21 April 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

To our wonderful Holy Cross Parents, Carers and members of the wider community,

It was an absolute joy to welcome the Holy Cross students and staff back to school after the Easter break. Our parting at the end of Term 1 on Holy Thursday was in the form of a Liturgy led by Mrs Roberts and her trusty band of helpers: Cassie R, Jazz W and Trinity W. The Liturgy was extremely moving, with every student sitting in silence for the entire duration of the Liturgy, entranced and deep in thought, departing from the assembled area with little or no sound. I was absolutely thrilled with the behaviour of our students, being both respectful and reflective, and it made me tremendously sad not to be able to congratulate them all for their efforts.

Our sad parting did, however, make our reunion on the first day of term all the better, and mirrored the joy and celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday. Our opening Liturgy, again led by Mrs Roberts, was abundantly joyful with students singing, “Alleluia,” with great gusto as they watched the school cross slowly appear from behind the wooden stage doors. I truly believe there is little that can match the joy created when listening to the sound of young voices joined together in harmony. It was the perfect way to start our term.

Our feelings of euphoria continued to flow throughout the week, and entwined our Cross Country Carnival also. What a magnificent way to unite our parent body, whilst providing the perfect medium for the creation of strong bonds across year levels through House spirit. There are many people requiring heartfelt thanks because so many contributed to the success of the morning, but I feel a particular mention must be made of Mr Ayton Russell for his amazing organisation and careful planning ensuring the carnival ran like clockwork. Without his hard work and many trips to school on the weekends measuring the course, it would not have been such a joyous occasion. Thank you also to the Tuckshop staff, in particular Mrs Belinda Patmore and Mrs Janelle Bradridge, for manning the Tuckshop throughout the event and contributing many additional hours of their time to extra baking to ensure there was food in abundance for this special occasion.

Another wonderful community fuelled event was the P&F meeting ran by our newly elected committee members: Damian Martin-Blakey (President), Jim Bahceci (Vice President), Joe Dobson (Treasurer), Rachael Bowe (Secretary), Sascha Cooper (Diocese Delegate) and Leanne Woodley (Fundraising Delegate). The gathered ensemble, chaired by Jim in the absence of Damian, did an outstanding job representing the parent body, and discussed and mapped out plans for 2016, and the distribution of last year’s fund raising efforts. On behalf of all the Holy Cross staff and students, I would like to thank every member of our community who contributed to the large sum raised last year. It does not go unnoticed; we are truly grateful.

As I had the great pleasure of attending the meeting, I took the opportunity to once again share a little of my hopes and dreams for P&F involvement at Holy Cross for future years. As a Catholic school, part of our mission is to ensure that all feel welcomed and included in our community, and I believe the P&F are fundamental in achieving this.

I shared a quote which I hold dear to my heart as it articulates this beautifully:

"Although a school is not a Parish, yet, in its own way, a Catholic School can reflect all the functions of Catholic ministry: the school as a community of the word; the school as a community of welcome; the school as a community of witness; the school as a community of worship; and, the school as a community of well-being."

(Will There Be Faith, Thomas H. Groome, 2011)

Using the words in bold as sub-headings, I made suggestions to the P&F about ways that we could bring this statement to life in our Catholic community by the formation of sub committees each with a particular focus. My proposal included the following ideas:

1. Community of and Witness

• Building community by raising awareness and support of relevant charities or causes e.g. CARITAS, St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal, Rosies, Meals on Wheels etc.
• Care packages and working bees for members of our Parish, school families or children in crisis, who require extra support due to bereavement or illness
• Assistance with prayer at the start of P&F events and meetings

2. Community of Welcome

• Welcome phone call from P&F representative to new families
• Termly Coffee Mornings for each year level
• Creation of an ‘All you need to know about being a parent at Holy Cross book
• Organisation of informal Year Level termly play dates

3. Community of Worship

• Assistance with Year Level Mass
• Assistance with Parish Sunday Year Level Mass

4. Community of Well-being

• Holy Cross Movie Night Under the Stars using an inflatable screen placed in the middle of the playing field
• Holy Cross Bush Dance or other such fun event
• A Parent Book or Reading Club
• PD for parents e.g. Maggie Dent, Mark Davidson, Cyber Safety etc.

5. Community of Giving

• Library Working Bees to assist with the creation of inspiration displays in the Library
• Gardening Club to assist with the development and maintenance of our school grounds
• Holy Cross Annual Fete
• Family Portrait fundraiser
• Entertainment Book fundraiser (the digital version is amazing. I highly recommend it!)
• Christmas Raffle

The list is endless - these ideas are just suggestions. My hope the P&F not focus solely on fund raising, but instead on community. Giving is definitely part of what we do as Catholics, but it is just one component of our mission. It would be wonderful to see more people at our next gathering on 11th May. Wine and nibbles are always in abundance, as there is the guarantee of new friendships formed and a chuckle or two. Please do come along.

Before I conclude, I write once more regarding school uniforms, in particular school shoes. Last term I asked families to ensure when replacing shoes that they comply with the Holy Cross uniform expectations as outlined in the Parent Handbook.

I am sure you can imagine my disappointment when students returned to school this term with new shoes still not meeting our expectations. I have included some images below to help clarify. The top left shoe is the preference as they provide excellent support for the foot for every activity especially during sports lessons. The other examples are also permissible and a good choice for young feet.

I ask once more for your support in this matter.

One final request, we would love for you to join us at the ANZAC Day March at Trinity Beach next Monday, the 25th April for a 5:30am start. ANZAC Day is one of Australia's most important national occasions, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. What better way to educate our youth about the significance of this date than by encouraging their attendance at a service such as this. I hope very much to see you there.

Wishing you God’s blessings now and always,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APRE News

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

We finished Term 1 reflecting on the events of Holy Week, in a sombre tone, however, we were able to celebrate, sing and show our joy on returning for Term 2, with our Alleluia liturgy. Alleluia is a word we use as praise to God and to show joy in the Resurrection of Jesus. Our Justice Squad, with the help of some year three, four, five and six students, capably led the school in these reflections, demonstrating talents in reading, procession, liturgical movement and stage presence. How very lucky we are! It is always great to see how willing students from all years are, to take part in the prayer and liturgical life of the school.

Upcoming Liturgies and Masses

• ANZAC Liturgy Friday 22nd April 8:30am
• Mothers’ Day liturgy Wednesday 4th May 9am
• Class Masses to be confirmed
• Prep Family Mass this term-TBA
• Confirmation: Tuesday 7th June at 6pm St Monica’s Cathedral
• First Eucharist: Saturday 11th June at 6:00 pm Holy Cross Church, OR Sunday 12th June at 8:30 am
• Reconciliation: Tuesday 6th September, at 6pm

LIFE EDUCATION

The Life Education Team and Harold the Giraffe will be visiting from Tuesday 26th April to Friday 6th May 2016. Please read through the information attached. A parent information session will be held in the Life Education van on Tuesday 26th April, 2016 at 1:45p.m. These sessions will form part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum for all year levels.

THE JUSTICE SQUAD

The Justice Squad attended a ’Just Leadership Day‘at St Joseph’s School, Parramatta Park, on Wednesday 16th March, along with other schools from around the Diocese.

Susan from Caritas Australia led the students through a variety of activities designed to raise social justice awareness. The students worked with other leaders on hands on tasks and were inspired to plan a project to undertake here at Holy Cross. They were also given the opportunity to reflect on themselves as learners.

The group was fully engaged in the activities all day and the students represented Holy Cross well. Stay tuned in further newsletters and on assemblies for further information.

Project Compassion

Please send all Project Compassion boxes to the office or the classroom. The Justice Squad will update you on the totals raised when all the money is in.

Thank you for your donations!

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Any families considering First Communion and Confirmation for their child, should have started the preparation program by now. If you don’t yet have enrolment forms or the preparation booklet, please see Jodie at the school office or download the forms below. The fee of $20 can be paid to the office as well.

SOME SAD NEWS

Fr John Butcher, who was the founding parish priest of Northern Beaches Parish, died on April 2, at home in Ozcare. His Requiem Mass was held in Malanda. Please keep Fr Butcher and his family in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.

LITURGY RENEWAL OPPORTUNITIES

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

God of the Risen Jesus, in this Easter season we celebrate Jesus being raised from the dead to new life.

May we live lives that show we are people of the resurrection.

We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Go and take the light of Christ into the world as you tell the Good News. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Parish Mass Times

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

APA News

Term 2, Here We Go!

Hello and welcome back to Term 2. We have certainly hit the ground running, literally.

Last week was a great start with our annual Holy Cross Cross Country. It was a joy to see so many smiling faces and kids enjoying the experience.

Well-done to all!

On Friday 29th April I will be attending the Barron River Cross Country with 24 of our students from Years 4-6 who have been selected to represent Holy Cross. I wish them an enjoyable, competitive and fun day.

Over the coming weeks there are a number of events and important dates. Below is a summary of each for your information. Please keep an eye on the school app for any further details that may come.

SAVE THESE DATES

ANZAC DAY LITURGY

Friday 22nd 8:30am Holy Cross Anzac Day Liturgy. Please come and join us here at school for this special occasion. All parents, students and staff are then invited to the Trinity Beach Dawn Service on Monday 25th April, from 5:30am. It would be great to see a strong representation of Holy Cross uniforms, especially in the march. Our choir will sing a beautiful rendition of the ‘Irish Blessing’.

NAPLAN TESTING – Year 3 and 5

Our Year 3 and 5 students are now busily preparing for NAPLAN Testing, which is fast approaching. Students will test from May 10th -12th. Testing can be a stressful time for students. We encourage them to simply try their best with testing and not to feel anxious around results. If you are concerned about your child’s ‘stress’ or have any other questions about NAPLAN Testing I encourage you to speak with teachers so we can work together to support them. Below are a few helpful tips.

NAPLAN Guidelines

Teachers will help students become familiar with testing by:

• Ensuring ‘Test Literacy’ with all students so they are familiar with testing and different test formats
• Teach clear and simple procedure (timing, seating, equipment etc)
• Providing some opportunities to practise and revise content
• Let students know how they will be marked and help to them to become familiar with marking rubrics
• Simply encourage students to try their best.

What teachers will not be doing:

• Extensive testing and or teaching to tests
• Spending a disproportionate amount of time on NAPLAN areas, thus neglecting the day to day curriculum

At Home:

• Encourage your child to simply try their best
• Don’t set extensive NAPLAN homework or over purchase commercialised books
• The best preparation for NAPLAN Tests a parent can provide is ensuring their child has a good night’s sleep of between 10-11 hours and a healthy breakfast on the morning of the testing

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

Next Thursday 28th April is School Photos. Please mark on your calendar if you have not already done so and have your best uniform ready to go.

Positive Behaviour Focus

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

Curriculum News

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is not a test that children can prepare for in the same way they might prepare for an end of term test. NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. These are skills that should be continuously developed throughout your children’s schooling and not just in the lead-up to NAPLAN.

The best way to get your child ready for NAPLAN is to continue to develop literacy and numeracy skills. Your child’s teacher will be able to give you advice on how to help encourage development of these skills at home.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling and numeracy. The assessments will take place nationwide on Tuesday 10th May, Wednesday 11th May and Thursday 12th May, 2016. The administration time for each test is 40 minutes.

NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four areas (or ‘domains’) of:

• language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) Tuesday 10th May
• writing Tuesday 10th May
• reading Wednesday 11th May
• numeracy. Thursday 12th May, 2016

To get a sense of the ‘look and feel’ of the tests and to understand what types of questions are asked, a full set of example NAPLAN tests is available.

For more information about the move to deliver NAPLAN in a computer-based environment, go to NAPLAN online.

STUDENT REPORTS

NAPLAN 2016 results will be provided to Holy Cross around mid-September. These will be scanned for our records before being mailed to your postal address.

All students who participated in the NAPLAN tests will get an individual report of their results.

NAPLAN individual student reports provide information about what students know and have achieved in the areas of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. They also provide information on how students have performed in relation to other students in the same year group, and against the national average (over one million students participate in NAPLAN tests each year) and the national minimum standards.

NAPLAN – participation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if my child is sick on one of the test days?
2. Are any students exempt from NAPLAN tests?
3. What additional support can schools provide for students with disability?
4. Where can I get more information about adjustments for students with disability and exemptions?
5. Can I withdraw my child from the tests?
6. What do I do if my child’s school suggests not participating in testing?
7. Can students sit the tests overseas?
8. Why do all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 do NAPLAN tests instead of just a small sample of students?

If you have any questions or concerns about your child participating in NAPLAN, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, Jo Neil (Curriculum Support/ Learning Support Teacher), Leigh Ovens (Learning Support Teacher) or Brad Henry (APA).

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

Last term, Michael Doherty (Holy Cross Teacher Librarian) and I had the privilege of watching our Years 3 - 6 Spelling Bee teams compete in the heats of the Mt Sheridan Spelling Bee on Saturday 12th March. There was fierce competition amongst teams from across Cairns. All of our teams performed well on the day. They all put in their best effort but were unfortunately unsuccessful at making the semi-finals.

Everyone must be congratulated and should be very proud of themselves. It takes a lot of self confidence and resilience to participate in events like this.

Year 3 team – William R., Jade B. and Lena K.
Year 4 team - Nicholas B., Oliva B., Gwyneth P.
Year 5 team – Connor G., Mathew C. and Beau J.
Year 6 team – Seth C., Isabelle Mc and Hossain N.

CURRICULUM FOCUS – PREP

It may seem that Prep is all about play and arts and craft. But it is so much more than that.

Play is essential to children’s development. It contributes to their cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being. Children learn a lot of new skills through play including developing their fine and gross motor skills, social skills, imagination and very importantly oral language. Oral language is the foundation for student learning. Almost all classroom-based learning relies on oral language. Students are also practising independence, emotional resilience, persistence and getting along skills.

DRAMATIC PLAY CENTRES

It looks like I am playing … but I am developing my oral language, print connections, motivation to read, social skills, emotional skills and imagination.

Our Prep teachers have created rich oral language ‘Dramatic Play Centres’. The themes of the ‘Dramatic Play Centres’ will tie into unit topics to maximise learning opportunities. Each classroom has a different ‘Dramatic Play Centre’ and these will be rotated each term.

A day at the Vet Surgery

SCIENCE WITH SQUIRT

It looks like I am playing…but I am developing my curiosity about the world, sensory skills, language skills and experience some scientific processes (observing, predicting, reporting).

Squirt the Turtle helped us to learn about living things and in particular, reptiles. Here are some examples of the fabulous learning that happened during the lesson.

Noah – “Reptiles are cold blooded.”
Harrison – “Reptiles need the sun for energy.”
Louis – “Reptiles lay eggs.”
Lilly – “Turtles eat fish.”

LITERACY AND NUMERACY

It looks like I am playing…but I am learning about letters and sounds, counting and developing my persistence, eye-hand coordination and attention span.

Chloe – “We are cutting out the letter O and making it look like an octopus because the word octopus begins with an ‘o’ sound like Oscar Orange from Letterland.”

Caleb and Coen were counting out eight streamers because octopuses have eight legs.

Kyius found that cutting a circle was very tricky but he persisted to finish the task all by himself and was very proud of his efforts.

FINE AND GROSS MOTOR SKILLS

It looks like I am playing …but I am developing my fine and gross motor skills, muscle strength, creativity and self-confidence.

No wonder a day in Prep is exhausting!! There’s so much learning happening!

School News

Harmony Day at Holy Cross

Harmony Day, 21 March, celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It is a day for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common.

The central message for Harmony Day is that ‘everyone belongs’, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness to all Australians. At Holy Cross, we celebrated Harmony Day with orange accessories and participating in lunchtime games with some Aspiring Young Indigenous Leaders.

Things you could do at home with your family to reinforce the importance of inclusiveness to all Australians …

• Talk to your kids about your family roots.
• Show old photographs of family members and/or tell stories of how they came to be in Australia.
• Point out on a world map the different countries that make up their ancestry.
• Search online for images or videos of those different countries and cultures (i.e. traditional dances, food, music).
• Explore the traditional Indigenous owners of your region – find out about their culture online or at your local library.
• Speak about what belonging and being welcoming, respectful and inclusive mean. For example, the difference between feeling included or not included.

Bookclub

Current Bookclub orders and payment due by the 29th April.

Holy Cross Bike Bus

The Holy Cross Bike Bus will run every Wednesday (weather permitting) from Trinity Park Boat Ramp to school and back each week commencing Wednesday 20th April. The route is particularly suited to younger riders because it is flat and there is a very wide shoulder on the road. Please note, however, that younger riders must be competent riders who are able to stop and start with ease. Parents are encouraged to accompany younger riders. Students can be collected and dropped off along the route.

Age Suitability: - Prep to Year 6
Morning Departure: - 8am
Location: - Trinity Park Boat Ramp, Reed Rd
Afternoon Departure: - 3pm (ETA at boat ramp is 3:15pm)
Location: - Holy Cross Bike Rack

PLEASE NOTE: The Bike Bus will not run if it is wet, or if it looks like it is about to rain.

For concerns or queries, please email Jo Van Ewyk jvavewyk@cns.catholic.edu.au

Smithfield Shopping Centre / Scholar Dollars Campaign

Thank you for all your assistance in the Smithfield Shopping Centre Scholar Dollar competition.

Despite a last minute shopping frenzy we were unable to move into First Place. However the good news is we came second and have won $5,000 for the school. Thank you to everyone for supporting this initiative. Congratuations to Yorkey’s Knob State School who won the first prize of $10,000 for the second year in a row. Let’s see if we can win next year!

2017 Prep Enrolments

Interviews have now commenced for our 2017 Prep intake. If you have a sibling due to start in Prep 2017 and have not already put in an application, please do so as soon as possible to ensure places are available. Enrolment Application Forms are available from the links below, from the school website - or hard copies from the school office.

High School Enrolments

A reminder that many high schools are now starting to conduct interviews for the Year 7 intake for 2017. If you currently have a child in Year 6 and have not yet applied for them to attend a high school, it would be advised to think about doing this as soon as possible.

Host Families Wanted

• Host international students
• Japanese Primary aged children
• Remuneration: $200/week

20th Aug 2016 – 26th Aug 2016 (Holy Cross School)

Would you like to give your child/ren the opportunity to share in a wonderful cultural and educational experience?

Holy Cross School is looking forward to hosting Japanese students from Josei Primary School, Osaka, Japan.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact Jack at Sun Pacific College on (07) 4057 2100 or email accommodation@sunpacificcollege.com.au

Year 1 Gruffalo Day

Last term Year 1’s participated in fun Gruffalo Day activities. See some of the students’ comments and photos below.

"I really liked my silver horns. We made them from Duct Tape."
- Jonathon 1C

“I liked making the Gruffalo Cupcakes."
- Lucas 1S

“I really liked the spikes I made with wikki sticks”.
- Ewan 1H

“I loved everything!”
- Bianca 1S

“I loved the Gruffalo Cupcakes. They were yummy!"
- Pia 1H

“I liked looking for the hidden clues using the map”.
- William P 1S

2016 School Fees and Levies

Term 2 School Fees

Term 2 School Fees will be issued shortly. If you are currently paying your fees via Electronic Funds Transfer please update your amount for 2016 and ensure that you are using your correct reference number as it appears on your Term Invoice, for example: 963_ _ _ _ _ _ _

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.

Health Care Card Discount Scheme

If you possess an eligible Health Care Card or Pension Card as outlined on the following attachment, please complete the application form and submit to the school office no later than the 29th April to receive the appropriate tuition fee discount. HCC Tuition Fee Discount Scheme forms received after this date, unfortunately can only be applied to future invoices, as discounts cannot be backdated.

Tuckshop News

Second hand uniforms available from the Tuckshop.
Plenty of stock, all sizes from 4 to 16 – only $5 per item!

P and F News

P & F Minutes of Meeting

Click on the link below to view the Minutes from the last P and F Meeting held on Wednesday 13th April.

Mothers’ Day Stall

The Arts News

Dance Drama Music

Liturgy and General Choirs

Liturgy Choir rehearsals are on Mondays at 2nd lunch weeks 1-4.

Tuesdays at 2nd lunch are normally General Choir rehearsal times, however, this term we will be using this time to rehearse for ANZAC Day Dawn Service and other performances.

Upcoming performances;

Friday 22nd April – Liturgy Choir singing during the whole school ANZAC Day Liturgy assembly.

Monday 25th April – Both choirs are invited to sing “An Irish Blessing” at the Trinity Beach Dawn Service.

Wednesday 4th May – Mothers’ Day Mass – Liturgy Choir singing

Holy Cross Has Got Talent!

Entry Information

• Entries close Week 5, Friday 13th May. You can get entry forms from the office, Mrs Wight and all classroom teachers.
• All magic, comic, dance, drama, vocal or instrumental acts are welcome. If you don’t know if your idea for an act is appropriate just come and have a chat with Mrs Wight or your classroom teacher.
• You can enter a category/ competition as an individual or as a group of 2, 3 or 4 people only.
• Four categories – Prep, Yrs 1-3, Yrs 4-6 and Open. Students in years 1-3 can make a group with people either in their year level of across years 1-3. Students in years 4-6 can make a group with people either in their year level of across years 4-6. The open category is mainly for mixed age groups from across the school, teachers, parents, families etc who may want to enter as well.
• Auditions – Will be held for each category in Mrs Wight’s room across weeks 6 & 7. This gives Mrs Wight time to view each act & give constructive feedback on how to improve.
• Rounds 1 & 2 – Each act will perform in front of an audience & a panel of judges across weeks 8 & 9. The top three acts in each category will be asked to advance to the finals.
• Finals- The acts that make it to the finals will be asked to perform again in front of the whole school community in week 11 to decide the winner/s of each category. These contestants will also be asked to show their performance again at the Holy Cross Christmas Fair in Term 4 as part of the entertainment on stage.
• Judging Criteria –

- Age appropriateness
- Level of difficulty for age group
- Preparedness/ Organisation
- Stage Presence/ Costume
- Creativity/ Originality
- Timing (between 2-3 mins)

• Contact Mrs Wight by phone 4057 6920, email cwight@cns.catholic.edu.au or in person for more information.

GOOD LUCK!

Drama Resources – we need your donations!

We now have a small arrangement of props and costumes for drama and dance performances in the DDM room. We are still in need of gathering more costumes and props for plays and dances. If you can donate anything from the list below, we would really appreciate it. THANK YOU!

• Men’s business shirts, suit jackets, ties, hats, belts
• Women’s small dresses, coats, hats, belts, necklaces
• Normal and novelty sunglasses
• Costumes of any sort – needs to be sizes 8-14.
• Retro or old fashioned clothes
• Plastic princess crowns, fairy wands etc…
• Shawls or scarves
• Novelty hats eg: cowboy, police, fireman, witch
• Wigs
• Old dial telephones
• Plastic, but realistic, mobile phones
• Toga costumes
• Etc…

Thank you for all your support! God bless!

Christina Wight

Music Tuition

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

Holy Cross School Cross Country

To the Awesome Holy Cross Community,

I had the pleasure of being involved in the Holy Cross – Cross Country and I must say it was great to be a part of it! While I had the chance to take the reins at times – it was definitely a team effort. In particular, thanks must go to Jo Neil and Terry Whouley for their tireless work behind the scenes. Much praise must go also to the staff and parents who gave their time and energy to bring the event together and kept it going until the end. Many thanks to the P and F for their ‘cool’ contribution (a well-deserved icy pole for each student at the end of their race) and Janelle and Belinda from the HC Tuckshop for their flexibility, cake stall and delicious food. The biggest thanks though is reserved for those students who ran on the day or assisted in some way during the carnival – your enthusiasm and smiles made it all worth it – well done on your great achievement! Good luck to our school team heading off to the Barron River Carnival on April 29th – we hope you represent our school with pride.

Until next time…keep on running!

Mr Russell

Congratulations to Robinson House who won the carnival overall in a tight contest and congratulations also to Dillon House for winning the House Spirit Award. Well done!

Ayton Russell
Health and Physical Education (HPE) Teacher

Holy Cross NetFun Netball Skills Program – Term 2

NetFun Netball Clinics run by the Cairns Netball Association will commence for Term 2 on Thursday 12th May from 3.05pm – 4.05pm on the Multi-Purpose Court.

Please click on the link below to download a registration form.

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 the link below 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.

Tennis Trial Notice – Boys and Girls (students born 2004, 2005 & 2006)

Trial dates: Thursday May 5th at the Redlynch Tennis Club (Rocks Road). Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm

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

Touch Football Trial Notice – Boys and Girls (students born 2004, 2005 & 2006)

Trial dates: Wednesday April 27th and Wednesday May 4th at the Redlynch State College, Jungara Road, Redlynch.

Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm

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

Peninsula Golf Trial Notice – Boys and Girls (students born 2004, 2005 & 2006)

Trial date: Tuesday May 3rd at Cairns Golf Club.
Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm

Please see Mr Russell if you wish to be nominated to attend these trials.

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

QLD Youth Surf Life Saving Championships

On the 11th March 2016 myself, Jorja A. and Kiara V. attended the QLD Youth Surf Life Saving Championships at North Burleigh on the Gold Coast representing the Nth QLD Branch. We did extremely well considering the rough conditions and strong sweeps and that the majority of our competitors are trained by current Nutri-Grain Ironmen and Ironwomen. The three Holy Cross girls achieved some amazing results such as 7th in the State in the Beach Sprint Relay which we were all part of, both Jorja and I finished in the top 10 in Beach Flags, an event where there were over 50 girls, Jorja and I also made the final of the Surf Race, and I was also part of the Surf Race Team which finished 7th in the State. It was an incredible experience which we all enjoyed. I would like to say well done to the whole team and especially Jorja and Kiara on a fantastic effort. We should be very proud of our achievements and a huge thank-you to all of our parents for supporting us through the highs and lows of this journey. We were fortunate enough to also meet Jordan Mercer and Shannon Eckstein who are the current Nutri-Grain series champions. I would love to follow in their footsteps one day!

Go North Queenslandaaaaar!

Trinity W 6S

Parenting Workshops

2016 Safeguarding Children Conference

This year Catholic Education Services is excited to announce that their annual Safeguarding Children Conference includes presentations specifically for parents.

This year’s theme is Our Children, Our Communities, Our Future.

We hope that you are able to join us on Saturday, 11 June 2016 at the Pullman Cairns International. Specific parent sessions include:

• Keynote speaker: Andrea Musulin (Safeguarding Project Officer – Archdiocese of Perth)
• Protective Behaviours: everyday teaching moments that encourage safety not fear
• Mental Health: Early warning signs of depression and anxiety, school responses and when should I be worried?
• Social Media: the world our children live in doesn’t have to be all digital, but it sure feels that way!
• Help! My child is a teenager!

Please note that there is no registration cost but places are limited.

Conference information and registration details can be accessed via the conference website:

If you have any further queries please contact Professional Standards:

Ms Heidi Williams
hwilliams5@cns.catholic.edu.au

“Help”, I’ve got a Teenager 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.

Bringing up Great Kids Workshop

“Bringing up Great Kids”, 4 week positive self-identity workshop promoting positive and nurturing parent-child relationships.

Parenting Beyond Violence

Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service (CRDVS), Parenting Beyond Violence Group commences May 2016. Please click on the flyer link below for more information.

PEACH - Parenting, Eating and Activity for Child Health

Want to get your kids active and eating well? PEACH is a free health lifestyle program for Queensland families with primary school-aged children and is available state-wide.

Relationships Australia

Relationships Australia are offering FREE six week Children’s Group programs to help support children who may be experiencing parental separation, conflict and change in their family situation.

The Poppers program is aimed at children 6 to 9 years of age.

The Popstars program is aimed at children 10 to 13 years of age.

Courses commence on Wednesday 27th April and finish on Wednesday 1st June.

Community Notices

Zinc FM’s Best Teacher in the Galaxy Competition

Dave and Inkie of Zinc 102.7 are looking for Cairns’ favourite teacher in Best Teacher in the Galaxy.

On Now!

We wanted to take just a moment of your time to tell you about Dave and Inkie’s Best Teacher in the Galaxy, a promotion designed to recognise and reward the hard working teachers of Cairns.

Dave and Inkie’s Best Teacher in the Galaxy, is asking the families of Cairns to nominate their favourite Primary School teacher and give one of the hardest working occupations the recognition it deserves. The competition is on now and runs until Friday 6th May. People are invited to nominate the teacher of their choice at radiozinc.com.au. There’s some great prizes on the line for students, teacher and school.

For the winning teacher – a Samsung Galaxy tablet from The Good Guys.

For the students of the winning teacher’s class – a $20 Cairns Penny bank account and an in-season family pass to The Angry Birds Movie.

For the school of the winning teacher – $2000 cash!

We encourage you to spread the word to the teachers, students and parents of your school in whichever way you can. School newsletters, noticeboards or assemblies are just a couple of suggestions on how you could communicate this message.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to email our Promotions Manager

Todd Skipper – tskipper@4caradiozinc.com.au

Thanks for your time
Dave and Inkie

The Young Company Drama Production

TYCs present The Grumpiest Boy in the World (4yrs+)

Come and check out TYCs next Mainstage Production, The Grumpiest Boy in The World! Written by internationally award winning Australian playwright, Finegan Krukemeyer, and utilising physical theatre, puppetry, storytelling, and a host of hilarious colourful characters combine with TYCs trademarked youthful appeal, this production is most certainly set to stand out! It tells the story of grumpy 7 year-old Zachary, who, fed up with feeling average, journeys into a surreal and entrancing world to discover what makes him special. Directed by TYCs General Manager and staring the company’s very own young creatives (18yrs – 25yrs), Danielle Aquilina, Tom Williams and Evelyn McGuinness alongside Movement Director Amelia Pegrum, with set pieces by Hayley Gillespie.

In Zachary’s class, everyone is interesting – except Zachary. Zachary Briddling, is awfully middling. His hair sits quite fine. His teeth are aligned. His lines are expected, and his specs non-existent. So Zachary grumbles (as Zachary does), to which his mum replies: ‘But that is just normal for here’. And she reminds him of all the other places – filled with giants, and miniatures, and hairy things, and flying things – places where Zachary would not be middling at all. And so he sets out… to stand out.

Don’t miss out! Playing on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 April at 630pm in TYCs Adventure Theatre, 169 Bunda St, Cairns City. All tickets $12 and can be purchased at TicketLink 1300 855 835. For more info visit the link below or phone 4041 4066.

St Vincent De Paul FNQ Youth Buddies Day

Engaging with marginalised and disadvantaged children can be challenging, but the terrific Vinnies Youth team, FNQ Youth, showed that there are no barriers or boundaries when it comes to compassion and being a child’s “champion”.

The team’s inaugural Buddies Day at Holy Cross School, Trinity Park, was a resounding success with the harshest critics, the little Buddies, giving it a ten out of ten.

“The best day ever!”
“We don’t want to go home!”
“Can we come back tomorrow?!”
“I’m so coming again!”

Buddies Days are designed as a mentoring event that allows children 8-12 years the opportunity to have a day out in a safe and supportive environment. An opportunity away from the stresses of their lives that allows them to just have fun and be a kid. The mentors, adult Buddies, are not there to educate or be a therapist, but just to demonstrate and reinforce positive behaviours.

The inaugural Buddies Day was themed “Mario Kart Racing”. The children were able to design their own cart, dress up in fancy dress and then race their custom designed “Kart” around an obstacle course, completing activities along the way.

Lunch was provided and the BBQ was prepared by none other than the Diocesan Central Council’s President and Holy Cross Conference Member, Dennis Innes and St Vincent de Paul’s Society State Youth manager, Cass Bull.

The success of the day can only be measured by the relationships that were forged between all the Buddies and the genuine hugs of appreciation shared by all. This is what Blessed Frederick Ozanam meant when he said, “Yours must be a work of love, of kindness. You must give your time, your talents, yourselves."

FNQ Youth would like to sincerely thank all who supported them leading up to and on the day. Holy Cross Conference Members, Holy Cross School, Principal Sarah Hamilton, Volunteers and the families of the little Buddies who entrusted us with their beautiful children.

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: