Term 2. Week 6, 2024
Dear St Saviour's Primary Parents,
Last week, I was fortunate to attend the termly leadership forum at Stanthorpe with Principals of the 32 Catholic Schools in the Toowoomba Diocese as well as senior leaders from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. These forums offer an opportunity to learn from other leaders and reflect on the latest educational trends and research. One of the highlights of each forum is the keynote address by Dr Pat Coughlan who is the Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools.
Part of Dr Pat's address was used to challenge principals on how we deeply express the strengths of our schools. See below how I like to describe the strengths of our wonderful school:
St Saviour's Primary School is the oldest Catholic school in Toowoomba, founded by the Mercy Sisters in 1863. Whilst celebrating and remembering the history of SSPS and those that have come before us, we continue to pride ourselves on being a contemporary FAITH community where students are educated religiously and spiritually for life in the 21st century. Additionally, our strong connection to St Patrick's Cathedral and our relationship with Fr Michael enhances our faith commitment.
A strong culture of LEARNING is evident at St Saviour's Primary School where each learner is educated based on their individual needs and interests. I truly believe part of this culture is due to the dedicated and expert staff we are fortunate to have. Specifically, this includes the leadership team, classroom teachers, specialist teachers and school officers. Each of whom, play an integral part in the formation and promotion of a high quality learning program at SSPS.
St Saviour's Primary School prepares our learners for LIFE at primary school and beyond. Children are offered a holistic education at SSPS. Whilst academics is important, so is social and emotional development, mental health, relationship building, respect for the environment, service to others and problem solving skills. All of which, I believe are strenghts at St Saviour's Primary.
In summary, we encourage all learners at SSPS to Strive in Faith, Learning and Life!
I am very open to feedback on what you believe are the strengths of our community as I am sure there is more to add. Feel free to email - Sam.Hannant@twb.catholic.edu.au
Sam Hannant
Principal
Reading Instruction @ SSPS
I thought it would be timely to explain the changes to reading instruction that have occurred over the last six months at SSPS.
This year we are changing the way we teach reading across the school. This alteration is in response to changes in our mandated national curriculum. Version 9 of the ACARA curriculum makes very clear the approach to the teaching of reading. Research and evidence of practice over time has confirmed a very clear way forward in how to best teach ALL children how to read. Previous styles of reading instruction have worked for many, yet not consistently for all students. The Science of Reading research is underpinned by the Simple View of Reading which describes the reading process as having two clear processes, word level reading and comprehension. All reading is about understanding what has been read, however, to get to comprehension we have to be able to first decode words. The staff have spent considerable time last year learning about the changes to the curriculum and this year in particular developing their skills in the area of reading instruction. We have been supported by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office to do this, as they have adapted and changed their approach to supporting teachers to implement best practice in reading instruction. The Diocesan Approach to Reading replaces the previous Reading Improvement Strategy and we have been, and will continue to be, ably supported by Kara Locke our Education Officer in this journey.
For teachers in the classroom, and then parents at home, the biggest obvious change involve the types of reading processes we focus on and the types of texts that we use to support this. We are transitioning to using decodeable readers, rather than predictable texts to support students in the early years of school as they first learn to ‘crack the code’ of reading. Decodeable texts are different to other ‘predictable’ texts as they only contain words made up of sounds and their matching letter that have been explicitly taught to students and are a way for them to practice blending these words together. We have chosen Decodeable Readers Australia as a systematic synthetic phonic program that guides our early reading instruction. This of course has meant changes for teachers in the way they teach and assess reading development, students in the way they learn to read and for parents in how they support their child to read at home. Thank you to the parents who attended the Parent Information Sessions for Prep and Year 1 and 2 this week where we explained this information in more detail.
Although our approach to reading instruction has changed, what has not changed is our relentless focus on developing the reading skills of our students. Please reach out to your child’s teacher, myself or to Bec Thomas if you would like more information.
Wellbeing @SSPS
Yesterday I was walking beside a student returning to class after a one-on-one conversation and I noticed he high fived another student from a different grade walking in the opposite direction. No words were spoken between the two, just a positive acknowledgement of the other students presence in their space. This exchange is one of many that reinforce to me that positive connections help to build a community that is welcoming, safe and supportive. Simple acts of acknowledgement regardless of how big or small, all help to contribute to feelings of belonging and welcome. Sue Chandler, our wellbeing consultant has been working with the leadership team this week again as we continue to define how best to support students’ wellbeing at SSPS. I am excited to progress this framework not only as it will support all students, but it reaffirms many current practices that are a part of the St Saviour’s culture that makes it an inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Katie Hauser
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Dear families,
I hope this finds you well and warm.
The feel of Winter has come upon us this week. It is always a timely reminder of those who won’t have enough warm clothing or bedding this Winter. Please consider giving to our Mini Vinnies Winter appeal. Anything clean, in good condition and warm will be very welcome. We look forward to your generous donations over the coming weeks. Please bring your donations to the office. Thanks for your support.
Given that students don’t have a Winter uniform, to stay warm, I encourage them to start wearing warmer pieces ie the girls can wear the long navy socks or tights and the boys are able to wear the long navy pants and long-sleeved formal shirt. The warmer jumper can be worn with the spray jacket over the top if needed. NAME ALL BELONGINGS as there are a number of jumpers in lost property. School Locker is also available for all uniform requirements. St Saviour's Primary - Shop By School - School Locker (theschoollocker.com.au)
Congratulations to a number of our Year 4 students who made their Confirmation last week. It was a great privilege to witness them receive such a special Sacrament that it is very closely related to their Baptism. Thanks to Bishop Ken and Fr Michael for presiding. It was wonderful to see so many of our families there.
Please join us for our School/Parish Family Mass this Sunday 26 May at 9am in St Patrick’s Cathedral. We’d love to see as many of you there as possible. Your attendance brings our community together. Children’s Liturgy will be on. This is a time when students can listen to a “child friendly” version of the Gospel and complete a related activity with adult supervision during the usual Liturgy of the Word. Thank you to Mrs Harris and Miss Logan for taking the children. This Mass will also be a time to farewell Fr Nathan who is relocating to Stanthorpe. Thank you to Fr Nathan for often celebrating Mass with our students on a Tuesday. His engaging and compassionate nature is very much appreciated and we wish him well for the move. St Joseph’s Primary in Stanthorpe will be lucky to work with you. And a third reason to come to Mass is to celebrate World Children’s Day! Pope Francis has decreed the Catholic Church's World Children's Day 25-26 May. Pope Francis has decreed the Catholic Church's first World Children's Day will occur this coming weekend. The event focus will take place in Rome on 25-26 May, but Pope Francis has called on Catholics around the globe to celebrate the day in their own diocese. His letter is addressed directly to children. He speaks of the need to pray, to pray a lot, to pray every day, because prayer connects us directly to God. In particular he asks children all over the world to pray the Our Father. He also advises that with Jesus, we can dream of the renewal of our human family and work for a more fraternal society that cares for our common home.
'This starts with little things, like saying hello to others, asking permission, begging pardon, and saying thank you. Our world will change if we all begin with these little things, without being ashamed to take small steps, one at a time,' Pope Francis said. To read more click on this link: First World Children's Day, 2024 | Francis (vatican.va)
Sunday 26 May is also National Sorry Day which leads into National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3rd June. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. “Now More Than Ever #NRW2024” is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of our First Nations people will – and must – continue. Take a look at Share Our Pride via the Reconciliation website to get a glimpse of how life looks from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective. I encourage you to continue on an awareness-raising journey, so we can all share these traditional cultures and learn about our shared history.
Biggest Morning Tea – Join us to raise funds for Cancer by donating a gold coin at our afternoon tea on Friday 31st May from 2.30pm – 3.30pm in the Mercy Centre. Thanks to our hosts, Mrs O’Brien and the Yr 6 Service Learning team.
Interested in joining the “Faith” sub-committee of our PEN? Send me an email and join me as we work together, with our students, towards engaging our community in sharing our faith and being of service to others.
Friday this week sees us celebrate a very special Feast day – Our Lady Help of Christians on 24 May. This feast day has been celebrated in Australia since 1844. Australia was the first country to have Mary Help of Christians as Patroness and her statue stands in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in the Cathedral in Sydney.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
Have a great week! Thanks for reading,
Ann-Maree
Dear Parents,
We have had a lot of exciting learning opportunities happening at SSPS in the last couple of weeks...
Math’s Challenge:
On Tuesday the 7th of May 10 students from Years 5 and 6 travelled to St Ursulas College to compete in the Primary School’s Math Competition. This competition is designed to challenge and extend students beyond their everyday classroom learning with a variety of challenging questions and complex multi-step problems. The two teams competed valiantly and ultimately finished 8th (Year 6 Team) and 11th (Year 5 Team) which is a testament to their Math knowledge and their communication skills working as a team to achieve fantastic results. Congratulations to all students who competed and represented St Saviour’s with pride.
Early Years Parent Information Session:
Parent’s from Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 have had the opportunity to participate in 2 information sessions around the changes to classroom practices in regards to SSPS implementing Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Thanks to the early years teachers for presenting to parents and upskilling parent knowledge around decodable readers, changes to homework and how to support their child’s learning at home. We had a great turn out for both events and encourage parents to continue to support their child with reading at home.
Under 8’s
Yesterday we celebrated Under 8’s Day with the theme “Celebrating Culture through play”. Students in Prep to Year 2 enjoyed Indigenous face painting, Indigenous dance, first five forever library activities, Indigenous Games, dot painting and a visit from Bunnings. This annual event celebrates the first eight years of a child life and encourages learning through play. Please see our Facebook page for all of our happy snaps from the day.
Bec Thomas
Middle Leader
St Saviour’s Primary School Athletics Carnival 2024
St Saviour’s Primary 2024 athletics carnival will take place on Friday, 14th June. As St Saviour’s Primary evolves, changes need to be made to the athletics carnival. These changes are to benefit our students and are made to give the students the best opportunity to display their athletic ability in a safe and fun environment. This year there will be a couple of changes to streamline the carnival:
- All students will compete in Long Jump at O’Quinn Street (no qualifying at school). As there will be more students competing in Long Jump at O’Quinn Street this year, we will have two long jump pits and we will only measure jumps that are past a nominated mark. All students will still get three jumps and all students who compete will gain a point for their house.
- We will keep qualifying in PE lessons for Discus, Shotput and High Jump. To align with Catholic and Zone carnivals, only 10-12 Years will compete in discus and shot put.
- The High Jump finals will be on Wednesday the 12th of June at St Saviour’s Primary instead of O’Quinn Street Oval.
- We will no longer have finals for 80m/100m and 200m races. This year all heats will be timed, and we will use the top times from all the heats to determine who we will send to Catholic/Zone Athletics Carnival.
As this is the first year attempting this, we ask parents to be mindful that all events may not run to schedule, and changes may need to be made on the day of the carnival. We thank you for your understanding with this.
Field Event Qualifying
All students in Year Three to Year Six will participate in High Jump. Only 10 to 12 Years will participate in Shotput and Discus. Students will throw and jump to determine the top ten in each age group (boys and girls) who will compete in High Jump at St Saviour’s Primary on Wednesday 12th of June and Shot Put and Discuss at O’Quinn Street Oval on Friday 14th June. I will work out 1st, 2nd and 3rd for 8 Year Olds High Jump in Year Three from qualifying and they will be presented with a ribbon at the athletics carnival. Qualifying will happen in PE lessons again this year as the feedback from students is it is a much more relaxed and fun experience.
Qualifying has been designed so all students get a chance to participate in each event in a fun environment regardless of ability. The top ten in each event (age group, boy and girl) then compete at the school carnival in a fun, but more competitive level. It is important to note that whilst all students are not doing all events at the athletics carnival, all students have participated in an event during PE sessions which is a part of the athletics carnival and have gained points for their house. Qualifying for High Jump, Discus and Shot Put will start next Monday 19th April and continue throughout Term Two. If your child is away during any of the qualifying sessions, a make-up session will happen during lunch time the following week. These make up sessions will be posted on Parent Portal.
Wednesday 12th June 2024 (St Saviour’s Primary School)
DATE: 12th June 2024
TIME: 8:30am – 3pm
VENUE: St Saviour’s Primary School Oval
EVENTS: High Jump
WHO FOR: 9-12 Year Olds
NOMINATIONS: The qualifying ten from PE sessions will compete in the high jump finals.
|
Age Group |
Time |
|
9 Years Girls |
8:45am – 9:15am |
|
9 Years Boys |
9:15am – 9:45am |
|
10 Years Girls |
9:45am – 10:15am |
|
10 Year Boys |
10:15am – 10:45am |
|
11 Year Girls |
11:15am – 11:45am |
|
11 Year Boys |
11:45am – 12:15pm |
|
12 Year Girls |
12:15pm – 12:45pm |
|
12 Year Boys |
1:30pm – 2:00pm |
This is a guide only. Whist we will try to stay as close as possible to these times, events may run ahead or behind schedule.
Thursday 13th June 2024 (St Saviour’s Primary School)
DATE: 13th June 2024
TIME: 11:15am – 12:45pm
VENUE: St Saviour’s Primary School Oval
EVENTS: Ball Games
WHO FOR: Year 3 – Year 6
NOMINATIONS: All students in Year 3 to Year 6 will participate in this event.
|
Year 3 |
11:15 – 11:40 |
|
Year 4 |
11:35 – 12:00 |
|
Year 5 |
11:55 – 12:20 |
|
Year 6 |
12:15 – 12:40 |
This is a guide only. Whist we will try to stay as close as possible to these times, events may run ahead or behind schedule.
Friday 14th of June 2024 (O’Quinn Street)
DATE: 14th June 2024
TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm – Prep to Year Two (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school). Please respond to Microsoft Form sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport.
8:00am – 3pm – Year Three to Year Six (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school if required). Please respond to Microsoft Form sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport.
VENUE: O’Quinn Stree Oval, 16 - 44 O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba.
EVENTS: Shotput, Discus, Long Jump, 60m/80m/100m Sprints, 200m, 800m, Relays, Prep – Year 2 Rotations
WHO FOR: Prep – Year Six Students
TRANSPORT: Prep to Year Two (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school). Please respond to email sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport.
Year Three to Year Six (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school if required). Please respond to email sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport.
FOOD: The children will need to bring their own morning tea, lunch, and water.
There will be no canteen operating on the day.
SPECTATORS: We encourage as many parents as possible to come and support your
child/ren at the St Saviour’s Primary Athletics Carnival. We ask that all spectators remember to keep their encouragement positive and to respect the officials’ decisions on the day. The main purpose behind this carnival is for the students to have fun, whist showing their school spirt gaining points for their house.
COST: This carnival and transport are all inclusive in your child/ren school fees.
UNIFORM: Students are welcome to dress up and can wear clothing of their
house colour. Hair spray and zinc is also allowed. If your child/ren does
not wish to wear their house colours, can they please attend in their sports uniform. Please ensure your child wears shoes suitable for running.
NOMINATIONS: All students will run in either a 60m, 80m or 100m race and year level
relay. Students in Prep to Year Two will participate in modified athletics activities to gain points for their house. Students in Year Three to Year Six will also compete in Long Jump, 200m and 800m races. The qualifying ten from PE sessions will compete in shotput and discus finals.
PERMISSION: Permission has already been granted through ‘Physical Education Activities/Carnivals 2024’ on Parent Portal.
Athletics Carnival Dates
- Wednesday 12th June 2024 (High Jump Final) St Saviour’s Primary School Oval
- Thursday 13th June 2024 (Ball Games – Year 3 to 6) St Saviour’s Primary School Oval
- Friday 14th June 2024 (SSPS Athletics Carnival) O’Quinn Street Oval
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me (brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au).
Cheers
Brendan Luck
HPE Teacher
School Sport
Congratulations to Rose Stead and Georgie Hedge who made the Darling Downs team for cross country. They will both compete in the state championships representing the Darling Downs later in the year. Good luck and we look forward to hearing all about your fantastic experience.
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.
Upcoming Events (Term Two)
- SSPS High Jump – 12/06/2024 - 8:30am-3pm
- SSPS Ball Games – 13/06/2024 - 11:15am-1:30am
- SSPS Athletics Carnival 14/06/2024 – 8:30am – 3pm
Cheers
Brendan Luck
HPE Teacher
Last week, students took part in the 'Step into Stories' celebration with author presentations, both in-person and online. These opportunities to engage with real life book creators impact on students desire to read the author's books and to practice their drawing skills! Books by Nat Amoore and Renee Treml can be ordered using the details on the flyers below...
This week we celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime with a shared reading of "Bowerbird Blues" by Aura Parker. Classes have experienced this picture book in various ways and during their library lesson, Year 3 students will be locating information about real Satin Bowerbirds from the videos shared on the AccessIT homepage. Take a look yourselves at St Saviours Primary School Toowoomba (accessit.online)
Family Book Club
We will meet on Monday 10th June after school in the library to chat about our Term 2 book "The Magic Hour". Everyone is welcome to join us, even if you haven't read the book. We will choose a new book to read during Term 3 over a shared afternoon tea.
Our Readers' Cup Team for 2024
Georgina, Maya, Estelle and Gorgi have been reading the 5 novels in this year's Readers' Cup competition over the last 8 weeks in preparation for this team event on Tuesday 11th June. I admire their dedication, but mostly I'm very happy to see how they are enjoying these stories, all quite different and challenging novels. Keep up your effort girls, only 3 weeks left before competition day!
Happy reading everyone!
Anne Anderson
Teacher Librarian
Nat Amoore shared her own writing secrets with the boys and girls from years 4 - 6.
Zanni Louise engaged our students from years 2 - 3 with a session in the Mercy Centre.
Choir News: Thursday 6 June, Sing Out Twilight Concert, Empire Theatre
Anticipation and excitement is building as our Choir prepares to perform at the Empire Theatre at Sing Out on Thursday 6 June. We are so proud of our students for their commitment, enthusiasm and persistence as they memorise complex two-part choral arrangements. It is important that participating students attend our remaining 3 scheduled rehearsals so we are ready for the concert.
Upcoming Choir rehearsals:
- Tuesday 28 May from 1:00pm – 2:00pm
- Wednesday 29 May and 5 June from 7:45am – 8:25am
Parents are reminded to purchase tickets for family members wishing to attend in the audience. Tickets for the Sing Out Twilight Concert on Thursday 6 June can be purchased from the Empire Theatre Box Office or via their website Sing Out - Empire Theatre
empiretheatre.com.au/whats-on/sing-out
(N.B. Participating students do not need tickets; our SSPS choir will have seating allocated with other performing schools.)
SSPS Students Shine At Toowoomba Eisteddfod
Congratulations to the following students from SSPS who competed in the vocal, piano, and speech and drama sessions of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod at the Empire Theatre over the past fortnight: Alexis Allen, Estelle Harlen, Alessandra O’Campo (Year 6) and Matilda Parker (Year 5).
We would like to celebrate the dedication of these students in preparing for the competition, as well as their courage and skill in performing to a large audience in a highly-competitive environment, showcasing their musical and dramatic excellence in the performing arts.
Special mention to our Year 6 students who were awarded places in the various sections in which they competed, as follows.
Alexis Allen & Estelle Harlen:
- Highly Commended, Year 6 Poem in Pairs
Alessandra O’Campo:
- 1st place, Music Theatre Performance Solo
- 1st place, Contemporary Commercial Vocal Solo
- 2nd place, Australian Composer Solo
- 2nd place, Year 6 Vocal Solo
- Highly Commended, Piano Solo
Tarzan The Musical – Toowoomba Choral Society
Following her fantastic Eisteddfod success, we are delighted to hear that Alessandra will perform in the ensemble for the upcoming musical theatre production of Tarzan at the Empire Theatre in July. This is an outstanding opportunity for her to showcase her talent on a larger stage and work alongside other talented performers.
Tarzan the Musical is sure to be an entertaining production that the whole family can enjoy on the holidays. Tickets can be booked via the Empire Theatre website or at the Box Office.
Kathryn Stewart (Music Teacher/Choir Director)
Dental care, with no out of pocket cost, is offered to all Queensland students from the age of 4 to the
completion of Grade 10 through the School Dental Service. Children aged 0 - 4 years and students in
Year 11 -12, may be eligible for treatment if they receive Childhood Dental Benefit Scheme or if they have
a current concessional health care card. The Dental Team consists of a Dentist, Dental Therapists, Oral
Health Therapists and Dental Assistants. You will be advised if your child needs specialist dental
treatment.
Students at St Saviour’s Primary School are now being offered dental treatment through the School Dental
Service at the Rangeville School Dental Clinic, South Street, Rangeville. Registration forms will be available from Monday 27 May, with a two-week window for registrations to be lodged for the service.
For families with multiple students, please request your oldest child to be the one to collect the form from the Administration Desk at school.
Toowoomba World environment day is scheduled Sunday 2nd June at Lake Annand Park Toowoomba.
The celebration will kick off at 10:00 am and run until 4:00 pm. The day's activities will feature workshops, market stalls, children's activities, a speakers' corner, exhibitions, guest speakers, and dance and music performances.
Find more info https://facebook.com/events/s/toowoomba-world-environment-da/792693026097276/