2 September 2015

Newsletter Articles

"It's not how much we give
but how much we put into the giving."
Mother Teresa

From the Principal

Parents,

Well done to our Year 5 & 6 OptiMINDS teams who participated in the problem solving challenge at James Cook University on Sunday 23rd August. Special congratulations to the Year 6 team who won their division. We wish them all the best in their preparation for the National Championships to be held in Brisbane.

A special thank you goes out this week to those parents who were able to come along on Saturday afternoon to our P& F Working Bee to distribute a rather large pile of mulch onto our butterfly garden on the oval mound and around the school garden beds. Thank you also to the efforts of the wonderful students who also came along and pitched in helping to earn a Gotcha Point for their house team.

Here at Holy Cross we have a diverse group of children who come from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of abilities and a multitude of talents and at times may be managing unknown or difficult family circumstances or a medical diagnosis. This week, I share some beautiful poetry from one of our grandparents which echoes some touching and powerful sentiments. The poems scaffold a perspective that is very much valued here at Holy Cross and within Catholic Education: that as followers of Christ, we strive to hold a belief of each individual amongst us that empowers and respects all and by our actions and attitudes we take into consideration unique and individual circumstances.

'Within the school community there are children with very diverse personalities, abilities and behaviour. Every child has different needs, from the ones that are extremely bright and need to be challenged, to the ones that struggle but will always accept a challenge. People see a child that may have behavioural problems or a disability and at times judge that child and even their family. What they don't always realise is, that there is a family struggling, day after day, to support and love that child. When you have a child that doesn't get invited to play dates or birthday parties it breaks your heart. This is an insight about a child and family struggling with ADHD. He maybe the child you see showing unacceptable behaviour, temper tantrums and often being aggressive, but remember, he is loved and supported not only by his family but from this amazing school that he attends.'

A Boy Called Trouble

Hullo People

There was once a little boy called trouble And thankfully there was no double He tried very hard day after day But he had no friends no one would play He loved his sport but maybe too much Some kids got hurt sometimes by his touch He failed his exams no matter how hard he tried There was something amiss with his head inside He tried to explain there was something wrong But no one could help for ever so long Then one day a magic fairy appeared And said I can help you don't be feared This is a magic card and do as I say Look at this card every day It will make you feel that your head is right And you will no longer have to fight And the kids in your class will finally see A clever, caring friend with an adoring family Your grades will improve you'll become very smart And the teachers will see that you have a good heart And maybe this boy called trouble could be Not really trouble, maybe it's me

Hullo people what do you see Do you see a boy not part of your family Do you see a boy with tears in his eyes Do you see a boy who often cries Do you see a boy who is quick to fight Do you see a boy that can't get it right Hullo people what do you see Do you see a boy not part of your family Do you see a boy who has to struggle Do you see a boy whose life is a juggle Do you see a boy who just keeps on trying Do you see a boy who feels like he's dying Hullo people what do I see I see a boy who is part of my family I see a boy who's tears I wipe I see a boy who's a bit hype I see a boy with love in his heart I see a boy who just needs a start Hullo people what do I see I see a boy who has a destiny I see a boy who just needs a chance I see a boy who loves to dance I see a boy who is loved so much I see a boy who my heart he has touched Hullo people what do I see I see my grandson and he's my family

Just Sticks and Stones?

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Right?

I have a problem. My mouth runs light years ahead of my brain. That means I too often say things and hurt others without thinking. Jesus is right. What comes out of us can make us impure. Our words build up or tear down.

First, our words of ridicule can destroy others. Some people feel put down all the time. Your words of praise might make their day.

Second, our words shape how we think about people? Do we focus only on faults when we talk about some people? If so, we are likely to miss the good within those people. Doesn't God focus mostly on the good things about us?

Third, our words also shape how others think about people. We can take the opportunity to point out people's strengths when others tear them down. We also can take the opportunity to stop gossip when it comes across our path. Isn't that what we want others to do for us?

Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites in last Week's Gospel. That word comes from a Greek word meaning "actors." This week, as you talk to and about other people, make sure your words show that your Christianity is not just an act.

GPBS.com.au

BEING NICE MATTERS

Children who have good social and emotional skills in primary school are more likely to have better outcomes later in life.

In a revealing research project, teachers rated how well their students performed in categories like how well they resolved conflicts with peers, how well they listened to others, how much they helped others and how well they shared and co-operated with others.

The researchers then tracked these children for two decades.

They recorded positive and negative milestones such as whether or not they graduated from high school, obtained university degrees or developed a criminal record or substance abuse problems.

The result: children who had scored high in social and emotional skills in the first years of school were found to have better outcomes as young adults than children who scored lower.

Children who scored higher in the social and emotional competence skills as youngsters:

• were more likely to graduate from high school
• were more likely to obtain a degree in early adulthood
• were more likely to have a full-time job at age 25

Those who scored lower on the social and emotional skills:

• had a higher risk of being arrested
• had a higher chance of using marijuana
• had a higher chance of being on a waiting list for public housing

This study shows there is a clear link between good social and emotional skills and success later in life and these skills can be seen very early on.

As children get older, there's less emphasis on social and emotional skills. Parents and teachers may think children are just the way they are and they'll sort it out as they grow. That doesn't always happen.

Having children focus their time and energy on reading and maths and playing a musical instrument or excelling on the sports field are important.

But it is also vital to pay attention to building skills like sharing, having empathy for others, co-operating and being kind and nice. These skills will affect how they fare in life.

The key message is that parents, teachers and mentors can make a difference and influence the social and emotional skills that help lead to a fulfilling life, and it is a good idea to start as early as possible.

Research by Pennsylvania State University and Duke University funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and published online in the July 2015 issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

As a school, Holy Cross students often excel in sporting pursuits. We try to encourage a healthy participation which is not always based on winning but in the act of participation and team spirit whilst taking part. As families promote a healthy participation in Sporting pursuits, Michael Grose offers some advice on how to bring about positive outcomes from children's sporting participation.

Children's sport can bring out the worst in some parents. It seems that inside even the most mild-mannered person there is a monster lurking that emerges when their children are on the sports field. This monster makes a parent argue with officials and umpires, disagree with coaches and drive children to the point of distraction.

These guidelines may help you tame the monster within as well as make sport enjoyable and worthwhile for your child:

1. Don't allow sport to dominate your family-life or your child's life. Insist on a balance between different areas and encourage your child to vary his or her interests.
2. Encourage your child and take an interest but don't add pressure by being too involved. You don't want to make sport a source of stress for your child.
3. Focus your attention on performance, enjoyment and participation rather than on the results. Your child is learning, so winning is not the aim of the game at this stage. Yes, they do keep a score but you don't have to focus on that.
4. Your approval is very important to your child and he or she picks up clues by listening to your comments and observing your body language. Be positive with everything you say and do, except when children display poor sportsmanship.
5. Remember that sport teaches children many life lessons, such as how to work together, solve problems and also how to accept the disappointment of defeat. Sport is a great character-builder for children of all ages.
6. Encourage children to talk about sport, but don't force them to communicate if they don't want to.
7. Get to know your child's coach and understand that his or her job is to teach skills, develop positive attitudes and promote personal development. Winning should be further down on their list of priorities as a coach.
8. Take an interest in other participants, not just your child. By removing the focus from your child you are more likely to keep a balanced view of sport.
9. Model good sportsmanship for your child and insist that he or she acts in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Sport is a social activity and those children who are poor sports tend to miss out on this important aspect.
10. Emphasise fun rather winning, learning rather perfection, teamwork rather than individual performance and remember that if you want your child to excel in a particular sport he or she must enjoy their participation. For many children that means they must get more from their sport than just trophies and ribbons to keep them participating over the long-term.

I look forward to meeting up with many of you during the week.

Enjoy your week.

Blessings

Wendy Manners
Principal – Holy Cross Catholic School

APRE News

FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS

On Monday of Week 10, we will celebrate Holy Cross Day. Our feast day falls on the feast of Exaltation of the Cross. There will be a number of activities on this day.

1. Mass as a school community in the church at 9:00am. There may even be a special guest presider…
2. Whole school buddy activities in the middle session.
3. Colour Run-to raise money for our parish. These funds will go towards the purchase of new screens and projectors in the church.
4. Monica Brown concert in the afternoon for the whole school.
5. Monica Brown staff session after school.

Parents and siblings are invited to attend Mass and the Colour Run.

We are looking forward to a wonderful day and chance to celebrate as the Holy Cross community!

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Upcoming liturgies and Masses:

• Years 2 & 5 Liturgy Wednesday 2nd of September 9:00am
• Year 1 & 6 Mass Wednesday 9th of September 9:00am
• Holy Cross Feast Day, Exaltation of the Cross, Monday the 14th September 9:00am

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Parents are asked to attend a final preparation meeting on Tuesday the 1st of September, 6pm at Holy Cross or St Andrew's. The children will then receive First Reconciliation at Holy Cross on the 8th of September, during school time.

For further information, please contact Helen Bozzo via email at hlockwoodb@standrewscc.qld.edu.au or myself via phone or email.

Dates for the diary:

• Final preparation session at Holy Cross Church or All Saints' Chapel, St Andrew's, 6pm on 1st September
• First Reconciliation Tuesday 8th of September 12pm, Holy Cross Church

MEDITATION

Meditation is a part of each class' daily routine, after second break. Teachers use various forms of meditation with their students, with at least three of these days being for Christian meditation. Teachers make use of meditation CDs, visualisation activities, relaxation techniques and other prayerful and meditative strategies. Recently, year ones have been meditating in the prayer garden, year twos have been creating mandalas and year threes have been using visualisation techniques with the help of CDs.

This meditation time has a number of benefits for students. They are calm and ready for afternoon learning, they are given opportunities to deepen their relationship with God, it helps nurture their spiritual development and they learn some self-regulation, just to name a few.

Ernie Christie, in his book, "Coming Home-A Guide to teaching Christian Meditation to Children", gives some suggestions for parents:

• Consider having your child develop a quiet, sacred space in their room or in the house.
• Consider including a bible and other spiritual reading resources as part of their sacred space.
• Consider giving your child an icon or spiritual symbol.
• Encourage stillness and silence as often as possible.
• Prayer, stillness and silence are all natural.
• A child's spirituality is nurtured in community, the oneness with others that springs from shared experiences, shared memories and shared hopes and dreams.
• Build times of silence and stillness into the life of your child every day.
• Meditation is simple, we are complex.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK:

Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be

Parish Mass Times

Saturday

Holy Cross, Trinity Park 6:00pm

Sunday

Sacred Heart, Freshwater 7:00am

Holy Cross, Trinity Park 8:30am

St Augustine's, Stratford 10:30am

All Saints Chapel, St Andrew's Redlynch 5:30pm

Jacinta Roberts
APRE Holy Cross
jroberts1@cns.catholic.edu.au

APA News

Term 3 Week 8 SNAP SHOT, 2015

We are at the business end of Term 3 already! Where is time going? Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying our Year 6 Team and students to Lake Tinaroo for their 2015 camp experience. The students had a great time all round with challenging activities and a good mixture of down time. For our Year 6's it's now time to knuckle down in the classroom, ready to finish the year on a high.

There are again a number of events coming in the next couple of weeks to finish the Term and begin Term 4.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews will take place at Holy Cross next week (Week 9, September 7-11th). This year Holy Cross has trialled a new online booking system. You should have received an email from Parent Teacher Online explaining what you need to do. Please contact the front office if you have any difficulties or have not received this notification. We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity with your child's teacher and make contact if you have not already booked a time. These meetings will assist greatly to ensure a smooth and productive end of year for all students and families.

P & F Activities

Please keep your eyes wide for any correspondence for the upcoming P & F Father's Day Stall on Friday and the Disco's planned for Friday night. Get your dancing shoes ready. Have you thought about your Father's Day activities?

Groups Photo Day

Monday 7th September (NEXT MONDAY). NQ Photos will return next week to take the 2015 Holy Cross group photos. This is not for class photos but for special groups throughout the year such as our Year 6 Graduation Photo, sporting teams, choir etc. Please make contact with your class teacher if you are unsure if this will be your child.

Hero Time Friday

This week we will be introducing Holy Cross Hero Time on Friday afternoons. This time will be a reward and incentive time in line with our Positive School Behaviour Framework. Students who are successful in the week will enjoy and extra 15 minutes of lunch with their class groups. Students will negotiate with their teachers a fun activity to do as a class in this time, could be a game, a story under a tree, a class activity etc. This time will be promoted as a class reward time (inclusive of the classroom teacher) that promotes the bonding of the class and rewards their efforts for the week.

In line with our Behaviour Framework, students can miss out on this time should they receive three or more times in notified behaviour (Level 2) in a week for Year Prep -2, and two or more times for Years 3-6. For a child to miss out this would mean that you as a parent would have received a reflection sheet for an incident or a phone call/ conversation from the classroom teacher and/or administration on two or three occasion (dependent on year level) within the same week. The third notification would include missing out of this reward time as part of the consequence. Should you have any questions regarding this activity please feel free to come and have a conversation with your classroom teacher or myself. We thank you for your continued support in supporting our students to make great choices at school.

Term 4 Swimming P-3

October 19th – November 27th. Mark the dates on your calendars. Whilst there is still plenty of time between now and October please be aware that our Prep – Year 3 classes will have swimming lessons, once a week for six weeks. It is an expectation of the pool that students have hair tied back; wear sun safe shirts and goggles (Pool sells for $10). Now would be a great time to be checking that you have the appropriate clothing and it all still fits for the incoming warmer weather.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

Week 7 – Ready to Learn.
Week 8 – "I think I can. I know I can."

Everything that you do or don't do comes down to confidence.
Always believe in yourself even when it's not easy.

Congratulations to Week 6's Holy Cross Heroes:

Prep	Neve M, Harmony, Sophie M
Year 1	Matthew M, Madelyn J, Hayley B
Year 2	Ava H, Betty C, Lillian M
Year 3	Luka Q, Jake C, Nicholas
Year 5	Harvey V, James H, Jorja A
Year 6	Ben B, Lillian C, Tiahn F
"We were all caught READY TO LEARN."

KEY DATES
Friday 4th September	P & F Fathers' Day Stall
Friday 4th September	P & F Disco's
Sunday 6th September	Fathers' Day
Monday 7th September – Friday 11th September	Parent Teacher Interviews
Monday 7th September	Holy Cross Groups Photo Day
Monday 14th September	Holy Cross Day
Friday 18th September	Last Day of Term 3
Monday 5th October	PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Tuesday 6th October	First Day Term 4

Many blessings for the week

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal – Administration
bhenry2@cns.catholic.edu.au

School Notices

2015 Exiting Student Enrolments

Prep -Year 5 Exiting Enrolments – We understand this is very early in the year but as we are beginning preparations for 2016 we ask that those families who are aware that they are you are relocating or moving your child to another school please notify the office as soon as possible. We understand families may be unsure at this stage but ask that when you have received notification that you advise the school. As we currently have a waitlist for most year levels for 2016, we want to confirm our existing enrolments.

Opti-Minds

Congratulations to both the Year 5 and 6 Opti-Minds teams, who took part in their Regional Final last weekend. Both teams performed brilliantly and were commended on the creativity of their ideas. The Year 6 team and I were extremely excited when they took out a win in their division and will now go on compete in the National Championships in Brisbane.

Fantastic effort Einsteins and Shooting Stars!

Coralie Stefanovic (Opti- Minds Coordinator)

Woolworths Earn & Learn 2015

Dear Parents,

From Wednesday 15th July to Tuesday 8th September, 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.

If you can't fill in the whole sheet, please bring in the stickers and they can be added to another sheet. Sticker Sheets can be obtained from Woolworths stores, downloaded by clicking on the link below or collected from the School Office.

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 woolworths.com.au/earnandlearn

Year 4 – Excursion to Fitzroy Island

On the 21st of August 2015, all the Year 4s met at the harbour/pier in town. There were 75 kids, 4 teachers and 12 parents who came along on the excursion. We also had a marine biologist and four rangers join us but I don't remember their names. (Harry, 4C)

On the pier, we were signed in by our teachers and given name tags by the crew of 'Reef Magic Cruises'. We were then lined up into 3 lines and moved along the jetty onto the Fitzroy Island bound boat. Once we were on the boat, we were shown where the life jackets were and told about the safety procedures. After about 5 minutes, the boat gave a shudder and moved out of the dock. We all had wide smiles on our faces because we were looking forward to a fun-filled day.

On the boat, we started talking to our friends next to us. Some of us moved to the front of the boat where we had a great view out the huge windows. Unfortunately, we didn't see any whales on the way.

The sea was a bit rough and quite a few people were out the back of the boat feeling sick. Luckily, we were at Fitzroy Island soon enough. We were supplied with morning tea. There was food such as fruit, muffins, fruitcake, cookies, and iced cakes.

Soon after that, we were put into our groups for the day and then we started to move off the rocking boat. (Mathew, 4C)

First activity: Rainforest walk

Our first activity was the walk into the rainforest with the rangers. 3 of the rangers were from the Gunggandji tribe. The walk was called "secret garden" walk, even though it's not really a secret and it's not really a garden – it is really just a lookout (Christian, 4C). The rangers talked about all the different plants and all the rocks. They explained what it would look like if it had heavy rain and where all the water would flow and how it would weave through all the rocks and plants. When we arrived at the top, they talked about this weird plant with thorns, which is called "Wait-a-while". It gets its name from the fact that you can get stuck in it. When you are walking along the track and you get caught in it, you have to "wait a while" instead of trying to walk forwards or tug on it. You just move back a step and gently pull it out. The "Wait-a-while" is one of their totems. (Harry, 4C)

Second activity: Turtle Rehabilitation centre

We went to the turtle rehabilitation centre and Jenny (Jenny Gilbert, marine biologist and co-founder of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre) introduced us to the two "stars", Ella and Squirt. Squirt was found dying of starvation and is in the centre to be fattened up. Ella had her shell hit by the propeller of a speedboat. The propeller also chopped off some of Ella's front left fin. Propeller is where Ella got her name from: "pro-p- ELLA ". The turtles are fed Hawaiian squid and prawns, which is quite expensive. (Mathew 4C)

Third activity: Snorkelling with a marine biologist

Before we got into the ocean, we were given goggles, flippers and a wetsuit. We had to wear flippers and wetsuits because it was cold in the water. Each group had a marine biologist, pointing out fish and corals, and a parent, or teacher (Mr D.) swimming with us. At first, I didn't really know what to do but then I got the hang of it and started to look for fish. I saw lots and lots of fish such as a colourful parrotfish. But best of all, our group saw a turtle. Can you believe it? It was a real green sea turtle! (Unfortunately, not everybody was this lucky  Mr D.) I was really amazed and excited that we found a turtle. When we swam back to shore, we went and got changed and then we headed back to the boat for lunch. (Harry and Connor G.)

Last activity: Fun time on the beach

On the beach, we played with the coral and we found one big piece of brain coral and one small piece of brain coral. We dug holes and looked for beautiful shells. Of course, we couldn't take any of the shells and pieces of coral home, as Fitzroy Island is a natural park.

When everyone was done with their activities, we all headed back to the boat and returned to Cairns. If you felt sick, the adults would give you ice cubes and you could go on the top deck to get fresh air. If you were OK, you got biscuits instead and there were all types. When we got back, we had to sign out and then go home. The end. (Christian)

Here are some comments about the day:

I had a really fun day!!!! (Jillian)

I had an awesome time! (Harry)

We had lots of fun in our groups doing activities. (Bess)

It was a fun day for most of us while we were at Fitzroy Island. (Connor G.)

I had a good time. I wish I would be able to stay there over night, next time I go. (Braith)

The water was beautiful! (Lola)

Best day ever! A huge 'Thank you!!!' to all the parents doing a great job at helping us looking after the kids. We couldn't have done it without you! (Mr D.)

GOTCHA Points

Congratulations to Mallon House who were the Week 6 Gotcha Point winners.

TERM 3	DILLON	MALLON	PETERSEN	ROBINSON
WEEK 6	269	345	286	308

P & F News

Tuckshop News

TUCKSHOP ROSTER
WEEK 8		PARENT HELPERS	SLINKY HELPERS
WED	2nd September	Karen Hepburn 12.15-1.30	Hannah & Akasha 4S
THU	3rd September	HELP REQUIRED	Bella & Holly 4H
FRI	4th September	Lisa Ponds - cashier	Hannah & Chloe 5S
		Janelle B.
WEEK 9
WED	9th September	Karen Hepburn 12.15-1.30	Charleigh & Keely 4H
THU	10th September	HELP REQUIRED	Bella & Keely 4H
FRI	11th September	Jo Comper - cashier	Leia 5S & Jordan 4H
		Janelle B.

Secondhand Uniforms

Secondhand uniforms and green jumpers are available for purchase at the tuckshop for $5.00 each.

If you can assist in the tuckshop we would love to hear from you. Please contact the Tuckshop Convenor, Kylie Gowlett on 0439 933 980, email: kgowlett@cns.catholic.edu.au or leave your number at the office.

The Arts News

Welcome to the `The Arts' section of our newsletter. We are very proud of our department and how we are delivering `The Arts' classroom curriculum and extra-curricula activities to Holy Cross. In this section we share information about what is happening across the school in classrooms, upcoming performances and people in our community who are enjoying The Arts!

Percussion Instrumentalists – Assembly Performance Week 8

Our drums and percussion teacher, Ms Jen Fengler, is proud of her students' progress and is keen to share some percussion pieces that the students have learnt. The percussion students, and Ms Fengler, would like to invite parents to the week 8 whole school assembly, Friday 4th September to watch our students in action.

Visual and Media Arts

Hello Holy Cross families!

I am way overdue to introduce myself, but better late than never. I'm Sam Weterkamp the Visual and Media Arts teacher. I have really enjoyed working with all students from Prep to Year 6 this year!

The highlight so far was winning the Cairns Post Paint a Filly runner up prize - a huge thanks to everyone who voted for us at the show. The prizemoney is being used to buy some great new art supplies which we need because.....the second most exciting news is……. we now have a new art room in the multipurpose area!

I'll take this opportunity to briefly outline the art and media projects we are working on.

This semester I am teaching both Visual and Media arts which many people ask me what this means. The Australian Curriculum describes the learning intentions of Media Arts:

As they learn in Media Arts, students create and analyse forms such as film, news report, documentary, advertisement, music video, animation, video games and/or a combination of these. From contemporary and personal experiences of media culture they learn how forms, styles and contexts of media artworks are shaped by histories, purpose, traditions and communications technologies.

Media Arts is a really exciting subject with so many applications and for Terms 3 & 4, we are combining Visual and Media Arts to create some exciting cross-curricular projects.

Preps, Year Ones and Twos have been drawing inspiration from very old short stories such as Aesop's fables, Dreamtime stories and Chinese folklore, to create their own representations and illustrations of the tales through many mediums such as drawing, oil pastels, paint and digital collages.

Year 3 and 4 are creating their own superheroes to replace the old social and emotional characters: Charlie Confidence, Gabby Getalong, Peter Persistence, Oliver Organisation and Ricky Resilience. They have started to learn how to represent the human form, thinking about proportions and working from the inside out. Like I said to them you can't start building a house with the paint- you need good foundations first. They will then create posters and comic strips with their characters to communicate and advertise their social and emotional qualities.

Year 5 are studying and researching sculpture in an online assignment. They will then continue the 3D theme to make characters out of modelling clay and create stop motion animated clips. The students are really excited about getting started but we really need SHOE BOXES. Calling all shoe shopaholics - please bring boxes to any Year 5 classroom.

Year 6 have taken up the challenge of creating a movie. They are working in small groups to put together a film about Holy Cross, that they will be able to keep as a souvenir after they leave us. In the process they are learning creative collaboration skills, responsible media practice and digital citizenship.

So that sums up the Holy Cross arts update, feel free to drop in or contact me anytime with ideas, queries or concerns. Check out this gallery to see some of last terms art projects.

Sam Weterkamp
Media and Visual Arts Specialist Teacher.
sweterkamp@cns.catholic.edu.au

THE ARTS GALLERY

A big part of the teaching of The Arts is performing and taking photos of students interacting in their lessons. Last week we had photos from Mrs Wight's dance, drama and music lessons. This week we have photos from Mrs Weterkamp's Visual and Media Arts lessons. Enjoy!

Dance Drama Music (DDM)

ARTS ALIVE! – NEW SECTION

This week we have two very talented dancers who have achieved many awards and dancing success already in their young lives. They have both shown their commitment to their dancing and their love of dancing with their weekly hours of practise and the amount and level of competitions they have entered. They have both auditioned for very prestigious dance schools and we wish them all the best in their endeavours.

Presenting our classical and jazz dancers, Jazz W. and Caitlin R.! I asked them some quick questions about their dancing and I've included their answers below.

Jazz W.
Year 5H student
Dancer

1. Why did you decide to start dancing?

Mum said I could dance before I could walk, always bopping around, especially when music came on, so she took me to tiny tots classes which I loved, I was still in nappies, and have loved it ever since.

2. What type of dancing have you done? Or do now?

I dance, and have always danced, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, and this year have also started Acro & Contemporary... Acro helps me with my tricks which I put into my Jazz solos for competitions & Contemporary helps me with my core strength.

3. How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I was 18 months old! I still have pictures of me wearing a nappy underneath my sparkly costumes!

4. How many hours do you practice a week/ fortnight?

With competition work practice & ballet/modern/tap exam practice, as well as normal class hours I can train up to 11 hours a week.

5. What is your happiest memory/ achievement in your dancing experience?

My happiest memory is when I placed 2nd place in my Jazz Solo in Innisfail, also winning "Holy Cross has Talent" is also a very happy memory. This year I was placed with a "Highly Commended" in my Demi Character Solo (ballet/acting) which also is a good memory as I was up against really strong ballerinas who I did not think I would place before.

6. What is challenging about dancing?

Ballet is particularly challenging for me, as I was not lucky enough to be born with perfect arched ballerina feet & so I have special foot stretches that I do each day to help me with my foot technique. But I never give up I will do anything if it's going to help me. I also attend physio to help me with my back, so I can gain more height in my jumps and elevation.

7. In five words or less, describe what dancing is to you.

Dance is special to me

Caitlin R.
Year 6C Student
Dancer

1. Why did you decide to start dancing?

I started dancing because when I was 3 my mum and dad wanted me to join Little Athletics but I was too young. I had to wait until I was 5 and they wanted me to do an activity. I always walked around the house on my tip toes and liked to dance so I started dancing.

2. What type of dancing have you done? Or do now?

I have always done classical ballet and Jazz. In Tasmania I also did Character and National. I also do Tap and contemporary.

3. How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I was 3 years old.

4. How many hours do you practise a week/ fortnight?

My classes are 4 hours a week but I am always dancing around the house.

5. What is you happiest memory/ achievement in your dancing experience?

My happiest memory is dancing in the troupes at the Eisteddfods in Tasmania. My happiest achievements are receiving Most Improved medals from my dance teacher in Tasmania for my age group at the award presentations and also receiving Distinctions for my ballet exams.

6. What is challenging about dancing?

Having to practise in your own time such as doing exercises to strengthen your feet and ankles and memorising the theory (ballet exercises are named in French).

7. In five words or less, describe what dancing is to you.

Passion, excitement, career, dedication, life.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please let Mrs Wight know of any people in our community who are achieving in the Arts!

BAND & CHOIR UPDATE – MARLIN COAST NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE PERFORMANCE

Ms Julia Russell's instrumental students are participating in the Young Musician of the Year competition hosted by St Andrew's this week. Please keep them in your thoughts.

The Liturgy choir is rehearsing for Holy Cross Day, Monday week 10. They will be leading us in our Holy Cross Day Mass.

DRAMA CLASSES – NIDA WORKSHOPS IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2015

The Australian Institute of Dramatic Art is a centre for excellence in education and training for theatre, film and television. Mrs Wight has NIDA booklets available for any interested students or parents that have all the details of these courses for your perusal.

They are offering short courses on acting in Cairns at Tanks Arts Centre on the following dates;

Acting Boot Camp – Monday & Tuesday, 28th & 29th September, 9am-4pm. Grades 3-6. $310

NIDA Drama School – Monday 28th Sept to Thursday 1st October, 9a-4pm. Grades 7-10. $495

NIDA Acting 101 – Wednesday 30th Sept to Friday 2nd October, 9am-4pm. Grades 11-12. $390.

Acting: An Introduction – Friday 2nd Oct, 9am-4pm. Adults. $160

Thank you for all your support! God bless!

Sam Weterkamp & Christina Wight
The Arts Specialist Teachers

Instrumental Music News

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS TERM

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

This term all instrumental students will be competing in the St Andrew's "Young Musician of the Year" solo competition. This is an initiative of our partner music school, St Andrew's Catholic College, and gives our students the opportunity to improve their performance skills in a friendly and encouraging environment. Dates have changed for this event so please amend your diaries:

Junior (year 1 – 5) – Wednesday 2nd September
Middle (year 6) – Thursday 3rd September
Novice (year 1 – 6 beginners) – Friday 4th September

Students will need to find their own transport to and from this event. Exact times of solos will be released closer to the event.

Julia Russell

Music Tuition

Brass/Woodwind

If you are interested in learning a brass or woodwind instrument (including trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet or saxophone), please contact Julia Russell via email: julia.russell@standrewscc.qld.edu.au

A reminder that instrumental tuition & hire contract agreements state a 4 week's written notice period is required if your child wishes to cease lessons. In the event of cancellation the full amount of the term fee will remain due and payable for that notice period. All instrumental fees should remain paid in advance.

Drums/Percussion

Are you interested in playing the drums or learning a percussion instrument?

For more information contact our friendly drum/percussion instructor Jen Fengler on ph: 0431461812 or email: jenfengler@hotmail.com

Piano

If you are interested in piano lessons please contact: Paul Brimstone on ph: 40551105

Guitar

If you are interested in guitar lessons please contact: Peter Drazic on email: pjd.guitar@bigpond.com

Sports Notices

Sport and Recreation Services Get Started Vouchers

Round 6 of the Sport and Recreation Services Get Started Vouchers Program is now open. Under this program vouchers of up to $150.00 are provided to eligible children to help pay for the cost of sport or recreation club membership and or participation fees through registered clubs. Please click on the link below for the parent fact sheet for further information and eligibility requirements.

Community Notices

Courage to Care Exhibition

Courage to Care Exhibition - 14th August – 11th September 2015, Seville Mercy Conference Centre, 35 Bauhinia Avenue, Earlville

This inspiring and interactive exhibition uses living historians (Holocaust survivors) to demonstrate the positive impact of bystander intervention in the face of racism, prejudice and bullying.

For more information visit www.couragetocare.com.au

Email courage2care@cns.catholic.edu.au or phone 4050 9700.

All are welcome and entry is free.

Well Women's Clinics (available to Medicare eligible clients)

Service includes Pap Smears, Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health, Domestic Violence, etc. All services are provided by a specially trained Women's Health Nurse.

Smithfield Community Health Friday 4th September Ph: 4226 4800

James Cook University (JCU) Monday 7th September Ph: 4226 4812

The Young Company

TYC Drama Classes for 5yrs - 11yrs

Spin along to TYC for our Spring Drama School (5yrs - 12yrs) Holiday Programs. In week one we see scientists hunters and palaeontologists seek to overtake the genetically modified dinosaurs in Jurassic Island: The Chase Begins 22/9 - 25/9, 9am - 3pm, Cairns City) with special guest costume artist Hayley Gillespie. In the second week we step back in time with Medieval Mayhem: The Age of Conquests (28/9 - 2/10, 9am – 3pm, Cairns City). Come along and explore acting, costumes, lighting, sound and multimedia elements, finishing with a creative performance on the final afternoon. Learn the essentials of stage performance through improvisation, role-play and characterization activities and then perform in front of a live audience with costumes, sets, props, sound effects, live projections and theatrical lighting!! For more information phone 40414066, email info@theyoungcompany.com.au or visit our website www.theyoungcompany.com.au . Book now to receive an early bird saving!

Girl Guides

Interested in your child being part of Girl Guides please click on the link below for more information.