Helping Kids Grow Stronger and Face Life with Confidence

As parents and educators, we all want the very best for our children. It’s only natural to want to protect them from life’s disappointments, whether it’s a tough friendship moment, a school setback, or something that simply feels too big. But the truth is, while we can’t protect them from every difficult experience, we can give our children something even more powerful…resilience.

What is Resilience?

Resilient children don’t give up easily. They’re able to bounce back from disappointments, learn from their mistakes, and keep going when things get tough. That doesn’t mean they never feel sad, angry, or frustrated, it just means they’ve learned how to move through those feelings and come out stronger on the other side.

And here’s the good news: resilience isn’t something kids are either born with or not. It’s a skill and like any skill, it can be taught, modelled, and encouraged over time. At home and at school, we all have a part to play in helping our children grow into strong, confident problem-solvers. Here are five simple ways we can do just that.

1. Be a Supportive Role Model

Children are always watching, learning from how we respond to life’s ups and downs. When we handle challenges with calmness, honesty, and maybe even a little humour, we show our children what resilience looks like in real life.

It also helps when children are surrounded by positive adults such as teachers, grandparents, coaches, neighbours who show them that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as we keep trying. Every encouraging adult in a child’s life adds to their sense of safety and confidence.

2. Let Children Make Mistakes

It’s tempting to swoop in and fix things when our children make mistakes, like forgotten homework or a rushed assignment. But these “little failures” are actually big learning moments.

Letting children experience the outcomes from their actions (in a safe, supported way) teaches them responsibility and problem-solving. It may be hard to watch in the short term, but it builds long term strength.

3. Praise Effort, Not Perfection

We all love to celebrate our children’s successes, but how we do it matters. Instead of focusing on traits “You’re so smart!”, try praising effort and persistence “You worked really hard on that!” or “You didn’t give up, even when it was tricky!”.

This kind of praise encourages a growth mindset, the belief that we can improve with effort, learning, and practice. And that’s exactly the mindset resilient children need.

4. Talk About Emotions

It’s okay for kids to feel big emotions. In fact, naming and validating those feelings is the first step toward managing them.

When your child is upset, try saying something like, “It sounds like you’re feeling really disappointed. That’s a hard feeling and it’s okay to feel that way.” Once they’ve felt heard, you can gently guide them toward thinking about what to do next. Over time, they’ll build the emotional toolkit they need to navigate life’s challenges with maturity and empathy.

5. Encourage Problem-Solving

When your child comes to you with a problem, try asking: “What do you think might help?” or “What have you already tried?” Instead of jumping in with a solution, you’re helping them learn how to think through a challenge.

Even if their first idea doesn’t work, that’s okay, it’s all part of learning. The goal isn’t to avoid problems, but to become confident and capable at solving them.

Resilience doesn’t mean “toughing it out” or pretending everything is fine. It means learning how to get back up, keep going, and grow from the experience. That’s something every child can learn, and they learn it best when surrounded by adults who believe in them.

At school, we’re committed to helping children build these important life skills. And we know how powerful it can be when home and schoolwork together.

If you ever feel like your child is struggling to bounce back, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, a bit of extra support can make all the difference in helping children to grow stronger, kinder, and more resilient every day.

Jo Cordwell
Holy Cross School Counsellor

English Enrichment - Eisteddfod Literary Competition

Crocodiles befriending chickens, accidental flying pies, crazy mountain bike falls, being left home alone and toilet trouble at school were just a few of the creative writing themes that students wrote about this year for the Cairns Eisteddfod Literary Competition. 

Imaginations went wild within the poetry writing section with poems about all kinds of birds - real and mythical, awkward silences, trees, lighthouses and lunar lights.

The letter writing sections captured our students’ ability to write formally by expressing their gratitude to someone in their life, and by asking for assistance for a school project.

English Enrichment students from Years 2 to 6 entered a total of 57 pieces of writing into the Literary Competition, and I am proud to announce that we had 24 award winners! The awardees were invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on the 16th of June to receive their awards as follows: 

Creative Writing – Grades 1 - 2
Highly Commended: Jed F, Connor S

Creative Writing – Grades 3 - 4
2nd: Lucy S, Oscar J
3rd: Bianca W
Highly Commended: Elia V, Vivienne D, Liam H

Creative Writing – Grade 6
2nd: Ocean L

Original Poem – Grades 3 - 4
1st: Taylen L
3rd: Oliver P
Highly Commended: Ethan W, Faye M, Lacey H

Original Poem – Grade 5

1st: Sienna C
2nd: Evie S
3rd: Rose B
Highly Commended: Gigi E

Original Poem – Grade 6
2nd: Niamh J
3rd: Oliver B
Highly Commended: Amber F, Henry K, Lily M

Letter Writing – Grades 4 - 6
1st: Jonathan J
2nd: Sienna C

Report Writing – Grades 4 - 6
Highly Commended: Rose B

According to the adjudicators, the quality of writing this year was astounding from English Enrichment students. It is a wonderful accomplishment to have our children’s work recognised and judged by an external organisation like the Cairns Eisteddfod. The awards ceremony was truly the highlight of the term for me and I’m sure the awardees. 

To further celebrate the creativity of the writing pieces produced for the Eisteddfod, English Enrichment students have also created a piece of visual art which is on display this term in the Library, allowing all students in the school to read and view the exhibition. Please be sure to visit the Library to see for yourself the amazing talent these children have shown.

Tara Belhumeur
Enrichment Teacher

There is one super talented Year 6 student shining brightly in our school community having pushed themself to be ‘the best version of you’ outside of school hours.

• Isabella H (6C) is shining in FITNESS having successfully competed in the Iron Kids competition last weekend.

A phenomenal achievement; we are super proud of her!

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 

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

Click on the links below to access each webinar free of charge.

• When Parenting Gets Really Hard
• Calming Teen Stress & Anxiety
• Plugged In & Tuned Out:  When gaming and screen use becomes a problem

2025

TERM 2

JUN 23 - Spirit Awards

JUN 23 - Year 5 Expo

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

JUN 24 - Year 3 & Year 4 Expo

JUN 25 - Eisteddfod - Choirs & Choric Speaking

JUN 26 - Year 6 Expo

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

28 JUL-1 AUG - Catholic Education Week

29 JUL - Catholic Education Week Mass - 9:00am

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

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart seeking strength and resilience. I know at times I may falter, but with your guidance, I can find the courage to persevere. Help me to see the challenges I face not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and learning. I pray for the ability to face adversity with grace and the conviction to always strive for what is good. In your name, I pray. Amen.