Dear Parents,

During the two week window since the last newsletter, Holy Cross School has celebrated two significant religious events. On August 8, as a community we came together on the Feast Day of Mary of the Cross MacKillop and last Sunday we celebrated with many of our Year 6 students as they were confirmed by Bishop Brian. These two significant events highlight one of the differences between our school community and other school communities in the local area. We are a proud Catholic school and our faith and Gospel values underpin who we are and what we stand for.

Throughout 2019, the students at Holy Cross have been challenged every Monday morning to focus on random acts of kindness. Being kind is not always just doing what someone else wants us to do but there is an element of being selfless. Thinking about how our actions impact others and being aware of that impact can help the students make better choices and develop positive relationships. I am proud of the way the students look after each other at Holy Cross and as parents you should be proud of your children.

Next week Holy Cross will be moving to a new Financial Management system, TechnologyOne, and adding enhancements to our Compass Student Information System. This is an exciting transition for our school and will result in more efficient electronic financial management for our school office. You should have received an information letter earlier in the week in regards to this transition but please feel free to contact the school office if you have any questions.

Year 6 Gathering with the Bishop

On Tuesday August 6, Year 6 attended a celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Brian. It was a reverent and powerful celebration reminding us of how we can foster our personal relationship with Jesus in our compassionate actions and loving words. Following the Mass the students were able to enjoy a musical concert facilitated by the Youth Mission Team and broaden their network of friends across the diocese. Thank you to Mrs Rowles and Mrs Kelly for accompanying Year 6 and Mr Bõdy who co-ordinated the music for this significant event.

South Coast Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to our team of Athletes who competed at the South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday. There was tremendous school spirit and everyone had a great day.

Writing Workshop

On Monday, six of our teachers will attend professional development which is aimed at helping them to foster enthusiasm and a love of writing in our students. We look forward to creating a school of writers who love to be creative and innovating in their approach to creating texts.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Dads (and mums), save the date. Our annual Father’s Day breakfast will take place on Friday 30 August from 8am. Come along, share a sausage, tea or coffee and then stay around for open classrooms from 9am – 10am. It’s not always easy to organise the time but I know that your kids love seeing dad in their classroom and are dying to show you what they do each day at school.

Literacy and Numeracy Week

Please find attached to the newsletter a flyer outlining details for all events in Literacy and Numeracy week (9 September – 13 September).  There are many celebrations throughout the week which we would love parents to be involved with.

Haircuts

We are all very proud of our school and I have been talking to the children about the way they wear their uniform. I have also spoken to several students about haircuts. I have placed the statement from our uniform policy below, which addresses haircuts. I do realise that there is not always a black or white answer in relation to hairstyles but I do ask for you to support us as a school community in attempting to ensure all of our students are presented in a neat and tidy manner.

All students are required to wear their hair in a neat and tidy manner and it is to be its natural colour. Therefore shaved heads and patterns cut into hair are not acceptable. Shoulder length or longer hair or hair that hangs across students’ faces is to be tied back using a blue hair elastic or ribbon. Blue clips may be worn.

Mr Brendan Dickinson

Principal