2 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

To all our wonderful Holy Cross families, members of the Parish and wider community, I offer the warmest and happiest of welcomes to this new academic year. We hope that any smouldering embers of regret about the passing of the holiday period will soon be extinguished by the renewing of old friendships and the making of new ones. It filled me with joy beyond measure watching our students reunite after the long break, and the instant bond formed in the creation of new classes. I for one am very happy to declare – it is good to be back.

And this year is extra special for us at Holy Cross. Following our journey of reflection and renewal throughout 2016, 2017 promises pastures new and a fresh direction. Last year we analysed our past, evaluated our charism (aptly now referred to as The Holy Cross Way), refreshed our vision, and looked to the horizon and a pathway paved with Holy Cross’s hopes and dreams. I found myself repeatedly proclaiming, “…in Unicorn Land” as we pondered upon our direction, so this year I am proud to declare, that at Holy Cross, it is officially the year of the unicorn!

As silly as this proclamation might sound, our focus for this year is inspired by a comment made by fictional character, John Michael "J.D." Dorian, in the American comedy-drama Scrubs. Dr Dorian is prone to daydreaming, imagining life free from the day-to-day toils and troubles, and this quote caught my eye and interest as I mapped out the year ahead.

To lose sight of all the things we dream of, and all the things we strive for would be a huge injustice to our community. So this year, we are going to aim high, keep looking to the horizon, and not be discouraged when things get tough along the way. This is, after all, ‘The Holy Cross Way!’

Despite my jesting about mythical creatures, our hopes and dreams (goals) for 2017 at Holy Cross are in fact quite simple and very realistic, falling under two banners:

1. Celebrated and lived Catholic identity; and,
2. Our culture to promote learning.

The many milestones already met during the school holidays, and everything we plan to accomplish during the year ahead, fall under these two banners, and I will be referring back to them regularly throughout the year.

It is important to note, however, that in order to fully embrace these goals, we require a united front, a collective wisdom, with parents, staff and students walking together. It is frequently stated that children cannot fulfil their full potential if parents and teachers do not work together as a team, and I firmly believe this to be true.

Although he lived about two and a half thousand years ago, the prophet, Jeremiah, had words that are still relevant for us at the beginning of this new school year:

“The Lord says, I know the plans I have for you …..plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11.

At Holy Cross, we try to model God’s love for each one of us, by being a renewing community where all members are valued, affirmed and empowered; where our commitment to Gospel values is expressed in every facet of our school’s endeavours. It is, after all, the ‘Holy Cross Way’, our charism, as we ‘live and learn in the way of the cross.’

Parents’ enthusiasm, support and involvement are integral to the success of our students as are the skills, dedication and professionalism of teachers. Together, staff and parents can provide educational excellence for every student, so that they can achieve their personal best. Together, we can support one another to provide an appropriate academic environment conducive to optimum teaching and learning and, when appropriate, celebrate our achievements.

And the germination of this union begins at the Parent Information Nights with information shared and questions answered. Please try to come along so we can embrace the start of a new year as a united front, ensuring that our school is a place where staff, students and families have multiple opportunities to experience God’s presence in our lives.

One of the items on the Agenda at the Parent Information Night is our uniform policy. Staff will clarify expectations regarding uniform, shoes, jewellery, hair and school bags. As outlined in my previous communication, the Holy Cross policy on these matters has not changed. In 2017, we ask that every child take pride in their appearance and association with our school, whilst complying with Health and Safety policies. The section of our Uniform Policy seeming to cause the most stress for families at present is school shoes. I have included a picture below to help.

In the absence of a sports uniform, students attending Holy Cross School need to wear black runners (no white trim or coloured logos) to enable them to fully access the curriculum. Skate shoes, canvas shoes and slip-on shoes are not compliant. A number of families have already contacted me stating that they purchased traditional black leather shoes from Lowes, assured by staff that they were compliant. Lowes apologise for this mistake, and are happy to refund families to enable them to buy a correct shoe type. I look forward to seeing every child wearing their uniform with pride throughout 2017.

May this school year see staff and parents in partnership in our collective role of secular and faith education.

Peace and Best Wishes.

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

Welcome to 2017

A very warm welcome to 2017, it is great to be back. Last week was a busy first week and it was wonderful to see many familiar faces back for another year and to welcome so many new faces to the Holy Cross community. I hope you have settled in well and wish you many happy memories ahead. To those returning to Holy Cross I trust you were blessed with an enjoyable Christmas and New Year break and were able to enjoy the company of family. I look forward over the coming weeks to catch up on those stories. It has been a smooth start to the term, with students settling into routines, teachers beginning to implement great learning plans. This term, teachers will be particularly focused on building a ‘Culture for Learning’. This will include re-introducing students to our ‘Positive Behaviour’ expectations as well as establishing an understanding of being ready for learning and understanding ‘What makes a Good Learner’. Over the coming weeks I will unpack this more with you. Below is a snapshot of some of the important events to be aware of.

Parent Information Nights

Next Tuesday and Thursday, 7th and 9th of February are our very important Parent Information evenings. These evenings are great opportunities to meet classroom teachers if you have not already, to understand and hear how your child’s class will operate and begin to build a common understanding between school and home to create the best learning environments for our children. Should you be unable to attend these sessions we encourage you to make an alternative time with classroom teachers as the three-way relationship between students, teachers and parents is vital. Please check below for the specific times of your year levels.

Grip Leadership

Information will be coming home to our student leaders this week regarding the student leadership conference ‘Grip Leadership’, to be held next Monday 6th February at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. This exciting conference is a great way to inspire our young leaders as they embark on the year and to allow them the opportunity to work with other young leaders across the diocese. I have been impressed over the past week by the standard of all our Year 6 students as leaders at Holy Cross.

Swimming 2017

This year we have made a slight change to our programming for swimming. It has been custom for students in Years 4 – 6 to commence swimming in Term 1. To allow our senior students to settle in better to their routines of school, this year’s program for Years 4 - 6 will be in Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 3. Further information will come home closer to the time. Students in Prep – Year 3 will commence their program in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4.

Below are a number of key dates for Term 1 2017 to consider:

Many blessings for the week.

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

Welcome back for the 2017 school year. A special welcome to all our new families to Holy Cross. For those who are not aware of who I am and what my role is here, I am APRE-Assistant to the Principal in Religious Education. This entails all things concerning the Religious Education curriculum, the Religious Life of the school and Social and Emotional Learning. I also work closely with the staff, students and parents in Years 3 to 6.

There are a number of ways that you, as parents, can be involved in the liturgical and prayer life of the school, starting with attending class and whole school liturgies and Masses, joining us for Monday morning prayer, attending Mass in the parish on the weekends, or coming along to special events throughout the year, where possible. I hope also to connect with parents, along with our school counsellor, Veronica Sandall, on topics related to our Social and Emotional Learning program.

HOLY CROSS CHARISM

Charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit, a living passion, the beliefs and values that the Catholic community shares. These are reflected in what is done, how it is done and who is doing it. In a Catholic Christian educational context, Charism can be viewed as a spiritual energy that permeates our community based on significant people, virtues and stories.

At Holy Cross School, our charism is built upon our identity as a centre of, well-being and learning in the Catholic tradition through:

• Relationships
• Community
• Service
• Stewardship

We will refer to this charism throughout the year, as what we do and who we are as a school community comes from, and feeds into it. We call it, “The Holy Cross Way”.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Prep and Year 1 Liturgy Tuesday 21st February at 9:00am
• Ash Wednesday Liturgy 26th February at 9:00am
• Weekend Family Mass Years 3 & 4 Sunday 19th March at 8:30am
• ANZAC Day Liturgy Monday 24th April at 9:00am
• Years 2 & 4 Mass Tuesday 7th March at 9:00am
• Years 3, 5 & 6 Mass Tuesday 28th March at 9:00am
• Mothers’ Day Liturgy Friday 5th May at 9:30am T.B.C.
• Weekend Family Mass Years 1 & 2 Sunday 28th May at 8:30am
• First Holy Communion Saturday 17th June at 6:00pm, Sunday 18th June at 8:30am (H.C.) and 5:00pm (St.A.)

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

One big change to the SEL program this year will be the implementation of Second Step. It is a fantastic resource that helps children learn how to solve problems, be empathetic, self-regulate, manage their emotions and strengthen their ability to learn. Students will still be incorporating the five keys of Resilience, Persistence, Getting Along, Organisation and Confidence into this new program. We are building on the good learning that was done through the “You Can Do It” program.

Stay tuned for information when the new kits arrive!

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

A reflection from Sr Kym Harris osb

Australia Day Honours

I love the Australia Day Honours. Reading through the list is such an antidote to the negativity about people with which we are so often bombarded. There are so many people quietly going about doing good and transforming the communities in which we live. This year I watched the ceremony at which this year’s winners were announced. There was much to appreciate in the ABC programme (and it is still available on iView). A brief profile was given on each of the nominees with a longer description of each winner.

One segment that was special was the interviews with the children from the Sydney school, Auburn North Primary. Young as some of these children were they seemed to instinctively understand what it takes to be a ‘hero’ in our community. While they did not have the big words to describe selflessness, they knew that being helpful to others over time makes for a person of worth and honour. As one aptly put it, ‘It is about character.’

What these children understood is what we, each of us, can make service and heroism a reality in our lives and our communities. We are each made in the image and likeness of God and, because of that, our very growth as persons lies in service, loving service of our families and communities. Few of us are going to be offered a gong for what we do but that does not make our daily, loving kindness any less valuable. As we live by the goodness, resilience and passion that are our birthright as children of God we can make a difference that is good, true and lasting.

Loving God, made in your image, I am called to share your life and love within my world. Send me your Spirit so I may discover the passion by which I can serve my family and community in love. I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Parish News

Northern Beaches Parish

Mass Times

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Look What’s Been Going On In …

Year 6

New senior shirts look fantastic!

Library News

Book Club

Last date for orders: Friday 10th February (please allow approximately two weeks for delivery of items)

Parents are encouraged to complete Book Club orders online via

All orders will be delivered to your child’s classroom.

REGISTER details and click on ORDER

1. Select ‘Holy Cross’ and your child’s class
2. Add your child’s first name and last initial
3. Enter the item number from the Book Club catalogue. You can order for multiple children at once.

You keep the paper order forms and payment receipts.

Your child’s books will be ordered by the school and given to your child once they arrive; about two weeks after due date.

• Alternatively, order forms and payment to be returned to the school by 10th February 2017.
• Fill in your order form with Name of Student and Class.
• Payment by Cash, Cheque or you can pay on-line and fill out the section provided with Receipt Number etc.
• Put order form and money in an envelope and clearly mark the front of the envelope with the following information:

Book Club – Name of Student – Class of Student

Reading has never been more fun!

From the Holy Cross Library Team

Administration News

2018 Prep Enrolments

If you currently have children attending Holy Cross School and wish to enrol a sibling in Prep for 2018, please collect an enrolment application package as soon as possible from the school office, or alternatively forms may be downloaded from the school website at

2018 Prep interviews will be commencing shortly. Please contact our Enrolments Officer, Margie Thorpe on 4057 6920 or email mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au should you have any further questions or wish to have an application emailed.

Student Absences

When students are absent from school it is a requirement that parents contact the school to communicate the reason for absence either via email to: secretary.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au, by phone 4057 6920 (message may be left if after hours) or via the School App. It is important that this information is received early on the day of absence so that students who are not at school can be accounted for.

If after the class rolls have been marked and the school has not been informed of a student absence, the child’s main contact will be alerted via text message and be prompted to contact the school to explain the absence.

Absences longer than ten days must be submitted formally in writing to our Principal, Sarah Hamilton, prior to students leaving. The information will be passed onto your child’s teacher.

Late Arrival

The bell to start class rings at 8.25 a.m. Students should arrive at school from 8.10 a.m. so that they are adequately prepared to commence learning at 8.30 a.m.

Late arrival for all students is processed through the school office. Students arriving late to school are required to come to the office with an adult who is to sign them in, giving the reason for the late arrival. A late pass will be issued to students for presentation to their classroom teacher.

Early Departure

We understand that specialist and medical appointments sometimes cannot be made outside of school hours. If a student is required to leave school during the day, a listed adult contact must present at the school office to sign the child out. The office staff will then telephone the classroom and request that the child come to the office with their belongings ready for collection. For legal and safety reasons, adults not listed as an emergency contact do not have authority to collect students. In the event of an unlisted adult needing to collect your child, written notification is required from the parent/carer clearly stating the adult’s name, and the presentation of photo ID to office staff upon collection. It is important to ensure that your emergency contacts are current.

2017 Fee Concessions

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

If you are a holder of an eligible Means-Tested Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card, please complete an application form 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.

P and F News

P and F Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th February at 7.00pm in the school library. All parents welcome and invited to attend.

Tuckshop

A big thankyou to those families currently utilising the Flexischools online ordering service, your support is very much appreciated! For those who may be unsure of how to set up an account, please pop into the tuckshop during opening hours and I will be happy to set up your registration for you. Flexischools can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of the School Website at the link below or directly at the Flexischools Website below.

Please ensure you update your student/s year level & class in your online accounts so lunches are being distributed to the correct class basket.

The Term 1 menu is available on the link below and hard copies may be collected from the Tuckshop if required.

I am always on the lookout for extra sets of hands willing to volunteer their time to assist in the tuckshop. Any and all offers of help would be welcomed.

Please contact Belinda Patmore on 0422 712 461, email to tuckshop.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au or pop into the Tuckshop if you think you may be able to assist.

Tuckshop Roster

Sport Notices

Tennis

Holy Cross Tennis Sign On

The Holy Cross Tennis Sign on day is this Friday 3rd February from 3.00pm to 3.45pm in the Multi-purpose area. Come and see coach Fred for any queries and have a hit with your child on the mini courts. If you are unable to attend the sign on day please contact Fred Lay on mobile 0407 968 578 or email fred@fusiontenniscairns.com. Please see attached flyer for more information.

Netball

Holy Cross NetFun After School Program

The Holy Cross NetFun, Netball Skills After School Program (5-10 year olds) run by Cairns Netball Association, will commence on Thursday 9th February 3.05pm-4.05pm in the Multi-Purpose Area and will run for 8 Weeks concluding on Thursday 30th March. Please see flyer for additional information and registration form.

Cairns Netball Association Sign On Day

Cairns Netball Association Sign On Day, Saturday 18th February from 9.00am to 11.30am, Martyn Street Netball Courts Cairns. See flyer for additional information.

Wildcatz Netball Club

Wildcatz Netball Club are seeking players of all ages, as well as coaches, managers and umpires for the upcoming 2017 season. Sign On Day, Saturday 11th February from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre, Reed Road, (next to the school). Wildcatz train at Holy Cross School on Sunday afternoons. Please see flyer for additional information.

Radars Netball Club

Radars Netball Club are seeking players from 8 years to adult. Sign on for players will be held on Saturday 4th February from 10.00am to 12.00 midday at JCU Student Lodge, Faculty Close, Smithfield. Contact Heather McLaren on 4057 5869 or 0448 559 269 for more information.

Soccer

Jamie Gosling After-School Soccer Club

The Jamie Gosling After-School Soccer Club will be held at Holy Cross School on Monday afternoons from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. Cost per child is $70 per term for 8 sessions (7 paid + 1 free) commencing

AFL

AFL Combined Club Sign On Day

AFL Combined Club Sign On Day, Sunday 19th February from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Please see flyer for additional information.

North Cairns Tigers Sign On Day

North Cairns Tigers Sign On Day, Sunday 12th February from 10.00am to 1.00pm, Watsons Oval, Behan Street, Manunda. See flyer for further details.

Rugby League

Cairns District Junior Rugby League Sign On Day

Cairns District Combined Clubs Information and Sign On Day, 18th Feburary from 9.00am to 12 noon, Jones Park. Please see flyer for additional information.

Ivanhoes Rugby League Sign On Day

Ivanhoes Rugby League Sign On Day, 25th February from 10.00am to 12 noon, Ivanhoes Rugby League Grounds, Smithfield. Please see flyer for additional information.

Learn to Sail

Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club is offering to students in the beaches area free access to their popular tackers fun sailing. The introductory course will be run on the weekend of 25th and 26th February, 9.00am to 2.00pm each day. There is a limit of 12 students aged from 7 to 12 years for this course. Please see flyer for additional information and contact details.

Hockey

Hockey sign on for the Cairns Region will be held on Friday 24th February from 5.00pm to 6.30pm at the Cairns Hockey Facility, Cairns North. Please click on the flyer for additional information.

Cairns Road Runners

Grass Roots Cross Country Series aims to provide quality races for all levels of junior athletes, whether it’s just for fun (getting muddy and wet) or preparing for school cross country and beyond. First race of the series will be held this Sunday 5th February. Please see flyer for additional information and entry details.

Community Notices

Children’s Playtime Group

Cairns Young Voices

Enrolments currently being taken for 2017. Classes offered on Thursday afternoons at Cairns Choral Society Hall, Greenslopes Street. Please see flyer for additional information.

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.

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.