Newsletter Term 2 Week 2, 2025

Principals Report - Mrs Janine Butlin

Principal’s Message

30th April 2025

Remembering Pope Francis: A Legacy of Humility and Compassion

“Pope Francis was a voice of mercy in a time of noise. He walked with humility, spoke with fire, and dared to love the unloved. He reminded the world that compassion isn’t weakness, and faith doesn’t have to be shouted to be heard.

May he rest in the eternal peace he so often preached.” – Bob Dylan

Today, I had the pleasure of attending the requiem mass for Pope Francis with the school captains at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Toowoomba. Over the past week, the media has been flooded with stories about Pope Francis. He certainly was the ‘People’s Pope.” Simply an incredible man born of humble beginnings who went on to become famous around the world.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the son of Italian immigrants. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1958. His journey in the church saw him rise through the ranks, becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001. On March 13, 2013, he was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, making history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope.

Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion, and dedication to social justice. He was a trailblazer who broke many traditions, choosing simplicity over grandeur. His approachable nature and efforts to connect with people from all walks of life endeared him to millions. Whether it was his visits to marginalized communities, his advocacy for the poor, or his emphasis on mercy and forgiveness, Pope Francis touched hearts worldwide. His legacy as a pope who prioritized humanity and humility over formality will be remembered fondly. One memorable moment was when he visited a children's hospital and challenged an elderly patient to a race, joking about how he wouldn’t let the patient win if he were in good health. This light-hearted interaction captured his essence perfectly.

Pope Francis' influence extended far beyond the confines of the Vatican. His commitment to addressing global issues such as climate change, migration, and economic inequality resonated with many. He championed the cause of the marginalized and called for a more compassionate and just world. Even in his final days, he continued to advocate for peace and social justice. As the world mourns his passing, his teachings and actions will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a better, more inclusive world.

Pope Francis' legacy is one of profound empathy and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity. His life and work will remain a guiding light for many, reminding us of the power of compassion and humility. As he once said,

"Education is an act of hope that, from the present, looks to the future. It is a way of bringing about a more humane and just society."

 His words continue to inspire us to value education as a cornerstone for building a better world.

God Bless 

Janine 

APMI Report - Mrs Fiona Drew

Welcome back to school! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and great holiday break!   

We began our term with a Resurrection liturgy to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Easter is the most significant day in the Christian calendar, and it is an important season that should remind us of the teachings of Christ and how we can apply them in our lives. As Catholics, we are called to live out our faith every day, not just during Holy Week.  

It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. As the first Pope from the southern hemisphere, he will be remembered for his concern and dedication to the poor and those on the margins of society. He lived a simple life and was truly a humble servant of God. He brought to the attention of the world, many of the issues that matter: - global peace; refugees and asylum seekers, the destruction of the environment and a more inclusive and compassionate Church.  

Only on Easter Sunday, did this incredible man bless the crowds at St Peter’s Basilica. In his homily that was delivered for him at the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, he wrote about the hope in Christ, needed for our world - “The risen Christ is the definitive turning point in human history. He is the hope that does not fade. He is the love that accompanies us and sustains us…Let us make room for the light of the Risen Lord! And we will become builders of hope for the world.” -Angela Travers, TCSO 

May Pope Francis rest in peace, with hope that his vision for a better world will continue. 

Term Two MacKillop Quote  

The term two quote from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop is ‘Have an Attitude of Gratitude’. Our MacKillop Club look forward to sharing this with our classes this term.  

ANZAC DAY Liturgy & March 

Thank you to Year 5 for leading the school for the ANZAC Day liturgy. Thanks also to the Pittsworth Cadets for helping make our liturgy so meaningful.  

It was wonderful to see students at the ANZAC Day on Friday. Students represented St Stephen’s and other community groups extremely well.  

Celebrations  

All parents are welcome to attend our celebrations. They will be held in MacKillop Hall from 2.15pm. For each Celebration, there is a theme for Student of the Week, and students from each class, who have been following this theme are selected to receive a ribbon to acknowledge their wonderful behaviour and learning! 

The following classes will lead Celebrations for Term Two  

Year 3  – Wednesday 7th May 

Year 6 – Wednesday 4th June 

Year 4 – Wednesday 11th June 

Sacramental Program – Confirmation and Communion  

Emails have been sent out to families of students who completed their Sacrament of Reconciliation last year. Preparation lessons will begin early term Three and the Sacrament of Confirmation and Communion will be held on Friday 29th August and Sunday 31st August.  Sacrament of Reconciliation lessons will be held in Term Four.  

Date Claimers –  

Mother’s Day Liturgy – Friday 9th May 9am – MacKillop Hall  

Family Mass – Sunday 25th  May  8.30am – St Stephen’s Church  

End of Semester Mass – Tuesday 24th June 9:00am – St Stephen’s Church  

School Attendance

Free Dress Fundraising - Qulipie Flood Appeal

St Stephen's School will be holding two fundraising events this Friday to assist with the recovery in the Quilpie Shire from the recent devastating floods. The Quilpie region including the towns of Eromanga and Toompine, have been affected. The worst-hit area has been Adavale—the entire town has been washed out. Many from the Adavale community are now staying in Quilpie.

Property owners across the region have been severely impacted. The immense amount of water has inundated most of the surrounding land, with some properties being flooded on both sides due to the Bulloo and Cooper river systems.

All proceeds from our Free Dress Day for students this Friday will go directly to this appeal.  St Stephen's will also be selling Zooper Doopers at 2nd Break on Friday for $1 with the profits also going to this cause.

Zooper Doopers - Friday 2nd May

Mother's Day Events

Public Holiday

Senior Camp 2025

Sport News - Mrs Jodie Ferguson

Sports News 2025  

Inner Downs Trials  

There will be Inner Downs Trials held throughout the year. If you are born 2015, 2014 or 2013 and interested in attending any of the trials, please fill in the Representative Sports Nomination form 2025 which was emailed out to all eligible students. You can either return this form or email Mrs Ferguson at jodie.ferguson@twb.catholic.edu.au. When the nominations become available closer to the trial, Mrs Ferguson will send home the necessary paperwork. Please keep your eye out in the school calendar newsletter and the calendar on the parent portal for nomination, trial dates and further information.  

Note: These dates are subject to change.  

 Inner Downs Basketball 

Congratulations to Marty Elsden who was selected in the 10-12years Inner Downs Basketball team. St. Stepehen’s is proud of your achievement. 

Inner Downs / Bunya Rugby League 

Congratulations to Ryan Suell Under 12’s, George Cherry, Samuel Clarke and Carter Laine Under 11s who were selected in the Inner Downs Rugby League teams.  The boys then trialled with the Bunya team to make selections into the Inner/Bunya combined team to attend Darling Downs trials. Congratulations to Ryan, George and Samuel. Well done boys on your success. 

 Inner Downs Cross Country – Thursday 1st May  

Congratulations to the students who have met qualifying times and will be trialling on Thursday at Millmerran to gain selection into the Inner Downs team. Best of Luck St. Stephen’s Cross Country team. Don’t forget to take the Trial permission Consent Form. No Form = No Trial.  

 Athletics Carnival this Term 

Wednesday 18th June – 2-3 pm Bridgman Oval 9 -12yrs (2016-2013)  800m event 
Thursday 19th June - Senior Carnival 8-12yrs (2017-2013) Bridgman oval 5-7yrs (2020-2018) sprint race only. 

Friday 20th June – Junior Carnival St. Stephen’s school and Weale Street Oval 5-7yrs (2020-2018)  

 Student Sporting Achievements  

Please feel free to send through any photos of students and their sporting achievements if you wish for them to be included in the school newsletter, attention to Mrs Ferguson. Jodie.ferguson@twb.catholic.edu.au  

Prep 2026 Enrolment Interviews Happening Now !

Prep 2026 Save the Date !

Library News - Mrs Kellie Craft

Piano Lessons with Mrs Ruth Shepherd

If you are interested in your child learning piano from a fully qualified teacher with 30 years of experience, contact Mrs Ruth Shepherd on 0427 910 303 for more information. 

It is essential that students have a piano/keyboard at home on which to do their practice.  Music is fun!

Sentral Parent Portal

Reminder to all parents to access the Parent Portal.

The Parent Portal is used for absentees, newsletters, parent teacher interview bookings, report cards, NAPLAN results, calendar of events, notices and letters to parents.

If you are having difficulty with the Parent Portal please contact the School Office for assistance. The Parent Portal is the communication method used for the day to day running of the school.

Flexischools - Online Ordering System

Flexischools is an online ordering system that the school uses for the ordering of Tuckshop, Event Catering and Special Fundraising Food Days.

Tuckshop is open one day a week on a Thursday. Special Canteen days are also held sometimes throughout the year. This makes it easier for families and school staff.

Community News