowoomba’s Bishop, Ken Howell. Bishop Ken asked the students to look to RENEWAL - renewal in ourselves, renewal in others and to start again so that we can look towards being the best people we can be. We reflect on the honour Mary’s important role has in our faith and her connection to our land.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this season—through prayer, conversation, and small acts of care for creation. Together, we can help our children grow in faith, gratitude, and responsibility for the world around them.
Whole school/community Service activities
Red Cross Life blood donations:
A special message from the Red Cross Life Blood Team: JOIN OUR SCHOOLS BLOOD DRIVE! Half way through Term 3 and the school holidays aren’t far away. Toowoomba schools have achieve the following so far: 544 donations which have impacted on 1,632 lives with 8 first-time donors
Our goal is to achieve 1,750 donations and 75 first-time donors, and we’re on track to get there, but we’ll need your support to hit the target. Can we count you in?
What are you doing these school holidays? Staying local? Taking a much-needed break? Lifeblood has 78 donor centres located across Australia, so book your seat to save lives and make a life-changing difference to someone in need. Encourage family and friends to join your Lifeblood Team and watch your school’s life-giving donation tally grow!
It takes 3 simple steps to get involved.
- Check you’re Eligible to Donate
- Visit our website or download our free Donate Blood App to enrol, create your Donor Account and join your Lifeblood Team;
- Book your blood or plasma donation at your nearest Donor Centre.
Thank you in advance for your support so please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to be part of our Group Booking in the future.
Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity.
TERM 3 DATE CLAIMERS
Week 8 Friday 4th September – Student-free day for Consistent Teacher Judgment PD for staff
Week 8 - Sunday 7th September - Father’s Day
Week 9 – Child Protection Week
Week 10 - Thursday 18th September - 8.45am - End of term assembly
I hope you have a great week, find a chance to do something that fills your cup and show yourself some self care.
Thanks for reading,
Ann-Maree Ward (Assistant Principal – Mission & Identity)
Dear Families
Child Protection Week
National Child Protection Week is held every year to raise awareness of child protection and falls next week from the 7th-13th of September. At SSPS, as in all Catholic Schools across the diocese we take Child Protection very seriously.
The theme for Child Protection Week 2025 is ‘Every conversation matters: Shifting conversations to action’. Conversations are at the heart of this campaign because they can raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and spark new ideas. Real change happens when adults have productive and safe conversations with children that prevent them from harm. Conversations between adults and children have the potential to shift from discussion to action, to ensure the child not only feels heard but also experiences real safety, care and protection. During activities next week students will be encouraged to ‘speak up’ when they have worries or concerns and identify the safe adults in their life for this purpose. At St Saviour’s we have specific student protection contacts who students can speak to should they need a ‘safe adult’ to share with. Mr Sam Hannant, Mrs Deb Hawkins and myself fulfill those roles.
MTSS Journey
As part of our MTSS journey, over the last two weeks teachers have spent time anlaysing and discussing student engagement data for their cohort levels. We have looked at attendance data, academic achievement and wellbeing data and considered how these factors influence a child’s school journey. We have been considering how we support successful engagement at school as well as looking for gaps that we could enhance our practices to better support all students. It has been a very worthwhile pursuit to consider our inclusive practices in relation to the different cultural perspectives of students within our school. We are a diverse community made up of 17.3% of students who have English as a second language and 10.4% of students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander. We have been considering how these two population groups have been progressing collectively, things that work well, and things that may be a barrier for their ongoing success. In step with Sam’s message of synodality and the importance of listening, we will be reaching out to the families of these students to ask for their input in terms of enablers and barriers to their child’s engagement at school. Please look out for these opportunities to share in Term 4.
Happy Father’s Day
Thank you to all of the Dads, Grandads and significant figures who were able to attend our Father’s Day breakfast yesterday morning. It was lovely to see so many fathers in our school not only enjoying the company of their children but being a wonderful presence for all students inside classrooms. I hope that you all have a lovely Father’s Day on Sunday and the warm weather continues!
Mrs Katie Hauser
Darling Downs Athletics Carnival
The spirit of competition and camaraderie was on full display as students from St Saviour’s Primary School proudly represented their school at the Darling Downs Athletics Carnival, held on the 1st and 2nd of September in Toowoomba. The two-day event brought together young athletes from across the region, showcasing talent, determination, and school pride. From sprints, long jump to shot put, our students gave it their all, with many achieving personal bests and demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship. The carnival was held across two venues: track events at The Glennie School and field events at O'Quinn Street Oval. The atmosphere was electric, and our students rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and resilience. We’re thrilled to announce that Alfie Benvenuti received a silver medal in the 80m age sprint, a testament to his speed, focus, and hard work. Alfie’s achievement is a proud moment for our school and an inspiration to his peers.
Thank You to Our Supporters - A heartfelt thank you to the parents who supported our athletes throughout the carnival. Your encouragement and dedication make these experiences possible and memorable. We look forward to seeing more of our students thrive in future sporting events.
Zone and Darling Downs Trials
All information regarding Zone and Darling Downs trials will be posted on Parent Portal. To ensure your child is eligible to trial for these sporting teams, please check the Parent Portal regularly or set up notifications on your phone. You will need to obtain the necessary paperwork from myself. Please be aware that I am unable to nominate students after the closing date, so it is crucial to monitor the Parent Portal. If you have any questions, please contact me at brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au.
Upcoming Events (Term Three)
- Southwest Qld Touch Football Training – 3rd September – 22nd October (3pm-4:30pm)
- Touch Football Gala Day (Year 4) 16th September (9am – 2pm)
Cheers
Brendan Luck
HPE Teacher
Dear Parents & Caregivers
Statements for the month ending 31st August 2025 have been sent out this week.
Please note that all fees and levies are now overdue.
If you are not paying via ADF direct debit or on an agreed payment plan, all fees should now be finalised.
If you are paying via direct debit or an agreed payment plan, please review your direct debit amount to ensure all fees are finalised by the agreed due date or 10th October 2025.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Finance Team via:
Email: accounts@sspstwb.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 4637 1700
Thank you for your continued support.
Alyce Webster
Finance Officer
accounts@sspstwb.catholic.edu.au
PLEASE NOTE DENTAL FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SSPS FRONT OFFICE BY 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
The SSPS Uniform Shop now stocks bike pants!
Please use this link to inspect and order this item - https://theschoollocker.com.au/bike-pant-731248
