20 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and friends of Holy Cross,

‘Feeling thankful’ was the overwhelming emotion that engulfed me when I stepped off the plane after my trip overseas (and a touch of exhaustion to add to the mix!). Returning to my roots in England, and my old school in Bristol was an absolute joy, but my time overseas travelling around Europe highlighted over and over again how incredibly blessed and fortunate I am to be living in Australia, and working in our extraordinary school. It is so easy to focus on the things that we are lacking; so easy to think about how much better our life could be if only we had this or that, but when you step outside of your day-to-day routine and observe the lives and conditions that people in other parts of the world have to endure, these thoughts fall into insignificance.

Whilst overseas I reflected on the Australian curriculum, our school facilities, our staffing structure, our support services, our access to ICT resources and support, the quality of our teachers, our access to School Officer support, our grounds, our Parish…in fact just about everything, and the same conclusion was reached time and time again – my goodness, how lucky we all are at Holy Cross.

Returning to work on Monday was a joy, a privilege and an absolute pleasure, and I thank Mr Brad Henry once more for stepping so admirably into my shoes and performing the role of Acting Principal with absolute ease, and to Mrs Roberts, Ms Cois and Ms Riedel in supporting Brad throughout my absence.

Being away with my family for so long prompted me to reflect on my own children’s attitude towards life. Children don't enter the world hardwired to be appreciative or thankful, they learn this over time. By teaching children to be thankful, it helps them to resist the urge to be self-centred and self-absorbed. It is important for children to appreciate the good in their lives - a home, food, clothing, education and the love of family and friends - for thankfulness is directly related to happiness.

In our consumer driven society, it is easy to be unwittingly drawn into the culture of the ‘must-haves’. The consequence, however, of providing our children with their every heart’s desire, is that instead of appreciating and being thankful for what they have, they want and expect more. The act of exposing our children to the everyday struggle billions of people have to find food, clean water and adequate shelter, can easily challenge our children’s assumptions about the things they take for granted. Doctors, dentists and teachers are but a dream for so many of these people. Even in the simple things of life, we have so much more than many other children.

In Australia during the last week of May, the National Day of Thanksgiving is held. On this day we are encouraged to pause as a nation and say thank you to God, and to each other, for the many things we often take for granted but which really make our lives worth living. We are invited to celebrate our Christian heritage, demonstrate the love of God, thank those who have made a positive impact on our lives, and encourage each other. The day I returned to Australia, my family and I had our own “Family Day of Thanksgiving”. It was wonderfully refreshing – maybe you could consider have a family day of thanksgiving of your own.

And now here we are, three weeks into Term 4 already, with thoughts of 2017 very much on our agenda. Plans for staffing and class lists have commenced, with questions already flooding in from our parent body. There will be some inevitable movement of staff across year levels for professional renewal, but at this stage we cannot confirm what this will be. What I can confirm is that we have once again secured the services of Mr David Gunter, Miss Jo Van Ewyk and Mrs Aleisha Russell. Please join me in congratulating these staff on the renewal of their contracts.

With regards to student placement for 2017, I ask parents to trust the staff at Holy Cross with the process of class allocation. Our practice at Holy Cross is very transparent – we invite every child to trace around their hand and, after some helpful tips from their teacher, the children write the names of friends they work well with inside each of the five fingers. Staff then work through these lists and endeavour to place the children with at least one of their selection. This first draft is then shared with previous teachers and specialist staff to ensure that past experiences can be taken into consideration. Mr Henry, Mrs Roberts and I then cross reference these lists with any other information we might have, and the lists continue to be circulated until we are satisfied with the combination.

I am very happy for parents to contribute to this conversation, but please do NOT request a specific teacher for your child. Requests such as these cannot be met. If you do have any concerns or queries, please book a time for a chat with your child’s current class teacher who will be more than happy to put your mind at rest, or put your request in writing to myself. And don’t forget, positive conversations at home about the inevitable changes ahead ensure a happy transition.

Before I conclude I would like to once again extend a warm invitation to this Saturday’s Parish Jubilee celebrations commencing at 3pm with a photographic display outside of Holy Cross Church, followed by Mass at 4pm and a celebratory feast to follow in the Multipurpose Area. There will be some entertainment available for the children, so we hope very much to see you all there.

Wishing you God’s blessings now and always,

Sarah Hamilton

APA News

DAY FOR DANIEL

Friday 28th October, we will be having our annual ‘Day for Daniel’ walk. We ask that everyone wear a sun safe red shirt with their school uniform. We will be a sea of red as we walk either towards Campus or Johnny Crows Childcare after assembly. It will be Holy Cross’ way of keeping the message about personal safety awareness in the minds of our community.

Prep, Years 2, 4 and 6 will walk along the footpath towards Campus. While Years 1, 3 and 5 will walk towards Johnny Crows Childcare. Parents are more than welcome to join us on the walk.

You may consider downloading the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s Help Me App for your child’s phone.

Holy Cross School Swimming Timetable
Term 4, 2016

Swimming is a recognized part of the curriculum offered at Holy Cross. It is expected that all students in Years Prep to 3 will participate in this program during Weeks 2 to 8 of Term 4.

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

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

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

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Congratulations to Week 1 & 2 Holy Cross Heroes:

“We were caught demonstrating, playing it safe.”

FLASHING LIGHT SCHOOL ZONE SIGNS

Flashing Light Signs to be installed at Holy Cross School

On Monday 24th November, flashing light school zone signs will be installed on Reed Road, Trinity Park.

Holy Cross School was nominated to receive these new signs as part of a Queensland Government commitment to improve school road safety.

You will notice that the new signs look similar to standard school zone signs with the addition of a red flashing ring around the speed limit as well as two flashing yellow lights at the top of the sign. The installation of flashing light school zone signs is proven to improve visibility of school zones, serving as an active reminder for motorists to slow down.

So next time you’re dropping off or picking up your child, keep an eye out for the new signs and make sure you stick to the signed speed limit.

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

PARISH 50 YEARS JUBILEE

A reminder that all Holy Cross families are invited to attend our Northern Beaches Parish 50 years Jubilee, on Saturday 22nd October, here at Holy Cross.

• 3:00pm - Photographic display
• 4:00pm - Mass
• 5:00pm - BBQ, concert, children’s activities

Students from St Andrew’s and Holy Cross will be taking part in the music for Mass as well as the concert.

MISSION WEEK AND CRAZY SOCK DAY

Each year, during World Mission month, Catholic schools across the Diocese support Catholic Mission with some type of fundraising venture. It is tradition here at Holy Cross, that we wear our crazy socks for “Crazy Sock Day”. This year, our chosen date will be Children’s Mission Day, which is Wednesday 26th October.

The gold coin donations that we collect, will help give children around our world the opportunity for a hope-filled future. It will also help to raise awareness, not only of the work of Catholic Mission, but also of some of the issues such as child labour and homelessness, that children are vulnerable to.

Why socks?

• Socks work best in pairs-we are partnering up with Catholic Mission.
• Socks are all different, just as each child is unique and special.
• Socks keep us warm and protect us.
• Socks are part of our everyday clothes and it’s the normal everyday contributions that allow us to make a difference in the world.

WONDERS OF LIVING

Natural Fertility Services (NFS) Cairns will return to our school this term to present a Personal Development Program based on the “Wonder of Living” series. NFS is a Catholic Diocesan Service and has been educating in the area of age appropriate sexuality for over twenty years in the Cairns diocese. The program is values-based and family-orientated and has the full support of Bishop James Foley. NFS presenters are accredited Family Life Educators.

Parents are a child’s primary source of formation regarding their sexual development and this program seeks to assist parents in this area. A one hour ‘Parents Only Session’ providing the opportunity to assess the suitability of the program for your child will be held on Monday 24 October at 1.45pm and repeated at 6.30pm in the school library.

Children in Years 2 to 4 will view the first movie of the three part “Wonder of Living” series entitled 'A New Baby The Unique Gift of Each Child!’ The movie shows a family sharing the story of their son’s birth. It is the wonderful story of how life in the womb grows from conception to birth.

Children in Years 5 and 6 will view the second movie of the series entitled ‘And Now There’s Me’ which follows the same family as they discuss the importance of family, relationships, our amazing bodies and healthy choices.

Following the movie, the session continues with a group discussion using foetal development and baby models to create the appropriate environment where questions may be asked and answered.

You are invited to attend and participate in the movie sessions with your child on as follows:

The program also includes Puberty Talks for the Year 5 and 6 students in gender specific groups. The issues discussed are puberty, hygiene, hormones, body and emotional changes, behavioural issues and managing periods (girls). These sessions do discuss puberty changes for both genders, in an attempt to foster an attitude of respect for this time of change in their lives.

We encourage parents to attend the movie sessions and take advantage of this Personal Development Program being offered for the benefit of all families in our school community.

If you have attended the Parents Only Session and DO NOT WISH your child to attend the program please click on the link below and complete the form and return it to school by Monday 31st October.

Natural Fertility Services
Presents:

Wonder of Living
Parent Sessions

Monday 24th October 1.45pm & 6.30pm

Years 2 to 4 Movie 1

Wednesday 2nd November

Years 5 & 6 Movie 2

Puberty Talks

Tuesday 1st November

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Jubilate Parish celebrations - Saturday 22nd October from 3:00pm
• Year 2 Level Mass - Tuesday 1st November at 9:00am – All Saints
• Remembrance Day Liturgy - Friday 11th November at 9:00am
• Years 3, 4 and Prep Level Mass - Tuesday 22nd November at 9:00am
• Graduation Liturgy for Year 6 - Wednesday 30th November at 6:30pm
• End of Year Mass - Friday 2nd December at 11:00am

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

From Sr Kym Harris osb….

Droning to Zoning

If you ever see a film parodying people praying the Rosary, they sound like a group droning on: the same prayer going over and over, backwards and forwards like waves, never seeming to go anywhere and certainly not interesting. A similar criticism could be directed at people lifting weights in the gym, especially when they are hot, sweaty, grunting or groaning in pain. The good that is being done isn’t obvious. It’s on the inside.

When one says the Rosary, the repetitious praying of the Our Father and the Hail Mary, boredom quickly sets in: it is meant to. We come along to pray the Rosary consumed by our concerns, fears and ideas about how our lives should go and then we start to pray the same prayers over and over, gently meditating on aspects of the life of Jesus. What happens then is that we go down into a deeper place in our lives. At first, it seems dark and boring. We can’t see anything nor do we know what is going on and the temptation is to back out and say it doesn’t work. But just as the gym doesn’t give instant results, neither does this style of prayer.

What we are aiming for, what is the sign of success is to allow ourselves to just rest in the love of God. The repeated prayers then become like strokes of affection, soothing and calming, letting us let go of the strangled hold our cares have on us. Our lives are more than our troubles. There is a bigger picture and, usually, we only come to see this when we move into this precious zone of resting in God.

Loving Father, let me realise the healing that repetitious prayer can make in my life. Help me to pray the Rosary that I may come to rest in your love. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

PARISH NEWS

Parish Mass Times

Curriculum News

How our School was Built

(Student Year 3)

“Get your handwriting books out”

“YES! I am soooo good at handwriting!“

“Oh, hi guys, do you know how long this school has been here?”

“No? Well, let’s find out!

Our Church used to be a….. wait, why don’t you guess…. In 1980, our church used to be a tractor shed for 7 years! Before that it was cane everywhere…beautiful sugar cane!

So we had our church built. Hurray! After it was built it was blessed by Bishop John Bathesby.

Then, local parents wanted a Catholic school for their kids, so they decided to build one. In 1987 Block A was built. Hurray!! Don’t you think the children would have loved it? It’s amazing isn’t it! At that time Bob Scillironi was the Principal.

In 1989, Block B was built and even more kids came to the school. There were only 28 kids at the start…now there are way more kids! Then the Administration building was built as well, and the Library was built in the shape of a cross.

Then we got a new Priest called, Father Miah McSweeney. A new priest, hooray!! In 1997, the preschool was opened and there were 50 students.

House names were the last thing in the school. The names are Dillon, after the previous owner of the land. Then there was Mallon, Robinson and Peterson who were all farmers in the Northern Beaches.

So there we have it, the story of how Holy Cross became Holy Cross!

“Sshhh! It’s time to listen to what the teacher needs to say about handwriting today.”

Scholastic Book Club

Book Club orders are due Friday 21st October. All orders are encouraged to be completed online. Orders will be delivered to students’ classrooms. Please click on the link below for Scholastic online ordering and payment information.

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 to please notify the school office. We understand families may be unsure at this stage but ask that when you have received notification that you advise the school as quickly 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 4 School Fees

Term 4 fees have now been processed and emailed to families and are due for payment by Friday, 28th October 2016. If you have alternative payment arrangements in place (eg. Periodic Direct Debits, approved repayment plans etc) please ensure your 2016 fees are paid in full by 25th November 2016. 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.

2017 Fee Concessions

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

In January 2017, 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 for 2016 you will need to complete a new application form and bring your existing/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.

Unfortunately, due to system requirements we are unable to backdate concession card discounts, so all applications and cards must be presented to the school office prior to the fees being issued for the discount to apply to that term.

Dental Van Services

Thankyou to all the parents and care givers that have responded promptly to the offer of FREE dental checkups for their children whilst the van was here at Holy Cross.

The dental van is now relocating to Trinity Beach State school.

ALL students will still be able to access FREE dental care, (check up appointments, treatment and emergencies) but will be required to be seen at the Community Health Centre, Danbulan Street, Smithfield for all their appointments.

To arrange appointments, parents can continue to call the call centre number on 1300 300 850.

Katrina and Tania would like to thank both the parents and children that have visited us in the van and would particularly like to thank the school and office staff for their kind cooperation and friendly faces whilst we have been at the school

We trust that families will continue to eat well, drink plenty of water and be diligent with their oral health measures.

Looking forward to seeing you all at your next dental recall checkups.

Best Wishes,
Yours in Good Health,
Katrina and Tania (SDS Dental therapists)
Oral Health Services
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service

P & F Christmas Fair News

Free Dress Day

Choco Lotto/Bottle Stall Free Dress Day – In order to assist these two stalls Holy Cross is holding a free dress day on Friday 4th November 2016. Students may wear free dress to school on this day (wide brimmed hat, closed toe shoes and sun smart clothing a must) in lieu of bringing along a small chocolate for our “Choc Lotto Stall” and a full bottle for “Bottle Stall”. The bottle could be wine, soft drink, shampoo, body lotion etc, however we ask that you please check the expiry date if you are grabbing something out of your pantry.

2016 Cash for Christmas Raffle Tickets

Raffle tickets have now been sent home with students so please keep a look out for them in your child’s bag. There are great prizes to be won:-

1st Prize - $2000 cash for Christmas
2nd Prize- $500 cash for Christmas
3rd Prize - $250 cash for Christmas

There are also prizes for the students who sell the most tickets:

1st - $100, 2nd - $50, 3rd - $25, 4th & 5th – 10 Ride tickets

Additional tickets are available from the tuckshop each morning at 8.10am. All tickets must be returned to the office no later than the morning of Thursday 17th November for students to be eligible for these prizes. Ticket seller prize winners will be announced at assembly on Friday 18th November.

The raffle will close and be drawn at the Holy Cross Christmas Fair, Saturday 19th November 2016 at 7.30pm.

The first class to return all their raffle tickets will receive a free pizza and drink lunch.

Holy Cross Parents and Friends Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the generous sponsors and contributors to our annual fair:- Cairns Beaches Accountants, Cairns Beaches Flashpackers, Chill Café, Custy’s Plumbing Services, EDMS Australia, FNQ Hot Property, Kids on Cove Children’s Boutique Store, North Queensland Podiatry.

Cent Sale or Silent Auction Donations

Are you able to help with a donation for our Cent Sale or Silent Auction? If you have a business or service and would like to donate a prize to our Christmas Fair efforts please contact Karen Arthur at kazanne76@hotmail.com

White Elephant – Trash & Treasure Stall Donations

Our Trash and Treasure Stall is also looking for donations. Any items (new or used) in good and/or working condition will be gratefully received and sold on the Fair day.

• Clean clothes for young and old
• Household items
• Toys
• Books or DVD’s.

Please no electrical items.

Donation drop offs can be left at the bottom of the stage (left hand steps) to be collected, or if you have a large quantity to collect please contact Tracey Cook on 0413 089 679.

Plant Stall

Our plant stall was missed last year, however this year Belinda Patmore our Holy Cross Tuckshop Convenor has kindly offered to take on this popular stall. If you have a green thumb and love to propagate plants Belinda would love to hear from you. Please contact her on 0422 712 461. We would love to receive donations of potting mix and plastic pots. In the event you can assist with these items please deliver them to the tuckshop.

Preserves Stall

If you have a secret family recipe for a great Tomato Chutney, favourite sauce, jam or marmalade please contact Tony Sheehan on tony@evolutionbites.com.au. You can keep the recipe secret, we won’t tell! Alternatively, we would love to get you cooking for our preserves stall. Clean jars with lids are available if you can assist.

Market Stall

If you are a parent of the school who may own a business and would be interested in renting a stall space (BYO tent and table), then please contact Tracey Cook (timtraceycook@bigpond.com) to advise of your contact details and your stall. There will be a rental charge of $50.00 for the space to display a stand at the Christmas Fair.

Cakes, Sweets & Slices

Are you able to bake for our Cake Stall? All donations gratefully received. We have a cold room for storage of these items which can be dropped off from Wednesday 16th November. Cakes, scones, honey joys, choc crackles, cupcakes, biscuits, slices, muffins, fudge or brownies are all options. Due to health and safety issues we are not able to sell “high risk” foods such as cream, raw eggs, meat, custards etc. Please securely wrap (airtight) and clearly label all items.

Class Stall Allocations

Notices will be shortly sent home with class stall allocations. Please consider volunteering some of your time so that the workload can be shared to ensure everyone has time to enjoy the fair with their families.

Tuckshop News

Please click on the links below to view the Term 4 Tuckshop Menu and instructions for using the new Flexischools Online Tuckshop Ordering System.

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

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

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

OSHC (Outside School Hours Care)

OSHC needs your help!

Our OSHC family plays a large part in all of our lives and we strive to provide the best for all of our children who attend. We endeavor to make everyone’s OSHC experience as fun and interesting as possible.

It is important that our service environment is enriching and offers tools to assist in socialisation, creativity and much more for learning and development. For us to be able to do this it is important for us to change our equipment and resources every so often, particularly replacing very worn or damaged resources, bringing in fresh and exciting new experiences.

Due to not having a large amount of funding available to us we rely a lot upon donations from within our community. Our staff plays a large part in donating various items to OSHC, but we are finding that with our growing numbers and lots more little hands on everything now, this does not suffice as things become worn a lot quicker, so we are asking for your help where possible.

Below are some items that OSHC requires or needs replacing:

• Blankets (kids think these are perfect for cubby making!)
• Dress up items/costumes
• Games and play equipment (indoor or outdoor use)
• Items for home corner (play kitchen’s, vets, fire stations, cash register etc)
• Scooters and helmets
• Balls (especially soccer balls), skipping ropes
• Craft supplies (always needed)
• PG rated DVD’s
• Children’s books
• PG rated Xbox games
• Small office desk
• Garden bench

Any of the above or other items you think may be of use in good, tidy, working condition would be greatly appreciated by all of our Children and Staff.

We thank you in advance for your assistance and we are all very grateful to everyone and the families who already think of us when doing a clear out of unused items.

Thank you!! :)

Bek Edwards
Coordinator
Holy Cross Outside School Hours Care

Mo: 0410 629 096
Tel: 07 4057 6895
Fax: 07 40578183

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

Community Notices

Children’s Eyesight Screening

Let’s detect vision problems before it affects a child’s learning

Catholic Education has teamed with Optometry Queensland to promote the screening of children’s eyesight before entering school and in the early years. Smart Eye Start is an initiative of Optometry Queensland that provides comprehensive eye examinations by member optometrists, for children entering the Catholic school system.

Without early detection, eye conditions can negatively impact on a child’s social and educational development, and in some cases, increase the risk of total blindness in adulthood. This comprehensive eye examination will ensure the one in four children with significant eye conditions do not go undetected.

Parents/carers, you are encouraged to take your child to an optometrist, either listed on the form or one of your choice, and return the form to the school office when your child starts Prep. Children who have already started school without screening are also encouraged to participate in the program, as soon as possible in the Early Years.

Girl Guides

WANTED – LEADERS FOR SCOUTING

Are you 18 years or over, like the outdoors and working with children? Then this could be for you. No qualifications required as full training is given. Those interested please contact Helen on 0407 589 338.

Well Women’s Health Clinics

QLD Government Well Women’s clinics are available to Medicare eligible clients at the following locations:-

• Smithfield Community Health - Tuesday 8th & Friday 25th November, Phone 4226 4800 and
• James Cook University on Wednesday 2nd & Monday 28th November, Phone 4226 4812 Services are available to Medicare eligible clients.

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.