29 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

To our wonderful Parents, Carers and members of the wider community,

Here is a comment that made me stop and ponder:

“Children are natural mimics; they act like their parents in spite of every attempt to teach them good manners.”
Author unknown.

I am sure this statement does not read the way it was intended - it certainly initiated a raised eyebrow in myself, closely followed by a knowing nod and a smile.

My reason for sharing this with you is twofold:

1. because we have spent the last few weeks at Holy Cross focusing on good manners and how to use them appropriately in our day-to-day lives; and,
2. because in the second week of the upcoming school holidays, we enter a commemorative week in the life of Christ, when the first day promised so much and what followed was certainly not the way his disciples and followers expected nor wanted.

Holy Week commences with Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jesus was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the assembled crowd. They waved palm branches in the air laying them on the ground before him. By week’s end, that crowd was no longer there for Jesus; only a few women, together with Mary and John, gathered under the cross.

Maundy Thursday, in the evening at the Last Supper, Jesus told his Apostles, and more directly Peter, that their loyalty would soon be tested. Peter was appalled and declared, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!” Luke 22:33.

Jesus’ reply to Peter was very matter of fact: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know me.” Luke 22:34.

Later in the night, when under immense pressure being accused of knowing Jesus, Peter denied it. Two more denials followed, and at the third denial, a rooster crowed.

Good Friday was a shock and a tragedy for the Apostles and other followers. Jesus offered no resistance nor defence of himself, and by mid-afternoon, was executed in a manner reserved for criminals. Deserted by the crowd and those who had been so close to him for the past three years, Palm Sunday’s triumph was now Friday’s disaster.

The events of Holy Week remind us of our calling to be active Christians in the way we lead our own lives. If we are harbouring hurt within us, Jesus’ actions can encourage us towards forgiveness and away from grudges and bitterness. We have all experienced hurt through the actions or words of another, this Holy Week, let us embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy, and forgive.

We discussed forgiveness at length with our students following ‘Bullying. No Way!’ day on Friday 17th March. Research suggests that effective solutions to bullying start with the identification of why it is happening. In response to this, students in Year 6 wrote poems considering the viewpoint of those who choose to bully, those who are bullied, those who by-stand, and those who choose bravery and stand up for what is right. Four students shared their poems at Assembly. The message was so thought provoking, the entire school, Prep to Year 6, sat in complete silence, listening intently. It was incredibly powerful. Thank you, Year 6.

Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge or injustice. It is the relinquishment of our role as victim, and relieving the power that the offending person or situation has on our life. As we let go of the hurt, we open ourselves to finding compassion and understanding. Slowly, we embrace forgiveness and begin once more to live a truly Christian life.

Jesus’ example to us on Good Friday, clearly defined the extent of God’s forgiveness, and the encouragement for us to do likewise in our own limited human way. But Jesus’ example has an after effect as well, for on Easter Sunday he rose gloriously to a new life. How about us this Holy Week? Is there un-forgiveness we still have to deal with, that overshadows our lives?

It truly has been the most wonderful of beginnings at Holy Cross. I wish you all a very restful, reflective and happy Easter break with the gift of your children. I look forward to welcoming you all back to school on Tuesday 18th April.

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

APA News

Holy Cross Parent Portal

Holy Cross Parent Portal has arrived. We are excited to launch our Parent Portal. We hope that this exciting new tool will become a one-stop-shop for all your needs. Through the portal you will be able to access child information and student’s reports, access flexi schools, update important information, view calendars, Facebook and retrieve notes and forms at home from teachers as well as other vital pieces of information.

We will be making increasing use of the Parent Portal to provide a range of information to parents and carers in the future. Attached is a letter explaining ‘How to’ set up your login and accounts. This has also been emailed home. Should you experience any difficulty please contact us.

Welcome

This term we have welcomed two new members to our wonderful staffing team.

Crazy Hair Day

A reminder that Crazy Hair Day takes place tomorrow, Thursday 30th March. In exchange for a gold coin donation to raise money for Caritas, students may come to school with crazy hairstyles and hair accessories. Please note, that no hairspray or dye is permitted, however hair chalk is acceptable. Students are required to be in full school uniform on this day.

Congratulations to Week 8 and 9 Holy Cross Heroes:

“We were caught ENCOURAGING OTHERS.”

Congratulations also to our MARCH Holy Cross SUPER HERO:

Hamish M 1 C

Below are a number of key dates for Term 1 & 2 2017 to consider:

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

My how the term has flown! It is already Week 10 and we are heading into the last weeks of Lent and Easter. Please take note of the events over the next month or so.

HOLY CROSS CHARISM

The third aspect is all about Stewardship

• Caring for the environment as God’s creation.
• Looking after our families, those in our community, people in our local area and those beyond it, in an empathetic way.
• Respecting God’s house; our church.
• Encouraging all to make a difference in the world in some way.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Peter 1:4-10.

Some of the ways stewardship is demonstrated at Holy Cross include, being a Reef Guardian school, trying to have nude food in lunch boxes, making use of our worm farm and having an active Environmental Committee in the senior school. It is also reflected in the way our students are encouraged to treat each other with kindness and compassion, as we are all part of God’s creation.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

We are currently in the Fourth Week of Lent, which means that both Holy Week and Easter fall in the second week of the school holidays. Classes will be focusing on the Stations of the Cross before the break, in a way that suits their particular year level. After the holidays, we will gather as a school for Alleluia Day, at 8:30am and again at 2:15pm, in the multi-purpose area. This is a chance to reflect on the events of Holy Week, and to celebrate the joy of the Easter story. Parents are welcome at both of these sessions.

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Alleluia Day Tuesday 18th April at 8.30am and 2.15pm
• ANZAC Day Liturgy Monday 24th April 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 (Holy Cross) and 5:00pm (St Andrews)

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Baptised students in Year Four and above are eligible to enrol for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. The group sessions commence in the first week back after the holidays, and are optional. The first session at Holy Cross is Tuesday 18th April at 5pm, the one at St. Andrew’s is also Tuesday, but at 4pm if that suits better. Jane also offers a Thursday session at 3:30pm, at St. Andrew’s. If families prefer, they can gather in their own group, or work through the program at home. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Thursday 15th June and First Holy Communion on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of June.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will occur in the Northern Beaches Parish, in September and is for students in Year Three and above. The first meeting is not until July.

2017 SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN CONFERENCE

This year Catholic Education Services is excited to announce that their annual Safeguarding Children Conference theme is Every Child Matters.

We hope that you are able to join us on Saturday, 6 May 2017 at the Pullman Cairns International.

Please note that there is no registration cost but places are limited.

Conference information and registration details can be accessed via the conference website:

If you have any further queries please contact Professional Standards:

Ms Heidi Williams
hwilliams5@cns.catholic.edu.au

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Rising with Christ

School closes this week for the first holidays of the year and when it reopens, Easter will have been and, one could be tempted to think, gone without making a difference. We easily get into a rut with our faith, not realising just how deeply the presence of Jesus Christ has gone down into our being and transformed us to a new way of engaging with other people and our world. ‘Me, changed?’ I can hear you asking. Yes, let us look at the ways.

As Christians we believe:

That good can come out of bad. The power Jesus gave in defeating death is given to us. We are not defined or confined by the bad things that happen to us. We can turn them to good.

That prayer really makes a difference. The good desires I have for others can be offered to God and sent to surround and care for them – even if they are on the other side of the world.

That forgiveness is not only possible but desirable. When we hear stories of people who have forgiven those who have wronged them, we understand, we get it – even if we feel it might be beyond us.

That virtue is something for which we should work and strive. Yes, we want to be better because we believe we have been made for that.

These are the subtle ways, Jesus Christ is alive in you. Let yourself be surprised this Easter by recognising and appreciating the new divine life that is rising in your hearts.

Loving God, my faith can seem so ordinary at times that I think it has little effect on me. Let me realise how the Holy Spirit is alive within me allowing the life of Jesus to rise in my heart and in my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Wishing all Holy Cross families, a blessed, safe and joyful Easter season and holiday break. Please note the times for services during Holy Week and Easter and I look forward to seeing you in Term 2.

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Library News

Take a Book Break over the Easter Holidays

The Easter break is right around the corner and holidays can get pretty hectic! Routines can fly out the window with celebrations, travel and out-of-town guests. As your family prepares for the holidays, here are some tips to help keep holiday reading a time to kick back and enjoy with no strings attached. So we are encouraging children to set aside school books like home readers and read, simply for fun of it.

Here are some tips to help make reading a fabulous experience:

1. Read for pure pleasure and enjoyment! Whether your child is in the mood for holiday stories or the newest instalment from a favourite series, holiday time provides the perfect opportunity for relaxed reading. Make special story times and enjoy books on a daily basis. Create a special holiday reading nook like a blanket fort to ‘camp out’ and read.
2. Stock up on books from the Cairns Library. Help your child pick out books they are interested in reading over the holidays. The Libraries also have fun, free holiday activities throughout the break.
3. Make the most of travel time. Turn travel time to or from a holiday get-together into an opportunity to practice reading or listening to an audio book. You could make a game of looking for licence plates from different states or reading environmental print, such as street signs, maps and billboards.
4. Create a new tradition. A special Easter Break Story Time could be a new tradition that links reading with happy memories. Warm Milo and your favourite stories will have the whole family feeling relaxed, while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to help your child with reading, you just have to have fun with books!

Here are some genres kids love -

• Reader’s theatre - everyone in the house becomes a character and acts out different scenes.
• How-to-make books for craft, magic tricks, drawing etc
• Information books
• Puzzle books, I spy books, joke books
• Make a treasure map with clues for your children to read
• Play sight word card games based on Snap, Memory or Go Fish
• Find stories online or youtube clips of stories being read from websites like:
  - Tumblebooks
  - Children's Library
  - Storyplace
  - Storynory
  - Starfall
  - BBC Stories
  - PBS Kids

For more reading tips and ideas,

Have fun!!!
Jo Neil
Teacher Librarian

Look What’s Been Going On …

Parent iPad Info Night

School Cross Country

Cross Country Holy Cross Heroes

The top 4 place getters in 2005, 2006 and 2007 age divisions will now have the opportunity to participate at the district trials on Friday 28th April at St Andrews. We wish them all well.

Cross Country - Memorise the Message Competition Winners

This year we added an extra element to the Cross Country where students were encouraged to memorise words at various checkpoints along the way. They then constructed a message at the end of the race and entered their form. Congratulations to the following students who won the Memorise the Message Competition. Winners received a sports themed stationery pack.

Senior Competition – 49 entries

Message: “I will persist until I succeed”
Winners: Charleigh W. 6C (Dillon), Emma B. 6C (Robinson) & Zoe O. 5S (Dillon)

Junior Competition – 24 entries

Message: “Never Give Up”
Winners: Chloe McCoy 3H (Robinson), Imogen C. 1C (Robinson), Hamish M. 1C (Dillon) & Henry H. 1H (Robinson)

Harmony Day

Administration News

2018 Prep Enrolments

If you currently have children attending Holy Cross School and are seeking to enrol a sibling in Prep for 2018, and HAVE NOT submitted an enrolment application, please contact our Enrolments Officer, Margie Thorpe on 4057 6920 as a matter of urgency. 2018 Prep interviews are currently underway with placement offers due to go out by the end of Term 1.

High School Enrolments

Dear Parents, a reminder that many high schools have commenced interviews for the Year 7 intake for 2018. If you currently have a child in Year 6 and have not yet applied for them to attend a high school, it would be advised to think about doing this as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

2017 Term 1 School Fees and Levies

Term 1 School Fees

Term 1 school fee payments are now overdue. If you have not yet made payment, please make arrangements to do so as soon as possible.

If you currently have a direct debit arrangement in place continuing from 2016 and have not already made contact with our Finance Officer, Carolyn Mealing, to update the amount for 2017, please do so as soon as possible.

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

2017 P & F Committee

We congratulate the following parents who were voted in as the new P & F Committee at the Annual General Meeting held on 22nd March and a big thank you to the outgoing committee for all their hard work throughout 2016.

Minutes of Meetings

Please click on the links below to view the Minutes from the AGM and General meeting held on the 22nd March.

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:

Please ensure you update your student/s year level & class in your online accounts so lunches are being distributed to the correct class basket. This can be done by logging on to your account, select “my students”, then select “change class or school” and choose current class from drop down options.

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.

Sports News

Tennis

School Holiday clinics will be held at the Trinity Beach Tennis Club, Pecten Close on Wednesday 5th April and Friday 7th April from 8.30am to 3.00pm. The cost is $45 per day or $80 for 2 days and is for all ages up to 13 years old. Please see the attached expression of interest form for more details and contact information.

Marlin Coast Athletics Club

Marlin Coast Little A’s are a fun, family orientated community, who welcome children of any ability, to participate and strive to improve their personal best, every week.

A ‘Come and Try’ day is being held on Sunday 2nd April.

Sign-on from 8.45am, Smithfield High School, O’Brien Road, Smithfield.

For more information see attached flyer or contact:

Jenny on 0410 601 436 or visit the link below:

Hockey Holiday Camp

Cairns Hockey Association will be holding a school holiday program, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th April. Please see the flyer for additional information and contact details.

Cairns Surf Life Saving Club 2017 Sign On Day will be held on Saturday 6th May from 10am to 2pm.

Netball Holiday Clinic

Cairns Netball Association is hosting an Astute Finance and McDonalds Netball Clinic during the second week of the Easter School Holidays, Wednesday 12th April. Girls and boys aged 8-12 years old are invited to attend from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Cost of the day is $20.00 with participants to bring own lunch. Cairns Netball will provide morning tea. If you have any questions or wish to register please contact Paige Kingsbury on 4051 7501 or email netsetgo@cairnsnetball.net.au.

NetSetGO

If you would like to get your daughter or son aged between 4-8 years to participate in a fun, exciting and safe learning environment now is the time to get them involved in netball!!

Cairns Netball Association offers NetSetGo on Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm or Saturday 8:30am-9:30am at the Martyn Street Netball facility (entrance is on Little St, Manunda).

If you would like to bring your daughter or son along to our free come and try sessions before joining, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We have a break over Easter/school holidays which means no NetSetGo netball from the 26th March-17th April but we return on the Tuesday 18th April or Saturday 22nd April.

If you are interested in getting your child involved or if you would like more information click on the flyer below or phone 4051 7501.

Paige Kingsbury
NetSetGo Coordinator

Parent Engagement

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Queensland parents and carers can now get free parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. This initiative is funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

Depending on where they live and what practitioners are offering in their area (new sessions are added all the time), parents and carers can attend free individual or group parenting support sessions in-person or sign up for Triple P online. Families also have the option of a self-help workbook if Internet access is a problem.

Triple P is an evidence-based parenting program developed by Professor Matt Sanders at The University of Queensland more than 30 years ago. Professor Sanders is also Director of UQ’s Parenting and Family Support Centre and continues to lead Triple P’s extensive and ongoing global research program.

Triple P is proven to encourage positive behaviour in children and significantly improve parent wellbeing, which is why we’re offering all parents and carers the opportunity to access evidence-based support if and when they need it.

If you have any questions please visit the link below for more information.

Relationships Australia

Relationships Australia offer free 6 week group programs to help support children following parent separation. The Poppers program is aimed at children 7 to 9 years of age and the Popstars program is aimed at children 10 to 13 years. Please click on the following flyers for more information regarding these support programs.

Uniting Care Parenting Programs

Bringing Up Great Kids

This FREE 4 session workshop promotes positive and nurturing parent-child relationships. Held on Fridays from 19th May – 9th June 2017, 9.30am to 12pm. Click on the flyer for more information and contact details.

Who’s Chatting to Your Kids

This information session provides valuable information on surviving the use of social media with your children. The session will be held on Tuesday 23rd May 2017 from 5.30pm-7.30pm. Please click on the flyer below for more information or phone 4032 6800 for bookings.

School Holiday Drama Program

TYCs Easter School Holiday Drama Activities 5yrs – 12yrs

Step into the spotlight these school holidays with TYC’s Autumn Holiday Drama Camps with special Guest Artists, Hayley Gillespie (Design) and Yasmin Lancini (Musical Theatre). Participate in our one-day boot camp program Operation Spotlight: It’s Time To Shine (3/4) and take on the role of Producer, Director AND Performer and hone your theatrical skills. Dance like no one’s watching with our 4-day program Shake, Rattle & Roar: Return To Buster’s Theatre (4/4 – 7/4) and help Buster’s Theatre survive against a new rival or grab your masks and power up for Legion of Superheroes: Master Builders Assemble (10/4 – 14/4) and join the ranks of the worlds most heroic Master Builders! So spin along to TYC for our Autumn Holiday Drama Camps (5yrs - 12yrs) these school holidays. For more information or to book today visit our website below, phone 40414066 or email admin@theyoungcompany.com.au. Book early to receive your early bird saving before Fri 25 March!

St Monica’s/St Augustine’s Musical

St Monica’s College and St Augustine’s College will be performing a new musical comedy ‘The Adams Family’, Thursday 4th May until Saturday 6th May. See the flyer below for times and booking information.

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.

Cairns Youth Orchestra

The Cairns Youth Orchestra is inviting any current instrumental music students who would be interested in being part of an orchestra to come along to one of our rehearsals. We have three orchestras, CYO 2 (our junior orchestra) who rehearse from 4pm – 5.30pm Fridays, CYO 1 (more experienced group) from 5.30pm to 7pm Fridays, and the Cairns Chamber Ensemble from 7pm – 9pm, Fridays. We would welcome anyone who wishes to join, but particularly brass players, eg. Trombones, trumpets. For more enquiries, please contact Leesa Cooke, one of our Musical Directors on 0422368620 (TEXT PREFERRED

Tanks Arts Centre Screen Play Club

The Tanks Arts Centre are inviting children up to 12 years of age to make a film and have it shown on the Big Screen at the 2017 Cairns Children’s Festival, Sunday 21st May. It’s a great opportunity for kids to share their stories with the Cairns community and have them screened to a large audience.

For more information please click on the flyer below.

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

For fun, friendship and adventure, join Girl Guides. Click on the link below for more information on how to join.

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.