Dear Parents and Friends of Holy Cross,

We have a number of wonderful events and celebrations coming up over the next few weeks. These are opportunities for our students, families and staff to come together to celebrate our faith as a community and our students’ learning. We hope to see many of you join us!

• Feast of the Assumption of Mary- Mass tomorrow, from 9:15am.
• Book Week - Theme  “Book an Adventure”
  
• Book Week Parade on Thursday 21st August, from 9:15am. Come along and enjoy a special staff presentation which will take us on a special adventure! 
• Helensburgh Library visits (parent helpers are welcome to assist with walking classes to the library and back- please refer to compass for details)
• Year 2- Tuesday 19th August
• Kindergarten- Tuesday 19th August
• Year 1- Wednesday 20th August

Fathers’ Day- celebrating fathers and father figures in our lives!

* Gift Stall (P&F) on Thursday 4th September

FATHERS’ DAY RSVP 

Please complete by FRIDAY 29th August for catering purposes.

And finally, we are looking forward to our school’s Feast Day on FRIDAY 12th SEPTEMBER, beginning with mass at 9:15am, to celebrate our school’s revitalised Vision and Mission.  Our school song has been reworked to reflect this, and Tim Hart, once an REC here at Holy Cross, is returning to record with our choir, and will be a special guest at our Feast Day Mass, joining Mr Body and our choir.  

Grandparents Morning Tea- Traditionally here at Holy Cross, we also celebrate the special place grandparents have in our lives with a morning tea after our Feast Day Mass. RSVP coming soon!

JUBILEE YEAR- PILGRIMS OF HOPE 

In choosing the motto ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ for the Jubilee, Pope Francis noted that ‘We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so greatly desire’ (1).

Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place undertaken for religious reasons. In many faiths, people travel to holy sites to show devotion, seek spiritual guidance, or fulfill a vow. For example, Muslims undertake the Hajj to Mecca, and Christians may visit sites in the Holy Land or walk the Camino. These journeys are often challenging and are seen as a way to deepen one's faith, reflect on life, and connect with a community of believers. It's a powerful way to put one's beliefs into action and experience a profound sense of purpose.

I will be joining Bishop Brian and a group of diocesan educators and staff as a pilgrim

to Ireland, Rome and Assisi from 26th September for three weeks. I was blessed to have last pilgrimaged to the Holy Land (Israel and Jordan) just over 10 years ago, and am looking forward to visiting many important holy places across Ireland, in Rome and a special highlight for me, in Assisi. More next time!

JUBILEE YEAR EVENTS : We can be pilgrims both in far away places and in our spaces close to home. I encourage you to keep an eye out for diocesan Year of Jubilee pilgrimage events  such as this one coming up next month:

• Rosemeadow Jubilee Pilgrimage Day Saturday 6 September 2025. The Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, Rosemeadow invites everyone to a Jubilee Pilgrimage Day where we will uncover the profound meaning, history and significance of the Year of Jubilee and how we can continue living it out in our pilgrimage of life towards Christ. The day begins with Mass at 10:00am, followed by a catechesis led by Elise Duval, a time of Eucharistic Adoration with opportunity for confession, and concludes with Benediction at 3:00pm. Please BYO lunch. Come and be renewed in God’s mercy!

STAFFING

Mrs Brannon has needed to take leave for 13 school days, inclusive of these dates 13th August to 29th August. Miss Kasey Maher (our current CAPA (Music/Drama/ Dance) teacher will be teaching Year 5 during this time, with exception of these dates (14/8, 22/8 and 28/8 as Mrs Maher teaches the CAPA lessons on these days) when Miss Jemma Turner will be teaching Year 5. 

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