Week 9, Term 3, 2022

I never cease to be amazed by the boundless depth of energy, goodwill, and support there is within the St Saviour’s Primary community. This term we have been fortunate to accommodate events, gatherings and occasions that add to the rich school life from which our children benefit so much.

Term 3 has involved:

• Athletics Carnivals
• Eisteddfods
• Liturgies
• Catholic Education Week events
• Wellness Week
• 2023 Prep Transition morning
• Father’s Day BBQs; Prep Father’s Day liturgy and activities
• Child Safety Week
• Assemblies
• Book Week
• Integrated STEM classes
• STEM club
• Chess Club and competition
• After school sporting activities
• Before and After school care activities

Each of these requires energy, goodwill and support from countless individuals, be they members of staff, students themselves, their parents or the wider school community.

The long list of events, gatherings and occasions certainly applies during this dynamic term, but it is also the case for each and every term. Whether they be intimate events or ones with a large crowd they all tap into that unique mission that we label ‘strive for goodness at SSSP’.

In 2022, our community of students, staff and parents are the holders of this unique spirit. It is a legacy that has been passed on by those who went before us. In time, we all will pass the legacy of SSPS Spirit on to those who will follow us. My hope and aspiration is that when that time comes that we pass on a spirit that has been added to and enhanced by our endeavours.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity and the spirit that you enter in providing and supporting our school.

Wishing everyone a restful and safe holiday.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back to Term 4 on Tuesday 4^th October. 

Thanks for reading

Madonna Sleba

Dear Parents and Carers,

                      Welcome to Spring and the Season of Creation

In 2015, Pope Francis declared the Season of Creation which is an annual time of “prayer and action for our common home”. The Season of Creation begins on September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, continuing through to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of the Environment.

This time has evolved into an annual ecumenical initiative to encourage Christians and other interested groups to work together through prayer, practical action on sustainability and advocacy, to make a difference to the Earth. Listen to the Voice of Creation has been chosen as the theme for 2022, with the associated symbol of “The Burning Bush” in which Moses encounters God. (Exodus 3:1-12)This theme is a particularly appropriate one for significant reasons! God proclaims to Moses from the bush that “you are standing on holy ground” (3:4), reminding us that this is how we are called to view our precious, but increasingly vulnerable planet. The “burning bush” is also a stark symbol for Australians of the devastating impact of unconfronted climate change, experienced so tragically in the past few years of raging bushfires and other environmental disasters.

Last Friday, as part of our CTJ (Pupil Free Day), SSPS staff gathered with staff from Holy Name to share best practice that has been in evidence in both schools as we both continue with the Illuminate Program (RE) and the Ignite Program (Teaching and Learning). At the start of the day, we took time to reflect and share this prayer.

Fount of Wisdom, your voice speaks to us just as you honoured Moses. 
Continue to remind us of our roles as responsible stewards of our Earth.
May we listen to you and to the voices of those who call out to be heard. Let us journey on together, ever caring for the divine gift of our amazing planet.

Masses:

Last week Year 3 attended the Diocesan Mass, presided by Bishop Robert and attended by representatives from other local catholic schools to celebrate the feast for our Diocesan Patron, Mary of the Southern Cross. 

Year 2 attended the Tuesday Parish Mass at the Cathedral last week and enjoyed sharing their ideas about Mary with the Parents and Parishioners who joined them.

Year 1 attended this week's Parish Mass and had some TCS staff and school principals join them, along with the regular parishioners.

Seeing a Need and Doing Something About it

Thanks again for your generosity earlier in the year when we, together with St Pat's Parish were able to send $1400 to St Carthages School in Lismore which had been most severely affected by the February floods. Recently I was sent some photos of students playing (still on the concrete area rather than the ovals) with the play items which were purchased with some of the funds sent by us. 

I know also that the staff benefited too (probably mentally more than anything) knowing that others were reaching out to help them, at what was and continues to be a very stressful time. Thanks again

Enjoy your weekend,

Regards,

Judy

Big shout out of thanks to all our helpers who helped make our mini Putt Putt course for the annual FATHER'S DAY BBQ such a great success.

Thank you to Luke La Spina, Luke Fitzpatrick, Justin Dull, Keath Foot and Ben Neven for giving up their Sunday and expertise in building our fabulous course. So many happy dad's, grandads, father figures and children.  Thanks also to our fabulous staff and mums who came along and helped with the cooking and cleanup. 

We also wish to extend our thanks to xGolf who came along on the night and provided the golf balls and golf sticks.  They have generously offered to all SSPS families 30 minutes free session.  All you need to do is enter SSPS22 in the comments section when booking online or via the phone. 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parent/Teacher Interviews

It has been fantastic to see so many parents meeting with teachers this week to discuss what their child knows, understands and can do at this point in time in their learning journey.   Of course, this feedback may/should also include recommendations for the future, as every student at St Saviour's is on a constant and lifelong journey with their learning.

We do hope that you had some worthwhile conversations with the teachers around your child's learning and life at St Saviour's Primary.  If you were unable to attend an interview this week, please email your child's classroom teacher to make alternate arrangements.

NAPLAN RESULTS 2022

Individual student reports are due to arrive at St Saviour's in the very near future.  These reports will be sent home to parents/carers as soon as they arrive.  They will provide information on how individuals performed on each of the NAPLAN tests that took place in May.

Normally at this time of year we would also receive the school results in comparison the the state and national average.  However, The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has advised that the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2022 Summary report of preliminary results will not be released this year due to lower than usual student participation rates in NAPLAN as a result of the pandemic, flu and floods.

Years 5 & 6 Camps

Year 5 Camp will take place at Emu Gully on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th October 2022.  Further information has been sent home in relation to this camp and I ask all parents to give permission via Sentral and also complete the Microsoft Form that has been sent home.  This camp is a very integral part of selecting 2023 leadership positions, with further information about these positions and the selection process available soon.

Year 6 Camp will take place at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre from 31 October to 2nd November 2022.  Please keep these dates in mind and further information will be sent home to parents prior to the September holidays.

Just a reminder that Year 5 & 6 camp fees need to be paid in full by September 30.

Sam Hannant

APA

Class Placements for 2023

When we return in Term 4, teachers will begin planning carefully for class groupings in 2023. I would like to provide the following information for the parent community to assist you in understanding how important we regard the task of class groupings and the many aspects that the staff take into consideration when working on these for the year ahead.

Staff consult with each other extensively on this undertaking. When doing class allocations, we reflect on the following points:

• What are the best learning combinations (What we know about the students this year/ last year/ previous years) for each class?
• How to ensure there is a balance of the learning needs in a class? Consideration is given to students with disabilities, a student with learning difficulties, difficulties with a learning area and students who are achieving above the expected level in a learning area.
• The balance of learning styles, including those who are fast, independent learners and those who require additional time to grasp concepts.
• Boy and girl ratios.
• Friendships between students that impact both positively and negatively on their ability to achieve the best possible learning outcomes.
• Social/emotional considerations.
• Family considerations such as keeping twins together or in separate classes, as well as the number of children who have siblings already at the school (particularly relevant in Prep class groupings).

The process of class allocation takes many weeks. Parental input has and is always welcomed and considered seriously by the staff. However, it should be obvious that friendships cannot always be catered for, especially if staff know that some friendships may inhibit classroom learning. As well, parent requests for specific teachers cannot always be guaranteed, as teachers may not be teaching in the same year level the following year. 

Parents are asked to send an email directly to the Principal: Madonna Sleba madonna.sleba@twb.catholic.edu.au for any considerations for class placement by MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER, 2022. 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

New Student Awards for Assembly

Next term we will be formally bringing our Learner Qualities into our weekly awards at assembly. The idea for this integration is so that our learners are celebrated and recognised when they’re seen to be using the qualities in the classroom. Here is an example of our new look awards:

 After School Integrated STEM Program

After a very successful Term 3, Integrated STEM are continuing to work with our students in all things digital and design technology! Next Term, from the 17^th of October to the 21^st of November, the team would like to invite our students in Year 3 to 6 to participate. The theme of this after school program is “Electronics and Wearable Tech”. See below for all the information! 

Have a wonderful time on school holidays! See you in Term 4! 

Warm Regards

Nicki Prentice

National Child Protection Week started on Sunday 2 September.  This is a good time to have a chat with your children about how they can keep themselves safe. As part of this, our teachers are speaking to all of the students over the course of this week and all students have created a stick image of themselves to add to our larger than life child on the school oval.  Teachers and children will continue to embrace the overarching message that 'Every child, in every community, needs a fair go'.

Child protection is everyone's business. The responsibility lies with adults in keeping children safe from harm. All members of our community need to play a part in ensuring children are nurtured and safe. Listening to children and young people is the number one action to assist with their safety and wellbeing. Children and young people are honest, and they are unlikely to lie about abuse. They are more likely to stay quiet about it than to speak up (especially if they know their abuser).

Are you regularly reminding your child about these two key protective behaviour themes? We all have the right to feel safe all the time. Nothing is so awful that we can't talk with someone about it. I believe it’s good to cover these key messages regularly every year.

If you become aware of a situation that you are concerned about and believe it may be a child protection matter, I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with myself or a Student Protection Contact : Mr Sam Hannant (Assistant Principal), Miss Lisa Kynoch (Year 3 Teacher) or the School Counsellor: Mrs Anne Woodcroft-Brown. 

Thanks to our Year 3 students and teachers who have been raising the awareness at assembly and leading the 'larger than life size' child art project.  Great work everyone!

Madonna Sleba

Congratulations to our Weekly Award Winners for Week 8 & 9

Congratulations to the six children who represented St Saviour’s Primary School in the Toowoomba District Primary Teams Chess competition on Tuesday 6th September.   

Our Open Team consisted of Kyara Flanagan, Hari Vinod and Liam McHugh.  Kyara won 4 games, while Hari and Liam both took away 3 wins.  With a team member down, they placed extremely well in the middle of the field of 69 teams. 

Our Novice Team (Cooper Skuse, Oliver Pavao and Leo Hasted) all competed in a chess competition for the first time, played with one person down and came away with a few winning games each.  They played in a field of 33 teams. 

The students reported having a great day of chess, laughter and teamwork.  Well done to them on their exemplary behaviour.  Thank you also to Mrs Judy Smith and Mrs Kristi Skuse for taking the time to supervise. 

We are looking for more children to join the chess club.  Liam and Hari will be making a presentation about chess at assembly next week and early next term.  Also stay tuned for the next newsletter where we’ll include their presentation.  If your child would like to come and try chess in the next few weeks, please contact me on sara.mchugh@twb.catholic.edu.au

Sara McHugh

Teacher - Chess Club Coordinator 

School Fees:

Term 3 School Fees are now overdue. Please arrange for payments to be completed before the end of Term.  

Term 3:

The last day for Term 3, is next Friday 16 September.

Lost Property:

We have a large amount of Lost Property in the Lost Property tubs.  Please take the time to check this if you have misplaced any items of clothing, lunch boxes or water bottles thouroughout the Term.  Please remember to clearly name all items of uniform.  

Pizza Treat Day:

Thank you to Mrs Condon and Ms Kilpatrick who helped deliver pizzas to all our children today for Pizza Treat Day.  Pizza Treat Day is definitley a highlight of our Term.

School Photos:

School Photos have been delivered this week.  Please contact the office if you have any concerns.

Darling Downs Athletics Carnival 

St Saviour’s students represented the Central Zone Team at the Darling Downs Carnival last week. They did extremely well with three students making the Darling Downs Team who will now compete at the State Championships in Brisbane next term. The following students made the Darling Downs Team. 

• Joseph Black (Long Jump, Combined, 1500m) 
• Ava Orr (Shot Put, Discus) 
• Rose Stead (800m)

Life Member 

Congratulations to our amazing school officer Mrs Jackson who was recently awarded life membership for her services to Netball from Toowoomba Netball Association.  Mrs Jackson we are so very proud of you.  Your commitment and service to Toowoomba Netball is so valued and you are so deserving of this honour (picture below). 

PE (Prep to Year 2) 

Students in Prep to Year Two are engaged in a Touch Football unit. Students have started by focusing on the basics of catching and throwing a touch football, making a touch, scoring a try and playing the ball. Students then used this newly acquired skills to play modified games of touch football. It has been very rewarding to watch the students grow over the term. 

PE (Year 3 to Year 6) 

In Year Three to Year Six, students started the term with a Tennis unit. Students learnt how to perform a backhand and forehand stroke, drop serve and game play on the court. They then used these skills to play modified games of tennis including a doubles match. This was a fun and exciting unit for all grades. We are finishing the last four weeks of the term with basketball, learning to dribble, shoot, defend and move on the court. Next week, the students are very excited to play a full game of basketball within their classes. 

Health (Year 3 to 6) 

This term the Year Three students have been learning the impact of positive social interaction on self-identity. They investigated different types of friendships by examining the qualities we look for in a friend, as well as their roles and responsibilities. Students focused on communicating respectfully with friends to resolve conflict and challenging issues in friendships. They also explored risk-taking behaviours, their rights and responsibilities and decision-making strategies to help keep them safe.  

Year Four looked at strategies to keep healthy and improve fitness. They explored The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the five food groups, understand the importance of a balanced diet and how health messages influence food choices. Students also participated in partner and group activities to explore the communication skills of respect and empathy and how they support positive interactions while investigating how heritage and culture contribute to identity. 

Year Five focused on skills needed to establish and maintain relationships. They used prior knowledge to discuss the differences between friendships and relationships and also interpret the differences between friendships and their peers. They investigated how feelings, emotions and mood can affect their own and others’ behaviours and responses. Finally, students explored the concepts of health and wellbeing and the importance of healthy habits as a preventative measure, identifying good habits and how they contribute to overall health and wellbeing. 

In Year Six, students explored how important people in their lives, and the media, can influence health behaviour. Students also investigated how physical activity creates opportunities for different groups to work together and how it contributes to individual and community wellbeing. They looked at physical activity participation in their school setting and explored how technology can support participation in physical activity. 

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

Congratulations

The girls play for Phoenix Netball Club, 11 B Hawkes.  Good luck girls!

Cheers 

Brendan Luck 

HPE Teacher

Book Fair in Term 4 

Our annual Scholastic Book Fair beings on Wednesday afternoon 12th October in Week 2 of Term 4 and concludes on Tuesday afternoon 18th October in Week 3.

The library earns commission from the sales made during the fair and this goes directly into new titles for the student collection. We look forward to your support. 

Challenge Yourself and Enter the Book Fair Competition for a Chance to Win $10 to spend at the fair.

Six vouchers to be won! 

See further details on the entry form available in the library now.

The closing date for the competition is Wednesday 5th October (Week 1 Term 4) so this could be a great reading activity over the holidays. 

Holiday Reading 

• Students have borrowed extra books for holiday reading this week.  
• All current loans will be due in Week 1 of next term. Please spend some time enjoying them together and remind students to keep their loans in a safe place. 
• Please do not return items next week as library staff are dedicating all their time to the stocktake of the readers’ collection. 

Our digital, web based reading and information resources; Wheelers e-books, Britannica School, Clickview, ABC Education and Storybox library offer many options for reading, viewing and listening experiences from home. 

Access to these resources is available on the Online Resources Dashboard when students login with the blue single sign on button under Guest on the Library AccessIT page at St Saviours Primary School Toowoomba (accessit.online) 

Follow the images below, login details are provided for each resource. 

Parent/Child Book Club

Let's have some shared reading enjoyment and discussion around a novel in Term 4! Parents, or other significant family member, who are keen to read a quality fiction book alongside their Year 5 or 6 student and come together towards the end of term to share their thoughts and reactions can email me at anne.anderson@twb.catholic.edu.au and we will make a time to choose our book and set a meeting date in early November.

Book Week Displays 

Thanks to 5C and 4O for their art work depicting their future selves and to the Year 1 classes for their ideas of the outdoor and indoor cat inspired by the story of Winston and the Indoor Cat. 

 

Have a happy, restful Spring break!

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian 

School Dayz Uniform Shop:

New Opening Hours for the remainder of the Term and school year.

Monday:     2.30pm - 4.00pm

Friday:       3.00pm - 5.30pm

Saturday:    Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9  11.00am - 1.00pm

Term Holidays and all other times by appointment only.  0481 318 398.

Dan Eagleson 

Uniform Shop Supplier

Vacation Care

It is that time again… Vacation Care! Our spring vacation care program has been emailed out to all families! Wevhave a jam packed, fun-filled program.
Spots are filling fast and we would love for your children to join us. To book, please use your XPLOR app or email us at SSPcare@tckc.qld.edu.au

Reminder:  Monday October 3, 2022 is Queen's Birthday Public Holiday

Taylor McDonald

Coordinator - St Saviour's OSHC

Paralympics Australia - GET INVOLVED