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Dear parents and friends,
As was announced last week, I will be leaving Holy Cross at the end of this year to take up the position of Principal at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Bulli beginning in 2024. Over the past four years that I have been Principal at Holy Cross, I have learned so much and value the strong relationships I have developed within the community. I am particularly grateful to Father Paul whose wisdom and guidance has been invaluable and whom I have learned a great deal about leadership. The process of appointing a new Principal at Holy Cross has begun with an outcome expected in the next couple of weeks.
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I recently travelled to Uluru with my family for a very brief getaway. It had been 41 years since I had visited this amazing place and it was even more majestic than I had remembered. The grandeur of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the desert vegetation and the spirtual feel are nothing more than breathtaking. The four days we were there were incredibly special and a real ‘bucket list’ experience. I was able to take this leave because of Mrs Jennett’s willingness and ability to lead our school. I am very grateful.
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Yesterday’s 2024 Kindergarten Orientation was an opportunity to officially welcome all of our new families to our school. We have 16 new families beginning with us in 2024 and our Transition to Kindergarten Playgroup that has been running since last term, has been a wonderful way to welcome and get to know our latest community members. I am so proud of the manner in which our Year 4 students have accepted their responsibility to be ‘Buddies” to our new students. Each Year 4 student continues to demonstrate care, compassion and integrity as they assist in the transition of our younger students. They can each be very confident that they have significantly contributed to the successful transition of our Kindergarten students.
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.
- All staff participated in professional learning to understand further the benefits of Christian meditation. The session was facilitated by CEO personnel and there was time to reflect on how Christian Meditation is being received within classrooms. The news is positive - both staff and students have noted that this time is calming and is beginning to help with focus and concentration.
- Our second classroom set of Bibles - thank you to our amazing P&F!!! - have been accessioned - We now have one class set of Bibles in Stage 3 and one set in Stage 2.
Goal 2
By the end of 2023, all students will have increased their confidence and engagement in Mathematics so that all students achieve growth.
- Mrs N Baker and Mrs Mitrevski attended a professional learning session to learn more about using PAT data to identify student needs and school trends. Students in Years 1-6, sit PAT Reading and Mathematics tests in Term 4 each year. This data allows us to target learning at the point of need of students, track school trends and measure student learning growth. The effective use of PAT data will be shared at our Staff Meeting next week along with a thorough analysis of student performance in recent PAT tests.
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 30 November - Year Two, Three and Four 9am
Thursday 7 December - Year one and Six 9am
Feast of Christ the King
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. This special day, observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar, honors Jesus Christ as the King of the Universe. It's a time for our school community to reflect on the teachings of Christ and the values of justice, compassion, integrity and hope that He embodies. Let us celebrate the reign of Christ the King as it reminds us to live out His teachings, being people of mission, in our daily lives.
St Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Vinnies are asking for your help again this year to donate non-perishable food items to make up Christmas hampers. In order for St Vinnies to create as many Christmas food hampers as possible, items have been split throughout the school. In each classroom a basket is located near the prayer space to receive donations. Donations will be presented to the local St Vinnies members on Monday 11th December.
Kindergarten - Spreads – vegemite, peanut butter jam, honey
Year 1- Tinned fruit, custard, summer desserts, Christmas cakes/ puddings
Year 2 - Soft drinks, cordial
Year 3 - Salad Mixers – mayonnaise, salad dressing, beetroot, tinned vegetables, pasta, rice
Year 4 - Tea, coffee, milo, poppers,
Year 5 - Sweet biscuits, shortbread, lollies/chocolates
Year 6 - Savoury biscuits, chips, nuts
There is no restriction on how much you would like to give.
Thank you for your generosity.
Advent Liturgies
As we enter the festive season, it's time to embark on the Season of Advent, a period of joyful anticipation and reflection. During these four weeks leading up to Christmas, our students will engage in special prayers, activities, and traditions that focus on preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Advent is a time of hope, love, joy, and peace, and we look forward to celebrating this special season as a school community.
You are invited to join us as we acknowledge Advent with two special liturgies.
- Monday 4th December 8:50am -- Lead by Stage Three
- Monday 11 December 8:50am -- Lead by Stage Two
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.
Academic Reports
Students’ Semester 2 Academic Reports, Kindergarten - Year 6, will be made available to parents via the Compass Parent Portal on Friday 8 December. If parents would like to discuss their child’s Report with their class teacher in Week 10, please contact the school office.
It is important that parents of students in Year 6 who will be leaving the Wollongong Diocese at the end of this year, download or print a copy of all Reports as once students leave the Wollongong Diocese, we can no longer access Compass records.
Annual School Report
Each year, we are required to compose an Annual School Report. Previous Annual School Reports can be found on the school website. An important part of this process is seeking input from students, staff and parents. We are conscious that parents have been asked to complete many surveys throughout the year, but if you would like to provide your voice on aspects of our school, we ask that you complete the survey by Wednesday 29 December 2023 using this link: Annual School Report Survey - Parents Say
2024 Staffing
We are getting very close to finalising our staffing for 2024. Once this is completed, we will share this with students and families so that we can begin our grade-to-grade transition processes.
Assemblies
Our final assembly for the year will be held on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 at 8.50am. Principal Awards will be presented and Stage 1 will showcase their learning. We will also be drawing our Library Christmas Raffle. All are welcome.
CAMP Australia Holiday Program
Camp Australia is offering a holiday program in January called Rocketeers. At this point in time, Rocketeers is open only to Holy Cross students. However, for Camp Australia to keep it like this, it will need to be financially viable. A flyer with further information is attached to this newsletter.
2024 School Captain Speeches
On Thursday 30 November, students in Year 5 who are nominating for a School Leadership role will be presenting their speeches in the school Library. These will begin at 12pm. Parents are welcome to join us. After the speeches, students in Years 3-5 will vote. Our 2024 School Captains and Vice Captains will be announced on Friday 1 December.
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:
14 November 2023
School Improvement System Colloquium
Mrs Duffin & Mrs Jennett
15 November 2023
Instructional Coach Network Meeting
Mrs N Baker
21 November 2023
Understanding PAT Data
Mrs Mitrevski and Mrs N Baker
21 November 2023
Spiritual Formation
Miss Costello & Miss Facci
TERM 4 Dates
Please find pertinent dates for Term 4. All pertinent dates can be found on our parent Calendar - Parent Calendar
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
Congratulations, Emma!
Congratulations to Emma B in Year 5, who placed third in the Wollongong Diocesan Public Speaking Competition held in Bowral last Friday. This was the grand final event with Emma gaining third place overall against Year 5 students from all 29 CEDoW Primary schools. Emma delivered her Bathurst 1000 themed speech with confidence, passion and commitment and we are so very proud of her. Well done, Emma!
Maths Olympiad and Maths Games
Maths Olympiad/Games is a competition which allows students to extend their learning and solve challenging maths problems. This year, 20 students completed 4 competitions. Each of these tests were quite difficult and the students needed to work with a variety of strategies to solve the questions. It provides students with an opportunity to learn and develop valuable mathematical problems solving skills and its application to the real world.
Congratulations to the following students on their perseverance when working on these problems.
Maths Games: Lachlan B ,Pippin D, Lee K, Henry M, Max M, Jenna P
Maths Olympiad: Mia A, Isabella A, Tom A, Alice B, Ella C, Joseph F, Mia G, Joshua H, Lee K, Amos L, Oliver M, Anthony O, Keira P, Maya R, Jimmy S
A special congratulations to Lee K who achieved a score in the top 25% of individual student scores (in Australia and New Zealand) and received a patch. Well done on a fantastic achievement!
ICAS Writing
ICAS is a competition designed to allow students to test their higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities. There are a range of competitions including Science, English, Mathematics, Spelling, Digital Technologies and Writing. The writing competition allows students to plan and assesses students ability to express themselves clearly and concisely in a creative way based on the provided stimuli.
Congratulations to the following students who did exceptionally well in the ICAS Writing Competition.
Sophie A, Joseph F - Merit, Charlotte W, Mia A - Credit, Thomas A - Distinction.
A special congratulations to Mattia W who received a High Distinction which is in the top 1% of Australia. Well done on a wonderful achievement!
Library News
Last Borrowing Day
This Friday, 24 November, will be our last day of borrowing. All books will need to be returned the following Friday in Week 8.
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 were sent home in Week 5. Orders will be due Friday, 1 December 2023.
Just jump online to order: https://bookclubs.scholastic.com.au/
Library Warrior News
This year has seen an increase in our Library Warrior numbers. These dedicated students give up their before school playtime and Lunch 2 on Fridays to give me a hand with all Library tasks ranging from bringing in the returns, putting books away, to organising the collections. Every Library Warrior has either a section to manage, which I can confirm is taken on with great pride, or are happy to help out where there is a need. When a student turns up to help, it is wonderful to see how these Warriors show them the ropes with great patience and care.
I am personally so very proud of our Warriors – without them I would not be able to get other Library tasks done - putting books back on the shelves is a bit of a priority but a time-consuming one! I feel so very blessed to have a team of passionate and caring students and they should be very proud of themselves for the dedication they have shown.
Well done Library Warriors!!!
Happy reading everyone!
Sue Murray
Library Coordinator
Colour Run Just for Fun
Thank you to our P&F Committee for supporting our first ever Colour Run Just for Fun! Thank you Mikaela (Yr 5), Max (Yr 1), and Hanna (Yr 1) for your suggestion of this initiative. More details to come!
Talent Quest 2023
2023 26th CDF Sports Awards
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AWARD
