Term 2, Week 8, 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

MASTER PLANNING FEEDBACK:

Thanks to the students, teachers and parents who completed the survey on facilities for our next master plan.  Please see some brief feedback below that summarises all the responses.

Best Facilities:

early years playground, lower years classrooms, staff room, offices, library, ninja warrior course

The new library and office

the play ground and the huge library

Worst Facilities:

student toilet facilities

upstairs classrooms are very old 

traffic and parking

New facilities you would like to see:

children’s toilets, new upstairs classrooms

a pool, more bubblers

footy posts cricket nets and a handball court

OTHER COMMENTS OF NOTE:

Supportive of a kindy as long as it doesn't take up anymore green space

the landscaping on ruthven st could be much nicer

please try not to take any more oval space for buildings if possible

There are consistent themes from the above feedback.  The plan will now be to create a new master plan in collaboration with our architect and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.  Toilets, upstairs classrooms and traffic/parking being the main points to consider.  I look foward to keeping you updated on our master planning work in the future.  Thanks again to those that provided feedback.

Sam Hannant

TERM 3 PARENT/TEACHING MEETINGS

Formal and informal Reporting on student achievement and progress is taking place at St Saviour’s Primary on a regular basis.  However, the two main ways most parents receive this feedback is via a Report Card and attending Parent/Teacher meetings. 

In 2025, initial Parent/Teaching Meetings took place early in Term 1.  The purpose of these meetings was for you to provide your child/ren’s teacher/s with information about your child and also get to know the teachers and form a relationship with them.

In keeping with promises made at the beginning of the year, the second opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher will take place at the beginning of Term 3. This meeting will be an opportunity for you to hear feedback from your child/ren’s teacher/s on their report card that will be sent home in the final week of this term.  At this meeting you can discuss academic, behavioural and social/emotional aspects of your child’s school life. 

This year, we are extending an inviteation to parents of children in years 4-6 to bring their child with them to the meeting.  Please note this is optional and not a requirement.  You may like to do this so that you and your child can hear the same message from the teacher and perhaps set some goals for the remainder of the 2025 school year.  If you would like to bring your child along, please email your child’s teacher and let them know prior to the meeting time.

I understand that this approach is different from past years where interviews took place at the end of Term 1 and the end of Term 3.  I will be asking for feedback on this process and other school processes via a feedback form in the near future. Please share your thoughts at this time on the process.

Interviews will open for booking at the beginning of the final week of term and will remain open over the two week holiday break.  There will be several meeting slots from midday on the pupil free day (July 14) and others before and after school in Week 1 of Term 3.

All parents are encouraged to attend a meeting with their child’s teacher. The exception may be if you have recently had a meeting at the end of Term 2 (for any number of reasons) and a meeting at the beginning of Term 3 will not allow sufficient time for additional information to be provided.  Please discuss this with your child’s teacher if you are unsure whether this applies to you. 

Thank you for engaging in your child’s learning at St Saviour’s Primary and I look forward to seeing many parents and potentially students at meetings in Week 1 next term.

Sam Hannant

….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition

Dear families

Last weekend was Pentecost, a special day in the Catholic church’s Liturgical calendar. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the church.” It comes 50 days after Easter and marks the moment when the followers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit. It’s a day when they felt full of joy and began speaking in different languages so that people from places could understand them. The receiving of the Holy Spirit is about connection, diversity and the power of shared purpose of sharing Jesus’ work here on Earth (ie including others, showing compassion and listening with empathy). Those students in our community who are participating in the Sacramental program received the gift of the Holy Spirit on their Confirmation a couple of weeks ago- a very special gift.

Bishop’s visit: Last Friday (6/6/25) at SSPS began with our special prayer assembly led by students in 4H. Thank you to Mrs Harlen and her class, and Mrs Kelly and her singers and musicians, for making our prayer assembly truly unique and special. Bishop Ken saw our new classrooms and learning areas and interacted with the students in their classrooms. Year 4C had some great questions for  the Bishop about his role and Bishop Ken shared the different hats he wears for ritual traditions celebrated by the church. It was fabulous to have Bishop Ken here and we hope he can join us for Graduation at the end of the year, seeing he received a personal invitation by a Yr 6 student.

Beginning Semester 2, as part of the HPE curriculum, classroom teachers will be teaching students about respectful relationships which includes conversations about protective behaviours and puberty, self-worth, respectful flourishing relationships and safety and wisdom in the online space. Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) is focussed on students learning through the curriculum and living their learning in everyday life. The Australian Curriculum (2022) requires the integration of RRE in Health and Physical Education, and across other Learning Areas using the General Capabilities to make meaningful curriculum connections. 

When teaching students about respectful relationships, the Real Talk program will be used. It is a personal approach that educates, equips and empowers students with the skills necessary to navigate these sensitive and difficult areas. Entitled Sprout (Prep – Yr 4) and Flourish (Year 5 -7) these programs will discuss the following topics in an age appropriate way - Personal identity, Relationships, Media and Technology, and Puberty.

Real Talk Education – School Community Access for Parent & Caregivers  

As part of Toowoomba Catholics Schools, our school has access to the classroom and parent resources of Real Talk Education.  

Real Talk is a global leader in providing Catholic values-based materials on the human person, relationships, and the digital world. Real Talk gets to the heart of topics, challenging unhealthy behaviours whilst bringing hope for the future and a compass for living life to the full. 

Real Talk’s online resources and presentations (for students, staff, and parents) enables young people in primary and secondary schools to be formed in healthy relationships, cultivate resilience, pursue meaningful change, and improve their mental health. 

As part of our school’s subscription to Real Talk Education, the Real Talk team have given our school community FREE basic access to their Real Talk Parents site. 

The site includes quick reference guides, conversation starters, printable resources, videos and curated links for parenting on the tough topics to do with relationships and eSafety. 

The Real Talk for Parent Short Video Series currently provides short accessible videos on keeping your kids safe online, family tech agreements and phone access. The Primary and Secondary Aged Resources Portal provided links to a range of useful sites, guides and video links to further explore issues of relationships and online safety.  

We invite you to explore the available content as we partner in forming respectful young people that understand their dignity and worth.  

Sign up here: www.realtalkeducation.org/parents 

If you’ve any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.

Dear Parents

This week teachers have had the opportunity to meet collaboratively with the leadership team to discuss student learning and achievement, particularly in relation to reading.  The Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic schools unashamedly focus on the foundational importance of reading development as an access point for all learning.  With the introduction of the Diocesan Approach to Reading last year, aligning with version 9 ACARA curriculum, the way that teachers at SSPS teach reading has changed.  Some of the changes have included an explicit teaching focus and use of programs that support the ‘mechanics’ of reading, such as Decodable Readers Australia in the lower school and Jocelyn Seamer resources in the mid to upper school.  The feedback is that these approaches are having a direct, positive impact on the learning journeys of students across the school in terms of promoting growth in a systematic way.  Having received the preliminary Naplan results for our Year 3 and Year 5 students we also ascertain that the decisions we have made, and teachers have so diligently applied, are producing great results for our students.  In both the Year 3 and Year 5 cohorts in the reading domain students have done very well, with 62% of Year 5 students in the strong domain and 27% in exceeding.  Equally in Year 3, 52% of students are in the strong domain and 25% in exceeding.    

In week 10 parents will receive student report cards for Semester One. The term reports reveal how students are progressing against the Achievement Standard for that year level and learning area.  A C level grade denotes that the students have demonstrated they are meeting the expectations of the curriculum for that year level. Equally as important to the grade level achievement is the effort mark.  Not all students may receive an A standard comparative to the achievement standard; however, ALL students have an opportunity to give their best!

 Toowoomba Catholic Schools have recently completed work around defining effort criteria more clearly so that parents, students and teachers have a clear understanding of what and A-E effort mark refers to.  Please see below:

The social learnings defined by St Saviour’s Learner Qualities also give an indication of how students approach their learning in the classroom.

Stay warm this weekend!

Katie Hauser

St Saviour’s Primary School Athletics Carnival 2025 

As you might be aware the 2025 athletics carnival will take place on Friday, 20th June 2025. Due to the success of last year’s athletics carnival, we will keep the same format this year. This format is to benefit our students and to give the students the best opportunity to display their athletic ability in a safe and fun environment. Below is an outline of how qualifying and the carnival will run: 

• All students will compete in Long Jump at O’Quinn Street (no qualifying at school). As there will be more students competing in Long Jump at O’Quinn Street, we will have two long jump pits and we will only measure jumps that are past a nominated mark. All students will still get three jumps and all students who compete will gain a point for their house. 

• We have completed qualifying in PE lessons for Discus, Shotput and High Jump. To align with Catholic and Zone carnivals, only 10-12 Years will compete in discus and shot put (program with students participating in finals has been uploaded to Parent Portal).  

• The High Jump finals will be on Wednesday the 18th of June at St Saviour’s Primary and not at O’Quinn Street Oval. 

• There will be no finals for 80m/100m and 200m races. All heats will be timed, and we will use the top times from all the heats to determine who we will send to Catholic/Zone Athletics Carnival. 

We ask parents to be mindful that all events may not run to schedule, and changes may need to be made on the day of the carnival. We thank you for your understanding with this.  

Wednesday 18th June 2025 (St Saviour’s Primary School) 

DATE: 18th June 2025 

TIME: 8:30am – 3pm 

VENUE: St Saviour’s Primary School Oval 

EVENTS: High Jump 

WHO FOR: 9-12 Year Olds 

NOMINATIONS: The qualifying eight from PE sessions will compete in the high jump finals. 

This is a guide only. Whist we will try to stay as close as possible to these times, events may run ahead or behind schedule. 

Thursday 19th June 2025 (St Saviour’s Primary School) 

DATE: 19th June 2025 

TIME: 11:15am – 12:45pm 

VENUE: St Saviour’s Primary School Oval 

EVENTS: Ball Games 

WHO FOR: Year 3 – Year 6 

NOMINATIONS: All students in Year 3 to Year 6 will participate in this event. 

This is a guide only. Whist we will try to stay as close as possible to these times, events may run ahead or behind schedule. 

Friday 20th of June 2025 (O’Quinn Street) 

DATE: 20th June 2025 

TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm – Prep to Year Two (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school). Please respond to Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport (https://forms.office.com/r/RHQtkUTNke). 

8:00am – 3pm – Year Three to Year Six (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school if required). Please respond to Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport (https://forms.office.com/r/RHQtkUTNke). 

VENUE: O’Quinn Street Oval, 16 - 44 O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba. 

EVENTS: Shotput, Discus, Long Jump, 60m/80m/100m Sprints, 200m, 800m, Relays, Prep – Year 2 Rotations 

WHO FOR: Prep – Year Six Students 

TRANSPORT: Prep to Year Two (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school). Please respond to Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport (https://forms.office.com/r/RHQtkUTNke). 

Year Three to Year Six (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school if required). Please respond to Mrs Katie Hauser about if you did not complete the form.

FOOD: The children will need to bring their own morning tea, lunch, and water.  There will be no canteen operating on the day. 

SPECTATORS: We encourage as many parents as possible to come and support your child/ren at the St Saviour’s Primary Athletics Carnival. We ask that all spectators remember to keep their encouragement positive and to respect the officials’ decisions on the day. The main purpose behind this carnival is for the students to have fun, whist showing their school spirt gaining points for their house. 

COST: This carnival and transport are all inclusive in your child/ren school fees. 

UNIFORM:  Students are welcome to dress up and can wear clothing of their house colour. Hair spray and zinc are also allowed. If your child/ren does not wish to wear their house colours, can they please attend in their sports uniform. Please ensure your child wears shoes suitable for running. 

NOMINATIONS: All students will run in either a 60m, 80m or 100m race and year level relay. Students in Prep to Year Two will participate in modified athletics activities to gain points for their house. Students in Year Three to Year Six will also compete in Long Jump, 200m and 800m races. The qualifying eight from PE sessions will compete in shotput and discus finals. 

PERMISSION:  Permission has already been granted through ‘Physical Education Activities/Carnivals 2025’ on Parent Portal. 

St Saviour’s Primary School Athletics Carnival (Prep – Year 2) 

Friday 20th June 2025 

This is a guide only. Whist we will try to stay as close as possible to these times, events may run ahead or behind schedule. 

St Saviour’s Primary School Athletics Carnival (Year 3 – Year 6) 

Friday 20th June 2025 

This is a guide only. Whist we will try to stay as close as possible to these times, events may run ahead or behind schedule. 

*** 8-Year-Old (Year 3) winners for High Jump will be announced throughout the carnival *** 

Athletics Carnival Dates 

• Wednesday 18th June 2025 (High Jump Final) St Saviour’s Primary School Oval 

• Thursday 19th June 2025 (Ball Games – Year 3 to 6) St Saviour’s Primary School Oval 

• Friday 20th June 2025 (SSPS Athletics Carnival) O’Quinn Street Oval 

School Sport 

Congratulations to Maddilyn Timmins and Brilee Brown who made the Toowoomba Rugby League Team. Both girls will now attend Darling Downs trials to try and make the Darling Downs team. Good luck and we look forward to hearing all about your fantastic experience. 

Zone and Darling Downs Trials 

All information regarding Zone and Darling Downs trials will be posted on Parent Portal. To ensure your child is eligible to trial for these sporting teams, please check the Parent Portal regularly or set up notifications on your phone. You will need to obtain the necessary paperwork from myself. Please be aware that I am unable to nominate students after the closing date, so it is crucial to monitor the Parent Portal. If you have any questions, please contact me at brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au. 

Upcoming Events (Term Two) 

• High Jump (Finals) Wednesday 18th June 2025 (8:45am – 2:45pm) (9-12 Years) 

• Ball Games 19th June 2025 (11:15am – 1:30pm) (Year 3 – Year 6) 

• SSPS Athletics Carnival Friday 20th June 2025 (8am – 3pm) (Prep – Year 6)  

Cheers 

Brendan Luck 

HPE Teacher 

brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au 

REGIONAL READERS' CUP

We are very proud of the effort made by our team at the recent competition. Like any team event, participation in Readers' Cup requires preparation, dedication, enthusiasm and an ability to work together under pressure. Liam, Lotte, Maddie and Nina were worthy team members in all these areas. They are very keen to take part again next year and all said they enjoyed reading books they may not have chosen themselves. I also commend Tia and Orla for their participation as reserves and a special thanks to Mrs Tarsha Scotts for attending as team supervisor.

FAMILY BOOK CLUB

We will meet next Monday 16th June, 3.20pm over afternoon tea in the library to chat about "Wilder than Midnight" and to select our next book. All interested readers are welcome, we would love some new families to join the Book Club.     

WEEK 10 FAMILY READING

No homework in Week 10 just some family reading time. What a great way to ease into the Winter holiday! Hook your students into a book you can continue to share together during the cosy nights ahead. 

VOLUNTEER COVERERS

Huge thanks to Jane Jolly, Penny Pole and Merryl Nunn for volunteering to cover new home readers. The task is still not done so we welcome any offer of help. Please contact a library team member if you can assist.

DO THESE BOOKS BELONG AT YOUR PLACE?

If so, please claim these titles from library staff. They have been placed in the returns box by mistake.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ENGAGED READERS WITH THEIR FREE CHOICE BOOKS

OVERDUE LIBRARY LOANS

Please assist your students to search for their overdue loans. Automatic overdue notices are emailed to parents/carers when loans are 2 weeks and then 4 weeks overdue. Please contact a library team member stsavprilib@twb.catholic.edu.au if you need more information.

FOLLOWING LIBRARY POLICY, LONG TERM OVERDUES FROM TERM 4 2024 WILL BE INVOICED BY THE END OF THIS TERM.

Hope you have lots of opportunities to curl up and read now Winter is here!

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

Dear Parents & Caregivers

May Statements
Statements for May were issued last week. Please ensure that Term 2 fees for 2025 have been paid in full, unless you have an approved payment plan in place.

Extracurricular Activities
Please take a moment to review your statement for any outstanding charges related to extracurricular activities, such as Chess Club, sporting competitions, and similar programs. These fees are separate from your regular school fees and levies, and we kindly ask that they be paid in addition to your standard term charges.

For Families paying by Direct Debit, Direct Credit or Agreed Payment Plan
If your account is up to date, in credit, or you’re currently on a payment plan, no further action is required at this time. However, we do recommend reviewing your statement to ensure all transactions are accurate.

As a friendly reminder, we kindly ask that all fees covered under direct debit, direct credit or payment plans be finalised by the week beginning 6th October 2025.

If you have any other questions about school fees or your account, please contact the office on 07 4637 1700 or email accounts@sspstwb.catholic.edu.au

Alyce Webster

Finance Officer

accounts@sspstwb.catholic.edu.au

STOP DROP AND GO - Lawrence Street

For safety reasons we remind all families that you must not turn right into Stop Drop Go if you enter Lawrence Street from Ruthven Street. All entry to Stop Drop Go must be a left hand turn, entering Lawrence Street via Neil Street. Thank you.

SCHOOL PHOTOS - GROUP ORDER DISCOUNTS

20% Discount on Sports & Co-Curricular Group Photos available before 14/06/2025

Dear Parents,

These school sports and co-curricular groups were photographed on 14/03/2025 and 21/03/2025:

We are pleased to advise that online ordering is now open for the groups listed above. If you would like to place your order before 14/06/2025 you will receive a 20% early order discount by simply clicking on the link below. Please note that whilst we are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days. The 20% discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

The code you will need to use to access the SSPS photos is 23P 7VF 7V2.

Important

• Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school
• If your child's group or team is scheduled to be photographed at a later date, you will receive an additional email notification when the images are ready to be ordered
• Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed
• Past years' photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available at your school's advancedorder and your child's advancedyou photo sites

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St Saviour's Primary School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact