Our Three Year MTSS journey at Holy Cross School

Where it all started - Tier 1

In 2023, CEDC schools across Cairns initiated the implementation of the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) under the leadership of Dr. Shiralee Poed from the University of Queensland. MTSS is a holistic framework designed to address students' academic, behavioural, and social-emotional needs through a structured, tiered system of interventions.

In 2023, Holy Cross School primarily focused on revising its Tier 1 interventions. Tier 1 supports consist of universal, school-wide strategies designed to promote learning and prevent behavioural challenges, serving approximately 80% of students. As part of this initiative, staff and students collaboratively updated the Holy Cross Expectations to: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be an Active Learner.

Additionally, staff and students collaborated to update the Holy Cross Expectations Matrix, which outlines the expected behaviour across various areas within the school.

During this period, there was a strong emphasis on professional development for all staff members. Opportunities were provided to enhance skills in both positive support strategies and high-impact engagement strategies. Additionally, students and staff collaboratively reviewed the existing 'Acknowledgements Systems' at Holy Cross, which are designed to positively recognise when students demonstrate expected behaviours.

The final stage of Tier 1 involved the development of our Behaviour Response Continuum (SBS Chart). This document outlines the various responses staff may employ when students are unable to meet established expectations. These responses include positive behaviour management strategies, regulation support, circuit breakers, as well as acts of service and reflective conversations when necessary.

For further details, please visit our website:  https://www.holycross.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Whole-School-Behaviour-Support-Plan-2025.pdf

In my next update, I will share insights into our progress from 2024 to the present and illustrate how Holy Cross School continues to support students who require additional and targeted assistance through the Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.

The Chess Rebels Reign Supreme: Continuing Our Winning Legacy!

Dear Holy Cross Families,

We are proud to share yet another chapter in the ongoing success story of our Chess Club. At the most recent inter-school tournament, Holy Cross was once again crowned the Best Primary School in the Premier Division, reaffirming our position as the top chess school in Cairns!

Even more exciting, one of our own was awarded Best Individual Player - a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication within our club.

Tournament Highlights:

• Premier Division Champions - Best Primary School
• Best Individual Player Award - Zaiden

This outstanding result was achieved by our top team: Oscar, Keith, Zaiden, and Ethan, whose strategic brilliance and teamwork led us to victory. Their performance is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the strength, support, and shared learning culture of the entire Chess Club. Every member - whether a beginner or seasoned player - contributes to the vibrant, encouraging environment that helps our top players to thrive.

This achievement is part of a consistent pattern of excellence that defines the Chess Rebels. With every tournament, our students demonstrate not only skill and focus but also a deep love for the game and a strong sense of community.

Looking Ahead: 

The Chess Club remains a dynamic and inclusive space where students of all levels can grow, compete, and connect. Whether you're a returning member or new to the game, we welcome you to be part of our journey. 

Quick Reminders: 

• Chess Club sessions continue every Monday and Tuesday until the end of the term, resuming Week 2 next term. 

• An Intra-School Tournament will take place in the last week of term—details coming soon! 

• Chess Kid and Gardiner Chess offer discounted Gold memberships for Chesskid.com - email Mr. Gunter for more info: dgunter@cns.catholic.edu.au 

Let’s continue to support our students as they build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong passion for chess. With your encouragement, we’re confident that the Chess Rebels will keep leading the way in 2025 and beyond. 

With pride and appreciation, 

Mr. Gunter 
Chess Club Coordinator 

Celebrating Our Commitment to Caring for the Land and Each Other 

At Holy Cross School, stewardship is more than a principle; it's a way of life. Our students are actively engaged in caring for both the land and each other, embodying the values of respect, responsibility, and community. Through various initiatives and programs, we nurture a deep connection to the environment and foster a culture of empathy and service.  

STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAM  

Holy Cross students are getting their hands dirty in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, where they grow, harvest, prepare, and share fresh produce. This hands-on learning experience not only teaches them about sustainability and healthy eating but also instills a profound respect for the environment. The recent grant success has allowed us to expand this program, enabling more students to participate and benefit from this enriching activity.

WORLD BEE DAY 

On World Bee Day, our library was buzzing with excitement as students created informative and artistic displays to highlight the importance of pollinators. These displays educated the school community about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem and how we can protect them. The bees in our native beehive felt thoroughly honoured.

CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE 

The Containers for Change initiative has been embraced wholeheartedly by our students. By collecting eligible containers, they are learning about recycling and sustainability while raising funds for school projects. This initiative is a win for both the planet and our school community

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM DAY 

Outdoor Classroom Day saw students stepping out of their traditional classrooms and into nature. They conducted science experiments in the garden, engaged in storytelling under the trees, and explored the natural world around them. This day was a joyful reminder of how the outdoors can enrich education and foster a love for the environment.

CLEAN UP HOLY CROSS DAY 

Clean Up Holy Cross Day was a powerful demonstration of our students' pride in their school grounds and the land surrounding it. With gloves on and smiles wide, they took action to care for their environment, reinforcing the importance of stewardship.

ZONES OF REGULATION 

Our commitment to stewardship extends beyond the environment to the people in our community. The Zones of Regulation program is a school-wide initiative that helps students understand and manage their emotions. This program supports wellbeing and builds a respectful, inclusive community.

CIRCLE OF SECURITY 

The Circle of Security® Parenting Program offers parents the tools and support they need to build secure, emotionally healthy relationships with their children. This program is an essential part of our commitment to family wellbeing.

BREAKFAST CLUB 

The Breakfast Club ensures that all students start their day with a nutritious meal. This initiative is especially important for students in need and exemplifies our commitment to caring for each other.

UNDER 8S DAY 

Under 8s Day is a joyful celebration of early childhood, filled with laughter, play, and discovery. This event nurtures creativity, connection, and curiosity in our youngest learners.

MOTHER’S DAY 

Mother’s Day at Holy Cross is a heartfelt celebration of the incredible women in our students’ lives. From handmade cards to shared morning teas, our students showed gratitude and love in the most touching ways.

HARMONY WEEK 

Harmony Week promotes inclusion, respect, and cultural diversity. Through various activities, students learn to appreciate and celebrate the differences that make our community unique.

YEAR 6 LEADERSHIP 

Our Year 6 students participate in leadership retreats and service roles, modelling stewardship and responsibility. These experiences help them develop leadership skills and a sense of community service. 

At Holy Cross School, stewardship truly is at the very heart of everything we do. Whether it's caring for the land through gardening and recycling initiatives or fostering a supportive and inclusive community, our students are learning to be responsible, empathetic, and engaged citizens. As we look to the future, we remain committed to nurturing these values and continuing our journey of stewardship together. 

Nothing quite beats an afternoon spent with your Buddy Class living and learning in our beautiful outdoor learning space. Truly blessed.

There are three super talented young people shining brightly in our school community pushing themselves to be ‘the best version of you’ outside of school hours.

• Jasper P (5S) for excellence in SPORT placing 2nd in Vault (silver), and 3rd on Parallel bars (bronze), 4th on Rings, and 4th on Pommel at the State Gymnastics Championships last week.
• Alexandra M (3C) and Indiana M (5H) for excellence in VISUAL ART with their artwork, currently on display at the Courthouse Gallery as part of this year’s Cairns Children’s Festival.

Remarkable achievements for such young people. We are super proud of them all!

Please keep sharing news regarding your children’s achievements outside of school. We love sharing good news stories. Email:  office.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au 

2025

TERM 2

JUN 10 - Pentecost Mass - Year 3 to Year 6 - 9:00am

JUN 10 - Confirmation Session 2 - Holy Cross Church - 5:00pm

JUN 12 - Readers Cup

JUN 13 - Holy Cross Connect Movie Night - 6:30pm - "Sonic"

JUN 13 - 2025 Parent/Carer Feeback Survey closing date

JUN 16 - Eisteddfod Night at Holy Cross

JUN 17 - Holy Cross Athletics Field Day (Year 3 to Year 6)

JUN 17 - Confirmation Session 3 - Holy Cross Church - 5:00pm

JUN 18 - Holy Cross Athletics Track & Fun Day (Prep to Year 6)

JUN 25 - Eisteddfod - Choirs & Choric Speaking

JUN 26 - Eisteddfod - Dance

JUN 27 - Last Day Term 2

TERM 3

JUL 14 - First Day Term 3

JUL 17 - PUPIL FREE DAY

JUL 18 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Cairns Show

E-Scooter Rules and Fines

There has been an increase across the State in the number of serious crashes involving e-scooters, e-skateboards and similar devices. Many of these crashes are occurring in and around schools involving students.

To ensure you and your child know the rules to stay safe while using these devices, you can visit Streetsmarts Qld for a quick and easy to understand listing of the rules.

Key rules to be aware of include:

AGE

• Primary school aged children, under 12 years, cannot ride e-scooters or e-skateboards at all.
• Children 12 to 15 years can only ride with adult supervision.
• Only those over the age of 16 years can ride e-scooters or e-skateboards.

Supervising adults should ride on a separate device, at a safe following distance from the child riding. THe adult shold always have close direct oversight of the child riding so that direction, guidance and any intervention can be given when needed.

Children under 12 can use push scooters and similar devices, but for more information you can visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads' website.

SAFETY

• Helmets must be used with the straps fastened securely, and bells fitted for any devices with handlebars.
• Only one person should ride on a device at a time - no doubling.
• Riders must ride to the conditions and avoid any unsafe manoeuvres.

ROAD USE

• E-Scooters and E-Skateboards can only be used on the road in very limited circumstances.
• If your child uses an E-Scooter or E-Skateboard, remind them to ride on footpaths, to obey road rules, including speed limits.

SPEED LIMIT ON FOOTPATHS

• The speed limit for footpaths and shared paths is 12 km/h.

Significant fines may apply if riders are caught breaking the rules, including an on-the-spot fine of $1209 for using a mobile phone and a maximum court-imposed penalty of $6452 for careless riding.

For more helpful videos and other safety tips please visit Streetsmarts Qld.

Friday before Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Scripture

“In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you,' and, after showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.' After saying this he breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'” (John 20:19-22)

Reflection

As the disciples gather on the first day of the week, the Gospel of John tells us that the doors of the room were locked. Jesus has been crucified, and the disciples are afraid and hiding. Then the Risen Jesus appears and breathes on them, and they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. They are filled with courage as they embark on their mission to proclaim his love and share his compassion for all creation.

We too, perhaps, sometimes find ourselves behind the locked door of fear. Today let’s invite the Holy Spirit to pour into us the gift of courage, so as Christ’s body we may know and love our neighbours, act justly, make peace and care for creation.

To ponder today

Take time today to breathe mindfully – breathing in God’s spirit and breathing out God’s love.

Prayer

Come Holy Spirit,
blow away division and despair.
Light your flame of courage and hope in us
and warm our hearts with wisdom and love.

Be our Helper, as we seek your ways of justice.
Be our Comforter, as we share your peace with our wounded world.
Be our Advocate, as we call for the fullness of life for all. Amen.

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/prayer-resources/pentecost-prayers/pentecost-novena-8