27 October 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents

A young student named Tom was asked by his teacher if his family said a prayer before the evening meal, he replied, “We don't have to; our mum’s a good cook.”

Full marks to Tom; obviously he has total confidence in his mother’s cooking ability, and if her culinary skills are not quite up to the mark, he loves her so dearly that he wouldn’t betray her by telling anyone. Interestingly, to be able to truly love his mum, Tom first has to first love himself, and for some people, that is not always easy to do.

Holding a strong respectful image of ourselves is essential for self-love. Whatever our history, it is possible, gradually and with support, to learn to appreciate ourselves as a loving and loved person, a source of love for others and ourselves.

Sticking with the food theme, I thought it apt to share the following with you as it claims to be ‘the perfect recipe for self-love’:

Something for us all to try, I think.

The trouble is, it is extremely easy to fall into the trap of drifting along in life looking up to people in whom we see goodness, beauty and love, whilst failing to see these qualities in ourselves. As a result, we begin to lean on others without realising that we already have everything we need to adequately stand on our own two feet. Psychologist, Scott Peek, suggests, “We are incapable of loving another unless we love ourselves, just as we are incapable of teaching our children self-discipline unless we are self-disciplined.”

As Christians, our belief that God loves each of us can easily be questioned in the absence of self-love. If we do not love ourselves, how can we fully accept Jesus’ wonderful invitation to ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’?

In the words of Stephanie Dowrick, “As we learn love, we become more empathetic, sensitive and appreciative – with increasingly fewer conditions. As we learn love, we literally look forwards with greater confidence, enthusiasm and hope. We find meaning wherever we are, because love does not bring meaning. Love is meaning.”

One of my favourite parables refers to the importance of self-love:

Looking at this parable through a lens of self-love, the words paint a picture of something small and vulnerable, which when truly cared for, grows into an attraction to which others are drawn. Tom’s mother clearly has an array of ideas and strategies promoting ways to instil self-love in her children because of Tom’s wonderful response to the teacher’s question, and Jesus has the invitation as to what to do with the developed quality.

As a Catholic school, our vision and philosophy is built upon a commitment and devotion to educating the whole child. Our Social and Emotional Learning program highlights the importance of self-love and all the qualities this encapsulates. Staff model and teach these components explicitly to our students, and reinforce them to those who need it through our Mentoring Program.

As a Catholic community, we teach our students that self-love is empowering, and can be used in a multitude of different ways to help others, making a commitment to leaving our world better than when we found it. This is promoted in everything we do, and the foundation of our charism, the Holy Cross Way. It is also embedded in all of our Service and Outreach initiatives and the central theme of our student committees.

So as we journey slowly towards the end of the 2017 academic year (and the end of primary schooling for Year 6) let us each take a moment to appreciate ourselves as a loving and loved person, a source of love for others and ourselves, and pass this moment on to each of our children.

Wishing you God’s every blessing,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

APA News

TERM 4 SCHOOL FEES

Term 4 fees were due for payment by Wednesday 25th October 2017. If you have not yet attended to this payment, please finalise your account as soon as possible. If you have alternative payment arrangements in place (eg. Periodic Direct Debits, approved repayment plans etc) please ensure your 2017 fees are paid in full by 24th November 2017. Your prompt attention to payment is appreciated.

The payment of school fees and levies is an important component of the income of the school. The school relies on these payments in order to provide the high quality education enjoyed by your child / children. In situations where there is genuine financial hardship and if you are struggling to pay school fees, you are encouraged to contact the school for an appointment with the Principal and your circumstances will be treated with the utmost confidence.

ACADEMIC REPORTS

Withholding of Academic reports

As we approach the end of Semester 2, please be advised that Holy Cross will, at the end of this semester, withhold academic reports for students where their family has an outstanding fee account and where an acceptable fee payment arrangement has not been made with the school. Please contact Carolyn Mealing, our Finance Officer, via email accounts.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au or by phoning on 4057 6920 and selecting the Accounts extension 3 should you have any queries.

Holy Cross takes a proactive stance in respect of the collection of fees and levies. I take this opportunity to thank the majority of our families for their continued support through their contribution and commitment to the timely payment of their fees and levies.

2017 EXITING STUDENT ENROLMENTS

As we are beginning class preparations for our 2018 year levels we kindly ask that families who are aware that they are relocating or will be attending 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.

Please note a formal exit notification form is required to be completed and an exit interview organised with the School Principal in order to finalise student enrolments.

Should you require an Exit form, they are available for collection from the school office, via email upon request, or click on the link below to download a copy.

2018 CLASS PREPARATIONS

As we commence the preparations for student placement for 2018, parents are requested to trust the staff at Holy Cross with the process of class allocation. Our practice at Holy Cross is very transparent – we invite every child to trace around their hand and, after some helpful tips from their teacher, the children write the names of friends they work well with inside each of the five fingers. Staff then work through these lists and endeavour to place the children with at least one of their selection. This first draft is then shared with previous teachers and specialist staff to ensure that past experiences can be taken into consideration. Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Roberts and I then cross reference these lists with any other information we might have, and the lists continue to be circulated until we are satisfied with the combination.

Parents are welcome to contribute to this conversation, but please do NOT request a specific teacher for your child. Requests such as these cannot be met. If you do have any concerns or queries, please book a time for a chat with your child’s current class teacher who will be more than happy to put your mind at rest, or put your request in writing to the Principal. And don’t forget, positive conversations at home about the inevitable changes ahead ensure a happy transition.

TRANSITIONING

At this time of year, many children and young people are preparing to start school or transition within school. Some children will be starting school for the very first time; others will be starting their first year of high school, while others are simply nervous about moving to the next grade.

What is transitioning?

Starting at a new school, college is a normal part of life for young people. However, it can create mixed feelings of stress, anxiety, excitement and nervousness. These feelings can be due to the uncertainty associated with change as well as changes that are occurring within young people at this time in their lives.

When young people move from primary school to high school, they experience substantial changes regarding expectations placed on them as well as changes to the structure of their environment.

For example, it can be a challenge for children starting high school to understand that they are required to change rooms for each class and that each class is taught by a different teacher. They may also grieve over the loss of their primary school friends or worry about things like being bullied, being around so many older kids, or finding their way around a bigger school. Some research has suggested that transitioning to high school in particular can be challenging to young people compared with other experiences. Young people may be both excited about the benefits that these change may bring (i.e. new experiences, more freedom), as well as anxious (i.e. leaving old peer groups behind, higher expectations of achievement).

10 tips to prepare your child for high school

Starting secondary school is exciting, but it’s a big step up from primary school. Getting used to the change can be difficult for some young people and first-day jitters can be hard to overcome.

Here are some tips to help prepare your child for high school:

1. Be positive and enthusiastic. Your child is more likely to look forward to starting high school if you’re positive about it.
2. Attend orientation events. Most high schools offer an open day in the second semester where grade six students and their parents can attend, meet teachers and tour the facilities.
3. Find a school buddy for your child. This may be a neighbour’s child or an older playmate. Some high schools have their own ‘buddy system’, where older children at the school look out for new students.
4. Understand the school routine. Being familiar with timetables, scheduled breaks and start or finish times can help your child to know what to expect from their school day.
5. Be prepared ahead of time. Involve your child in getting their books, uniform and travel pass organised well in advance of their start date, so they feel reassured and don’t have to worry.
6. Visit the school over the Christmas holidays, if possible. Stroll around the grounds to familiarise your child with the location of the toilets, office, lockers and sports facilities.
7. Figure out the travel route. Talk with your child about how they will get to and from school, and explore the route with them a few times before they start.
8. Practise travelling to and from school. If they’re walking or catching public transport, go with your child or arrange someone else to accompany them until they are confident travelling on their own.
9. Have an emergency safety plan. Be clear about who your child should contact and what you expect them to do in an emergency. Be calm and matter-of-fact about issues such as crossing major roads on their own or catching public transport if you are unable to arrange a lift for them.
10. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. They may be anxious about making the transition to high school or they may experience difficulties settling in once they start. Reassure them that it’s normal to have mixed feelings about starting a new school.

Source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/tentips/10-tips-to-prepare-your-child-for-high-school

At Holy Cross in 2017 we have a number of programs in place to support students Transitioning, these include our 2017 Prep students, our students in Year 6 off to High School, our diverse learners with needs or students who are anxious about the next year level. Should you be concerned at all or your child is showing concern we encourage you to come and talk to your classroom teacher. By being proactive about transitions we endeavour to set up the most positive pathways forward.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Holy Cross Heroes

Congratulations to Week 3 Holy Cross Heroes:

Below are a number of key dates for Term 4 2017 to consider:

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal - Administration

APRE News

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Whole School
      - Thursday 2nd November 9:00am All Souls Mass
      - Friday 10th November 9:00am Remembrance Day Liturgy in place of assembly
      - Friday 1st December 9:00am End of Year Mass
• Class Masses and Liturgies
      - Wednesday 1st November 9:00am Year 1 (NEW DATE)
      - Wednesday 8th November 9:00am Year 2
      - Tuesday 14th November 9:30am Year 4
      - Tuesday 21st November 9:30am Year 5
      - Thursday 30th November 6:00pm Year 6 Graduation Liturgy

SOCK IT TO POVERTY

Thank you for all your donations. The wide array of crazy socks was great to see on Friday morning. “Socks of the day” must go to Mia and Zarah P, with their long socks filled with pom poms, some even alive with googly eyes!

WONDER OF LIVING

A Personal Development Program based on the “Wonder of Living” series, will be running during Week 5 of this term, for Years 2 to 6 students. It is an age appropriate sexuality program that runs throughout the Diocese of Cairns, facilitated by Natural Fertility Services. It links well with the HPE curriculum. Thank you to the parents who came for the information sessions on Monday. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the program, please return the attached note.

REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Being A Missionary

A recent episode of Doc Martin portrayed two missionaries in the story line. The moment I heard the word ‘missionary’ I suspected what stereotypes would be trundled out…and they were: mildly boring, colourless people who didn’t have their priorities right, neglecting family and health because of a ‘higher’ calling. Funny I’ve known a number of missionaries and they haven’t been like that at all. I met most of these back in Australia and I could feel the full life and vibrancy they had while on mission. The challenges made them more alive, more compassionate and, listening to the stories, great fun.

This month the Church focuses on the Missions and we readily think of those parts of the world where the poor and neglected are served. But what about here, at home, in your home, in your neighbourhood? As Christians, we are missionaries. It is integral to who we are. By sending your children to a Catholic School, you are saying something about the values you want to live by. Oh, of course we all fail but it worth taking some time to think about what you would like to proclaim by your life.

Do you want to be known as compassionate? As outgoing? Reflective? Generous? Wise? Dependable? The person who brings joy? The one who supports those in need? We all have our gifts and talents and what we have is how God wants to reveal life and love in the world through us. Name who you are and imagine how God can make you a greater person thought that. Then put it into action and you will be a missionary.

Loving God, you have given me gifts and talents through which to show the fullness of your life and love. Send me your wise Spirit that I might show you to those around me. I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross

Administration News

2018 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 prior to recommencement in January 2018. 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.

GOTCHA Points

Congratulations to Year 2C and ROBINSON for collecting the most GOTCHA points for Week 3. Keep up the great work!

School Dental Van News

The dental van is now in full operation at Holy Cross School and being utilised extremely well. Dental staff is available every Thursday and we have managed to open up some Mondays and Wednesdays for dental examinations in the van for this term.

Please don’t miss this opportunity for a free dental examination. Parents must attend with their child.

Everyone is eligible from 0-18 years of age. We are happy to see any secondary students at the van as well.

An appointment at the Holy Cross Dental van can be made by phoning 1 300 300 850.

Regards,

Oral Health Services
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service

P and F News

2017 Holy Cross Christmas Fair – Saturday 18th November

Dear Parents, Teachers & Friends

It is that time of year again, where the Holy Cross community spirit is called upon to give generously in the lead up to our main fundraising event of the year – The Christmas Fair.

Time for a change: The P&F committee voted not to re-new our contract with Wonder Fair this year deciding it was an opportunity to bring some much needed change to the event, allowing us to organise rides and ticket sales ourselves, and hopefully raise more money in the process. Also, rather than allocating class helpers to a particular stall, we are trialling an online sign up for volunteers this year.

“All things FAIR” booth: A P&F delegate and myself will be pitching up outside the Tuck-shop each Friday before assembly from 7.45 – 8.45am. Here you can return and collect raffle books, donate bric-a-brac for the white elephant stall, enquire about sponsorship opportunities, give monetary donations or vouchers from your business, plus someone will be there to answer any questions or queries you may have regarding the Fair.

Ticket Sales: Early Bird Ride Tickets are currently on sale through Flexi-schools which allows $10 discount. This offer closes on 10th November at 5pm after which tickets will only be available for purchase at full value on the day of the fair (4pm - 7pm.) You may collect your ride tickets at the “All things Fair” booth each Friday morning as stated above. Please note we will not send tickets home with students unless confirmed arrangement with parents have been made. Once your tickets have been collected and signed for, please ensure you keep them safe until fair day as they are non-refundable. Contact pandf@holycross.qld.edu.au or Susie Dobson (0414 801 412) if you are unable to collect tickets on Friday mornings.

Volunteer sign up: You should have received an e-mail invitation from SignUpGenius. Every volunteer is needed and valued as our Fair can't happen without you. Even if you can commit to just one thing, it will make a huge difference to the success of this year’s event.

Key Date: On Friday 3rd November pupils are invited to participate in a ‘Christmas Clobber’ Dress Day. On this day we ask pupils to bring a bottle for the Bottle Tombola and a chocolate bar for the Choc Lotto stall. Prizes for the most creative dress ups will be given out on the day (more information to follow nearer the date.)

For more information please join our P&F Facebook Group and stay tuned for more exciting announcements. I look forward to seeing you over the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

Kind regards

Mel Emmerick
P&F President – Holy Cross School

P & F Meeting

The next P & F Meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th November 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.

Tuckshop News

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.

EFTPOS Available

Eftpos is now available for the convenience of families and staff to utilise for purchases/payments of $10 and above.

Flexischools

Many thanks to the families and staff utilising the Flexischools Online Ordering Service. Flexischools can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of the School Website or directly via the link below:

Note: In regards to student absences and orders – If your student is absent or going home unwell, it is necessary to inform the office staff or the Tuckshop directly ASAP so the order can be cancelled and credited back to your online account. In the event that we are not advised, or advised too late and the order has already been prepared – the credit will be forfeited or partially forfeited for the items that must be disposed of. Please advise of order cancellations by contacting the office on 40576920 or directly to the Tuckshop via mobile 0422 712 461.

Volunteers required

As always I am on the lookout for extra hands in the Tuckshop. If you can offer some of your time to help out, please contact me on 0422 712 461.

Also if anyone is a keen baker and would be willing to help out with baking some menu items (can be baked at home, ingredients supplied or reimbursed) please contact me on the mobile number supplied above.

Tuckshop Menu

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

Many thanks,

Belinda Patmore
Convenor - Holy Cross Tuckshop

Music News

Cairns Youth Orchestra Auditions for 2018

Auditions will be held at the Trinity Bay State High School Music Block on 19th November from 9.00am to 2.00pm. Please bring some music to play and your instrument. There is a $5 audition fee. For enquiries please contact: Leesa Cooke, (one of the musical directors) on 0422 368 620

Sports News

Peninsula School Sport

Aquathlon- (1km Run, 200m Swim, 1km Run) - students aged 11-12 years (DOB 2007/2006) are eligible to compete in this event to be held at Trinity Anglican School (TAS), Progress Road, White Rock on Sunday 12th November. Registrations close 5.00pm Friday 3rd November.

For those students interested in this event, a triathlon Queensland Skills and Course Familiarisation Clinic will be held prior to the event on Saturday 28th October.

Click on the link below for more information and registration details.

Netball Coaching Clinic

The Marlin Coast Netball Region is inviting netball players aged 7 – 10 years to a free netball clinic with netball legend and former Diamonds Captain, Vicki Wilson on Sunday 12th November from 10.00am – 11.15am. As spaces are limited, please click on the link to register your interest and RSVP to president.marlincoast@gmail.com as soon as possible. Please note players do not need to have any experience in the sport.

Marlin Coast Swimming Club

Community Notices

MacKillop Catholic College Cent Sale

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.