Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude at Holy Cross

Having an attitude of gratitude is a powerful habit that shapes how we see the world. When we shift our focus from what we lack to appreciating what we have, we invite joy, positivity, and kindness into our lives. Gratitude helps us recognise and cherish our relationships, health, education, and everyday experiences. It’s about making a conscious effort to express appreciation regularly—for both the big moments and the small, everyday blessings.

At Holy Cross, we believe that fostering gratitude benefits not only our students but also their families, teachers, and the wider community. Research shows that practicing gratitude improves mental well-being, strengthens relationships, and builds a positive mindset. When children learn to appreciate the people around them, they develop empathy, kindness, and a deeper connection to their community.

The Power of Gratitude in Our School Community

Gratitude has a special place in our school environment. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to create a welcoming and engaging space where students can grow academically and emotionally. A simple “thank you” to a teacher, school officer, groundskeeper, or administrator can brighten their day and make them feel valued. Expressing gratitude strengthens the bond between students and staff, fostering a school culture of kindness and mutual respect.

Gratitude and Harmony Week

Next week, we celebrate Harmony Week, a time to recognise and appreciate the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that make up our Holy Cross community. This is the perfect opportunity to practice gratitude by acknowledging the contributions of others and celebrating our differences.

 During Harmony Week, we encourage students to:

• Express gratitude for cultural diversity – Take time to learn about and appreciate different traditions, languages, and perspectives.
• Say thank you – Encourage students to express appreciation for their teachers or friends who have supported them.
• Share what they’re grateful for – Whether through class discussions, a gratitude journal, or small acts of kindness, students can reflect on what makes their school and community special.

How Gratitude Benefits Students, Families, and the Community

Gratitude extends beyond the individual—it strengthens families, friendships, and society. When students cultivate gratitude, they develop emotional resilience, better social skills, and improved communication. In the wider community, gratitude fosters kindness, generosity, and cooperation, helping to build an inclusive and supportive environment.

Practical Tips for Developing Gratitude

Here are some simple ways to nurture gratitude in children:

1. 
   Start a gratitude journal – Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
2. Reflect on positive moments – Discuss “What made you happy today?” as a family.
3. Encourage thank-you notes – Acknowledge kindness with a handwritten or digital note.
4. Model gratitude – Show appreciation for everyday moments, and children will follow.
5. Limit material consumption – Encourage experiences over possessions to foster gratitude for life’s simple joys.

As we come together for Harmony Week, let’s make gratitude a daily habit at Holy Cross. By recognising and appreciating the contributions of our teachers, classmates, and staff, we can create a stronger, more compassionate school community. Gratitude is a lifelong skill that enriches not just our children’s lives but the world around them.

Jo Cordwell
School Counsellor

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Cairns is committed to developing an educational and organizational culture based on mutual trust and respect. At Holy Cross School, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive working and learning environment for all employees and students. We acknowledge that employees, students and parents may sometimes have a complaint about a decision, behaviour, act or omission that they feel is unacceptable. While most issues can be resolved through direct discussion between the parties concerned, there may be instances in which this is not possible.

EVERY DAY COUNTS

Holy Cross has a policy of encouraging 100% student attendance – all day, every day. 

School absenteeism and truancy can impact significantly on students' learning and wellbeing. Research shows that, higher student attendance is associated, on average, with higher student achievement. Additionally, attending school every day helps children to build social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.

Every student absence requires a valid reason for absence. Acceptable reasons for non-attendance include illness, or significant medical treatment, participating in a school or regional sporting or other event, or attendance at a significant family event such as a funeral.

When a child is absent for any reason, the school must be informed via the MyCE App, Parent Portal, telephone, email, or personal contact from a parent/guardian. Verbal explanations, by a student or sibling, are not adequate. If there are unexplained absences, the school will contact parents via text, to ensure that parents are aware of the absence.

Unacceptable reasons include birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, sleeping in, looking after other children, minor medical check-ups or procedures, haircuts or leaving early for travel on school holidays (or returning late from school holidays). It is also unacceptable to miss school on a sports day or on a day when the school is celebrating a liturgy or Mass. These are normal school days and students and their parents must treat them as such - opting out is not an option.

Extended family holidays or temporary relocations that occur during the school term need to be applied for in writing, to the School Principal, using the Parent Request for Student Absence form. The form is accessible at any time via the Parent Portal or using the link below.

Absences may impact on student learning and assessment tasks, and will be noted in written reports.

Having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

Having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

• won’t get out of bed in the morning
• won’t go to bed at night
• can’t find their uniform, books, school bag …
• slow to eat breakfast
• haven’t done their homework
• watching TV
• have a test or presentation to do, have an assignment to hand in
• it’s their birthday.

A set routine can help

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively
• be firm, send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term!

What should I do if my child won’t go to school?

You should contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support.

2025

2025 TERM 1

MAR 17-21 - Harmony Week

MAR 21 - Harmony Day - Wear Orange Accessories 

MAR 18 - Year 5 Reconciliation - 9.15am

MAR 18 - Volunteer Induction Session - 8.45am

MAR 19 - School Photo Day 2025

MAR 25 - Year 4 Reconciliation - 9.15am

MAR 28 - HCS Cross Country Trials - Year 3 to 6 (Morning 8.45am-10.30am)

MAR 28 - HCS Cross County Races - Prep to Year 2 (Afternoon 1.30pm-2.30pm)

APR 4 - LAST DAY TERM 1

Loving God, you created each one of us in a unique and special way and you
want us to be the best person we can be. Help us to create harmony
in our world by treating others as we would like to be treated and showing
qualities that help us build strong relationships.

May we strengthen our community by being people of compassion and justice,
people of peace and kindness, and people of forgiveness and love.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.