Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Gladstone eNewsletter

Weekly Focus - Who is waiting for your invitation?

From the Principal - Stepping back for an honest look

Dear Families

A famous quote says that the unexamined human life is not worth living. It reminds us that we are called to do much more than just exist. It is our great gift to be able to reflect and think intelligently and constantly strive to become better versions of ourselves.

This an important part of all we do at Star of the Sea, constantly reviewing our plans and efforts as we strive to always provide quality teaching and learning experiences.

We are looking forward to welcoming a number of external visitors to our school to explore what we are doing well and help us set goals for future improvement. All staff and students will be involved in this process and we welcome our parent voice as well.

If you are able to make yourself available on Tuesday 6th June to be part of a group of parents who can share their observations and insights please let me know or contact the office. A great variety of voices will give us the greatest clarity possible for planning the next stage of our journey together.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
— Marcel Proust

I spent time last week at a Media and Communication Gathering run by Catholic Education. It is an area I did not imagine would be a part of my job description but it is an important part of what we do. We have a great story here at Star of the Sea and it is important that we ensure it is shared clearly and authentically in a world full of competing voices.

Making our children media aware is very important. Journalism has changed greatly with the growth of the internet. Factual reporting has decreased as opinion and paid reporting has increased. It is a difficult climate to earn money from journalism and the shock factor is often used to try and capture readers.

Teaching children to look for facts in what they read and hear and to understand that people are often trying to ‘sell’ them a message or opinion is very important. Talk to them about the shows they watch, the YouTube gurus they listen to etc. Challenge them to listen to a variety of opinions or to research the facts before making up their mind. That way we equip them to be in control of their own thoughts and decisions, confident in who they are and respectful of others.

I invite you to look for someone you think would make a great P&F President. They might not even realise they would be great for the role without your invitation. Have a chat with them and encourage them to chat with me. Or let me know your suggestions and I am happy to have a chat and answer any questions they may have. Your help in finding someone who is able to help our parent body in this way would be greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless you.
Jennett Mullane
Principal
jennett_omullane@rok.catholic.edu.au

2023 School Goals

Casual Groundsperson Position

Please spread the word and help us find a casual groundsperson to help around the school.

From Our APRE

Volunteers and the Holy Spirit

A reflection by Sr Kym Harris 0s

Last week was Volunteers Week. Oops! I totally missed it, and given that I do volunteer and nobody said, thanks for your service, obviously a lot of other people missed it too. Recently, I was talking with a woman who had moved from a government job to administration in an organisation that has a big impact in this country, with most of the work being done by volunteers. She said the change was an eye-opener for her. She never realised just how much work was done in this country by volunteers. When you stop and think about it, so much of what is good in our society is propped up by volunteers – surf lifesaving, sports clubs, art galleries, singing and acting groups, care for the elderly – not to mention the enormous impact grandparents have in our lives.

Next Sunday, the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus, the birthday of the Church. The Holy Spirit came and comes to strengthen, guide sustain us in living good lives, in being persons who love wisely and well. And like the volunteers, the Spirit’s presence is largely not acknowledged, not noticed. The best image of the Spirit that I have heard is that of electricity. We don’t see electricity but we know it by its effects. It is usually only when the power is off that we notice its power.

This is a good time to stop and ponder just what is going well in our lives and in our society – to think of what volunteers are doing to make our lives better, to acknowledge the times when we have let the Spirit guide us with wisdom and strength to be the people God has created us to be. A time to stop and realise how much good is going round, and consider how we can add to that goodness.

Loving Father, send me your wise Spirit to guide me and strengthen me in doing good, especially in being a parent who mirrors your love to my child/ren. And let me appreciate the people who give so willingly of their time and gifts in our community. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

We have so many amazing volunteers at our school who are a blessing to the students. From parent helpers to Reading Stars, Story Dogs, School Board members, The Parents and Friends – the list is very long and I couldn’t name everyone. We are grateful for the volunteers who help keep our community moving, we would be lost without you all.

God's blessings,

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Identity

I am working with a group of young people at the moment who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. We have been focussing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit recently.

Like all gifts we receive we need to unwrap them and explore them to see how they work and make the best use of them. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are no different.

If we use the gifts well we will bear fruit to those around us.

There are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

WISDOM - To see things the way God sees them.
UNDERSTANDING – To help us know the true meaning of what we are taught
COUNSEL – To help us make right choices
FORTITUDE – to help us do what is right, even when it is difficult
KNOWLEDGE - To help us know who God is in our lives
PIETY – To help us respect God’s greatness
FEAR OF THE LORD – To help us be amazed by God’s wonderful work
When we use these gifts people will see the fruits of the Spirit – gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, patience, kindness, joy, love, generosity and peace.

Liturgies and Assemblies

WEEK 6

Year 5B invite you to their Assembly on Thursday 25^th May at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 8

Year 6B invite you to their Assembly on Friday 9^th June at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 9

Year 2A invite you to their Assembly on Friday 16^th June at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 10

Year 5A invite you to their Assembly on Friday 23^rd June at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

In Our Prayers

Let us pray...

• We pray for our First Nations people as we prepare for National Reconciliation Week: May we all work together to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

• We pray for our children who prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation: May they feel the life giving guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

• We pray for all those who have died: May God grant them the peace and joy and hope of the resurrection.

• We pray for those members of our school community who are battling sickness and suffering in their life: May they find healing and comfort.

From the APC

Our BOOKANEER BOOK FAIR is all set up in the library!

This event brings the books children want to read into our school. It has a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.

All students have now visited the library and should have taken home a wish list.

Payments are made online PLEASE SELECT STAR OF THE SEA GLADSTONE
Record receipt number and send back to school for the books to be packed and sent to the children in class.
The reward points gained from the book fair will go towards purchasing resources for the school.

If you would like to attend the fair with your children, the library will be open during the week.

Book Fair dates: 22^nd May – 26^th May

Morning hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:15am – 8:35am

Afternoon hours: Tuesday – Thursday 2:55pm - 3:20pm

We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair and thank you in advance for supporting this fair.

Have a great week!

Anthony King

Assistant to the Principal: Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Bookaneer Book Fair

Junior Field Events

May

26

Fri

26 May 2023
8:45 AM to 10:30 AM

Our Junior Field Events Day will be held on Friday 26th May starting at 8:50am. This day gives our younger students an opportunity to compete in activities that develop the skills used in Upper School Athletics events. We take part in Obstacle Throw, Shot put, Team Jump and Frog Jump.

The morning will conclude with the Prep Sprint at approx 10:00am.

All students will need: sunscreen applied, school hat and a water bottle. Their sports uniform or school uniform should be worn on the day.

To enable Junior Field Events Day to run smoothly, we require some parents to be event assistants or scorers.

If you have not completed your Volunteer Induction this can be done by calling in to the school office to read and sign the Induction document, noting in particular our WHS, sun safety and student protection requirements. These Volunteer Inductions must be completed every year please.

If you can help on the day please complete the form via the link below asap.

https://forms.gle/CHiWHtDm18MNS8YMA

A short presentation ceremony will take place that afternoon at 2:40pm.

Athletics Carnival

Jun

2

Fri

02 Jun 2023

Our 2023 Sports Carnival takes place on Friday 02 June and children must travel by bus to Chanel College unless they are competing in the 800m races (and have nominated via the link). Students are not allowed to be dropped at Chanel to wait with older siblings or to meet their class.

The buses will depart Star of the Sea at 8.35am sharp, so it is vital that children arrive in time for school. Please note that our PREP CLASSES DO NOT ATTEND THIS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL. A reminder to our Prep families there will NO TUCKSHOP on Friday 2nd June.

At the completion of the carnival, students not travelling home with their parents in the afternoon will return to Star of the Sea by bus. Please ensure you notify your child’s class teacher at the end of the Carnival if you are taking your child home. Children are not permitted to wait behind at Chanel College for older siblings.

Students are asked to bring the following items:

Sports uniform, including school hat. (No spray colour in hair).
Closed in running shoes + thongs to walk to toilets in. (Students are permitted to run in bare feet).
Sunscreen and plenty of water.
Towel to sit on.
Book to read, colouring in, cards etc. (NO ELECTRONICS or SPORT EQUIPMENT).
Lunch box with lots of snacks for the day as there are no designated lunch times (NO PACKETS OF LOLLIES TO SHARE). Please note that students are not permitted to use the Chanel Tuckshop or have items bought for them from there.

PLEASE ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME.

Parents visiting on the day are asked to sit in the spectator area and refrain from sitting around the student tents please as this makes it difficult for teachers to arrange events.

Children will stay in their tents under the direction of the supervising teacher. They will not be permitted to sit away or visit with parents (not even when they are finished their events).

Parents may use the Chanel Tuckshop but are asked to avoid using it during lunch breaks (10.40 to 11.20am and 1.05 to 1.25pm).

Please note that parking in the Chanel College grounds is not permitted at any time as current construction projects have reduced parking capacity.

We will need the assistance of volunteers to help us on the day. Please complete this form if you can help: https://forms.gle/ifQ1wTkm8KqaW4XN7

We can’t wait to see you all there for a wonderful day! Make sure you bring your loudest cheering voice!

Presentations for this Event & our Senior Jumps Day will take place at 8:35am on Monday 5th June.

Senior Field Events

May

30

Tue

30 May 2023

The Star of the Sea Senior Field Events for 2023 will be held on Tuesday 30 May. This is an all day event that occurs in the Star of the Sea School grounds with students rotating in their age groups around a series of events: Long Jump, High Jump, Discus and Shot Put.

Participants will include students turning 9 years old up to Year 6 (All students from Years 4 to 6 and eligible students in Year 3).

As always, the assistance of parents to run these events is needed and we would appreciate any time you can give us.

If you have not completed your Volunteer Induction this can be done by calling in to the school office to read and sign the Induction document, noting in particular our WHS, sun safety and student protection requirements. These Volunteer Inductions must be completed every year please.

Please indicate your ability to volunteer via the following form:.

https://forms.gle/f4MyCaNS9N5aYEw17

Please note that no experience is required as we will discuss your role on the day.

Celebrating Under Eight's Week

2023 UNDER 8's WEEK
PLAY - YOU, ME AND OUR COMMUNITY
A huge thank you to all the community service men and women who joined us for this special celebration of Under 8's Week. We appreciate all you do towards keeping our children safe and happy. Special thanks to Mrs Gibbs-Jones and Mrs Churchill and their band of helpers who helped organise such a fantastic event.

Weareco opens its new shop this week, across the road from us at 1/190 Goondoon Street.

Due to staff training the shop will be operating only in the mornings from 8am to 11am for the first two weeks.

Full store hours will commence on Monday 5th June. These hours will be as follows:

Monday 8am-11am
Tuesday 8am - 11am
Wednesday 2pm - 5pm
Thursday 2pm - 5pm
Friday Closed

Diocesan Festival - An invitation for all

It is with great excitement that Bishop Michael and the Diocesan Pastoral Council will launch the Diocesan Pastoral Plan at the upcoming Diocesan Festival to be held at The Cathedral College in Rockhampton, Friday 26 May (12.30pm) until Saturday 27 May (12.30pm). We look forward to welcoming many from across our diocese to gather for the launch.

The Diocesan Festival will provide a great opportunity for us to come together as members of our faith community and hear firsthand of the plans for the future of our Diocese as expressed through the pastoral plan.

Registration can be made via the QR code below or by using the following link: https://app.tickets.org.au/CDOR/DioFest

Sponsorship is available for those who need to travel to attend and stay the night.

Student of the Week Award

Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme

Student Absentee Line

If your child is not attending school, you can call us, 24/7, to leave a message to report the absence. The phone number is 4994 8301.

This designated phone line gives you the opportunity to call the school at a time that is convenient to you.

As always, absences can be reported using Parent Lounge or by emailing your child’s teacher and SOSG_Absentee@rok.catholic.edu.au).

Emotion Coaching for Parents

CatholicCare_123_Magic_Flyer_Gladstone_June_23_pdf.pdf

Community Investment Program Roadshow

Chanel College Musical

Thank you to our Caulfield Sponsors

Caulfield_Newsletter.pdf

2023 Week 6 Newsletter - Term 2