Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,

One of the most powerful aspects of healthy competition - whether it’s the Athletics Carnival, Interschool Chess, Readers Cup, or the Cairns Eisteddfod - is the emotional journey it offers our students. These events allow children to experience a rich tapestry of feelings: nerves, joy, pride, disappointment, euphoria, envy, and relief. Not everyone will win the race or take home the trophy, but every child has the chance to grow, and with the loving support of teachers and parents, these moments become safe, supported spaces where students learn to navigate big emotions with resilience and grace. And that’s why we offer them.

We all feel upset when things don’t go our way, but for children, these feelings can be really intense. Their brains are still developing the emotional regulation and executive functioning skills needed to manage disappointment. The prefrontal cortex- the part responsible for planning, impulse control, and perspective-taking - is still under construction during childhood and adolescence which is why early, supported experiences of failure are so important. They help children build the emotional tools they’ll need to face the more complex challenges of the teenage years. This is why it matters so deeply to give children a safe space to fall and to rise again.

Failure isn’t something to fear - it’s how we learn. As people of hope, we believe that mistakes aren’t the end; they’re part of becoming who God created us to be. In a world that often celebrates perfection and performance over progress and personhood, we must remind our children that God delights in their effort, their heart, and their courage to keep going.

There’s a beautiful story I discovered years ago while supporting students through frustration: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. It tells of a young girl who struggles when things don’t go to plan, and how, through patience and perseverance, she finds her way. I think the story is a wonderful reminder that growth often comes through struggle.

As Catholic educators, we know that God doesn’t call us to be perfect. He calls us to be faithful, to keep showing up, to keep trying, and to keep growing.

As we close this semester and look ahead with excitement to Semester Two, I want to say thank you. To our parents, thank you for the gift of your children. It is our privilege to teach, guide, and grow with them each day. To our incredible staff, thank you for being role models of resilience, faith, and joy. You turn everyday moments into lessons of life and love. And to our students, thank you for being you. For never giving up, and for filling our days with laughter, learning, and light.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful two-week break.

Fondest regards,

Sarah Hamilton
PRINCIPAL

Congratulations to our Holy Cross Senior Choir and Choric Speaking Group!

Our students represented our school with pride, honour, and joy at this week's Cairns Eisteddfod. Their beaming smiles during and after their performances reflected how lucky they are to have such amazing opportunities and the spark it ignites. An amazing reward the the hard work you have put in this year.

MS1 Novelty Chorus - 1st Place

Sacred Spiritual - Highly Commended

Unison Chorus - 3rd Place

Choric Speaking 4 to 6 - 2nd Place

Oh, what a night!

The Holy Cross School Junior and Senior Dance Troupes competed at the Cairns Eisteddfod Primary Dance Troupes Section.

Both troupes were outstanding, giving their best and enjoying the moment.

Our Junior Troupe receiving a Highly Commended.

This week, our school was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed a very special guest—Catholic singer-songwriter Gen Bryant and her incredible band member Ashane! Known for her uplifting music and inspiring message, Gen brought a wave of joy, energy, and reflection to our school community.

Gen is passionate about spreading the Gospel messages of hope, love, and justice to young people. Her engaging workshops inspire people of all ages through music, storytelling, and faith.

From the moment the workshops began, students (and staff) were clapping, singing, and dancing along. Gen shared stories from her own journey of faith, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique gifts and to find strength in kindness, courage, and connection. Her music wasn’t just fun—it carried powerful messages about hope, resilience, and the importance of believing in yourself.

One of the highlights of the workshops was when Gen taught the groups her song ‘Send it Out’ reminding us of Gen’s broader mission: to inspire people, especially young people, to live out the Gospel by using their gifts to make a difference. It’s about being sent out with purpose—to love, to serve, and to be a light in the community.

We’re so grateful to Gen and her team for sharing their talents and hearts with us. It was a day we won’t soon forget—and we’re already hoping for a return visit!

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

• Joy A (3C) for excellence in MUSIC placing Highly Commended in the ‘Piano Solo Contemporary Under 9’ section of the Cairns Eisteddfod last weekend.
• Faye M (4C) for excellence in MUSIC placing 2nd in ‘Piano - 6 and Under 14 years’, Highly Commended in ‘Piano Solo by an Australian Composer - 9 and under 11 years, AND, excellence in WRITING, receiving Highly Commended for her ‘Original Poem - Grades 3 - 4’.

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

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 

You're Invited to the Circle of Security Program!

Holy Cross School is excited to offer the highly popular Circle of Security relationship-based program once again in Term 3, 2025. This program is open to all members of our school community who wish to participate.

What is the Circle of Security Program?

This program is designed to help parents and caregivers:

• Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their emotional needs.
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions.
• Enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem.
• Honour your child’s need for security and connection.

Program Details:

Duration: Four consecutive 90-minute sessions (each session builds upon the previous, so attendance at all four is essential).
Venue: Holy Cross School
Cost: Free!

Session Dates:

1. Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – 5:30 PM (Week 2)
2. Tuesday, 5 August 2025 – 5:30 PM (Week 4)
3. Tuesday, 19 August 2025 – 5:30 PM (Week 6)
4. Tuesday, 16 September 2025 – 5:30 PM (Week 10)

How to Register:

If you're interested in joining us, RSVP or send any questions using the QR code provided, or email jcordwell@cns.catholic.edu.au

Jo Cordwell
Holy Cross School Counsellor

2025

TERM 2

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 21-JUL 25 - Student Led Conference Week

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

JUL 24 - Year 2 Excursion - Kuranda Train & Rainforestation Excursion

28 JUL-1 AUG - Catholic Education Week / NAIDOC Celebrations

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

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

AUG 5-6 - TCN Track & Field

AUG 6-8 - Year 5 Camp - Camp Patterson, Mareeba

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.

TCN TRIALS

JULY

Cricket - (10 -12 Boys)

Click on the link below for more information to book into some fun School Holiday Art Workshops at the Cairns Art Gallery.

Prayer for the End of Term

Loving God,  
We thank You for the joy and blessings of this past term -
For the laughter shared in our classrooms,  
The lessons that opened our minds,  
The teamwork on the sports fields,  
And the sparks of creativity that filled our days.

Thank You for our teachers who guide us,  
Our families who support us,  
And our friends who make each day brighter.

As we prepare for our holiday,  
Watch over us and keep us safe in Your loving care.  
May this break be a time of fun, rest, and renewal  
So we return refreshed and ready for more adventures in learning.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  

Amen.