Holy Cross Chess Rebels Win Best Regional School Title at 2025 Gardiner Chess State Finals! 

Over the weekend, the Holy Cross Chess Rebels - represented by Oscar G, Keith Z, Zaiden G, and Ryan B - competed in the Open Primary Division of the prestigious 2025 Queensland Inter-School State Finals, hosted by Gardiner Chess. 

This elite, invite-only event brought together over 200 students from 40 schools across Queensland, showcasing the finest young chess talent from both metropolitan and regional areas. Among this fierce competition, the Holy Cross team not only performed brilliantly but were officially awarded the title and trophy for Best Regional School in Queensland.

The tournament was conducted under the official rules and standards of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the international governing body of chess. Students competed in classical-format games, where each match could last over two hours, demanding sustained concentration, strategic depth, and emotional resilience. The event ran from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, with multiple rounds played each day. This rigorous structure tested not only the players’ chess ability but also their stamina, focus, and sportsmanship across two full days of high-level competition.

This recognition places Holy Cross at the very top among hundreds of regional primary schools across the state - a truly extraordinary achievement. Their success reflects not only strategic brilliance and teamwork but also the strength of the chess program at Holy Cross School and the rising talent from Far North Queensland. 

Congratulations Oscar, Keith, Zaiden, and Ryan - you’ve made Holy Cross and our entire community incredibly proud! 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

The Holy Cross Chess Rebels' journey to becoming Queensland's Best Regional School would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of our dedicated chess coaches and community partners. 

Special thanks to Daniel H, Kerry W, Sam C, and the Cairns Chess Club for their invaluable contributions, mentorship, and encouragement throughout the Rebels' development. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the teachers and staff of Holy Cross School, whose ongoing support, enthusiasm, and belief in our students have helped foster a thriving chess culture and made this achievement possible.

Warm regards,

David Gunter
Chess Club Coordinator

The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. As a quick reminder for families, and information for those who are new, arrangements for student supervision before school is as follows:

• • NO SUPERVISION is available prior to 8:10am;
  • Students arriving at school before 8:10am MUST be enrolled in Before School Care (Contact OSHC: Mobile: 0410 629 096), email: oshc.trinitypk@ccelc.catholic.org.au; 
  • Between the 8:10am bell and the bell to mark the start of the school day, students should first drop their belongings off at their class bag rack, then proceed to a ‘ZONE’ of their choice where they will remain until school begins; and,
  • Students are NOT permitted to play tiggy or other games that involve running around during this time.

We thank you for considering the needs of the children ensuring they each experience a safe and happy start to every school day.

Zones and activities are as follows:

All zones are multi-age and multi-ability to promote respect, inclusion, acceptance, and tolerance. Teachers actively supervise the students in each zone, and assist with the strengthening of leadership and friendships across all year levels.

Our students benefit immensely from this program, setting them up in a positive and appropriate manner to commence learning upon entering their classroom. It is the expectation that all our students follow rules and procedures whilst at school. Students deemed not to be following the school rule, 'Right Place Right Time' or behaving in a disrespectful manner whilst in their zone, will receive a consequence.

If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any other member of the Leadership Team.

Professional Standards and Safeguarding Office - Diocese of Cairns have requested to share the attached flyer and links providing information regarding Sadistic Online Exploitation, which is a growing global threat, targeting children and young people. As such, the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is warning the Australian community about the trend and providing advice on how to take action.

If you wish to seek more information you can access the ACCCE website page at the link below.

Commitment to Student Safety and Wellbeing

Holy Cross School is committed to being a safe and nurturing community of care, where the rights and dignity of all children and young people are upheld and protected, and where all students have a right to expect that our school will always act to protect them from any kind of harm.

At Holy Cross, concerns or reasonable suspicions we have about a student’s safety and wellbeing, or the behaviour of a staff member or volunteer which a student considers to be inappropriate, will continue to be managed in accordance with our Student Protection processes.

All adults have a responsibility to care for children and young people, to positively promote their welfare, and to protect them from any kind of harm. The interactions of Catholic Education staff with students take place in the context of the employee being in a position of trust arising from the nature of their role.

All of our staff receive annual and ongoing training in the area of child protection. Our Student Protection Processes and Guidelines document can be found by accessing the Cairns Catholic Education Website (www.cns.catholic.edu.au), Safeguarding Children page.

Parents and students should talk to the Student Protection Contacts (Sarah Hamilton, Stephanie Travers and Jo Cordwell) or the class teacher if there are any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of any student, or concerns about the behaviour of a staff member or volunteer which they feel is inappropriate. We take all reports seriously.

Dear Parents & Carers,

It’s that time of year again when we commence preparations for student class placements for 2026.

Our practice at Holy Cross is very transparent – we invite every child to trace around their hand and, after some helpful tips from their teacher, the children write the names of friends they work well with inside each of the five fingers. Staff then work through these lists and endeavour to place the children with at least one of their selection. This first draft is then shared with previous teachers and specialist staff to ensure that past experiences can be taken into consideration. The Leadership Team cross reference these lists with any other information we might have, and the lists continue to be circulated until we are satisfied with the combination.

And don’t forget, positive conversations at home about the inevitable changes ahead, support a smooth and seamless transition.

To assist with the process of student class placements for 2026, we kindly ask families (Prep to Year 5) who are aware that they will not be returning to Holy Cross School next year to please notify the school as soon as possible and complete the attached exit notification form (if you have not done so already). Please return the form to the school office or via email to enrolments.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au . Should you require a hard copy of the Exit Form, these are available for collection from the School Office.

As we currently have waitlists in place for all year levels for 2026, we would like to confirm our existing enrolments for next year before making offers to new families. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

2025

TERM 4

OCT 31 - Day for Daniel

OCT 31 - World Teacher's Day

NOV 4 - All Saints Liturgy - 9:00am - Multi-Purpose Area

NOV 10 - Spark Awards

NOV 11 - Rememberance Day Liturgy - 9:00am - Multi-Purpose Area

NOV 20 - Bump Up Day & Prep 2026 Orientation Group Sessions

NOV 28 - Christmas Concert

DEC 1 - Assembly of Excellence

DEC 3 - Year 6 Excursion - Sugarworld

DEC 4 - Final Assembly

DEC 5 - Thanks Giving Mass - 9:00am - Multi-Purpose Area

DEC 5 - Last Day of Term 4 (Students Finish at 12.30pm)

Position vacant
Casual School Crossing Supervisor

A position exists for a Casual School Crossing Supervisor at Holy Cross School.

• A School Crossing Supervisor must be able to work in all-weather conditions.
• Morning and afternoon shifts (on a rostered basis).
• Relief opportunities on your rostered days off.
• Pay Rate $37.10 per hour.

Commencement of employment for the successful applicant is dependent on:

• The favourable outcome of a health assessment.
• A Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position).

Please call Kim at Transport and Main Roads for an application package on 0428 964 745.

CB Football Term 4

Total Football Academy Term 4

Cairns BMX

Registration Link:  https://www.revolutionise.com.au/cairnsbmxc/events/319276

Works Notification - Smithfield Library Refurbishment

Cairns Regional Council is undertaking a complete refurbishment of Smithfield Library to provide library services to the community. Works will be ongoing from early October 2025. The library is closed and is now a construction site, with the exception of a book drop off bin which is available at the rear loading dock. The Smithfield Library is expected to reopen in May 2026.

Month of Mary

Dear Loving God,

As we journey through the Month of Mary,
we thank You for the gift of our Blessed Mother.
Her gentle love and faithful “yes” inspire us to follow Jesus more closely.

Help us to grow in kindness, patience, and peace,
just as Mary did.
May we turn to her in prayer, especially through the Rosary,
and find comfort in her motherly care.

Bless our school community, our families, and our friends.
May we always walk with Mary,
learning to love You with all our hearts.

Amen

Walking with Mary Through the Rosary

October is a beautiful time to reflect on the life and love of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Rosary is more than a set of prayers - it’s a spiritual journey through the life of Christ, seen through Mary’s eyes. Each mystery invites us to pause, reflect, and grow closer to God.

As families, we are invited to nurture faith in our homes. Praying even one decade of the Rosary as a family can be a calming and meaningful way to end the day. It teaches rhythm, reflection, and reverence.

Mary’s life was one of quiet strength, deep trust, and unwavering love. In our busy lives, may we find moments to be still, to pray, and to listen - just as Mary did.