Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,

I am absolutely thrilled to be warmly welcoming each and every member of our Holy Cross family to the 2025 academic year at Holy Cross School. It truly has been a most joyous beginning. The students were so well-prepared for their first week of school. I am super impressed, a heartfelt applause to all our Mums and Dads! The enthusiasm and eagerness of the students in embracing change has been remarkable, and our teachers are overjoyed with their new class families. If this week is an indication of how the rest of the year will unfold, it promises to be a fantastic journey ahead.

As we embark on this exciting journey together, I wanted to share some heartfelt wisdom shared by my father whom I had the pleasure of spending Christmas with. I have two children, Edward who is 17 years old and in Year 12 at school, and Elizabeth who is 15 years old and in Year 10, and they escorted myself and my husband to England where we resided with my father in his home.

My Mum’s heath continues to decline, so my father and I spent many hours nattering in front of the fire about the past, drawing comparison between my children’s ‘teenage behaviour’ and my own at the same age (mine was considerably better of course?!). We debated for hours regarding the complexities of raising young people in the modern age – in particular the joys of the internet – and every conversation finished in the same way….

“Sarah, there is no such thing as the ‘Perfect Parent.’ Follow your heart and your instincts, and then deal with whatever life throws at you.”

Parenting is undeniably one of life's most challenging roles. While it brings immense joy and fulfillment, each child is unique, and there's no personalized instruction manual or YouTube video telling you what to do. There are moments of triumph and moments of struggle, and through each high and low, we gain insights into ourselves and learn how to navigate parenthood with more wisdom and grace. And whilst we stumble our way through uncharted waters, little eyes scrutinize our every move and action. They observe our actions, conversations, attitudes, expressions, how we handle challenges, resolve conflicts and manage desires, and they log it all and learn without us even realising it.

Families are the first school for their children, and parents serve as powerful role models. What we say and do leaves a lasting impression on them. Our children yearn to see us express genuine emotions healthily, manage anger appropriately, make positive lifestyle choices, speak positively about others, and exhibit respect in various facets of life. They absorb these behaviours and use them to shape their own lives.

Parenting is far from easy – it's a significant responsibility; however, it's also immensely rewarding. In the journey of parenting, wrinkles simply indicate where smiles have been. And as our children mature and make their own choices, we finally step back from the role of primary model, but our influence remains profound.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead filled with imperfection, growth, learning, and shared successes!

Fondest regards,

Sarah Hamilton
Principal

Fuelled by last year’s success stories, and rich insights from our 5 Year Review conducted in 2023 by The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), our dedicated team of staff, have been hard at work, blending learnings from the past with forward-thinking visions to sculpt our 2025 School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP).  

If you haven't seen the ACER Report, I wholeheartedly invite you to have a look.

Holy Cross School emerged with flying colours, achieving HIGH and OUTSTANDING ratings in all nine domains. This stellar achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire school community. Our success story is not just about the achievements listed on paper; it's about the spirit of Holy Cross School, the warmth of our community, and the commitment to nurturing a place of learning and growth. Our parents and carers’ involvement and support have been instrumental in creating this success, and together, we continue to achieve remarkable milestones.

Our annual SAIP isn't just a document; it's our shared commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and ensuring that every student's potential is not just met but exceeded. Just like a seasoned explorer uses a compass to navigate uncharted territories, our SAIP is our guiding compass, charting the course for our journey ahead. It's a collective effort, a fusion of the wisdom gleaned from our past experiences and the boundless possibilities that await us in the future. It embodies our commitment to providing an environment where every student flourishes, every educator thrives, and our entire community shines.

And it is because of this passion and commitment to striving to be the best we can be, and the importance we place on teamwork, creativity, innovation and community that our 2025 theme emerged:

As in previous years, we use our theme (Life is a Story, make yours a Best Seller) and a quote (Speak to inspire, listen to empower @HCS) as the inspiration to the organisation of our three goals and strategies. We find that this keeps our line of sight clear, clean and ‘lazer-like’.

This year, our SMART goals fall under the following three Domains:

FOUNDATIONAL DOMAIN: Encounter - Catholic Identity

DOMAIN 9: Building School-Community Partnerships

DOMAIN 6: Leading Systematic Curriculum Implementation

I will talk in more detail at our upcoming HCS CONNECT AGM, but for those unable to attend, I encourage you to delve into the document and look closely at the finer details falling under the banner of our three goals:

It all very exciting. Get ready to witness the magic unfold as we turn our shared vision into reality. Here's to a year of growth, empowerment, triumphs, sharing and lots of stories!

2025 AGM

The Holy Cross Connect AGM will be held on the 5th February at 6.00pm in the Staffroom.

All positions are available for nomination.

• Parent Voice Coordinator/Chairperson
• Events Coordinator
• Christmas Fair Coordinator
• Treasurer
• Comms/Secretary
• Comms/Social Media & Newsletter
• Diocese Rep
• All Year Level Coordinators and Event Convenors

Click on the link below to nominate:-

Communication at Holy Cross School has been a focus of the past twelve months as we have transitioned to the The MyCE Mobile App or Holy Cross School App. Holy Cross School, was the first Cairns Diocese School to be fully embracing this change and as such we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your commitment and positive reception to our MyCE mobile app. Our plan is that the Holy Cross App will become the one-stop shop for almost all communication.

In our continuous efforts to streamline and enhance communication, we will begin reducing the frequency of emails. This move aligns with our vision of fostering more direct, timely, and efficient connections with our families.

Given this transition, it's now more crucial than ever to ensure you have the MyCE mobile app downloaded, and notifications enabled. By doing so, you'll receive all essential updates, announcements, and school-related information right at your fingertips.

Below is list of all communications that would usually be sent via email, letter or Parent Portal, intended to highlight where information will land in the MyCE Mobile App:

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT LEARNING
(My STUDENTS TAB)

• Log an Absence (MyCE Mobile App)
• Parent Slips (Permissions) (MyCE Mobile App)
• Academic Reports (MyCE Mobile App)
• Child Timetable (MyCE Mobile App)

WHOLE SCHOOL EVENTS, INVITATIONS and GENERAL INFORMATION
(My SCHOOL TAB)

• Contact Information (MyCE Mobile App)
• Calendar (MyCE Mobile App / Facebook)
• Documents (MyCE Mobile App) (Copies of all letters and notices)
• Invitations (MyCE / Facebook)
• Newsletter (MyCE / Schoolzine/ Facebook)
• Term Dates (MyCE Mobile App)
• OSHC (MyCE Mobile App)
• PTO (MyCE Mobile App) (for Student Led Conference Bookings)
• Parish (MyCE Mobile App)
• Tuckshop (MyCE Mobile App) (Flexischools)
• Seesaw (Seesaw App)

YEAR LEVEL and CLASS INFORMATION and INVITATIONS

(My SCHOOL TAB)

• Class Newsletters (MyCE Mobile App - Documents)
• Class Events (MyCE Mobile App - Calender - Documents)
• Parent Slips (Permissions) (MyCE Mobile App)

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS, TCN and COMMUNITY EVENTS

• TCN Sports (MyCE Mobile App - Documents)
• Community Events (MyCE Mobile App - Documents)

TEXT MESSAGES TO PARENTS

• Unexplained Student Absence (Text Message)
• Emergencies (Text Message)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Parent Portal & MyCE Mobile App Set Up

Before accessing the MyCE Mobile App, all NEW families will first need to ensure you have set up access to the Holy Cross School Parent Portal. Please follow the link below to complete this step first. You will then use the same login and password to set up your MyCE Mobile App access.

If you haven't already:

• Download the App
• Enable Notifications: to ensure you don’t miss any important alerts.
• Regularly Check the App: For school news, updates, events, and other important information.

Please check your Settings under MyCE Mobile App to ensure you have allowed ‘Notifications’. The MyCE Mobile App is set up for limited ‘Notifications’ at this point as we are committed to only have ‘Notifications’ for most important information.

Who has access to the App?

All Parents and Carers who are listed as either a legal guardian and/or caregiver with Parent Portal access set up will have access to the MyCE Mobile App. It is not too late to download for free.

Where can I get the App?

To get started, simply download the MyCE Mobile App, using the links below, and sign in with your current Parent Portal login and password.  

Google Play Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.edu.catholic.cns.myce

Apple App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/myce/id6449520177

Should you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team at (07) 4050 6300 and Extension Line 2.

Building Strong Relationships with Your Child’s Teacher: Accessing Support at Holy Cross

As we commence the first term of 2025, most children are getting to know their new class, adjusting to changes, and building connections with their peers and teachers. While some students adapt quickly, others may take a little longer to feel comfortable, quietly absorbing their new environment. A few may be finding the transition overwhelming.

To support your child during this transition, we encourage you to build a strong, positive relationship with their teacher. Open communication not only helps your child feel more comfortable but also ensures you’re well-equipped to respond if they continue to face challenges later in the term.

Simple yet meaningful gestures such as regular, positive communication, help foster a strong partnership between parents and teachers, ultimately enhancing your child’s learning experience and overall success at school.

Ways to Strengthen Parent–Teacher Connections:

• Get to know your child’s teacher

Our teachers value the opportunity to learn about your child and your aspirations for them. By sharing insights about your family and your child’s interests, you help the teacher build a more complete picture of how to best support their learning.

• Show interest in your child’s learning

Research has shown that when parents/carers take an active interest in what their child is learning, it has a lasting positive impact. Engaging in conversations about school, discussing class topics, and encouraging curiosity all help foster a lifelong love of learning.

• Stay in touch

Keeping your child’s teacher informed about any significant changes at home or any concerns your child may have helps us provide the right support at school. Whether it’s a small worry or something more significant, sharing this information allows us to respond more effectively to your child’s emotional and learning needs.

• Follow the right communication channels

We always encourage parents to contact their child’s teacher first with any questions or concerns. If additional support is needed, Holy Cross has well-established processes in place to ensure timely and appropriate assistance for students. Your class teacher will be able to help you with these processes, however If you are seeking support during the drop off time, reach out to any of our staff members on duty. They are usually in the bright yellow vests and always happy to help.

A Strong Partnership for Success

Ongoing home/school communication is key to your child’s success. By fostering a strong, open relationship with your child’s teacher, you help create a positive and supportive learning experience, both now and in the years ahead.

More information on this topic can be found at:

Raising Children’s Network

Education QLD

Jo Cordwell
School Counsellor

As we settle back into a new school year, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and care whilst navigating a safe 'Stop, Drop and Go'. I ask that you continue to be patient and respectful for this short time of the day. I will be reminding the kids, but for the most part they have been doing a great job of being more alert and looking for your cars too.

This is just a friendly reminder on a few tips to help make this area run as smoothly as possible.

A promise to stay safe CLICK TO WATCH.

• Using the zone quickly and efficiently. Please remain in your car and allow students to be independent.
• Parking is NOT permitted in the Stop, Drop, Go Zone before 2:50pm. This area is zoned a ‘2 minute Loading Zone’. This will ensure a better flow of traffic from the start of pick-up.
• There is only one line of traffic in and out. When entering the zone move straight to the waiting bay (marked in yellow) and follow through to the ‘Drop, Go Zone’ when free.
• Be respectful to staff and supportive if asked to move on and go around the roundabouts again if your child is not present.
• Speak with your child about the importance of being at the Stop, Drop, Go Zone promptly after school and being alert to their car coming.
• Use your NAME visor provided to support staff in identifying vehicles efficiently. If you need a new one, please contact the front office at secretary.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au 
• As you leave the school parking from around Holy Cross Church and approach the Stop, Drop, Go Zone, you must give way to your right at all times before entering the line of traffic, unless signed by the teacher on duty to stop.
• Please ensure you adhere to the one way of traffic.
• Please only park in designated car parks.
• Always adhere to the signed speed limit.
• Cars exiting the Stop Drop Go Zone must also be allowed to merge into the exiting line of traffic.
• Staff are on duty from 8:10am until 8:30am and then again from 2:50pm until 3:15pm. We encourage you to please consider using the full time of duty to assist with traffic jams. Students are safely supervised for the full duration. Most often cars arriving in the first half of the morning allocation and second half of the afternoon allocation are able to drive in and out with little traffic.
• Be patient and thoughtful to others.

Remember SAFETY of our students, your children is our top priority. We look forward to working together for the benefit of all. Thanking you in advance for your support.

2025

2025 TERM 1

FEB 5 - Holy Cross Connect AGM - 6.00pm - Staffroom

FEB 11 - Opening Mass - 9.00am

FEB 12 - Parent Meet & Greet BBQ - 5.00pm to 6.00pm

FEB 20 - Volunteer Induction Session 1

FEB 24-28 - Student Led Conference Week

FEB 26 - Volunteer Induction Session 2

MAR 4 - Shrove Tuesday

MAR 5 - Ash Wednesday Liturgy (Years 2-6) - 9.00am

MAR 12-14 - Year 3 & 5 NAPLAN

MAR 17-21 - Harmony Week

MAR 18 - Volunteer Induction Session 3

MAR 19 - School Photos 2025

APR 4 - LAST DAY TERM 1

A Sacrament is a special sign of God's presence. Sacraments are God's gift to the church, and it is through these Sacraments that we fully become members of God's family. Candidates become part of the life and work of the community.

The Northern Beaches Parish Sacramental Program is family-based preparation. Families attend sessions guided by the Sacramental Co-ordinator, teachers or other parishioners.

Reconciliation:  for children from Year 3 onwards

Confirmation and First Eucharist/Holy Communion:  for children from Year 4 onwards.

2025 Parish Sacramental Program

Our parish Sacramental Program team is now seeking expressions of interest from families who would like to commit to attend this year's program. Please send your contact details to Anna Jimenez via email:  sacraments.nbp@cairns.catholic.org.au. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

If a family is looking to start their child on his or her faith journey as a member of the Catholic faith and would like to enquire about Baptism, they can contact the Parish Secretary at northernbeaches.parish@cairns.catholic.org.au who will set up a plan for preparation with Fr Dariusz, the Parish Priest.

God of all comfort, we pray for the parents in our community. 

Grant them wisdom, patience, and strength. 

Help them to lead by example, to nurture and guide with love and compassion. 

Bless their efforts, ease their worries, and fill their hearts with Your peace and joy as they care for their family. 

In Jesus’ name we pray. 

Amen