Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,

A dear friend of mine recently had the pleasure of welcoming a litter of puppies into her home. Despite the inevitable chaos they cause with their sharp pointy teeth and relentless desire to attack and play, they melt the hearts of all who see them (even when the puppies consume the occasional shoe). I truly believe there is no sight more capable of bringing out the ‘soft-side’ of people, than witnessing a litter of fluffy puppies at play, tumbling over one another as they engage in puppy combat.

So, why does our ‘soft side’ fade ever so quickly when we see our children engaged in sibling rivalry or perhaps more aptly termed, ‘sibling combat’? The myth that our children should naturally get along, be fun-loving, and supportive of one another is absolutely not true! Replacing this myth was the dawning realisation that children are not naturally inclined this way, and that conflict is normal and universal, as is conflict amongst all creatures that live together. If sibling conflict is universal and found in normal homes, it must have a purpose.

Many experts in children’s behaviour, regard sibling conflict as a type of training ground for what people can expect to experience as they grow towards adulthood. As parents, we cannot expect to eliminate all conflicts from our children’s relationships both within and outside our family; even so, we can take steps to eliminate jealousy and excessive competition. We can, if we put our minds to it, use our children’s relationships to help them grow into healthy normal adults.

Understanding our children’s individual temperaments will play a big role in how they get along together. Avoiding comparisons of accomplishments and recognising that for some, a task or ambition is harder to achieve, can be important tools for us to use. Likewise, taking time to treat each child as a separate person with his or her own unique, valuable skills will help build respect all around.

As the mother of two very feisty teenagers, I have learnt that the most important thing for all parents to do for their children, is to take good care of themself. If we are feeling down and our tank is empty, we are more reactive to our children rather than mindful of their needs. And we need to be fully charged and firing on all cylinders if we are to turn conflicts into learning opportunities for our children however old they might be. Sometimes those puppies do look easier and more enjoyable to deal with!

Peace and love always,

After two years of dedicated study, research, consultation, collaboration, alignment, and deep reflection, we are incredibly proud to finally be able to publish and share the Holy Cross School Whole School Behaviour Support Plan.

Please know that this document is more than just a framework—it reflects everything we hold dear as a school community. As is ‘The Holy Cross Way’, at its heart are our children, honoured as unique individuals, made in the image and likeness of God.

I believe a key strength of this plan is the inclusion of student voice. By ensuring the perspectives, thoughts, values, and aspirations of our students are woven into its foundation, it reflects their needs and the culture of respect and care we uphold. Their insights, along with extensive discussion and approval from the School Board, have shaped a plan that is both meaningful and deeply aligned with our school’s mission and values.

Seeing this vision come to life has been an immensely rewarding journey, and we are delighted with the outcome. Our staff are excited and inspired by this plan, which will guide and support us in fostering a school environment where every child can truly flourish.

It brings great pleasure to share the names of two phenomenal new additions to our Holy Cross family, commencing Term 2, 2025:

• LESLEY-ANN MOURITZ: Teacher - Diversity (HIP)
• GEMMA RYAN: Teacher - Diversity (SWD)

Both of these wonderful ladies have a wealth of knowledge in the field of education and Diverse Learners; we are super excited that they have chosen to join our team. 

Welcome back to our 2nd year as a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden School!

Last year, we embarked on an exciting new journey of ‘Pleasurable Food Education’ with our Year 3 and Year 4 cohorts. This fun, hands-on approach of learning and connecting through growing food and caring for the environment empowers children and young people to develop practical skills, an appreciation of seasonal produce, and a positive, confident and healthy relationship with food. 

As we were starting from scratch last year, the students played a major role in the reinvigoration of our existing garden, and the expansion of the space to accommodate more beds. Both year levels participated in a ‘seed to plate’ kitchen garden program where they planted seeds and seedlings, nurtured the plants and soil and then harvested ingredients to prepare recipes in the kitchen. Our Stewardship group, the newly formed Garden Gang, contributed to the development of our school wide composting system and assisted weekly to maintain it, as well as the kitchen garden space.  

Coming back after the holidays, it was evident that our well-loved garden had benefited from all the TLC it received in 2024. It managed to survive the heavy rain and heat of summer and even provide us with some delicious produce for our return.  It was a bit of a jungle after the summer holidays, so we dusted off the tools and gloves and got straight to work!  Each Year 4 class has been involved in a gardening session to get it back in order for the start of their Garden Program next term. They’ve cut back the weeds, fed the soil, mixed the compost and added a good layer of mulch to the beds. A few groups of students from 4H constructed climbing towers for the cucumber and snake bean vines that had been finding their way across the garden paths and over other plants. Now the space is much more tidy and the plants appear a bit happier!

Year 4 have already spent some time in the Kitchen these past 3 weeks, creating dishes from their class’s Harmony Week country. Menus from Tonga, England and Italy were prepared and taste tested and the results were delicious! Growing in the garden were plenty of cucumbers, basil, mint, rosemary, snake beans, lemongrass and sweet potatoes to harvest. It is a highlight to be able to pick your fresh ingredients out of the garden and then use them in the recipes! 

When we return in Term 2, it will be the perfect time to get back into the garden with a bit cooler weather and less rain (hopefully). Year 4 will be digging back into their Kitchen Garden sessions, planting and growing a greater variety of produce which we will look forward to cooking with through the term. The garden will be a hive of activity as students learn how to look after seeds and seedlings, how to care for the soil after the wet season and which plants grow well at different times of year in our environment. Learning to grow your own food and develop a greater awareness of the seasons and healthy eating isn’t the only reason a school garden is a great endeavour.

Kitchen garden programs offer many benefits to a school community:

• Connecting Classroom Learning to the Real World: The Stephanie Alexander Program is all about fostering a love for learning by immersing our children in meaningful, hands-on real-world experiences. Our school garden will provide opportunities to reinforce academic learning as well as develop practical skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration and teamwork as students work together in the garden and kitchen, reinforcing the importance of communication and cooperation.
• Parental Involvement: As the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program further puts its roots down into our school community, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey of growth and discovery. We believe that every child's journey is enriched when parents are actively involved. As parents, there are opportunities to assist in the garden and you don’t have to be a green thumb or a chef, you just need to enjoy getting in the garden, eating food, and being with children. If you are interested in volunteering with the program, whether you have one hour or an entire school day, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact knewman1@cns.catholic.edu.au for more information.

We look forward to another year of growth and fun in our Kitchen Garden Program. Thank you for your support as we dig into the vibrant, hands-on world of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program for our 2nd year!

At Holy Cross School, we are deeply committed to caring for our environment living out our responsibility as stewards of creation. That’s why Containers for Change is more than just a recycling program for us—it’s a way to take real action in protecting our planet and giving back to our community.

By collecting eligible drink containers, we prevent them from ending up in landfills and instead ensure they are recycled into new products. This simple act aligns with our school’s values of responsibility and care for creation, teaching students that small actions can make a big difference. Join us in making sustainability a daily habit—every bottle and can counts!

Thank you for supporting our SPARK.

The Holy Cross Reef Guardians

At Holy Cross School, our school uniform is more than just clothing - it is a symbol of unity, respect and absolute pride in their identity as a member of the Holy Cross family. Wearing the correct uniform develops a sense of belonging and responsibility whilst creating an environment that is focused on learning. By maintaining high uniform standards, we ensure that all students feel equal and ready to engage in their education with confidence. With the Easter school holiday fast approaching, it is the perfect opportunity to review and refresh our uniform expectations.

The following is taken from the 2025 Holy Cross School Parent Handbook for your perusal:

School uniforms should be clean and presentable and worn with pride as per the Holy Cross Way. Our uniform complies with our Sun Safe policy, and are available for purchase from Lowes Menswear, Smithfield Shopping Centre (excluding shoes). 

JEWELLERY:

• A plain watch may be worn (Smart Watches are strictly prohibited)
• One pair of small studs /sleepers may be worn in the ear lobe (metallic, black, red, white, and green only).
• No other visible piercings are permitted.
• A religious medal on a simple neck chain is permissible.
• No rings or bracelets are allowed due to Workplace Health and Safety regulations.
• A medical bracelet is permitted.

HAIR:

• Hairstyles must be neat and conservative, with natural colours appropriate for the school setting and the variety of activities students are involved in.
• Hair below collar length must be neatly tied back.
• Hair ties, head bands, and clips are to be school colours

NAIL POLISH / MAKE UP / TATTOOS

• Students must not to wear nail polish, make up or tattoos to school.

You're Invited to the Circle of Security Program!

Holy Cross School is excited to offer the highly popular Circle of Security relationship-based program once again in 2025! This program is open to all members of our school community who wish to participate.

What is the Circle of Security Program?

This program is designed to help parents and caregivers:

• Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their emotional needs.
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions.
• Enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem.
• Honour your child’s need for security and connection.

Program Details:

Duration: Four consecutive 90-minute sessions (each session builds upon the previous, so attendance at all four is essential).
Venue: Holy Cross School
Cost: Free!

Session Dates:

1. Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – 9:00 AM
2. Tuesday, 13 May 2025 – 9:00 AM
3. Tuesday, 27 May 2025 – 9:00 AM
4. Tuesday, 10 June 2025 – 9:00 AM

How to Register:

If you're interested in joining us, RSVP or send any questions using the QR code provided, or email jcordwell@cns.catholic.edu.au

Jo Cordwell
Holy Cross School Counsellor

Position vacant
Casual School Crossing Supervisor

A position exists for a Casual School Crossing Supervisor at Holy Cross School.

• A School Crossing Supervisor must be able to work in all-weather conditions,
• Relief opportunities on your rostered days off.
• Pay Rate $37.10 per hour.

Commencement of employment for the successful applicant is dependent on:

• The favourable outcome of a health assessment.
• A Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position).

Please call Kim at Transport and Main Roads for an application package on 0428 964 745.

2025

TERM 1

APR 1 - Holy Week Liturgy - Multi Purpose Area - 9:00am

APR 4 - LAST DAY TERM 1

TERM 2

APR 21 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Easter Monday

APR 22 - FIRST DAY TERM 2

APR 22 - Easter Liturgy - Multi Purpose Area - 9:00am

APR 24 - ANZAC Day Liturgy - Time TBC

APR 25 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - ANZAC Day

APR 30 - Holy Cross Connect Meeting - 6:00pm - Staffroom

MAY 2 - Prep 2026 First Round Offers

MAY 2 - TCN Cross Country

MAY 5 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Labour Day

TCN REPRESENTATIVE SCHOOL SPORT

TCN (Trinity Coast North)

REPRESENTATIVE SCHOOL SPORT TRIAL NOTICES

(10 - 12 Years)

Current TCN Calendar of Events, Trial Notices and the Peninsula permission paperwork required to be completed for representative trials are available via the Parent Portal.

TCN TRIALS - MARCH

Basketball (Boys/Girls)

TCN TRIALS - APRIL

Rugby League (10-11 years Boys/Girls)

Rugby League (11-12 years Boys)

TOTAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL CLINIC TERM 2

We're excited to announce that Total Football Academy will be running a school clinic at Holy Cross in Term 2.

Clinic details:

Start Date:  Thursday, 1st of May

End Date:  Thursday, 26th June

Time:  7:15am - 8:15am

Location:  Holy Cross School

Ages:  7-12 years old

To register click on the link below:-

https://www.totalfootballacademycairns.com.au/service-page/holy-cross-school-clinic-term-2?referral=service_list_widget

This program offers a fantastic opportunity for students to receive professional coaching, sharpen their skills, and build their love for the fame - all in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.

CAIRNS LIBRARIES SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

“Blessed are the peacemakers. The peacemakers are those who can reconcile differences without destroying the difference or the people. They, themselves will find peace, the peace they offer to others.”