Dear parents and friends of Holy Cross,

With only one week remaining of the 2022 school year, I would like to thank each student, each staff member and each family for their support, passion and presence this year. I am very proud of what we have achieved together. With the commitment of teachers and the high support and love of their parents, students have experienced individual growth in learning and much success as part of our faith community. 

As I conclude my third year as Principal at Holy Cross, I am genuinely grateful for the great privilege to lead such a life-giving community where our students grow and are educated in faith and love. We have much to be proud of as a school community as we remain true to the charism of the Josephite sisters who founded our school 136 years ago.

As a parish school community, we ask that the Lord may keep us safe and provide us with His love over the holiday period. Our school motto reminds us always that peace comes from Christ being in our lives, and so we place our trust in Him as our companion and support over the holiday period, as we look forward in hope for a peaceful and safe break. 

Farewells

Firstly, we farewell our Year 6 students. It is always a pull at the heartstrings when students grow in mind, body and spirit over their years at Holy Cross and then leave to take the next steps in their learning journey at high school. Their leadership has focussed on learning to learn, live and love as they have accepted responsibility for their learning, cared for others, shown respect for each other and staff and been the best people they can be. They will be missed. We will celebrate their farewell on Wednesday at the End of Year Mass and Yr 6 Farewell.

 Next week we farewell Mrs Dianne Bartholomeusz. Dianne has been a member of the Holy Cross community for the past 12 years with over 23 years of service to CEDoW. Stepping down from her permanent Senior School Support Officer role at the end of 2021, Di has worked in a Personal Assistant role to me this year and I will be forever grateful for her wisdom, professionalism and calm manner. We have all been blessed by having Di in our school community. We wish her well for all that will be in the future for her and her family.

 We also farewell Mrs Melissa Sommerville who has accepted a two day/week position teaching Music at St Joseph’s, Bulli. Melissa is well known for her love of the students, her passion for music and her sincere and compassionate nature. She has truly been an inspiration to her our students over the past few years. Thank you Melissa for your dedication to Holy Cross and we wish you every success and happiness in the future.

 Mrs Tiana Cardamone will remain at St John’s Dapto on a permanent basis. Her temporary exchange arrangement with Mrs Melissa McEntee this year has been a positive experience for both of these exemplary teachers and we wish Tiana every happiness and success in the future for her and her family.  

 All of our leaving students, families and staff members will be formally farewelled at our End of Year Mass on Wednesday 14 December.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy, safe and blessed Christmas.

Best Wishes,

Kaylene Duffin