Learning & Teaching

Year 6 Canberra Camp

Our Year 6 students had an incredible time in Canberra during Week 1 of Term 2! Many of our students, along with some parents, were visiting the national capital for the first time and it was an unforgettable experience. 

The camp provided an opportunity to participate in various educational programs that focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The students visited a range of iconic locations, including:

• The Australian War Memorial
• Parliament House 
• The Royal Australian Mint
• The National Portrait Gallery
• The National Gallery of Australia
• The High Court of Australia
• The National Museum of Australia
• National Electoral Education Centre (NEEC)
• Questacon
• Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. This amount was already deducted from what our family's paid for this camp experience.

For many students, this trip marked several “firsts” - their first time on a plane, in another state and in Canberra. We are so proud of how they handled being away from home for four days. A big thank you to our amazing staff and parent helpers who made this experience memorable for all our students.

Our students returned home with unforgettable stories, precious memories and plenty of souvenirs. They were ready for some much-needed rest, but also filled with excitement from all they had learned.

We look forward to continuing our camp program and sharing these invaluable experiences with you. Camp is an essential part of our school’s educational programs, offering students opportunities to develop their learning and social skills in a different environment.

Year 5 Leaders

It was so wonderful seeing these students shine as School Leaders when our Year 6 students were at camp earlier this term. They demonstrated confidence, responsibility and care for others, stepping up to support younger students and staff throughout the week. We were incredibly proud of the way they embraced the opportunity, modelling our school values and showing great leadership within our community.

Thank you!!

Years 3 - 6 ICAS 2026

It is not too late to sign up for ICAS this year. ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills.

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year. 

Holy Spirit has signed up for both the English and Mathematics ICAS Assessments in 2026. These tests will be completed at school, during school hours, and are not compulsory to complete. You may enter your child in one or both of the English and Mathematics ICAS Assessments. Students must be in Years 3 - 6 to have the opportunity to sit these assessments. 

Testing Date period  

• English: 10 - 14 August 
• Mathematics: 24 – 28 August 

Actual dates for each test will be finalised closer to the date and around our school calendar and events. 

Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments Parent Payment System (PPS) for (English & Mathematics). Through this system parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. 

Please use the following details to register your child/children by no later than Monday 27th July. Each test will cost $21.95 (inc. GST) per child per test. Payment is required at the time of registration.

Please note that unfortunately late payments for assessments are not available. The school cannot extend this time or sign students up later as the enrolment process is completed through the ICAS Parent Payment System website. 

To sign up

Our parent page link is: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/ARU821 

Our school access code is:  ARU821

Click on ‘Enter’

Follow the steps to register your child/children in one or both of the English & Mathematics assessments. Finalise enrolment, payment and save. The information of enrolment will then be sent to the school. Please ensure that your child’s information is accurate and current as this is what you will see on the final certificate and report documentation. 

A permission slip will be sent home to all families that enrol their child/children into an English and/or Mathematics ICAS Assessment closer to the assessment date.

We are proud to offer the ICAS Assessments, and look forward to celebrating some fantastic results later in the year.

Key Dates for Learning & Teaching for May

• Yr 4 incursion - 18th May
• District Cross Country - 19th May
• Spirit Day - 22nd May
• Sorry Day - 26th May
• Year 3 incursion - 2nd June

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Have a fabulous fortnight!

Kayla Flindt-Petersen

Learning & Teaching Leader