“Find

happiness in making others

happy.” Mary

Mackillop -1867

St Stephen’s Catholic School

Newsletter T E R M 2 , W E E K 9 8 T H J U N E 2 0 1 6

Student Protection

Resources for Parents

Legal Aid:

For free legal advice –

1300 651 188

Child Safety Services:

You can make a re-

port or voice your

concerns -

1300 683 390

Principal’s Message Today we celebrated Grandparent’s Day at St Stephen’s School. It was great to welcome so many grandparents into our school. The day began with Mrs Dennis’s Year 3 children leading a liturgy filled with memories about all the wonderful things that we share with our grandparents. Following a shared morning tea, grandparents went forth into the classrooms to join in the morn-ing session. One grandfather commented that he found school more enjoyable now than he did years ago! What a gift grandparents are to our lives. If you are lucky enough to still have your grandparents cherish each day that you have. Grandparents are the back bone of our family, the are part of our family history and it is important that we spend time with them and get to know our story. Today is my youngest daughter’s 21

st birthday. I can still remember the day that she was born

like it was yesterday. I thank God each day for the giving me the precious gift of children. Today I would like to share this poem with all children and grandchildren in our school community. Remember by Steve Goodier Remember that your presence is a present to the world. Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation. Remember that your life can be what you want it to be. Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles. Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along. Remember that most of the answers you need are within you. Remember those dreams waiting to be realized. Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance. Remember to always reach for the best that is within you. Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets. Remember not to take things too seriously. Remember to laugh. Remember that a little love goes a long way. Remember that a lot goes forever. Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting. Remember that life's treasures are people, not things. Remember that miracles still happen.

Enjoy the rest of your week. God Bless, Janine

Reminder:

School Banking -

Thursdays.

Fundraising forms

due back 22nd June,

P A G E 2

Sunbird

This is a true story provided to me by Gerard Hore, Director: Faith Education, Teaching and Learning Services.

Things had been tough. The man had been made redundant in his job. He and his family had had to leave an area where

he, his wife and children had been very happy. They had moved to an unfamiliar place very different in climate, economy

and social organisation from what they had known and loved. Both he and his wife were having trouble settling in to their

new work and the children weren't sure if they liked their new school or not. On top of that their accommodation was very

expensive and they were having trouble finding something cheaper. His wife told him he was grinding his

teeth in his sleep; that had never happened in his life before.

The man prayed regularly about their situation, asking God's help, hoping he and his family might be given

some indication that things would improve, some sign of hope. One of his usual times for prayer was when he was shav-

ing.

There was a window close to the basin in the bathroom. One morning as the man was shaving a lovely little sunbird ap-

peared at the window, and tapped against it a couple of times. "Hello", the man murmured almost absent-mindedly, ad-

miring the visitor. The olive and yellow miniature beauty looked back at him and flew away.

The next morning the sunbird was back at shave time, at prayer time. The same thing happened as the day before.

The third morning, the bird was back, tapping on the window. The man put his razor down and said aloud, "All right, I'm

listening!"

"Who are you talking to?" called his wife.

"Oh, just God!", he answered.

"Oh, that's alright then", she said.

The man's heart was lighter and stayed that way. A short time later, not straight away, life started to improve. The sun-

bird never returned.

Proof of divine intervention? Of course not. A demonstration of the sacramental sense, of seeing the sacred in the happen-

ings of life? Yes indeed.

Like the Sunbird, all staff from St Stephen’s were invited to attend our annual retreat last Thursday afternoon. The Retreat

was led by Ange Travers and Tony Worner from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. The theme centred on ‘Ways of

Praying’. The staff participated in a number of meditative prayers. The reflective nature of meditation provided us all

with some mental relaxation. I would like to thank all of the staff who were able

to attend. I have included some images below. A picture tells a thousand words.

Enjoy.

From the APRE’s Desk

The main focus of Term 2 in Physical Ed-ucation is Athletics. This term we have participated in a variety of track and field events in preparation for the Athletics Carnival which is to be held this Friday on Bridgman Oval.

The Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 classes have been practicsng their sprints, relays and ballgames along with some modified field events. These events are Softput (shotput), Frisbee throw (discus), long jump and high jump.

The Year 3, 4 and 5/6 classes focussed on the actual Athletic Day events. Along with the weekly PE lessons students also did some extra practice with Mr Blaikie, Mrs Butlin and Mrs Lee. Thank you to these teachers for your extra efforts. The big focus in P.E. lessons is technique based along with the students having the opportunity to experiment to try and achieve a faster running technique or throw a longer distance in discus.

I look forward to seeing many smiling faces at the Carnival and I am sure there will be some great performances during the day. With participation and enjoy-ment the main focus, I am sure it will be a great day!

We have now commenced the School Run 4 Fun Fundraising Program which is as a major fundraiser this term so we do ask for your support. The event will take place on Friday 24 June on the school oval. Students will be running/walking for an allocated time for this event. Funds raised will be donated to Cancer Research.

Students have now received a poster size Superhero Sponsorship Form with a great selection of toy brands including Apple, GoPro, Razor, Star Wars, Monster High, Nerf just to name a few. This form will assist with collecting sponsorship donations on behalf of the school. Students who raise as little as $10 or more will receive an incentive prize for their efforts. The greater amount of sponsorship donations you receive the better prizes you can choose. Inside the Sponsorship Form you will find helpful tips on how to raise money for the school as well as other benefits such as the chance to win a family holiday staying at Sea World Resort & Water Park on the Gold Coast including entry to the major theme parks and the choice of either $1,000 spending money or a $1,000 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher.

The form does mention Online fundrais-ing. We have decided to not fundraise online mainly because of the extra cost which it involves. If you do have family members/friends who would like to do-nate but do not live close by it may be easiest to have them transfer into a bank account and donate that way. Once the fundraiser is complete, please ensure to fill out the prize request sec-tion on the back of the Sponsorship Form and return to the School Office along with your money inside an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name and class. The incentive prizes will be delivered shortly after. Please return forms and money raised to the school office by Wednesday 22 June. We would also like to welcome parents and family members to attend the event day to help cheer on the students. Thank you in advance for your participa-tion. Happy fundraising! James Doherty

HPE News.

Please find a summary of our Liturgical Celebrations for the next 3 weeks.

Please keep Mrs Olischlager’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with a family tragedy at the moment.

I hope the parents have been training for the Athletics Carnival.

God’s Blessings

Keith Blaikie

Date Day Liturgical Celebration Year Level

15 June 9am Wednesday Mass – St Stephen’s Church Year 5/6 - Prep

24 June 9am Friday End of Term 2 Mass - Church Year 4

Information for Parents!

St Stephen’s Athletics Carnival 2016

The athletics carnival will take place at Bridgman Oval and will be for ALL students. Please see the table below for further details:

Please note that the St Stephen’s Catholic School Office will be closed on Friday 10 June. If you

need to make contact with the school, please ring the School Mobile phone on 0402 829 728.

URGENT-Parent Helpers are still required!!!!

Please see Mrs Lee or Mr Blaikie on the day.

Inter-house Athletics Carnival

When: Friday 10 June, 2016.

Time: 8:30am – 2:30pm

Where: Bridgman Oval

Who: Prep – 6 Students

Events: 200m, 100m, 80m, 50m, 60m

Discus, Long Jump, Shot Put, Ball games and Relays

Tabloid Sports (Years 5-7 only)

Arrival: Students need to arrive between 8:30am and 8:45am. They need to report to their

Class Teacher upon arrival.

Bus students will be dropped at Pittsworth State School on Hume Street and will be

collected by Mrs Ferguson.

Departure Students may leave with their parents at the conclusion of the carnival.

Students must be signed out from their class teacher before leaving.

Students going home on the bus or to be collected from St Stephen’s will return to

school accompanied by Miss McMahon at 2.45pm.

HOME-BAKED DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR ATHLETICS DAY this Friday!

Please drop all home baked donations to the Bridgeman Oval.

Any questions, please contact Carol Hicks—0400 937 020

P & F will be running a Canteen

Morning Tea—Baked goods donated.

Lunch—BBQ and Sandwiches available .

YCLC Coffee Van in attendance from 8.30am to 2.30pm

P A G E 5

Week 8 Term 2

Congratulations to: Josie, Matilda, Maddison, Angela, Lottie and Liam.

Remember next week’s Assembly is on Wednesday @ 2:40pm in The Mackillop Hall.

Student of the Week Awards

Week 7 Term 2

Congratulations to: Connor, Danny, Will, Erika and Lucy (absent).

Assembly Roster

Week 10

15/6/2016

Year 6 & Prep

Week 11

22/6/2016

Year 1

This term all classes have participated in Dance lessons with Mrs Cavanagh. Our assessment is com-

plete and we are now learning our dances for the school’s Centenary celebrations. Each class will be

performing their dance on the day. Below are the costuming requirements. I have tried to keep these

to items that people would have in their wardrobes so that families do not have to purchase anything.

The theme of the dance performance is “Dance through time”. I have tried to have dances from many

different eras. The Centenary Committee specifically requested some partner dances (Years 5/6 and

Year 2 will be performing partner dances) as the Sisters of St Joseph had a long history of teaching the

students of our school how to perform these dances.

If you have any questions, please see Mrs Cavanagh.

Prep The Ocean Dance Pirate type costume – stripy shirt, old pants, bandanna etc

Year 1 Happy – hip hop dance Clothing in Yellow or Blue (minion type colours) – I have beanies and masks for the students to wear.

Year 2 Rock Around the Clock – progressive Jive

Boys – dark jeans with a white, black or grey t-shirt – slicked back hair, black school shoes Girls – plain coloured t-shirt, poodle skirt (provided), ankle socks, hair in pony tail

Year 3 Footloose – 80’s themed jazz dance 80’s themed clothing – fluro colours, leg warm-ers, denim jackets etc

Year 4 Waltzing Matilda – bush dance Jeans, boots, flannelette or checked shirts, cowboy hats (any cowboy/cowgirl gear)

Year 5/6 Pride of Erin Gypsy Tap

Boys – button up shirt, black school shoes, good pants (not jeans), tie (if you have one) Girls – skirt and blouse or dress (good clothes), shoes suitable for dancing (eg ballet flats etc)

Dance News

Thank-you Mr Schefe

for all your hard

work in our garden

getting ready for the

Centenary!

The MacKillop Club is organizing the Biggest Morning Tea this year on Wednesday the 22nd of June. This

is the last Wednesday of term. Instead of tuckshop for morning tea, students will be able to purchase

items, with all proceeds going to the Australian Cancer Fund.

For the week before, raffle tickets will be sold before school. The tickets are $1 each or 3 for $2. The

multi-draw raffle will be drawn on the 22nd of June at the Morning Tea.

If you were able to assist the MacKillop Club in their fundraising efforts by donating; morning tea items

(cupcakes, slices, biscuits, mini quiche etc), milk or milo (for warm milos) or even raffle donations,

please return the form below to the office by Friday 17th of June.

Thank you

Mrs Cavanagh and the MacKillop Club Leaders

I _________________________________ am able to provide the following items for the

Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday the 22nd June 2016.

________ cupcakes

________ slice

________ biscuits

_______ mini quiche

_______ milk

_______ Milo

_______ other (dairy and gluten free options appreciated)

Signed ___________________________________________

If you would like to purchase tickets to the Twilight Art Show, you can do so by contacting the

School Office by phone or email for BPAY details, or alternatively please complete attached slip

and return with cash/ cheque in an envelope to the school office, and your tickets will be sent

to you.

Twilight Art Show.

Name:

Number of tickets: @ $5 each.

Total enclosed: $

“PITTSWORTH PURPLE PRIVATE POLICE”

KIDS BIBLE HOLIDAY PROGRAM

THIS HOLIDAYS – 27th June to 1st July

VENUE: Uniting Church Pittsworth

COST FOR THE WEEK: $30.00/child or $50.00 for 2, or $60.00 for 3 or more children (from same family)

PROGRAM: Mon – Fri 8.45am – 12.30pm

Sports, games, craft, Bible stories

For children in primary school

Apply early – limited places

Register online at www.kidsgamesqld.com.au

or contact Karen on 46933202

Children’s Yoga Classes

Dates for Term 3: Thursday 14th July—18th August (6 weeks)

Where: Pittsworth Function Centre (Hume St)

Time: Prep-Grade 2 8-8.30am Thursday

Grade 3-Grade 6 3.45-4.30pm Thursday

Cost: $4 per child ($1 goes to sponsoring a child in Nepal)

$10 per family

Enquiries Phone : 0427 931 963

St Stephen’s Catholic School

Parents & Friends Association

Monthly Meeting

Thursday, 9th

June 2016 at 7.00 pm

To be held at the Library

AGENDA

Opening of meeting

Reflection

Welcome, Attendance and Apologies

Minutes of Previous Meeting

Business Arising from Previous Minutes

Correspondence

Treasurer's Report and accounts for payment

President’s Report

Principal’s Report

Other Reports

Grants

Parish

Business

School Disco - 17th June (Leah)

Date change for next P & F Meeting - 14th July – Leah & Carol away (Leah)

Cater for board meeting – Thursday 21st July (Leah)

School working bee (Leah)

Centenary – Help needed prior - 5th August (Leah)

Centenary – helpers and roster for bar (Leah)

Father's Day Stall (Leah)

Meeting times (Belinda)

Next Meeting: 7.00pm on 14th July 2016 at School Library

Prayer

Meeting Closure

PO Box 285,

Pittsworth

QLD

4356

Tel: 0746931627

Fax: 07 46932156

Email:pittsworth@twb.catholic.edu.au St Stephen’s Catholic School

Date Activity

JUNE

10 School Athletics Carnival– Bridgeman Oval

22 Biggest Morning Tea—10.50am

24 Last day of Term 2. End of Term Mass, 9.00am and Fun Run.

JULY

1 Term 3 Commences

What’s On

Tuck shop Roster

DATE ORDER COLLECTION SERVING CAKE DONATION 15/06 Leah Moore

Nadine Blanch

Carol Hicks Jodie Frost

22/06 Pizza Day

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

NOTICE OF MEETING

of

St Stephen's Catholic School

P & F Association

to be held on

9th June 2016

at 7.00 pm

in the library

Please forward agenda items to the school office by 2nd June, 2016.

pittsworth@twb.catholic.edu.au

Save the Date

Wednesday 22nd June @10:50.

Biggest Morning Tea.

To raise money for the Cancer Council of Australia.

Hosted by the MacKillop Club.

Multi-draw raffle - $1 a ticket, 3 tickets for $2.

Morning tea and warm Milo available for purchase.

Games organized at morning tea time by the MacKillop Club Leaders.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TUCKSHOP! PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL OFFICE

4693 1627