Our College held our Ash Wednesday Prayer Service in the Father Bucas Centre last week. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the forty days before Easter. Lent is a special time to prepare ourselves for Easter. Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, self-reflection, renewal, sacrifice and almsgiving. I encourage you all to support Caritas Australia’s Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal, Project Compassion. Let’s work together to help end poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity. Together we can help stop poverty and injustice. Thank you to Jeanette Refalo - Mission Support and Lesley Fraser - Assistant Principal (Mission) for organising our Ash Wednesday Prayer Service.

Year 7 Meet and Greet

The Year 7 Meet and Greet at Bluewater Lagoon was held on Friday, 28 February 2025. It was well attended by students, parents, and staff. It was great to meet so many of our parents at this event. A special thank you to Kyle Danns - Dean of Students (Year 7) and Louise Sheedy - Administration Assistant (Events) for coordinating this special event. I am grateful to our Year 12 Student Leaders and staff members for helping to make our Meet and Greet such a success. It was such a lovely way to end the week.

Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Finals

Congratulations to Rory F (College Leader) who will be representing the Mackay and Districts Lions Clubs on Saturday evening in Townsville at the Lions District Finals.  Rory has been privileged to receive special mentoring and public speaking coaching from our kind and generous Mayor, Greg Williamson. I am looking forward to attending the District Finals with Rory’s proud parents, Jackie and John. We wish Rory every success this weekend!

International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day occurs on March 8 each year and is celebrated globally to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.  This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was Accelerate Action. On Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Resource Industry Network’s International Women’s Day Business lunch at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with four inspirational Year 10 students (Elsie B, Ashley G, Tayah M and Pranshu V). Guest speaker, Kerri Pottharst, Gold and Bronze Olympian, inspirational speaker, author, athlete mentor and executive coach shared her inspirational life story of determination and perseverance. Kerri’s motivational speech reached audience members young and old, inspiring all in attendance to set their goals high and to reach beyond their wildest dreams.

I would like to thank the Resource Industry Network for inviting us to attend this function and the Local Buying Foundation for sponsoring our tickets.

I also had the privilege of attending the Zonta Club of Mackay’s International Women’s Day High Tea at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with five outstanding Z-Club student members (Neve D, Natalie L, Stephanie P, Abby S and Amelia W). The UN Women Australia Theme for International Women’s Day is “March Forward”. We heard from two panels of “Mature and Motivated” women, including HSC parent Dr Elissa Hatherly and other upcoming enthusiastic panellists. These female panellists serve as great role models in our community and are inspirational to women of all ages.

Holy Spirit College’s two finalists, Natalie L and Stephanie P, were courageous as they addressed over 500 guests. Thank you to Zonta and the many school student sponsors for supporting our students with the Young Women in Leadership Award.  Congratulations to Natalie and Stephanie for being finalists for this prestigious award.

Year 7 in 2026 Information Evening

We look forward to welcoming new students and their families to our Year 7 in 2026 Information Evening on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. All interested parents/carers/students are welcome to attend this evening.

Pre-register for the event here.

Grievance Procedure

Right relationships are at the core of the mission of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) and every effort will be made to maintain a safe and supportive work and learning environment for all within our school communities. Holy Spirit College is committed to developing a culture based on mutual trust and respect.

It is acknowledged that during your child’s school years, at times, there may be a grievance that you wish to raise about a decision, behaviour, act, or omission that you consider to be unacceptable. Holy Spirit College is committed to ensuring that all grievances are addressed in a fair and equitable manner and the following procedures will guide parents/carers and students in addressing grievances as quickly as possible.

How Do I Resolve a Grievance?

Most grievances are best resolved promptly at Holy Spirit College. The subject teacher is often the best person to handle routine concerns about matters within their classroom and/or area of responsibility. Our Year Level Deans are the best people to handle sensitive pastoral matters and our Curriculum Leaders are the best people to handle specific curriculum issues. Some grievances will need my involvement or a member of the Leadership Team. As issues are clarified, these may be handed to another suitable staff member. Few grievances should require management at the Director level.

Further information can be found in the “Right Relationships, Parent and Student Grievance and Resolution procedures” document located at https://www.rok.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies-publications/.

Prayer

Lord,

As we start this holy season of Lent, we come to you with humble hearts and ask for your forgiveness for our shortcomings. Help us turn towards you and let go of things that hold us back. Guide us on our Lenten journey and transform us with your love.  We ask for your blessings and your grace, for the strength to carry on in faith and the courage to follow your will wherever it may lead us. Amen

Blessings,     

Alison Wales - Principal