Dear Parents and Friends of Holy Cross,

At Holy Cross, we encourage our students to uphold high standards across all areas of school life. Our school uniform policy plays a key role in maintaining these standards and fostering a sense of pride among our students.

As we have entered the winter uniform time, we've noticed a number of students aren't fully adhering to our uniform expectations, primarily wearing incorrect footwear, occasionally a mix of summer and winter uniform and with boys, shirts not being tucked in.

As parents, you have chosen Holy Cross for a wide range of wonderful reasons, one of these being the wearing of our school uniform with pride. We ask that you ensure that your child wears the correct winter uniform. As a staff, we will be monitoring uniform compliance and will communicate directly with parents when we observe a student not following our uniform policy. Please refer to our complete uniform policy. Please find our school uniform policy for your reference.

HELPFUL CURRICULUM GUIDES FOR PARENTS - ENGLISH

In recent weeks, we held parent workshops for Kindergarten and Year 1 parents about the teaching of reading in the early foundational years. These parent guides from NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) are helpful in outlining the key content and ways in which you can also support your child. This week, we share English: 

Kindergarten  (Early Stage 1) LINK to Guide
Years 1 and 2 (Stage 1)  LINK to Guide
Years 3-6  (Stages 2  and 3)  LINK to Guide

2025 Student Semester Reports

The Semester 1 reporting period is a time to celebrate your child/ren's achievements and learning during the first half of the year. The reporting period is twofold: the report and the parent-teacher conference. The parent-teacher conference compliments the written report and is a valuable communication channel with teachers. 

• Year 3 and 4 student reports will be available from 3:30pm, via COMPASS on Friday 20th June. 

• K-2 and Years 5 and 6 student reports will be available from 3:30pm, via COMPASS on Friday 27th June. 

DESCRIPTORS IN A-E REPORTS

Further to the information provided about reports earlier this term, this week includes an explanation of the grade scales used. For brevity, reports will have the word descriptor, however it is important to also understand the detailed description of each one, as this is what teachers refer to when analysing the range of learning work samples, observations and assessments in order to make decisions about student progress and achievements when completing reports. 

The bolded words or phrases in particular are helpful in seeing the difference between the levels.

Kindergarten written reports in Semester 1 and Semester 2 use a three-point grade scale to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors. :

Students in Year 1 - Year 6 receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors: 

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent Teacher Interview times will be offered for parents to book via COMPASS:

Friday 20  June: Compass Bookings CLOSE for parent interviews Years 3, 4 (for Week 9 Interviews)

Friday 20  June: Compass Bookings OPEN for parent interviews K-2, 5,6 (for Week 10 Interviews)

Booking Instructions will also be emailed to parents via Compass. 

TEACHER PROFESSIONALISM

Our school’s Annual Improvement Plan’s impact on improving students’ faith, learning and wellbeing is highly dependent upon the ongoing professional learning and capacity building of our staff. The professional learning opportunities and official events that staff have engaged with the last two weeks: 

May the peace of Christ be with you,

Milena Colussi
Principal

Semester 1 2025 Reports- Discussing progress with your child

The report utilises the common grade scale, describing how well students have achieved the intended learning that has been taught. Teachers make professional on-balance judgements to decide which grade description best matches the standards their students have achieved at a particular point-in-time. These decisions are based on evidence of achievement and information teachers have collected during the teaching and learning. 

We encourage parents to use the Semester 1 Report as an opportunity to engage in dialogue with your child about their progress. The following conversation scaffold may be helpful to parents in engaging in these conversations with their child.

• Start with strengths:
  Begin by highlighting your child's positive attributes and achievements, as noted in the report or from your own observations. 
• Discuss areas for improvement:
  Gently address any areas where your child might be struggling, focusing on specific examples and potential solutions. 
• Encourage their input:
  Ask your child for their perspective on the report and their learning experiences, validating their feelings and opinions. 
• Focus on effort and progress:
  Emphasize the importance of effort and personal growth, rather than solely focusing on grades. 
• Set realistic goals:
  Work with your child to set achievable goals for the next term or semester, focusing on areas where they can make positive changes. 
• Promote open communication:
  Encourage your child to talk to you about any concerns or challenges they might be facing, ensuring they feel supported and understood. 
  
  

How can I prepare for the parent-teacher conference?

You are also encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in Parent/Teacher interviews to further clarify and expand on the report 

• Take time to read your child's report carefully, especially the areas of achievement and areas for growth. 
• Make a note of any of the comments you are unsure about or would like to know a little more about. Perhaps there is a concept you are curious about.
• What else could I ask at the parent-teacher conference?
• What is one way I can really help my child next term?
• What advice can you give me about helping my child talk about their learning engagement at home?
• What can I do to get more involved in my child's learning? 
• How can I help my child with....... in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing? 
• What can I do to help my child be more positive about his/her learning?

Lindsay Burns
Acting Assistant Principal

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - Friday 27 June- Mass at 9:15am

Friday the 27th of June is The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the day where we

celebrate Christ’s love for all humankind. The Feast of the Sacred Heart is one of the most popular in the Catholic Church and is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost each year. The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents not simply Christ’s physical heart but also His love for all mankind. In the Roman Catholic Calendar, this day is a Solemnity; a feast day of the highest rank celebrating a mystery of faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, his mother Mary, or another important saint. We will celebrate a Whole School Mass at 9:15am and you are warmly invited to share in this celebration with us.

First Holy Communion

Next week, 26 June, the students who are receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will have their final communion workshop with Father Paul at 6pm in the parish hall. We will also be having a First Holy Communion retreat day in the Parish hall on 27 June. 

Please keep these students in your prayers as they prepare for this special Sacrament. I echo Fr. Paul’s words when I strongly encourage all students who are receiving this important sacrament to attend our Parish Mass on Sunday at 8:30am, especially in these remaining weeks of preparation for First Holy Communion. It is an essential and integral part of your child’s preparation. 

First Holy Communion Mass will be on Sunday 29 June, 10.00am

Pyjama Day (Week 10)

On 3 July (last day of term), all students are invited to participate in the Pyjama Day by wearing their warm winter pyjamas to school and making a gold coin donation. The funds raised will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal to assist needy families in our local community this winter. More information regarding this fundraiser organised by the Mini Vinnies team will be sent via Compass. 

Winter Appeal

In addition to Pyjama Day, families are encouraged to send in donations for hampers to be donated to families in need. Please see the items below for each grade. Every donation matters and will go to a needy family in our local community, thank you in advance for your generosity.

Kinder - Tinned soup

Year 1 - Spreads such as vegemite, jam , honey etc

Year 2 - Breakfast items such as porridge, cereal etc

Year 3 - Tea, coffee milk etc

Year 4 - Tinned spaghetti, baked beans or an “on-toast”  food

Year 5 - Dessert mixes such as pancake mix, golden syrup etc

Year 6 - Packet of casserole foods such as pasta, rice or a jar of sauce 

A big thank you to Josie and Leni from our Mini Vinnies who launched the Winter Appeal at Mass with Paul Morahan from St Vincent de Paul on Sunday at our Parish Mass.

Altar Servers

Congratulations to Josephine Eyles and Leni Muscat who began their altar serving duties on Sunday at Holy Cross at our 8:30 am Mass 

Lord Jesus, we ask you to bless these new altar servers as they begin their service to you and your Church. Grant them the grace to perform their duties with reverence, attentiveness, and love. May their service at the altar draw them closer to you and inspire others to seek you as well. Amen

Dates of upcoming events

Grade Masses 

Our grade masses are a chance for our students to participate with the parish in weekday masses. You are warmly invited to attend.

Thursday 19 June 9am Years 5 and Kindergarten (Week 8)

Thursday 26 June 9am Years 1 and 6 Mass (Week 9)

Whole School Mass: Feast of the Sacred Heart Friday 27 June 9:15am

In Peace,

Mrs Debbie Turton
Religious Education Coordinator

Term 2 Monday Morning Prayer 8:50-9am - If you have the time, we warmly welcome you, our parents, to join us every Monday morning on the Top Plaground COLA, as we gather to start the week and pray together. 

Parish Masses - As a parish catholic school, we seek to enable opportunities for our community to encounter the mass. Each term, our classes attend a weekday parish mash, as well as whole school masses for important Feast days. Parents are always welcome to attend. :

• Friday 27th June - K-6 The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass @ 9:15am

Sunday Parish Mass - Families are of course always welcome to attend the Holy Cross Parish Sunday Masses. 

Safety online for children & young people:  eSafety Commissioner Term 2 webinars for parents & carers

The  Australian Government eSafety Commissioner host regular webinars throughout the year to give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support and protect children and young people in primary and secondary school to have safe online experiences. eSafetyparents  ( https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents )

The eSafety Early Years program provides advice on how parents and carers can support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online. Children Under 5

Webinars for parents and carers

Join one of the free webinars for parents and carers which give the knowledge, skills and tools to support your children to have safe online experiences. 

Details 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars#download-and-share--term-2-and-3-topics 

PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

                                          Over the last few weeks, we have been focusing on two areas:

VALUES IN ACTION @ Holy Cross

On our playground and in our classrooms we...

~ Speak positively about others

~ Learn from my mistakes/feedback.

AWARD ASSEMBLIES

Our school assemblies in Term 2 will be held fortnightly on even week Tuesday afternoons beginning at 2:30pm. Any change to the time will be communicated to parents via Compass. 

• Week 10: 1 July (inc Principal Awards)

Afternoon Dismissal Update

This year we have worked on a calm and orderly dismissal procedure at the end of each school day. A big thank you to all parents and carers for your understanding and cooperation.

All classes gather and are seated under the TOP PLAYGROUND COLA area facing the Year 5 and 6 classrooms between 2:55pm and 3pm. The Yalunga gate opens at 3pm for parents and carers, and we ask that you make your way to the playground area, waiting to the left side, along the Office block building or in front of the Year 5 classroom block. Please leave a pathway clear around the entry gate and between the Stage 3 and Office building area, as this can become very congested. 

Students being picked up by a parent or carer: students are expected to WAIT on their class line, supervised by their teacher,  until a parent approaches. No student should leave the gate unsupervised or without a parent or carer accompanying them.

Walkers and bike riders: Students are supervised leaving the school gate, and walked to the Parkes St Supervised Crossing by a staff member.

CAMP Australia (After School Care): Students wait in front of the CAMP Australia room.

BUSES: Students catching a bus wait at the back of class lines, and are supervised by two staff members.

This afternoon dismissal process aims to enhance student safety through improved visibility and supervision, ensuring a more organised and efficient dismissal, and supports our staff in managing and supervising student movement smoothly.

Bicycle Policy and Permission Form

At Holy Cross, the riding of bicycles to and from school is encouraged and is the responsibility of parents and carers outside of the school. We aim to support parents and carers by providing a shared understanding of road safety education, school procedures and the safe riding of bicycles to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our students.

Before riding a bicycle to school students must have a signed Bicycle Riders Parental Permission Form. By signing the form, parents also acknowledge: responsibility for their child riding to and from school, that they have spoken to their child about bicycle safety, and that they have explained the Holy Cross Bicycle Policy to the child (see below).

It is recommended that students under 10 years of age, DO NOT ride bicycles to or from school unless accompanied by an adult accepting responsibility for the student and identifying the safest route to and from school. 

ACTION:

If your child rides a bike to school, read the policy and if you haven't already done so, sign the attached permission form. 

LINK TAB/ BUTTON   Bicycle Policy and Parent Permission 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qCTFgN_CZqD4D7m7ovfQMGUKsca9iKI_/view?usp=drive_link

Last Day of Term 2 for Students- Thursday 3rd July (Sport, Music and Library Day) Sports Uniform

Please note the next PUPIL FREE DAYS :

TERM 2 PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 4th JULY. The last day of Term 2 for students will be Thursday 3rd July.  Focus Area of Staff Professional Learning ~ Mathematics & English Curriculum

TERM 3 PUPIL FREE DAY - MONDAY 25 AUGUST. Focus Area - Staff Spirituality Day 

TERM 3 PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER. Focus Area ~ Berry St Education Model- Module 2: Relationship – Positive relational classroom management strategies that promote on-task learning

PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE (PRC) UPDATE

Champions for this fortnight are:

Year 3 – Kalani, Ella, Hanna, Zaiden, Mina, Sophia

Year 4 – Indy, Lara

Year 5 – Zara, Shiloh, Charlie, Abbie, Asher, Max

Year 6 – Ally, Luca, Florence, Emma

Congratulations to the above students!

***Stay tuned to see who completes the Challenge next!***

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ISSUE 4 NOW OPEN

At Holy Cross, we promote the Scholastic Book Club - Book Club is a great way for parents to provide their children with popular literature in a variety of genres which aids in encouraging children to read. And they also make great gifts!

Book Club Issue 4 catalogues have been sent home. These orders are due by 20 June 2025.

How to order:

* jump online to order: https://bookclubs.scholastic.com.au/

* if your order is a gift, you can nominate it online as ‘gift’.

* once the orders arrive, all parents are given a courtesy call.

PLEASE NOTE: all orders are done online, the school does not collect cash or cheques.

LIBRARY WARRIORS

An Interview With…Hanna (Year 3)

Note from Mrs Murray: Hanna joined our team last year and very quickly picked up how to shelve books in one of our most challenging collections – Junior Non Fiction. Hanna is also a great help on Friday mornings bringing the returned books in and is always happy to assist our younger warriors find where books go. Hanna is an invaluable member of our team.

What section are you responsible for?

Junior Non Fiction

What is your favourite book?

 Pirateology : the sea journal of Captain William Lubber, Pirate Hunter General, Boston, Massachusetts.

What do you love about being a Library Warrior?

I love that you can make friends as well as seeing all the books.

What is your favourite Library task?

Putting books away.

Happy reading everyone!

Sue Murray
Library Coordinator

Holy Cross Shines at NSWCPS Cross Country Championships!

What an incredible day for our Holy Cross athletes last Wednesday, June 11th, at the Sydney Equestrian Centre for the NSWCPS Cross Country Championships! Our seven dedicated students showcased remarkable talent and perseverance, achieving some truly outstanding results.

We are immensely proud of every single one of our competitors for their hard work, determination, and exceptional school spirit.

Here's a look at their impressive finishes:

8/9 Year Boys

• Jack: 40th
• Noah: 36th

10 Year Boys

• Archie: 1st Place - NSWCPS Champion!

11 Year Boys

• Max: 19th

12 Year Boys

• Nate: 22nd
• Jesse: 1st Place - NSWCPS Champion!

12 Year Girls

• Vida: 32nd

A huge, special congratulations goes out to Archie, who brilliantly secured 1st place in the 10-year-old boys' race, and Jesse, who also triumphed with a fantastic 1st place in the 12-year-old boys' race!

Thanks to their incredible performances, both Archie and Jesse have been selected to represent the MacKillop team at the NSWPSSA All Schools event next term. This is an absolutely phenomenal achievement and a testament to their dedication to cross-country running!

Well done again to all our athletes – you made Holy Cross proud!

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2025 WRAP UP!

Our recent Athletics Carnival was a fantastic day filled with energy, sportsmanship, and incredible talent! We want to extend a huge thank you to all the parent helpers who volunteered their time and made the day run so smoothly. Your support is invaluable.

A massive well done to all our students for their enthusiastic participation and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the carnival. You represented our school with pride! And of course, a big thank you to our dedicated staff for their hard work in organizing and running all the events.

Sports Encouragement Awards

At each sporting carnival, we recognise students who truly embody the spirit of sportsmanship. We're delighted to congratulate the following students for receiving a 2025 Sport Encouragement Award:

• Riley (Year 1)
• Lee (Year 6)

New School Records!

We had some amazing performances that saw new school records tumble! Congratulations to all the students who broke records in their age and event. Your hard work and dedication have made their mark on our school's athletics history!

2025 Age Champions

Our Age Champion awards celebrate the top three athletes in the Junior, 11-year, and Senior categories (boys and girls) who earned the most points overall in their events. A huge congratulations to the following students:

JUNIOR BOYS

• Junior Boy Age Champion: Rustin 

• 2nd Place: Noah 

• 3rd Place: Aidan & Blake 

JUNIOR GIRLS

• Junior Girl Age Champion: Sadie 

• 2nd Place: Lyla & Sophia 

• 3rd Place: Taeya 

11 YEAR BOYS

• 11 Yr Boy Age Champion: Cooper 

• 2nd Place: Max 

• 3rd Place: Khai 

11 YEAR GIRLS

• 11 Yr Girls Age Champion: Asher

• 2nd Place: Jenna 

• 3rd Place: Abbie & Elsa 

SENIOR BOYS

• Senior Boy Age Champion: Nate 

• 2nd Place: Jesse 

• 3rd Place: Lachlan

SENIOR GIRLS

• Senior Girls Age Champion: Vida 

• 2nd Place: Adelaide & Keira

• 3rd Place: Sophia 

Winning House

The competition was fierce, but there can only be one winner! The results are in:

• 4th Place with 199 Points: MACKILLOP
• 3rd Place with 203 Points: O’CONNOR
• 2nd Place with 215 Points: JOSEPH

And the Winning House with an incredible 236 points ... FRANCIS!

2025 Diocesan Athletics Team

A fantastic achievement for these students! Congratulations to the following athletes who will now go on to represent Holy Cross as part of the Diocesan Athletics Team:

Disrupting Negative Self-Talk

Disrupting negative self-talk is essential for building self-esteem and confidence. When we allow ourselves to dwell on harsh, critical thoughts, it can reinforce feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. However, by consciously challenging and reframing these negative thoughts, we can shift our mindset to a more positive and empowering one. For example, replacing “I’m not good enough” with “I am doing my best and I’m proud of my progress” helps promote a healthier self-view. This practice gradually strengthens self-esteem, as it teaches us to recognise our value and capabilities. By reframing negative thoughts, we open the door to self-compassion, fostering a more confident and resilient sense of self.

Here are some tips on helping your child disrupt negative self-talk:

Model Positive Self-Talk: Children learn by example, so demonstrate positive self-talk in your own life. When faced with a challenge, use phrases like, "This is hard, but I can learn from it" or "I made a mistake, and that's okay—I’ll do better next time." This sets a positive example for your child to follow.

Acknowledge Negative Self-Talk: When you hear your child engage in negative self-talk, gently acknowledge it. For example, say, “I noticed you’re saying you’re not good at this. Can we reframe that together?” Help them see the difference between a negative thought and a more positive, empowering one.

Teach Reframing Techniques: Help your child practice replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, if they say, "I’m terrible at this," encourage them to reframe it with, "I’m still learning, and every mistake helps me get better."

Use "Growth Mindset" Language: Teach your child about having a growth mindset, which focuses on effort and progress rather than fixed abilities. Praise their effort by saying things like, “You worked really hard on this,” instead of focusing on the outcome alone.

Encourage Self-Compassion: Remind your child that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect. Encourage them to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer a friend who is struggling.

Create a “Positive Affirmations” Routine: Introduce your child to the practice of positive affirmations. Together, create a list of uplifting statements they can say daily, like “I am capable,” “I am enough,” or “I have strengths and talents.” This helps reprogram their mindset over time.

Focus on Strengths and Achievements: Regularly highlight your child’s strengths and achievements, both big and small. This can be as simple as celebrating when they try something new or acknowledging their effort in a difficult task. This reinforces their sense of accomplishment.

Help Them Reframe Mistakes: Instead of allowing your child to view mistakes as failures, help them see them as opportunities for growth. Teach them to ask, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I do it differently next time?” This helps them build resilience and confidence.

Create a Safe Space for Vulnerability: Encourage open conversations about emotions and struggles. Let your child know that it's okay to talk about negative feelings without judgment. By giving them space to express themselves, you help them process their emotions in a healthy way and challenge harmful self-talk.

Praise Effort, Not Perfection: Shift the focus from perfection to effort. Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try “You worked so hard on that, and it shows.” This helps your child connect their self-worth with their effort and progress rather than external outcomes, boosting their self-esteem.

Sara Ljuboja
School Counsellor

The Holy Cross Parish Bulletin is emailed to our families via COMPASS, but it is easily accessible on the Parish website: https://www.helensburghcatholic.org.au/bulletins

An Invitation to Sunday Mass

Holy Cross Parish would like to extend a warm invitation to all our beloved school families to join us for Mass on Sunday mornings at 8:30am. 

Attending Mass as a family is not only a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and nurture our faith but also a chance to deepen the bonds that unite us as a parish, school and a wider community. 

Some things you may not know:

• Sunday Mass goes for one hour, 8:30 - 9:30am. 
• We regularly gather for morning tea and a catch up afterwards. 

We look forward to welcoming you and your family at our next Mass as we come together to celebrate the gift of faith and the joy of community.

In this engaging webinar, Dr. Jodie Lowinger – Gotcha4Life Advisor, Clinical Psychologist, best-selling author, and Founder/CEO of The Anxiety Clinic – joins Gotcha4Life’s CEO, Belinda Elworthy, to share practical strategies that help parents support their children in building mental fitness and managing anxiety more effectively. In a world full of uncertainty, Dr. Lowinger provides practical tools and heartfelt advice as a mental health professional and a parent to support and empower families.

View the webinar: https://www.gym.gotcha4life.org/learn/mental-fitness-childrens-anxiety/ 

Download the app today: https://www.gym.gotcha4life.org/app/