Dear parents and friends,

The Season of Creation is a time marked throughout the Christian world from 1st September (the World Day of Prayer for Creation) to 4th October (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encourages awareness-raising initiatives to help us to heal and protect Our Common Home. The theme this year is Let Justice and Peace Flow. The Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. 

Pope Francis in his message for the Season of Creation, in accord with the theme, ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’, calls us to live in harmony with creation. He says that just as the heartbeat of babies in the womb are in harmony with that of their mothers so we can sense the maternal heartbeat of the earth. In calling us to renew our relationship with the earth, Pope Francis states that it involves our relationships with God, with each other, with creation and with ourselves. We are interconnected with all of life (LS 66). 

Our staff and students will gather tomorrow to acknowledge the beginning of The Season of Creation through participation in a liturgy followed by a whole school lunch on the top playground. Our message to students is to know that we are co-creators of this world. That God made the world, but he did not finish it…this is our job…we must care, protect and advocate for all of creation and in doing so we accept our responsibility as co-creators with God. 

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Father's Day is a day that honours Fathers, Father figures, and fatherhood. Tomorrow, we will take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of the fathers and father figures at Holy Cross and show our appreciation for their presence and love. We will begin with a Breakfast, followed by a Liturgy and a visit to classrooms. 

I would like to express my gratitude for the support of all fathers, grandfathers and father figures who make up our Holy Cross community. We are blessed to have so many fathers and father figures visit our school to pick up their children, help out at our Fete and other fund raising activities, attend P&F meetings, attend parent-teacher meetings, attend sporting carnivals, attend assemblies and all school related events. 

Wishing you all a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday.

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We are thrilled to welcome back Mr Miranda to his maintenance and cleaning role. It is wonderful to have him back! 

Thank you for your continued support,

Kaylene Duffin
Principal

2023 ANNUAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Update

Goal 1 

Improve students’ relationship with Jesus through the values of compassion, justice, hope and integrity.

• Miss Costello and Mr Body participated in a Co-Teaching Cycle that involved planning and teaching a Religious Education lesson in Year 4. The purpose of these sessions is to collaborate on effective pedagogies that impact on student learning.
• A Learning Walk was conducted across Kindergarten to Year 6 to monitor the learning progress of all students in Religious Education lessons. Data showed evidence of engaged students participating in a variety of learning experiences.

Goal 2 

By the end of 2023, all students will have increased their confidence and engagement in Mathematics so that all students achieve growth.

• K-2 teachers continue to collaboratively design assessments that will identify students’ starting points in their learning and inform units of work to address these needs. Assessments are becoming increasingly challenging and inclusive of problem solving to meet the needs of our students and to respond to the revised K-2 Mathematics Syllabus.
• ​​Mrs N Baker and Mrs McEntee participated in a K-2 Curriculum Advisors professional learning day on Monday 28 August, where they gained invaluable insights into effectively identifying essential learnings for the K-2 Mathematics syllabus. Through collaboration meetings and planning, the K- 2 teachers have also been crafting high-quality Mathematics learning sequences for their classes that focus on effective assessment, meeting students at their point of need, and embedding the processes of communicating, reasoning, and problem-solving. Here are some of our wonderful Kinder students explaining their thinking during a Math problem-solving task.

Scripture Focus

As Catholics, the scriptures of Jesus’ life and the parables Jesus told act as a guide to support Catholics with examples of how to live out the values of integrity, justice, compassion and hope. For the second half of this term Holy Cross has the scripture focus of the “Parable of the Lost Son” from Luke’s Gospel. In this scripture story the father forgave his son even though he had wronged him. He showed compassion and justice even when this was not easy to do. We are encouraged to be like the father and forgive those who wrong us and be people of compassion. 

The Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15:11-24

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Book Week

Children’s Book Week was celebrated from August 19th to 25th, with the theme "READ, GROW, INSPIRE." Holy Cross students marked the occasion by dressing as their favorite book characters on Friday, joined by teachers in a collective celebration of the joys of reading. A school parade added to the festivities which also involved crafting a special 'reading potion' symbolising the transformative impact of reading. Gratitude is extended to the community members who participated and contributed to the day's success. The students had a fantastic day.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation remains a focus for our Year Six students, who are diligently preparing for this important sacrament. As they progress on their faith journey, our thoughts and prayers are with them.

We extend a warm invitation to all to join us for the celebration of Confirmation, taking place on Wednesday, 13 September, at Holy Cross Church, starting at 6pm.

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. 
• Every second week we have a children's liturgy which enables our kids to build some great friendships and learn about their faith.

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.

Thank You to our School Support Officers

We are incredibly lucky to have such hardworking and passionate School Support Officers at Holy Cross. These ladies support the learning, faith and wellbeing of our students each day. They also work collaboratively with our teachers to achieve our school goals and strategic plans. Today, we celebrated all that they do and bring to our students and our school. 

Uniform

As per our Uniform Policy, students may wear their Summer uniform on warm dates from Monday 11 September (Week 9). We do appreciate parents supporting the high expectations we have for our students’ uniform. A reminder that school shoes must be black leather. 

ACBC Social Justice Statement 2023-24

In a tradition reaching back to 1940, each year the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference releases a major social justice statement in time for Social Justice Sunday (last Sunday in August). 

Through this tradition they contribute to the development of local Catholic Social Teaching.  

The statements encourage the Catholic community to reflect and act on social, economic and ecological issues. They remind us of the social dimension of the mission of the Church.

This year, Social Justice Sunday is 27 August and the theme of the Statement is: 

LISTEN, LEARN, LOVE
A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 

At the heart of this Statement is a call for all the People of God to embrace a new engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, an engagement which involves a commitment to listen to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers and to learn from them. This listening and learning and the actions which flow from them must be grounded in a spirit of love if there is to be a change for the better.

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) marks the release of the Social Justice Statement with an annual SEE JUDGE ACT Workshop. This gathering involves a group of secondary students and staff breaking open the document, discussing its significance in our modern context and exploring ways in which we can apply it in our communities. 

The statement can be found here.

Gumaraa Incursion Experience & Indigenous Literacy Day

On Friday, 8 September, we welcome Gamaraa to our school. Gumaraa is a certified Aboriginal education facilitator who provides immersive Aboriginal school incursion programs on the South Coast. Our students will be provided with a variety of hands-on and practical experiences that will deepen their knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal culture. Thank you to our incredible P&F for funding this experience for all students. 

Our plan on this day is to also acknowledge Indigenous Literacy Day (actually held on Wednesday 6 September). Indigenous Literacy Day focuses on the importance of improving Literacy 

Outcomes for Indigenous students in remote communities. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation works to give Indigenous children access to books and books in First Languages. 

Therefore on Friday 8 September, we are encouraging all students to wear mufti clothes in the colours of the Aboriginal flag - Yellow, Black & Red or Indigenous clothing and or accessories. A gold coin donation to go towards helping the Indigenous Literacy Foundation will be greatly appreciated.

Public Speaking 

Our talented Year 5 and Year 6 Finalists entertained us all at today’s Holy Cross Stage 3 Public Speaking Finals. 

Congratulations to the winners, runners up and finalists!

Year 5 Winner - Emma

Year 5 Runner Up - Mattia

Finalists - Mikaela & Amelia

Year 6 Winner - Isabella

Year 6 Runner Up - Pippa

Finalists - Joseph, Ella, Leni

Emma and Isabella will now go on to the CDF Regional Public Speaking Competition in September. We wish them the best of luck!

Assemblies

Our next assembly for Term 3 will be held on Thursday 7 September at 2.35pm. All are welcome.

Save the Date - End Of Year Mass and Yr 6 Graduation

Please note that our End of Year Mass and Year 6 Graduation Ceremony will be held in the church on Thursday 14 December at 9.30am. 

Feast of Holy Cross and Grandparents Day

We will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross and honour our Grandparents and grandparent figures, on Thursday 14 September. We will join together at Mass at 9.30am and will follow with Open Classroom and a picnic lunch. More details will be forwarded next week.

Professional Learning

Recent Staff Professional Learning

Research tells us that the quality of the teacher is the greatest in-school influence on student achievement. Therefore high quality professional learning for teachers must be a priority to ensure improved teacher practice that leads to improved student growth. Recent professional learning undertaken by our staff this fortnight includes:

23 August 2023 - Diverse Learning Network Meeting

Mrs Jennett & Mrs Mitrevski

24 August 2023 - Assistant Principal Network Meeting

Mrs Jennett

25 August 2023 - SSSO Network Meeting

Mrs Maguire

28 August 2023 - K-2 Curriculum Day - Mathematics

Mrs McEntee & Mrs N Baker

29 August 2023 - Learning In Leadership

Mrs Jennett

30 August 2023 - System Colloquium  - Continuous Catholic School Improvement

Mrs Duffin & Mrs N Baker

31 August 2023 - half day - Religious Education Standing Committee Meeting 

Mrs Duffin

31 August 2023 - Lamp Lighters Spirituality Reconnector 

Mrs Rowles and Mrs Barbuto

TERM 3 Dates

Please find pertinent dates for Term 3. All pertinent dates can be found on our parent Calendar.

https://www.hchdow.catholic.edu.au/news-and-events/events/

National Child Protection Week

Next week is National Child Protection Week, the main message is 'Every child in every community needs a fair go' which is complemented by the theme 'Where we start matters.'  

Library News

PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE (PRC)

Our third Primary class to complete the PRC is…Year 6! The following Year 6 students completed the challenge in the last two weeks…

Shanay, Alice, Joseph, Mia G, Leni, Annabel, Stella, Isla, Kobi, Anna, Ruby

CONGRATULATIONS to all of Year 6 for completing the challenge! 

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB Issue 6 Now Open

Book Club Issue 6 catalogues were sent home last week. Orders are due by Friday, 8 September 2023.

Once you receive your catalogue, just jump online to order: https://bookclubs.scholastic.com.au/

CBCA SHORTLIST BOOKS 

Last newsletter, I showcased the Younger Readers and Picture Book categories. At Holy Cross, we are invested in providing our students with quality literature and make a priority of purchasing the age-appropriate Shortlist titles each year. This newsletter we are showcasing the last two Children's Book Council of Australia Shortlist categories.

Older Readers – these books require the reader to have a degree of maturity to appreciate the themes and scope of emotional involvement. Books in this category may be fiction, drama, illustrated text, poetry or graphic novels.

Please note: We do not necessarily buy this whole category as this category includes books that are appropriate for high school aged students. At Holy Cross, we will only select titles that are appropriate in their themes for upper primary.

Early Childhood Readers – these books require suitability in content and style for pre and beginning readers for children in the age range 0 to 6 years (pre-school and infant level). This includes works of fiction, poetry, wordless, board and concept books. The illustrations reflect all the text on the page and often do not add extra meaning to the storyline. 

Introducing…Grace (Year 2)

What section are you responsible for?

I help Keira with the Popular Fiction section.

What is your favourite book?

Chi’s Sweet Adventures series.

What do you love about being a Library Warrior?

You get to help sort out all the books and put them away.

What is your favourite Library task?

I love sorting and putting books away. It’s also fun and I like being with all the other Library Warriors.

Happy reading everyone!

Sue Murray
Library Coordinator

Fathers Day celebrations are fast approaching. We have a raffle to be drawn on Friday. Tickets are being sold by Year 6 for 50 cents per ticket. Our Father’s Day gift stall will be held Friday afternoon from 1.30pm - gifts are $5 each. Many thanks to Lisa DeVincenzo and her helpers in organising this!

Thank you again to Allison who is overseeing the beginnings of our preparations for the 2024 Family Fun Day. Donations for raffle and choc wheel prizes are welcome anytime and volunteers are still required to fill some roles. Please contact Allison on 0409461807 or hchfete@gmail.com. You will also begin seeing some call-outs and gold coin donation days rolling out soon, including a Crazy Hair day next month! Thank you to the school and our community for your ongoing support in this.

SAVE THE DATES:

Father’s Day Stall: Friday 1st September. A gift can be purchased for $5. 

Second Hand Uniform Shop: Friday 15th September from 2pm. 

Crazy Hair Day: Thursday 21st September. Students wear mufti and their craziest hair designs in exchange for a gold coin donation. 

2024 Family Fun Day: 2nd March 10am.