Pope Francis

As a faith filled community, last week we met with the sorrowful news of Pope Francis' passing. His death has sent ripples across the globe, reflecting the profound impact he had on individuals from all walks of life. Our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis a shepherd of compassion, justice, and mercy, touched the hearts of millions around the world with his humility and wisdom. His papacy has been a guiding light for our Church and a source of inspiration for our school community. As we grieve this great loss, we give thanks for his life and legacy, and we unite in prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Pope Francis delivered his final public address on Easter Sunday at St Peter's Square in the Vatican, before a crowd of more than 20,000. In his frail state, he requested the master of liturgical ceremonies read the message he had written. His final words resonate with his enduring legacy. Below is an extract from his Easter message: 

“We must look for Christ elsewhere…He is no longer a prisoner of death…we must look for him…we cannot remain stationary. We must take action, set out to look for him: look for him in life, look for him in the faces of our brothers and sisters, look for him in everyday business...look for him without ceasing.”

With the conclave soon to begin in Rome, we join the global Church in prayerful hope, asking the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinals in choosing our next pope. It is during this time that we are reminded of the immense importance of being guided by a leader who shows compassion, kindness, and a deep commitment to serving others. I would like to share with you a reflection that I came across during the week on this very topic written by Sr Kym Harris osb.

Leadership

Leadership is very much in the news. The world has been reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, and many are pondering what type of leader the next Pope could be. We are also choosing leadership for our country.

So, this is a good time to ask not only what type of leader we each want but also, how are we to act as leaders. As parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, we lead – whether we feel up to it or not. There are so many different aspects to leadership of our child/ren: giving direction, offering comfort, correcting, affirming, challenging – all the while providing for the needs of daily life, while looking after the whole family (or class) and our own selves. Feeling swamped?

This is a good space to ponder what type of leadership do we want from God, and how we could reflect that love to the needs of our family. Take some time each day, perhaps a minute or two, to rest in God’s love before the day begins and ask for direction for the tasks you are facing that day. Ask for the wisdom and grace that will give you the perspective to lead in love. Then trust that loving guidance will follow you through the day.

Loving God, you know how I can feel overwhelmed with the demands that are made on me in loving my child/ren. Give me the time and space to draw my strength and wisdom from you. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Pope Francis brought a unique and heartfelt approach to his papacy. Many of you may remember how he chose to live simply in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the grand papal apartments, showing us all the importance of humility and compassion. He often reminded the world that caring for the poor, protecting the environment, and building bridges between different communities are not just Church teachings, but human responsibilities. His famous description of the Church as “a field hospital where wounds could be healed and hearts could be warmed was a call to a renewal of the Church’s life and mission, grounded in a return to Christ as the source and inspiration of everything the Church sought to do and to be”.

In remembrance of Pope Francis, this week in our classrooms, we’ve shared the hymn ‘We are God’s Hands’ by Andrew Chinn. This was a timely reminder for us all to reflect on the ways we can be guided by Pope Francis teaching to serving others with love and humility. A prayer to remind us of the importance of going out into the world to make a difference.

To conclude, may Pope Francis’s legacy live on in our hearts and in the mission of the Church he so dearly loved.

Stephanie Travers
Assistant Principal - Catholic Identity and Wellbeing

When School Becomes a Struggle: How to Help Your Child Cope

It’s not uncommon for children to feel overwhelmed at school from time to time. If your child is saying they feel unwell, asking to come home early, or showing signs that they don’t want to go to school, they might be finding parts of their school day challenging. The reassuring news is that there are many ways you can help.

Spotting the Early Signs

School anxiety and avoidance can start with small things. Keep an eye out for:

Frequent tummy aches or headaches, especially on school mornings
Worry about friendships, schoolwork, or being away from parents/home
Difficulty sleeping before school days
Stalling, bargaining, or getting upset when it’s time to leave for school
Vague reasons for staying home like “I just don’t feel right”

If these signs keep happening or become more intense—like meltdowns or refusing to leave the house—it’s important to step in early.

Why It Might Be Happening

Kids might avoid school for a range of reasons, including:

• 
  Separation anxiety or feeling unsafe when away from home
• Social struggles or friendship issues
• Learning difficulties that make school feel hard
• Anxiety, low mood, or other mental health concerns
• Big changes at home like moving, illness, or family stress

Try asking open-ended questions like “What would you change about school if you could?” This can help uncover what’s really going on.

How to Help at Home

Tackling school anxiety and avoidance early can stop it from becoming a habit. Here are some things you can do:

Really listen to your child’s worries without dismissing them
Reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous or worried—but school is still important
Create calm, consistent morning and evening routines
Celebrate small wins, like getting ready on time or walking into school
Offer small, meaningful rewards for school attendance
Make staying home less appealing—limit screen time and keep routines going
Stay in touch with your child’s teacher to check in on how things are going

Working Together with the School

You’re not in this alone, at Holy Cross, we want to help. Talk with your child’s teacher or school support team. Together, we can:

• 
  Explore social or learning supports
• Access counselling help through the school
• Plan a gentle return—maybe starting with shorter days or favourite classes

It is essential your child has someone to talk to—whether that’s a family member, a trusted adult, or a counsellor.

When to Seek Extra Help

If things aren’t improving, or if anxiety or depression are involved, it’s time to get professional support. Your GP is a great place to start—they can check your child’s health and refer you to a psychologist or paediatrician. Through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be able to access subsidised support via Medicare.

Helpful Resources for Further Information

• Raising Children Network
• Beyond Blue

Jo Cordwell
School Counsellor

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 2

MAY 2 - Prep 2026 First Round Offers emailed

MAY 5 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Labour Day

MAY 9 - Mother's Day Morning - 8.10am

MAY 15 - Year 5 Incursion - Cairns Museum Gold Rush

MAY 16 - Year 3 to 6 Cross Country & Prep to Year 2 Fun Run

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.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Pope Francis, a leader who has shown us the profound beauty of humility and compassion. His life has been a powerful testament to your love, and his leadership has brought hope and healing to the world.  May his example inspire all of us to strive for humility, to extend compassion to those in need, and to work towards a more just and loving world. As we follow his lead, may we be instruments of your peace, bringing your love and mercy to all.  

Amen