Catholic Education – Hope, Anchored in Faith.

This week marked a historic moment for Catholic education as the Diocese of Cairns proudly hosted the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference—making it the first time this prestigious event has ventured beyond a capital city. Set against the stunning backdrop of Far North Queensland, over 1,400 passionate educators gathered for three inspiring days of connection, conversation, and discovery. The conference buzzed with a shared commitment to shaping the future of Catholic education across Australia. An exciting time for us all!

One of the highlights was a Mass held on Wednesday, at which Bishop Joe Caddy presided, with many other Australian Bishops and the priests of the Diocese of Cairns as concelebrants. This Mass was attended by all delegates along with 700 students from CEDC schools, and a student choir of 400.

The Holy Cross Choir and 26 students from Year 5, were honoured to be invited to participate in the Mass and a faith formation experience. An extraordinary opportunity held in the spirit of unity, celebration, and deep faith. Our school was proudly represented by our vibrant choir and enthusiastic Year 5 students who embraced the occasion with reverence and joy.

Before the Mass began, students were treated to an uplifting faith formation session led by Andrew Chinn, Drew Lane, and Gen Bryant. Their energy and warmth created an atmosphere of excitement and reflection, using music and storytelling to bring faith to life in a way that was both fun and meaningful. The session set the tone for what was to come—a celebration of faith through community and song.

As the Mass began, a wave of reverence swept through the Cairns Convention Centre. Surrounded by nearly 3,000 voices, our students were immersed in the powerful beauty of liturgy expressed through song and prayer. Months of preparation culminated in a breathtaking performance, with our choir singing with grace and confidence. From the early morning bus ride to the high-energy rehearsals, and finally to the awe-inspiring celebration of faith, our Holy Cross students—both in the choir and students in the congregation—carried themselves with pride and purpose. Their participation in the Mass and presence were a testament to what it means to live and learn in the way of the cross.

For many of our students, it was their first time attending a Mass of such scale. The sheer number of people, the resonance of voices, and the shared sense of purpose left a lasting impression.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their participation and grateful to Mrs Chapman, Ms Ruggeri and Ms Monck for their support and guidance during the day. This experience was a celebration of faith, community, and the joy of coming together in worship.

Having had the opportunity to attend both the Mass and Conference activities, I have been reminded that there’s something truly special about the moments when minds meet—when curiosity sparks conversation, and ideas are exchanged with openness and respect. My experiences at the conference offered insights into how we can nurture not only academic excellence, but also the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of our students and staff.

At the conclusion of this very special week, we’re reminded that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It flourishes when we come together, challenge each other, and support one another in the pursuit of knowledge.

To see images of the Mass, please visit the ACEC Website -

Stephanie Travers
Assistant Principal
Catholic Identity & Wellbeing

BOOK WEEK @ HOLY CROSS IN 2025

One glorius week of the year!

Week 7: Monday 25th August to Friday 29th August

Reading opens so many different avenues and opportunities. We love Book Week and highlighting the importance of reading at Holy Cross! It’s a time to share our enthusiasm for reading, literature, books, authors and illustrators. At Holy Cross, we believe reading is so important that it is our compulsory home learning activity across all year levels.

BEDTIME STORYTIME AT SCHOOL - Wednesday 27th August

As part of our Book Week celebrations, next Wednesday will be a regular school day with a cozy twist! Students are invited to bring their favourite bedtime teddy, plushie, Beanie Boo or soft toy to school to be their reading buddy for the day. Each toy should be clearly named and ready to join in the fun and active learning. So, to recap: children come to school in their uniforms for a normal school day but are welcome to bring a soft toy from home to be their learning buddy for the day.

THE GREAT BOOK SWAP

The Year 5 Community Crew needs help to ensure 'The Great Book Swap' is a successful event. We want to be change makers and help other children enjoy the magic of books. Click on the link to see how you can help.

GUEST READERS

The awesomeness of reading will include guest readers in the Library during First Lunch every day next week. Book Week is glorius!!

BOOK WEEK DRESS UP DAY - Friday 29th August

Dress up either as your favourite BOOK character and bring the book
OR
Dress in the 2025 theme “Book an Adventure”

Click on the link below to see travel pics of our staff on their adventures because reading takes you places.

We will celebrate the end of the week with our Book Week Assembly and all things books. We strongly encourage all students to participate. It is a truly fun day. We would love families to be creative and sustainable with their dress up ideas. I know for some families Book Week costume design is an exciting family activity.

Please note for safety reasons, students are required to wear closed in shoes and sun safe clothing. They will need to wear their school hat at play time.

Families are encouraged to come and watch the Assembly. Alternatively, join our webinar to see all of the fabulous dress ups. There will be many photos taken and shared with families.

Remember, Reading is Awesome!!

Jo Neil
Teacher Librarian

DIGITAL LITERACY IN THE LIBRARY

DONUT FUNDRAISER

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a donut over the last 2 weeks and helped us in nearing our goal of raising $700 for the Stephanie Alexander Garden Program. As a final push for fundraising, the year 6 leaders are now selling boxes of a dozen donuts from both OMG Donuts and Krispy Kreme. These donuts are available to order through Flexischools, but will only be available for a short 2 weeks ordering period. Orders close on the the 5th September, so be sure to get in quick to snag one of these delicious holiday treats! Donuts will be available for pick up only on Friday, 19th September (last day of school) from 2:00pm - 3:30pm at the tuckshop.

The options available for ordering are:

OMG Donuts for $35/dozen

1. OMG! Cinnamon Pack (12 x Classic Cinnamon)
2. Berry Pack (3 x Raspberry and Toasted Coconut, 3 x Strawberry and Vanilla, 3 x Raspberry, Cacao, Chilli and Sea Salt, 3 x Classic Cinnamon)
3. Citrus Pack (3 x Lemon and Poppy Seed, 3 x Orange and Cinnamon, 3 x Pineapple and Lime, 3 x Classic Cinnamon)
4. Popular Pack ( 4 x Classic Cinnamon, 2 x Pineapple and Lime, 2 x Cacao and Sea Salt, 2 x Raspberry and Toasted Coconut, 2 x Strawberry and Vanilla)

Krispy Kreme for $26/dozen

1. Original Glaze (12 x Original Glaze)

Be sure to ask friends and family if they would like some as there is no limit to how may boxes per family/student. Please be sure when ordering, that you will also be available to pick up your order on the last day of school from the tuckshop. If you have any queries on this please email Mr Shinn: rshinn@cns.catholic.edu.au

Rob Shinn
Teacher 6C

UPCYCLING OLD SCHOOL UNIFORMS - (UPPAREL)

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As part of the stewardship charism that we practice at Holy Cross, the year 6 leadersare looking to upcycle old school uniforms. We have teamed up with the recycling company Upparel to help us repurpose and reuse our old school uniforms. Upparel is a company who supports schools with less opportunity to have uniforms. By collecting all these uniforms, we’ll be sustainable and working as a community to reuse, repurpose and recycle. Upparel reuse clothes for Australian charities and not-for-profits, they also breakdown old materials to create new fibre used in packaging, homewares and more. The year 6 leaders are hosting this donation and we urge you to gather any old uniforms and drop them off to the school office for collection.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. As a quick reminder for families, and information for those who are new, arrangements for student supervision before school is as follows:

• • NO SUPERVISION is available prior to 8:10am;
  • Students arriving at school before 8:10am MUST be enrolled in Before School Care (Contact OSHC: Mobile: 0410 629 096), email: oshc.trinitypk@ccelc.catholic.org.au; 
  • Between the 8:10am bell and the bell to mark the start of the school day, students should first drop their belongings off at their class bag rack, then proceed to a ‘ZONE’ of their choice where they will remain until school begins; and,
  • Students are NOT permitted to play tiggy or other games that involve running around during this time.

We thank you for considering the needs of the children ensuring they each experience a safe and happy start to every school day.

Zones and activities are as follows:

All zones are multi-age and multi-ability to promote respect, inclusion, acceptance, and tolerance. Teachers actively supervise the students in each zone, and assist with the strengthening of leadership and friendships across all year levels.

Our students benefit immensely from this program, setting them up in a positive and appropriate manner to commence learning upon entering their classroom. It is the expectation that all our students follow rules and procedures whilst at school. Students deemed not to be following the school rule, 'Right Place Right Time' or behaving in a disrespectful manner whilst in their zone, will receive a consequence.

If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any other member of the Leadership Team.

2025

TERM 3

AUG 25 - Cairns Aquarium, Museum, St Monica's Cathedral Excursion - Year 3

AUG 25-29 - Book Week

AUG 27 - Book Club Orders Close

AUG 29 - Book Week Assembly

AUG 29 - OSHC Re-enrolments close (existing families + siblings)

SEP 1 - OSHC Enrolments open (New families 2026)

SEP 1-4 - Year 6 Camp - Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre

SEP 3 - Prep Excursion - Centenary Lakes Nature Park, Edge Hill

SEP 4 - Chess - 2025 Far North Queensland Inter-School Competition

SEP 5 - Dad's Day Out

SEP 8-11 - Year 3 to Year 6 Swimming

SEP 12 - Holy Cross Day

SEP 15-18 - Year 3 to Year 6 Swimming

SEP 19 - Mary Mills Cup Netball Carnival

SEP 19 - Last Day Term 3

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.
• Morning and afternoon shifts (on a rostered basis).
• 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.

Not every survey is a load of rubbish!

Cairns Regional Council is developing a new three year waste strategy and we want to hear from you!

We want to know how you deal with your household waste – and give you the chance to WIN one of four $250 VISA cards in the process.

Simply complete the quick survey on how you dispose of household rubbish and you can go into the draw to win one of four prepaid VISA cards.

It will only take 10 minutes to help us understand where we can do better together.

From the reef to the rainforest, let’s keep Cairns beautiful.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week Embracing Faith, Hope & Love in our school communities seems to augment the significance of the work of educators within the Catholic faith context. Symbolically, we are pilgrims of hope, invited to be disciples who walk with Christ, where we set out to discover new ways of being in communion with the world.

Do all things for the glory of God.

Take me for your model, as I take Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1

Pope Leo,

Inspired by your vision for peace and unity…

Engage our thoughts to be courageous and humble, a reflection beyond ourselves; Embrace our hearts to be tender and bold, respectful of all within creation.

Enliven our hands to be charitable and welcoming, connected to all that is just.

Across our lands, seas, skies and waterways, may we listen deeply and share dreams of faith, hope and love. Amen.