Term 4, Week 10, 2024

Dear Parents,

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the wonderful memories and achievements of our school community. It's been a year filled with learning, growth, and excitement. Here are some highlights from our incredible journey together:

RE & Religious Life of the School (FAITH) This year, our school continued on our journey as a distinctively Catholic school when every student comes to know Jesus in their lives.  At St Saviour's Primary, students learn about and experience the Catholic faith, its history, teachings, rituals and culture. A Catholic education is an invitation to experience the world with a Catholic imagination and a hope-filled view of the human person.

Academic Achievements (LEARNING) St Saviour's Primary is a school that has an unapologetic focus on learning. Our students have shown remarkable dedication to their studies, showing our learner qualities each and every day. We've seen impressive results and, more importantly, continuous progress from our students. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to support each student's individual academic journey, ensuring they reach their full potential.  I look foward to new initiatives in 2025, such as instrumental music to complement learning in the classroom.

Exciting Events and Activities (LIFE) There have been several fun-filled events this year including our Welcome BBQ and disco, Mothers' and Fathers' Day events, annual sports carnivals, Book Fair, school camps, swimming lessons, excursions, chess, fitness, grandparents' and Mercy Day, drama festival, Book Week dress up, Christmas Concert and fun days.  All of these events have showcased the unbelievable and special community that we have at St Saviour's Primary School.  One of the most enjoyable parts of working in a school is seeing the enjoyment on childrens' faces when their parents and family are engaged in their learning and life at school.

Facilities Upgrade The first three terms of this year provided an enormous challenge for our students and staff as building consistently interupted daily routine.  However, the adaptibility of everyone (including McNab workers) meant that learning conitinued and flourished throughout this process.  We are now fortunate to have a new library, early years classrooms, learning support room, sports shed, lift and playground equipment.  The final touch will be some new signage on Ruthven Street in the new year.

Student Engagement & Wellbeing This continues to be a consistent focus at our school.  This year we have begun to implement some engagement strategies that will continually be refined and improved over the next 12 months.  We also look forward to releasing our Student Engagement Framework in 2025.

Looking Forward to 2025 As we wrap up 2024, we are excited about the new opportunities and experiences that await us in 2025. We look forward to building on our successes and continuing to provide a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.  I wish our Year 6 students and any other student or staff member who is leaving SSPS all the best and I look forward to welcoming current and new members to our community in January next year.

Thank you to all our students, parents, and staff for making this year so memorable. Wishing everyone a joyful and holy holiday season and a happy New Year!

Sam Hannant

….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition

Dear families

As we come to the close of another busy term and a productive and fulfilling year, it’s an appropriate time to stop and reflect on the growth and achievements of our students and ourselves. Advent, a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus, allows us to do that. As Fr Michael suggests, it’s a time to “declutter our minds and reflect on the innocence of our life with God – in its simplicity, joy and quietness; the experiences we have had of God’s close presence through others, and through the events of life.” I hope you get to take time over the coming weeks to remember what brings you joy and see the Holy Spirit working in, through and around us. Remember the real reason for the season.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal – Thank you for your generous support! Over $500 in cash and vouchers! A wonderful community effort!

Enrolments are now open for students from Years 4 and older (in 2025) in the St Patrick’s Cathedral 2025 Sacramental Program. Children who have already been Baptised complete their initiation into the Church through the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion. This is a partnership in which families and the Parish community work together as your child is nurtured in the practice and love of the Catholic faith. An information session will be held early next year, where you’ll be given a preparation workbook which is to be completed at home.  If you’ve any questions or queries, please contact the Parish office on 46 371 500

Have a safe and blessed Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year! We look forward to seeing you all in 2025!

Thanks for reading,

Ann-Maree Ward (Assistant Principal – Mission & Identity)

 Dear Families, 

Thursday’s final assembly was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of the term.  We congratulated the following students on their efforts:

Academic Achievement was also acknowledged with over 130 students receiving certificates for their application to their studies. Special mention was made of three students, Randuli Wijayaratne in Year 3, and Aya Doherty and Rose Stead in Year 6  who displayed Academic Excellence by achieving straight A’s across all learning areas. They were awarded Academic Medallions.

The 2025 Year 6 school leaders were also announced.

 Councillors

Performing Arts/Cultural Councillors for 2025: Matilda Parker & Lexi White

Service Councillors: Isabelle Bird & Akech Adol

Technology Councillors: Robel Jemal & Joshua Ruhigira

Library Councillors: Christian Iglesias & Kaleb Torres

Welfare Councillors: Sophie Chandler & Leanne Anthony

Sports Captains

Coolock: Akuok Geu & Maddilyn Timmins

Goretti: Mila Bishop & Darcy Phillips

McAuley: Abigail Robinson & William Prust

Xavier: Brilee Brown & Jaxon Stampa

School Vice-Captains for 2025 Lola Wood & Oliver O’Toole

School Captains for 2025 Madeline Franklin & Chase Hartwig

We look forward to these students leading the school next year, ably assisted by all the Year 5 students.

As we said goodbye to our Year 6 students we acknowledged the following students for their contribution to school life.

Catherine McCauley Award: Maya Adams

Marg Doljanin Sports Medallion: Joseph Black

Cultural Award: Alessandra O’Campo

The Year 6 cohort have been wonderful leaders of the school this year. We are thankful for the gifts they have shared with us and wish them well in their new adventures.   The African idea of Ubuntu – “I am because of you” reminds us of the interconnected nature of the gifts we receive from others and give to others that cannot be separated. Even though the families and students leaving will not be with us next year, they will continue to be a part of the SSPS story. Our hope is that the values, friendships and lessons learned here, go with them as they venture beyond our gates.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to all members of the SSPS community. We all have a part to play in this community and we all bring a unique perspective. For all those students who were not formally recognised this week, please know that who you are, and the special qualities you  bring to school are valued and appreciated. The community would not have been what it was this year without all the different members of the community contributing as they have.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a refreshing break.  Father Michael explained beutifully in his homily today that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well when the gifts we all personally have are the 'presents' we share at Christmas. 

I look forward to seeing you back safe and sound in 2025 for another year of striving in faith, learning and life.

 Physical Education in 2024 

St Saviour's Primary School had an incredibly successful and eventful year in sports. We kicked off with our SSPS Swimming Carnival with Xavier winning the carnival and McAuley winning the relay. Next, we had our SSPS Junior Swimming Carnival which was a fantastic display of water confidence and fun. After watching this carnival, I am very excited to see our younger students advance to the SSPS swimming carnival. SSPS Cross Country was an awesome day full of cheering and smiles from students and parents with Xavier taking out this event. SSPS Athletics Carnival was another very exciting event with Goretti winning this carnival and taking out the relay and ball games trophy. McAuley was the winner of the field event trophy. St Saviour’s Primary also participated in Catholic, Zone, and Darling Downs Carnivals, Gala Days, Interschool Sport, Fitness Club, Toowoomba Primary School Cup Futsal Carnival, SWQ Touch Football Carnival, and Friday Night Basketball showing a diverse range of sporting activities and a strong commitment to promoting physical activity and teamwork among the students, highlighting the diverse and enriching sports program at St Saviour's Primary. Here's to another year of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun at St Saviour's Primary. Wishing all students and parents a safe and Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing our families in 2025. 

School Sport 

It's truly commendable to acknowledge the dedication and achievements of the students who have represented their school at higher levels in sports. Making it to the Central Zone team, Darling Downs team, or the State team is a significant accomplishment that reflects not only talent but also a strong commitment to training and hard work. The effort and time these students have invested in their training leading up to events are a testament to their passion for sports and their desire to excel. It's clear that they have demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic in their pursuit of success. Congratulations to all the students who have made school sport teams. Their achievements not only bring pride to their school but also serve as an inspiration to their peers and the broader community. Best wishes to these young athletes for their continued success in their sporting endeavours. May they continue to strive for excellence, enjoy the journey, and find fulfillment in their chosen sports. 

Swimming 

Zone – Drew Densley, Liam McHugh, Georgie Hedge, Emily Bignell, Sophie Enders 

Cricket 

Zone – Joseph Black 

Darling Downs – Joseph Black 

Netball 

Zone – Alexis Allen 

Basketball 

Zone – Samuel Abot, Akeer Adol 

Darling Downs – Samuel Abot, Akeer Adol 

Rugby League 

Zone – Darcy Phillips, Mahaylie Weribone 

Touch Football 

Zone – Lily Brookman, Mahaylie Weribone, Aya Doherty, Liam McHugh, Joseph Black 

Darling Downs – Mahaylie Weribone, Joseph Black 

Hockey 

Zone – Ella Maddison 

AFL 

Zone – Sienna Grice 

Darling Downs – Sienna Grice 

Soccer 

Zone – Mia Aylward, William Prust 

Darling Downs – Mia Aylward 

Cross Country 

Zone – Joseph Black, Rose Stead, Aya Doherty, Akeer Adol, Lachlan Giuffrida, Georgie Hedge, Mia Aylward, Harry Black 

Darling Downs – Rose Stead, Georgie Hedge 

State – Rose Stead 

Athletics 

Zone – Joseph Black, Jaxon Jessep, Rose Stead, Akeer Adol, Aya Doherty, Samuel Abot, Liam McHugh, Adelaide Adams, Georgie Hedge, Deborah Thomas, Emily Carrigan, Raphy Duce, Darcy Phillips, Ruby Land, Kenn Corpuz, Jagger Witt, Olive Pole 

Darling Downs – Samuel About, Adelaide Adams, Emily Carrigan 

State – Emily Carrigan 

Marg Doljanin Medallion 

The Marg Doljanin Medallion was introduced in 2021 to acknowledge a Year Six student each year who displays exemplary sporting ability throughout their final year of schooling. Miss Doljanin is about to commence her 50th year of teaching at St Saviour’s Primary in 2025. Over these years Miss Doljanin has been instrumental in sport at St Saviour’s Primary. Amongst her achievements are the fact that Miss Doljanin was the very first PE teacher at St Saviour’s Primary. To do this she would take other classes for sport whilst her class was at music or drama. She has organised many athletics, swimming and netball carnivals at school level, Catholic Sport Level and Regional Level.  Miss Doljanin coached Darling Downs Netball teams for many years, winning the state title twice and was also a QLD selector for netball and due to this is a life member with QLD Primary Schools Netball.  Miss Doljanin still helps organise athletics carnivals and coaches athletics in the morning.  She has always been a supportive sounding board for both Mr Hannant and Mr Luck as PE teachers over the last few years. Miss Doljanin has spend countless hours over the years helping students to become the best versions of themselves in their chosen discipline or sport. St Saviour’s Primary thanks Miss Doljanin for all her hard work over her time at our school. 

To be considered for this award students need to qualify and represent St Saviour’s Primary in the Central Zone/Toowoomba, Darling Downs and State teams. Points are then awarded to students throughout the school year with two points given for making a Central Zone/Toowoomba team, four points for making a Darling Downs team and six points for making a State team.  

The winner of the Marg Dolijanin Medallion for 2024 is Joseph Black for his selection for Darling Downs in both Cricket and Touch Football. Joe also represented Central Zone in Cross Country and Athletics. Joe is a dedicated athlete who lives and breathes sport. He puts in 100% into every training session, game or competition showing dedication on and off the field always displaying a high level of sportsmanship, teamwork and determination. Joe, we look forward to watching your future unfold as an athlete. 

National Shotput Champion 

Congratulations to Emily Carrigan on her outstanding achievements at the 2024 Australian Schools Sports competition. Winning the 11-year-old Girls Shotput Championship with a throw of 12.88m is a remarkable accomplishment, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to training. Beyond her athletic achievements, Emily's character shines through her humble and caring nature. Taking the time to thank officials and congratulate competitors at each event reflects her positive attitude and genuine desire for everyone to give their best effort. St Saviour's Primary is extremely proud of Emily, acknowledging her as a true superstar. Her dedication, sportsmanship, and caring spirit not only make her an exceptional athlete but also a role model for others. Congratulations again to Emily on her well-deserved success. 

Friday Night Basketball 

Congratulations to the SSPS students on their outstanding performance in the Friday Night Basketball Competition. A special shout-out to coach, Mrs Conway for her superlative guidance and leadership. The entire school community are proud, and the students should be commended for their dedication to excellence on the court. Here's to celebrating the teamwork and the spirit of sportsmanship that the SSPS students have demonstrated throughout the competition. 

Ninja Warrior Time Trial 

In the last couple weeks of the term, we ran a time trial during PE lessons on the Ninga Warrior course. Times were then calculated to work out first, second and third in Year Three to Year Six. Unfortunately, due to weather, not all Year Three and Four classes were able to do the time trial so they will do it next year instead and results for Year Three and Year Four will be worked out next year. Below are the results for Year Five and Year Six. 

Year Five 

1st - Sophie Chandler (1:23.93) 

2nd – Adelaide Adams (1:25.84) 

3rd – Kai Bailey (1:25.91) 

Year Six 

1st – Rose Stead (59.03) 

2nd – Aya Doherty (1:05.78) 

3rd – Joseph Black (1:10.56) 

Swimming Nominations 2025 

The SSPS Swimming Carnival (Year 3 – 6) will be held on Tuesday the 4th of February 2025 at Glennie Aquatics Centre (more information will be released next term). In Week One of next term, I will be getting nominations from your child/ren in their PE lesson. Please have a chat to your child about what they would like to do and are capable of swimming.  Please remember it is a 25m pool. Listed below are the events each age group can nominate in. Please note that your child may only swim in either 25m or 50m, not both and points will be used from 50m races for age champion and runner up (25m points will be used in the event of a tie). If you know your child will be away or is away for nominations, feel free to send me an email with your child’s nominations at Brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au. 

Events 

12-Year-Olds (2012) – 25m or 50m Freestyle, 25m or 50m Backstroke, 25m or 50m Breaststroke, 25m or 50m Butterfly. 

11-Year-Olds (2013) – 25m or 50m Freestyle, 25m or 50m Backstroke, 25m or 50m Breaststroke, 25m or 50m Butterfly. 

10-Year-Olds (2014) – 25m or 50m Freestyle, 25m or 50m Backstroke, 25m or 50m Breaststroke, 25m or 50m Butterfly. 

9-Year-Olds (2015) – 25m or 50m Freestyle, 25m or 50m Backstroke, 25m or 50m Breaststroke, 25m or 50m Butterfly. 

8-Year-Olds (2016) – 25m Freestyle, 25m Backstroke, 25m Breaststroke, 25m Butterfly. 

Zone and Darling Downs Trials 

All Zone and Darling Downs trials will be placed on the 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 

Holiday Reading and Listening for Pleasure  - Stories, Podcasts and Online Resources available from our AccessIt Online Resources Dashboard at Welcome | Accessit Library Web App

 Highly Recommended Podcasts for Holiday Listening -

Bedtime Stories from R.A. Spratt and Squiz Kids podcasts are freely available and offer great story and information options over the break. 

Highly Recommended Online Stories for Holiday Listening and Viewing -

Storyboxhub.com

Vooks.com (requires a $50.00 yearly subscription for full access), stories are well suited to younger children

Our Next Family Book Club Title - 

We chose “The Case of the Polar Poachers” from the Einstein the Penguin series by Iona Rangeley for our next read. This is a family friendly story with lots to love so please join in by reading the story together over the holidays. We will meet over afternoon tea during Term 1 to hear what you thought of the book. 

Copies available for purchase online from Pegi Williams Bookshop PEGI WILLIAMS BOOK SHOP - Children's Book Specialists or order from any of our local bookshops. The Book Tree bookshop on Ruthven St had copies for $15.99 this week.

Thank you to our Library Volunteers

Shout out to; Susan Bracken, Fiona Case, Donna Enders, Jodie Griffin, Melinda Harkins, Meredith Kaus, Renee Kilpatrick, Helen Maddison, Shelley Murphy, Michelle Nichols, Merryl Nunn, Shannon Pickersgill, Penny Pole, Emma Somerfield and Annetia Williams for their great covering work. The 900 new decodeable home readers will be ready for student use early in Term 1 2025 thanks to your efforts. 

Special mention goes to Merryl Nunn (most productive and efficient coverer) and Donna Enders (Book Club Coordinator and loyal book coverer) for their sustained effort across the year and to Hazel Soriano for support in Term 4.

           Merryl taping hundreds of home readers to ensure their longevity,

Thank you so much Merryl!

Creative students starting their author careers!

Good on you Hannah and Randuli.

Christmas Blessings Everyone

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

We are excited to be offering instrumental music in 2025 at St Saviour's Primary School.

Thanks to those families who have expressed interest in this program.  There is currently a lot of work happening behind the scenes to make this happen.  It is expected that the details will be released early in 2025, with the intention that as many students as possible will be able to participate.

Please stay tuned....

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Thursday 23 January: 8am - 9am