27 July 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

My Father has a genuine love and interest in History, and so as a child, every Sunday evening, whilst we nibbled on my mother’s delicious freshly baked scones, my family and I were forced to watch an entire episode of The Antiques Road Show. I’m afraid we didn’t all share my Father’s delight in learning about antiques, but we did find pleasure when someone, who had paid a few pounds for an item at a garage sale, learned from one of the experts that their treasure was actually worth a few hundred, and on occasion, several thousand pounds.

Now my reason for sharing this memory is because I believe it has a direct correlation to Luke’s gospel, the theme of this year’s Catholic Education Week – sharing the journey – and also the Holy Cross charism. Let me unpack this a little more so that you can see that I am not completely loopy!

When Luke wrote his Gospel, he was on assignment from a wealthy man named Theophilis who wanted to know if what he had heard about Jesus was true, because he seemed to be a very different teacher to other Jewish teachers. Luke tells us how he went about his assignment:

“I have made a careful study of everything and then decided to write to you and tell you exactly what took place. Honourable Theophilis, I have done this to let you know if what you have heard is true.” Luke 1: 3, 4.

So, what did Luke learn?

• That Jesus took a special interest in the less respected members of society. Many Jewish religious leaders believed that poor people were religiously inferior, that God wasn’t blessing them because they weren’t living correctly. Jesus did not think that way at all:

“The Lord’s Spirit has come to me because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18.

• That even though Jewish leaders of the time considered women to be inferior, Jesus treated women as individuals and recognised both their faith and their feelings: the first person on whom the Holy Spirit came was Elizabeth (Luke 1:41); the first person to be called ‘blessed’ was Mary (Luke 1: 28, 42); the first people to learn of the Resurrection were three women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James) (Luke 24:10); and, that women helped pay for the cost of Jesus’ ministry:

“Joanna, Susanna and many others had also used what they owned to help Jesus and his disciples.” Luke 8:3.

• That many people of that time believed that handicaps were evidence of sin. Jesus had special compassion for the disabled and took care of their needs:

“Blind people are now able to see and the lame can walk. People who have leprosy are being healed and the deaf can now hear.” Luke 7: 22.

• That even though Jews considered non-Jews to be on a lower social and religious level, that Jesus’ attitude towards other ethnic groups was quite different, as revealed in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jews despised Samaritans but Jesus dared to use one as a good example (Luke 10: 25 – 37).

Jesus broke through social values and practised equality.

Now, I believe that Luke’s portrayal of Jesus to Theophilis has touches of the Antique Road Show about it. Jesus befriended people who were not seen as valuable by the world around them, and placed a very high value on them. By doing this, he showed us the value God has for each of us.

As Christians in today’s world, we are confronted by marginalised people; people less fortunate than ourselves. The question for us at Holy Cross is how can we be like Jesus to these people?

As a Catholic school, Holy Cross strives to make a difference in the lives of those both in our schools and in the wider community. We challenge our students to live out the message of Jesus through our school charism, and reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

I thank each of you for the gift of your child / children, and for allowing us to share your journey, as we walk together united in Christ.

Happy Catholic Education Week!

With fond regards,
Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

EARN AND LEARN

This year we will be participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program. Through this program we will be able to get new educational resources for our school/early learning centre – and all we need you to do is shop for your groceries at Woolworths.

From Wednesday 26th July to Tuesday 19th September or while stock lasts, we are collecting Woolworths Earn & Learn Stickers. You will get one Woolworths Earn & Learn Sticker for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco and gift cards). Place the Woolworths Earn & Learn Sticker onto a Woolworths Earn & Learn Sticker Sheet and when it’s complete, the Sticker Sheet can be dropped into the Collection Box here at the school or at your local Woolworths. Please remember to write our school name on the sticker sheet.

At the end of the promotion, we’ll be able to get some great new equipment. The range is extensive and offers lots of items ideal for our students – including resources for Maths, English, Science and some fantastic fun supplies for Arts & Craft, Sport and for our library. If you’d like to know more visit the link below.

WEEKLY UPDATE

Have you seen this week’s Parent Portal Weekly Update? A simple A4 emailed document with the latest additions to the portal in case you’ve missed them. Please keep an eye on your email at the beginning of each week for the next instalment.

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.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Holy Cross Heroes

Congratulations to Week 1 Holy Cross Heroes:

Below are a number of key dates for Term 3 2017 to consider:

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

Welcome to Catholic Education Week for Queensland. This year’s theme is, “Sharing the Journey”.

This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

“Today we need a Church capable of walking at people’s side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.”

Pope Francis (Taken from www.lifeteen.com )

Students will be working on activities based on the general theme of journey, or that of walking in another’s shoes. We started the week with Mass and will finish with a special assembly. During this assembly, one student from each class, a teacher, a school officer and a parent will be awarded with a certificate called the, “Spirit of Catholic Education” award. Those people would have demonstrated attributes such as love for others, empathy, dedication, care and concern, service, stewardship, relationship or community building, compassion, or even being inclusive. Each class will also be unveiling their Catholic Education Week person, decorated to the theme. Please join us if you can.

On Wednesday, our student leaders were invited along to the Queensland launch of Catholic Education Week, held at St Andrew’s. They participated in both the Entrance and Gospel Processions. Not only was their behaviour exemplary, in the company of many distinguished guests and students from all over the Diocese, but they helped to create an amazing liturgical experience. There were students and staff from all schools demonstrating their gifts and talents in music, dancing, public speaking, food preparation and all sorts of other ways.

The Archbishop presented a homily based on the parable of the Sower and the Seeds and highlighted that the theme of ‘Journey’ demonstrates a difference between just ‘wandering’ along in life, and journeying with purpose. The Gospels, Gospel values and a grounding in faith education can help to give students purpose.

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

• Upcoming liturgies and Masses:
• Feast of the Assumption Tuesday 15th August at 9am
• First Reconciliation Holy Cross Tuesday 5th September at 6pm
• Exaltation of the Cross (Feast Day) Mass Thursday 14th September at 9am
• Class Masses and Liturgies
  - Monday 28th August 9:00am Years 2, 3 and 4
  - Tuesday 4th September 9:30am Years 1 and 5
  - Tuesday 3rd October 9:30am Year 6
  - Tuesday 17th October 9:30am Year 3
  - Tuesday 24th October Prep time TBC
  - Tuesday 31st October Year 1 time TBC
  - Tuesday 7th November Year 2 time TBC
  - Tuesday 14th November 9:30am Year 4
  - Tuesday 21st November 9:30am Year 5

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

The Program for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation the begins this week. This is a parish-based family program. Children can work through their booklets with their families at home. Sessions will be held at Holy Cross and St Andrew’s, for those who want to prepare in a group environment. Children from Grade Three and above can prepare for the Sacrament. The booklets are now available from the school office for $15.

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Where do you focus?

Once when I was travelling back home from Melbourne I got caught in the chaos that was affecting air travel. Between an airline not running, engineering problems with a plane from another airline, bad weather and pressure from the beginning of school holidays, the homeward trip was a mess, beginning at Melbourne airport. There the queue for the Baggage Drop went back from the Domestic terminal right into the International terminal! What was amazing was how calmly and politely the overwhelming majority of people took the inconvenience in their stride. Amongst the hundreds of people, the number of people who made an unpleasant fuss could have been counted on one hand. Yet what was really amazing was how little attention those people were given. Everyone, but especially the staff, just got on with being calm and making the best of a difficult situation. I marvelled at what a difference such a focus can make.

In the ordinary challenges and circumstances of life, if we chose to focus on what is negative, we will become people who give out negativity: whingers and unhappy complainers. But if we make the best of a situation and try to find what is good, we will be happy and spread that happiness. At the heart of the Christian faith is the belief that not only has God created a good world but that God’s grace and power can bring goodness even out of profoundly sinful situations. We allow that divine power to work in our lives by what we chose to focus on. In life, in love and in relationships, we can only build on good. Focus on the good and then you will have the power to deal with the difficult challenges.

Loving God, you have made our world and each of us in love and goodness. When life is difficult and challenging, send us your Spirit so that we may be channels of Jesus’ life-giving power and love. We ask this in his name confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Administration News

2017 Exiting Student Enrolments

As we are beginning preparations for our 2018 year levels we kindly ask that families who are aware that they are relocating to another school to please notify the school office on 4057 6920 or via email to mthorpe@cns.catholic.edu.au . We understand families may be unsure at this stage but ask that when you have received notification that you advise the school as quickly as possible.

As we currently have a waitlist for most year levels for 2018, we would like to confirm our existing enrolments for next year before making offers to new families. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

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.

School Dental Van Service (Term 3)

Cairns and Hinterland Oral Health Services wishes to advise families that our District is able to continue to offer FREE dental treatment to all children and young people from 0 – 17 years old.

The dental van will be arriving at the school very soon (estimated around mid-August)

The dental van will be staffed on Thursdays for the rest of term 3. Appointments will need to be arranged by contacting our Central Booking Service on 1300 300 850. Appointments for examination can also be made at the Smithfield clinic.

Please note that ALL students will need to have a parent or legal guardian present at the time of the appointment. (Additionally, we are also happy to see high school siblings from Smithfield High school due to the close proximity)

Further treatment required will be carried out at the Smithfield Community Centre, Danbulan Street, Smithfield.

Regards,
Oral Health Services
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service

Look What’s Been Going On…

Holy Cross Kids Attend University

During the recent school holidays, some of our high potential learners at Holy Cross were nominated to attend two days of learning at the James Cook University. Students were offered a range of subjects across four sessions. These Academicus programs were conducted by Brainways Education. These holiday programs were very challenging for the students and were a good opportunity for them to enrich their learning.

Three of our Prep students Amelia B, Isla P & Amelia P attended two sessions; History through the eyes of an Artist and Reaching for the Stars-An Introduction into the Science of Astronomy. The girls got to extend their knowledge, learn about different galaxies, the life cycle of a star, black holes and made a clay model of a galaxy. In the second session they looked at several artists, designed a piece of artwork with a theme, then created it. They had a fabulous time.

Payton Mc (2C) participated in two Enrichment programs at JCU over the holidays "Mathematical Gardens" and "Reaching for the Stars". This is what he thought ...

‘Maths wasn’t as fun – but we did lots of graphs and I did really well

‘But I really liked Astrology class. I learnt about the different stars, Giant Red, Red Dwarf, White Dwarf and supernova explosions! I made my own galaxy. I learnt that our sun is nothing compared to the other stars out in the universe. My teacher’s names were Nick and Marie and they were so cool. We watched videos on the planets and stars and the different sizes of stars. Earth and Earth’s sun are tiny!

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go.’

JCU Brainways Experience by Lachlan B (5C)

On the 6th and 7th of July, I had the time of my life! I was nominated by Holy Cross to attend the Academius Program at JCU for high potential learners during the school holidays. A few students from schools all around Cairns and I went to JCU for these two days. I could choose between four subject programs: 'Revolutions in History', 'The Science and Maths of GPS', 'True Fiction: Philosophy in story writing' and 'Geographical Geometry'. I chose all four and my favourite one was 'Revolutions in History'. I loved it because we learnt about the French Revolution and other revolutions. I had an absolutely phenomenal experience!

Can you fly like a girl? I can!

I can fly drones and speed race robotic devices like a girl! Can you? The drone camp run by ‘She Flies’ allows girls from Grades 5 - 12 to fly drones and learn new skills in technology, such as coding robotics. At the moment only 1% of women in Australia are drone pilots. ‘She Flies’ plans on correcting this and increasing the percentage to at least 50%. So during the past school holidays, ‘She Flies’ held a girls only drone camp at Trinity Beach State School. Eight Year 5 and 6 girls from Holy Cross attended – Jordan H, Bess E, Charleigh W, Grace S, Ashlyn S, Grace L, Gwyneth P, Laney L.

During the camp, we learnt many new and exciting things. Some of the activities included learning to fly drones, programing drones, package delivery, taking pictures and so much more! Not only did we have a chance of having fun with drones, we had a chance to make new friends, problem solve together and share many laughs.

To finish it all off, we got to present our learnings to our families who were very impressed.

By Jordan H. (6C)

SRC Money Line

Last term the Student Representative Council money line fundraiser raised a total of $632.50. Thank you to everyone for your support.

Congratulations to DILLON House who created the longest line and raised the most money and well done to PETERSEN House who were our overall GOTCHA Point winners for Term 2.

P and F News

P & F Minutes

Please click on the link to view the minutes from the July P & F Meeting.

P & F Meeting

The next P & F Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th August at 7.00pm in the school library. 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 Booklet. Entertainment Membership provides access to 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

A reminder that the Tuckshop now offers a meal service and over the counter snack purchases for first break only on Mondays. 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 and 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 at the link below or directly at the flexischools website.

Term 3 Tuckshop Menu

Please click on the link below for the Term 3 Tuckshop Menu.

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 which instrument is for you, come and see us on Friday mornings in the French room and we can help.

Mr Hurdley and Mrs Mcintyre

Gift of Music 2017

A specially formed Holy Cross Choir will be performing at this event on Wednesday 9th August. Book your tickets for this special event now!

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 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.

Barron River Cricket Trial Notice (students born 2005, 2006 & 2007)

Trial dates: Thursday 10th August and 17th August at Freshwater State School (cricket nets near Kamerunga Road). Time: 4.00pm-5.00pm. Click on the link below for more information and Parent Consent forms.

Barron River Girls AFL Trial Notice (students born 2005, 2006 & 2007)

Trial dates: Wednesday 2nd August and 9th August at St Andrew’s Catholic College (Main Oval), Redlynch. Time: 3.30pm-4.30pm. Click on the link below for more information and Parent Consent forms.

Community Notices

Drama Classes

TYC Drama Classes for 5yrs+ (Every Monday from 330pm – 430pm at Trinity Beach State School, New Enrolments Welcome)

Looking for engaging, creative and educational after-school activities? Then come and tread the boards at The Young Company Theatre this term! Your young performer will discover their electrifying creative abilities, super charged social confidence and magnetic idea generation skills as they are nurtured through our powerful youth theatre framework. For more information phone 40414066, email admin@theyoungcompany.com.au , visit our website, visit us at 169 Bunda St, Cairns City. Classes across the Cairns region.