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Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,
I hope your Easter break was restful and refreshing, filled with moments to reconnect as families and celebrate the joy and hope of the Resurrection.
It was an absolute joy to welcome our students back for the start of Term 2. My heart was truly full as I watched the classrooms slowly come alive with smiling faces and listened to the joyful stories of holiday adventures and (of course) chocolate!
This week, we received the sad news of the passing of Pope Francis. As a global Catholic community, we pause to give thanks for his extraordinary life of service. A man of deep humility and compassion, he dedicated his papacy to caring for the poor, the marginalised, and our common home. His legacy will continue to shape the Church and inspire hearts around the world. We hold him in our prayers and thank God for the wisdom and guidance he shared with us.
Returning to school straight after Easter gave us a beautiful opportunity to reflect deeply on what truly happened on that first Easter morning. Imagine being there - how astonishing it must have been to witness the miracle of the Resurrection.
In Luke’s Gospel, we read how Jesus, moved by compassion, raised the only son of a widow in the town of Naim:
“Young man! Get up, I tell you.” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
Luke 7:11–17
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus brings back to life the twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus:
“Little girl, I tell you to get up.” She immediately stood up and began to walk around.
Mark 5:22–24, 35–43
These were miraculous acts of restoration, of life returned, though only temporarily. In time, these individuals died again. But Jesus’ Resurrection was something entirely different.
His was not a return to normal life, it was a transformation into a new form of existence. Jesus broke through the limits of death to enter fully into God’s life, a life no longer subject to decay or time. Unlike those he raised, Jesus did not resume an ordinary human life. He opened a new dimension of human existence, offering a glimpse of what awaits us all through faith.
I often wonder what I would have thought if I had been there on that first Easter day.
The disciples were no strangers to Jesus performing miracles, restoring sight, healing disease, but this was something altogether new. Jesus had not merely come back; He had gone beyond, into God’s own life. And yet, He remained truly present with them. It was a unique and extraordinary experience, something that forever changed the course of history.
As Psalm 118 reminds us: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
We rejoice, because Jesus has made resurrection a reality for us all. As He said to the once-doubting Thomas:
“You believe because you have seen me; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
John 20:29
May the joy of Easter continue to live in your hearts, and may there be plenty of chocolate eggs left to enjoy!
With fondest regards,
Sarah
Ms Judd
For a beloved teacher on her retirement
The bell rings now a final time,
For one who shaped both heart and mind.
For years you’ve walked these bustling walkways,
A guiding light felt always.
From playing fields where student voices cheered,
To moments through your lens endeared,
You captured joy, you coached with grace,
Left memories time won’t erase.
With whistle, camera, marker in hand,
You helped young minds to understand.
Not just in books or games hard-fought,
But in the life-lessons you taught.
You lit the spark in every sport,
Urged students on to give their all—
And more. You opened every door,
Especially for the girls to soar.
You nurtured minds through thoughtful quests,
In challenges where they gave their best—
Like Tournament of the Minds, where bright
Ideas took brave and daring flight.
You saw the beauty others missed,
A shadow, smile, a fleeting twist.
Each shutter snap - a truth you found,
In candid shots and playgrounds.
And now, the classroom fades from view,
A life of calm awaits with you:
With stories stacked beside your chair,
The ocean breeze and salty air.
With coffee warm between your hands,
You’ll wander beaches, read, and stand -
Not as a teacher at the gate,
But as a soul who’s earned her slate.
The school may change but still remains
The echo of your love ingrained.
So here’s to rest, to skies turned wide,
To dreams you’ve waited years to ride.
But know this truth, so crystal-clear:
You built a legacy right here.
Photo Gallery
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 fully embrace 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 continue to reduce 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.
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.
Dear Holy Cross Families,
Our school Dance Teams have been working with enthusiasm and dedication throughout the first five weeks of Term 1, as they prepare for this year’s Eisteddfod. We are thrilled to be entering two teams this year, and it’s been a joy to watch the students' confidence, teamwork, and creativity grow with each rehearsal.
The Junior Team will be performing to “Revolting Children”, while the Senior Team will take the stage with “Run Boy Run”. Both teams will showcase their routines on the Thursday night of Week 10 at CPAC, alongside students from schools across Cairns and surrounding areas. It promises to be a vibrant evening full of energy and talent!
To help cover costume costs, we’ll be running a raffle fundraiser over the coming weeks. Thanks to the generosity of Dance Team families, we have some fantastic prizes up for grabs! Tickets will be available:
- Most days before and after school near the office
- Tuesdays at first break near the Music Room
- Via Flexischools
Thank you for your continued support – we can’t wait to see our dancers shine on stage!
2025
| TERM 1 | Wednesday 29 January - Friday 4 April (10 weeks) |
| TERM 2 | Tuesday 22 April - Friday 27 June (10 weeks) |
| TERM 3 | Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September (10 weeks) |
| TERM 4 | Tuesday 7 October - Friday 5 December (9 weeks) |
TERM 2
APR 25 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - ANZAC Day
APR 25 - ANZAC Day March - Trinity Beach
APR 28 - Year 5 St Monica's Visit - 8:45am
APR 28 - Prep 2026 Sibling Enrolment Applications Close
APR 30 - Holy Cross Connect Meeting - 6:00pm - Staffroom
MAY 2 - Andrew Chin Choir Workshop - 8:25am
- Andrew Chin Whole School Concert - 9:25am
MAY 2 - Prep 2026 First Round Offers
MAY 2 - TCN Cross Country
MAY 5 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Labour Day
MAY 9 - Mother's Day Morning - 8.10am
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.
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.
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:-
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.
Prayer for the Eternal Rest of Pope Francis
God, faithful rewarder of souls,
we humbly come before You in this time of sorrow,
grateful for the gift of Pope Francis,
peacemaker, friend to the poor and imprisoned,
and faithful shepherd of Your Church.
We thank You for his faith,
compassionate leadership, and dedication
to spreading the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
We entrust his soul to Your infinite mercy.
Grant him eternal rest in Your heavenly kingdom,
where he may rejoice in the fullness of Your love
in the company of all the saints.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Bishop Joe Caddy (2025)