2018 Term 4 Week 7 SSPS Newsletter

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Congratulations SSPS P & F for FUN DAY 2018

The excitement was topped off by our winner of the “Principal for a Day”, Jacob Taylor in Year 2.  Jacob sold 180 tickets! His smiling face says it all!  I can’t wait to hand over the reigns to Jacob on Monday especially at this busy time of the year.  Best of luck Jacob!

Funds raised from the Fun Day will help cover some of the cost of upgrading our Prep playground and our new SMART BOARDS in some classrooms. Thanks P & F for your donation in supporting and providing the funds for all students in our school.

Class Placements 2019

The time frame for class placement requests has now well and truly passed. No further requests will be considered as all classes for next year have been finalized. All needs and requests have been given due consideration.  Class teacher and student placements will be enclosed with your child’s report card to parents on Tuesday 4^th December in readiness for our ‘Transition morning’ from 8:30a.m. – 10:30a.m.

Report Cards

Currently teachers are busy completing last minute assessments in readiness for the reporting period of Semester Two. All student report cards will be sent home on Tuesday 4^th December with your child. Please look for these in their school bags. 

Year 5 Camp

It was delightful to see the many happy faces throughout the week of our Year 5 campers as they enjoyed a few days at Currimundi.  Despite the intense heat and humidity, the children and staff happily engaged in the giant swing, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, archery, team games and the beach activities.  Our camp site officials could not speak highly enough of the children’s manners and engagement in the activities. Special thanks to the teachers and staff who gave of their own time to make the children’s camp a memorable and fun time for all. 

Adopt-a-Cop Visit

Today our school adopt-a-cop Senior Constable Kirsty Gleeson visited our school and shared important messages regarding safe and inclusive behaviour whilst students are online.  We appreciate Kirsty's time to share these important messages which align to our student expectations.  We take such messages seriously and appreciate Kirsty reinforcing this message. 

Japanese lessons in 2019

We are fortunate to have Mrs Jayne Greenhalgh as our Japanese teacher here at St Saviour’s. Jayne’s passion for the Japanese language and culture is an asset to our students. Jayne has taken on another school to support their Language program.  In 2019, Jayne will be teaching across four schools within the Toowoomba Diocese.  The Australian Curriculum minimum required time allocation for Languages for students in Primary School is a total of 50 hours over the seven years of Primary School.

Keeping in line with our commitment to keeping the timetable at the beginning of the week free from specialist classes and the introduction of the extra classes in Years 2, 3, and 4 next year we will need to make some changes to the delivery of the Languages curriculum within our timetable.  In Semester One, the Japanese language program for Years 4 – 6 students will be 45-minute lessons each Friday.  In Semester Two, Years Prep – Year 3 will have a 30 minute lesson each Friday.  The delivery of the Japanese program within six months still provides students with more than the required hours.  Parents will not be asked to purchase a new Japanese text in 2019, their current text book will be kept for use in 2019.   

Regards,

Ms Madonna Sleba | Principal

Week 8 

• Monday 26th November 5.30pm
  • Combined School Board & Parents and Friends Meeting will be held on Monday 26^th November, 5:30p.m.
• Wednesday 28th November
  • Next Wednesday, November 28^th, we will come together for a whole school mass to celebrate, give thanks for the year and farewell some of our beloved staff, Mrs Marlene Collins (Prep school officer) and Mrs Kim Pitt (school cleaner).  Marlene will be taking long service leave for the first six months of the year and Kim has accepted a position of work closer to home. All are welcome in joining us to celebrate the great contribution of these remarkable women to our school community. 
  • We will also announce our 2019 School Leaders at this mass.  Our Year 5 students nominated for the positions of leadership spoke eloquently about why they are great leaders to our Year 4 and 6 students.  Voting will take place on Friday of this week.  Parents will be notified once the counting has taken place. The mass will take place in the Cathedral Centre at 11:30a.m. 
• • 2019 Prep Parent Information Night will take place at 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. in the Prep classrooms 
• Friday 30th November
  • Free Dress Day: Raising money for MOVEMBER on behalf of some dads, Mr Dennis Horne and Mr Troy Willey.  Please bring along a gold coin donation.  

Week 9

• Monday 3rd December
  • Normal day – moving classrooms and clean up!
• Tuesday 4th December
  • Year 6 FUN DAY – Milne Bay Pool
  • Report cards to be sent home – this will include: 
  • Report Card – Semester 2
  • Classroom teacher 2019
  • Booklist
• Wednesday 5th December
  • Open/Transition Morning – 8:45am to 10:30am - students will move to their 2019 classes – meet their 2019 teacher and classmates.
• Thursday 6th December
  • Final Assembly:  in the Mercy Centre 8:30a.m. – 9:30a.m.:
  • Academic Awards; Cornerstone Awards; Principal end of Year School Report
  • Pizza Treat Day
• Friday 7th December
  • Year 6 Graduation in the Mercy Centre
  • 9:00a.m. – Graduation ceremony     - PREP TO YEAR 6 to attend
  • 10:30a.m. – SCHOOL FINISHES    
  • PLEASE NOTE – HALLTHORPE AFTER SCHOOL CARE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WHO CANNOT BE PICKED UP.
  • The school has organized this care if needed.  

Then, it is Christmas holidays!  

Sacramental Program 2019

St Patrick’s Parish Sacramental Program will start at the beginning of 2019. As part of this program students and their families prepare for, and celebrate, the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Communion in the first two terms of the school year. 

Next week, letters and an Enrolment Application will be sent home to all students in Year 3 who have been baptised. We will also check with older students to see if there is anyone who has been “missed” along the way. If this is something that you wish for your child to be a part of then please keep an eye out for this paperwork.

If possible, please complete the Enrolment Application and send back to either the school or parish Office before the end of the year. Otherwise, we will send out reminders in the first week of school next year. Please be mindful, that this is a parish/ family program (not school) and there is a weekly commitment for child and parent/ carer for most of Term One and Two.

Year 5 Camp

Last week I had the privilege of joining the 52 Year 5 students at their Leadership Camp at Currimundi, near Caloundra, along with Paula Wagner, Brendan Luck, Bee King and Annie Ward. What an unforgettable experience for all of us there. We were a 5 min walk from the beach, the cabins were airconditioned, with their own bathrooms inside and we were quite isolated from everyone else, so the nights were very quiet and surprisingly incident and interruption free.

For everyone there, the oldest (me) to the youngest there were new experiences and personal challenges. High ropes, a giant swing, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, caving and canoeing were just a few of the activities that we were all involved in. There were lots of laughs, but I am also very pleased to say that there were lots and lots of words of encouragement too as we all pushed ourselves to try something that was either physically or mentally challenging.

Group A, that I helped supervise for the 3 days, had the same instructor for all activities. Eben spent valuable time talking with the students about challenging themselves to be the best person they could be. He wasn’t talking particularly about the what they were doing, but he was relating it to life’s lessons. We all face challenges- it is how we tackle them and how we help others along the way, that matters.

As a final comment to me, after we finished our caving activity, Eben said that the SSPS students had restored his faith in the upcoming generation. In a typical week he interacts with 350 students and many of those encounters had left him feeling rather jaded. But not our crew. He spoke glowingly of the way they listened, they were respectful, they did as they were asked, they were polite, they looked out for each other and they had fun!! Well done Year 5! Our Leaders of 2019!!

Thanks to our Mass Choir

Fancy having to turn up for Mass on the day after Fun Day. I have to admit that I was not expecting to see many at the 9am Mass but I was very pleasantly surprised.

Well done to all our “regulars” who were for our last session, leading the congregation this year. Of course, this meant that for the Year 6s there, Sienna, Helan and Jeremy it was there last chance to sing as part of the SSPS school Mass Choir, though we did invite them to come and join us any time they like.

A special thanks to Anne-Maree Spalding, Anita McVeigh and Jo Cosgrove whose commitment to the choir has been unwavering. We really are so very lucky to have you!! Thank you very much. Thank you too, to the parents who obviously made it possible for the students to attend. We do appreciate you giving up your Sunday morning for your child’s choir commitments.

Mrs Judy Smith | Assistant Principal Religious Education

Teaching and Learning Meetings

During week 7, the Term 4 Teaching and Learning Meetings have been taking place.  These meetings are an opportunity for teachers and the leadership team to collectively look at specific teaching and learning items such as class results, teacher planning, student profiles and teacher goal setting.  It is also an opportunity to plan for the future based on results that students have achieved in 2018.

Final Board and P&F Meetings

The final P&F and School Board Meetings for 2018 will be combined on Monday November 26 at 5.15pm at school. 

This meeting will then be followed by dinner.  If you have been a member of the P&F or School Board in 2018, please RSVP to this meeting ASAP to the school email address.  ssps@twb.catholic.edu.au

Year 5 Creator Kids Incursion

Today and tomorrow, our Year 5 students are participating in a STEM incursion with Brad Howard.  Brad is no stranger to St Saviour’s as he has worked with all staff at the beginning of this year.  This workshop fits strongly with our commitment to our STEM focus over the next three years at St Saviour’s Primary.

Sporting Schools – QLD Cricket

Sporting Schools is Australia’s largest school-based sports participation program to help children foster a lifelong interest in sport.  St Saviour’s Primary has been lucky enough to secure funding for Term 4.

It has been fantastic to see all of the boys and girls participating in this program and hopefully it might encourage some students to join their local cricket club.

Week 7 is the final week of this program.  Thanks very much to everyone involved.

Friday Night Basketball – Term 4

Please see below the draw for the final week of Friday Night Basketball:

Friday 23 November:

• Boys V St Thomas More’s at St Mary’s at 5.00pm.
• Girls V TACAPS at St Mary’s at 5.45pm.

A special thanks to Mrs Conway, Mr Luck and Mrs Greenhalgh who have coached and helped with the Friday Night Basketball Teams in 2018.

MyGolf Program

An introduction to golf is being held at City Golf Club during term four on Mondays, Wednesdays or Sundays from the 15^th October to 9 December.  The cost is $100.  To register please go to mygolf.org.au

Basketball Supercamp – January 5-9 2019

The annual Basketball Supercamp with Pop Dickerson takes place from January 5-9 2019.  If you would like your son or daughter to attend, please visit www.supercamp.com.au for more information and registration forms. 

TFL Super Sign on and Fun Day

The Toowoomba Football (Soccer) League will be holding a sign on and fun day on Saturday February 2 at Queens Park (Cnr Hume and Margaret Streets).  It will commence at 10am and conclude at 1pm.

There will be development officers from Football Queensland in attendance on the day and also members of local clubs who can sign children up.

2019 Sport Dates

The following dates have now been finalised for St Saviour’s Primary Sport in 2019:

• Swimming Carnival (9-12 year old students) – Tuesday 5 February at Glennie Aquatic Centre
• Swimming Lessons (P-6 students) – Monday 18 – Friday 22 February at Glennie
• School Cross Country (P-6 students) – Friday 29 March starting on the school oval
• School Athletics Carnival (9-12 year olds) - Thursday 9 May at O’Quinn St Oval
• School Athletics Carnival (All students) – Friday 10 May at O’Quinn St Oval.  This is a lot earlier than usual due to the national athletics carnival being in Darwin in 2019.

Summer Reading@Home

Borrowing is well underway for this program. If your student still wishes to take part, and has returned all library loans, the last opportunity to select books is next Tuesday 27th at 1pm. Please encourage your students to share what they are reading at the Summer Reading@Home blog accessible here;

http://ssplibrary.edublogs.org

Magazine Subscriptions Make Great Gifts

Here are some recommendations for age appropriate magazines for those readers who love variety and real life content. Subscriptions may be available online or ask your friendly newsagent about sourcing these titles.

• Wacky but True 
• Just Kidding 
• National Geographic Kids 
• Poppy 
• Pets 
• Double Helix (Science focus for older students)
• Anorak (6 - 12 years)
• Dot (Pre-school)

Thank you Volunteers

We wish to sincerely thank the following people for their help with covering this term; Angela Ryan and Stacey Smith. We finish the year up to date with covering thanks to the amazing work completed by Angela Ryan. We acknowledge and give thanks for Angela's dedication to this volunteer work over the many years her children have attended St Saviour's Primary School. Angela has also beeen the Book Club organiser for many years. She is currently handing over to Michelle Standing, thank you Michelle for taking on this task.

Some changes to Library Policy and Procedures in 2019

Please note the following changes to the school policy regarding unreturned loans

• Reminders about unreturned loans will be emailed regularly from the Library Management System.
• Payment for unreturned loans will be required after one term and the cost will be added to the school fee account.

These changes are necessary due to an increase in unreturned library items. They are in line with policies in other Diocesan schools.

Mrs Anne Anderson | Teacher Librarian

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Thank you for your donations to date. Please consider supporting this appeal as items go directly to local families.

Gift Preparation

We welcomed Julie Inskip, Youth Coordinator for SVDP, to our Monday meeting and put her to work covering the calendars we are including in our parcels for residents at St Vincent's Aged Care Home. Our members have decorated a small angel for the gift bags and we will have another busy meeting next Monday to complete the gifts.

Mrs Anne Anderson | Teacher Librarian

Thank you so much to the St Saviour's Primary Choir for singing at the Fun Day last weekend. The crowd really enjoyed your performance of 'Long Tall Texan' and 'Old Man Emu'. We will be looking for an opportunity to present these songs again. They were too good to only be heard once!

And another huge vote of thanks to the dedicated choir members (and their equally dedicated families) who came along to sing at St Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday morning. You were just beautiful. I know our singing means a lot to so many of the parishioners. Very proud of you all.

Looking forward to planning our Break-Up Party! More information coming soon.

Anne-Maree Spalding and Anita McVeigh

On behalf of the P&F we extend a big thank you to everyone who supported the Fun Day on Saturday.  Unfortunately the weather and predicted storms that did arrive mid afternoon on Saturday, played a huge part in the day.  However, despite the cancellation of the rides, and the storms, the community support was wonderful and we appreciate everyone who stayed around after the performances to buy a burger and drink together. 

St Saviour’s Primary school has a long standing tradition of being a wonderful school built on wonderful community spirit and Saturday that was evident.  Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, without you the Fun Day would not happen.  Thank you also to Mrs McVeigh, Mrs Spalding and Mrs Daniells for your time and effort with our children and their wonderful performances on the day. I’m sure you would agree the Ridgee Didge Bush Band was wonderful and they certainly entertained everyone on the day.  To Ms Sleba, Mrs Smith and Mr Hannant, thankyou once again for ensuring the Fun Day was a success. 

The final tally of funds raised is yet to be finalised, however the P&F has committed to donating a large sum of money towards the refurbishing of the Prep playground area early next year. 

And finally a big thank you to the P&F committee who worked tirelessly prior to Fun Day, setting up on the day and packing up afterwards.  Your commitment to our school and our children is invaluable.  Thank you.  We look forward to the last few weeks of the 2018 school year,  with our final Pizza Treat Day on Thursday 6^th December. 

Warm regards,

Mr Peter Dennis | P&F President

The P&F are extending an invitation to all the SSPS Dad’s to come share in an end of year dinner at the Southern Hotel – Fire & Ice on Ruthven Street, Wednesday 5^th December, from 6.30am.  All welcome.  Come and share a counter meal together and celebrate the year that was.

Clothing Pool

• The Clothing Pool is now operating on a FRIDAY AFTERNOON from 2.30pm - 4.00pm.
• Located in the Parent Community Room (next to the Library)
• Any enquiries please contact our Convenor, Cathy Condon 0438 647 082

Skool Dayz (New Uniform Supplier)

• Skool Dayz will be open in the Parent/Community room on Fridays from 2.30pm till 4.00pm.
• If you would like to organise another time to try on uniforms or have any queries regarding the school uniforms please contact Skool Dayz directly on 0481 318 398.
• New orders can now be placed online via the website or follow Skool Dayz on Facebook.
  Skooldayz http://www.skooldayz.com.au 

The Executive Director: Catholic Schools has responded to principal requests for additional Professional development and planning days and has approved additional days for 2019 to assist with professional learning agendas, and to reduce the number of days teachers are away from schools during each term. Please note the below dates in your family calendar for 2019. St Saviour’s Primary School 2019 Professional Development and Planning Days (previously Pupil Free Days):

Prep Driveway and Carpark

Parents please remember to STOP at the sign in the Prep driveway. The Prep car park is strictly for the use of families with children in Prep.

Parking near the Mercy Centre

Parents just a reminder that parking down the driveway beside the Mercy Centre is strictly for deliveries and for those families needing to access the Disabled Park. It is not to be used in the morning for drop off or in the afternoon for pick up. Thank you for your understanding.

Before and After School Care

If you are unable to collect your child before 3.30pm please contact Hall-Thorpe Sports directly (Phone: 4638 7965 or Mobile 0438764752). Bookings Essential. Email admin@hallthorpesports.com.au

Bus Zones

Strictly no parking in the Bus Zones. Police do regularly monitor these areas in the morning and afternoons.

Available to purchase from the Office

• School Badges $5
• School Back Packs $60
• Swimming Caps $5
• Library Bags $10
• School Water Bottles (Large $8 Small $5)

Early Departures

Parents needing to collect students early throughout the day must come to the office to sign your child out. Please inform your child’s teacher via email or note if you are wanting to take your child early.

Absentees

If your child is absent from school please ensure you contact either the school office (messages can be left on the school answering machine) or on Skoolbag App. Please ensure this is done before 9am. If no contact has been made the office will contact you. If your child will be absent for a long period at a time, it is important you discuss this with your child’s teacher and make relevant plans to ensure work can be provided.

School Contacts

Before/After Schoolcare

Hall Thorpe Sports
Phone: 4638 7965