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Dear Parents and Friends,
Last Wednesday 1st November was All Saint’s Day. On this day we remember ‘all the saints’ - all holy men and women (officially venerated or not) and show gratitude for their heroic and virtuous lives. We joined the Parish in celebrating this day with Mass celebrated by Fr Paul. Year 5 led us through this celebration where we began Mass singing the Litany of Saints - which is a prayer that recognises some of the saints throughout the history of the church.
St Mary of the Cross. Pray for us.
St Joseph. Pray for us.
St Bernadette. Pray for us.
St Anne. Pray for us.
St Christopher. Pray for us.
St Peter and St Paul. Pray for us.
All holy men and women. Pray for us.
The month of November is traditionally a time where the Catholic community remembers those who have died. All Soul’s Day on the 2nd November follows on from All Saint’s Day. We think about and pray for our loved ones who are now in heaven. At the end of this month we start the new Liturgical Year with the First Sunday of Advent.
This week Mrs Duffin is taking some well deserved Long Service Leave - we are looking forward to hearing about her adventures in the Northern Territory when she returns!
Thank you for your continued support,
Kate Jennett
Assistant Principal
An Invitation to Class Parish Masses
Over the next few weeks classes will be attending Parish Mass on Thursday mornings. Parents and friends are welcome to join in the celebration and sit with the classes.
Thursday 23 November 9am - Kinder and Year Five
Thursday 30 November 9am - Year Two, Three and Four
Thursday 7 December 9am - Year One and Six
Values at Holy Cross
This year students and staff have been exploring the four values of Hope, Justice, Compassion and Integrity and how we, as Catholics, can live out these values in our daily actions and words. Through the year students have explored how Jesus modeled these values during his life. For example in the Parable Jesus told of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan showed compassion by caring for an injured man even though he was from a different faith group.
Over the next four weeks as a school we will continue to explore these values and in particular look at how we can be like Jesus and live out these values in our everyday interactions in and out of the classroom.
In week five we are exploring Justice, week six Compassion, week seven Integrity and week eight Hope.
I encourage you to speak to your children about these values and how they strive to live them each day.
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.
Kindergarten 2024
Our 2024 Kindergarten Transition to School Playgroup concluded last week. Our 2024 Kinder students had the opportunity to meet their Year 4 Buddies. There was so much excitement as they played together and got to know each other.
Welcome to our University Prac Students
Each year we support students who are studying teaching at University. Last week we welcomed back:
Miss Morgan Clarke (Year 3) until Friday 17 November
Miss Misha O’Brien and Miss Ciara Murtagh (Year 6) until Friday 17 November
This week we welcome:
Miss Sam Shepherd (Year 5) until Friday 17 November
Uncle Kevin Butler
Each Monday and Tuesday, Uncle Kevin has continued to work on our new school artworks and has also had the opportunity to share stories with Kindergarten and Year 3. We are so grateful to have him part of our Holy Cross family.
School Assembly
Our next assembly will be held at 8:50am on Wednesday, 15 November, downstairs near the canteen. ICAS Writing Certificates and Principal Awards will be presented and Stage 2 will showcase their learning. Everyone is welcome!
ICAS Certificates
Our ICAS Writing Certificates will be presented at our next School Assembly.
Waste Free Wednesdays
Thank you for supporting Waste Free Wednesdays! Many students are bringing waste free lunch boxes on other days too and are excited to show their lunch boxes to the staff. Photos will be displayed on the school noticeboard.
Diocesan Public Speaking
Next Friday 17 November, Emma B (Year 5) will be representing Holy Cross and the Northern Cluster of Schools at the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition at St Thomas Aquinas in Bowral. We are so proud of you Emma and we wish you all the very best!
New Play Equipment
The students are enjoying our new playground equipment! We have fairy garden furniture and figurines, cars and trucks and 2 new basketball hoops!
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:
27 October 2023 - School leadership Team meet with CEDoW Head of Continuous Catholic School Improvement
Mrs Duffin, Mrs Jennett, Miss Costello, Mr Bõdy
2 November 2023 - Religious Education Coordinator Network Meeting
Miss Costello
6 November 2023 - Revised 3-6 Syllabus Advisor Day
Mr Bõdy and Mrs N Baker
TERM 4 Dates
Please find pertinent dates for Term 4. All pertinent dates can be found on our parent Calendar. Parent Calendar
Wednesday 22 November - 2024 Kindergarten Orientation Day
Friday 8 December - Swimming Carnival
Thursday 14 December
- 9.30am End of Year Mass and Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
- 12pm - Year 6 to Helensburgh Pool
Friday 15 December - Christmas Concert and last day of 2023 for students
Students’ final day of the year is Friday 15 December, 2023.
Tuesday 19 December - Last day of 2023 for staff
Library News
Missing Overdue Books
Unfortunately there have been a number of long term overdue Library books that have needed to be marked as ‘missing’ since the start of term. If a longterm overdue Library book is found, just have your child return it on our Library borrowing day (Friday) – the Library Warriors and I get very excited when a missing Library book makes its way home!
Book Covering Call!
If you enjoy covering books in contact (or find it therapeutic), we have some covering which needs to be done. If you are able to assist, please see the Office Staff who can give you a bag.
Scholastic Book Club - Issue 8 Now Open
Book Club Issue 8 catalogues (the last one for the year) catalogues will be sent home in Week 1. Orders will be due Friday, 1 December 2023.
Just jump online to order: https://bookclubs.scholastic.com.au/
Happy reading everyone!
Sue Murray
Library Coordinator
Our school canteen run by Mrs Donovan, is opened three days each week, Wednesday & Thursday breakfast & lunch 1 and Friday Breakfast lunch 1 & 2 serving yummy treats and hot food. And don't forget homemade pizza's on Wednesday's!
Diocesan Sports Awards
The Wollongong Diocesan Sports Awards night will be held this Friday 10 November at St Mary’s College in Wollongong. We have five students receiving awards for their high level of representation and their overall achievements: Thomas A, Lachlan B, Jesse B, Eddie C and Ella C. Congratulations on your sporting achievements for 2023!
Emma B - Inspiration in Motocross
On Monday, Emma and her parents brought her two motorbikes into school to share with our school community the sport she is involved in. Emma trains and competes in Motocross. She is a member of various clubs and gained 3rd place overall for this season. Her dad explained that she is an inspiration to many young girls as this is heavily a male dominated sport. Congratulations Emma!!!
