Volume 14 Issue 5 Term 1, 4th April 2025

Principals Report

Dear Parents, Families, and Friends,

As we are now at the end of this term, I’d like to share a few exciting updates, reminders, and heartfelt reflections with you.

Easter Liturgy
Our Easter Liturgy will take place on Thursday, 24th April at 2.30pm in Jeff’s Shed. It is always a special and meaningful event where our P-2 students come together to share the beautiful Easter Story. As all P-2 students will have a role, please let us know if your child won’t be here during Week 1 of Term 2.

Cross Country Update
The new date for the Cross Country event is Monday, 28th April. We encourage our students to keep up their training over the holidays and stay active in preparation for the event. The Cross Country will be held at the Golf Course, and students can wear their sports coloured shirts and running joggers. However, navy school bottoms, white or black socks, and school hats must still be worn. House captains will proudly display their house badges. Please ensure your child has a packed lunch and water bottle, and note that the canteen will be operating.

School Camp News
Information about the Year 5/6 school camp to Magnetic Island will be released early in Term 2, along with details about the P/1 and 2/3 day and overnight trips. We look forward to creating wonderful memories for all students!

Our Future Educators
Today marks the final practical placements for Miss Gabby Andrade and Miss Kendall Menkin's as they race towards the finish line to complete their education degrees. We have been privileged to have them learn from our incredible teachers, whose dedication and skill have provided a high standard of guidance and support. We are thrilled to welcome them back to their school officer positions after the holidays and wish them every success in their final assessments.

Anzac Day Service
Anzac Day is a time of reflection and gratitude, and we invite all students and families to join us for the parade. Students must wear their formal school uniforms and arrive at the Old Empire Café by 9:45 AM. Parents and families are warmly welcomed to march with us. At the hall, the school will sit together at the front for the service, after which students may return home.

Dr Cathcart

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Krystal Cathcart, our exceptional 4-6 Class teacher. After years of dedicated study, Mrs. Cathcart has achieved the remarkable milestone of completing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
This week, she attended her graduation ceremony in Toowoomba, marking the culmination of her academic journey. Her thesis, titled Facilitating Readers: Exploring How Parental Beliefs Influence Learning to Read in Home Education Through Communities of Practice, showcases her profound contributions to the field of education.
We could not be prouder of Mrs. Cathcart and her incredible accomplishment. Earning a PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement, granting the esteemed title of “Doctor.” Her dedication and perseverance inspire us all.

Gratitude for Our Community
As we reflect on the challenges we have faced and will continue to face during the catastrophic floods, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every staff member, student, family and community member for your unwavering support. So many families were affected, and many students were separated from us as the floodwaters rose. Yet, our community pulled together, ensuring life remained as normal as possible for the students. This stability and routine have made all the difference for them.

In the words of Desmond Tutu, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Your resilience and kindness have brought hope and light to our school community during this time.

Until next time,
Warm regards,
Mrs. Kara Marsh

Ms. Gabby & Ms. Kendall

School Absences

St Finbarr's Pillar Awards 2025

Term 1

School Fees

School Holiday Activities @ Quilpie Library

ANZAC DAY 2025

ANZAC Day in Quilpie falls in the first week of Term 2 this year, on a Friday. Each year, the Quilpie Shire Council organises a Twilight Service the evening before ANZAC Day. This is a significant and moving event, and we encourage our families to attend and pay their respects.

On ANZAC Day itself, the day begins with the Dawn Service, followed by the traditional march. As a school, we customarily gather at the café in uniform before marching together to the hall for the official proceedings. While we understand that some families may be away, we strongly encourage everyone to participate in this meaningful march.

PPF 2025

Please send any Agenda items you may have to the Office or a Committee member prior to the meeting.

Quilpie & District Sport

Cross Country Term 2, Monday 28th April at the Quilpie Golf course

Save the Date

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday for April 

2025 Open Day

Please contact the Office or Mrs. Marsh if you have any questions.

Project Compassion Boxes

This Lent, Caritas Australia's Project Compassion invites you to Unite Against Poverty and take action to make a lasting difference., join Project Compassion in 2025 by a making a donation.

Project Compassion boxes wen are due back in the first week of Term 2, perhaps your child may like to donate their treat money one week or some spare change. A little goes a long way for those in need. 

Tuck-Shop 2025

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Your Contact Details

If your details have changed in the past year, especially your emergency contacts, please let the Office know so our records are accurate and up to date.

School Website & Calendar

Have you downloaded the School Calendar to your phone yet! This is the quickest way to see upcoming events for St Finbarr's as they will already be on your phones Calendar 

Below shows you in 4 steps on how to subscribe the school online calendar onto your phone's calendar, when reading school newsletter via your phone 

 St Finbarr's School, Quilpie, Calendar 

 St Finbarr's School, Quilpie Website

Tuck-shop Roster

Assembly

School Yard access

School Bell Times

Term Dates 2025

St Finbarr's Student Protection Contacts

It is a legislative requirement that all non-state schools have at least two nominated staff members to whom a student can report the behaviour of another staff member that the student considers inappropriate.  We call these specially trained staff members School Student Protection Contacts, or SSPCs.  Each SSPC has been nominated by the principal in recognition of their integrity, approachability and knowledge in the area of student protection.  Whilst students are encouraged to speak up to any trusted adult in the school community, it is important that they know they can access these specific staff members at any time should they have worries, queries or concerns. You will have noticed posters throughout the school depicting our current SSPCs.  The SSPCs are also published on our school website along with information about our student protection processes.  In everything we do at St Finbarr's student safety is our highest priority, therefore the SSPCs at our school are key personnel in our overall safeguarding processes.  Please see the poster depicting our current SSPC team.