Term 1 2024, Week 6

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are now over halfway through Term 1 and believe it or not, planning is well and truly underway for students to enter prep in 2025.

Today, we welcomed prospective families for our annual open morning where the leadership team were able to share information about the school and families were able to have a tour of our improved prep facilities.  I must admit, it was great to be able to show off the latest addition to the playground.  However, today's opportunity to 'sell' the school got me thinking about 'our' story and what it means to attend a contemporary Catholic school.  So, in a few short paragraphs, this is my story about St Saviour's Primary School....

As Toowoomba's oldest Catholic School, St Saviour's Primary aims to educate students to Strive in Faith, Learning and Life. 

I do believe that St Saviour's Primary School is a school where Jesus is present, where faith is present, and the education of the whole child is paramount. Students who are educated in a distinctly Catholic School feel that they are valued, feel like they belong and feel that they can achieve success. Our Mercy Values are an integral part of our faith journey, where students are encouraged to show compassion, service and excellence in all aspects of school life.

Students at St Saviour's Primary are part of a dynamic learning environment where learning is valued.  Whilst academic achievement is important, students who make progress are equally encouraged and celebrated. St Saviour's Primary promotes an environment that is engaging and challenging where students learn from their mistakes and transfer what they learn into real life experiences.  Our learner qualities support them to do this.

Through faith, learning and the strong sense of community at St Saviour's Primary, we aim for our students to be well-rounded and good people who are prepared for the demands of life.

Parents and families play an integral part in their child/ren's learning journey and I thank each one of you for entering into partnership with St Saviour's Primary and also for promoting our school within the wider Toowoomba community.  Please keep an eye out early next term for your opportunity to sit down and have a chat with the leadership team and provide any feedback that you might have to continue to positively grow our fantastic school.

Sam Hannant

….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition

Our School and Parish communities come together for the first time this year to celebrate Mass this Mass Sunday 3^rd March, 9am at St Patrick’s Cathedral. A warm welcome and an invitation is extended to everyone. Please let us know if you can make it by replying using the RSVP sent out via Sentral or click on this link https://forms.office.com/r/GG5CvX9q6s  Light refreshments will be shared afterwards. We’d love to see you there.

We are in the second week of Lent. I know the days seem to disappear quickly so finding 5-10 minutes of quiet reflection only happens for me when I’m about to fall asleep! I’ve been reading a Lenten reflection program which has contemplations inspired by a short text of Scripture from the day’s Gospel reading, followed by reflections on how to put the Word into practice, to guide you through 5-10 minutes of daily prayer during the six weeks of Lent. The link below gives you a sample: https://issuu.com/evangelisationbrisbane/docs/heart_of_the_disciple_advent_resource_2022

A more child friendly (and adults!) reflection might be as simple as this: How was I a good memory for someone today? When did I say something to someone that made them feel valued? What random act of kindness did I do for someone?

At Monday's assembly, Mr Hannant challenged the students to show compassion through their words and actions this week - ask your child how they're going with that.

No matter what your reflection looks like, the idea is to spend time reflecting on how we can be the best people we can be by living our School values of Compassion, Service and Excellence. I encourage you to ask your child those questions as well. It's a nice reflection to do together.

It is also our third week of fundraising for Project Compassion. Thank you for your generous donations. Keep them coming! Click on this https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-saviours-primary-school-toowoomba link to make a contribution to the lives of those who are most in need and for future generations.

Meditative prayer  – As part of the RE Curriculum, students are taught how to pray. Meditative prayer is one form of prayer. It uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. This starts in Prep and is built upon throughout each year. Below are some examples of a 10 minute Meditative prayer in 4H. The students were focussing on the names of those who are special to them.

Dear Parents and Guardians

NAPLAN (The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, and is the only nationwide assessment that all Australian children undertake.  This year the dates for Naplan for Year 3 and 5 students will be in Week 8 and 9 from Wed the 13^th of March.  The students sit four separate assessments, Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy, and results are reported on using four levels of achievement; exceeding, strong, developing or needs additional support.

The descriptors for each category of achievement will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing.  Ultimately, these assessments are point in time assessments that are designed to give feedback to parents and schools around how students are travelling in their learning journey. The best way you can support your child is to reassure them that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program and all they need to do is try their best.  Students in Year 3 and 5 have and will participate in two practice tests over the next two weeks in preparation. This will give students a chance to become familiar with how the online assessment is structured, what to expect and how to navigate the online space.  It will also enable the school to test the infrastructure needed for the assessments to work efficiently.  

Please speak with your child’s teacher, Caley Croft our learning support teacher, or myself if you have any questions or concerns.

Dear Parents and carers,

At St Saviour’s Primary School, certain qualities stand out as essential for every learner. These learner qualities not only enhance our learning experiences but also pave the way for success in various areas of school life and life beyond the classroom. Below are our SSPS Learner Qualities:  

Curiosity: At the heart of every great learner lies an insatiable curiosity. Curiosity is the driving force behind exploration, inquiry, and discovery. It compels us to ask questions, seek answers, and venture into the unknown realms of knowledge. Cultivating curiosity fosters a lifelong love for learning and opens doors to new perspectives and ideas.

Determination: Learning is often marked by challenges, setbacks, and failures. Determination is the ability to bounce back from these obstacles, to persevere and to learn from our mistakes. Embracing determination empowers learners to overcome obstacles, adapt to changes, and continue their journey with a never give up attitude.

Thinker: The ability to think critically is essential. Critical thinking enables learners to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, separating fact from fiction and discerning the underlying truths. By honing critical thinking skills, learners become discerning thinkers, adept problem-solvers, and informed decision-makers.

Creativity: Learning is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it's also about creating new ideas, solutions, and possibilities. Creativity fuels innovation, imagination, and originality, empowering learners to think outside the box and explore uncharted territories. Nurturing creativity fosters a sense of curiosity and experimentation, igniting the spark of inspiration in every learner.

Collaboration: Learning is often a collaborative process enriched by the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and insights. Collaboration cultivates teamwork, communication, and empathy, fostering a sense of community and belonging. By collaborating with others, learners expand their understanding.

Adventurous:  Adventurous students’ open up a world of possibilities! They seek out learning opportunities and take on challenging projects that push their boundaries. Being adventurous means stepping out of your comfort zone, and approaching each day with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Communicator: Effective communication is not just about speaking fluently or writing well; it's also about being a keen learner. As a student, cultivating a mindset of continuous learning is crucial for becoming an effective communicator.

As we continue to embark on our own learning journeys, we ask students and staff to embrace these qualities knowing that they will lead us to personal growth.

Happy learning, 

Bec Thomas 

School Fees:

Term 1 School Fees are now overdue.  The due date for payment was last Friday 23 February.  

Prep Open Day:

Thank you to those families who came along to our Open Day today.  Enrolments for Prep 2025 are now being taken.  Enrolment applications can be subittted via the following link.  

Enrolment Process - St Saviour’s Primary School, Toowoomba (sspstwb.catholic.edu.au)

School Photo Day REMINDERS:

School Photo Day is TUESDAY MARCH 5.

Children are to wear full formal uniform.  Photos will be taken in the Mercy Centre.  Families who have requested to have a Sibling Photo need to go directly to the Mercy Centre and have their photo taken before school starts at 8.30am.  Sibling Photos are being taken from 7.30am on this day.  If your child is absent on this day, the photographers will be doing a make up day on FRIDAY MARCH 8. (Please ensure they wear full formal uniform)

FAMILY BOOK CLUB NEWS

Thanks for the great book chat last Wednesday everyone. Parents and Carers, please consider getting a copy of "The Magic Hour" to read with your family at home and come along to our Term 2 chat (Date to be advised). 

QLD SCHOOL LIBRARIES WEEK COMPETITION ENTRIES

Mackenzie and Madeline's entries were chosen for the QLD wide judging and will be displayed on the QLD School Libraries website early next term. A selection of students' reponses to the theme and their favourite story will be added to the AccessIT homepage shortly. 

LUNCH-TIME FUN

In spite of limited space, students have enjoyed working on puzzles together and looking at books during Monday and Wednesday lunch-times.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING TERM 1 BOOK CLUB

HAPPY READING AT HOME

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

As we enter the second half of the term, parents often notice a shift in their child's energy levels and mood. The excitement of the new school year has settled, replaced by a sense of routine. However, this period can also bring about fatigue and a lack of motivation in primary school students. If you've noticed your child seeming tired or disinterested in schoolwork, don't worry – it's a common occurrence. Here are some strategies to support your child through this mid-term slump:

1. Prioritize Sleep:

Ensure your child is getting enough sleep each night. Primary school-aged children typically need 9-11 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a calm environment to promote quality sleep.

2.  Healthy Eating Habits:

Provide nutritious meals and snacks to fuel your child's body and brain. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause energy crashes. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

3.  Encourage Physical Activity:

Regular exercise can boost energy levels and improve mood. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities they enjoy, whether it's playing outside, riding a bike, or participating in organized sports.

4.  Provide Support and Understanding:

Talk to your child about how they're feeling and offer support without judgment. Let them know it's normal to feel tired or overwhelmed sometimes, and reassure them that you're there to help.

5.  Maintain Consistency:

Stick to a consistent daily routine as much as possible. Consistency provides stability and helps children feel secure. Be patient and understanding as your child navigates this period of fatigue.

6.  Celebrate Achievements:

Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivation, helping your child stay engaged and focused.

7.  Encourage Rest and Relaxation:

Allow your child to take breaks when needed and encourage relaxation activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to music. Teach them the importance of self-care and stress management techniques.

8.  Stay Connected with Teachers:

Maintain open communication with your child's teachers to stay informed about their progress and any challenges they may be facing. Work together to develop strategies to support your child both at home and at school.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your child overcome mid-term fatigue and regain their enthusiasm for learning. Remember to be patient, supportive, and understanding as your child navigates this temporary phase. With your encouragement and guidance, they'll emerge from this slump feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the school year.

If you would like to chat further about how your child’s wellbeing or general coping with mid-term demands, you are welcome to get in contact: anne.woodcroft-brown@twb.catholic.edu.au

Anne Woodcroft-Brown

Volunteers:

Volunteers are needed in the Tuckshop every Friday.  If you can help out please contact our Tuckshop Convenor, Renee Kilpatrick on  0410304864.

Without volunteers our school Tuckshop cannot operate. Please consider giving up some of your time if you can to assist in the Tuckshop.

Pizza Treat Day:

Pizza Treat Day for Term 1 is being held on Thursday March 14.  Ordering is via Flexischools.  (Register or Log on to order)

Pizza Treat Day is for all children from Prep - Year 6.  The children receive a small Pizza (Pizza Hut) and a Freddo Frog.