Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,

One of the most powerful aspects of healthy competition - whether it’s the Athletics Carnival, Interschool Chess, Readers Cup, or the Cairns Eisteddfod - is the emotional journey it offers our students. These events allow children to experience a rich tapestry of feelings: nerves, joy, pride, disappointment, euphoria, envy, and relief. Not everyone will win the race or take home the trophy, but every child has the chance to grow, and with the loving support of teachers and parents, these moments become safe, supported spaces where students learn to navigate big emotions with resilience and grace. And that’s why we offer them.

We all feel upset when things don’t go our way, but for children, these feelings can be really intense. Their brains are still developing the emotional regulation and executive functioning skills needed to manage disappointment. The prefrontal cortex- the part responsible for planning, impulse control, and perspective-taking - is still under construction during childhood and adolescence which is why early, supported experiences of failure are so important. They help children build the emotional tools they’ll need to face the more complex challenges of the teenage years. This is why it matters so deeply to give children a safe space to fall and to rise again.

Failure isn’t something to fear - it’s how we learn. As people of hope, we believe that mistakes aren’t the end; they’re part of becoming who God created us to be. In a world that often celebrates perfection and performance over progress and personhood, we must remind our children that God delights in their effort, their heart, and their courage to keep going.

There’s a beautiful story I discovered years ago while supporting students through frustration: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. It tells of a young girl who struggles when things don’t go to plan, and how, through patience and perseverance, she finds her way. I think the story is a wonderful reminder that growth often comes through struggle.

As Catholic educators, we know that God doesn’t call us to be perfect. He calls us to be faithful, to keep showing up, to keep trying, and to keep growing.

As we close this semester and look ahead with excitement to Semester Two, I want to say thank you. To our parents, thank you for the gift of your children. It is our privilege to teach, guide, and grow with them each day. To our incredible staff, thank you for being role models of resilience, faith, and joy. You turn everyday moments into lessons of life and love. And to our students, thank you for being you. For never giving up, and for filling our days with laughter, learning, and light.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful two-week break.

Fondest regards,

Sarah Hamilton
PRINCIPAL