Dear Holy Cross

As we move into Term 4, I continue to be inspired by the energy, curiosity, and kindness our students bring to school each day. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or during special events, the spirit of learning and connection is alive and well at Holy Cross School.

This term, we will get the chance to celebrate wonderful growth - not just academically, but socially and emotionally. These celebrations are an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships between home and school as we cross connect. They are also a great way to inspire conversation with our own children.

Over the holidays I was fortunate to spend time with my own pre-teen and teen. Playing games, fishing and other activities giving time for talk. Talking to your teenager can sometimes feel like a high-stakes poker game - and that’s where Kenny Rogers’ classic line comes in: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.” In conversations with teens, timing and tone are everything. Sometimes, you need to hold ’em - stay present, listen deeply, and let them lead the conversation. Other times, it’s wiser to fold - step back from an argument that’s going nowhere and revisit it later with calm and clarity. There are moments to walk away - give space when emotions are high - and yes, occasionally, you may need to run - not from your teen, but from the urge to fix everything instantly. Like poker, parenting teens is about reading the room, trusting your instincts, and playing the long game with love and patience.

Recently, I came across a powerful article on https://www.happyfamilies.com.au titled “Three Conversations Every Family Should Master” by Dr. Justin Coulson. It offers simple yet transformative strategies for improving conversations between parents and children - something we know is foundational to wellbeing and resilience.

Three Conversations Every Family Should Master

Wouldn’t it be amazing to become a super communicator with your children?

Imagine fewer misunderstandings, less conflict, and deeper connection - all because we learned how to communicate in a way that really lands with our kids.

In a recent conversation on the Happy Families Podcast, I spoke with New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg, who shared a simple yet powerful framework that can help parents radically improve their conversations with their kids.

Here’s what every parent needs to know—and how to use it at home.

The Conversations Kids Remember Most

Think back to your own childhood. What conversations do you remember with your parents?

I don’t bet. But if I did, I’d put money on the fact that the ones you remember most weren’t when they gave advice or solved problems. Instead, it was when they listened. When you felt seen, heard, and valued. When you did more of the talking and felt their steady, loving presence.

Our kids don’t need us to lecture. They need us to connect.

The 3 Types of Conversations

Charles Duhigg outlines three kinds of conversations that occur in every relationship. When we don’t realise which kind we’re in, we can easily talk past each other, instead of with each other.

1. Practical Conversations

These are about solving problems. “How do I fix this?” or “What should I do next?”

2. Emotional Conversations

These are about feelings. “I’m frustrated.” “This is hard.” “I don’t feel understood.”

3. Social Conversations

These define relationships and identity. “Where do I belong?” “How do we relate to each other?”

Important: If you're having a practical conversation and your child wants an emotional one, the connection breaks down. You can't connect when you're not having the same conversation.

So, How Can Parents Get It Right?

Here are three practical, easy-to-implement strategies you can start using today:

1. Ask Before You Answer

Before jumping in with advice, ask:

• “What kind of help do you need right now?”
• “Do you want me to listen, or would you like some ideas?”
• “Do you want to be heard, helped, or hugged?”

This one step changes everything. It helps you over what your child actually needs - not what you think they need.

2. Use the W.A.I.T. Principle

W.A.I.T. = Why Am I Talking?

When emotions are running high or your child opens up, resist the urge to fill the silence with advice, correction, or stories from your own childhood. Instead, listen. Give space. Ask gentle questions. Let them do the talking.

3. Focus on Connection, Not Control

Your child will remember conversations where they felt respected and empowered. Not the ones where you had all the answers.

Try:

• “Tell me more about that.”
• “How did that make you feel?”
• “What do you think you’ll do next?”

Treating our kids as thinking, feeling individuals helps them become just that -confident, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent humans.

Great communication in families isn’t about talking more - it’s about talking better.

When we slow down, tune in, and understand the kind of conversation we’re having, we build stronger, more connected relationships. And that’s something every child needs - not just to behave better, but to feel better.

Listen more. Ask better. Connect deeper. That’s the heart of super communication.

Try this at home tonight:

When your child tells you about their day, pause and ask: “Do you want me to just listen, do you want to hug, or would you like me to help?” You’ll be surprised by how much closer you feel - just by asking the right question..

These ideas align beautifully with our school’s Charism – Relationships, Community, Service and Stewardship. I encourage you to try one of these strategies at home this week.

I am excited for the term ahead and look forward to celebrating along side you.

Warm regards,

Brad Henry
Acting Principal

We’d like to extend our deepest thanks to Mrs Kelly Carter for being a bright light in our library team. Her efficiency, kindness, cheerful spirit and ever-present smile for the past eight years have made a lasting impact on all of us. She's brought joy to every day and has helped make everything run smoothly in the library. While it’s very hard to say goodbye to Mrs Carter, our hearts are full of gratitude for the time we've shared. We’re excited for all the wonderful adventures that await her and wish her nothing but joy and success in this next chapter.

Dear Holy Cross Family,

Welcome back to Term 4. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and care whilst navigating a safe Stop, Drop and Go Zone. 

We ask that you continue to be patient and respectful for this short time of the day. We will continue reminding the kids, but for the most part they have been doing a great job of being alert and looking for your cars too.

School pick up areas and Stop, Drop and Go Zones can appear very busy and hectic, enough to cause any parent some anxiety. Police are urging parents to have a look at the current rules that apply around school pick up areas.

If you are a pedestrian, please only use designated pedestrian crossings and pathways.

This is just a friendly reminder on a few tips to help make this area run as smoothly as possible.

 A promise to stay safe CLICK TO WATCH

Staff are on duty from 8:10am until 8:30am and then again from 2:50pm until 3:15pm. Please use the full time of duty to assist with traffic jams. Cars after 3:00pm can often drive in and out promptly. Students are safely supervised for the full duration.

Remember SAFETY of our students, your children is our top priority. We look forward to working together for the benefit of all. Thanking you in advance for your support.

Brad Henry
Acting Principal

EVERY DAY COUNTS

Holy Cross has a policy of encouraging 100% student attendance – all day, every day. 

School absenteeism and truancy can impact significantly on students' learning and wellbeing. Research shows that, higher student attendance is associated, on average, with higher student achievement. Additionally, attending school every day helps children to build social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.

Every student absence requires a valid reason for absence. Acceptable reasons for non-attendance include illness, or significant medical treatment, participating in a school or regional sporting or other event, or attendance at a significant family event such as a funeral.

When a child is absent for any reason, the school must be informed via the MyCE App, Parent Portal, telephone, email, or personal contact from a parent/guardian. Verbal explanations, by a student or sibling, are not adequate. If there are unexplained absences, the school will contact parents via text, to ensure that parents are aware of the absence.

Unacceptable reasons include birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, sleeping in, looking after other children, minor medical check-ups or procedures, haircuts or leaving early for travel on school holidays (or returning late from school holidays). It is also unacceptable to miss school on a sports day or on a day when the school is celebrating a liturgy or Mass. These are normal school days and students and their parents must treat them as such - opting out is not an option.

Extended family holidays or temporary relocations that occur during the school term need to be applied for in writing, to the School Principal, using the Parent Request for Student Absence form. The form is accessible at any time via the Parent Portal or using the link below.

Absences may impact on student learning and assessment tasks, and will be noted in written reports.

Having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

Having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

• won’t get out of bed in the morning
• won’t go to bed at night
• can’t find their uniform, books, school bag …
• slow to eat breakfast
• haven’t done their homework
• watching TV
• have a test or presentation to do, have an assignment to hand in
• it’s their birthday.

A set routine can help

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively
• be firm, send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term!

What should I do if my child won’t go to school?

You should contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support.

Dear Parents & Carers,

It’s that time of year again when we commence preparations for student class placements for 2026.

Our practice at Holy Cross is very transparent – we invite every child to trace around their hand and, after some helpful tips from their teacher, the children write the names of friends they work well with inside each of the five fingers. Staff then work through these lists and endeavour to place the children with at least one of their selection. This first draft is then shared with previous teachers and specialist staff to ensure that past experiences can be taken into consideration. The Leadership Team cross reference these lists with any other information we might have, and the lists continue to be circulated until we are satisfied with the combination.

And don’t forget, positive conversations at home about the inevitable changes ahead, support a smooth and seamless transition.

To assist with the process of student class placements for 2026, we kindly ask families (Prep to Year 5) who are aware that they will not be returning to Holy Cross School next year to please notify the school as soon as possible and complete the attached exit notification form (if you have not done so already). Please return the form to the school office or via email to enrolments.trinitypk@cns.catholic.edu.au . Should you require a hard copy of the Exit Form, these are available for collection from the School Office.

As we currently have waitlists in place for all year levels for 2026, we would like to confirm our existing enrolments for next year before making offers to new families. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

2025

TERM 4

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

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

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

OCT 24 - Year 4 Excursion - Fitzroy Island

OCT 31 - World Teacher's Day

NOV 4 - All Saints Liturgy - 9:00am - Multi-Purpose Area

NOV 10 - Spark Awards

NOV 11 - Rememberance Day Liturgy - 9:00am - Multi-Purpose Area

NOV 20 - Bump Up Day & Prep 2026 Orientation Group Sessions

NOV 28 - Christmas Concert

DEC 1 - Assembly of Excellence

DEC 3 - Year 6 Excursion - Sugarworld

DEC 4 - Final Assembly

DEC 5 - Thanks Giving Mass - 9:00am - Multi-Purpose Area

DEC 5 - Last Day of Term 4 (Students Finish at 12.30pm)

Registration Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MGdvnwFPQuCiG_O48MvAmA#/registration 

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.

CB Football Term 4

Total Football Academy Term 4

“Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.”

God of every nation,

You call us to be pilgrims of hope, journeying with courage and compassion.

Bless the people of Zambia, whose stories invite us to share, to listen, and to walk in solidarity.

May we live simply, love generously, and act justly - as missionaries of your Good News.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son.

Amen.