15 July 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and friends of Holy Cross,

Welcome to Term 3 and the second half of the 2016 academic year. It was an absolute joy welcoming the students back to Holy Cross after the two week break. I spent some time in school during the holidays, and concluded that I didn't much care for the solitude and quiet created due to the absence of our wonderful students. I missed their chatter, their smiles, and the boundless energy they constantly emit. The first day of school was a very happy day for me, as much as I pined for just one more lie-in!

Despite the lack of students, I wasn't short of adult company with workmen galore (and lots of teachers!) completing a number of projects:

• installation of a new PA system to ensure communication is at an absolute maximum at all times, particularly during an emergency;
• upgrading of the school ICT infrastructure in preparation for the installation of new interactive teaching devices in the upper juniors, and introduction of additional PCs and iPads as we move towards a 1:1 program in Years 4 to 6 over the course of the next four years;
• completion of work to the screen, projector and PA system in the Multipurpose Area. This Friday's Assembly will be the official test, so if you see me with hunched shoulders and a sad face Friday afternoon you'll know it's still not working as well as it should;
• continuation of our grounds improvement including the trimming of a number of the taller trees around Blocks A and B, and the planting of yet more new shrubs;
• washing and painting of all exterior walls, walkways and undercover areas throughout the campus;
• completion of the replacement of the electronic sign (keep your fingers crossed that we don't have any more lightning storms!); and,
• continuation of the delivery of the new Eating Area tables.

And now staff are united once more, our other projects are back in full swing:

• creation of a Holy Cross Charism document;
• upgrade of the Holy Cross Website;
• creation and launch of the Holy Cross Parent Portal;
• grounds redevelopment and improvement including the repair of the roads surrounding the church and car park;
• upgrade and extension to the front office;
• installation of a large fan in the multipurpose area; and,
• completion of the Holy Cross 4 Year ICT Plan

Schools are certainly VERY busy places in our efforts to create the best possible learning environment for our students.

This term we plan to continue pulling apart the theme of 'making mistakes'. We will be focusing on the importance of pushing ourselves just that little bit further, and accepting the important lesson of learning from our failings. As an adult, it is incredibly refreshing working through themes such as these with young people. Not only does a hearty debate act as a great refresher for our own well-being, but it is incredibly enlightening listening to the perspective and troubles of the youth of today.

Following one such debate, I reflected upon my own journey as a parent and the infamous 'terrible two's!' One word both my children loved to use was, "No!" Child development experts would insist that this reaction was a child's way of testing their sense of power in their world, and the realisation that they have some control or choice over the situations they are in. Parents are encouraged to respect their children's wishes every now and then so that they have a healthy experience of their own power, making them better equipped as teens to make the right choice should their peers encourage them to do something they may not want to do.

In a similar way, parents are taught the importance of being a parent and not simply your child's friend by never saying, "No." Relationships such as these run the risk of raising children who have a misguided sense that they are 'all powerful', thinking their choices are always right and not feeling the need to respect other people, especially adults or people in authority.

By easing children into decision making from an early age, they will be better equipped to face the quantity and complexity of the choices they will be faced with as an adult. Making a choice takes a balance of self-confidence and the mental stability to think through the consequences of their decisions. If we, as parents, strive to model good choice-making skills, verbalise our decision making processes, offer guidance rather than answers, and ask leading questions instead of giving directions, we can illustrate to our children how to work through options and consequences.

Parents will undoubtedly have to witness their children making mistakes, but by offering the hand of compassion and the avoidance of belittling comments, children will be better equipped to handle wrong choices in the future. As parents, we are constantly under observation by our children, and our children's ability to make good choices is in our hands.

Richard Bach, the author of one of my all-time favourite childhood books, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, made the statement, "There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen to go." I remind myself of this often.

As I was filled with such joy to be back in school, it seemed fitting to share another one of my favourite books, The Pig of Happiness by Edward Monkton, at our first Assembly together.

I encourage our students to continue the work of this wonderful piggy. It would be splendid watching Father Neil's chickens doing a happy dance as they do in the book.

Whilst on the theme of looking after and improving our world, on the last day of Term 2, Miss Van Ewyk and the Environmental Committee took part in the Cairns Drain Stencil Project

It was whilst talking about the consequences of allowing inappropriate matter to be washed down the drain, ultimately ending up at the Great Barrier Reef, that prompted a proposal by the committee to follow the example set by a number of schools in New South Wales. These schools have reduced the number of rubbish bins around the school campus, instead insisting that any packaging brought to school remains in the owner's lunch box for safe disposal at home at the end of the day. Research suggests that this encourages and promotes the use of 'Nude Food' options for food items, and provides parents with a true picture as to what is being consumed during the school day rather than just disposed of into a bin.

Following the enthusiasm of the students to trial the program, and a discussion with Holy Cross parents at the last P&F meeting, I raised this suggestion with the teachers. Staff have agreed that we should give it a whirl and see what happens. Please support us throughout this term by embracing the project. Organic matter e.g. an apple core, can continue to be placed into the worm bins, so the only items returning home should be additional wrapping and uneaten food items. The Environmental Committee will be providing further education at our Assembly in Week 3, and seeking parental feedback at the end of the term.

Before I conclude I would like to encourage you to consider joining us every Friday at 8:30am for our weekly Assembly. In particular, I would dearly love you to attend our Holy Cross Parents' Day Assembly on the Friday of Catholic Education Week (29th July). Parent's Day will commence with the opening of our classroom doors, and an invitation to spend the first half hour of the day with your child / children in their classroom. Following this, we very much hope that parents will stay for a special Holy Cross Parent's Assembly. It would be so wonderful to see you there.

Don't forget to keep checking the Holy Cross calendar to avoid missing important upcoming dates and events.

Wishing you God's blessings now and always,
Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APRE News

Welcome back for Term 3! I hope that as families, you had a chance to rest, relax, or connect in a different way, without the hassle of making school lunches, braiding hair and washing uniforms.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2016

Catholic Education Week (Week 3, Term 3) is a chance for schools across Queensland, promote their distinctive mission and ethos. A number of activities and events will be held at Holy Cross, as part of this celebratory week.

As stated in the Catholic Education Week website, "The Catholic Education Week 2016 theme is 'Opening Doors in the Year of Mercy'. Celebrations will reflect the Year of Mercy, drawing on the symbolism that Catholic schools 'open doors' for students in a holistic educational sense. The theme challenges members of the Catholic education community to extend tangible assistance to those in need and recognise and follow the example of those who in some way 'open doors' for others. The theme is a chance for school communities to engage in a broad range of activities showcasing the opportunities that Catholic education provides."

At Holy Cross, the week's celebrations will begin with Mass in the church at 9:00am on Monday 25th of July. Parents, family members and friends are welcome. Other activities will be advertised, so please keep an eye out.

INTRODUCING OUR PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Next week our students will commence our Peer Support Program with Session 1 Feeling safe - Being me! For the next 8 weeks they will be involved in multi-age groups to work with two student Peer Leaders and supervising teacher on Stronger Together - a module that aims to support positive relationships amongst students. Starting next week, we will talk to students about their strengths and their resilience. We will discuss positive relationships or friendships and what to do if they experience harmful and hurtful behaviours. Our Peer Leaders have been trained and have planned their session using the materials we have from Peer Support Australia that are specially designed for student led sessions. Our Supervising/Class Teachers will prepare students, supervise sessions and check understanding at the end of the session.

Our session next week includes activities for the members of the group to get to know each other by using a range of social skill interactions that promote diversity and engagement in a sensitive yet productive manner. It also establishes a safe learning environment where the peer group feel able to join in, share and contribute to developing a sense of belonging, to better protect themselves from the effects of bullying. Find your safe place.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Catholic Education Week: Monday 25th July at 9:00am
• Feast of the Assumption of Mary: Monday August 15th at 9:00am
• Years 1, 2 & 5 Mass: Tuesday August 30th at 9:00am
• Reconciliation: Tuesday 6th September, at 6pm
• Exaltation of the Cross-Feast Day: Wednesday September 14th at 9:00am

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

For families of children in Years 3 and above, who are considering preparing their child or children for Reconciliation, there will be a meeting on Tuesday the 12th of July, 5:00pm at St Andrew's, in the Senior Library (N Block). Parents will need to make a full commitment to this program. This starts with completing all the enrolment forms as soon as possible, attending the whole group meetings at the beginning and end of the preparation time and spending time working through the preparation book with your child or children. The weekly sessions with Helen, Jane or myself are optional. They allow for preparation in a group setting, which may be beneficial to some parents or children. We all use the booklet as a basis.

If you have any questions about this program, please email Helen Bozzo or contact me via email, phone or in person as soon as possible.

MENTORING PROGRAM

As mentioned in the last newsletter, the mentoring Program for term 2 was very successful. A number of students from across year levels participated, developing their skills in one of the five keys: Resilience, Organisation, Confidence, Getting Along or Persistence. These groups were facilitated by Mrs Vinter, Ms Cois, Mr Dunn-Oswald and Ms Martin, who also co-ordinates the program. These students were recognised and got to share their learning, at a special celebration evening, with their families.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

God, we usually think of a neighbour as someone who lives near us. Jesus taught that a neighbour is anyone who helps a person in need. The Good Samaritan was the only person who stopped to help the man on the side of the road. Others just passed by. Many people can't see when people are hurting, or they try to ignore it. Sometimes they are afraid to get involved. Bless our neighbours, and help us to be good neighbours to them. Amen.

PARISH NEWS

Parish Mass Times

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

APA News

SAVE THESE DATES

SRC Money Line Fundraiser - Wednesday 20th July 8:30am. Please support our SRC by collecting all those nonsense silver coins that fill the bottom of your purses and wallets. Students will create money lines in their house groups attempting to build the longest line. This is the major SRC fundraising event for the year and goes directly back to the students in some form.

CTJ Pupil Free Day – Thursday 21st July. As you have hopefully read earlier, Thursday is a Catholic Diocese of Cairns pupil free day. Please ensure arrangements have been made for this day.

Cairns Show Holiday Friday 22nd July. Have you made great plans for the long weekend? Whether visiting the show, heading camping or simply having a family/friendly BBQ somewhere? Please enjoy some quality family time.

Barron River Athletics Carnival Tuesday 26th July. Students this week have been informed of their selection for the upcoming Barron River Athletics Carnival. Holy Cross will this year have a large team heading to run, jump and throw for their school community. We wish them luck!

This term we have a number of other events taking place that I will continue to list in the upcoming weeks. Please continue to watch for events such as; Catholic Education Week (August 25th -29th), Camps (Year 5 August 3rd-5th), (Year 6 August 17th -19th), Japanese Exchange visits, Book Week (Week 5 August 8th-12th), Father's Day celebrations and our annual Holy Cross Feast Day.

REPORTING

Over the holiday period you should have received Semester 1 Reports. Reports are both an opportunity to celebrate successes for the semester and an opportunity to set learning goals for the coming semester. I encourage you to make contact with your child's teacher in the coming weeks, if you have not already done so, to talk about goals for the semester to ensure another successful end to the current year.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

Curriculum News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN…

Year 1
Historical Day

Year 4 & 5

RSPCA Van Visit

Year 6

Federation Day

Smithfield High School Science Excursion

Hair Raising Science - Year Six Excursion to Learn About Static Electricity

By Phoebe A. - Year 6H

On the 17th June, Year 6 visited the Tropical North Learning Academy, Smithfield State High School Campus. The purpose of our visit was to participate in a Science lesson with Mr Callin, Head of Science at Smithfield SHS and investigate static electricity. It was also a good opportunity to learn a little about high school!

Year 6 had the opportunity to experiment with static electricity in a Science lab, using scientific materials.

Year 6 created static electricity by using a glass rod and lifting small fragments of paper and used the same static electricity to move a stream of water. Some students , using the Van de Graaff generator, conducted static electricity, causing their hair to go all funny and stick out! We could actually see our friends hair rising up as we watched, which was funny!!!

We had a terrific visit. Our thanks go to Mr Rob Callin for taking time out of his busy teaching and exam schedule to supply each of the three Year 6 classes with an individual lesson. Thank you also to Mrs Joanne Neil for setting up this great learning opportunity for us all. Overall, it was a very interesting excursion.

Peer Leader's Learning Day

by Mali S. (Year 6S)

This week in the Peer Leader's Learning Day, we learned what attributes a good leader has and practised how to work together to communicate confidently and solve problems or deal with a situation.

I learnt that to be an effective communicator, you have to use body language, tone of voice, relate what you're saying to people's experiences, be an active listener and use clear instructions.

We decided that our top three group expectations would be:

1. Respect all opinions
2. Be friendly and supportive
3. Let everyone take turns speaking and listening

Above all it was fun! I can't wait to do the sessions with the kids next week during our term of Peer Support.

Holy Cross Healthy Chef and Food Revolution

Jo Neil
Curriculum Coordinator

School News

2016 Fee Concessions

Tuition Fee Discount Scheme for eligible Means-Tested Health Care Cards/Pension Cards

If you are a holder of an eligible Means-Tested Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card as outlined on the following attachment, please complete an application form below and present your card to the school office for verification. If you have previously supplied the school with a copy of your card and it is due to expire please complete a new application form and bring your new card to the school office for copying and verification. If your circumstances change throughout the year and you are no longer eligible to receive the tuition discount, it is the parent/carers responsibility to advise the school of the change in eligibility.

Holy Cross Bike Bus

The Holy Cross Bike Bus runs every Wednesday (weather permitting) from Trinity Park Boat Ramp to school and back each week. 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 jvanewyk@cns.catholic.edu.au

Lowes Schoolwear Sale

Lowes Smithfield are offering a 15% discount on school uniforms this Friday 15th July (FOR ONLINE SALES ONLY). Please click on the flyer for more information.

Host Families Wanted

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

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

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

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

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

A message from the Indigenous Liaison Officer

NAIDOC Day

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I would just like to take your time to tell you if you haven't already heard about our NAIDOC Celebrations this year. On Monday 20th June, Holy Cross celebrated NAIDOC Day. Our NAIDOC celebrations began with a special Liturgy of the Word where we introduced the NAIDOC Theme - Story Lines: The living Narrative of Our Nation. George Skeene, a local traditional owner, said the Welcome to Country which was great! During this time, we also awarded Jacquelyne P. with the Father McSweeny Cup, which recognises young Indigenous people who demonstrate a strong cultural connection. Students who participated in the liturgy should be congratulated on their beautiful procession of Indigenous Artefacts and Gospel reading; (Jack C, Reanna K, Sarah R, Max D, Joseph R, Simon I-S, Betty C, Samson P, Evelyn P, Layla G, Serina K, Jacquelyne P). Moving on from the Liturgy we had a presentation in the Library by George Skeene, who got to talk to students about the local Indigenous camps and reserves that were in Cairns in the mid 1900's. It was a great opportunity for students to meet a traditional owner of the area where the school is located and talk about that local history. Assisting George was Pip Lewis. We would like to thank you both for coming and celebrating NAIDOC with us.

Guest visitor, Denise Lawson, spoke to Prep about the Indigenous artefacts that were on show during the liturgy. We would also like to thank her for this. It was a great opportunity for the Preps to learn about Indigenous music, hunting and combat artefacts. During the middle session, students from Years 3 and Year 4 participated in damper making with Mavis Skeene and Ivy Hodges. Students got their hands dirty and made damper for their class to share. It was a great activity!

For the rest of the day, they participated in classroom art activities, sports activities and other NAIDOC related activities. Thank you to all the teachers and students for their participation in the activities.

The day was a great success and was a great way to end the term off! The children enjoyed the activities and participation was 100%. I look forward to next year's NAIDOC Celebrations.

Breanna Lyall
Indigenous Liaison Officer

Library News

Hello everyone,

I hope those of you that could, had a fantastic holiday with your families and are ready for another big term at Holy Cross.

As a teacher librarian in the 21st century I spend a lot of time on-line, using digital technologies to teach, create and even occasionally have fun with students at school.

However, as a father of three children under seven, I also see the impact of over-exposure to digital technology and the holidays seem to be one of those times we let our kids have that little bit more freedom in these areas. Getting back into the swing of school routines can be very difficult for students and families and a good night's sleep can be hard to find initially.

Most of us may know this from first-hand experience, but a recent study conducted by the University of Auckland in New Zealand reveals proof that media use before naps or bed is terrible for sleep — for both children and adults.

The study noted how much time children and teens spent playing video games and watching TV in the 90 minutes leading up to their bedtimes, and then tracked how long it took them to fall asleep. Their conclusion: those children who watched more TV and played more video games before going to bed took longer to fall asleep than those who watched less, or none at all.

Of course, 90 minutes before bed is quite a long time…plenty of time for them to enjoy a good book …… or two!

Michael Doherty
District Teacher-Librarian

P and F News

P & F Fundraising

Entertainment Books

Holy Cross School is very excited to announce that we will be fundraising through the Entertainment Memberships this year! The popular Entertainment™ Books contain hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from top local restaurants, cafés, take-away chains, attractions, activities and hotel accommodation.

Entertainmentâ„¢ Memberships contain over $20,000 in valuable offers that you and your family can use until 1st June 2017. In fact, you only need to use your membership twice throughout the year and it will have paid for itself!

These memberships can be purchased as either a book or a digital membership that is loaded to your smart phone. They are great value at only $55, with $1000 of savings inside and something for the whole family. The best part is that we receive 20% from each sale which goes directly to our school.

These can be purchased via the link below or in our front office at the school.

Thank you for your support.

Tuckshop News

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

The Arts News

Instrumental Music News

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations are in order for the Holy Cross School band who competed in the Cairns and District Junior eisteddfod last term. The band, made up of 22 students from Years 3 to 6, were awarded 3rd place for their performance of "Suncatcher".

The competition was held at the Bishop Centre at Trinity Anglican School in the last week of term 2. The Holy Cross band performed in the primary school concert band section (year 6 and below).

All of the students in the band worked very hard leading up to the eisteddfod, rehearsing before school every Tuesday, and putting in a lot of individual home practice.

The band also had the opportunity to work with Mr Bryan Hurdley, head of instrumental music at St Andrew's Catholic College. The band travelled to St Andrew's the week before the eisteddfod where they attended a combined rehearsal with the St Andrew's 6/7 Band, and were then workshopped on their own by Mr Hurdley. This was very beneficial to the band, and we really appreciate the partnership we have with this leading music school. Thanks to the St Andrew's music department and Mr Bryan Hurdley, for taking time out of his busy schedules to work with the Holy Cross band.

Congratulations must also go to Tyler F, who performed in the under 12 brass solo section of the Cairns Eisteddfod. Tyler was awarded 2nd place against a very tough section of young brass players. Well done Tyler!

Julia Christodoulides
Instrumental Music Teacher

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 News

2016 Athletics Carnival Results

Congratulations to Dillon House who not only were the overall Athletics Carnival winners but also took out the Spirit Award. Well Done!

2016 Athletics Day Age Champions

Award Recipients

Fr McSweeny Indigenous Spirit Award

Fr Miah McSweeny was Parish Priest at Holy Cross from 1993 to 2005. He died on 10th May 2014. During the 60 years following his ordination, Fr McSweeny was Parish Priest in the Torres Strait, Weipa and Cooktown for combined period of 20 years, serving and working along-side Indigenous Australians. In 2014 we began a tradition in his honour; an award for one of our Indigenous students, who shows the school community that they are proud of their indigenous heritage, are committed to their education and show leadership by example. The recipient of the Fr McSweeny Indigenous Spirit Award is selected by our Indigenous Liaison Officer, Breanna Lyall.

The 2016 recipient of this special award is Jacquelyne P (6H). Jacquelyne demonstrates a strong cultural identity to her Torres Strait Islander heritage by being confident and proud of who she is and her family connections. Throughout the year, Jacquelyne has actively helped out with a number of events including her participation in Yarning Time and helping our younger Indigenous students present the Acknowledgement to Country. Jacquelyne's positive and gentle leadership shines through her daily interactions with her peers and Holy Cross staff.

2016 Peter McGaughey Good Spirit Trophy

Peter McGaughey was teaching at Holy Cross when he died in 1992. Peter strongly believed that not everyone had to be the best athlete but everyone can be good sport, both on and off the athletic field. So in his honour, the staff at the time created a very special award to be awarded to a student who exudes that whole "Good Sport" aura. The recipient of this award would a student who consistently gets involved, both during training and the Athletics Carnival. They do not have to be athletic. They try their best and encourage others, regardless of team. They are an 'ALL ROUND GOOD SPORT'. The recipient is generally a senior student who has consistently demonstrated this all-round sportsmanship.

This year, the Holy Cross staff have voted Jade O' (6C) to be 2016 recipient of the Peter McGaughey Good Spirit Trophy. Jade always displays a great attitude and leads by example, whether it's giving her best on the field or encouraging her team mates from the side lines. She rallies her team to believe that with positivity and a really good go, they can achieve.

NetFun Netball Skills Program

Cairns Netball Association will again be running this valuable netball skills program at Holy Cross during Term 3 for boys and girls aged between 5 to 10 years. On Thursday afternoons from 3:05pm to 4:05pm for 7 weeks starting 28th July to 8th September, two qualified coaches will be teaching netball skills in the Multi-Purpose Court area. This program offers an opportunity for children to increase their social and motor skills in a friendly and fun environment.

The NetFun Program cost is $90 with a netball pack or $60 without a pack. If you are interested in the NetFun Program please click on the link below for more information and a Registration Form.

Net Set Go and Junior Netta Program

For anyone interested in commencing for Season 2 on Saturday mornings, a "Come and Try" day will be held on Saturday 16th July from 8.30am-9.30am at the Cairns Netball Association, Martyn Street Courts. Please click on the link below for more information and registration form.

Get Started Sports Vouchers

Round 8 for the $150 Get Started Sports vouchers is now open for applications. Please click on the link below for eligibility requirements for this assistance.

Parenting Programs

Parents in Touch Presentation

Parents are invited to an evening with Dr Ian Lillico discussing practical strategies relating to boys and ways of supporting them in school and life. Presentation will be held on Monday 25th July 2016 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Lennon Hall, St Augustine's College. Cost is $10.00. Please click on the link to view the flyer for more information.

Pathways to Resilience Workshops

Building Resilient Families Tour 2016 include a variety of fully subsidised workshops to be held in Cairns between Monday 25th July to Friday 29th July 2016. Please click on the link below for more information and an expression of interest form.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Queensland parents can now get free parenting support. The State Government is giving parents and carers of children up to the age of 16 free access to the evidence-based Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. Triple P helps parents use positive feedback and encouragement to guide behaviour and give children the best start in life.

Families can sign up for as much or as little support as they like by going to www.triplep-parenting.net. New sessions are added regularly.

Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Program

This free 4 Week workshop commences on Tuesday 16th August through to the 6th September and is aimed at promoting positive and nurturing parent-child relationships. Please click on the link for more information.

Community Notices

Cane Train Safety Awareness

"Watch Out – Cane Trains About"

The commencement of the 2016 cane crushing season is approaching. Parents and students are reminded about the dangers of playing on or near cane trains and railway tracks. Please see attached safety message from MSF Sugar.

St Anthony's School Dimbulah 50th Anniversary

All past teachers, teacher aides, administration staff, parents, students and community members are invited to attend the weekend of festivities on Saturday 27th August and Sunday 28th August 2016. Click on the flyer below for more information.

St Joseph's School Parramatta Park 90th Anniversary 2017

In 2017, St Joseph's School, Parramatta Park will celebrate 90 years of Catholic Education in Cairns. Various events will be held to celebrate this important occasion from the 18th August to the 20th August 2017. All current and former staff, students and families are requested to save these dates in your calendar for next year's celebrations.

TYC Drama Classes for 5yrs+

Looking for fun, creative and educational after-school activities? Then come and tread the boards at The Young Company Theatre this semester! Develop confidence, explore your creativity, make new friends and learn the essentials of stage performance through improvisation, role-play, scripts, musical theatre and characterization activities and then perform in front of a live audience with costumes, sets, props, sound effects, live projections and theatrical lighting!! For more information phone 40414066, email info@theyoungcompany.com.au, visit our website www.theyoungcompany.com.au, visit us at 169 Bunda St, Cairns City. Classes across the Cairns region.