Term 2, Week 2, 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
I do hope that you and your children had a blessed and joy filled Easter and that the school routine has kicked in again for Term 2.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Today, I am excited to share that our school will be working in partnership with the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office to embark on a journey to enhance our teaching and support systems through Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
MTSS is a framework that helps us provide the right level of support to every student, ensuring they succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Over the next three years, we will be partnering with Associate Professor Shiralee Poed and Madeleine Hopper from the University of Queensland to guide us in this important work. We look forward to working together to enhance the nurturing and effective learning environment we provide to all our students at St Saviour's Primary School.
Further information will be shared in the near future with relation to this project, however some of the exciting topics that will be explored will include high impact engagement strategies, developing a matrix of expected behaviours, engaging learners and supporting disengaged learners. You will start to see evidence of this project in your child/ren's class this term.
STOP/DROP/GO & School Arrival Times
A reminder that supervision at school does not begin until 8.10am in the morning. Therefore, no child should be at school until very close to this time. This is for the safety of everyone at SSPS. Before school care does operate from 6.30am for those who have to drop off early.
Thanks to those who use stop/drop/go for abiding by the road rules. A reminder to only enter the facility when there is room to do so (don't get caught on the road or footpath in a no standing zone) and to only exit left toward Ruthven Street.
It has been great to see and chat to so many parents and grandparents over the last two weeks. I look forward to seeing many more of you in the school over the remainder of the term.
Have a great long weekend.
Sam
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Dear families
Welcome back after what I hope was a restful and safe Easter break. I hope that you all had a blessed Easter celebrating in the Resurrection of Jesus. It was surreal to see the Holy Father for the final time on Easter Sunday and then hear that he’d passed away that evening. May his soul rest in peace.
As a staff, we began the student free day by gathering at St Patrick’s Cathedral for Mass celebrated by Bishop Ken. Albeit a reflective time on the life of Pope Francis, it was a peaceful and communal beginning to our term. When we all come together as a staff, it’s a special time. On Monday 28th April, Mr Hannant, myself and the students and teachers of Year 6 students attended the Diocesan Requiem Mass for Pope Francis. Special acknowledgment to Yr 6 students, Lexi White, Cara clover, Amany, Kahlia, Akuok and Zayne for being ushers for the invited guests. You represented SSPS with pride. Thank you!
A great start to our term by sharing in the wonderful celebration for Resurrection of Our Lord, at our whole school Mass on Wednesday 23rd April. Thank you to students in 5P for reading and doing offertory. As always, our Mass had fabulous singing and music! Thank you to our choir and musicians.
Our ANZAC Day Liturgy was led respectfully and with great reverence by Mrs McHugh and the students of 5M. Thank you. See the socials for photos.
Local First Nations Artist Kim Walmsley began her first workshop at school last term. It was so great to have her here to be able to work with our students to design the totem poles for our Yarning circle. We look forward to inviting Kim back again in Term 2.
Colour Run - what fabulous fun! A HUGE thank you for your support of Momentum Mental Health with our community raising an incredible $17,897.59 See our socials to see the fun our event created. Thank you to our volunteer helpers on the day, Mr Luck and Mr Warren for their planning an preparation and to our families for your financial support. A great result as a result of a great team effort.
Have a peace and grace filled week. Be sure to do one thing that fills your cup and brings you joy.
Thanks for reading,
Ann-Maree Ward (Assistant Principal – Mission & Identity)
Dear Parents
Welcome back to Term 2. It is an interesting way to start the term with all of the short weeks. It can be a little tricky to get some consistency and predictability with routines. No doubt it will not be long until the broken weeks are long forgotten, and we are well into the swing of things.
Next Thursday the 8th of May we are excited to invite all the Mothers and mother figures in our community to celebrate Mother’s Day as a community with a movie Night. We will be holding the event on our beautiful Primary oval in a picnic style. We will have various food vans on site to enable families to purchase food if they would like. All families are welcome to bring their own picnic rugs, outdoor chairs, blankets, food etc. If you are able to attend, please fill out the attached form to help us get an idea of numbers for the night.
Next Sunday I hope that all the mothers and mother figures feel appreciated and loved. Sometimes in the busyness of ‘life’ it is easy to assume that the people who mean so much to us, know how we feel about them and that we appreciate everything they do for us. As a school community, we certainly are grateful to all of our mothers, grandmothers, and those who care like mothers for all they do, who they are, what they give us and most of all for the love they show to their families.
Loving God, help us to remember that as we show love to mothers everywhere, we are spreading the light of your love in the world. Help us to be that light.
Amen.
Enjoy the last long weekend for a little while and the beautiful Autumn weather.
Katie Hauser
A reminder that St Saviour's Primary School, we believe the partnership between the school and families is key to achieving our mission of students Striving in Faith Learning and Life.
The Parent Engagement Charter describes what parents can expect and what is expected of them. It provides a point of reference for staff and parents as they work together to provide the best possible education for all students and build a community in which everyone belongs, feels valued and can succeed.
The Parent Code of Conduct has been developed so that parents are aware of and can meet the Toowoomba Catholic Schools' expectations during their interactions with the schools, its staff members, other parents and students. Adherance to this code is important to promote positive and productive relationships within the school community, and to promote a safe, orderly and disciplined learning environment for the students, and workplace for staff.
Please take the time to refresh yourself with both of these documents as we begin Term 2 at St Saviour's Primary School.
Central Zone Cross Country
On Monday, April 28th, a group of talented athletes—Jemma McHugh, Isla Beauchamp, Randuli Wijayaratne, Letti Stephenson, Nina Lucas, Ruby Land, Sophie Chandler, Mila Bishop, Leanne Anthony, Levi Nash, Evander Weribone, Albie Zenke, Darby Breneger-Lee, Harrison Black, Akuok Geu, William Prust, Oliver O’Toole, and Chase Hartwig—participated in the Central Zone Cross Country event. Each student showcased outstanding effort and determination throughout the competition. A special congratulations to Letti Stephenson, Nina Lucas, Sophie Chandler, Akuok Geu, and Gemma McHugh (Shadow), who have successfully qualified for the Central Zone team. They will now advance to the Darling Downs Cross Country on May 20th. We wish them the best of luck.
PE (P-2) Term Two
Students in Prep to Year Two will participate in a tailored Athletics unit in preparation for the school athletics carnival. This program will introduce modified versions of shot put, discus, and high jump, alongside sprints, relays, and ball games, ensuring developmentally appropriate engagement. Additionally, students will take part in structured station-based activities, rotating through six different stations throughout each lesson. These activities will focus on fundamental movement skills, including passing, catching, kicking, dribbling (with feet, hands, and hockey sticks), shooting hoops, scooter board exercises, skipping, goal shooting, and tennis racket coordination. Other key activities will incorporate hopping, jumping, side-stepping, animal crawling, and balance exercises, promoting a diverse and engaging approach to physical education.
PE (3-6) Term Two
In Term Two, students will actively engage in Athletics, developing their proficiency in a variety of track and field events, including Shot Put, Discus, High Jump, Long Jump, Sprints, Relays, and Ball Games. Throughout this program, they will refine their techniques, enhance their physical coordination, and build confidence in their athletic abilities. The skills acquired during these sessions will be applied and showcased in the school athletics carnival, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their progress and celebrate their achievements in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Health (Prep) Term Two
Prep students will engage in an exploration of the concept of family, identifying the diverse structures that constitute a family unit and the individuals who play significant roles within it. They will also develop essential personal and social skills that foster positive interactions and relationships with others. Through guided activities, students will examine various methods of expressing emotions, including facial expressions, body language, and verbal communication, to enhance their ability to understand and convey feelings effectively.
Health (Year One) Term Two
Year One students will engage in an in-depth exploration of the factors that shape individual identity, including personal characteristics, relationships, and cultural influences. They will investigate strategies to foster a sense of belonging within their community, learning how to support themselves and others in feeling included and valued. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, students will develop practical skills to demonstrate friendliness, empathy, and inclusivity. Additionally, they will examine how emotional responses impact their own well-being and influence the feelings and behaviours of those around them, equipping them with tools to navigate social interactions effectively.
Health (Year Two) Term Two
Year Two students will explore the importance of physical activity in the school environment, identifying ways to engage in movement that supports their health and well-being. As part of their learning journey, they will also deepen their understanding of personal identity, recognizing the unique traits and experiences that shape who they are. Through discussions and interactive activities, students will examine concepts of inclusion and exclusion, reflecting on the emotional impact of being included or excluded in social settings. Additionally, they will develop skills to recognize key indicators of safe and unsafe situations, learning to interpret physical, verbal, and environmental clues. By understanding their emotional responses to different scenarios, students will gain confidence in making informed decisions that contribute to their personal safety and the well-being of those around them.
Health (Year Three) Term Two
Year Three students will explore the relationship between perseverance, resilience, and success, learning how overcoming challenges and coping with setbacks contribute to personal growth and achievement. Through guided discussions and experiential learning, they will examine how their personal identities are shaped and strengthened in the face of adversity. Students will also engage in an in-depth exploration of emotional awareness, identifying a range of emotions and the various internal and external factors that influence self-identity. Additionally, they will analyse their school culture, recognizing key elements that contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By reflecting on their own actions and attitudes, students will develop strategies to foster a positive school community, ensuring that they play an active role in promoting kindness, respect, and collaboration."
Health (Year Four) Term Two
Year Four students will engage in an exploration of the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and outdoor activities, developing an awareness of the impact that prolonged use of electronic devices can have on their well-being. They will critically examine how personal information is collected, used, and shared in digital spaces, fostering responsible online behaviours that safeguard privacy and security. Through guided discussions and reflective activities, students will analyse how their actions contribute to their digital footprint, recognizing the long-term implications of online interactions. Additionally, they will deepen their understanding of cultural diversity, exploring the similarities and differences among various cultures to foster respect and appreciation for global perspectives. Furthermore, they will investigate the different ways feelings can be expressed, learning to identify and interpret emotional communication through verbal language, body language, and social cues to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Health (Year Five) Term Two
In Year Five, students will explore the complexities of identity development and how personal and social factors influence changes from pre-adolescence into adolescence. They will critically examine the emotional, social, and physical transitions that occur during this period and evaluate various strategies for managing these changes effectively. Through guided inquiry, students will develop an understanding of self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. Additionally, students will investigate the cultural significance of traditional foods and physical activities in celebratory practices. They will analyse how these elements contribute to community connections, cultural heritage, and social well-being. By engaging in discussions and practical activities, students will deepen their appreciation for diverse customs and the role of traditions in fostering inclusivity and belonging.
Health (Year Six) Term Two
In Year Six, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how drink choices influence overall health and well-being. They will examine the nutritional components of various beverages, assess the impact of excessive sugar and caffeine consumption, and explore the role of hydration in maintaining physical and mental health. By analysing real-world examples and engaging in practical learning experiences, students will enhance their ability to make informed decisions about their daily drink choices, supporting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, students will investigate the emotional responses associated with encountering new situations, navigating change, and adapting to unfamiliar experiences. They will evaluate strategies that promote resilience, emotional regulation, and personal growth, fostering their ability to manage transitions effectively while maintaining a positive mindset. Students will critically examine the importance of communication skills in building and sustaining positive relationships.
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 One)
- Darling Downs Cross Country – Tuesday 20th May 2025 (9am – 2pm)
- High Jump (Finals) Wednesday 18th June 2025 (8:45am – 2:45pm) (9-12 Years)
- Ball Games 19th June 2025 (11:15am – 1:30pm) (Year 3 – Year 6)
- SSPS Athletics Carnival Friday 20th June 2025 (8am – 3pm) (Prep – Year 6)
Cheers
Brendan Luck
HPE Teacher
STEP into STORIES AUTHOR VISITS
On Wednesday 14th May authors Sue Whiting and Cristy Burne will be presenting to our Year 3-6 students. They are in Toowoomba for the Step into Stories event which receives some sponsorship from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.
Read about these wonderful creators on their websites found on the AccessIt homepage (scroll to the bottom) St Saviours Primary School Toowoomba and look out for an update in Week 5.
CLASS BROWSE AND BORROW SESSIONS
Students enjoy the chance to borrow books for their free choice reading. Younger students of course need adults to share the reading of their books with them so please make the time to enjoy the books together. All loans are for a 2 week period so if you need more time to finish a story, please consider keeping it at home for the 2 weeks.
Thank you for ensuring returns are made on Mondays for Prep - Year 2 students and that library bags are at school on Tuesdays.
FAMILY BOOK CLUB
Our Term 2 book is "Wilder than Midnight" by Cerrie Burnell. An exciting fantasy with lots of twists and turns, this story is appealing to all ages, so get a copy and read together at home before Monday 16th June (Week 9) when we will meet for our book chat over afternoon tea.
We are so grateful for any time given to our library service and I'd like to acknowledge the following people who have been a wonderful help this year;
Marg Doljanin, Donna Enders, Melinda Harkins, Sam McKenzie, Merryl Nunn, and Penny Pole.
Happy Reading
Anne Anderson
Teacher Librarian
Dear Parents & Caregivers
Welcome to Term 2, 2025.
Statements were emailed to all families last week. Unless you are on a payment plan or have a direct debit / agreed regular payment in place, Term 2 fees and levies are due on 23/05/2025. If you have not received your latest statement with the Term 2 fees, please send an email to our finance team and we will follow up for you.
We wish you and your family a wonderful Term 2 and if you have any payment queries, we are only an email or phone call away.
If you have any questions about school fees or your account, please contact the office on 07 4637 1700 or email accounts@sspstwb.catholic.edu.au
Alyce Webster
Finance Officer
accounts@sspstwb.catholic.edu.au
SCHOOL CROSSINGS REMINDER
Please be aware that families dropping off or collecting children from school must NOT queue across the school crossing zones in Lawrence, Neil and Perth Streets. Doing so creates a safety issue for both our students and for Crossing Supervisors. Please keep the crossings clear if you are waiting in line for school access.
PEN MEETING: MAY 2025
