3 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

My initial interest in Australian author Pamela Freeman came about when undertaking research on the history of Holy Cross, an important starting point for our Charism document. Pamela writes books for both adults and children, but the one book that caught my eye was, The Black Dress: Mary Mackillop’s Early Years, which won the NSW Premier’s History Prize in 2006. In her book, Pamela writes:

“Poor little sad soul! Sister Aloysius sent him to me that first week. I was standing in the playground, looking down at the mangroves and the bay, relishing the fresh salt air. Mick, his name was, came sidling up to me reluctantly, eyes down, terror in every movement.

‘Sister says I have to tell you,’ he said in a quavering voice.

He gulped. ‘I stole a bun in the kitchen.’

God love him! I almost laughed. But I put my arm around him. ‘Were you hungry?’

He nodded. He was twisting his hands together in a combination of misery and fright. That movement alone told of months of abuse and fear.

‘Well, you go back to Sister and tell her I said to give you another bun.’

His head came up, astonished, and he met my eyes for the first time. I smiled. He grinned and hugged me hard and raced off to Sister Aloysius, leaping as he went. Then, I did laugh.”

Mary Mackillop’s action towards little Mick was one of total kindness. A century later, Mother Teresa made a statement very relevant to Mary Mackillop’s action by saying, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness, kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

Taking the time to stop, ponder and reflect on the needs of those around us is something we value highly and encourage at Holy Cross. It is our greatest wish that by surrounding our students with strong role models and leading by example whilst at school, that kindness will become part of their very nature as they mature towards adulthood.

Here’s something you might enjoy pulling to pieces a little more with your children at home: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”

Speaking of being too late, with the end of term fast approaching, so does a whole myriad of tasks and upcoming events. Please take time to read the newsletter from cover to cover over the next few weeks so that nothing is missed. There is a tremendous amount going on and we would hate for you to miss something which directly impacts upon your child.

And in addition to all the usual tasks, this year staff will be bailing out the front office in preparation for our building works. I have included some pictures of the work to be undertaken for your information. Once complete it will provide a proper frontage to the school, more office space, increased security and a little more privacy for those poor souls in sick bay. The work will unfortunately not be completed until mid-Term 1 so please bear with us whilst we live out of boxes!

One final note before I conclude, this Friday, 4th November, we are allowing a Uniform-Free Day in support of the upcoming Annual Holy Cross Fete. Please oversee the selection of clothing to be worn to school on that day, and ensure that they are not only fitting to be worn to school, but are also sun-smart and comply with Health and Safety regulations. Students who arrive at school dressed inappropriately will be asked to find alternative attire via a quick trip home or borrowing an item from Sick Bay. I look forward to your support with this matter.

Wishing you God’s every blessing now and always,
Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

Transitioning

At this time of year, many children and young people are preparing to start school or transition within school. Some children will be starting school for the very first time; others will be starting their first year of high school, while others are simply nervous about moving to the next grade.

What is transitioning?

Starting at a new school, college is a normal part of life for young people. However, it can create mixed feelings of stress, anxiety, excitement and nervousness. These feelings can be due to the uncertainty associated with change as well as changes that are occurring within young people at this time in their lives.

When young people move from primary school to high school, they experience substantial changes regarding expectations placed on them as well as changes to the structure of their environment.

For example, it can be a challenge for children starting high school to understand that they are required to change rooms for each class and that each class is taught by a different teacher. They may also grieve over the loss of their primary school friends or worry about things like being bullied, being around so many older kids, or finding their way around a bigger school. Some research has suggested that transitioning to high school in particular can be challenging to young people compared with other experiences. Young people may be both excited about the benefits that these change may bring (i.e. new experiences, more freedom), as well as anxious (i.e. leaving old peer groups behind, higher expectations of achievement).

10 tips to prepare your child for high school

Starting secondary school is exciting, but it’s a big step up from primary school. Getting used to the change can be difficult for some young people and first-day jitters can be hard to overcome.

Here are some tips to help prepare your child for high school:

1. Be positive and enthusiastic. Your child is more likely to look forward to starting high school if you’re positive about it.
2. Attend orientation events. Most high schools offer an open day in the second semester where grade six students and their parents can attend, meet teachers and tour the facilities.
3. Find a school buddy for your child. This may be a neighbour’s child or an older playmate. Some high schools have their own ‘buddy system’, where older children at the school look out for new students.
4. Understand the school routine. Being familiar with timetables, scheduled breaks and start or finish times can help your child to know what to expect from their school day.
5. Be prepared ahead of time. Involve your child in getting their books, uniform and travel pass organised well in advance of their start date, so they feel reassured and don’t have to worry.
6. Visit the school over the Christmas holidays, if possible. Stroll around the grounds to familiarise your child with the location of the toilets, office, lockers and sports facilities.
7. Figure out the travel route. Talk with your child about how they will get to and from school, and explore the route with them a few times before they start.
8. Practise travelling to and from school. If they’re walking or catching public transport, go with your child or arrange someone else to accompany them until they are confident travelling on their own.
9. Have an emergency safety plan. Be clear about who your child should contact and what you expect them to do in an emergency. Be calm and matter-of-fact about issues such as crossing major roads on their own or catching public transport if you are unable to arrange a lift for them.
10. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. They may be anxious about making the transition to high school or they may experience difficulties settling in once they start. Reassure them that it’s normal to have mixed feelings about starting a new school.

At Holy Cross in 2016 we have a number of programs in place to support students Transitioning, these include our 2017 Prep students, our students in Year 6 off to High School, our diverse learners with needs anxious about the next year level and support for many others. Should you be concerned at all or your child is showing concern we encourage you to come and talk to your classroom teacher. By being proactive about transitions we endeavour to set up the most positive pathways forward.

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!

Congratulations to Week 3 & 4 Holy Cross Heroes:

“We were caught demonstrating Respect, Right Place, Right Time and Safety First.”

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

PARISH 50 YEARS JUBILEE

Our parish celebrated in a very special way, its Jubilee. The church was full of current and past parishioners, full of joy and full of song. The St Andrew’s band and choir combined with Holy Cross to provide the music for Mass and both bands provided some wonderful entertainment for the celebrations after Mass. The children thoroughly enjoyed the animals that came for a visit, as did many of the adults! There was much reminiscing, especially whilst looking through the old photos and clippings and the food and drinks went down a treat. Thank you to all the families who attended to help make it a special day, but also to those who helped in the planning, set up and pack up of the event.

MISSION WEEK AND CRAZY SOCK DAY

Our crazy sock day was a success, with many gold coins brought in and a huge array of socks on display. Anna Jimenez from Catholic Mission was very excited to see the great photo and article written by Emma Bancroft, in the newspaper. It helps to raise awareness of the wonderful work of Catholic Mission, for children throughout the world.

Anna says, “On behalf of the missionaries and children in Cambodia and all those who will benefit from your school’s fundraising activities, THANKS A MILLION!”

WONDERS OF LIVING

As mentioned previously, Natural Fertility Services Cairns have been in our school this week, 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.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• 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….

Celebrating the Dead

This week we have two very contrasting celebrations of the dead. First Halloween, which began as a Celtic tradition and has been transformed via the USA and commercialism. Instead of having people fear death, it provokes us to laugh at it.

Then we have the Feast of Holy Souls on Wednesday. This is the Church’s celebration of those who have died, and especially our loved ones. Sometimes when people die, they may not seem to be ready for heaven. Like us, there were mixed up bundles of goodness and not so good. We don’t know how God prepares these people for the fullness of life and love but we believe that we can have some part in their final transformation into glory. By our love and prayer, we can take a part in shoeing them into the fullness of life and love with God.

And they have their part in our lives, helping us in ways they never could have done while on earth. I often turn to my departed loved ones, asking for guidance and help…and they give it – in ways that are just like their best old self. We, as Christians, don’t fear the dead. Rather, we hold them, and they hold us in the embrace of God’s love.

Loving God, I pray for my loved ones who have died. May they know the fullness of your life and love and share that with me, especially in any difficulties or challenges I may face. I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

PARISH NEWS

Parish Mass Times

What’s been happening?

Year 1 Excursion

On Thursday, Year One went on an excursion to Goomboora Park. We did lots of different activities.

We played in the creek. We used nets to try and catch tadpoles. We played with diggers and buckets. We saw a very big bearded dragon lying in the sun.

Next we went for a scooter ride. It was very long. We rode between the cane fields and Freshwater Creek. Some kids were going very fast and racing. Some kids were going slow. Some kids fell off their scooters but they were fine.

We also played on the big playground. It was fun swinging on the flying fox. It was also fun swinging on the hammock and climbing along the obstacle course.

We also went for a big treasure hunt. We used a map to look for clues. We learned about direction. We found Mentos.

It was also fun riding on the bus. We got an icy-pole when we came back to school.

Our excursion was the best day of our lives. We had so much fun!

By Aidan D and Cara K (1S)

Year 3 – From Garden to Gourmet

Year 3 have been learning about food from the garden to the plate. They have prepared the garden, grown vegetables, harvested them and cooked them. Recently they had spaghetti pasta with tomato sauce made from the cooked tomatoes and also pizza’s made from muffins, tomato sauce and cheese. Yummy.

Onomatopoeia Poem

by Tylah V 3C

Listen!
Listen to the monkey.
Gribble, dribble,
nibble.
Slobber, blobber,
flobber.
Chewy, gluey, gooey.
Squish, swish, crunch.
Whatever in the world
is she having for
lunch.

Year 4 Excursion – Fitzroy Island

Recounts by 4C

Another traffic jam! I really don’t think I will make it for the boat… And as soon as I say that, everyone turns off towards the airport – Yes!!! We are almost there! When I arrive at the Reef Fleet Terminal, I am shaking because of excitement and nervousness all mixed together. It was very hard to not scream with excitement! I said bye to my dad and went to find my friends. (Zoe)

On Wednesday, the 12th of October, aka “Christopher Columbus Day”, all the Year 4’s went to Fitzroy Island. In class, we had learned about the environment, how to be Stewards of a Sustainable Future and we even got two presentations by JCU marine biologists and Maria from the Reef Magic group. When we got on the Reef Magic boat, we found a table to sit at for the ride to Fitzroy, which took about 40 minutes. (Jack)

When we got off the boat, the teachers and parent helpers sorted us into our groups and we all went off into different directions participating at different activities. Our first activity was the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Our tour guide was called Sam. She gave us a great deal of information about turtles. They look after sick and injured ones and we should all donate money to support them. The guide told us that turtle’s hearts only beat once every 7 hours. (Lachlan)

Our next activity was going on the glass bottom boat. We saw lots of different coloured coral and fish, both big and small. The water was bright light blue. It was a perfect day, the sun was out and the water remained calm for the rest of the day. (Alyce)

Next, we went to the “Secret Garden” and it took a while to climb the stairs up to almost the top of the mountain. Taylah and I saw some caves that boulders had created. We also saw a squished chilly, some ancient rocks and a cassowary’s favourite food. Our ranger guides who were part of the Irukandji people, explained a lot about the plants like the “wait-a-while” and lawyer cane. After the walk, we sat down on the beach and talked about our own made up sea creature. What would it look like? How many eyes would it have? What about legs and fins? We came up with great ideas for weird creatures, which we will design using iPads in our media arts class. (Evelyn)

After a yummy lunch, it was time to go swimming. We got a mask, flippers and snorkels and went down to the beach and snorkelled for almost 1.5 hours. I saw spaghetti coral - I touched it and it felt really weird. (Leo)

As soon as we hopped in the water, it was amazing to see all the different types of coral and other sea life. We saw heaps of different types of coloured fish, big ones and really small fish. Now I also know what gender the fish are: Really colourful ones are boys and the dull ones are girls. That sounds pretty weird, doesn’t it! (I had to laugh about this statement Mr D.) We kept on snorkelling and came upon a sea snake. It was so cool! We weren’t just amazed about the cool coral and awesome fish, we were super amazed about the sea snake. After that, we went out a bit further and swam over a giant drop off. Here we could see even more fish. They looked so cool because of all the different colours. When we had finished our little journey around the beach of Fitzroy, we got out and took a quick shower. Then we headed back to the boat. (Jace)

After we went snorkelling, we boarded the boat and headed home. I loved the trip to Fitzroy! We had a great time and I thank our school for spending the time and money for us students and all the parents who came along to help look after us. (Evelyn)

The End

Outstanding Achievements

Congratulations to Trinity W who has recently returned from the 2016 North Aussies held in Mackay. This is the pinnacle Surf Life Saving Carnival for all clubs north of Hervey Bay with competition taking place over three days and consisting of Pool Rescue, Beach, and Water events. At the end of the weekend Trinity was crowned U12 Female Pool Rescue, Beach, and overall Age Champion. She is now looking forward to a short break before training commences for the 2017 QLD Youth Surf Life Saving Championships in Hervey Bay early next year. Fantastic achievement Trinity!

Congratulations also to Seth C who recently competed in the Gold Coast 600 Race of Stars. The top karters from all over Australia and even some international karters were in attendance. Seth’s class, Cadet 12, had 34 competitors. Seth started the race in 22nd position and finished in 13th place. Well done Seth!

Library News

Reading Olympics

The Reading Olympics has finished in the library with a spate of last minute participants. The school had more than 40 participants from all different grades reading a total of almost 900 books between them.

Our eventual winners with a total of 16 gold medals, 2 silver and 1 bronze was Petersen, earning them the 2016 Holy Cross Reading Challenge Trophy.

Remembrance Day

Next week, we commemorate Remembrance Day at Holy Cross. Friday the 11th of November marks the 98th anniversary of the Armistice, which ended the First World War (1914–18).

As part of the commemorations we will create a Remembrance Day display at the school library. If families have any wartime display materials eg medals, letters, uniforms, hats etc we would love to be able to include these in the display. Please come and see Mr Doherty or Ms Whouley if you have any materials to include.

Return of Library Books and Home Readers

Please note that all students’ library books and home readers need to be returned to the library by Friday 11th November 2016 in preparation for our annual stocktake. During Week 7 reminder notices will be sent home for unreturned books and Week 8 emails/invoices will be sent to parents for any outstanding books still not returned.

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 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 - Reminder

Reminder notices have been issued to finalise the fees for 2016. If you have received a reminder notice prompt payment would be much appreciated, as the end of term fast approaches and all school fees should now have been finalised.

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.

Semester 2 Report Cards

Please note that Semester 2 reports cards will only be available to families who are financially up-to-date with school fees or who have an approved payment agreement in place for 2016.

Please notify the school office if you have changed your address details to ensure delivery.

We are happy to provide second copies of school reports, if requested by parents, in the case where parents live apart. If you wish to receive a second report, please fill out the request form below and return to the school office by Friday 11th November 2016.

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.

Changes to Privacy Act

Changes to our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice

Due to recent changes to Privacy legislation, the Diocesan Board of Governance Education has updated the privacy policy for all schools in the Cairns Diocese. The updated policy provides parents with guidance about the approved collection and use of student information.

The changes take effect from 1 January 2017.

If you would like more information about the changes please contact Andrew McKenzie, Manager Governance and Engagement, Cairns Catholic Education Services, telephone 40509783 or email amckenzie@cns.catholic.edu.au

P & F News

P & F Meeting

The next P & F Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 9th November at 7.00pm in the school library.

Christmas Fair

Free Dress Day – Friday 4th November

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. Please ensure if you are grabbing something from your pantry that it is still within “use by” or “best before” date.

Parent volunteers are needed to help with collection of bottles 8.00am to 9.00am Friday morning. If you can assist please contact Tracey on 0413 089 679.

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 fair ride tickets

Additional tickets are available from the tuckshop each morning at 8.10am. All tickets (sold or unsold) must be returned to the office no later than Thursday 17th November. 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 compliments of the P and F Association.

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 plants, 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 with class stall allocations have been sent out. 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

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.

Please click on the link below to view the current Positive Parent Seminars on offer.

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.

Summer Drama Program

TYCs Summer School Holiday Drama Activities 5yrs – 12yrs

Want some stage time these school holidays? Join The Young Company Theatre for our Summer Drama School with special guest artists Hayley Gillespie (Design) and Yasmin Lancini (Musical Theatre). Help find the Tiki Stone in Raiders of the Secret Stone (5/12 – 8/12 from 9am – 3pm) or spread your wings and swoop into action with Magic, Mischief and Mayhem (12/12 – 15/12 from 9am – 3pm). You’re in for an icy ride with our Winter Wonderland program (19/12 – 22/12 from 9am – 3pm), and then help expose the truth in The “S” Files: File it under Strange (3/1 – 6/1 from 9am – 3pm). Or get the medieval party started with King Arthur’s Disaster (10/1 – 13/1 from 9am – 3pm) and then finally test your super powers in Villains Vengence (17/1 – 20/1 from 9am – 3pm).

Participating in TYCs action packed Summer School Holiday Programs engage our regions young performers to discover their electrifying creative abilities, develop their super charged social confidence and define their magnetic idea generation skills. All while exploring acting, costumes, lighting, sound and multimedia elements, finishing with a creative performance on the final afternoon. Book today and get your Early Bird Saving by Dec 2. For more information phone 40414066, email admin@theyoungcompany.com.au or visit our website www.theyoungcompany.com.au

Cairns Youth Orchestra Auditions

All orchestral instrumental players (including piano and saxophone) are invited to audition for the Cairns Youth Orchestra on Sunday 20th November from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Trinity Beach State High School. Please click on the link below for more information.