Dear Parents and Friends of Holy Cross,

I warmly welcome everyone back to Term 2 at Holy Cross. This term is always a busy one, with teachers in the midst of gathering a range of learning and achievement data to inform Semester 1 reports. We look forward to the key community events of Mothers’ Day celebrations tomorrow, masses, Year 3’s Sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion, our acknowledgement of National Reconciliation Week with a day of activities designed for our students to experience and deepen their knowledge of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island first nations culture, as well as, of course, our annual Athletics Carnival.

I particularly thank our P&F, and especially Lisa Faulkner, for once again organising and setting up the annual Mothers’ Day Gift Stall, and to the fathers who man the stall this morning, for our students to be able to choose a special gift for their mums!

May - The month of Mary

The Month of May, traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a time for reflection, devotion, and celebration in the Catholic Church. It's a period where the faithful are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Mary, honoring her unique role in salvation history and her ongoing intercession for humanity. This month provides an opportunity to contemplate Mary's virtues—her humility, obedience, and unwavering faith—and to seek her guidance in our own spiritual journeys.

During May, many Catholics engage in special practices such as praying the Rosary, participating in May Crownings, and visiting Marian shrines. These acts of devotion are not only expressions of love and veneration for Mary but also serve as reminders of her maternal care and her powerful intercession. The Month of Mary invites us to draw closer to Jesus through Mary, recognizing her as a model of discipleship and a source of comfort and hope. It is a time to renew our commitment to living a life of faith, inspired by Mary's example.

With our late Pope Francis laid to rest in The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), much has been written about his many visits there and his devotion to the image Salus Populi Romani: The Protectress of the Roman People. The Marian image is one of the oldest that exists, and it is traditionally attributed to St. Luke. According to tradition St. Luke was a very talented young man. He not only wrote a Gospel account and the Acts of the Apostles, he was also a Greek physician and an artist. It is believed that he was close to Our Lady, as his Gospel is the only one with certain details of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus.

He is held by the Eastern Church as the original “iconographer,” responsible for writing the first icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many painters throughout the centuries have depicted this scene by placing St. Luke in front of an easel, painting a portrait of the Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus. Similar to Our Lady of Czestochowa, it is believed this image was discovered by St. Helena (the mother of Emperor Constantine) and taken first to Constantinople. By the 6th century the image was transferred to Rome and ever since has been enshrined in the church of Saint Mary Major.

Last year, Year 6 gifted our school with an outdoor statue of Mary. She will find her home in our front garden next to our office, once a plinth is made for her to be elevated upon. At school, throughout this month we too will honour Mary through the prayer of the Rosary, our office and classroom prayer spaces, and in a special way, when we celebrate Mary Help of Christians with a Prayer Liturgy in our Church (Friday 24th May, 9am), which focuses on Mary’s help to those in need through her intercession. 

ENROLMENTS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN

Enrolment Interviews continue throughout May. The online application form is accessible from the home page of our school website. https://www.hchdow.catholic.edu.au/enrol/

INTERVIEW BOOKING REMINDER : If you have a younger sibling enrolled, please hop online or call our school office to book a time for an interview. 

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: 

LONG SERVICE LEAVE

Mrs Rowles, Year 3 teacher, will be taking leave in Week 10 of this term. Mr Body, Year 4 teacher, will also be on LSL Tuesday 1- Friday 4th July. Year 3 and 4 Reports will therefore be available a week earlier than other classes, and Parent Teacher Interviews for Year 3 and 4  parents will take place in Week 9. 

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY- TERM 2

This term all schools in the Wollongong diocese will survey the voice of parents, staff and students in Years 4-6 via the 'Tell Them From Me' survey. The survey will provide important feedback which informs our work in designing improvement priorities that are responsive to the needs of our school community. We greatly value the role of parents and carers within our school community and would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School.

A detailed letter was sent via compass earlier today, which provides parents with the details to complete the survey. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using this URL LINK : http://tellthemfromme.com/g959x

We would appreciate parents completing the survey by Friday 30 May, 2025.

May the peace of Christ be with you, 
Milena Colussi
Principal

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Strategy

Last Thursday, Mrs Colussi and I engaged and consulted within our Aboriginal families in implementing our 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Action Plan. We are excited in the journey ahead in learning and growing together, in true reconciliation, about Aboriginal culture and the exciting events planned ahead.

On 26th May our school will recognise National Sorry Day, which then leads into Reconciliation Week. National Sorry Day is held each year to acknowledge and recognise members of the Stolen Generations. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The week is a time to reflect on achievements so far and the things which must still be done to achieve reconciliation. National Reconciliation Week offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to hear about the cultures and histories of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in our communities. 

In the coming weeks, our Aboriginal students will be involved in learning about, and selecting native plant species, including Aboriginal bush tucker species, in beautifying our school Yalunga Garden space. All students within our school will then engage in activities which will further enhance this special place within our school. 

NAPLAN Digital Technologies Trial

On Tuesday 6th May, 20 randomly selected Year 6 students participated in a trial NAPLAN Digital Technologies test. While the school, students and parents don’t receive any individual test results, the test enables schools, education ministers and the community about levels of achievement in ICT education among Year 6 and Year 10 students across Australia.

Learning Engagement

As a school, we are encouraging our students to become aware of their own learning behaviours. One particular aspect of this is students being aware of how they are going, and challenging themselves, even when they might make a mistake. Healthy risk-taking, and learning how to overcome failure and adversity, is an important element of learning. In supporting the learning process, you could ask your child “What is something that challenged you today?” You could also share your own challenges at work and how you persevered to overcome them. We are continuing on to examine ways in which we can ensure all students are challenged and engaged, and encouraging students to have agency in making choices to challenge themselves. Examples of some strategies teachers are using are tiered tasks, where students can select from various difficulty levels when completing a task, and enabling (to make tasks easier like hints) and extending (making a task more difficult) prompts for students to access if they are finding a task too easy or difficult. 

“"I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." ― Michael Jordan

School Representative Council

Our SRC continues to implement improvement initiatives, based on student voice data. This week, our SRC have introduced a soccer timetable to ensure equitable access to the school fields for playing at lunchtimes, and the introduction of four new lunchtime clubs in our library space. Students are excited about the new clubs including Lego and Games, Dance, Chess and the Deadly Club (Aboriginal focus). The SRC are also in the process of detailing 3 new school Positive Behaviours for Learning mascots, including a Kookaburra, Whale and Echidna. More exciting announcements to be made very soon.

Lindsay Burns
Assistant Principal

EASTER MASS

On Wednesday of Week 1 we celebrated a joyful Easter Mass with Father Paul. Thank you to all of the families who were able to attend this celebration and join with us reflecting on the joy and hope of the Easter season.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE

We also gathered on our first day back for our ANZAC Day service where we came together to honour the courage and sacrifice of the ANZAC’s and all who served and continue to serve our country in the defence forces. A special thank you to Michael Ali (OAM) who spoke to the students about the meaning of ANZAC day and his service. Mr Ali also presented this year’s ANZAC award to Florence Kent.  Here is the citation that was presented to Florence at the service. Congratulations to this worthy recipient.

Pope Francis

We also had a special whole school prayer on the first day back focussed on the life and service of Pope Francis. Our primary classes have been also learning about the Conclave to elect a new Pope. “When a Pope dies or resigns, the Cardinals of the Catholic Church gather in a special, secluded meeting called a conclave to elect a new Pope. During this time, they live in Vatican City, cut off from the outside world, and participate in prayer and voting until one Cardinal receives the required number of votes. The process is governed by strict rules and traditions to ensure the sanctity and legitimacy of the election. Once a new Pope is chosen and accepts the role, he is announced to the world.”

Prayer for the Election of a Pope

O God, who gave the Holy Spirit to your Apostles,

we ask, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus

to guide the Cardinals as they elect a new Pope.

May they choose a shepherd who will lead the Church in truth and love.

Amen

In Peace,

Mrs Debbie Turton 
Religious Education Coordinator

Parable of the Lost Sheep: A book reading by Bishop Brian Mascord

The Council of Catholic Schools Parents (CCSP) warmly invites all families to join Bishop Brian Mascord in a very special online reading of the classic Bible story ‘The Parable of the Lost Sheep’.

This unique online event, organised as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, will take place on Tuesday 27 May from 7.00 pm to 7.30 pm. ( Jo- please download & embed this flyer  here.

The first 100 registrations for the reading will be posted a free copy of the book to read along with Bishop Brian!

A link to Bishop Brian’s statement on the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, is also available here

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 2:  6 May 
• Week 4:  20 May (Year 5 sharing learning)
• Week 6:  MONDAY 2 June (inc Principal Awards) (due to Tuesday’s Reconciliation Day Activities)
• Week 8:  17 June (Year 3 sharing learning)
• Week 10: 1 July (inc Principal Awards)

Term 2 2025 Parent Planner 

This is a handy two page parent calendar for your fridge or home noticeboard! Simply print and and have it handy for your day to day reference. Any updates andchanges will be posted either via Compass, our parent website calendar or as reminders on our weekly Infographic posted on our school’s Facebook page. All dates can also be found on the Parent online Calendar accessed also on our school’s website. 

Please note the next PUPIL FREE DAY in Term 2 is Friday 4 July.

UNIFORM

The change from wearing Summer uniform to Winter uniform officially begins NEXT WEEK ( Week 3) on Monday 12 May. Up until this date, there has been a transition period whereby students have the option of wearing either summer or winter uniform as appropriate for the weather.  

Please Note:

½ zip polar fleece jumper with school logo can be worn under School Jacket or under Sports Jacket on cold days or by itself with the Winter or Summer uniform.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY (KING’S BIRTHDAY)

• Monday 9th June

Last Day of Term 2 for Students- Thursday 3rd July

TERM 2 PUPIL FREE DAYS  

• Friday 4th July

Whole School Sport Carnival Dates 2025

Please find below a reminder of these dates, they are also on the Parent Calendar.

Disocesan Cross Country - NOW on Tuesday 27th May (for students selected to represent Holy Cross)

Athletics Carnival - Thursday, 29 May Barden Ridge K-6

Swimming Carnival - Friday 5th December

All grades in the school have been involved in learning about various aspects of the Easter Season. Here is some of their great learning. Year 4 also completed some artwork and learning about the life of Pope Francis, check out some beautiful portraits!

Welcome to Term 2!

The Library always has a lot going on and Term 2 is no exception. Here are some of the exciting things we have planned:

• K-2 classrooms receive their Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) picture books to enjoy as a class and complete the Challenge
• Year 3-6 have a dedicated Library lesson on how to enter their PRC books
• The Library orders this year’s CBCA Shortlist books to get them ready for Book Week in Term 3
• We participate in National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday, 21 May
  
  

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ISSUE 3 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 3 catalogues have been sent home last week. These orders are due by 19 May 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…Dominic (Year 5)

Note from Mrs Murray: Dom has been a Library Warrior since it started in 2022 and has never missed a Friday. He collects books in the

morning before school and gives up his Lunch 2 to put books away. Dom has learnt every section but specialises in Fiction and Fiction Series which house some of his favourite books. He is definitely one of my ‘Library Legends’ and is an integral member of the team.

What section are you responsible for?

Fiction and Fiction Series

 

What is your favourite book?

 The Minecraft books – my favourite is ‘Minecraft: The Survivor’s Book Of Secrets’.

 

What do you love about being a Library Warrior?

I love helping out and finding books that are lost and making new friends.

 

What is your favourite Library task?

My favourite Library task is helping out.

Happy reading everyone!

Sue Murray
Library Coordinator

Understanding and Coping with Sadness 

It's okay to feel sad sometimes, and it's important to know that these feelings are a natural part of life. Let your child know that it's okay to cry or feel upset, and that everyone experiences sadness at some point. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, whether it’s through words, art, or even just quiet time. Reassure them that sadness doesn’t last forever, and with time, they will feel better. Help them focus on the things that bring comfort, like talking to someone they trust or doing something they enjoy. Every child copes with sadness in their own way, so be patient and open as you help them work through their feelings. Let them know you're there for them, no matter what.

Here are some tips on helping your child cope with sadness:

Acknowledge their feelings: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel sad and that their emotions are valid. Avoid dismissing their feelings with phrases like “don’t cry” or “it’s not a big deal.”

Listen actively: Sometimes, kids just need someone to listen. Encourage them to express how they feel and give them your full attention without interrupting.

Offer comfort and reassurance: Gently remind them that it’s okay to feel upset and that these feelings won’t last forever. Reassure them that you are there to support them.

Create a safe space: Encourage your child to talk in a calm, quiet environment where they feel safe to express their emotions without judgment.

Validate their emotions: Let them know that their feelings are normal, and everyone experiences sadness. This helps them feel understood and less alone in their emotions.

Encourage healthy coping mechanisms: Help your child find ways to manage their sadness, like drawing, writing, or taking deep breaths. Offer a variety of options and let them choose what works best.

Model emotional expression: Show your child that it’s okay for adults to feel sad sometimes and demonstrate healthy ways of dealing with emotions.

Focus on small positives: Gently remind them of things that bring comfort, whether it’s spending time with a favourite toy, watching a comforting movie, or doing something they enjoy.

Offer physical comfort: Sometimes, a hug or a gentle touch can help reassure your child and provide comfort when they’re feeling down.

Be patient: Understand that it may take time for your child to feel better. Avoid rushing them to “get over it” and give them the space they need to process their emotions at their own pace.

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.