Week 7, Term 4, 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

It gives me great pleasure to announce the teaching and school officer allocations for the 2024 school year at St Saviour's Primary.  The 2023 class lists have now been finalised and families will be informed of class placements on Tuesday 28 November.  Requests for specific teacher/friendship placements have now also closed. Your child's teacher for 2024 will be sent home as a paper copy with the 2024 Booklist on Tuesday 28 November. Following this, the students will then have the opportunity to meet their new teacher during the transition morning on Wednesday 29 November.

Classroom Teachers 2024

Prep:

Mrs Debbie Hawkins (Prep H), Mrs Janelle Wann (Prep W), Miss Mikaela Kliendienst (Prep K)

Year 1:

Mrs Paula Wagner (1W), Mrs Kristie Laing (1K), Miss Sarah Logan (1L)

Year 2:

Miss Eliza Smith (2S), Mrs Karen Fuller (2F), Mrs Linda Harris (Ogg) (2H)

Year 3:

Miss Lisa Kynoch (3K), Mrs Cate Bell and Mrs Melinda Harkins (3BH), Mrs Katrina Bennett & Mrs Katie Horne (Katie is due back at SSPS in Term 4 after her acting assistant principal role at Sacred Heart Primary School)

Year 4:

Mrs Nicole Cooper (4C), Mrs Fiona Case/Mrs Siobhan Grundon (4GC), Mrs Rachel Harlen (4H)

Year 5:

Mrs Monica Conway (5C), Mrs Sara McHugh (5M)

Year 6:

Mrs Natalie O'Brien (6O), Mr Henry Logan (6L)

The teaching team will be assisted by our fantastic school officers: Mrs Kate Franzmann, Mrs Anna King, Mrs Elise Bishop, Mrs Samantha McKenzie, Mrs Tarsha Scotts, Mrs Kat Bird, Mrs Shelley Murphy, Mrs Narelle Jackson, Mrs Bee King, Mrs Mary Milton, Mrs Jodie McLachlan, Mrs Julie Robinson and Mrs Alex Sleba.  Mrs Renee Kilpatrick will continue in the tuckshop role.

The specialist teaching team includes Ms Margaret Doljanin (Learning Support), Mrs Anne Anderson (Teacher Librarian), Mr Brendan Luck (HPE), Mrs Rebecca Thomas (Drama) and Mrs Kathryn Stewart (Music).  Our Learning Support Teacher, Mrs Annette Murdoch has recently accepted a permanent position at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office as an Education Officer.  I would like to congratulate Annette on securing this position.  The role of Learning Support Teacher is currently advertised and I will follow the recruitment process to secure a new teacher.  I am also in the process of employing a school wellbeing officer who will be available to work with students or groups of students who may be suffering a loss in their family, struggling to come to school or having friendship issues.  

Mrs Anne Woodcroft-Brown will continue in her role as School Counsellor, working 3 days a week next year.  Mr Warren Farquharson will continue as the School Groundsman and Mrs Roya Esmaeilani will continue as our IT Technician.

Finally the leadership team who will serve the St Saviour's Community in 2024 will consist of myself as Principal, Mrs Katie Hauser (Assistant Principal - Administration), Mrs Ann-Maree Ward (Assistant Principal - Religious Education) & Mrs Rebecca Thomas (Middle Leader).

Of course, the end of 2023 will also be a celebration of the contributions of those staff members who have given so much to the SSPS community.  This year we farewell Mrs Judy Smith, Mrs Nicarla Prentice, Mrs Annette Murdoch, Mrs Lisa Cavanagh and Mrs Anita McVeigh.  

Mission and Vision 2024

Following on from the school renewal process that was undertaken at SSPS earlier this year, the staff and Parent Engagement Network have been working hard on developing an updated mission and vision to commence the 2024 school year.  

This is an exciting time for the school and it is anticipated that this will be launched at the beginning of next year at the parent information sessions.  

As we enter the final two weeks of the school year, I look forward to seeing as many families as possible at the exciting events that we have coming up.  This includes the Christmas concert, final assembly and Year 6 graduation.

Regards,

Sam Hannant

Dear Parents and carers

As the year draws towards a close, there are many events to celebrate and look forward to. 

One of those events was a special Baptism! Congratulations to Caitlin (3S) & Liam (Prep H) on beginning their Sacramental journey last Friday. Both these students were Baptised by Fr Michael at a beautiful ceremony with their families, teachers and class mates. Thank you to Mrs Smith for organising a wonderful morning. If you’ve been considering having your child Baptised, please make contact with myself (ph 4637 1555) or Fr Michael (Ph 4637 1500) to make arrangements.

St Patrick’s Parish Sacramental Program will start at the beginning of 2024. We plan to prepare for, and celebrate, the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Communion in the first two terms of the school year. Our program begins with Parent Information Sessions outlining the structure and background of the sacraments. The Parish will require a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate. All the information has been sent home with the students in Year 3, however, if your child is in Years 4-6 they are also invited to take part. Again, contact myself or Fr Michael for further information.

Thank you to the students, families and staff who came to our final School/Parish Mass on the weekend. The parishioners are always so happy to see the children involved in the Mass and Children’s Liturgy is a great opportunity to share Bible stories in a smaller group setting. We look forward to welcoming so many more of our students and families at next year’s Masses.

World day of the poor – Sunday 19 November The following link here will take you to the message of His Holiness, Pope Francis, for the World day of the Poor. Pope Francis urges everyone to work toward providing free healthcare, medical examinations, vaccinations, and bill payment assistance to those in need. In Rome, the 2023 World Day of the Poor will be hosted by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. A lunch with the poor will be offered by Hilton Hotels in Italy and will take place in the Paul VI Hall after the Eucharistic celebration. The Dicastery for the Service of Charity will also offer free medical care to those in need through the Mother of Mercy Outpatient Clinic, in St. Peter's Square. About 50 medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, will be available on the day. Wow! Pope Francis is really putting those words in action by providing those services for the poor. What way can we show mercy to those in need this Christmas?

As we head towards the end of term, our resilience levels can be pushed to their limits, both for students and adults. A couple of links that I thought you might find useful are listed below from Rebecca Sparrow. Over the past 25 years Rebecca has earned a living as a travel writer, a television publicist, a marketing executive, a magazine editor, a TV scriptwriter, a radio producer, a newspaper columnist and as an author. She is the author of three best-selling novels. Since 2009 Rebecca has focused on writing non-fiction books for teenage girls to help them navigate those tricky high school years. Having a teenager daughter, myself, I think this advice is practical and useful. Hope you do too.

https://rebeccasparrow.com/learning-to-handle-failure/ & https://rebeccasparrow.com/look-for-the-glitter/

Below is part of recently written exert by TCS Education Officer Mission and Identity, Mr Paul Grealy. I’ve read “Lola in the Mirror”, and I can highly recommend it. Paul describes the importance of being able to see others in a different light and take the chance to see someone for who they and not what appear to be when we judge them.

“Lola in the Mirror” – quest for identity – Who am I?

“…When you are no one you can be anyone…. There are some people in this world, she said, who will do anything to be seen.” (p 381)

Trent Dalton’s latest novel Lola in the Mirror, based on his experiences as a journalist in Brisbane, delivers us into the lives of those invisible people of our city and towns: the houseless (not homeless), sleeping rough. Those on the edge - an edge about to become the centre of the 2032 Olympics, which will displace them. To Dalton’s character, who is nameless, it is only when someone turns to the other in love that they are really seen as who they are: 'You saw me'. This requires each of us to take that loving first step.

Lola’s community - on the edge, discarded by society - knew in its soul that it only survived because of the risk-taking of individuals to take the time to stop and have that loving look.

So, this weekend take some time. Grab a copy of “Lola in the Mirror”, curl up and have a luxurious read; or sit on the veranda; pray with your community; or simply be present with those you love in quiet, reflective appreciation. Remember to keep Holy the Sabbath … EX 20:8) - dedicate time to those people and things that are important so that you rejoice in living a life overflowing in peace and love. Written by Paul Grealy M&I EO, TCSO

Have a great couple of weeks ahead. 

Thanks for reading,

Ann-Maree

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Teaching and Learning Meetings

This week we have had Teaching and Learning Meetings to analyse the data from our individual reading tests and our whole school testing for Maths, Spelling and Reading. We look at the growth each child has made as their level of achievement.

We then delve a little deeper and look at specific areas or topic that the cohort struggled with as a whole and that becomes a focus recorded for the next years teachers.

It is also an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their own teaching and determine what was taught well and what might be taught differently in the future.

I find these meetings so valuable because they are an opportunity to stop and reflect on where we are at, how we are going and where to next?

Please check in with your class teacher if you’d like to hear how your child performed on their whole school or individual testing.

Transition Morning

On Wednesday in Week 9, we will run a transition morning where all students will meet their new teachers and classmates for 2024! The morning will go from 9.00 – 10.30 and will also include our future Prep students and new students for 2024.

The Semester 2 report cards will go out the Tuesday before the transition morning via the parent portal. On the same day, your child will also receive a hard copy booklist and a  note detailing their 2024 class name and teacher. This is a great opportunity that often eases a few anxieties and gets everyone set up for a successful 2024 school year.

Christmas Concert

On Wednesday the 22^nd of November we will have our annual Christmas Party! We are thankful for Kathryn Stuart, our music teacher who is leading the concert this year. A special thanks of course also goes to Anita McVeigh and all of the teaching staff who volunteer their time to support this event.

We have had a late addition to the events of the evening and will welcome Peter who will host an outdoor disco! While the Prep – Year 2 concert is on, the Year 3-6 students will enjoy the disco and then when the 3-6 concert is on, the Prep – 2 students will get to boogie the night away.

We are still chasing some parent volunteers on the night!

If you can help for a 45 min timeslot please email Nicarla.prentice@twb.catholic.edu.au.

We are cooking 1500 sausages!!

Have an awesome week, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Concert!

Warm Regards

Nicki

Year 5 and 6 Book Reviews 

Students have written brief reviews of a library title and posted it for future readers on the book record in AccessIT. Read some of the student's work below...

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - by Maya Adams

Is the culprit really responsible for the crime?

Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts. The mass murderer Sirius Black has escaped and out to kill him. Or is he? Is the truth what it seems? In this amazing mystery, magic novel secrets are revealed. Tables are turned. With dementors to untrustworthy people, danger is everywhere. Who can be trusted? Will it ever be safe?

Personally, I think that this book is really amazing. This book covers all the areas of mystery and magic. It will leave you guessing and wondering.

Try Time - Rafferty Dwan

Football fans should borrow this intriguing, helpful book that is filled with tips and tricks by a retired football player Billy salter.

Josh needs encouragement and help with football because he is shy. People and his teammates help him over come field shyness and Josh proves to be an extremely fast winger. Josh was so excited and happy when his favorite football player came and gave some tips and tricks to the players and some tips for the coach to help them play and train. He was very grateful for being able to see his adol.

It is a very attention-grabbing book in my opinion and that’s why I recommend borrowing this book if you are starting to play football or if you do already play.

The Raven's Song - Claudia Shoebridge

A feeling of dread grows as the world heals. “Why are the buildings named after these frozen kids?” So many questions, not enough time to find the answers.

This engaging dystopian novel by Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble, keeps you guessing until everything is revealed in the end. In this epic story you will read from two perspectives. Shelby, a primary aged egg farmer with an eye for trouble and her best friend Davy, who will follow her anywhere. And Phoenix, a boy from the past with a large family who are trying to get over their mother's death, while trying to uncover the mystery of the ravened girl of the bog. On top of this, Phoenix is being tormented by his aunt after being plagued since a young age with visions of uncertainty.

I personally loved this books humour, horror, and haunting realisations. Within this book I built a strong connection with characters and plot. Certainly a strange read to begin with. There is so much left unsaid at the end of every chapter. I couldn’t put it down, not until the truth came to the surface, almost in a similar way to the Ravened Girl of the bog. There are horrifying twists and turns that leave you wondering. What if…

End of Year Circulation Procedures

* All loans are due this week 

* Continuing students in Year 4 and 5 are very welcome to borrow for the summer holidays next week at lunchtime on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd November. Prep to Year 3 will have an opportunity to borrow during their class library time. Students must have their library bag with them and have returned all previous loans to borrow for the holiday period.         

We look forward to your support to return loans and to borrow for holiday reading!

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

2023 Aquathlon

It's wonderful to hear that Sophie Enders, Rose Stead, and Liam McHugh participated in the Aquathlon held in Dalby on Friday, November 3rd. The Aquathlon is an athletic event that involves a 1km run, a 200m swim, and another 1km run. It's a demanding competition that requires both running and swimming skills. It's great to know that all three students did a great job and are deserving of commendation for their efforts. Participating in such events takes dedication and hard work, and their commitment to the Aquathlon is certainly commendable. I hope they had a fantastic experience and continue to pursue their interests in sports and athleticism.

Zone and Darling Downs Trials

All Zone and Darling Downs trials will be placed on Parent Portal. Please check Parent Portal regularly or set up notifications on your phone if you wish for your child to be eligible to trial for Zone and Darling Downs sporting teams as you will be required to obtain paperwork from myself. I am unable to nominate students after the closing date so please make sure you do keep an eye on Parent Portal. Any questions, please contact me at brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au

Cheers

Brendan Luck

HPE Teacher

brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au

Final Newsletter for Term 4:

The final Newsletter for Term 4 will be sent home in Week 9 of this Term.  

Final day of Term 4:

The final of day for Term 4, is Friday 1 December.  School will finish at 1.00 pm on this day.  

Pizza Treat Day:

Pizza Treat Day is being held next Thursday, November 23.  Ordering is via Flexischools.  Late orders cannot be accepted.  The cut off time and date for orders is next Wednesday, November 22 at 11.00 am. If you are able to help with distribution of Pizzas on this day for approx 1 hour please contact our Tuckshop Convenor, Renee Kilpatrick at Renee.kilpatrick@twb.catholic.edu.au or 0417797854

Prep 2025:

Prep 2025 enrolments are now being taken. 

Please click on the following link to submit an enrolment application.  Interviews will be held early Term 1, 2024.  

https://enrol-ssp.twb.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-application/start

Direct Debit 2024:

Please remember to return your Direct Debit forms for 2024 if you choose to pay your school fees via Direct Debit.  All Direct Debit forms need to be returned by next Friday 22 November, 2023.

School Fees:

Please ensure all school fees for the 2023 school year are finalised by the last day of Term 4.  

Christmas Concert Parking:

Please be aware that St Pat's Bingo is on next Wednesday evening in the Cathedral Centre.  Parking is not be permitted in the Cathedral carpark , however parking will be available in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools carpark.  Parking attendants will be on duty at the Cathedral Centre carpark to monitor parking.  

Lost Property:
Please remember to come and check the Lost Property Tub before the end of Term.  We have a number of items that are unclaimed from Term 4.  Thankyou.

Week 6 & 7 Awards 

The final day for Tuckshop this year will be MONDAY, 27 NOVEMBER.

Tuckshop will have a limited menu this day, as we prepare to close over the Christmas break.  There is NO TUCKSHOP on the last day of school.

Reminder if you have any outstanding Tuckshop invoices, please ensure they are paid before the holidays.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped out in the Tuckshop this year.  Without your help, our Tuckshop simply could not operate.

Please consider offering a small amount of time in 2024 to help in our Tuckshop.

Regards

Renee Kilpatrick

Tuckshop Convenor