9 December 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents / Carers,

One of my favourite activities during the Advent and Christmas season is the singing of carols. The sound of our students’ voices singing together in harmony at our End of Year Mass in Holy Cross Church made my heart swell. And now that term has finished, I have Carols by Candlelight, Carols in the Park, and my favourite (and my children’s constant source of misery), Carols in the Car to enjoy, all expressing happiness and joy.

However, not all carols were composed in happy or joyful circumstances and the “Twelve Days of Christmas” was one such carol.

When Henry VIII had his falling out with Pope Clement VII, he set about to dismantle the Catholic Church and to establish the Church of England. Catholics were not permitted to practise their faith openly or even in private; if they were caught, the consequences were severe: heavy fines, imprisonment, even death.

So, Catholics devised a coded carol as an instruction tool for their children. It was called the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and its images covered the essentials of their Catholic Faith:

• “True love” = God;
• “Me” = every baptised person;
• “Partridge in a pear tree” = Jesus and his cross;
• “Two turtle doves” = the New and Old Testaments;
• “Three French hens” = faith, hope and charity;
• “Four calling birds” = the four Gospels;
• “Five golden rings” = the Pentateuch which are the first five books of the Hebrew Scripture containing the “law” or teaching and instructions;
• “Six geese-a-laying” = the six days of creation;
• “Seven swans a swimming” = the Gifts of the Holy Spirit;
• “Eight maids a milking” = the Beatitudes;
• “Nine ladies dancing” = the fruits of the Holy Spirit;
• “Ten lords a leaping” = the ten commandments;
• “Eleven pipers piping” = the eleven faithful Apostles;
• “Twelve drummers drumming” = the twelve articles of faith in the Apostles Creed.

Another popular Christmas Activity is to erect the Christmas tree and clothe it with “robes” of decoration. Most probably, the Christmas tree had its origin through a combination of two medieval religious symbols, the Paradise Tree and the Christmas Candle.

Around about 1000 A.D. Advent plays told the stories of creation and the fall of Adam and Eve. Usually, the plays ended with a promise of the coming of a Saviour. The Garden of Eden was depicted by a fir tree with apples hanging on it; it was called the Paradise Tree. The custom moved from being outside plays to being in-home celebrations, where Christians would hang apples and other meaningful items on the tree, including small candles to remind them of God’s gift to them of Christ the Saviour, the “light of the world”. The Christmas Candle was lit on Christmas Eve to symbolise Christ the light of the world; the candle remained lit for the entire Christmas period.

One final popular Christmas activity worthy of a mention is the setting out of the crib, which is an attempt to reconstruct the stable and manger environment in which Christ was born.

The crib, as we know it, dates from St Frances of Assisi who, on Christmas Eve 1223, celebrated the stable scene with a sermon about the humble surrounds into which Jesus was born in the very humble town of Bethlehem.

All these real activities and symbols of Christmas are there to help us to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son. I wish each and every one of you a day of great celebration within an atmosphere of peace and joy.

And no doubt, as soon as the festive season has passed, families will turn their attention to family holidays and then the start of the new school year. To help you to prepare for this I have complied a list of helpful information, outlined below:

CLASS PLACEMENT

Staff are, I believe, our greatest asset at Holy Cross, and considerable time and energy has been devoted to finding the perfect match for our wonderful school. During the first week of the Christmas holidays, our staffing schedule was finally completed. It is therefore with great pleasure that I announce the names of the staff assigned to each year level:

Due to the late appointment of some staff members, notification of class allocations will not be emailed out until the week beginning January 9th, 2017 when the office reopens following the Christmas break. I once again ask parents to trust the staff at Holy Cross with class allocation. Our process is very transparent, and involves a tremendous amount of consultation and consideration. Keep the positive conversations going at home about the inevitable changes ahead to ensure a happy transition at the start of next year.

UNIFORM

Lowes, Smithfield, have everything you need to kit your child out with a smart new uniform for 2017, the only exception being a school bag and shoes.

The Holy Cross backpack is available for purchase the week prior to the commencement of the school year (19th January, 2017) from the Holy Cross Tuckshop for $55. This bag is extremely durable; has multiple compartments to keep supplies and notes close at hand; is large enough to accommodate all homework items, swim kit and other essential items; and, has been carefully designed to minimise damage to the spine. Families who purchase the Holy Cross backpack in Prep have reported that it is still going strong even after their child departs from Holy Cross at the end of Year 6 .

Another item well worth investing the extra dollars in, is a good pair of school shoes. As per the Holy Cross School Uniform Policy, students are required to wear black leather sports shoes, (velcro for Prep please).

Students not wearing the correct shoe-type in 2017, will unfortunately not be able to participate fully in HPE lessons due to Health and Safety policies. Please ensure you purchase the correct style of shoe to avoid further cost being incurred when having to replace the shoes at a later date.

NUDE FOOD LUNCH BOXES

The Holy Cross Student Environment Committee kindly requests the support of families in the provision of ‘Nude Food’ lunches. In their passionate attempts to look after our environment and preserve marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, they ask that families pack food items in plastic reusable containers to minimise rubbish brought to school. They would be most grateful if you could please support them in their quest by adding suitable containers to your child’s Christmas Wish List.

Before I conclude, I thank you once again for the constant flow of love and support bestowed upon me throughout my first year as Principal. I feel incredibly honoured and extremely blessed to have been invited into this wonderful community. I am looking forward to 2017 with immense excitement and anticipation as we enter the next leg of our exciting journey together.

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

APA News

MAY JOY AND HAPPINESS SNOW ON YOU, MAY THE BELLS JINGLE FOR YOU AND MAY SANTA BE EXTRA GOOD TO YOU!

MAY YOU TAKE SOME TIME THIS CHRISTMAS TO REFLECT ON ITS TRUE MEANING!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! SEE YOU IN 2017

Many blessings

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal

Thank you to all the families who donated goods to our appeal. I am, once again, overwhelmed by the generous response from families. Attached is a copy of the Certificate of Appreciation from the St Vincent De Paul Society FNQ Council.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Holy Cross families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and restful holiday break. May the peace and joy of the Christmas season be with you all!

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

School News

What’s been happening?

2016 Jason Portelli Award Recipient

Winner of the 2016 Jason Portelli Award, James Harrop with Gina Robb.

2016 Rugby League Awardees

Best and Fairest – Kyden Musumeci
Coach’s Award and Player’s Player – Will Dawson
Most Improved (absent) – Michael Laffin Cragg

Pictured with Ms Marg Judd (Manager) who is holding the inaugural School of Origin trophy named in her honour for her commitment to Rugby League over many years. The trophy was awarded to both Trinity Beach and Holy Cross for their drawn match held recently at Ivanhoes Football Club.

All the Fun of the Year 5 Christmas Markets

The success of the Year 5 Christmas markets was evident with almost all stock sold and a profit to charities of approximately $1 000.

The Christmas markets are a culminating activity for the Year 5 students from their Technologies and Economics and Business curriculum work. Now in its fifth year, it continues to be very successful, with this year each business returning the full investment to their investors and each making a profit.

Students work in groups to develop a business plan, and sell their ideas to a group of investors. A number of staff were part of a Shark Tank initiative and students had to outbid others to be able to invest in prospective businesses. Students had to create suitable items for sale at the Christmas market. Popular products this year included the Sock Snowmen, Lemon Handscrub, Towel Reindeer and the Tornado Bottles.

The most successful three businesses were Candy Pines, Christmas Crafters and Santa’s Little Helpers.

The best part was working in small groups. Students felt very independent owning their own project.

The Year 5 cohort selected four charities to donate their profit to. These included the Cancer Council, Yaps, Rosies and Caritas.

Charles from 5S said, “I enjoyed selling on the day. I would recommend to the Year 4’s coming into Grade 5, put a lot of thought into your product. It’s important to be able to sell it to kids.”

Year 5 teacher, Mr David Gunter, who has been involved in the project for four years, has seen it grow where businesses are now making a profit. The biggest change has been the introduction of the Shark Tank. “I am very proud of these kids”, he said. “To see it through from the planning stage to selling the product, and then donating their profit to charity, is remarkable.”

Ms Marg Judd and Grace Sheehan 5S

Healthy Chef Recipe

By Seb Grillo

POWER BAR

Serves 16

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

125g Butter
30 g Brown Sugar
2 TBS Honey
120g Oats
40g Shredded Coconut
75g SR Flour
65g Dried Cranberries
1tsp Chia Seeds

EQUIPMENT

Scales
Wooden Spoon
Saucepan
Bowl
Tsp and TBS
Baking paper
Pan 19 x 30cm
Chopping board and knife

RECIPE STEPS

1. Heat oven to 180’C.
2. Heat saucepan – melt butter, sugar and honey.
3. Once melted add remaining ingredients and stir well.
4. Line pan with baking paper.
5. Press ingredients into pan.
6. Bake in over 180’C for 15 minutes.
7. Cool then cut in 16 pieces.

TIPS AND NOTES

Add 70g of slivered almonds for that extra crunch.

Instead of 120g of oats, use 90g oats and 30g Quinoa flakes or an interesting flavour.

School Grounds Out of Bounds Over the Holidays

A reminder that our school grounds, including basketball courts, ovals and undercover areas are out of bounds over the school holiday period.

Please remind your children that they are not permitted on the grounds during the holidays.

Police have encouraged members of the community to report suspicious activity and incidents of trespassing.

We encourage our school community to keep an eye on our school. If you see any suspicious activity occurring, please contact the numbers listed below immediately;

2016 School Fees

Term 4 fees are now past due and require your urgent attention. Thank you to the families who have already paid their school account or updated their payment plan. If families have not updated their direct debit this year, it is quite possible that there may be a shortfall of the total amount owing.

Please be aware that Semester 2 report cards may have been withheld if fee accounts remained unpaid and communication regarding genuine financial difficulties or other influencing family circumstances has not been communicated with the Principal.

For those families returning next year who have direct debits in place with the school, please plan to make a time at the commencement of the school year to meet with our Finance Officer, Carolyn Mealing in order to recalculate your 2017 payment plan amount.

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, please complete an application form in January and present your card to the school office for verification. If you have previously supplied the school with a copy of your card in 2016 you will still 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 and F Wrap Up

Phew….I know a lot of parents are out there saying it. Also, ‘where does the time go?’, ‘Can you believe it’s Christmas already?’ and other things of the like.

All I wanted to say is that this year has been a massive year for our P&F and we have achieved far more than I could have thought possible for our school and surrounding community. From our fair to the discos, working bees, to cake / bbq stalls, helping to push the local council along to get our flashing 40km lights up at the front of the school, getting jerseys for our students who represent our school in sport, to getting the soccer goals for every grade, to organising 3 new marquees for the school and getting every grade a picnic bench they can sit down and eat their lunch at. I know I have forgotten something, so please forgive me.

Now this all sounds simple and easy, and it is when you have a great group of volunteers willing to get involved, take ownership and make that difference for the school and therefore their children’s future. For that I applaud and commend you. You know who you are. Whatever you have done to assist our school, tuckshop or P&F, I thank you.

A great contributor to our fair and our discos has been overlooked, and for that I do apologise. Chris McKenna from Redlynch State College has donated lights and PA equipment as well as his evenings and weekend time to assist us this year. Thanks Chris and to Redlynch State College. I would not have looked half as good a DJ the last disco without your kit.

I would also invite any parent or guardian to visit a meeting if you have any curiosity regarding what goes on and what we are striving to achieve. Every thought and comment is valid.

Have a fantastic Christmas, fun New Year and I shall see you in 2017.

Kind Regards,
Damian Martin-Blakey
P&F President

Christmas Fair Wrap Up 2016

2016 Holy Cross Christmas Fair was a great success. Thank you to our school community.

We had great support this year and have a number of people to thank so the long list shall begin:

To our convenors, Tony Sheehan – Bar, Rachel Bowe – Soft Drink, Tina Stevens who manned the tuck shop, Deb Scarborough and crew - White Elephant, Mel Emmerick– Bottle Stall, Kymberlee Jackson – Show bags/Glow sticks\Lucky dips and Gifts, Karen Arthur – Silent auction and Cent sale, Leanne Woodley– Choc Lotto, Mark Freeman – BBQ, Tony & Vicki Sheehan - Preserves, Rachel Bowe and Susie Dobson - Raffle, Vicki Brown –Hairspray, Jenni Rigby– Ham Wheel, Damian Martin Blakey and Mrs Wight – Stage show, Joe Dobson – Spring Rolls, Angela Cornell, Macarla Debel & Melindie Galipin – Cakes, Belinda Patmore – Plants and Susie Dobson for our Kids Games Zone we say THANK YOU. Without you we would not have a Fair. We are very grateful for your dedication to making the night a success.

We also have a number of businesses and people that donate to our Fair and we would like to mention them also. If you can support them in any way please do so as they have supported our school:

Silent Auction and Cent Sale

Go Bowling Cairns, Cairns Zoom, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, Tjapukai, Kuranda Rail, Skyrail, Sunlover Reef Cruises, Cairns Harbour Cruise, Coconut Village Resort, Coles Clifton Beach, Smithfield Centre Management, Hartleys Creek Crocodile Adventures, Cairns Cableski, Paronella Park, Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Segway, Sugarworld, Half Moon Bay Golf Club, Brothers League Club, Quicksilver, Deb Reynolds

Karen would like to extend a huge thanks to Naomi, Jane, Sido, Kati, Lisa, Paulina and Enza for their fantastic assistance.

Ham Wheel

As usual Marshes Butchers for their generosity. Thank you to Jenni Rigby and all of the Holy Cross staff and a few odd parents who chipped in to sell ticket on the night.

Curry Stall

To Tina for stepping in and pulling it all together on the day and to Clare Ryan for coming in (despite not having a student at Holy Cross any longer) to assist when I put the call out. Our lovely helpers on the night were Gisele Rossini, Toni Laffin-Craig, Tash McPherson, Nikki Richardson, Kira Theron.

BBQ

Meat @ Mickeys in Kewarra Beach. To the small army of volunteers who assisted Mark during preparation and on the evening. Please forgive me if I have missed anyone. Chris Fudali, Michael Christie, Angie Boswell, Sandra McCarthy, Mark Smedts, Tina Stevens, Maree Giles, Sam Harrop, Mel & Sheryl McCullough and Sandra Freeman. The BBQ is a busy and hot place to be on Fair night your work is very much appreciated.

Mark has run the BBQ stall for a number of years and his daughter Georgia is now in Grade 6 so will be leaving the school at the end of the year. We would like to thank Mark for his dedication to the BBQ stall, it is no easy feat getting it organised and running smoothly. Thanks, Mark, it has been truly appreciated.

Choc Lotto

Leanne wishes to thank all the amazing volunteers. Also huge thank you to families for their amazing donations. This stall runs due to your generosity. Thanks to the Holy Cross kids for supporting the Choc Lotto stall, it’s always popular…..hmm wonder why!

Bottle Stall

Thank you to our Holy Cross Families for their continued support of this stall. To Mel Emmerick who co-ordinated the Stall and her merry band of happy volunteers helping her on the night – Well done Mel!

Preserves

Sheehan Family and Cook Family. To Jane Tilmouth for her help on the night. I am reliably informed that The Sheehan Family will hang up their preserve pots this year. I would not like to say how long this family have run the Preserves stall at the Holy Cross Fete (as I would be doing them an injustice I am sure) but fair to say it has been an enormous effort on their part. Vicky and Tony we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this and huge amount of time you have given to our school Fair.

Soft Drink

Rachel would like to thank Christina Borzi, Sandra Turner, Sido Dobbie and Natalie Martin for helping man the soft drink stand.

Spring Rolls

Thank you to Joe Dobson who handmade all of these scrumptious spring rolls with Mimelle Albero, (Joe was busy on Fair night running our newly purchased Fairy Floss, Pop Corn and Snow Cone machine) Liz Chappell, Mary Camilleri (with a moon boot on) and Fred Camilleri.

White Elephant

To Deb Scarborough thanks for your dedication to the Fair with a very sick child in tow. Deb would like to thank Katrina, Fiona, Odie, Jill, Betty, Sharon, Lisa, Natalie and Cath. Setting up and packing up this stall is a BIG job and they did it with a smile on their face.

Show Bags/Lucky Dips and Glow Sticks

Huge thanks to Kymberlee Jackson for running our Show Bag stall this year and to all of her volunteers on the evening. Kymberlee would like to thank Shannon, Cameron, Cath, Alisa, Renae, Jo, Nicki, Angie and Kristine for volunteering thus ensuring she got to enjoy some of the Fair also.

Cake Stall

WOW it looked fantastic this year. Well done Prep parents and to those contributed to the cake stall. Thank you also to those who volunteered their time helping out on the night.

Plant Stall

Thanks to Belinda Patmore who offered to convene our plant stall this year. Having been without one for a couple of years it was great to have it back! Thanks to Belinda Patmore, Tracey Cook, Janelle & Hugh Bradridge for donating to our plant stall. Belinda would also like to thank the other Holy Cross families who donated to the plant stall.

Bar

To Chill Café for once again donating mangoes for our mango daiquiri’s and to Trent of Great Northern for his generous beer donation. Tony Sheehan and Mark Tilmouth thanks for the fantastic job running the Bar.

To our Holy Cross Families who donated to the following:

• Our Raffle
• Choc Lotto and our Bottle Stall Day
• Cakes

Thanks to McDonalds Smithfield for the loan of their shade tents and eskies. Your continued support of our school is wonderful.

Thanks to the many Holy Cross parents, grandparents and friends who came along on the night to volunteer on their allocated stall. What a wonderful way to contribute to the school.

To the wonderful NAB staff (organised with gratitude by Vicki Brown) who manned our counting room.

To Scott Ross for his security work on the night. Scott has been coming along to our Fair for a number of years to undertake this role and we really appreciate his willingness to do it with a smile. Thanks Scott!

To Jodie Vincent, Margie Thorpe and Carolyn Mealing who assist in whatever way we ask without question. Thank you for your dedication, it is so very much appreciated by the P & F.

Congratulations to our Student Monster Raffle Winners

• 1st Prize - Reuben & Kaleb Van Dijk
• 2nd Prize – Catherine Harrison
• 3rd Prize – Jack and Jasmine Bowe
• 4th & 5th Prize – Grace Sheehan and MacKenzie Sheldon
• Class Pizza & Drink Lunch – 1C

A bigger congratulations to our overall Monster Raffle Winners:

• 1st Prize - Petra Wintergreene
• 2nd Prize – Shannon Fiamingo
• 3rd Prize – Dobbie Holden who just happens to be The Holden Families Dog so we are hoping he gets a few doggy treats.

To Rachel Bowe and Susie Dobson who as always co-ordinated and ran our Raffle like champions. This is a huge and time consuming task and their dedication to this is awesome. They would also like to thank Bec Fox and Belinda Patmore for assisting in handing out additional ticket books.

Winner of the Jelly Bean guessing competition was Graham Butler with a guess of 810 jelly beans. For those who are curious there were 842 jelly beans in the jar.

We had a small army turn up to help set up on the morning of the Fair so we thank Terry, Bowie, Damian, Joe, Tony, Jim, Mark, Lee, Janelle, Roy, Keith, Angie, Michael, Chris, Joel, Mr Henry, Mrs Hamilton and Mrs Roberts. Some of these people have been donating their time to Fair Set up and Pack Up for many years and this year we had an exceptional team who just got it done. I am always reluctant to try to thank everyone personally who helped with set up and pack up by name as I lost count over the two days as to who was there however I am thankful for these people. These people were the ones who got the Fair up and running and got our school back to normal for our students so if I have missed your name I am so very sorry.

Special thanks to Paul Stevens of TWT Electrical who came along and once again did an amazing job setting up lights to ensure our stalls were all well-lit. Thanks Paul for giving up so much of your time.

Thank you to our fabulous Holy Cross Band, Guitar and Piano Instrumentalists and Holy Cross Choir. Julia Russell and Christina Wight did an awesome job up on our stage showcasing the talents of our students.

Of course any feedback you may have can be emailed to me at timtraceycook@bigpond.com. Thank you.

Thank you to our 2016 Raffle Sponsors this year:

Finally I would like to thank Susan Cooper of Sweetlip Graphic Design for helping me with our Fair Flyers and logos this year (despite not being a Holy Cross parent any longer). I would have been lost without your help!

Tracey Cook

Tuckshop News

Opening Hours

The tuckshop will be open to parents from Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th January between 9:00am and 1:00pm for sales of second hand uniforms, hats, socks, back packs and lunch bags. It will also be open from Monday 23rd January to Wednesday 25th January from 8:30am until 2:30pm for uniform and supply sales only, to allow time for meal preparation.

Normal tuckshop operations and meal service will commence on Friday 27th January after the Public Holiday.

Please email the Tuckshop Co-ordinator, Mrs Belinda Patmore at:- tuckshop.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au if you have any queries.

Community Notices

School Crossing Supervisor Positions

We are seeking interested persons for a casual position, approximately 1.5 hours per day, on a rotating roster, school days only. Positions available throughout the Trinity Park area.

Approved applicants will be required to undergo a medical assessment and pass a blue card application.

Pay rate starts at $28.18 per hour.

Please call 07 4045 8516 for an application package.

A Road Safety Message from Local MP Craig Crawford

School holidays are upon us and it’s a good time to think about the safety of you and your family on the road. With more people on the roads it means there is a greater risk for road users.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving road safety for Queenslanders, but we can’t do it alone. If we all make a little effort, together we can ensure Queenslanders get home safely.

If you’re planning a family road trip this holiday season, make sure you plan ahead, stick to the speed limit and take a break every two hours.

Tips to make a difference on the road:

• Watch your speed - With nearly half of all speed-related crashes occurring at just 10 km/hr over the speed limit, it’s important we change the way we look at speed not only for the holiday periods, but every time we get behind the wheel.
• Rest up, don't drink up - Plan to get plenty of sleep the night before a road trip and avoid drinking alcohol all together. You'll sleep better and drive safer the next day.
• Park your calls - Switch your phone to silent or flight mode on the road. If you have a passenger make them your designated texter and get them to take your calls.
• Stay focused and avoid driving tired - Plan rest stops every two hours and take a break for at least 15 minutes when you stop. Swap drivers if you can and don't drive for more than 10 hours in one day.
• Service for safety - Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle has been serviced and is safe. Plus it's a great idea to check your tyres, water and oil before you go.
• Plan your journey and check the road ahead - Information on road closures, roadworks and conditions can help you avoid delays and get there sooner. Call 13 19 40 or visit www.131940.qld.gov.au for info
• For a range of road safety tips and to brush up on your road rules before heading off this summer, visit: www.jointhedrive.qld.gov.au

A Message from the Cairns Police

With the end of the year already upon us, here are a few important reminders over the Christmas holiday period;

• Know where your children are
• Please ensure that your children are provided with suitable supervision and activities over the school holidays

GOING ON HOLIDAYS?

• Ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and observe the fatal five; seatbelts, speed, fatigue, drink driving and inattention.
• Ensure your house is appropriately secured, ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your place and collect mail.
• Report suspicious behaviour to your local police.

Please keep an eye on your school, report suspicious behaviour through School Watch or via Policelink.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday break.

A message from
The Cairns Police District Crime Prevention Unit.

Speech Plus Speech Pathology

After 12 months away, Kathy Bruno is re-opening her speech pathology practice in term 1, 2017. New for next year are small group programs targeting:

1. School readiness for children in the year before Prep.
2. Literacy development for children Prep – Year 6.

Places are limited so email or phone now for further information about individual or small group programs in 2017. Further information is also available on our website.

E. speechplus@bigpond.com
M. 0419390668

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 - Friday 25th November, Phone 4226 4800 and
• James Cook University on 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 below: