Term 2, Week 8, 2024

Dear Parents,

There are many factors that contribute to a positive school experience for your children.  One of these that I feel we are improving all the time at St Saviour's Primary is to promote parent or family engagement in learning.  

Parent engagement in learning recognises the important role that both parents and teachers play in developing positive attitudes toward learning and education for children, building their motivation and confidence as learners, and fostering their enjoyment of learning.  Evidence does suggest that parent engagement in student learning is known to lead to improved outcomes for students of all ages, improved community connections and it sends a clear message to children that education is valued.  This is different from parent involvement at school, which is mainly around attending events.

Recently, Catholic School Parents Australia developed a website with a suite of resources for this purpose titled Gearing Up for Parent Engagement which you can access below:

This website has fantastic resources including six video workshops and guides - three for primary and three for secondary schools.  I encourage you to take the time to have a look at the resources for primary parents which includes information on children's wellbeing and learning at home, nurturing your child through transition and developing and maintaining relationships which is split into two parts.  The first is around when you should talk to someone at school and who the most appropriate person to talk to is and also developing positive relationships with teachers.

At the term 3, Parent Engagement Network Meeting (1 August - 5pm), we will continue to develop an understanding of parent engagement in learning and the practices we can explore at St Saviour's Primary School.  All parents are welcome.

Enjoy your weekend.

Sam Hannant

Every year June shows up with a flurry of cool air and it surprises me that we are halfway through the year!  I realise that statement dates me, but I also feel that schools are such a busy space, with so much going on that it sometimes feels like you blink, and it is holidays again!  Nevertheless, there is a LOT of learning that happens in a term and over the last two weeks teachers have had the opportunity to meet collaboratively with the leadership team to discuss student learning and achievement.  It is obvious in these meetings that teachers at St Saviour’s know their students and where they are at.  Moderation conversations were facilitated to ensure teachers are very clear around curriculum expectations, levels of achievement and evidence of learning.  These conversations, as well as assessment in the classroom will help teachers make judgements around student learning. Further to this, teachers determined next steps in learning looking towards next term.  This information will be communicated via your child’s report card which will be issued in the last week of term.  

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 student has 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!  The social learnings guided by St Saviour’s Learner Qualities also give an indication of how the students approach their learning in the classroom and areas that maybe they could focus on moving forward to assist them achieve. The report card provides a great opportunity as a conversation starter with students around their learning journey.  Please reach out to your child’s teacher should you have any questions regarding your child’s report card.

Toowoomba Catholic Education Excellence Awards

All staff at St Saviour’s strive in their roles to ensure students have a safe and welcoming environment where they flourish in their faith, learning and in life! Last week we received the news that two of our staff members have been nominated and selected as finalists in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards.  Brendan Luck, our PE teacher and Warren Farquharson our Groundsperson will be acknowledged, and hopefully win their catagory at the award ceremony during Catholic Education Week early next term.  We obviously think that they are both very deserving of these nominations and wish them all the very best.  Both men not only carry out their roles in an exemplary way, but also epitomize the Mercy values that we hold dear at St Saviour’s: Compassion, Service and Excellence. Make sure to congratulate them when you see them.  We are very proud to have them as part of our team.

Katie Hauser

Assistant Principal

….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition

Dear families

Thank you for your VERY generous donations to our Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal! My office has been inundated with warm clothes and bedding which will be welcomed by those who have little to keep them warm this winter.

A timely reminder to name your child’s clothing as they start to layer up during as this cold weather sets in. Students can start wearing warmer pieces of the school uniform to keep warm ie the girls can wear the long navy socks or tights and the boys are able to wear the long navy pants and long-sleeved formal shirt. The warmer jumper can be worn with the spray jacket over the top if needed. Check lost property too!

School Locker is also available for all uniform requirements. St Saviour's Primary - Shop By School - School Locker (theschoollocker.com.au)

Special thanks to the students and staff you attended and assisted throughout our Term 2 Family Mass. It was great to see you all there. 

Huge thanks to Mrs O’Brien for leading her team of Yr 6 students with their latest Service Learning activity; Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea! The team raised more than their goal of $500. Congratulations! Thank you for your kindness and generosity. The Cancer Council are grateful for your support.

Interested in joining the “Faith” sub-committee of our Parent Engagement Network? Send me an email and join me as we work together, with our students, towards engaging our community in sharing our faith and being of service to others.

Date Claimers:

*World Environment day - Wednesday 5th June -#GenerationRestoration -We cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land.

*Celebration of First Eucharist for students completing the Sacramental Program Saturday 15^th June 6pm or Sunday 16^th June at 9am

*End of term Awards assembly Week 10 Wednesday 19^th June 8.45am

Thanks for reading! Have a great week ahead. 

Ann-Maree

St Saviour’s Primary School Athletics Carnival 2024 

St Saviour’s Primary 2024 athletics carnival will take place on Friday, 14th June. As St Saviour’s Primary evolves, changes need to be made to the athletics carnival. These changes are to benefit our students and are made to give the students the best opportunity to display their athletic ability in a safe and fun environment. This year there will be a couple of changes to streamline the carnival: 

• 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 this year, 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 will keep 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.  
• The High Jump finals will be on Wednesday the 12th of June at St Saviour’s Primary instead of O’Quinn Street Oval. 
• We will no longer have finals for 80m/100m and 200m races. This year 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. 

As this is the first year attempting this, 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.  

Field Event Qualifying 

 All students in Year Three to Year Six will participate in High Jump. Only 10 to 12 Years will participate in Shotput and Discus. Students will throw and jump to determine the top ten in each age group (boys and girls) who will compete in High Jump at St Saviour’s Primary on Wednesday 12th of June and Shot Put and Discuss at O’Quinn Street Oval on Friday 14th June.  I will work out 1st, 2nd and 3rd for 8 Year Olds High Jump in Year Three from qualifying and they will be presented with a ribbon at the athletics carnival. Qualifying will happen in PE lessons again this year as the feedback from students is it is a much more relaxed and fun experience. 

 Qualifying has been designed so all students get a chance to participate in each event in a fun environment regardless of ability. The top ten in each event (age group, boy and girl) then compete at the school carnival in a fun, but more competitive level. It is important to note that whilst all students are not doing all events at the athletics carnival, all students have participated in an event during PE sessions which is a part of the athletics carnival and have gained points for their house. Qualifying for High Jump, Discus and Shot Put will start next Monday 19th April and continue throughout Term Two. If your child is away during any of the qualifying sessions, a make-up session will happen during lunch time the following week. These make up sessions will be posted on Parent Portal. 

Wednesday 12th June 2024 (St Saviour’s Primary School) 

DATE: 12th June 2024 

TIME: 8:30am – 3pm 

VENUE: St Saviour’s Primary School Oval 

EVENTS: High Jump 

WHO FOR: 9-12 Year Olds 

NOMINATIONS: The qualifying ten 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 13th June 2024 (St Saviour’s Primary School) 

DATE: 13th June 2024 

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 14th of June 2024 (O’Quinn Street) 

DATE: 14th June 2024 

TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm – Prep to Year Two (Students will need to be dropped off by 8:00am to O'Quinn Street, but transport provided back to school). Please respond to Microsoft Form sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport. If you didn't respond to this form please email Mrs Hauser directly.

8:00am – 3pm – Year Three to Year Six (Students will need to be dropped off to O'Quinn Street by 8:00am, but transport provided back to school if required). Please respond to Microsoft Form sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport. If you didn't respond to this form please email Mrs Hauser directly.

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 email sent by Mrs Katie Hauser about whether your child/ren require transport. 

FOOD: The children will need to bring their own morning tea, lunch, and water.  

There will be no canteen operating on the day. There will be a sausage sizzle with drinks available - a sausage on bread will cost $2, drinks are $3 each. Purchases must be made using card only - NO CASH.

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 is 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 ten from PE sessions will compete in shotput and discus finals. 

PERMISSION:  Permission has already been granted through ‘Physical Education Activities/Carnivals 2024’ on Parent Portal. 

Athletics Carnival Dates 

     *Wednesday 12th June 2024 (High Jump Final) St Saviour’s Primary School Oval

     * Thursday 13th June 2024 (Ball Games – Year 3 to 6) St Saviour’s Primary                  School Oval 

• Friday 14th June 2024 (SSPS Athletics Carnival) O’Quinn Street Oval 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me (brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au). 

Cheers 

Brendan Luck 

HPE Teacher  

School Sport 

Congratulations to Mahaylie Weribone who made the Toowoomba team for Rugby League. She will now attend Darling Downs trials to try and gain a position on the Darling Downs team. Mia Aylward also made the Darling Downs team for Soccer and will attend the State Championships later in the year. Good luck and we look forward to hearing all about your fantastic experience. 

Swim Star 

Congratulations to Sophie Enders who recently won Most Improved Swimmer and 11 years age champion at the Glennie Swim Club awards presentation. These awards are well deserved for the effort and commitment Sophie has shown throughout the season. 

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 Two) 

• SSPS High Jump – 12/06/2024 - 8:30am-3pm 
• SSPS Ball Games – 13/06/2024 - 11:15am-1:30am 
• SSPS Athletics Carnival 14/06/2024 – 8:30am – 3pm 

Cheers 

 Brendan Luck 

HPE Teacher 

brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Congratulations to Samuel Abot (basketball - absent from photo), Joseph Black (touch football), Akeer Adol (basketball) and Mahaylie Weribone (touch football) who have all attended Darling Downs sports competitions in Rockhampton this week. Well done!

Our students are enjoying the new library!

Darling Downs Readers' Cup 

We wish Maya, Gorgi, Estelle and Georgina all the very best for the Readers' Cup competition next Tuesday. Thank you for your term long effort to read the 5 set novels girls!

Family Book Club

We will meet to talk about our Term 2 book "The Magic Hour" next Monday in the library at 3.15pm. Please consider joining us to help decide the Term 3 title and for some great book chat.

Books for Home

I have withdrawn a significant number of titles from the student collection, mainly Non-Fiction, as we moved books onto our new shelves. Students and parents are invited to browse these books before school next Tuesday and Wednesday and take and keep them at home for their own reading enjoyment. The books will be set out in the demountable.

Learning in the Library

Year 6 are learning how Artificial Intelligence is trained and considering the pitfalls of AI

Year 5 are learning to make connections between the physical features of animals and their habitats

Year 4 are creating books trailers for Nat Amoore's story, "The Power of Positive Pranking"

Year 3 are learning to ask questions and gather information from videos 

Nat Amoore's and Zanni Louise's Books

Ordered copies of these author's books have arrived and will be handed to students before the end of the week.

Happy Reading!

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

Our students came together as a whole school for our Liturgy last Tuesday.

Kaiya and Chelsea received Being Responsible awards:

Benite received her Principal’s award for showing leadership and Being Responsible:

Congratulations to all the students in the Sing Out Choir who performed so well on Thursday night.  They worked so hard all term with Mrs Stewart and were led by Mrs Kelly on the night.  All the hard work paid off as they were wonderful representatives of St Savour's.  They sang their individual song beautifully and we are very proud of them.  It was quite an experience for them to join other schools in the mass choir and perform the final number at the Empire Theatre.  Well done to all of those involved!

CONGRATULATIONS BRENDAN AND WARREN!

The SSPS community congratulates Brendan Luck for his nomination for a Primary/Kindergarten Expert Teacher award as part of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards for 2024.

Our Groundsman Warren Farquharson is also in the running for the Administration, Finance and Facilities Support award.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 25 July during Catholic Education Week celebrations.