25 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

At some stage in our lives, I am certain that most of us would have done something that we really ought not to have done, or have not done something that we really should have. Making mistakes is not to be frowned upon, they do, after all, provide the stepping-stones to learning so are an essential and important component of our lives.

It is not the making of the occasional mistake that creates problems in our lives, it is our inbuilt tendency to blame others for our faults. It is so easy to point the finger and make excuses for our actions rather than taking responsibility for our shortcomings. This form of behaviour is certainly not new, as evidenced in the story of Adam and Eve with both Adam and Eve blaming others for their choices - Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the snake, and the snake didn’t have a leg to stand on. Sorry, bad joke!

Sometimes there are strong emotional pressures that motivate us to make excuses, blaming our upbringing, our circumstances, the way that we have been treated by others, and these days, we can blame our genes. Unfortunately, the fact is that all excuses boil down to one common element: a lack or a denial of personal responsibility.

Excuses are a common method of shifting blame as we attempt to keep our self-image intact when faced with negative feedback. It’s a tough call to admit that we are wrong or that we have overlooked something. Ultimately, however, repeatedly shifting the focus away from ourselves by offering excuses or telling half-truths regardless of our actions, can result in doubt being cast upon our character. Benjamin Franklin had a strong opinion of this type of behaviour when he said, “I never knew a man who was good at making excuses who was good at anything else.” If our excuses are not genuine, people will feel hurt, let down or perhaps angry; they will regard us to be less than worthy of their trust or esteem.

In a school context, taking responsibility for inappropriate choices is often a great challenge. For some, having the courage and self-confidence to put up their hand and state that they were wrong, can be too much to bare.

Our Holy Cross Charism, the Holy Cross Way, lists relationship as being of great importance. It is for this reason that our Positive Behaviour Framework (in Draft form attached to the Minutes of the May P&F Meeting) is built upon our commitment to positive and supportive relationships between staff, students and members of the wider community. Ultimately, we focus on forgiveness, and a commitment to learning from our mistakes.

Life’s greatest lessons are often learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes, and staff at Holy Cross believe that it is our job to encourage our students to not make excuses and instead embrace responsibility. By doing this, our students will reap the rewards of self-respect, pride and confidence. Psychologists tell us that the happiest people are those who accept total responsibility for every part of their lives. What a wonderful gift to give to our youth by modelling this in every facet of our lives and everyday living.

Maybe there is merit in the old piece of gardening advice for growing the humble lettuce: in the first row of lettuce, let us grow patience, positive thinking and persistence, and in the second row, let us grow responsibility, trustworthiness and honesty.

Wishing you God’s every blessing now and always,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

Cairns Festival Float Entry – Expressions of Interest

Are you interested in participating in the Cairns Festival Grand Parade Float? Have you filled out your expression of interest? It’s not too late. If you are interested in participating, please complete the attached form to assist in planning and preparing. More information and details will follow in the coming newsletters.

Holy Cross Parent Portal Update

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. All letters and notes home can be found here. Should you experience any difficulty please contact us.

Positive Behaviour Focus

Congratulations to Week 5 Holy Cross Heroes:

“We were caught being READY TO LEARN”

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

This week is a good time to talk about the Holy Spirit, as we head towards not only the Sacrament of Confirmation, but also the feast of Pentecost.

The Hebrews used the word, 'ruah', meaning breath or wind, to describe the Spirit of God as a force that gives life and help to creation. It saves, creates and gives inspiration to human beings. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit is the power of God that inspired or gives good ideas to Jesus and his followers. The Holy Spirit is the love shared between Jesus and His Father. Jesus wants his followers to share in this personal Spirit of love with him and his Father. The Spirit sanctifies Christians and helps them to live according to the teachings of Jesus, to pray, and to be united to God. In Christian theology, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.

Adapted from the Collins Dove Dictionary for Young Catholics.

The Sacramental candidates have been learning about the gift and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation strengthens people with the gifts given by the Holy Spirit, so that we might serve God with justice, wisdom, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness and self-control. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gifted the disciples. They spread the Good News of Jesus and formed Christian communities.

Red symbolises both blood and fire. It is the colour that is used for Pentecost Sunday, and for celebrations of the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Pentecost, Fr Neil will change the liturgical banner in the church to a red one with tongues of fire and will wear red in his vestments.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Families are invited to attend a special Mass at St Monica’s Cathedral, on Saturday 27th May. It is the Referendum Anniversary Mass and our Year 5 and choir students have been invited to sing with Mr Norman Miller at this special event.

This week, a number of students who work with Mr Miller at Holy Cross, were invited to help him create a Sea of Hands installation on the lawn of Bishop’s House. The hands contained messages from students across the Cairns Diocese, about reconciliation, equality, change, recognition, prayer and support. They make up the Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags. This installation not only celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Referendum, but also Reconciliation Week and 25 Years since the Mabo decision. Thank you to Simon, Ruth, Jack, Bella and their families for their work in helping Norman to create this powerful piece.

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Referendum Anniversary Mass at St Monica’s Cathedral, Saturday 27th May at 7.00pm
• Weekend Family Mass Years 1 & 2 POSTPONED due to Referendum Anniversary Mass. New Date T.B.A.
• 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

Families are welcome to come along and support our candidates when they receive their First Communion, on the weekend of the 17th and 18th June. Unfortunately, we cannot offer the same invitation for the evening of Confirmation, as the Cathedral will be full of candidates, their sponsors and their families. Please continue to pray for these children.

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.

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Sr Kym’s reflection this week is not only interesting historically, but also relates to the Feast of Mary help of Christians. This is celebrated on May 24th each year.

Mary, our help.

The first Catholic Cathedral in Australia was built on a rubbish dump. In the early colony, giving that land to the Catholics was intended as an insult. Not that you would notice it today. St Mary’s Cathedral looks, to the tourist and casual observer today, like it is on prime real estate while the Churches of the other denominations who received land in that early distribution are crowded beneath the skyscrapers of the city. A similar thing happened in Melbourne.

Catholics had a hard time in the early colony. Their faith was illegal. For the first forty years they rarely saw a priest and then only under strict supervision of the authorities. But many did ‘keep their faith’. They kept alive in their hearts the belief that God was with them even in those difficult circumstances. Love of Mary expressed though praying the rosary sustained and supported this belief, so when they were finally allowed to publicly practise their faith, they expressed their thanks to her by dedicating the first Cathedral in her honour and then later making her the patron of Australia under the title Mary, Help of Christians. They knew that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was their support in the hard and difficult times they faced.

Wednesday, the 24th May, is the Feast of Mary, Help of Christians. Just as she helped the early Australian Church, she helps us as well…so what type of help do you want? We all have times and situations so difficult we feel we are in the rubbish dump – both personally and as a community. Most likely, with God’s help and with Mary’s, we will not be taken out of our rubbish dumps but will be given the grace and opportunity to turn them into prime real estate. This week offer your difficult challenges to Mary and imagine what she, with her mother’s heart, could do for you.

Loving God, thank you for the gift of Mary, Help of Christians. You know I could do with all the help I could get, so let your Spirit guide me in turning to her and receiving what I need. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Justice Squad

Winter Appeal

It’s getting cold outside and people are sleeping in the cold air which can cause them to get sick. The Justice Squad is organising a winter appeal and would love it, if you have any clothes or blankets at your home that you don’t use any more. We would like you to bring them into school for the winter appeal. Even though you may think that you don’t need these items any more there is someone out there who would appreciate your donation more than you would believe. So help keep the less fortunate warm during winter.

Trolleys will be placed in the Year 1 -2 eating area along with outside the office in the mornings for weeks 7-10. Please help us help those in need. Rosies will be collecting the items every Thursday.

By Makenzie S (6S)

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 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 click on the link below and forward completed forms and attached photos to mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au

Library News

2017 National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association. Every year, over half million children across Australia take part in listening to a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator. This year, Holy Cross children will celebrate the event by listening to “The Cow Tripped Over the Moon” by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood.

We all know the cow that jumped over the moon. But did you know the story behind the brave bovine? Cow is determined to jump over the moon. But it seems the harder she tries, the harder she falls! With the support of her friends the cat, the fiddle, the dish, the spoon and the little dog, will Cow finally make that fateful leap?

The teachers at Holy Cross have helped with a listening challenge. They have all different parts of “The Cow Tripped Over the Moon” and our students have to guess the readers. The class with the most correct guesses wins a book for the classroom and extra special Library celebration time that includes reading, board games, drawing, puppets, Lego, blocks, origami...

Reading Aloud in May

Lunchtime in the Library

Library Working Bee

We have lots of new library books that need covering before the children can borrow them. Book covering is easy with plastic vinyl - no sticky contact involved. Our library staff are happy to teach the knack. So please come along for coffee and cake while you cover a book or two.

Date: Wednesday 7th June
Time: 1.30 p.m. - 2.50 p.m.
Where: Library

For catering and seating purposes, please advise attendance.

Administration News

Term 2 School Fees

Term 2 school fees are now overdue and reminder notices were emailed on Monday 22nd May. Please treat this matter with the utmost urgency.

If you currently have a direct debit/credit 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 present your card to the school office for verification. The school will make a copy of your card and provide a Health Care Card Tuition Fee Discount Scheme Form for you to complete. The fee discount will then be applied to tuition fees on future term invoices.

The discount arrangement will expire on the expiry date of the card or at the end of the school year. Parents and carers receiving the discount have a duty to inform the school of any renewal or change in eligibility for the card.

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 & F Minutes 10.5.17

Click on the link below to view the minutes from the last P & F Meeting held on 10th May 2017.

P & F Meeting Agenda 14.6.17

Please click on the link below to view the Agenda for the next P & F Meeting scheduled for Wednesday 14th June 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.

Entertainment Book Fundraising

Help support our school by buying the NEW 2017 / 2018 Entertainment Membership for your mum, other family members, or even spoil yourself this Mother’s Day. Entertainment Memberships are filled with hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and you’ll be helping our school fundraise at the same time.

Click on the link below to order your book or digital membership now. Books are also available for purchase at the school office for $60 (cash only).

Tuckshop News

Change to Monday Tuckshop Operating Hours

Commencing Monday 30th May, the Tuckshop will only be offering a meal service and over the counter snack purchases for first break only. Regular meal services will continue as per normal Tuesday to Friday.

Volunteers required

Always on the lookout for an extra set of hands in Tuckshop! At the moment though I am in particular need of volunteers who may be available Fridays from 11am until approximately 1pm, to assist with order preparation. If you think you can assist, pop into the Tuckshop & let me know. Or contact Belinda via Mob: 0422 712 461 or email bpatmore@cns.catholic.edu.au

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 through 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 selecting “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.

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

French News

Families needed!

Host a French student from CEI - Centre d’Echanges Internationaux

A great opportunity to host French students aged 15-19 is available to families for 5 weeks from 12/7/17 to 13/8/17. The French students attend local schools such as Smithfield High School during their stay and families are paid a fee to cover expenses. It is a great way for families to make international friends and share cultural experiences.

If you would like more information about hosting a French student contact:

Jo Cawood: M: 0417 330 045
E: cawoodsmith@gmail.com

Sports News

Barron River District School Sport Trial Notices

To access Barron River trial dates and regional information for Queensland School Sports please click on the following link 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.

Girls Rugby League Trial Notice (students born 2005 & 2006)

Trial dates: Monday May 29th and Monday June 5th at Holy Cross School oval, Reed Road, Trinity Park. Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm. Click on the link below for more information and Parent Consent forms.

Parent Engagement

Influenza Vaccination and Prevention Measures

The Queensland Department of Health has issued a request to disseminate information to schools so that staff and parents/guardians are informed, prepared and proactive as we enter the influenza season. The Department of Health advises:

With the influenza season just around the corner it is an opportune time to actively encourage influenza vaccination. This year the vaccine covers two strains of Influenza A and two strains of Influenza B. The inclusion of a second Influenza B strain provides additional protection for staff, students and the school community as it is Influenza B that particularly affects younger age groups.

As you are aware, the sustained and close learning environment and boarding accommodation (when applicable) in schools increases the likelihood of infections spreading. We know that once influenza has been introduced to a school it spreads easily and can result in a significant number of affected students and staff. Increased awareness and ongoing attention to prevention and control measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene, are steps that we can all promote to reduce the impact of influenza.

Queensland Health is encouraging staff and students to be vaccinated for influenza as well as promoting other prevention and control measures, such as using tissues for coughs and sneezes and handwashing. Resources and information on seasonal flu can be found on the Queensland Health website.

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.

Speech Plus Speech Pathology

Kath Bruno has re-opened her speech pathology practice with 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.

TYC’s Winter Holiday Drama Camps

Participating in TYCs action packed Winter 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. Participants make lots of new friends while also improving on their acting abilities, self-confidence, communication and presentation skills, as well as their creativity. Throughout each program students can explore either scripted & improvised acting processes, costumes, lighting, sound & multimedia elements, finishing with a creative performance on the final afternoon in front of a live audience with costumes, sets, props, sound effects, live projections and theatrical lighting!! So dive right in to TYC for our Winter Holiday Drama Camps (5yrs - 12yrs) these school holidays. For more information or to book today, visit our website, phone 40414066 or email admin@theyoungcompany.com.au . Book early to receive your early bird saving before Friday 17 June!

ECO Fiesta

Cairns Regional Council are hosting ECOfiesta on Sunday 28th May at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. This free community festival will be jam-packed with free children’s programs including circus and clowning skills, face painting, extreme BMX shows and eco-craft workshops. For the adults there will also be 8 live bands, fashion shows, local food tasting, 120+ market stalls and fantastic street food.