FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Welcome back!
Welcome to our new and existing families! I hope you had an enjoyable Easter break by spending quality time with your family and friends.
Pope Francis
It was with great sadness that we received the news of Pope Francis’ passing on 21 April 2025. Our world has lost a great leader who was respected and admired by many. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first non-European pope in centuries, the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis. He will be remembered as a man of simplicity, humility and compassion. May Pope Francis rest in the loving arms of his God, who he served so well. As people of faith, may we always follow the example of Pope Francis by being pilgrims of hope. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
Term 1 Progress Reports
Term 1 Progress Reports were issued through Parent Lounge at the end of last term.
Parent Teacher Interviews are being held on 6 May in the Father Bucas Centre from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. We look forward to discussing your student’s progress to date and continuing to work together for the best Academic outcomes for your child. I thank our teachers in advance for their willingness to be available for these interviews.
Catholic Primary School Visits
This week, I have had the pleasure of visiting our Catholic Primary link schools with some of our current Year 7 Students. It has been wonderful to meet so many Year 6 students and their teachers. I would like to thank the following students who accompanied me to their previous primary school:
Emmanuel Catholic Primary School - Franske H, Pyper D and Fraser S
MacKillop Catholic Primary School - Indee A, Jonty L and Louie W
St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School - Indi F, Saje C and Leo C
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School - Jayden D, Parker V and Jasmine S
Year 7 in 2026
We look forward to welcoming new students and their families to our Year 7 in 2026 Information Evening on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. To pre-register your attendance, please click HERE.
Today, we gathered in the Father Bucas Centre for our ANZAC Prayer Service. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage our students to participate in Mackay’s ANZAC Day March tomorrow. I am looking forward to our College participating in the march with other schools in our area.
Tomorrow, 25 April 2025, we honour our ANZACs and war veterans who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. Being reminded of our past signifies why we should place importance on peace in our present. On ANZAC Day, it is also important for us to take the opportunity to honour all current defence and service personnel. It is a timely reminder for our students to be grateful for the peace that we enjoy as a consequence of our ANZAC’s selflessness.
Lions Youth of the Year State Final
Rory F represented all North Queensland Lions Clubs at the State finals in Brisbane on the first weekend of the school holidays. Rory’s progress throughout the competition has been remarkable. For the State Final, Rory memorised his five-minute prepared speech “AI is the Future”. Rory confidently delivered his speech with professionalism and enthusiasm. A big congratulations to Rory for being Holy Spirit College’s first North Queensland representative at the State Finals. A special thanks to Suzanne Gakowski (Dean of Senior English) for her support of Rory throughout the competition and for attending the State Final with me.
Staffing Update
Congratulations to Colleen Gauci (College Counsellor) on her recent promotion to the Student Engagement and Behaviour Support Officer at our Catholic Education Office. We will thank and farewell Mrs Gauci in mid-May.
Congratulations to Hayley Keith and her husband, Aiden, on the safe arrival of their son, Milo. We wish Mrs Keith all the best while she is on maternity leave, and we look forward to welcoming her back next year.
Welcome back, Amanda Roll (College Counsellor). It is great to have you back with us. Karen Morley (College Counsellor) is taking some well-deserved long service leave for the first 8 weeks of this term. We are fortunate to have two part-time counsellors, Ajshe Citaku and Deb Quinn, who already work for Catholic Education, join us for the next 8 weeks. Welcome Miss Citaku and Mrs Quinn to Holy Spirit College!
We warmly welcomed Mr Luke Fagan (Teacher Assistant) to Holy Spirit College this week.
Prayer
Gracious God,
We pray for eternal rest to those who gave themselves in service and sacrificed their lives for our country. We thank those who continue to serve in our Defence Forces. We remember and give thanks for their service to our country. Lest we forget.
Amen
Blessings,
Alison Wales - Principal