18 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

I listened intently during Mass on Sunday as Father spoke about Lent and the importance of spending this time to take an inventory of our lives and look at the things we need to do to get ‘back on track’. As I reflected upon the message shared, memories of my youth flooded my mind and the emphasis that was placed upon giving things up. I seem to recall giving up chocolate on more than one occasion but never really understanding why I was doing it, and never having the courage to question why. Now I am considerably older (and a little wiser), I comprehend the meaning behind actions such as these, but instead of once again giving up chocolate, I instead focus my attention on relinquishing things that will result in the generation of more time thus enabling me to reflect on my actions and daily living, and make positive changes so that I am more in line with the Word of God.

I think it must have been thoughts such as these that sparked a delightful conversation with some students whilst out and about last week. My happy encounter resulted in the sharing of our Lenten Promises and we debated the notion of replacing one bad habit each week with a positive one. Our conversation led to a discussion about the horrendous amount of time often spent watching television and playing on technology. The students commented on how nice it would be to give this up for Lent and instead spend this newly acquired time doing good deeds for others. I was quite shell-shocked with the suggestions the children had, and they set about trying to create a list of 40 actions that they could complete throughout the 40 days of Lent. Despite our dialogue being cut short by the bell, the students’ ideas were delightful and showed a great depth of understanding about some simple gestures that could truly make a difference to others. I hope that these students put their thoughts into action. I went home once again with an enormous smile on my face, and more happy tales to share with my family about the beautiful community that is Holy Cross.

And it is not just the students who have been making me smile. I had the very great privilege of meeting many parents at the Parent Information Nights last week. It was such a joy to sit at the back of the room and listen as the teachers spoke, and watch the faces of the parents as their child’s year ahead was unpacked for them. I especially enjoyed the reactions when staff informed the parent body of our plans to update and revamp our homework guidelines. Ms Neil has been hard at work creating three questionnaires - one for parents, one for students and one for staff – the results of which will be used to guide us with our decisions. Please do complete the questionnaire. Everyone’s voice is important.

Another hot topic at the Parent Information Nights was uniforms. There are many parents who have recently purchased items of school wear that are unfortunately not aligned with the Uniform Expectations as outlined in the Parent Handbook. I understand the predicament this places families in so ask that if this is the case for your family, please make contact with your child’s class teacher to avoid a Uniform Infringement note being sent home, and then commit to replacing the items with the correct piece as soon as it wears out. Shoes seem to be causing the most confusion, so I have included some photographs to assist with the purchase of future shoes.

I ask parents to continue to monitor uniforms for the next two weeks, and refer to the Parent Handbook for further clarification.

Before I conclude, I would like to pass on two apologies. First and foremost, an apology from those staff members who were unable to attend the Parent Information Nights due to sickness. We have had the most shocking couple of weeks with staff, quite literally, ‘dropping like flies’ as they kindly shared their sicknesses with each other. This week started on a much more positive note and we hope that this will now continue for the remainder of the term. My second apology is on behalf on the electronic sign positioned at the front of the school. It would appear that during a lightning storm on Australia Day, the sign (or something close to it) was struck which fried the circuit. We are in the process of seeking a replacement, but this will unfortunately take a substantial period of time. In the meantime, I encourage you to download the school App if you have not already done so, and check it regularly to keep up to date with events.

Wishing you God’s blessings now and always,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APRE News

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Since the last newsletter, we have had our beginning of the year Mass and our Ash Wednesday Mass. It was lovely to see a large amount of parents, grandparents, parishioners and friends at these masses. On Ash Wednesday, all students received ashes on their foreheads as a sign of their own mortality, but also as a sign to others that they are followers of Christ. The Preps had a special visit from Fr Neil in their classrooms. He talked about what Ash Wednesday was all about, prayed with the Prep classes and distributed the ashes.

Last Sunday was the First Sunday of Lent. The Caritas website explains our call in simple terms:

“During the Lenten season we also fast from excessive food and drink, and give alms to those without access to sufficient basic needs. By turning our minds to the needs of others through Project Compassion, our prayer and contemplation reaches out to others. Our giving can enable our brothers and sisters in Malawi, featured in this year’s Project Compassion, to create paths towards a better future.

During this Lenten season, the Church invites us to be more loving and generous with our time, our talents and our material possessions. When we go into our own desert we discover that it is God’s abundant love that motivates us, that invites us to reach out in love to others, our family and friends, our neighbours, and those who need our compassionate love.”

Some of the differences you might notice during this period, are the purple cloths on prayer tables, purple vestments worn by Fr Neil and a purple light at the back, inside Holy Cross Church. Purple is associated with mourning and so anticipates the pain and suffering of the crucifixion, and secondly it is a colour associated with royalty, celebrating Christ's resurrection and sovereignty. There are no flowers in the church during Mass, the Alleluia is not said or sung and we also do not say the Gloria during this time. Things are very simple and these elements will return as we celebrate Easter in a few weeks.

Upcoming Liturgies and Masses

• 1st March Year 4 Reconciliation
• 2nd March Year 4 Class Mass
• 8th March Year 5 Reconciliation
• 9th March Year 5 Class Mass
• 15th March Year 6 Reconciliation
• 16th March Year 6 Class Mass

FUNDRAISING

Project Compassion

The main fundraiser for Lent in most Catholic schools, is Project Compassion, which raises money for Caritas. Our pancakes on Shrove Tuesday not only kick started our fundraising, but also helped initiate discussions about the season of Lent we are entering into and fill tummies with some yummy food! Thanks to all families who made pancakes, as we were overwhelmed with donations, but also to those who sent money for students to buy the pancakes. The Year 6 students, some of whom are members of the Justice Squad, did a wonderful job of preparing and selling the pancakes. Some of these students gave up two of their playtimes.

Please note that if you kindly donated pancakes and have not had your plates returned, please contact the school office.

Caritas

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

As mentioned at some of the Parent Information Nights, the dates for the parish-based sacramental program, are in the process of being set. Listed below, are the dates for Confirmation and First Eucharist, for students in Years 4 and above. The enrolment form is attached, however, an information sheet with dates of meetings and practice sessions, will be available later this week.

Confirmation:

Tuesday 7th June at 6pm
St Monica’s Cathedral

First Eucharist:

Saturday 11th June at 6:00 pm

Holy Cross Church, Reed Rd, Trinity Park
OR
Sunday 12th June at 8:30 am
Holy Cross Church, Reed Rd, Trinity Park

Preparation for these Sacraments involves some discussion and activities to be completed as a family, attendance at meetings and a small enrolment fee. All information will be conveyed to parents as it comes in from the Sacramental Co-ordinator, Helen Bozzo.

First Reconciliation for students in Year 3 and above, has been scheduled for September. If you have any questions about either program, you may contact Helen directly, or ring, email or come and see me.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Jesus, you prayed for forty days that was a long time. You didn’t give up even though you sometimes found it hard to do! Help me not to give up when I find it difficult to keep on track. I know you will help me.

Amen.

Parish Mass Times

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross
jroberts1@cns.catholic.edu.au

APA News

Last week I was privileged to accompany Ms Monck and our twelve student leaders to the Grip Leadership Conference held at the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns City. This exciting conference was a great way to inspire our young leaders as they embark on the year and to allow them the opportunity to work with other young leaders from across Cairns and North Queensland. Our students held their heads proudly amongst the other schools and leaders and were able to make connections as they shared and built ideas to tackle back at Holy Cross in 2016.

The students were able to gain an understanding of leadership as a broader aspect. Topics included how to grow as a leader?, say ‘bye bye’ to bullying, traffic light leadership and how to influence others. They spent much of the day focused on the core values of Grip:

GENEROSITY

Willingness to use what you have been given
(time and resources) on behalf of those you
seek to influence.

RESPONSIBILITY

We all have a responsibility to develop what
we have and help others to live well.

INTEGRITY

A commitment to truth and honesty in dealings.

PEOPLE

Every human being is of great significance, and has a purpose to fulfill.

Swimming

Swimming Years 4 to 6 – Swimming is a recognized part of the curriculum offered at Holy Cross. It is expected that all students in Years 4 to 6 will participate in this program during Weeks 2 to 9 of this term.

• Students must wear hats and shoes when walking to the pool, and they must wear a shirt with sleeves when swimming. It would be great if students had sun-block at school so that they could apply it before walking to the pool.
• Long hair must be tied back.
• The instructors have asked that each child wears goggles for their lessons. These are available for $10 from the pool, as a ‘school special’.

Students who are well enough but are not swimming will walk to the pool and read quietly while the class is swimming. Those who are not well enough to walk over to the pool probably aren’t well enough to be at school either.

Parent helpers are required to walk to and from the pool with EVERY CLASS. If you’re available, could you please contact your class’ teacher as soon as possible. It would be greatly appreciated!

Note: Make up day on Friday 19th February (Week 4)

Make up day on Friday 26th February (Week 5)

Positive Behaviour Focus

“We were all caught smiling and greeting others.”

Congratulations also to our January Holy Cross SUPER HERO:

January Super Hero Emily C 6S

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

Curriculum News

2016 Homework Survey

Homework at Holy Cross…your feedback is valued

Our homework policy at Holy Cross is currently going through an evolution process. We believe that family bonding and extra-curricula activities, as well as consolidation and extension of school-based learning are important factors needed to positively contribute to each child’s holistic personal development.

Homework is an activity that impacts on your family time, and it is probably the most regular link that you have with your child’s school work, so we would like to hear your views and suggestions for any improvements that can be made.

The following questionnaire is part of a larger survey of homework that is being conducted by the school to gather feedback from different sectors in our school community and will help in our future planning.

Your feedback is valued. Please complete the questionnaire by Wednesday 24th February. Thank you for taking the time to put forward your thoughts and suggestions.

Battle of the Bees For Mt Sheridan Plaza Spelling Bee

Saturday 5th and 12th March, will see four Holy Cross teams participate in the Mt Sheridan Plaza Spelling Bee. This year, we will have a team from each of Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 displaying their spelling excellence. We have completed one full round of the Holy Cross ‘Battle of the Bee’ heats to determine our Year 3 and 4 teams. Year 5 and 6 competitors will battle it out later this week.

While our ‘Battle of the Bee’ entrants have won their spots on their individual merits, they will now practice working collaboratively in their teams to spell words.

After fierce competition, determined effort and nerve racking tie-breakers our teams so far are:

Year 3 - William R., Jade B. and Lena Ke.;
Year 4 - Olivia B., Gwyneth P. and Nicholas B.

Winners of the Mt Sheridan Plaza Spelling Bee could win some fabulous prizes.

• School Prize - $1000
• 3 x Winner Prizes - iPad Mini Wi-Fi 16GB
• 3 x Runner Up Prizes - iPod Touch 16GB

Listen out for more supercalafragalisticexpialadociously super spelling!

Matthew C, Connor, Beau, Nicole, Sienna, Matthew F (Patrick – not present for photo) are excitedly preparing to enter their final Holy Cross ‘Battle of the Bees’ on Wednesday.

School Notices

Smithfield Shopping Centre / Scholar Dollars Campaign

Support Holy Cross School every time you shop at Smithfield Shopping Centre.

Simply present your receipts/dockets to the Customer Service Desk located by V Pharmacy to allocate points to Holy Cross School and the school could be in the running to win:-

1st Prize $10,000
2nd Prize $5,000
3rd Prize $2,500

Bonus points will also be given every Thursday evening from 5.30pm until 9pm and Sundays 10.30am until 4.00pm during the campaign.

Campaign closes 5.30pm, Thursday 24th March 2016.

2017 Prep Enrolments

If you currently have children attending Holy Cross School and wish to enrol a sibling in Prep for 2017, please collect an application package from the school office or click on the links below to download and return as soon as possible.

2017 Prep interviews will commence in Term 2.

Student Absences

When students are absent from school it is a requirement that parents contact the school to communicate the reason for absence either via email to: secretary.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au, by phone 4057 6920 (message may be left if after hours) or via the Skoolbag App. It is important that this information is received early on the day of absence so that students who are not at school can be accounted for.

If after the class rolls have been marked and the school has not been informed of a student absence, the child’s main contact will be alerted via text message and be prompted to contact the school to explain the absence.

Absences longer than ten days must be submitted formally in writing to our Principal, Sarah Hamilton, prior to students leaving. The information will be passed onto your child’s teacher.

Late Arrival

The bell to start class rings at 8.25 a.m. Students should arrive at school from 8.10 a.m. so that they are adequately prepared to commence learning at 8.30 a.m.

Late arrival for all students is processed through the school office. Students arriving late to school are required to come to the office with an adult who is to sign them in, giving the reason for the late arrival. A late pass will be issued to students for presentation to their classroom teacher.

Early Departure

We understand that specialist and medical appointments sometimes cannot be made outside of school hours. If a student is required to leave school during the day, a listed adult contact must present at the school office to sign the child out. The office staff will then telephone the classroom and request that the child come to the office with their belongings ready for collection. For legal and safety reasons, adults not listed as an emergency contact do not have authority to collect students. In the event of an unlisted adult needing to collect your child, written notification is required from the parent/carer clearly stating the adult’s name, and the presentation of photo ID to office staff upon collection. It is important to ensure that your emergency contacts are current.

2016 School Fees and Levies

Term 1 School Fees

Term 1 school fee invoices have now been processed and sent via email with payments due by 29th February 2016.

If you currently have a direct debit arrangement in place continuing from 2015 and have not already made contact with our Bursar, Carolyn Mealing, to update the amount for 2016, please do so at your earliest convenience.

Please note: All instrumental music students will be invoiced separately later this week.

Tuckshop News

The Holy Cross Tuckshop operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

At Holy Cross Tuckshop, we endeavour to provide a healthy and affordable range of menu items for our students and staff members, with many of our menu options made onsite. We have adopted the ‘healthy schools’ ethos in our tuckshop and provide some gluten free items on the menu also.

We have a range of everyday items available on the menu, as well as some products available on select days as outlined in the attached Menu.

Some points to remember:

• When ordering meals for your child, please clearly label your order with your child’s name, class, meal break required (1st or 2nd) and menu item/s.
• Pre-ordered drinks/icy-poles/frozen yoghurts etc. are not placed into the class tuckshop baskets for collection with meals due to hot food in the baskets and drinks going warm. The students will receive a laminated ticket to bring to the tuckshop to redeem their pre-ordered drink. Students do not have to wait until the play bell goes to redeem (10 minutes into break time) and are instead welcome to get their drinks/frozen products from tuckshop at the start of the lunch break.
• Drinks and snacks can be purchased at both 1st and 2nd breaks over the counter. Lunch orders however, must be pre-ordered in the morning as lunches are made to order only. We do not prepare extra hot food, sandwiches etc. for over the counter orders during breaks.
• Available for purchase - ‘Stickybeaks’ insulated lunch bags. These bags are fantastic for keeping hot foods warm and cold foods cool. They are easy to wipe clean and feature a plastic pocket for easy identification of students name and class, as well as a zippered pocket for order and money, keeping coins/notes hygienically separate from the food. The ‘Stickybeaks’ insulated bags are available from the tuckshop at $10 ea. Discounts apply for multiple purchases.
• Paper lunch bags are acceptable for placing orders, if ordering for both breaks please provide a bag for each break. Plastic sandwich bags or envelopes are discouraged, as plastic bags will melt when placed in the warmer and envelopes are generally not large enough to hold your child’s meal for distribution.
• Please provide adequate funds to cover your child’s meal order. In the instance of shortages in lunch orders, a record will be kept and invoices sent out at end of term for payment.

Holy Cross Tuckshop is operated on a not-for-profit basis, so we endeavour to keep our prices affordable covering only our operational expenses. Any additional profit is expected to be fed back into our school community via programs and works driven by our P & F. You can help in our school community by volunteering your time and skills to the tuckshop. Offers of help will be appreciated.

Currently we are in the process of creating an updated menu. We are very open to feedback, positive or negative, and suggestions on what you’d like to see on our menu will be appreciated and considered.

To volunteer your time or provide feedback, please email tuckshop.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au or come and see us in the Tuckshop.

Kind Regards, Belinda Patmore and Janelle Bradridge – Convenors

The Arts News

Music Tuition

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS IN 2016

All places have now been filled for students wishing to learn a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument in 2016. All students who requested to learn an instrument this year should have now received the appropriate paperwork to complete and return in order to begin lessons. Lessons for new students have commenced and will run every Tuesday on a rotation timetable.

If you would like your child to be placed on the waiting list for Instrumental Music lessons, please complete a green Music form, available at the front office.

Lessons for continuing students have already started, and Band (for continuing students) will commence in Week 4, and run running every Tuesday from 7:45am to 8:30am.

Julia Christo
Instrumental Music Teacher

Drums/Percussion

Are you interested in playing the drums or learning a percussion instrument?

For more information contact our friendly drum/percussion instructor Jen Fengler on ph: 0431461812 or email: jenfengler@hotmail.com

Piano

If you are interested in piano lessons please contact: Paul Brimstone on ph: 40551105

Guitar

If you are interested in guitar lessons please contact: Peter Drazic on email: pjd.guitar@bigpond.com

Sports Notices

Cross Country Training

Cross Country training for Years 3 to 6 will be held every Wednesday morning during Term 1, 7.30am – 8.05am. (Years 1 and 2 welcome but require parent supervision). Please bring a water bottle, training wear including shoes (and a fresh school uniform to change into), towel and hat.

If you have any questions please see Mr Russell or email on arussell2@cns.catholic.edu.au

I look forward to seeing you there.

Ayton Russell
Health and Physical Education (HPE) Teacher

Holy Cross Rugby League

The Holy Cross Rugby League team commenced the 2016 Development Cup competition last week. A fantastic first game with Holy Cross winning 36-6 against Isabella! James, Will, Lachlan M and Kyden all scored tries. The teamwork displayed by all members of the team was impressive. Kyden was awarded Man of the Match and was presented with his certificate at assembly. 

Holy Cross is very grateful to Mr Ben Rauter for giving of his time to coach our students and also Mr Greg Dawson who is assisting. Games are played at Mann Street each Wednesday and training occurs on Monday afternoon on the school oval, 3pm - 4pm.

Kyden with his Man of the Match Certificate

Barron River District School Sport Trial Notices

To access Barron River trial dates and regional information for Queensland School Sports please click on the following link at: www.pensport.eq.edu.au and go to District Information / Barron River to view the latest calendar of events.

Please note: For students wishing to trial for Barron River in any sport, parents are required to complete the Parent Consent Form which is found in the sport’s trial notice link for that particular sport, as well as the following Peninsula Region Paperwork and bring these with them to the trials.

Netball Trial Notice (students born 2004, 2005 & 2006)

Trial dates: Wednesday February 24th and Wednesday March 2nd 2016 at Redlynch State College

(P-6 Undercover Basketball Court), Jungara Road, Redlynch. Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Click on the link below for more information and consent forms.

Rugby League Trial Notice (students born 2004 & 2005 only)

Trial dates: Thursday February 25th and Thursday March 3rd 2016 at Redlynch Razorbacks Rugby League Club, Redlynch Intake Road, Redlynch. Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm

Click on the link below for more information and consent forms.

Boys Basketball Trial Notice (students born 2004, 2005 & 2006)

Trial dates: Tuesday March 15th and Tuesday March 22nd 2016 at Peace Lutheran College (Undercover Basketball Court), Cowley Street, Kamerunga. Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm

Click on the link below for more information and consent forms.

Netball

Trinity Beach Bulldogs is a new netball club, affiliated with Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs Football. We are catering for juniors from 10 and Unders through to Seniors, with trainings at Trinity Beach and matches in at the Cairns Netball courts, Martyn Street, Cairns. Bulldogs are a club within Cairns Netball Association; which is the strongest association in FNQ and therefore the best pathway for young netball players to progress through.

With trainings in Trinity Beach, at least half of the travel requirement is reduced to facilitate participation in netball from those local to Cairns' Northern beaches.

Cairns Netball already have a relationship with your school, with the Net Set Go program run at your courts on Thursday afternoons. Bulldogs Netball is not in competition with this. Bulldogs Netball is more for those children that would like to progress to match play in the junior fixtures on Tuesday nights; however will also have teams and coaches in Cairns Netball's Saturday morning Net Set Go and Netta programs.

For more information contact: Rhegan Hartwig on 0401 481 098 or email trinitybeachnetball@gmail.com

Hockey Come and Try Day & Sign On

After School Soccer Club

Come and train straight after school with our brilliant qualified coaches, learning new skills, making new friends and having LOTS of fun!

Venue: Holy Cross
When: Every Thursday starting from the 18th February for 6 weeks
Time: Directly after school from 3pm to 4pm
Cost: $50 per child for 6 weeks [or total of 6 sessions depending on cancellations and school holidays].
What to bring: playing kit [T-shirt, shorts, socks], soccer boots or trainers, and water bottle
What’s on: skills, shooting, dribbling, tricks, techniques, fun games, competitions and FUN

Every child that completes the course will receive a certificate and the chance to win prizes!

If you are interested in booking your child for the 6 week course, please click on the link below to obtain the consent form. Please fill out and return the form and hand it into school reception ASAP, with either cash or cheque made payable to Jamie Gosling Football Academy. Any questions or info, contact Jamie via email at jamie@jgfa.com.au or call 0450 181 626.

Cairns BMX Club Come & Try Day

Cairns BMX Club will be holding a “Come N TrYours truly,” Day on the 20th February 2016 at their track on Scott Street, Cairns from 2pm-5pm.

We are inviting all Boys / Girls / Mums and Dads to come down and ride the track for FREE and experience firsthand the speed and excitement the sport of BMX has to offer.

Don’t forget to bring your BMX Bike, long sleeve shirt and pants, shoes and socks, full faced helmet and gloves.

The first 100 riders who try out the track will receive a free show bag of goodies.

For more information please contact secretary@cairnsbmx.org.au or check our Facebook page.

Community Notices

Parenting Workshop

“HELP”, I’ve got a Teenager 6 week parenting course for people with children twelve years and older. Click on the link below for further information.

St Joseph’s Trivia Night

Triple P Positive Parenting Program

Please click on the link below for information regarding a free parenting seminar that is being held in Cairns on the 29th February, 6.30pm at the Edge Hill State School, 254 Pease Street, Edge Hill. This program is targeted at parents with children under the age of 12 years.

St Monica’s College Year 7 2017 Interviews

St Monica's College will be conducting interviews for Year 7 2017 from early March. If parents have not already submitted an application and would like to obtain a prospectus, please phone the College on 4042 4800 to have this mailed out to you.

It is not an automatic process of progression for students who have siblings already at the College. An application form needs to be submitted for every student by the closing date of 24 March 2016.

Marriage Encounter Weekend

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset . . . your marriage! This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again!

Weekend date: 3 – 5 June 2016

Venue: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston QLD (on Brisbane’s bayside)

For bookings/details contact: Maria and David Murphy, ph (07) 3342 1456, dandmmurphy@optusnet.com.au Information website:

Well Women’s Clinics (available to Medicare eligible clients)

Service includes Pap Smears, Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health, Domestic Violence, etc. All services are provided by a specially trained Women’s Health Nurse.

James Cook University (JCU) - Thursday 18th February - Ph: 4226 4812

Smithfield Community Health - Friday 19th February - Ph: 4226 4800

Cartoon Workshops

School Holiday Cartooning Workshops will be held in Cairns on Monday 4th April to 8th April 2016.

For more information please click on the link below.

Cairns Youth Orchestra

Cairns Youth Orchestra is accepting new enrolments in ALL orchestral instruments at ALL levels for the Friday afternoon/evening weekly rehearsals. CYO 1 rehearse 5pm – 7 pm, CYO 2 rehearse 4pm – 5.30pm and Cairns Chamber Ensemble rehearse 7pm – 9pm. Enquiries can be made at telston@bigpond.net.au