28 April 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Despite now having lived in Australia for almost fifteen years, no matter how many times I stumble across a cicada shell still clinging to the bark of a tree, I fill with an instant sense of wonder and fascination. Despite looking a little ‘creepy’, the outer case of the creature is captivating. I find myself gazing in wonder, knowing that it was once alive; the neat split down its back living proof, fashioned when the creature inside escaped and took flight. I am yet to be successful in viewing the new creation, but am drawn to its singing, far away in a distance tree happily content with its new form.

The cicada shell is a good analogy for Jesus’ empty tomb, found by first the women, then Peter and John on Easter Sunday.

The resurrected, living Jesus, who had once been inside it, was gone. He was out amongst the living to whom he appeared several times. Every time he came to his friends, they became stronger, wiser, kinder, more daring. Every time he came to them, they became more like him.

The Apostles and disciples, Jesus’ followers, were commissioned to give witness to his death and resurrection. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, they fearlessly preached what, previously, they had not understood. We see this clearly in the transformation of Peter, who went from misunderstanding the scriptures to interpreting them through the lens of the resurrection. We see it in Paul, who had set out to put Christians to death, only to become the champion of the fledgling church.

There are constant hints of resurrection in our daily lives, found in our downs and ups, our sorrows and joys, our worries and relief, our disappointments and successes. Easter Sunday offers an opportunity to celebrate all of our small, personal “resurrections” and unite them with Jesus’ Resurrection. It offers us renewal to be people of faith, hope and love in our home and in our community.

The name of our school was chosen because the cross - the Holy Cross - is a powerful symbol of Jesus’ triumph. This continues to be honoured in all that we strive to do.

It seems fitting that the instrument used by the Roman Empire to humiliate, torture, and terrorize whomever dared to oppose them, should become the symbol used to save the world.

The Holy Cross Way, our charism, is our living passion, the spiritual energy that permeates our community. This is reflected in what is done, how it is done and who is doing it, and focuses on our continuing experience of the risen Jesus.

“We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.

(Entrance Antiphon for the Exaltation of the Cross,” Galatians 6:14)

I am immensely proud to be the Principal of our school. Just like the cicada, our school is evolving as we unpack our two focus areas for improvement in our 2017 School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP):

1. Celebrated and Lived Catholic Identity; and,
2. Culture that Promotes Learning

At the conclusion of Term 1, we reviewed our progress, and highlighting in yellow areas that have been accomplished or are in good progress. I think you will agree, MUCH has already been achieved, so certainly worthy of a small celebration. This term we will begin to consider planning for 2018. We would be immensely grateful of feedback or suggestions as we map out our future direction.

Before I conclude it would be remise of me not to mention ANZAC Day. The turnout at the Trinity Beach Dawn Service was overwhelming, and I thank parents and carers for setting their alarms super early to enable their children to attend. I was overwhelmed by the number of students in attendance. An outstanding effort by all, and so fitting with our ‘Holy Cross Way’.

Wishing God’s every blessing now and always,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

Save These Dates

Volunteer Inductions

Volunteer Inductions are here. At Holy Cross we have a number of volunteers who kindly give of their time to support classroom teachers and the school community in a variety of ways. Whether your time is large or small, regular or intermittent, your contribution is certainly valued by our school community. As part of your volunteering time it is important to understand particular aspects of the school community including ‘Code of Conduct’, ‘Student Protection’ and other important bits of information. Over the coming weeks, three sessions have been set aside to cover induction. If you are a volunteer in some capacity at Holy Cross, I strongly encourage you to put your name down for one of the following sessions. You can do so by emailing mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au including your name and the session you can attend. As I know your time is extremely valuable, if you are unable to make one of the following times, please email or phone the Office and arrange an alternative time.

VOLUNTEER INDUCTION SESSIONS

Session 2 Week 3 2nd May 11:00am – 12:00pm
Session 3 Week 3 4th May 8:30am – 9:30am

Cairns Festival Float Entry – Expressions of Interest

As part of the 30th Anniversary for Holy Cross in 2017, the school community has decided to enter into the Cairns Festival Grand Parade. The parade is on Saturday 26th of August, which would be the week before Holy Cross Day and our 30th Anniversary celebrations.

Obviously for this venture to be successful, it would need the buy-in of the whole community staff and parent helpers, as it has the potential to be a big task.

Members of our P&F and many members of staff have already ‘Expressed an Interest’. If you are interested in being part of a committee, assisting with costumes / decoration building etc, or simply assisting on the day with costume, make-up, or supervision please speak with myself or Mellie Emmerick. Alternatively, please drop an email to mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au with your name and how you may be willing to assist.

NAPLAN

Our Year 3 and 5 students are now busily preparing for NAPLAN Testing, which is fast approaching. Testing will take place from May 9th to 11th. Testing can be stressful time for students. We encourage kids to simply try their best with testing and not to feel anxious around results. If you are concerned about your child’s ‘stress’ or have any other questions about NAPLAN I encourage you to speak with teachers so we can work together to support them. Below are a few helpful tips.

NAPLAN Guidelines

Teachers will help students become familiar with testing by:

• Ensuring ‘Test Literacy’ with all students so they are familiar with testing and different test formats
• Teach clear and simple procedure (timing, seating, equipment etc)
• Providing some opportunities to practise and revise content
• Let students know how they will be marked and help to them to become familiar with marking rubrics
• Simply encourage students to try their best.

What teachers will not be doing:

• Extensive test and or teaching to tests
• Spending a disproportionate amount of time on NAPLAN areas, thus neglected the day to day curriculum

At Home:

• Encourage your child to simply try their best
• Don’t set extensive NAPLAN homework or over purchase commercialised books
• The best preparation for NAPLAN Tests a parent can provide is ensuring their child has a good night’s sleep of between 10-11 hours and a healthy breakfast on the morning of the testing

For further information you make wish to view the following link:

Holy Cross Parent Portal

Holy Cross Parent Portal has arrived. Through the portal you will be able to access child information and student’s reports, 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.

All letters home will be placed on the Parent Portal for easy access in case of ‘being lost, not being in good shape, or just needing a second copy. Once you have logged on and found the link below, click on ‘Forms’ and locate your child’s Year Level. Should you experience any difficulty please contact us.

Positive Behaviour Focus

Congratulations to Week 10 Holy Cross Heroes:

“We were caught being A GOOD FRIEND.”

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

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

Happy Easter to all Holy Cross families! The Easter season continues in the church for 50 days, until Pentecost. It is a time of joy and of hope. ALLELUIA!

“This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad.” - Psalm 117:24

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

We celebrated Easter in a special way, with Alleluia Day last week. “Alleluia” is a word of praise to God. As a school, we celebrated the joy of the resurrection, and praised God in prayer, song and beautiful art work. Cassie, Lola and Mathew capably led us through the events of Holy Week and Easter and the Years 5 & 6 students sang a song that reminds us of what Jesus called us to do:

The ANZAC liturgy helped us to remember all those who died in the First World War and those who have died in wars and conflicts since then. We remember their courage, endurance and self-sacrifice with grateful hearts and thank all those who gave their lives so that we may live in peace and freedom. We pray that we seek peace in our own lives.

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• 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

Group sessions have started for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. All Holy Cross sessions are held in the church.

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.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM

This term, all teachers will be initiating the new SEL program called Second Step. As I have mentioned previously, it focuses on these four areas:

• Skills for learning
• Empathy
• Management of Emotions
• Problem Solving

This is not to say that using the language of the keys of Resilience, Organisation, Getting Along, Confidence and Persistence will be forgotten or put aside, but they will provide a foundation for this new learning. Students will still be encouraged to develop in these life-skill areas.

This month, our schoolwide theme is our school as a welcoming place where every student feels like he or she belongs. In our morning announcements and school assembly, we’ll be reminding students to welcome others and act and speak in safe, respectful, and responsible ways. In addition we’ll be reminding students of our school rules of Safety First, Respect and Right Place, Right Time..

We’ll also begin teaching the Second Step program, which includes lessons that support these behaviours.

Support your child at home in welcoming others and acting and speaking in safe, respectful, and responsible ways. Please tell your child’s teacher if you have questions about specific ways you can help your child with these behaviours at home.

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

Serve and Honour Each Other

One of my younger brothers has his birthday on Anzac Day. When he was little, we told him we had the holiday for his birthday and that the people marched through the streets crying, ‘Hooray for Michael!’ We would sit him in front of the TV and he was rapt. In a strange way, there was some truth his reaction. Each person is that special and deserves to be acknowledged as such.

Each of the service personal marching on Anzac Day has a special story to tell. Nearly all would involve sacrifice, many would be awful experiences hard to recount and often those incidents would leave scars that would be carried for life. We cannot individually honour each one but when we celebrate Anzac Day, we try to make some gesture towards all so that we honour each one’s sacrifice.

During the Good Friday service, we have the Veneration of the Cross, when all are invited to come to show their love for what Jesus has done at a cross. It is a long and seemingly tedious part of the ceremony but one which often brings me to tears. As the long queue of people shuffles to the front, one can sense that each one is dragging their own cross with them. In venerating Jesus’ cross, they are honouring their own. At times, life is hard and difficult for each of us and we all need ceremonies that recognise and honour this. As we do so, we soften our hearts, making ourselves more sensitive to each one’s sorrows and needs. As we stop this week to honour those who served in time of war, let it draw us in to that great mystery of care and service to which each of us is called. As we honour the many, may we recognise the role each of us has in building a community of love.

Loving God, we thank you for those who have served our community in war and in peace. Let us appreciate their sacrifice. As we honour it, may we strengthen our own communities in service. We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb.

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Holy Cross Shining Stars

Holy Cross Shining Stars is a new initiative being introduced to provide a forum to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students. We encourage parents, carers and members of the wider community to complete the Shining Stars Template, soon to be uploaded to the School Portal for easy access early next week (see below) when there is exciting news regarding one of our students. A photograph would be a wonderful addition if possible. We look forward to filling our newsletter with many “Shining Stars” in the weeks that follow. Please forward completed forms and attached photos to mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au

Look What’s Been Going On …

Justice Squad

Justice Squad Trip

The Justice Squad at Holy Cross is an amazing group of kids who would like to help others in need. Thirteen members of Justice Squad went on a trip to learn about how some countries are poor and how we can help them.

These people went on the trip: Jillian, Lola, Sienna, Christian, Lily, Makenzie, Mathew, Matthew, Bella, Bess, Will, Jordyn, Anais.

We learned a lot about Caritas and what they do to help people.

They do amazing stuff such as getting kids an education. We did activities and got to know other school Justice Squad groups. We also did a bit on how people with lots of food, money and all sorts of things can help people with less. We also made a mini hand washer which I thought was cool. But overall, we learned how we can help others in need. We help at school by raising money for Caritas by having different events in school, such as Crazy Hair Day.

Written by Makenzie S. and Lily H. 6S

Crazy Hair Day

On Thursday, the 30th of March, the Justice Squad of Holy Cross organised a fundraiser for Caritas. Caritas is a charity that helps people that are less fortunate than us. We all had a lot of fun organising it and watching the creativity of the hair designs of our students. It was amazing to see that the Justice Squad were not the only ones to put a lot of effort into the designs of our crazy hair.

We had kids coming up with all sorts of weird and wacky hairstyles. Some students spent 50 minutes on their hairstyles, now that's crazy. The air was filled with laughter. Smiles were seen all around the school. Every kid that did crazy hair donated a gold coin, in total we raised $450.30.

It was a fun, whacky and crazy day something the whole school enjoyed, we would definitely do it again.

Library News

Readers Cup

“The motivation for the Readers Cup is to get kids reading and to let the readers in our schools have an opportunity to shine. To be the winner is a wonderful achievement BUT every kid will be a winner if they have enjoyed the experience and have read titles they may not have encountered before.” CBCA Readers Cup Coordinator’s Guide

This opening paragraph exemplifies why we are sending a team of dedicated readers to the 2017 Readers Cup later in the term. The Readers Cup is organised by the Queensland Branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia. It is a state-wide competition for young readers. Teams of four students read a set of six books and then compete with other school teams to answer quiz questions from the books.

Last term, we started out with 12 keen participants from Years 5 and 6 in the Holy Cross Reading Challenge. They were asked, “Can enemy warriors become friends?” and had to read Jackie French’s “They came to us on Viking ships” to make their decision. (By the way, this is an excellent read for all ages, even adults, if you like historical fiction!!) Our students unanimously answered yes after reflecting on the story - They can become friends, even family.

After several weeks of reading and a final quiz, we now have a strong and enthusiastic team of eight students, with both readers and student coaches. The student coach role is a new initiative for Holy Cross this year. The rules stipulate that adults are not to coach so why not passionate students? The coaches are required to read the books and they have the added task of coming up with interesting questions to quiz the team.

So now the real work begins!

Our Readers Cup team

Readers - Charleigh W., Jordan H., Holly M. and Taaj T.
Reserve – Mistaya C.W. (absent)

The Whole Team

Readers with Student Coaches; Emma B, Mathew C and Laney L

Book Synopsis - “They came to us on Viking ships” by Jackie French

When Vikings raid and destroy a small coastal village, Hekja, a young Scottish girl and her dog, Snarf, are captured and taken to Greenland. In this harsh and cold land, Hekja becomes a thrall - a slave. Hekja's fiery determination earns her the respect of her mistress. This was just the first journey as Hekja and Snarf must voyage to Vinland (modern Canada) to establish a new settlement where more perilous adventures await them.

Book Club

Read Aloud More in May

KIDS SAY – “DON’T STOP READING ALOUD TO US!!”

A 2015 survey of Australian families by Scholastic, in conjunction with YouGov, found that children, regardless their age, love being read to. Teachers have always known this!

The ages of the children surveyed were between 6 and 17 years and an overwhelming majority (86%) expressed that they love(d) being read books aloud at home.

Reasons kids enjoy(ed) being read books aloud at home
Base: children aged 6–17 who are or were read books aloud at home

Can you guess the main reason why children love being read to? It’s because it is a special time spent with their parents.

These are the top reasons children say they enjoy being read aloud to.

So if you want a little more of a challenge or you’ve fallen off the reading aloud bandwagon then why not participate in the Scholastic ‘Read Aloud More in May’ Challenge by reading aloud with your family and friends EVERY DAY in May. There are $10,000 in prizes to be won.

Matt Cosgrove is the official ambassador and illustrator for National Family Reading Month 2017! He’s the author and illustrator of the new and hilarious Epic Fail Tales series. Watch and share his inspiring video message about reading aloud:

Have fun!!!

Jo Neil
Teacher Librarian

Administration News

2018 Prep Enrolments

Interviews have now been conducted and First Round of offers have been made for Prep 2018 applicants. Further information regarding Parent Information Sessions will be emailed out later in the year.

High School Enrolments

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 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

Mother’s Day Wrapping Bee

P & F Meeting Agenda 10.5.17

Please click on the link below to view the Agenda for the next P & F Meeting scheduled for Wednesday 10th May 2017. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any items that you wish to discuss at a P & F meeting, please complete the Agenda Item Request form and email to the P & F President or Secretary indicated on the form, or leave at the school office at least two days prior to the meeting.

Working Bee

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 or directly via the link 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. 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.

Music News

Instrumental Lessons

Do you want to join the Holy Cross Band? We have Trumpets, Trombones, Saxophones, Flutes and Clarinets waiting for some keen young musicians. If you are interested in learning to play one of these instruments and to join the Holy Cross Band, then collect a green “Instrumental lesson request” form from the main school office and we can start the ball rolling with your enrolment. If you are unsure what instrument is for you, come and see us on Friday mornings in the French room and we can help.

Mr Hurdley and Mrs Mcintyre

Sports News

Holy Cross NetFun Program

NETFUN IS AT YOUR SCHOOL AGAIN THIS TERM!!!

Cairns Netball Association is bringing NETBALL TO YOU!!!

On THURSDAY afternoons for 7 weeks starting 4th May from 3:05 – 4:05pm, two qualified, accredited coaches will be teaching netball at your school.

NetFun is for boys and girls aged 5-10 years. This program offers an opportunity for children to increase their social and motor skills in a friendly and fun environment and also builds a pathway into the Cairns Netball Association.

NetFun is $90 with a netball pack or $60 without a pack. If you are interested in the NetFun Program you can download a registration form from the link below or collect a form from the school office if preferred. If you would like more information or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Paige at netsetgo@cairnsnetball.net.au

Surf Life Saving

Cairns Surf Lifesaving Club

Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving Club

Barron River District School Sport Trial Notices

To access Barron River trial dates and regional information for Queensland School Sports please click on the link below and go to District Information / Barron River to view the latest calendar of events.

Please note: For students wishing to trial for Barron River in any sport, parents are required to complete the Parent Consent Form which is found in the sport’s trial notice link for that particular sport, as well as the following Peninsula Region Paperwork and bring these with them to the trials.

Touch Football Trial Notice (students born 2005, 2006 & 2007)

Trial dates: Monday May 8th and Monday March 15th 2017 at Redlynch State College, Prep-Year6 Oval, Redlynch. Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm. Click on the link below for more information and Parent Consent forms.

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.

Children’s Playtime Group

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 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.

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.

TYC Drama Classes for 5yrs+