Making Memories

As Term 3 rapidly draws to a close I am reminded about an article I shared around about this time last year too, as I sit here and think, ‘How is it September again?’ The familiar signs of Mango Madness—those rising temperatures and restless days that stir up irritability and impulsiveness—are beginning to show, although the rain this week has made for a change. Emotions are running high, and for many of our students, the realisation is setting in: change will soon be here again.

Our littlest Preppies will soon no longer be Preps. Our Year 6 students are preparing to take the leap into high school. Teachers will change, friendships may shift, and the familiar routines that bring comfort are about to evolve once again.

While many students will take this in their stride—excited and ready for what lies ahead—others may begin to feel the nerves creeping in. Sore tummies, headaches, and worries are becoming part of the conversation. For some, tears are the most honest way to express what they’re feeling. Having taught Year 6 for many years, I’ve seen just about every response to the end of the school year. However, your child reacts, reassure them: coping with change can be hard, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. As adults, we’ve learned to navigate change through time and experience—our children are still learning.

Term 3 has given us much to celebrate. It’s been a busy time at school, filled with special moments—last week's Holy Cross Day celebrations just one such memory as many kids were leaving school expressing the same phrase - ‘Best school day ever!’. No doubt your home lives have been just as full, as we all try to fit in as much as we can. These are the moments that become memories.

Term 4 is just around the corner, and it promises to be a time of reflection and celebration. A chance to look back on the year—the highs and lows, the proud moments and the ones we’d rather forget. A time to acknowledge what we’re grateful for, and those we’re thankful to. To consider what we want to hold onto, and what we’re ready to let go of.

So I encourage you: talk. Talk to your child about how they’re feeling. Share with their teacher. Celebrate the journey, give thanks, and above all—make memories.

Yours sincerely 

Brad Henry
Acting Principal

As part of recent updates to the Queensland Catholic Education Commission Certified Agreements and broader workplace legislation in Queensland, I’d like to take a moment to explain the Right to Disconnect and how it affects Holy Cross School’s communication practices.

The Right to Disconnect acknowledges the importance of work-life balance for all staff. Similarly, to all places of work across Queensland, teachers and school staff are encouraged to disconnect from digital communications—such as emails, messaging platforms, and apps—outside of work hours, on weekends, and during school holidays, except in exceptional circumstances.

In line with this, Holy Cross School communication protocols have been updated to reflect respectful and reasonable expectations:

We have a few temporary staffing updates to share, as we support colleagues taking well-deserved leave:

• Brad Henry will step into the role of Acting Principal from Wednesday 17th September to Friday 17th October, while Sarah Hamilton takes leave to provide respite care for her father in support of her mother in the UK.
• Deb Scarborough has been appointed as Acting Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning from Wednesday 17th September to Friday 17th October, backfilling Brad Henry during his time as Acting Principal.
• Lucille Vecchio-Ruggeri has been appointed as Acting Leader of Teaching from Tuesday 7th October to Friday 17th October, backfilling Deb Scarborough during her time as Acting Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning.

We are grateful to Brad, Deb and Lucille for stepping into these roles and supporting our school community during this time. Please join us in offering them your encouragement and support as they take on these responsibilities.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of all the students who represented Holy Cross School at the recent Gardiner Chess Tournament. Their focus, sportsmanship, and team spirit were outstanding.

A huge congratulations to our top team of four students, who tied for 1st place in the Premier Division! They will now go on to represent our school at the State Finals—an incredible achievement and a reflection of their hard work and dedication.

Next term, we’ll also be running a school chess tournament. More details will be shared early in the term.

Thank you for your continued support of chess at Holy Cross. It’s been a fantastic term, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Warm regards,

David Gunter
Chess Club Coordinator

2025

TERM 4

OCT 6 - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - King's Birthday

OCT 7 - First Day Term 4

OCT 10 - HC Splash & Swim (Years 3-6)

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

OCT 19 - Holy Cross Connect - Community Event - Roller Skating

OCT 24 - Year 4 Excursion - Fitzroy Island

OCT 31 - World Teacher's Day

NOV 20 - Bump Up Day

NOV 28 - Christmas Concert

DEC 3 - Year 6 Outing - Sugarworld

DEC 4 - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy

DEC 5 - Final Assembly

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.

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of learning, friendship, and the many blessings we’ve received throughout this school term.

As we prepare for the holidays, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and joy.
Watch over all in our school community during the holiday break.
Keep us safe in our travels, in our play, and in our rest.

Grant us rest and renewal and help us to carry Your peace into all that we do.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
 - Matthew 11:28

May the peace of Christ go with you wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the holidays, protect you through the storms,
and bring you back rejoicing, renewed and ready for the term ahead.
Amen.

Meditation Moment Before the Holidays

Take a quiet moment to pause.
Breathe deeply.
Think of one thing you are grateful for from this term,
and one hope into the holidays.
Invite God into that space of gratitude and hope.
Let His peace fill your heart.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
— Psalm 46:10