20th August 2025

VISION STATEMENT

St Rita’s school is a dynamic learning community strengthened by our Mercy heritage and inspired through the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are connected and compassionate to the needs of our community and are proud of our local Wanyurr-Majay culture. We engage our learners through relevant and hands-on experiences, bringing joy and confidence to learning.  

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

One of my favourite pastimes since childhood has been reading the newspaper. As a boy, I’d always start with the sports section before moving on to the main headlines. I loved staying up to date with world events, but it was the previews and reviews of sporting matches that truly captured my attention.

I vividly remember competing with Dad for the paper each afternoon and I was shattered when they were sometimes sold-out at our local store.

Staying at my grandparents’ place was a treat—they had it delivered to their door, so I could read it over breakfast. At University, I’d buy my own copy and guard it fiercely from my housemates.

These days, things have changed. I rarely get a physical paper, but I still read the news digitally. Bek often gets annoyed when I spend too long reading it over breakfast during the morning rush, but it’s my simple pleasure—something that helps steady me for the day ahead.

Little did I know, but this little habit was actually fostering my love of reading.

I wasn’t an avid reader at school—something I wish I could change—but I certainly read my fair share of newspapers. Not novels, unfortunately, which my teachers would’ve preferred. Still, reading the paper daily helped me develop the literacy skills I enjoy today. It never felt like a chore because I genuinely enjoyed it. What my teachers didn’t see was that it wasn’t the type of text that mattered—it was the consistency and enjoyment that made the difference. 

Book Week

This week is Book Week across Australia—a time known for dress-ups, which can be exciting for some parents, but more often than not, a last-minute scramble. 

I must admit, I’ve never looked forward to it. Dressing up isn’t high on my list of favourite things. But I understand its value, and I’m willing to look a little silly at least once a year for a good cause. It’s always great to see the children having fun with their costumes, and I can’t wait to see the Kindy join us for our Annual Book Week Parade at 9am on Thursday. 

My sister, on the other hand, goes above and beyond every Book Week. She’s in the top 0.01% of parents who genuinely look forward to it. Her youngest, Harry, is in Year 6, and sadly for her, this will be her final Book Week as a parent. Check out the photo of their latest creation—it’s impressive!

My own kids may not be reaching those lofty costume standards this year, but let’s not lose sight of what Book Week is really about: fostering a love of reading. 

According to the Bureau of Statistics, 44% of Australian adults lack the functional literacy skills needed for everyday life. That means many struggle with tasks like reading medicine labels, using computers effectively, passing written tests, or understanding information when voting.

So this Book Week, instead of stressing over costumes, make a commitment to instilling a love of literacy in your household. Whether it’s a picture book, non-fiction text, biography, magazine, or newspaper—the medium doesn’t matter. It’s the joy of reading that improves our outcomes and opens doors to future opportunities. Find out what your children like to read and encourage it. You won’t regret it. 

Feast of the Assumption

Last Friday, the 15th of August, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption, which is the Catholic belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken to heaven body and soul once her time on earth was complete. This occasion is widely celebrated in the Catholic Church and is known as a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning Catholics are obliged to participate in Mass on this day.

To commemorate the occasion, the school participated in a prayer liturgy on Friday afternoon, and our junior class even visited the Church with the Rosary Keychains they made to pray to Mary on this special day.                                                      
 

In Catholic tradition: 

• Praying to Mary is not the same as worshipping her. Worship is reserved for God alone. 
• Catholics honour Mary as the mother of Jesus and ask for her intercession—meaning they ask her to pray to God on their behalf, much like asking a friend to pray for you. 

Step It Up – Dance Showcase                                                          

We are nearing the end of our Step It Up – HipHop sessions, thanks to Miss Sian, who has expertly guided us again this term. I would like to invite all parents and families to our Annual Dance Showcase at 12:00pm on Wednesday, 27th August. Our students can’t wait to show you what they’ve learnt over the past six weeks! 

ACEC Mass – Cairns

This Wednesday, our senior students are heading to Cairns to celebrate the  Australian Catholic Education Conference Mass. This is the first time the conference is being hosted in Cairns, with an anticipated 1,500 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, parents, and others from the broader Church involved in Catholic education. 

On Wednesday, around 2,800 people will participate in the Mass at the Cairns Convention Centre. Each of the 30 schools in our diocese will be represented in what promises to be a significant occasion. We’ll be travelling by bus, shared with St Rita’s SJ and St Michael’s Gordonvale, and we’re very much looking forward to this momentous event. 

Vale Sr Carmel Doran (26/08/1931 – 10/08/2025)

It was saddening to hear of the passing of Sr Mary Evangelist Carmel Doran. Sr Carmel was a previous Principal at St Rita’s from 1968–1972 and again in 1980, when our school was still run and managed by the Mercy Sisters. She was a much-loved leader and staff member who touched the lives of many throughout her life and ministry. We offer our prayers and condolences to her family. Mrs Julie Cross and I will represent St Rita’s at her funeral on Tuesday. 

Cassowary Coast Athletics

Congratulations to our St Rita’s superstars for their efforts at the Cassowary Coast Athletics meet last week! 

• Riley B won the 11-year-old boys Age Champion after winning the 800m, 200m, and High Jump. He has now qualified for the Peninsula trials in these events. 
• Michael B won his Long Jump event. 
• Leo N placed 3rd in the 800m.
• Abel R finished 3rd in Long Jump. 

It’s fantastic to see our students competing so well at this level—well done! 

National Day of Action Against Bullying

The  National Day of Action Against Bullying is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative for schools. It provides an opportunity to create a shared understanding about bullying behaviours and promote prevention strategies.

Last week, we welcomed Officer Marshall to our school. She shared many tips, tricks, and ideas to keep ourselves, our friends, and our families safe. She also gave us a glimpse into police work and even showed us how to take fingerprints!

We are committed to maintaining a safe space for our students here at St Rita’s and are proud to call ourselves a friendly school. 

Enrolments & Prep 2026

We are currently accepting enrolments for Prep 2026. If you know of a family interested in joining St Rita’s, please encourage them to come in for a visit.

Our Pre-Prep Program will run each Monday in Term 4 from Week 2 to Week 8. This will be a full-day immersion for our newest Preps.

Please see me or visit our Facebook page for more information. 

PlayStation Parenting

As I mentioned earlier, I still enjoy reading the newspaper and recently came across a poignant article by Clare Rowe (no relation), a renowned psychologist whose insights resonate with me as a parent. You can find more of her work at www.clarerowe.com.au. 

I encourage all parents to read about what she calls “PlayStation Parenting.” 

Psychologist Clare Rowe explains how ‘PlayStation Parenting’ gives kids boundaries and rules

Educational psychologist Clare Rowe says ‘PlayStation Parenting’ is the key to parents taking back control over their kids – but it’s not what it sounds like.

The other day a mum told me her eight-year-old completely lost it because she cut his sandwich into squares instead of triangles. Full-blown tears, a slammed door – the works. She admitted she ended up eating the sandwich in the pantry just to avoid another argument.

Sound familiar? Somewhere along the way, kids started calling the shots and we started walking on eggshells. And honestly? It’s time we reclaimed our role as the adults in the room.

As a child psychologist (and a parent who’s witnessed more than one wrong-toast meltdown), I see it every day. Teachers are worn out, parents are exhausted, and kids? They’re more anxious and unsettled than ever. We’ve forgotten how to set boundaries. We’ve forgotten Behaviour 101.

And no, I’m not talking about going back to the bad old days of “because I said so” and reaching for the belt. I’m talking about the basics: boundaries, consistency, and consequences – the stuff kids actually need to feel safe and thrive.

Here’s the thing: we’re all wired to avoid negative consequences. It’s literally how human behaviour works. Our brains are designed to repeat behaviours that feel rewarding and to stop behaviours that lead to discomfort or loss. You touch a hot stove once and you don’t do it again. That’s not cruelty, that’s just biology.

When it comes to kids, we expect their behaviour to change based solely on a sticker chart. When there are no real consequences for poor behaviour, why would they stop?

We explain, plead, bargain… and then back down because we’re too tired to deal with the fallout – sorry but that is not “picking your battles”, that is losing the war.

PlayStation Parenting

We need what I call “PlayStation parenting”. Why do kids love video games so much?

Because the rules are the rules. They never change depending on how tired the PlayStation is, how busy it is, or how much it “feels like it”.

The boundaries are rock solid. If you mess up, you lose a life. No amount of whining changes it. Kids crave that kind of consistency because it makes them feel safe.

And that’s what we need to get back to. Kids need us to be the adults in the room. They need to know where the line is – and what happens when they cross it.

That doesn’t mean yelling, shaming or dishing out punishments we’ll never stick to (“No iPad for six months!” Sure, Jan). It just means calmly holding the line, like a PlayStation that never blinks.

We’ve convinced ourselves that consequences are cruel. They’re not. They’re actually the opposite. Kids feel safer when they know the rules won’t change depending on how frazzled we are that day.

And like I tell my clients, you have 18 years to turn out a fully functioning adult into the world… and time is ticking!

Stop making excuses

We have to stop making excuses. Yes, your child might be tired. Or hungry. Or emotional. Or have had a big week. All of that might be true – but none of it means they get a free pass to scream at you because you dared to cut their toast wrong.

And yes, I know it’s hard. Especially when the world seems to be watching and ready to pounce on any “bad parenting” moment. But the truth is, kids feel more secure and less anxious when we are clearly in charge. It’s exhausting for a child to feel like they’re the ones holding all the power.

But somewhere along the way, we’ve muddied the waters in schools. Restorative justice crept in – and while it sounds lovely in theory (everyone holds hands and talks about their feelings), it’s often used instead of clear consequences.

The result? Kids who shove someone into a locker end up in a “circle chat” with their victim, “repairing relationships,” instead of learning not to do it again.

Bring back old-school discipline

I know some people will roll their eyes and call it “old school”. But think about the kind of adults we actually want to raise.

Adults who can handle disappointment. Adults who can take a “no” without falling apart. Adults who can manage their emotions without needing someone constantly bailing them out.

So next time you find yourself negotiating with a six-year-old about brushing their teeth – stop. You are the adult. Set the limit, follow through, and watch your child thrive.

Because when kids learn their choices have real-world consequences, they’re learning the most fundamental lesson about life. And isn’t that the whole point?

Clare Rowe is a Sydney-based educational psychologist, blogger and speaker.

Warm regards,
Michael Rowe
Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Exploring the World Through Research and Technology

Students in Grades 4–6 have been diving into a rich learning experience by researching countries around the world and presenting their findings using Google Slides. This project combines key learning areas from HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) with digital technology skills, helping students become confident researchers, communicators, and collaborators.

As they explore topics like geography, culture, landmarks, and traditions, students are learning how to:

• Gather and evaluate information from reliable sources
• Organize ideas into clear and engaging presentations
• Use digital tools to design and share their work
• Work together respectfully and effectively in pairs or small groups

This unit not only builds knowledge about the world but also strengthens essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and teamwork. We’re proud of the creativity and curiosity our students are showing—and we can’t wait to see their final presentations!

Please see examples from some of our students below:

CANE TRAIN SAFETY 

Keeping Our Students Safe

With cane trains running regularly throughout North Queensland during the harvest season, it’s important to remind students and families to stay safe around train tracks. Cane trains are quiet, fast, and heavy, and they cannot stop quickly, so extra caution is needed near crossings and rail lines. Students should always stop, look, and listen before crossing tracks, never play near rail lines, and only cross at designated crossings. It’s also important to watch for flashing lights, warning signs, and train horns, which signal a train is approaching. By staying alert and following these safety tips, we can help keep our school community safe during this busy time.

Kind regards,
Sam Benvenuti
Deputy Principal

COUNSELLORS CORNER

Yours in Counselling,  

Kind regards,

Carmel                                   

Step it Up Crew

Dear parents,

Our final Dance Showcase is being held on Wednesday 27^th August.

Please encourage your children to wear hip hop accessories for the performance eg. caps, sunglasses, bandanas, groves, sequins, jackets, hoodies tied around waist etc. See you at 12:00 pm!

Kind Regards,
Sian Stormont
Director // Step It Up Crew

DATE CLAIMERS

2025 TERM DATES

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Congratulations to Danny and Abel who recently celebrated their birthdays. St Rita’s hopes you had wonderful birthday celebrations.

MUNRO THEATRE

RESPONDING TO BEHAVIOUR

LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORRIES

BABINDA HARVEST FESTIVAL- PRINCESS CABARET