10 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Continuing to reflect on the theme of Catholic Education Week, ‘Sharing the Journey’, and pondering on the many conversations I have since had with students about journeying, footprints, and walking in the shoes of others, the following quote struck a chord with me:

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

I am sure that I am not alone in hoping, that the most cherished footprints left in the hearts of my own children might involve my husband and I. No doubt, they will also retain an abundance of not-so-happy moments that they will remember forever, particularly during adolescence, but for the most part, my strongest desire is that their childhood memories will be a constant reminder of the love and natural intimacy created between them and myself upon their birth.

The formation of unconditional love is necessary for the development (even survival) of children during their formative years. If not available, the negative effects can last long into adulthood. The bonds formed between parents and children are the essence of what is most human within children, and gives them the basic building blocks that structure their personalities. It is crucial that parents are actively involved with their children at close range. It is vital to not be ‘long distance parents’, either emotionally or physically, but to show their love through words and the positive actions of daily life.

I once heard childhood development likened to an artist’s palette. The comparison was really quite beautiful. It goes like this: parents commence the creation of an artist’s palette from the moment their child is born. The rich array of colours placed upon the palette are formed using all the elements of their being:

• emotions
• intellect
• manner of expression
• personal integrity
• Christian values
• in fact anything that makes up the rich tapestry that is their lives.

Children come to this palette and, dip their ‘brush of life’ into its contents. Each child instantly begins the creation of their own special and unique image.

Now if you can imagine a palette filled with a vast array of colours and textures, all ready for children to pick from, you will see that the choice and depth of the images they create will be positive and balanced. In turn, the richer their lives will be as they mature towards adulthood.

Every time I reflect on this analogy, I have to confess that the images that spring to my mind are those involving complete mess and an abundance of complex errors, errors which are frantically being attacked in an attempt to clean them up, preventing onlookers from intently scrutinising them, or, in the case of this beautiful baby pictured below, eaten!

Our school charism places great importance on relationships. A considerable amount of time has been devoted to unpacking Parent Engagement at Holy Cross this year, looking for ways to connect more regularly with our community, a journey which is only just beginning and will continue into 2018 and beyond.

Our commitment to this important component of our charism, the Holy Cross Way, is grounded in a belief that via the explicit teaching that takes place in every classroom, and the amazing role models surrounding our students each and every day, that they will acquire all the necessary tools to become happy, successful and loving members of society. And this, in turn, will lead to the strengthening of communities, service, and ultimately stewardship as they walk beside others leaving positive footprints in their hearts also.

Wishing you God’s every blessing,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent Teacher Interviews will take place at Holy Cross in Week 7 for Year 6 (21st -25th August) and Week 8 for Prep to Year 5 (August 28th - 1st September). This week you should have received an email from Parent Teacher Online explaining what you needed to do. We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity with your child’s teacher. These meetings will assist greatly to ensure a smooth and productive end of year for all students and families.

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

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

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Holy Cross Heroes

Congratulations to Week 2 & 3 Holy Cross Heroes:

Congratulations to the Superhero of the Month, Lily (2C)

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

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Last Sunday was the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, which celebrates the revelation of Christ's divine glory on Mount Tabor.

“The gospel narrative (Matthew 17:1-9) recounts a theophany, a self-revelation of God. The once popular interpretation of this as a post-resurrection story read back into the time of the public ministry of Jesus has been challenged by most commentators today. Rather, they believe that it describes an insight into the identity that was his during his public life. Thus the transformation was a change that took place when Jesus’ inner reality shone forth and transfigured his outer appearance. Moses and Elijah, the representatives of the law and the prophets, confirm Jesus’ authority and the legitimacy of his teaching. While these men converse with Jesus, the voice from the cloud speaks to the apostles. They are the ones who seem to need the identification of Jesus and the directive from God.”

By Dianne Bergant CSS

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 is well underway. Please continue to pray for these children as they prepare.

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

This week we also celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross. Mary MacKillop was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne, in 1842. She moved to Penola in South Australia and together with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, established Australia’s first free Catholic school. In 1866 she co-founded Australia’s first religious order, the Sisters of St Joseph. Mary was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2010 and is now known as St Mary of the Cross.

Earlier this term I was fortunate enough to stay at Anderledy Lodge, which is in Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. It is an amazing place to not only learn more about Mary MacKillop, but to find spiritual nourishment and great hospitality. The heart of this sacred site is the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel where the tomb of Saint Mary MacKillop is located. There is also a comprehensive museum. Although it is all located in busy North Sydney, surrounded by tall buildings and hustle and bustle, Mary MacKillop Place is peaceful and a very special place to visit or stay.

If you are interested in learning more, please go to:

Lord God,
You called Mary MacKillop to serve you.
She spent her life caring for and teaching kids
and inspired others to join with her.
Through your love
she lived a life which gave people hope.
Today we share that hope.
Bless all who continue her work
And may they and St Mary of the Cross continue
to be a source of hope for us all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Administration News

Term 3 School Fees

Term 3 school fees were due for payment by the 1st August and are now overdue. 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 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 24th 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…

Year 5 Camp

Book Fair

Gotcha Points

Congratulations to Year 1H for collecting the most number of GOTCHA Points so far for Term 3.

Congratulations DILLON for starting Term 3 with a bang!

P and F News

P & F Meeting

The next P & F Meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th September at 6.30pm 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 or directly via the link below.

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

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 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.

Netball

A junior netball clinic with Geva Mentor, the Sunshine Lightning Captain, MVP and International Superstar netball player is being held at Cairns Netball Association, Little Street, Cairns during the school holidays. Please see the attached flyer for more information on how to book.

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 via the link below, visit us at 169 Bunda St, Cairns City. Classes across the Cairns region.

Click on the link below for information regarding the September School Holiday Program.