Dear Parent and Caregivers,

I wouldn’t mind a dollar for every enrolment interview I have done over the years. What you surely cannot put a price on is the privilege it is to sit and talk with families about the hopes and dreams they hold for their children. Priceless too is the infectious energy that young children bring to such moments. They are excited. They are also nervous. 

In the first week of Term 2, we will host our 2023 Prep interviews with prospective students and their families. Later in the term we will interview for Yr 1 – 6 placements for 2023.

Perhaps current parents will recall such interviews years ago. This moment arrives for families often after years of conversation and deliberation around the ‘kitchen table’.

These conversations are always future focused and overwhelmingly framed with a positive perspective. There are untold and unforeseen educational opportunities ahead for your child/children.

From a school perspective, they are about ensuring places for the next generation of students. Sustaining enrolments ensures the future viability of the school.

It is obvious then that the enrolment decisions that we will make in the coming weeks have ramifications for the future of many children and their families but also for the school itself. 

St Saviour’s Primary School has much to offer as a holistic Catholic school in the Sisters of Mercy tradition and consequently the school continues to build strong numbers for future years. Currently, it is also the case that demand outstrips supply and we have growing waitlists for 2022 and 2023. While this is a fortunate position it does make the enrolment process a pressured one for families and for the school. Making choices about families is no easy task. 

A combination of the following factors, in no particular order, are all taken into consideration when prioritising a prospective student and the subsequent offer of a place:

• Siblings of students already attending the school;
• Baptised Catholic children who: 
  • Attend a Catholic school; or 
  • Are members of the local parish community;
• Catholic family;
• A student enrolled in another Catholic school;
• A son or daughter of a St Saviour’s Primary old girl or boy;
• Application date;
• A family connection to the school, e.g. cousin, aunt, uncle, grandfather or grandmother.
• Academic Record;
• Co-Curricular participation and achievement;
• Students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) desire and are committed to Catholic education.

When a place is not offered in the first round then applicants are placed on a waiting list. In truth, this is more a waiting ‘pool’ of applicants than a list which implies that the child at the top is the next in line for a place. Enrolment is then considered as vacancies become available. Every effort is made to enrol students from the waiting list, however, this may not be possible if changes do not occur. If an offer of enrolment cannot be made for the immediate year or desired intake year, the application will be transferred to subsequent years. For every child and family who is delighted to be offered a place there are also families who suffer disappointment when this is not the case. We are mindful of this delicate situation and continue to focus on supporting families whatever the outcome of the enrolment process.

Obviously, the management and leadership of the enrolment process is a complex and vital role within the school. I thank our school administration team for their diligent stewardship of the future enrolments. 

Some brief points to close on:

• Our 2023 Prep Information Session took place today in the Mercy Centre with close to 50 parents attending.
• Next week, I will be taking long service leave and Mr Sam Hannant will step in as Acting Principal.
• We are experiencing an increase in staff and student positive Covid-19 cases and we urge you to be mindful of our staff here at SSPS in keeping them well and safe so that your children’s learning can continue with little interruption. If your child has any symptoms of illness please keep them home to protect all of us.

With every best wish for the week ahead.

Madonna Sleba

Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

This term has certainly been an unusual one and not only due to the "late start" and ongoing building project. Despite COVID issues curtailing several of our usual Term One gatherings, we have managed to get in a few, which are evidenced here and in earlier parts of the newsletter. As Madonna has mentioned, Prep enrolment interviews are on the horizon, even though it seems we are only just getting to know our current preppies and their families. It is obvious that the Preps are getting used to the routines of school, can get into a "reasonably" straight line and know what to do when they hear a whistle!! Progress indeed!

Prep Open Afternoon last week:  Photos from Prep A, H & T Looks like a lovely time had by all.

Project Compassion: The Catholic Social Teaching (CST) of Solidarity is in evidence here at  SSPS. As mentioned in earlier newsletters, as a school we annually take part in the Project Compassion Lenten Program, through which our community learns about the particular lives of people from around the world. We have heard about how PC sets up programs that provide long term support, not only for individuals, but for their families and the communities in which they live.

Students are developing awareness of how they can assist others, and stand in solidarity with our "one human family". While all classes have their Project Compassion Boxes, to which all are encouraged to donate, a few year levels are trying something different, and perhaps being a bit competitive...all in a good cause.

Year 5s and Preps are running an Easter Raffle: Tickets still available.

Year 3s: Golden Tap where students are asked to bring in a gold coin.

All donations to Project Compassion will be collected at the end of next week. Thank you for your generosity so far!

Sacramental Program: The St Pat's Parish Program continues after the holidays, with a Parent Information Session on April 26 at 7pm. This will then lead into preparation for Confirmation and then First Communion. Parents involved are asked to attend this session where resources will be distributed.

Please watch out for further communications next week, particularly after our AWARDS Assembly next Thursday morning.

Enjoy the long weekend

Judy

Dear Parents,

Bullying No Way!

Friday 18 March marked the National Day of Action against Bullying, and Monday 21 was Harmony Day. It is our hope that St Saviour’s Primary School is an environment in which all people feel included, have a strong sense of belonging, are part of a diverse group and are safe. 

Last week our students wore orange to mark the day and spread the message of the importance of being kind!. All members of the leadership team also visited some classes to share stories of kindness and discuss the importance of being kind online. We hope each child at St Saviour’s Primary feels - respected, connected and protected. 

Here at St Saviour’s Primary one of our core values is the word ‘community’. This is centred around the principle that every student, parent, teacher, support staff, coach or volunteer, should respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their personal traits, preferences or appearance. There are a number of people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as people with disabilities and holding varied religious or spiritual belief systems here at the school. We all have a responsibility to respect these differences and ensure that our language is appropriate and non-discriminatory. This means avoiding terms which are offensive or using language that portrays certain people in negative ways. It is impossible for us to uphold SSPS spirit; if we fail to protect and nurture each other every day.

Just a friendly reminder that there is no teacher on duty until 8.10am in the morning. If you are dropping your children off before this time, they are required to sit sensibly in the boulder area and wait. This includes the children in Year 1 and 2. A teacher on duty will walk the Year 1 and 2 students down to the bottom playground at 8.10am. This routine helps to ensure all students stay safe before school. Please remind your children of this as they leave the car in the morning.

Thanks for your support!

One area of school life that often is the key frustration for staff, students and parents alike is the hair and grooming standards. Whilst we are getting to the conclusion of the term, there are a number of students who require a haircut now, and cannot wait until the holidays. 

It is expected that students meet the prescribed guidelines:

• Hair is not to be cut any shorter than a number three blade. (no tracks)
• At the back, hair must be cut evenly and clearly above the collar and for longer hair tied up, not left loose.
• The fringe must be cut to a length above the eyebrows, not kept longer and simply brushed to the side.
• At the sides, hair must be cut and worn so that the ears are completely exposed. Sweeping longer hair behind the ears is unacceptable and must be tied back.
• Shorter hair at the back and sides must be blended gradually into the longer hair on top.
• It is expected that hair be kept completely as the student’s natural colour and that no artificial colouring, bleaching, dying or streaking of hair is done. The way the hair is worn should not draw attention to the student.
• As well as keeping hair at an acceptable length, it is expected that all students keep their hair neat and tidy every day.

We would appreciate parental support in this area.  If individuals wish to discuss these guidelines, please do not hesitate to make contact.

SSPS Swimming Carnival (Year 3 – 6) 

As you might be aware the 2022 SSPS Swimming Carnival will take place on Wednesday 30th of March 2022.  Please see the below information: 

DATE: 30th March 2022 

TIME: 9am – 12pm 

VENUE: Glennie Aquatic Centre 

WHO FOR: Students in Year Three to Year Six 

TRANSPORT: The children will catch a bus from St Saviour’s to Glennie at 8.40am and return to school after the carnival.  Children can then be picked up at the normal time of 3pm. 

FOOD: The children will need to bring their own morning tea, lunch, and water as there will not be a canteen operating on the day. 

COVID-19: Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions I have been advised by Glennie Aquatics Centre that parents cannot attend the carnival. 

PLEASE BRING: Students will need to wear their togs under their uniform to school and then change when they get back to school. Please make sure your child brings towel, goggles, swimming cap, swimming bag and food. 

COST: The cost of the swimming carnival has been covered by your child’s school fees. 

UNIFORM:  The children can wear coloured shirts to support their individual house. If they choose not to do this, they can wear their sport uniform.  Thongs are fine to wear to and from the pool.  No zinc, face paint or hairspray is allowed at Glennie Aquatic Centre. 

NOMINATIONS: All nominations have been completed during your child’s PE lessons and a program has been published to parent portal. 

PERMISSION:  Please fill out the permission via Parent Portal. 

SSPS Cross Country 

As you might be aware the SSPS Cross Country will be held on the 1st of April 2022. Due to the building project the Cross Country will be on the college oval. Please find all information regarding the day below and if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me Brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au. 

There will be ten teachers situated outside the school grounds on the course to help students around the track. 

• Spectators are welcome at the Cross Country however, you will need to be socially distanct and where social distancing is not possible, a mask will need to be worn. 
• We ask that spectators do not enter the middle of the oval and spectate from the outside of the track. 
• The prep driveway will be used as part of the track and will be closed and unable to be used on the day of the Cross Country. Please park on Lawrence Street or the Cathedral Centre. 

• Please complete permission via Parent Portal. 

Order of Events: 

The order of events this year will be: 

1. Boys and Girls born 2017 - 2 laps of College Oval (Year six students to form a wall around the inside and outside of the oval track to help cheer the younger students on for this race - not running with them or chasing them). 

1. Boys and Girls born 2016 - 3 laps of College Oval (Year six students to form a wall around the inside and outside of the oval track to help cheer the younger students on for this race not running with them or chasing them). 

1. Boys and Girls born 2010 - 1 lap of College Oval, 3 laps of school, 1 lap of College Oval 

1. Boys and Girls born 2011 - 1 lap of College Oval, 3 laps of school, 1 lap of College Oval 

1. Boys and Girls born 2012 - 1 lap of College Oval, 2 laps of school, 1 lap of College Oval 

1. Boys and Girls born 2013 - 1 lap of College Oval, 2 laps of school, 1 lap of College Oval 

1. Boys and Girls born 2015 - 1 lap of the college oval, out of college and down Perth Street and onto Ruthven Street, back up the prep driveway to Perth Street and finish on college oval. 

1. Boys and Girls born 2014 - 1 lap of the college oval, out of college and down Perth Street and onto Ruthven Street, back up the prep driveway to Perth Street and finish on college oval. 

This order is so the older students, who are running the most distance will be running in the cooler part of the day. 

Starting Time: 

The event for children born in 2017 will start at 9am and will follow in the order above. All races will take place with the boys first, followed by the girls. No races will begin before the times listed below. Please keep in mind, races may start after the start time if races run behind.  

Cross Country 2022

School Sport 

Congratulations to Mia Casagrande who made the Darling Downs Team for Queensland Orienteering School Championships. Mia will now compete at Ipswich and Mt Crosby for the Sprint, Habagy and Individual schools’ events on the 23rd and the 24th of July. Murdoc Thompson also made the Toowoomba Schools Team for Rugby League and will attend the DD Trials in Stanthorpe on the 26th of April. Fantastic effort and we are all cheering for you.  

Athletics State Championships

Congratulations to Emily Carrigan and Rose Stead who recently competed at the Athletics State Championships.  Emily placed 3rd in discus and 1st in shot put.  Rose placed 4th in the 800m.  Well done on your fantastic results!!

Toowoomba Twisters 

Congratulations to Sophia Hooper, Aya Doherty, Evie Phillips and Mahaylie Weribone who all trailed and were successful in making the Toowoomba Twisters team. What a great accomplishment girls and I look forward to hearing about your experience. 

Triathlon 

Thomas Prust competed in his first solo triathlon recently at Texas, Torture on the Border. He has been training hard for the event and is to be commended on his amazing effort. He completed a 200m swim, an uphill run transition to a 3.6km bike ride and a 1.1km run all in 20 minutes. Awesome work Thomas (see photo below). 

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 One) 

• P - 6 Swimming Lessons – Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th of March (Glennie Aquatic Centre) 
• SSPS Swimming Carnival (Year 3 – Year 6) 9am – 12pm - 30th March 2022 (Glennie Aquatics Centre) 
• SSPS Prep – Year 6 Cross Country - 1st April 2022 (Primary School Oval) 

Peak 2 Park:

Optimise Health Peak 2 Park is being held next Sunday 3 April at Picnic Point.  This is a fantastic event to be involved in. In previous years, we have had a number of children and families participate.  There is a 10k and 4k event to choose from either run, jog or walk. Register via the link below if you and your family would like to participate.  Send us your photos so we can include them in next Term's Newsletter!!  We love to see our families out being active in the community.

www.peak2park.org.au

Cheers 

Brendan Luck 

HPE Teacher 

Reminders

Term 1 School Fees -

Term 1 School Fees are now overdue.  Please arrange for payment to be made before the last day of Term 1, if you have not already done so.  Thank you.

Swimming Lessons -

Swimming lessons resume next week (Monday and Tuesday). Please ensure your child packs all their swimming requirements for these two days next week.

Pizza Treat Day -

Pizza Treat Day was held today at school.  It is always a highlight of the Term. Thank you to Cathy Condon our Pizza Treat Day Coorodinator for ensuring all our little people enjoyed their Pizza and Treat day.  

Toowoomba Show Holiday -

Tomorrow Friday 25th March!!  Enjoy your day!!

Term 2 - First day of Term -

The first day of Term 2 will be WEDNESDAY 20TH APRIL. 

Tuesday 19th April is a PUPIL FREE DAY.

Drama Festival 2022

The children are well underway with their Drama Festival rehearsals in class. Please look out in your class communication note for the details next week.

Thanks,

Anita McVeigh

Drama Teacher

Next Thursday our school is turning purple for Epilepsy!! 

World Purple Day, held on March 26 is an international day of awareness for people impacted by epilepsy.  This March, St Saviour's Primary will be hosting a PURPLE DAY to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy.  This day is being held next Thursday March 31.  This will be a free dress day - come dressed in purple and bring a gold coin donation.  This year, our very own Mrs King and Archer Klemm from Year 6 feature in the marketing campaign for "Make March Purple". 

Year 6 Mentimeter and Kindness Culture