Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School Helensburgh
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1 McMillan Street
Helensburgh NSW 2508
Subscribe: https://hchdow.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: info@hchdow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4294 1588

SCHOOL NEWS

2025 Staffing

Our staffing for 2025 is as follows:

Classes

Kindergarten - To be confirmed (Recruitment process)
Year 1 - Miss Elise Facci 
Year 2 - Mrs Debbie Turton (4 days) & Mrs Natalie Baker (1 day- Thursday)
Year 3 - Mrs Anne Rowles 
Year 4 - Mr Jeff Body (ML) & Mr Lindsay Burns
Year 5 - Mrs Megan Brannon
Year 6 - Mr Chris Whitehall

Instructional Coach- Mrs Natalie Baker (Mon-Wed)
Diverse Learning & High Potential/ Gifted Education- Mrs Jenny Mitrevski
Large Class Support Teacher- Mrs Bernie Baker
Indentured Casual & Classroom Support- Mrs Lucy Barbuto
Sport Teacher- Mrs Kate Boyle (Friday)
Dance, Drama & Music Teacher- Miss Kasey Mahar (Friday)

Support Staff

Office- Mrs Erin Maguire, Mrs Sue Mapp & Mrs Jo Carroll
Library- Mrs Sue Murray
Education Support Staff- Mrs Larissa Timmins & Mrs Kim Attenborough
Maintenance - Mr Miranda Arturo
 

Leadership

Principal - Mrs Milena Colussi 
Acting Assistant Principal (2025) - Mr Lindsay Burns  
Religious Education Coordinator - Mrs Debbie Turton 
Middle Leader - Mr Jeff Body 
Senior School Support Officer - Mrs Erin Maguire



2025 School Year

School term dates at Holy Cross for 2025 are as follows:

Term 1:

  • 31 January - Pupil Free Day (Staff Return)
  • Monday 3 February- Years 1-6 Return
  • Tuesday 4 February - Kindergarten commence school
  • Thursday 10 April- Last day of Term 1 for students
  • Friday 11 April- Pupil Free Day (Staff Development Day)

Term 2: 

  • Monday 28 April- Pupil Free Day (Staff Development Day)
  • Tuesday 29 April - K-6 students return
  • Thursday 3 July -  Last day of Term 2 for students 
  • Friday 4 July- Pupil Free Day (Staff Development Day)

    Term 3: 

    • Monday 21 July - K-6 students return
    • Monday 25 August - Pupil Free Day (Staff Development Day) 
    • Thursday 25 September - Last day of Term 2 for students
    • Friday 26 September- Pupil Free Day (Staff Development Day)

    Term 4:

    • Monday 13 October - K-6 students return
    • Wednesday 17 December - Last day of Term 4 for students
    • Thursday 18 December - Pupil Free Day (Staff Development Day)



    Key Dates in Term 1 2025!

    • Year 6 Camp - 11 & 12 February
    • Whole School Beginning of Year Mass - Thursday 13 February (9:15am)
    • Ash Wednesday Mass - Wednesday 5 March
    • NAPLAN (Yrs 3 & 5) - 12-24 March
    • Holy Cross Fete - Saturday 15 March

     

    BACK TO SCHOOL STATIONERY 

    This year, our wonderful P&F made the decision to subsidise the costs of back to school student stationery items for our families in 2025. In past years, you have received a much longer list of stationery items to buy for the start of the school year. This week you will have received the 2025 Back to School items. 

    Our P&F wish all our families a most joyous Christmas and trust that this contribution will support you. 



    Staff Messages

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    Dear Parents,

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    It has been my absolute pleasure to work in Christmas 2.pngsuch a great school community as this. Holy Cross is truly special and I will really miss you all. I have loved watching my Kinders grow and learn so much. I am so proud of all they have achieved this year.

    I wish you all a happy, safe and Holy Christmas with your family. 

    From Mrs Melissa McEntee

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    Dear Parents,

    What a fabulous year it has been in Year 2! I am so grateful for the joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm the children have brought to their learning journey this year. From growing in faith and knowledge to building friendships and embracing new challenges, it has been a privilege to witness their progress and celebrate their achievements. A heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful parents for your support, partnership, and trust in making this year so successful. Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyful Christmas season filled with peace, love, and hope as we celebrate the birth of Christ. May your holidays be safe and happy, and I look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!

    In peace and with love,

    Mrs. Debbie Turton 

    Year 2 Christmas.pngChristmas divider.pngDear Parents,

    I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with year 5 and I am so proud of the leaders they have become. Thankyou for welcoming me into your Holy Cross community and I look forward to another fabulous year next year. 

    Wishing you all a happy and Holy Christmas with your family and friends.

    Mrs Meg Brannon

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    Dear Parents,

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    Each year is a privilege to teach the wonderful students at Holy Cross and WOW!

    Thank you for a year full of great memories and adventures. Remember learning is your superpower, never stop trying and never stop growing your brain! May the spirit of Christmas bring you and your family love, joy and peace. Enjoy the summer break and all the very best for 2025.

    Don’t forget to have a joyous, eco-friendly Christmas Season! 

    Buon Natale a tutti!

    Love always,

    Mrs Barbeautiful

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    Dear Parents 

    Wishing you all a happy and holy Christmas and a beautiful summer holiday.

    I have loved my 5 years as Assistant Principal at Holy Cross so much and I will miss you all greatly. Holy Cross is such a beautiful community and I have felt so privileged to have been able to work with the students, staff and parents here. Thankfully in my new role I am still able to visit and work with the Holy Cross community. Always remember to smile and be kind to each other. And don’t forget you are the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth.

    Love Mrs Jennett

    Christmas divider.pngDear Parents,

    As we come to the close of this school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership. It has been a blessing to watch your children grow, overcome challenges, and blossom into confident and capable individuals. Your encouragement and faith have been instrumental in creating a strong foundation for their learning and spiritual growth. Together, we’ve built a nurturing environment that honors God and empowers them to thrive. Thank you for trusting me with their education and for your prayers and support throughout this journey. May the peace, joy, and hope of this season fill your hearts and homes, and may God continue to guide and bless your family into the new year ahead.

    In faith and gratitude,

    Mrs Rowles


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    Dear Parents,

    As the festive season approaches, I just want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership throughout the year. It is a privilege to work with the children and families at Holy Cross. I have loved watching all of them grow, learn and reach their goals this year.

    May your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with your loved ones. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year! Hope to see you around Helensburgh during the holiday period.

    Mrs Natalie Baker

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    Christmas divider.pngDear Parents,

    I just wanted to say thank you for all the support you have shown the

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    Library over 2024 - many of you have donated books this year, both through the Book Fair as well as privately. Many of these texts were student requests which creates an excitement around reading. 

    I would like to express a huge amount of gratitude to those parents who are my Super-star book coverers - your help means getting brilliant texts to our students fast.

    I wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your family and a wonderful holiday season.

    Mrs Sue MurrayChristmas divider.png

    Dear Parents,

    What a wonderful year 2024 has been. Holy Cross is such a special school that is supported by a strong caring community of families. I love coming to work each day and am so lucky to work with our amazing staff to support your children. And what little superstars you have raised - always learning to learn, live and love! 

    Looking forward to seeing what adventures 2025 brings. 

    I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas. 

    Mrs. Jenny Mitrevski

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    School Leaders in 2025

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    Christmas Concert- The Christmas Star

    Words can only describe to an extent just how absolutely wonderful our Christmas concert was yesterday! The children were so amazing, having worked so well over the term rehearsing their songs and actions! 

    Many thanks to our staff who planned and organised the many aspects of the performance, and most especially Mr Body, our Year 6 students who narrated throughout, Mr Miranda who made a special appearance with his virtuoso guitar playing alongside Mr Body for the finale, just before Santa and his helper made a grand entrance! Be sure to check out our Facebook page for our photos and videos being posted over the coming days.

    Our Thanksgiving Mass and Year Six Graduation last Thursday was equally beautiful and moving. Thank you to Mrs Turton, and the team of staff who prepared the various parts of the morning, and especially to Fr Paul, for celebrating a special mass with us all and for being a guiding light of support and wisdom to us all.

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