Dear Parents/Guardians,

As the end of Semester One fast approaches, academic reports are now be prepared. End of Semester reports are a summation of each child’s progress for this period. When you and your child do receive them, it is helpful to remember to look at all the positives in your child’s report and to celebrate their achievements, however big or small.

Over the next few years, Catholic Education Schools are engaging in a systematic implementation of Australian Curriculum Version 9. You may have heard a significant review was recently undertaken and significant changes made. In 2024, Holy Cross focused on Mathematics and Health and Physical Education, as a result your child's Mathematics and HPE results from last year reflected Version 9 curriculum content. In 2025, Hoy Cross is focused on English and Digital Technologies, thus your child’s result in English and Digital Technologies will reflect Version 9 curriculum content. Each year we will advise you of new learning areas being updated to reflect the revised Australian Curriculum. You may notice report card changes to reflect the implementation of the updated curriculum in our school context.

What are reporting requirements?

The Australian Government requires all schools to provide parents with feedback on their child’s academic progress and achievement twice per year using a five point scale.

What is current practice?

Holy Cross School provides end of semester reports, using a five point scale, subject comments and a general comment.

What further changes have occurred?

To align with other schooling sectors, end of semester reports will continue to use the five-point scale to indicate achievement and a general comment. Comments for each subject however will be omitted.

How do I access more information regarding my child’s learning?

Holy Cross School continues to provide feedback on students’ learning throughout the term via SeeSaw. Have you been onto SeeSaw lately? Have you checked with your child what their current goals are?

To complement this information, Student Led Conferences are also held twice per year. It is also important to remember you can request a time to meet with your child’s teacher at point throughout the school year to remain engaged in your child’s learning journey.  If you would like more information regarding your child’s progress, please contact the school to make an appointment with your child’s class teacher.

INTRODUCING THE LEARING DASHBOARD – THE NEW LOCATION TO FIND YOUR CHILD END OF SEMESTER REPORT

In Term 2, our school will be transitioning to the new student academic reporting solution. Named The Learning Dashboard (TLD), the new system will bring some small changes from look and feel of the current Parent Portal. From Wednesday 25^th June, you will be using the new app to access your child’s Semester One Report and all future reports.

It will also include the addition of a Student Portal, which will provide our students with access to their own academic reports at the same time they are made available to Parents and Carers. This is an important step in ensuring our students are at the centre of their own academic journeys.

Some of the benefits of the new solution include:

1. Students will have increased visibility over their academic outcomes, supporting increased engagement and planning.
2. TLD will follow your student across CEDC schools (primary and secondary), enabling you to maintain visibility of academic reports throughout their school years.
3. TLD is designed as a web interface rather than a PDF document. This enables an improved viewing experience on all platforms and devices (smart phone, IPad, Laptop).
4. The solution also supports the ability to create a PDF copy of the report for your records.

You will notice some differences with TLD compared to our previous system. Rather than accessing a PDF report, TLD will take you to your child's report via a modern web interface, providing an improved user experience when accessing it via your mobile phone, tablet or computer.

The new report will also include student cohort data about their achievement judgements. This cohort graph provides you with a visual indicator about your child’s grade and those of their peers.

How do I access the new system?

You can access TLD via the MyCE App or Parent Portal. Once you have navigated to TLD users will need to login again using their Parent Portal Credentials.

Can I still have PDF version of my report?

Yes. There is a print PDF functionality available within TLD. On clicking the blue ‘Print PDF’ button on the top right-hand corner of the dashboard, a PDF of the report will be downloaded. Further guidance on these steps is provided in the training materials.

How do I access previous reports created in the old system?

You will continue to access your previous reports via the School Portal as you have in the past. All future reports will be accessible via The Learning Dashboard.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW IN READINESS?

Can you access the MyCE App or Parent Portal. See below this article for a reminder on how to download the MyCE App. and also ensure you have current Parent Portal access.

We are committed to enhancing the overall reporting experience and providing you with clear and meaningful insights into your child's academic journey. We appreciate working with you in partnership in your child's education and will continue to keep you updated on these important developments.

We are hoping that the collection of your child’s Semester One Report will fill you with smiles. There is not a single student not worthy of praise, and even though there may be areas requiring a little more attention and effort, set this as a positive goal for next term, and not a sticking point in your conversations with your child. Harsh words do not always create the desired effect with young children and can sometimes be the cause of the creation of a lack of confidence, preventing their ability to bounce back and take up new challenges.

As always, if you have any concerns regarding grades or comments made, please contact your child’s class teacher.

Thank you for your commitment to your child’s education at Holy Cross School.  We remain committed to providing the best possible partnership with you as their parents and carers.

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.

Setting up Parent Portal 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 Extension Line 2.

Yours sincerely 

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning

Pedal Power: Riding to School for Health, Happiness, and Safety

Riding a bike to school is a fantastic way for children to start their day. Cycling not only promotes physical health by improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, and coordination, but fosters a sense of independence and community whilst supporting emotional and social wellbeing. Riding a bike to school truly is the perfect combination ensuring students arrive alert, confident, and ready to learn. While the benefits are clear, riding to school on a bike also has a significant number of safety factors to be considered - safety always comes first!

Under Queensland law, children under 12 years of age are permitted to ride on footpaths, and those aged 12 to 16 may also do so unless signage indicates otherwise. Helmets are mandatory, and riders must follow standard road rules - this includes using hand signals, keeping at least one hand on the handlebars, and riding with care and attention (please see Queensland Law ‘Bicycle Road Rules and Safety’ for more information.)

Additional key points under Queensland Law to consider include:

• Helmets: Cyclists must wear an approved helmet that meets safety standards. 
• Staying to the left: Cyclists must ride as close to the left side of the road as possible. 
• Traffic signals: Cyclists must obey traffic lights and other signals. 
• Safe passing distances: Motorists must leave a minimum of 1 meter of space when passing a bicycle rider in a 60km/h or less speed zone, and 1.5 meters when the speed limit is over 60km/h. 
• Bicycle lanes: Cyclists should ride in designated bicycle lanes if available. 
• Visibility: Cyclists should use lights and reflectors to increase their visibility, especially at night. 
• Sharing paths: Cyclists must give way to pedestrians on shared paths and keep left. 
• No towing/being towed: Cyclists are prohibited from towing or being towed by other vehicles. 
• Hand signals: Cyclists should use hand signals when turning. 
• Keeping left and overtaking: Cyclists should not overtake vehicles on the left if it's not safe. 
• Riding alongside others: Cyclists can ride alongside each other but should not ride more than 2 riders side-by-side unless they are overtaking. 

In addition to the law, to help keep our young riders safe, we recommend:

• Wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you ride.
• Using bike lights and reflectors in low light conditions.
• Practicing road safety skills at home.
• Sticking to footpaths or designated bike lanes.
• Using a strong, high-quality bike lock.

Holy Cross School provides bike racks located off Reed Road, however, please note this area is not actively supervised, except between 2:50pm and 3:10pm, when students are leaving the school grounds. Unfortunately, two bikes have recently been stolen from our bike racks after their locks were severed with bolt cutters. This was extremely upsetting for the students and families involved. As a school we have been actively investigating the installation of a gate to secure the area. however, the cost is significant, so we are still exploring feasible options.

In the meantime, to avoid potential theft, we strongly encourage families to:

• Use high-quality locks that secure both the frame and wheels.
• Avoid leaving bikes overnight.
• Consider engraving bikes with identification details and / or popping a tracking device inside the frame for ease of location and retrieval.

As a school community, we are incredibly grateful to our families for their continued support in keeping our students safe. Your proactive involvement helps us address challenges and work toward meaningful solutions. Let’s keep the conversation going, your feedback and ideas are always welcome.

Together, let’s ensure that riding to school remains a safe, healthy, and joyful experience for all our students.

Sharing the Road Safely

Be on the lookout

• Bicycle and personal mobility device riders are more difficult to see than cars or trucks, especially at night, dawn or dusk.
• Take care to check for riders in blind spots before changing lanes or turning, especially when turning at intersections and at roundabouts.
• Check in your rear-view and side mirrors to avoid opening your car door into the path of a bicycle or personal mobility device rider.

Expect riders to be fast moving sometimes

• Sometimes a bicycle or personal mobility device rider can travel faster than a car, particularly in slow-moving traffic. Never under-estimate their speed and do not to cut them off by moving in front of them.

Take extra care at night and in wet weather

• Wet weather can cause the road to become oily or slippery and reduce visibility, so be extra careful around bicycle or personal mobility device riders at these times.
• Be considerate and dip your headlights when approaching a bicycle or personal mobility device rider at night.

Be patient and prepare to slow down

• If it isn't safe to pass a bicycle or personal mobility device rider, wait until it is safe. This should not hold you up for long and it could save the bicycle or personal mobility device rider's life.
• Sometimes, bicycle riders may need the full width of a lane to ride safely because of rough road edges and gravel. Be prepared to slow down and allow the rider to travel away from the kerb. You must comply with the minimum passing rules.
• All riders can be unpredictable, especially children. Prepare to slow down and stop if necessary.

A Celebration of Reading and Teamwork!

We are delighted to share that Holy Cross proudly participated in the 2025 Year 5 & 6 Readers Cup—an inspiring event that brings together young readers from across Far North Queensland. This exciting literary competition, the largest north of Brisbane, saw 40 teams from as far as Thursday Island, Innisfail, and the Tablelands gather at Edge Hill State School with teams from Cairns. That’s 160 passionate readers competing and connecting through their shared love of books!

Our team of four enthusiastic students, Niamh J, Talei H, Emily P and Rose B represented Holy Cross with dedication and spirit. Over the past few months, they’ve been reading and discussing five selected titles, preparing for the big day. Their hard work and teamwork paid off on Thursday, with the team placing 14th out of 40—a fantastic achievement!

The Heart of the Competition

While the thrill of competition adds excitement, the true essence of the Readers Cup lies in the joy of reading and the power of collaboration. Every student who participated is a winner for embracing new stories, sharing ideas, and growing as a reader and teammate.

We’re incredibly proud of our students and look forward to seeing their love of reading continue to flourish. Thank you for encouraging and supporting your child on this literary journey!

2025 Book List

Looking for some great reads over the holidays? Here are the five titles selected by experienced Teacher Librarians for this year’s Readers Cup:

• The Kindness Project by Deborah Abela (verse novel)
• Tweet by Morris Gleitzman
• August and Jones by Pip Harry
• The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
• Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner

Reading these books together can be a wonderful way to connect with your child and helps deepen comprehension.

What Our Team Had to Say

“I loved reading new books and discovering titles I wouldn’t have chosen myself.”
“Talking about books with others is fun.”
“I was surprised that verse novels can create so much emotion.”
“I had to be persistent and resilient reading a book I wasn’t really interested in.”
“Readers Cup has the best things: books, new friends, and fun times.”

Year 6 Enrichment

The Year 6 English Enrichment class celebrated all things Greek with a Percy Party this week, as a culminating activity for the Percy Jackson -Lightning Thief novel study. The well-designed costumes included many Gods, Goddesses, and monsters from Greek mythology. The children played games, ate delicious Greek foods, and challenged each other in trivia questions. This novel was a favourite for many reasons, not just the party at the end!

English Enrichment - Poetry

The St Vincent De Paul Society’s Winter Appeal is an important part of the St Vincent De Paul Society’s work. As the colder months set in, St Vincent de Paul's Winter Appeal is more crucial than ever. This initiative provides warmth, shelter, and essential support to those facing hardship during winter. Each year the Holy Cross community support this initiative by collecting items for donation. By donating warm clothing, blankets or noodle cups, you can help bring comfort to individuals and families in need. Every small act of generosity makes a big difference. Let's come together as a school community to support this important cause and ensure that no one is left out in the cold this winter. Donations can be made by adding items to the trolley located at the front gate of the school. 

Thank you

Holy Cross Mini Vinnies Service and Outreach group

2025

TERM 2

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

JUN 13 - 2025 Parent/Carer Feeback Survey closing date

JUN 16 - 1500m Run - 10-12 years - 9:00am

JUN 16 - Eisteddfod Night at Holy Cross - 5:30pm

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 23 - Eucharist Session 1 - Holy Cross Church - 5:00pm

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 15 - Year 6 On Country Beach Retreat

JUL 17 - PUPIL FREE DAY

JUL 18 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Cairns Show

JUL 22 - Eucharist Session 2 - Holy Cross Church - 5:00pm

JUL 29 - Eucharist Session 3 - Holy Cross Church - 5:00pm

Winter Appeal Prayer

Lord, as we enter the cooler months of the year, we remember those who are struggling, those who are facing hardship, and those who need your comfort and care. We ask that you open our hearts to compassion and generosity, allowing us to see the needs of others and to respond with kindness and support. Grant us the wisdom to understand the needs of others and, the strength to help them. May your warmth and light shine on everyone in need, and may your grace sustain them during this challenging time. 

Amen.