25 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and friends of Holy Cross,

As this will be the last Holy Cross newsletter before Father's Day, I thought it would be remise of me not to wish all of our wonderful Holy Cross fathers a very Happy Fathers' Day!

Father's Day is, I believe, a day worthy of much accolade on the family calendar, being the perfect opportunity to celebrate the important role that fathers, step-fathers and other male role-models play in the lives of their children. I hope you are all suitably spoiled, and have a magnificent day filled with love, laughter and celebration.

As I pondered upon the immense contribution that my own father has (and continues to make) on my own life, my thoughts waivered to those who may not look upon this day with such fondness, instead remembering fathers sadly no longer with us. Thoughts and prayers go out to those members of our community experiencing circumstances such as these. I hope that you can draw strength from those around you, and find a fitting way to pass the day.

The unique role of parents in the development of our young is such an interesting minefield. The more I read about parenting, the more I believe myself to be doing a terrible job with my own two children! Expectations upon parents in modern society is immense with such differing opinions as to what best to do. One hot topic at the moment, and one you are sure to have heard about on the news or through your own child, is Pokemon Go.

I have recently been watching one of my neighbours with intense interest as father and son rise early in the morning and go out late at night in search of Pokemon. And from my conversations with them both upon their return, this behaviour appears currently to be quite commonplace, particularly with fathers and their boys. The roam and search nature of the game seems to appeal to the hunter-gatherer that exists in most boys. There are plenty of things to collect which appeals to a boy's fundamental need to put order and control in his world. In addition, the competitive element embedded in the game makes it almost irresistible to many boys who love nothing better than to beat someone else.

My research into the pros and cons of this game have resulted in my being privy to many hearty debates over matters such as 'the wonderful benefit of getting children out in the fresh air, roaming and exploring their neighbourhoods'. I would agree that on the surface, this is a good thing, however there have been many reports of people being injured or killed after being led into dangerous terrain such as quarries, or into the path of oncoming traffic.

As with any craze (remember the perils of Game Boys back in the eighties!), my current thoughts are to try and accept that Pokemon Go, like all fads, has captured your child's current interest and to go with it. It's hard to fight against or even stop your child from being involved in games that 'everyone is playing' assuming of course that it is age appropriate.

I truly believe that if as parents we are able to approach Pokemon Go positively and intelligently, and discover as much about the game as time and circumstances allow, then the setting of reasonable boundaries to provide an appropriate balance in our children's activities to prevent a fun craze becoming an absolute 'all or nothing' obsession. Following this, an extensive conversation regarding the safe use of the internet and other protective behaviour issues is encouraged. Then you too, like my neighbour, can be providing the perfect forum for your child to exercise more than their thumbs on a daily basis. Let me know how you go.

Onto other matters, some happy news and some happy/sad news. I'll start with the happy news:

• Mrs Marissa Savaglio and her husband David welcomed a beautiful bouncing baby girl, Sophia Grace, on Saturday 20th August weighing in at a healthy 2960kg (6lb 8oz). Mum and bub are both doing extremely well. We look forward very much to meeting her soon.
• Charleigh W (Year 5) and Layla B (Year 6) made it through to the finals of the Calanna Junior Speaking Competition being held on September 5th at 6.00pm at the Cairns Council Chambers. The judges were staggered at the standard of the speeches presented by our eight entrants; (Year 5: Zahra C, Ryder S, Charleigh W, Ashlyn S and Year 6: Piper E, Layla B, Maya B, Abriel R). Please join me in congratulating these fine individuals on their outstanding confidence and organisation. Prime Ministers in the making!

• Holy Cross Band took part in the Gift of Music event held at the Tanks on Wednesday 24th August. Their performance was absolutely outstanding – true musicians in the making!

• Holy Cross has joined Facebook. Another means of keeping in touch with all the wonderful things that go on at our amazing school each and every day.

Now onto the happy/sad news:

• Our lovely Instrumental Teacher and Holy Cross Band Conductor, Mrs Julia Christodoulides (Christo), will commense her maternity leave at the end of Week 8 (next week). Julia will be replaced by Mrs Katie Quinn, also a member of the St Andrew's Catholic College Music Department, so our students are being left in very good hands. We thank Julia for all her hard work, and wish her and her husband well with the upcoming addition to their family.

One final piece of news before I conclude is with regards to myself. Despite my family in the UK proclaiming loudly that I sound Australian, I was in fact born in England, so attempt to return to see my parents and brother once every two years. Prior to accepting the position as Principal at Holy Cross, I applied for Long Service Leave which was granted and so flights (and a cruise around the Mediterranean) promptly booked. When I was offered the position, I discussed the option of cancelling my travel plans but was encouraged not to. It is therefore with a very heavy heart that I will relinquish my role for the last two weeks of this term and the first two of next and hand the reigns over into the very capable hands of Mr Brad Henry (APA). His role as APA will be filled by Mrs Dee Cois for the last two weeks of this term, and Ms Katrina Riedel for Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. I thank all three staff members for their flexability. Arrangements are currently being made to appoint teachers to cover teaching during their temporary period of absence from their classes.

Wishing you God's blessings now and always,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APRE News

PARISH 50 YEARS JUBILEE

Another snapshot into the history of Northern Beaches Parish-

The land on which Holy Cross sits, was once owned by Tom Dillon, a cane farmer. On the land was a tractor shed, which was our first church. The Catholic Church purchased the land in 1980. Our current church was built in 1986 and the school opened beneath the church in 1987.

DADS' DAY OUT

This year we will be celebrating our fathers and male carers by providing breakfast and a cup of tea or fruit juice. On Friday 2nd September, all fathers are invited to come school from 7:30am. The barbecue will be running hot making bacon and egg rolls for our fathers. For other family members, these will be available for a gold coin donation. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available for purchase through the Espresso Mobile Cafe. Students can then start the day with a story in the library, a board game such as chess, or an outdoor game such as basketball or cricket, with their guests of honour. The fun morning will conclude with a whole school assembly at 8:30am. Dads are welcome to stay for this, or head off to work or home any time before then.

WEEK 6 OF OUR PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Session 5 – Know your rights

Our Peer Support session in Stronger Together this week looks closely at the rights of each individual in relation to bullying and harassment. It looks at a range of techniques to support those being bullied and encourages them and the bystanders to take action. Parents of participating students could talk with their child about what they would do if it happened to them.

Session 6 – Make a choice

Our Peer Support session in Stronger Together next week provides for a series of problem solving and decision making activities to analyse how and why we make the choices we do. It considers aspects of safety and a moral sense of purpose about why we should seek to support others and look more deeply into how our decisions can have a bigger impact than we first thought.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• 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

Please pray for the students preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be one more important meeting next Tuesday evening, August 30th, at 6:00pm here at Holy Cross, for families of all candidates. If 5:00pm at St Andrew's is a more suitable time, then please feel free to select that option. In this session, we will run through the format for the Sacrament itself and lead an Examination of Conscience.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Jesus told the people around him that the kingdom of God was to be a place of welcome. Some people thought that it was enough to just have rubbed shoulders with him. This is not the case. People have to respond to the invitation. Many of the people did not – but around the world many people did and continue to come to the table of the Lord. Our Church is made up of people from all different parts of the world. In our Church all over the world there are people of all races and colours. Our Mass is said in hundreds of languages all around the world. Some of us have come from different countries, or our families did. Some of us are different colours and use different languages at home. But all of us are family: we are the people whom God invites to the table – and we have accepted.

Jesus, help us to work together as a team, and to respect our different talents and gifts. Let us care for each other in good times and bad and may we help each other to do our best.

Amen.

(Taken from www.gpbs.com.au)

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

PARISH NEWS

Parish Mass Times

Click on the link below to view the latest edition of the Northern Beaches Parish Newsletter.

APA News

Save these Dates

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews – WEEK 8 will take place at Holy Cross in Week 8 (August 29th- September 1st). This year Holy Cross will again use the Parent Teacher Online booking system or PTO. You should have received an email from Parent Teacher Online explaining what you need to do this week. Please contact the front office if you have any difficulties or have not received this notification. We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity with your child's teacher and make contact if you have not already booked a time. These meetings will assist greatly to ensure a smooth and productive end of year for all students and families.

Holy Cross School Satisfaction Survey 2016

As part of our ongoing commitment to continuously improving the school, we believe it is critical to seek each parent and guardian's opinion on a range of issues relating to Holy Cross. Your feedback is very important to us as we continue to build a successful school and strengthen our reputation as an 'educator of choice'.

As such, we have engaged the professional services of MYB to undertake a strictly private and confidential School Results Survey on our behalf. The survey should take approximately 10 - 15 minutes and will need to be completed online between Monday 29th August and Monday 12th September. There are no right or wrong answers and we ask that you respond honestly to each statement.

Please note that this survey will be confidential. No member of the leadership team at Holy Cross will have access to your individual responses. We will be provided with a summary of collated results only.

MYP Corp will undertake the following process to ensure anonymity:

1. Parents and guardians will be emailed individual survey logins.
2. Results will be collated externally.
3. A summary of collated results will be provided to the school leadership team.

On the survey start date, survey instructions and a personalised login link will be emailed to all parents. You will continue to receive friendly reminders during the survey period until you have submitted the survey.

If you do not receive your survey instructions on the survey start date, please check your spam and junk email folders before contacting mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au or administration on 07 40576920.

While we strongly encourage you to participate, the survey is not compulsory. If you decide that you do not want to complete the survey, simply click 'Unsubscribe' in the instruction or reminder email.

Thank you for your assistance in helping to shape the future direction of Holy Cross.

Holy Cross Administration

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

Counsellor News

Anxiety or Aggression?

As School Counsellor I often see children who initially present with 'disruptive' behaviour. However, knowing that a behaviour is an attempt to communicate something I try to explore what the intended message is. Rarely does a child want to be aggressive or disruptive often it is some anxiety that they are unable to communicate effectively. Interestingly, when the unwanted behaviour persists the child is likely to get some attention. Therefore, you could say that is the first step to being effective! However, by this stage we often focus on the consequences and forget about dealing with the cause.

Anxiety happens when a part of the brain, the amygdala, senses trouble. When it senses threat, real or imagined, it surges the body with hormones (including cortisol, the stress hormone) and adrenaline to make the body strong, fast and powerful. This is the fight or flight response and it has been keeping us alive for thousands of years. It's what strong, healthy brains are meant to do.

An anxious brain is a strong, healthy brain that is a little overprotective. It is more likely to sense threat and hit the panic button 'just in case'.

For kids with anxiety, any situation that is new, unfamiliar, difficult or stressful counts as a potential threat. The fight or flight response happens automatically and instantaneously. Every physical symptom that comes with anxiety – fast beating heart, sick tummy, clammy skin, vomiting, shaky arms or legs – is because of the surging of neurochemicals. If the threat was real, they'd be fighting for their lives or running for it. When there is no need to fight or flee, there is nothing to burn up the neurochemicals and they build up, causing the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiety is often associated with avoidance or clinginess but it doesn't necessarily always present itself in this way. The physiological driver is the same – a brain under threat – but instead of flight, it initiates fight. It doesn't matter that there's nothing at all there to worry about. When the brain thinks there's trouble, it acts as though it's true.

So what can we do?

If anxiety is having a hand in disruptive behaviour, the signs of anxiety will still be there in some way. We can look for avoidant behaviour, sick tummies, headaches or uncontrollable reactions such as fast beat, shaking arms or legs. Any of these might be a clue that anxiety is hard at work. Take note of when the disruptive behaviour/meltdowns happen. Is there a pattern? Do they seem to happen more in unfamiliar situations or situations that might overspend your child's emotional resources? Could it be related to a similar previous difficult situation? Talk with your child about how they feel and what might be worrying them.

An anxious brain is a very protective brain, and it will be quicker to hit the alarm, even when there is no need. This could happen in response to unfamiliar situations or people, playground scuffles, criticism, disappointment, threat of embarrassment or failure – anything that could potentially trigger the feeling that something bad may be about to happen.

As part of growing up, children will regularly find themselves in unfamiliar situations where they have to negotiate and learn strategies for dealing with the world and its people.

As the adults in their lives, it's important for us to be open to the possibility that beneath an aggressive, disruptive child is an anxious one looking for security and comfort. If anxiety is at play, dealing with aggression as bad behaviour will always inflame the situation. Obviously there is still a need to talk about the consequences of their actions and the effect this has on them and others around them. However, dealing with it as anxiety will give children the strategies and support they need to find their way through, as well as teaching them vital skills that will hold them strong for the rest of their lives.

Further reading on Anxiety. This is a USA site, however, there are some sound resources and strategies for parents and educators on a number of well-being topics.

Veronica Sandall
School Counsellor

Curriculum News

Gotta keep reading cause this book's gonna be a good book

BOOK FAIR

Our aim at Holy Cross is to encourage all of our students to believe that 'Reading is Awesome' and that they are 'Awesome at Reading'. We think that holding Book Fair during Book Week is a fun way of promoting passion for literature and reading across our whole school community.

A massive big THANK YOU must go out to all the parents, friends, staff and students for the fantastic support given to our Book Fair this year. A special thanks must go to Luci Whouley and our parent volunteers, Sharon Sweeney-Cowman, Vicki Dyer and Janelle Bradridge, because without their tremendous efforts, the Book Fair would not have been as successful. The total sales made were $8008 and will receive 35 percent in commission, giving us $2802 to buy more fabulous books for our library collection!!

All of our visitors to the library this week will have experienced our Australian theme. If you haven't already done so, I urge you to take a peek. The display was a whole school collaborative effort. All of the creations were made during Peer Support with older students helping the younger ones. The teachers and kids loved being together, chatting and making new friends from a different area of the school.

BOOK WEEK DRESS-UP

WOW! WOW! WOW! We had an amazing array of dress ups at our Book Week Dress-up last Friday to celebrate our love of reading and books. Thank you to all of the creativeness that went into our parade.

We had Book Fair themed dress-ups like koalas and surf life savers as well as many, many book characters. There was Aladdin, Angelina Ballerina, Saucepan Man, the BFG and Sophie, Thing 1 and Thing 2 to name a few.

What a wonderful effort by everyone! The kids loved it. Here's some student and parent feedback.

It was an amazing week to be at Holy Cross. Book Week's traditional Friday dress up was better than ever. The excitement from all students was visible from the moment we walked into school. Students were excitedly showing off their costumes and sharing their books. When we walked over to Assembly the noise of excitement was hard to miss. We all got a surprise this year to see a fantastic movie based on the song we had all been learning, "Gotta Keep Reading". The teachers' actions in the movie made all of us laugh! Having a whole school song this year was extra special. We all felt like one big group and it was fun to watch each year level and the teachers do their parts. Finishing off with the parade and seeing the costumes that everyone wore was as always amazing and entertaining. Can't wait for Book Week 2017!
by Michael S., Ryan S. and Erin S.

I just wanted to say what a wonderful week Book Week was. The bedtime story night was so much fun and I was blown away by assembly on Friday - I was moved to tears and that was before my daughter, Leia won her section in the art competition. I just showed my husband the staff video and a clip the children singing to black eyed peas and he said, 'That's why I love this school - it's so spirited!' Anyway a big thank you to you all.
from Sascha Cooper

Winners for best dressed at Book Week Dress Up Day

Congratulations to the best dressed winners who received a book from the Book Fair.

Staff – David Gunter (Aladdin) and Carol Kelly (Mrs Trunchbull from Matilda)

0H – Shailee Y. and Lauren B.
0C – Henry H. and Chole S.
0S – Sven D. and Rosalie P.

1H – Max D. and Annie W.
1C – Harmony L. and Oscar S.
1S – Zarah P. and Ben B.

2H – Chole M. and William W.
2C – Owen W. and Sarah B.
2S – Mason R. and Hayley B.

3H – Sebastian G and Andriana F.
(with a special mention of Chloe T. and Bree A.)
3C – Rory P. and Annabell H.
3S – Ebony D. and Nicholas C.

4H – Olivia B. and Kate C.
4C – Maddax W-B., Alyce J. and Jesse Q.
4S – Ethan H. and Jorja D.

5H – Kaleb V. and Lily H.
5C – Sophie K. and Josh T.
5S – Emma B. and Charles B.

6H – Kai M. and Jorjia G.
6C – Harley V. and Jade O./Maya B.
6S – Mali S. and Leia C.

'CREATE A WINDOW' - BOOK WEEK COMPETITION WINNERS

We had over 200 inspired artists submit their creative designs into our Book Week competition, making choosing the winners very difficult! There were collages, textured drawings, paintings, water colours, dioramas, bedroom windows, portholes, space ship cockpits. The judges looked at design concepts as well as the use of colour, tone or shading.

Congratulations to the following winners. The student first place getters received a $30 iTunes voucher while second and third received a book. Their art work is on display in the Front Office.

PREP – YEAR 2 division
1st – Pia G. (1H)
2nd – William P. (1S)
3rd – Lillie G. (0H)

YEAR 3 – 4 division
1st – Abby L. (3H)
2nd – Tahlini C-S. (4H)
3rd – Natalya P. (3C)

YEAR 5 - 6 division
1st – Leia C. (6S)
2nd – Layla B. (6H)
3rd – Josh T. (5C) and Mali S. (6S)

Bedtime Story Hour

This year, we held our first Bedtime Story Hour on Wednesday 10th August. Parents brought their children back after an earlier dinner, all ready for bed with a pillow and teddy. They found a comfy spot in three different reading locations and spent some quality family time either reading a bedtime story or listening to one read by Mrs Gubby, Mrs Scarborough, Mr Doherty, Ms Martin, Ms Riedel or Ms Neil. The P&F also got dressed up in their PJs and served us yummy milo and bikkies! It was a fabulous night of literature and we'll be holding it again next year.

Thank you from Jodie Vincent, Harley (6C) and Ryder (5S)

Going back to Holy Cross after working late and listening to the new school bell being tested and ring erratically for over an hour was the last thing I felt like doing yesterday... but as we left HC young Harley (Year 6) really wanted to return for the Holy Cross Book Week Bedtime Story Hour.

'Really?', I said, without much enthusiasm (I must admit).

'Mum, it will be the last time I get to go to one and this is the first time I've seen this offered. It sounds fun! Plus, I want to wear my ONSIE!'

How could I resist! So, a quick change of clothes and turn around- Harley, his cousin, Ryder and myself head back to Holy Cross!

Lots of little people were arriving and lining up for their warm milo and bikkie. Lots of milky-moustache smiles were chit chatting, all dressed in their comfy PJ's, slippers with favourite teddy in hand.

We had a great chance to look around the book week display and I personally really enjoyed checking out all the students' artwork in the library, which I don't take the time to normally go and see.

Then the readings began.

The reading! Wow!

The staff put so much effort into their reading, their outfits and we absolutely loved the choice of books! They were Funny!!! I loved watching the students' reactions.

We went to all three sessions. Harley, Ryder and I all agreed the concept of changing areas worked really well and created interest.

Harley commented in the car on the way home-'That was way better than I thought it would be. I thought we were just going to hear one book as a big group and then quiet reading for half an hour on our own. That was way more fun.' I happen to agree!

It was a very well run entertaining night and just perfect timing for us all to enjoy then head home.

A huge thank you from Harley, Ryder and I to ALL who helped behind the scenes and to the staff and P&F giving up their time to set up, read and chat to us all, and for the milo and bikkies.

Library News

Premiers Readers Challenge

Just a reminder that the Premiers Readers Challenge finishes this Friday, 26th August and Challenge Recording Sheets must be returned to Holy Cross on this day.

Holy Cross Reading Olympics

With the Olympics in full swing and Book Week just finished, Holy Cross Library is celebrating with their very own READING OLYMPICS.

Students can choose to compete in a range of events including:

Artistic Gymnastics, Sprints, The Marathon, The Triathlon, The Modern Pentathlon, Weight Lifting and Relay.

The Olympics runs from Week 7 (Monday 22nd August) until Friday of the first week of Term 4 (Friday 14th October).

Students will be required to complete a number of reading activities to earn their Reading Olympics Medals.

The majority of the reading should take place at home. Some activities may be completed in class as long as the teacher can sign off on them.

All students who make a gold medal in any event will make the Holy Cross readers hall of Fame.

Also there will be a prize awarded to anyone who makes a gold medal in all events. (That would be a significant feat.)

From Week 7 onwards, please come in to the library and check out the events and requirements of each.

Students will no doubt be bringing home their Recording Sheets for each event. It's a great opportunity to foster your child's love of reading and a great way to come together as a family and share a fantastic story or two.

Michael Doherty
District Teacher-Librarian

School News

2016 Exiting Student Enrolments

As we are beginning preparations for 2017 year levels we kindly ask that families who are aware that they are relocating or moving your child/children to another school to please notify the school office before the end of Term 3. We understand families may be unsure at this stage but ask that when you have received notification that you advise the school as soon as possible.

As we currently have a waitlist for most year levels for 2017, we would like to confirm our existing enrolments for next year before making offers to new families. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Term 3 Fees

Term 3 fees were due for payment by Wednesday, 3rd August and reminder letters have been sent. Unless alternative payment arrangements are currently in place (eg. Periodic Direct Debits, approved repayment plans etc), your prompt attention to payment is appreciated.

The payment of school fees and levies is an important component of the income of the school. The school relies on these payments in order to provide the high quality education enjoyed by your child / children. In situations where there is genuine financial hardship and if you are struggling to pay school fees, you are encouraged to contact the school for an appointment with the Principal and your circumstances will be treated with the utmost confidence.

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.

Please note that tuition fee discounts have already been applied to Term 3 fees. Any Health Care Discount Scheme forms received from now can only be applied to future invoices.

Dental Van Services

Cairns and Hinterland Oral Health Services wishes to advise families that our District is able to continue to offer FREE dental treatment to all children and young people from 0 – 17 years old. The dental van is now on site at Holy Cross School and will be staffed on Mondays and Thursdays for the rest of Term 3. Appointments will need to be arranged by contacting our Central Booking Service on 1300 300 850. Appointments for examination can also be made at the Smithfield clinic.

Please note that ALL students will need to have a parent or legal guardian present at the time of the appointment.

Further treatment required will be carried out at the Smithfield Community Centre, Danbulan Street, Smithfield.

Oral Health Services
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service

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

Year 6 Camp: Lake Tinaroo

Last Wednesday morning, two busloads of 69 Year 6 students and staff left Holy Cross with great expectations, and perhaps a little nervous anticipation! We were all headed to the Apex Camp at Lake Tinaroo for the annual Year 6 camp.

After a lovely stopover in Centenary Park, Mareeba, with the weather holding off, we soon arrived at our destination. Lake Tinaroo, while low, was as pretty as ever, with the water crystal clear. Everyone was pretty excited to arrive and find their digs in the dormitories - boys upstairs and girls downstairs! Wednesday afternoon was the first of four rotational activities - kayaking on the lake, orienteering [using compasses, CB radios and working off co-ordinates], raft building and archery. There was a terrific butter chicken, rice and pappadums for dinner, with ice cream and jelly for dessert and a range of fun activities into the evening, including Minute to Win It.

Day Two saw the weather doing its best to fine up for us all - so students completed another two activities - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was terrific to see the Holy Cross spirit in the students' excellent participation. Although the wind was quite chilly coming off the lake and made for some cold participants after the water activities, our students showed great tenacity and made the best of every activity! We were proud of them!!

There was a lot of fun on camp - take, for example, when Ms Morton accidently tipped over the kayak and sent Miss Lindsay into the lake within the first minute of getting in the kayak! Or when, when rowing frantically around to find numbered tennis balls floating in a part of Lake Tinaroo, the students kept throwing Ms Morton and Ms Lindsay's balls way into the distance! It felt like rowing to New Zealand to retrieve them! Or the little fright everyone got when an unidentified marsupial started wandering around the camp at night and bought several friends along at 2.30am!! Or the hilarity of the Quiz Night and the crazy Chocolate and Dress up game. It was all great fun!

While the activities were terrific, it was great to have "hang out time". Many students commented that they got to spend time with kids they didn't know so well. There was a lot of interaction with parents and teachers, sharing of stories, playing of cards and general conversation, which was relaxing. We also spent time at the Lake with less structured activities - a group photograph, hanging out in the playground, playing basketball, walking and talking in small groups - just taking in the peaceful atmosphere and relaxing a little!

No article would be complete without a coverage of the food! And the food was terrific! We all want to thank Terry our cook and her husband Andrew, for the fantastic fare! There was plenty of hot food - on Thursday morning we had pancakes for breakfast, and Friday morning was bacon, baked beans, spaghetti and scrambled eggs, with all the toast you could eat! Thursday lunch was hamburgers, and dinner was chicken schnitzel with mashed potato, peas and gravy and fruit crumble and ice cream or dessert. Terry made a cake for Hannah's birthday and we were all able to join in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to Hannah!

We'd like to thank everyone involved for the super effort in running this camp. Our thanks go to the staff of Apex Tinaroo, and our parent helpers - Adam Gowlett, Sandra Pearson, Ben Rauter, Jodie Vincent and Fiona Duffy; members of our Leadership Team who attended the camp, Mrs Sarah Hamilton and Mr Brad Henry, and our dedicated Year 6 teachers.

Congratulations also to our Holy Cross Year 6 students, whose excellent behaviour made the camp a complete success and a privilege to be a part of.

Leanne Morton
for the Year 6 Teachers of Holy Cross

Indigenous Liaison Officer News

Indigenous Literacy Day

On the 7th September, Holy Cross will be participating in Indigenous Literacy Day. The aim of the day is to spread awareness about the need to improve literacy levels and opportunities for Indigenous children living in the most remote and isolated parts of Australia. This year at Holy Cross, we will be hosting a 'Great Book Swap' to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). Classes will also take part in small class literacy activities throughout the day.

We believe that children's future educational experiences can be greatly improved through enjoyable and positive engagement with books in family and community environments. There is a great importance on the value of early literacy development, understanding that strong literacy skills enhance the potential for greater choice as children grow up.

You can make a difference

The literacy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children is significant – and the more remote the community, the larger the gap. Since 2009, ILF's Book Supply program has delivered more than 150,000 new books to over 250 communities nationally. But we need your help to continue these efforts.

The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading locally, and raise much-needed funds to buy books for remote communities. For more information, please visit the link below.

The Great Book Swap at Holy Cross

All you need to do is swap one of your favourite books for someone else's – for a gold coin donation.

Thanks for your support. Have a great day!

Breanna Lyall
Indigenous Liaison Officer

P and F News

Father's Day Stall – Thursday 1st September

Every year Holy Cross celebrates our Dads and important carers by having a gift stall and raffle. The stall provides the children with an exciting opportunity to secretly choose a fabulous gift for Dad or another carer to open on Father's Day

Our stock of gifts will ALL BE PRICED AT $5 PER GIFT

This has allowed the gift-buying team to purchase a broad range of lovely new items that will be ready for presentation on Father's Day.

Children may purchase a maximum of 2 gifts each. This year we will NOT be giving IOU's to students who forget their money. Instead we will re-open the stall on FRIDAY 2ND September at second break. Students who wish to purchase extra gifts may do so at this time.

We will also be running a raffle with a variety of different prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the stall for $1 each or 3 for $2.

Any prize donations for our raffle would also be greatly appreciated. You can contact Kymberlee or please leave at the office. Thank you in advance!

CAN YOU HELP?

The stall couldn't run without our valued volunteers. To help at the stall on the day please contact Kymberlee on 0409183332 or come to stage/undercover area. Any help is appreciated, even if it is only for a short time.

P & F Disco – Theme 'Rubiks Cube'

Come and get your groove on! A whole school disco will be held on Friday 2nd September from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the Multipurpose area. Theme – 'Rubiks Cube' - Come dressed in as many colours as you can. $5 entry. Food and drink available for purchase.

Please note: as this is a P & F function held outside of school hours, parents are required to supervise their children.

P & F Minutes

Click on the link to view the Minutes from the last P & F Meeting held on Wednesday, 10th August 2016. The next P & F Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 14th September in the School Library from 7.00pm. All welcome!

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 following link or in our front office at the school.

Thank you for your support.

Tuckshop News

Please email the Tuckshop Co-ordinator, Mrs Belinda Patmore at:- tuckshop.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au if you are able to help in the tuckshop.

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

TUCKSHOP SPECIALS (available while stocks last!)
Traditional Fried Rice $4.50 (contains bacon) - $4.50
Chicken Fried Rice - $5.00

The Arts News

Dance Drama Music (DDM)

Seniors' Week Excursion

We had a fantastic time at the Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre last Tuesday, 16th August. Eight instrumental students and twenty-three choir members attended the excursion accompanied by Mrs Christo and Mrs Wight. We arrived a little early and watched the rock'n'roll dance performance. Then it was our turn. To begin our performance, the instrumental students played Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter (Tyler, Mathew & Liam), The Sneak (Olivia, Jazz & Nakiso), Twinkle Twinkle (Lucy & Toby), A Cheery Wave (Lucas, Lucy & Toby) and finished with Ragamuffin (Tyler, Mathew & Liam). We then got all the students together to sing/play Amazing Grace and Catholic Schools in Queensland. Finally the general choir sung Heal the World (Michael Jackson), Try a Little Kindness (Glen Campbell), Hard Knock Life (Annie musical) and Count On Me (Bruno Mars).

The choir was feeling a little nervous as we hadn't rehearsed very much but we still had a go. Mrs Wight explained to the lovely people in the audience that today was going to be more of a "sing-a-long" than a choir performance. However, all the students put on a fantastic concert and the audience was thoroughly entertained. It was such a resounding success that the students told me they wanted to do it again! A special thank you to the Neighbourhood Centre staff in organising the event and to the wonderful audience members who kept smiling and encouraging us throughout the concert with their applause. Thank you!

God bless!

Christina Wight
Dance Drama 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

Beaches Junior Rugby Union Sign on

Beaches Junior Rugby Union Sign on will be held on 21st and 28th August 2016 from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Ivanhoe's Rugby League Club, Smithfield. Please see attached flyer for more information.

Girls Rugby League Development Clinic

Girls aged from 10 to 16 years of age are invited to a National Rugby League Development Clinic, Thursday & Friday 29th-30th September from 9.00am-1.00pm. Clinics will be held at CDJRL Jones Park, Mann Street, Westcourt. Cost is $60.00 which includes holiday pack. Please see attached flyer for more information or click on the following link to register.

Parenting Programs

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 the link below. New sessions are added regularly.

Community Notices

Health Industry Training

Cairns Youth Orchestra

Cairns Youth Orchestra has recommenced for the third term and is open for enrolments. If a student is currently learning any musical instrument and would like to find out what it is like to be part of an orchestra, please contact the secretary via email telston@bigpond.net.au for more information. Cairns Youth Orchestra consists of three orchestras, (CYO 2 junior), (CYO 1 for more experienced students) and our Chamber orchestra (for advanced players) and practises every Friday afternoon at the Darts Hall, McNamara Street, Manunda.

Cairns Regional Council Community Survey – 'Our Cairns'

Cairns Regional Council is conducting a wide-ranging community survey called Our Cairns.

This is your opportunity to tell Council what sort of Cairns you want to live in and what's important to you. Go online to the link below in August and fill out the survey.

You can also go into the draw to win some prizes if you leave your name and email address.

The survey will be available from 1 – 31 August. Be Heard! Do the Survey!

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 Spring School Holiday Drama Activities for 5yrs-12yrs

Spring into Action these school holidays with TYC for our Spring Drama Programs (5yrs - 12yrs) with special guest artists Hayley Gillespie (Design) and Yasmin Lancini (Musical Theatre). First up we have a One-Day Program, The Acting Olympics (Mon 19 Sept: 9am – 5pm) followed by our Four-Day Drama Performance Program, Troublesome Histories XXXI: Let the Games Begin! (Tues 20 Sept – Fri 23 Sept: 9am - 3pm). In the second week we have another One-Day Program, Performance Boot Camp: Acting, Singing, Dancing (Mon 26 Sept: 9am - 5pm). Then to finish off the holidays we have another Four-Day Drama Performance Program, The Ghost Rangers: Who You Gonna Call? (Tues 27 Sept – Fri 30 Sept: 9am - 3pm). Explore acting, costumes, lighting, sound and multimedia elements, finishing with a creative performance on the final afternoon. Learn the essentials of stage performance through improvisation, role-play and characterization activities and then perform in front of a live audience with costumes, sets, props, sound effects, live projections and theatrical lighting!! Book today and get your Early Bird Saving before Sat Sept 10. For more information phone 40414066, email info@theyoungcompany.com.au or visit our website.

Ready Steady Go Kids (RSGK)

The Blue Honour Line at the Cairns Festival 2016 Grand Parade!

Cairns Festival is fast approaching with a wonderful program of events running from 26 August – 4 September. The Grand Parade is a Festival highlight, with its long procession of floats, presenting a colourful spectacle that will wind its way along the Esplanade from 5.30 pm on Saturday 27 August.

This year we're asking you to keep your eye out for the 'True Blue Line Brigade' who will introduce the new 'Blue Honour Line' system designed to keep you safe whilst enjoying this wonderful community celebration.

The Blue Honour Line is a thin blue line placed on each side of the road along the Parade route that creates a boundary between the audience and the Grand Parade Floats. Staying behind it will ensure your safety and give the Parade performers plenty of room to do what they do best.

15 Officers of the 'Friendly Enforcement Brigade' who make up the 'True Blue Line Brigade' will be dressed in full blue brigade costume and ready for duty along the Parade route from 4:30pm.

Come along and enjoy the Cairns Festival 2016 Grand Parade behind the safety of the new 'Blue Honour Line'.

Piano Lessons