Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,

Last Friday, my son, Edward, celebrated his 18^th birthday. As tradition dictates, we marked the occasion with gifts, decorations, a home-made cake, and stories - some heartwarming, others hilariously embarrassing - much to his horror and delight. As my husband and I reflected on our 18 years of parenting, I found myself drifting back to life before children. To my surprise, it dawned on me that I’ve now been teaching in Australia longer than I ever did in the UK. That small revelation sent me on a nostalgic journey through the many faces and stories that have shaped my career.

One memory stood out vividly involving a wonderful young man named James who was in my final Year 6 class in England before I moved to Australia. James was extraordinary. His mind was sharp, he was a phenomenal mathematician and often surprised me with his insight into ‘life the universe and everything.’ He had a depth of thought and compassion that was rare, even among adults.

In the week’s leading up to graduation, I invited my students to bring a photograph that held special meaning for them to stick into their books and write a short reflection underneath. The next day, James arrived with a photo of an elderly woman in a wheelchair who lived in the village. Her face was lined with deep wrinkles, yet her eyes sparkled with joy. It was clear that her spirit was untouched by age.

Underneath the photo, James wrote:

“This beautiful woman lives down the street from me. I visit her every day. She makes me feel like the most important person in the world. We play draughts and she listens to my problems. She understands me, and when I leave, she always tells me that she’s proud of me. This picture shows you that she is the most beautiful woman. I hope I have a wife like her.”

James’ words reminded me so much of Jesus who saw beyond the surface, who valued the heart, and who lifted others up with compassion and truth. Like Jesus, James understood that real beauty is found in relationship, in service, and in seeing others as God sees them.

The world we live in today often teaches a different lesson. Advertising bombards us with images suggesting that if we’re not conventionally attractive, we’re somehow less worthy. But true beauty isn’t inherited or manufactured, it’s cultivated through acts of love, kindness, and authenticity. The woman in James’s photo wasn’t beautiful because of her features; she was beautiful because of the way she made him feel.

Scripture reminds us that, “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Jesus lived this truth, and James, in his own way, did too.

Deborah Newman, in Loving Your Body, writes:

“Humans need a supernatural love. In order to be loved and to feel beautiful for who we are, we need to come into contact with our Creator and discover who we were created to be. If we fail to do this, we become a series of reflections of the images that magazines keep fabricating for our consumption.”

So, how do we help our students (and ourselves) discover this inner beauty? It’s really simple, we live and breathe the ‘Holy Cross Way’ and embed it in all that we do:

• Build strong self-esteem through affirmation and encouragement.
• Set realistic expectations that foster success, not shame.
• Keep a spiritual dimension in our guidance, reminding them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
• And perhaps most importantly, model love, the kind that sees, listens, and lifts.

As Robert Browning wisely said, “My business is not to remake myself but to make the absolute best of what God has made.”

So, let each of us strive to be like James – to see the beauty in others, speak life into those around us, and live with the kind of love that reflects the heart of Jesus. When we choose kindness, compassion, and authenticity, we not only shape our own story, but help others write theirs. May our lives and the lives we touch become the kind of story that inspires, uplifts, and becomes an all-time best seller.

A Personal Note

As today marks my final day before travelling to the UK to provide some much-needed respite for my Dad, who is the full-time carer for my Mum, I want to take a moment to thank you all for yet another magnificent term. Your continued trust in us to educate and care for your children is deeply appreciated.

I will miss our beautiful students immensely whilst I’m away. Their energy, smiles, kindness, and joy are a daily blessing, and I carry that with me as I go. I wish you all a safe, restful, and happy holiday, and look forward to returning in Week 3, ready to reconnect and continue our journey together.

Fondest regards,

Sarah

BOOK SWAP FOR READING OUT OF POVERTY

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.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased donuts in the Year 6 leaders' fundraiser. Our final orders have been placed, and the box orders will be distributed on the final Friday of this Term! To ensure that you don't miss out on your delicious holiday treats please be ready to pick up your order on Friday the 19th of September between 2pm - 2:50pm. If donuts are not collected in this time, we will send the orders home with the students of the families (if this occurs, we cannot ensure that all donuts will make it home safely uneaten).

If you have any questions or queries about the collection process, please email Mr Robert Shinn at rshinn@cns.catholic.edu.au. Thank you again for all your support for our Stephanie Alexander Garden Program and we hope that you enjoy your donuts!

Cheers,

Rob Shinn
Teacher, 6C

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2025

TERM 3

SEP 15-18 - Year 3 to Year 6 Swimming

SEP 16 - Year 6 Expo 2:00pm

SEP 17 - Year 3, 4 & 5 Expo 2:00pm

SEP 18 - Year 1 Historical Fair

SEP 18 - Jim Graham Cup

SEP 19 - Mary Mills Cup Netball Carnival

SEP 19 - Last Day Term 3

TERM 4

OCT 6 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - King's Birthday

OCT 7 - First Day Term 4

OCT 10 - HC Swim and Splash

OCT 15 - Holy Cross Connect Meeting - 6:00pm

OCT 24 - Year 4 Excursion - Fitzroy Island

NOV 20 - Bump Up Day

DEC 4 - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy

DEC 5 - Final Assembly - 11:00am

DEC 6 - Last Day of Term 4 (Students Finish at 12.30pm)

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.

Holy Cross School Prayer

Loving God,

Thank you for our Holy Cross family.
Help us to treat each other with love and respect, celebrating our diversity.

Thank you for our community, a family that works, plays, learns and prays together. Help us to be one inclusive community in this love.

Thank you for the gift of those who serve.
Help us to be kind, compassionate and forgiving.

Thank you for all creation and Country - for the reef, rivers, mountains, creeks and animals.
Help us to be stewards of our Earth living in harmony.

We call upon Your Holy Spirit to help us to make a difference, using our gifts and following in the footsteps of Your Son, Jesus.

Amen.