Holy Name Primary School, Toowoomba eNewsletter

From the Principal

Over the weekend, I competed in a triathlon with my sisters. Two years ago, I had the “brilliant” idea that running a triathlon together would be a great way to celebrate my milestone birthday. Preparing for this event properly required some significant lifestyle changes, including getting back into the pool and swimming several times a week. Whilst the triathlon itself gave me a sense of accomplishment, the preparation time for this was just as important and rewarding.

Lent, the preparation time for Easter, is important from a spiritual perspective. For me, it is a time to reflect, pray and spend some time on my relationship with God. Each of our students have participated in classroom learning experiences to assist them to prepare for Easter. Our Mini-Vinnies group, ably led by Mrs McAlistar, Ms Inskip, Anet and Viola, have provided opportunities for the students of Holy Name to not only raise money for Caritas as part of Project Compassion, but to learn more about social justice issues.

The events of Holy Week, including the Last Supper and Good Friday, are important for us to remember and learn about, so that we can fully understand the miracle of Easter, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our special New Life Prayer gathering today did not include the Resurrection of Jesus as we will celebrate this together after Easter.

As I reflect on my first term here as Principal of Holy Name School, I am struck by how rewarding I have found the role. Our Harmony Day Celebrations, where we highlighted the incredible cultural diversity of our school community, our Welcome BBQ and Parent Information Evening, and my daily interactions with the students I count among my highlights. I have found the Holy Name School community and Parish to be extremely welcoming and I am grateful for the hard working and talented staff we have at the school. I feel truly blessed to have been given this opportunity.

Thank You’s

As our term draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive Thank You to Michelle Nicholls, who has done a marvellous job as our school Administration Officer for this term. Michelle has been a joy to work with and we will certainly miss her as she finishes her time with us. Mary Janke returns to the position from her Long Service Leave after the Easter holidays.

Thank you also to Mrs Sophie Elmes for stepping in and teaching our Year 5/6 class after their teacher finished up with us for health reasons. Sophie’s commitment to the students at Holy Name and her willingness to go above and beyond has been truly appreciated. This has enabled the students to have a smooth transition to their new teacher, Brook Marquart, who is beginning with us after the holidays.

I wish everyone in the Holy Name School Community all the very best for a safe, happy and holy Easter.

God Bless

Lisa Cavanagh

Principal

APRE News

We invite our school community to join us for our New Life Prayer Celebration, this Thursday (28 March) at 2.00pm in the MEAC.

As we gather with family and loved ones to celebrate Easter, let us remember the true essence of this holy day – a celebration of new life, redemption, and the promise of eternal love. May the Resurrection of Jesus Christ inspire us to live with faith, hope, and unwavering trust in God’s plan for each of us.

I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a blessed Easter filled with peace, joy, and the blessings of the risen Lord.

Blessings.

Kerri-Ann Manthey
APRE

Holy Name Parish Sacramental Program:

Holy Name Primary School recognises parents as the first and most important educators of their child. In essence, a child’s religious education and faith life begins at home. Teachers strive to build on the firm foundations already laid by parents. This means that teachers and parents are partners in teaching children about how they can best live their faith.

The Holy Name Parish Sacramental Program is a parish-based, family-centred program. Baptised Catholic Children in Years Three, Four, Five and Six are prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist respectively. Parents are an integral part of this preparation. Please see below information for 2024 program facilitated by Genevieve Topalov.

Sacrament Preparation: Reconciliation (Term Two: Six Lessons)

Dates: Tuesday 23 April (Week Two) – 4 June (Week Eight) 3.30-4.00pm (afternoon tea is provided)

or alternatively, another class will be held after Mass on Sundays for children unable to attend Tuesday’s class, or to make-up sessions. Please note that only one session a week is required.

Sunday 28 April (Week Two) – 9 June (Week Eight) 9.30-10.00am (after Mass)

Location:

Holy Name Church – Reading Room

In Term Three, Confirmation and First Communion classes will be offered.

Please contact Mrs Manthey if you have any questions or would like to enrol.

Holy Name Church Mass Times:

28/03/24 - Holy Thursday (Mass of the Last Supper) 6:00pm

29/03/24 - Good Friday (Stations of the Cross) 10:00am

29/03/24 - Good Friday (Passion of the Lord) 3:00pm

30/03/24 - Easter Vigil 6:00pm

31/03/24 - Easter Sunday 8:30am

Prep Blue

As we bid farewell to a fantastic Term 1, it's with great joy that we reflect on the incredible journey our Prep students have embarked upon since the beginning of the school year. In just 10 weeks, we've witnessed remarkable growth, budding friendships, and exciting learning experiences.

One of the highlights of this term was our captivating Science Unit, where we delved into the fascinating world of living and non-living things. Mrs. Thomas, affectionately known as the "caterpillar catcher," introduced us to a tiny caterpillar she found in our garden. The students were enthralled as they observed the caterpillar's journey through its lifecycle, from munching on leaves to spinning its chrysalis. The excitement peaked when, in Week 9, we arrived at school to discover our very own Prep butterfly taking flight.

Additionally, we concluded our Julia Donaldson Literacy Unit with a memorable excursion to the Empire Theatre to watch a production of "Smeds and Smoods." It was a heartwarming experience to share this magical moment with our youngest Holy Name students, as we celebrated the enchanting world of literature together.

We enjoyed a tour of the church with Father Darrell, captivated by the beautiful sights. It was lovely to see them drawing connections between the objects they encountered and our classroom discussions.

As we head into the well-deserved holiday break, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. May this time be filled with relaxation, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

Wishing you all a rejuvenating and safe holiday, and looking forward to continuing this fun journey with our Prep students in Term 2.

- Tennille Kauter

Prep/1 Gold

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we reach the end of an exciting Term One, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful journey we've shared with your children in Prep/1 Gold. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown by, but what an incredible ten weeks it has been! The students have truly amazed us with their enthusiasm, curiosity, and growth. From the very beginning, they settled into the new year with ease and have shown wonderful progress in their learning journey.

We wrapped up our English unit on the enchanting stories of Julia Donaldson with a trip to the Empire Theatre to watch 'Smeds and Smoos' live on stage. It was a magical experience for everyone involved, and the children's excitement was evident as they immersed themselves in the world of literature and storytelling.

Mathematics this term has been an adventure of learning about numbers, counting, identifying patterns, collecting data and addition skills.

In Religion, we have fostered empathy and understanding among our students. They've learned about Catherine McAuely and the Mercy traditions of kindness and compassion. We explored the Creation stories in the book of Genesis and followed the Easter Story up until Jesus’ crucifixion.

Science has been a journey of exploration and discovery, with hands-on activities capturing the imagination of our young scientists. From growing grass heads to creating animal habitats, our students have nurtured their curiosity and developed a love for the world around them.

In History, we've travelled back in time to learn about things from the past and compared them to the present. The students enjoyed visiting the upper level of the church to explore the old classrooms, complete with good old blackboards.

Our learning journey this term has created memorable activities and experiences that have not only deepened our students' understanding of the world around them but have also fostered their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Beyond the classroom, we've celebrated various occasions and events, from birthdays to St. Patrick's Day and most recently, Harmony Day, where we celebrated diversity and the wonderful cultures that make up our school community.

And now, we'd like to hear from our students themselves. We asked them to share their favourite memory of this term, and here are some of their responses:

- "I loved watching 'Smeds and Smoos' at the theatre! It was so funny!"

- "My favourite memory was making the animal habitats in Science. I want to be a scientist when I grow up!"

- “I enjoyed practicing my writing so I can become a better writer”.

- "I liked using the Bee Bots in Technology and making them move around the track”.

- "Harmony Day was the best! I got to wear my traditional clothes”.

As we bid farewell to Term One and look ahead to Term Two, we do so with excitement and anticipation for the adventures and discoveries that await us. Thank you for your ongoing support this term. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey together next term.

Kindest regards,

- Jodie Inskip and Jodie Wagstaff

As we stride into the end of term, it's time to catch up on the latest news and updates from our year 2’s. Here's a quick overview from 2B:

Students have been working hard on their reading as well as on their focus sounds in reading, finding new ways to identify sounds and words.

- Kirralee Bronkhurst

Year 3 Blue

Year 3B Term One Reflections:

This term I have learnt how to make my own commandments – Elijah

This term I have learnt about rules. A rule is a command and it may have a punishment or not – Rahim

This term I have worked hard on my spelling and writing – Charlie

I was successful when we were doing our 3 x times tables – Angel

I was successful when I finally got everything right on my Maths Mentals this term! Lettie

This term I have learnt about the life cycle of a frog and the life cycle of a salmon – Max

I was successful when I wrote a whole page of writing during my Quick Write – George

We have been learning to write in Year 3 Queensland Pre-cursive handwriting – Evodie

This term I have learnt about The Beatitudes – Maheera

This term I have learnt to write in Year 3 Queensland Pre-cursive handwriting – Adit

This term I have learnt abou the lifecycle of a frog and a turtle – Darius

This term I have learnt about The Beatitudes and how Jesus wanted us to live – Violett

This term I have learnt to see if rules are fair or not fair – Ayen

This term I have learnt to read and write in cursive – Konnah

This term I have learnt to slow down in my work – Cynthia

This term I have learnt my times tables – Olivia

Recontextualised 10 Commandments:

Lettie -

You shall not be mean

Keep your promises

Don’t hurt people

Be nice

Treat people the way you want to be treated

Show kindness

Help the poor

Be helpful

Try your best at things

Don’t be greedy

Evodie -

Do not hate your friends

Treat people how you want to be treated

Don’t spread rumours

Don’t lie about others

Be kind

Be friendly

Say sorry when you hurt someone

Forgive others all the time

Always respect others

Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus

Darius -

Be kind

Be generous

Don’t lie

Don’t be rude

Don’t hurt people

Don’t swear

Show hospitality & justice

Work as a team

Take turns in games

Be nice

George -

You must show kindness

Be respectful to you and your friends

Pray when you need it

Listen to God and yourself

Be happy

Be peaceful

Do not be jealous

Do not be rude

Do not be mean

Be hopeful

Ayen -

Obey the rules

Respect other people’s things and respect other people

Always be happy

Help people

Show kindness to the homeless

Be grateful for what you have

Don’t give up!

Learn from your mistakes

Forgive sins

Stay strong!

Konnah -

Honour your mother, father and teacher

Keep a promise when you make one

Two wrongs do not make a right

Do not murder

Do not lie or cheat

Respect others

Do not litter or throw trash

Be grateful

Help those in need

Do not bully, scare others or join in bullying

Lilly -

Don’t swear

Treat others the way you want to be treated

Be a good person

Be polite

Don’t cut down trees

Don’t hurt others

Love others

Be encouraging

Don’t litter

Say nice things

Write your own blessing prayer (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are those who have survived the Ethiopian Wars, for they shall know peace – Charlie

Blessed are the lonely, for they will be loved by us – Angel

You are blessed when you help the homeless, for they will see God in you – Adit

Blessed are those who have two homes and their parents are separated, for they are still loved – Olivia

Blessed are those who show mercy from the abandoned, for they shall receive mercy – Violett

Blessed are those who help us when we need it, for they know God - Elijah

Happy holidays:

Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world.

Easter Blessings to all our beautiful families. Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the term!

- Mrs Mac & Ms Dixon

Year 3 Gold

Year 3G Term One Reflections

We have been busy Holy Name Learners this term!

This term we have learnt what time it is on the clock – Stellah
This term I was successful finishing NAPLAN. I was happy with myself – Lilly
We are learning about floods in Queensland and about numbers – Ella
We are learning about the Easter story and the resurrection of Jesus – Juwan
We are learning about floods and the Easter story – Grace
We are learning about how Jesus sacrificed his life.
I was successful with my Signpost Maths.
We are learning about the floods in Queensland – Cooper
We are learning about our times tables.
I have learnt multiplication – Finn
I have learnt all about the floods in Queensland – Nevaeh
We are learning about the Brisbane floods – Jonathan
I have learnt to tell the time.
I have learnt about Easter – Nathan
We are learning about the Easter story – Sophie
We are learning about the floods in Queensland – Tia
We are learning about telling the time using a clock – Shahram

Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world.

- Tilly Hose

Year 4 / 5 Blue

It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of term 1 already. It has been a whirlwind term full of exciting learning. In English we focused on different types of grammar, spelling and learnt about how to write an epic story! In math we looked at area, shape and number. In HaSS we learnt about colonization and what this did to the indigenous people and to the land and in science we looked at how animals adapt to their environment.

The amount of growth I have seen in the students is amazing! The class has given their highlights of the term below.

Kuai	This term I have learnt about food chains is when a predator gets eaten by another predator. I was successful at writing a creative story. I really enjoyed learning about the food chain and how some animals aren’t eaten often.
Anto	This term I have learnt about writing. I was successful at math. I really enjoyed learning about math.
Jax	This term I have learnt about science, math, writing. I was successful at improving in my reading. I really enjoyed learning about NFL in PE and writing stories.
Jazzy	This term I have learnt about consumers, decomposers, food webs, food chains, math, adaptations. I was successful at soccer and Caritas Km’s. I really enjoyed being Miss Canning and learning.
Ruby	This term I have learnt about Mini Vinnies. I was successful at writing. I really enjoyed learning about Mini Vinnies and science.
Madelyn	This term I have learnt about fractions and mindfulness. I was successful at Mini Vinnies. I really enjoyed learning about God and math.
Meyka	This term I have learnt about adaptations and Signpost. I was successful at writing interesting stories. I really enjoyed learning about soccer in PE.
Cc	This term I have learnt about adaptations, living and non-living things, math, English, religion and area. I was successful at math, PE, writing, religion, English and science. I really enjoyed learning about math, ALF tag, footy, swimming, running, dance, writing stories and spending time with my friends.
Speranza	This term I have learnt about desert adaptations. I was successful at writing fantastic stories. I really enjoyed learning about soccer in PE and then playing in the rain
Beau	This term I have learnt about how to do Signpost maths, rounding up in down in math, learning about adaptations and how to subtract 4-digit numbers. I was successful at writing, group work and soccer. I really enjoyed learning about soccer in PE and writing our stories on the computer.
Ethan	This term I have learnt about religion, PE, health, Chinese, writing, spelling, math, science and HaSS. I was successful at maths, religion, writing and spelling. I really enjoyed learning about learning about Psalms in religion. In health we learnt about connections and emotions. In PE I learnt about soccer and how to kick and catch the ball.
Benson	This term I have learnt about maths. I was successful at writing stories. I really enjoyed learning about writing stories and learning dodgeball in PE.
Dorian	This term I have learnt about science and how animals change over time. I was successful at writing amazing stories. I really enjoyed learning about science, writing and reading.
Kendall	This term I have learnt about warhorse, and writing. I was successful at making more friends. I really enjoyed learning about soccer in PE and writing stories.
Jensen	This term I have learnt about Psalms, which means you are writing a prayer to God. I was successful at NRL and writing stories. I really enjoyed learning about religion and math (divide and multiplication).
Loxley	This term I have learnt about math and writing amazing stories about Fornite adventures and volcanos erupting. I was successful at sport and Mini Vinnies. I really enjoyed learning about adaptations in science and NRL in PE.
Lawrence	This term I have learnt about math. I was successful at my writing. I really enjoyed learning about PE.
Yar	This term I have learnt about science, writing stories and math. I was successful at writing stories. I really enjoyed learning about math and making new friends.
Ruby Breeze	This term I have learnt about Mini Vinnies. I was successful at participating in PE. I really enjoyed learning about adaptations in science.
Oliver	This term I have learnt about Soccer and cross country in PE. I was successful at running around the oval. I really enjoyed learning about writing stories and adaptations in science.
Chol	This term I have learnt about how the animal food chains work and how animals adapt to their habitat. I was successful at finishing and publishing my bushfire story with Miss Canning. I really enjoyed learning about NFL with my class and I also enjoyed learning about desert animals and plants.
Sassy	This term I have learnt about adaptations, rounding, Psalms, and area. I was successful at sports, writing, reading and math. I really enjoyed learning about psalms, maths and sports

I hope you all have an amazing holiday and stay safe.

- Danni Canning

Year 5 / 6 Gold

Pictures of Mr Percival from "Storm Boy".

Our team of seismologists measuring an earthquake in the classroom.

We ran many kilometres for Ks for Caritas.

Our Year 5/6 class has had a wonderful start to the year, with their eagerness to learn and drive to be responsible leaders. We have been busily learning and consolidating a variety of Mathematic concepts and had fun reading, exploring and analysing the text, Storm Boy. We became seismologists in Science and dived deep into our knowledge of Immigration to Australia. The students had a busy end of term by celebrating Harmony Day and participating in many Mini Vinnies activities and fundraising ventures.

- Sophie Elmes