Dear Parents and Friends,

Advent is a time of great joy and expectation. Throughout December, students at Holy Cross are learning what Christmas truly means and how we can prepare our

hearts for the birth of Jesus. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, here are some great ideas. 

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/news/celebrating-advent

Parent Reflection on Advent through Art

As we enter the season of Advent, I share with you a recent posting by our Wollongong Diocese - Monsignor Graham Schmitzer's Week One Artwork Reflection from this year's Advent program, The Light. You may wish to purchase your own copy of the full program: https://www.dow.org.au/shop/

The Light of the World  Artist ~ WILLIAM HOLMAN HUNT (1827–1910) (see image below)

Advent was a latecomer to the Roman liturgy. Pope St Leo the Great (+461) who, in his preaching, developed such a rich theology of Christmas, does not even mention it. It made its appearance about the middle of the sixth century—Christmas having become a major solemnity. Previously, the birth of our Lord was a simple memorial; everything revolving around Easter in the early Church. 

The earliest form of Advent had already been celebrated in Spain and Gaul. In Spain, there was a three-week period of preparation from 17 December to the feast of the Epiphany which, like Easter, was a time for the conferring of Baptism. But in Gaul, the three-week period was extended to 40 days. It began the day after the feast of St Martin of Tours (November 11) and was known as St Martin’s Lent— well chosen, for the season was strongly penitential in character. Christmas by now had replaced Epiphany as the terminus of the time of preparation. 

The primitive form of the Roman Advent ran for six weeks before Christmas. Pope St Gregory the Great (+604) reduced the number of weeks to four, and that has remained the tradition. He judged it inappropriate that Advent should have the same duration as Lent—he saw the season as liturgical rather than penitential in character. The emphasis was on joyful hope, but some of the ceremonial expressions of joy were suppressed. The absence of the Gloria was simply to allow it to ring out with freshness at Christmas, and the wearing of purple vestments would make the white appear all the more brilliant on Christmas Day. 

Mind you, the Roman Advent has always included a note of penance, but in the positive sense of a call to conversion and renewal of life. That note is sounded in the Mass readings which summon us to “prepare a way for the Lord” and “to cast off the works of darkness”. The very word Adventus comes from Roman times and referred to the coming of the emperor to his dominions. The roads were repaired so that his passage would be smooth. It is why the term was used by St John the Baptist. The roads into our hearts may have become cluttered with debris. Sin may make Christ’s entry difficult. Remember, he is the most gracious guest and usually does not barge in, but “stands at the door and knocks” (cf. Rev 3:20). 

The artist William Holman Hunt made this obvious in his famous painting The Light of the World, now housed in the side chapel at Keble College, Oxford. An

observer questioned the absence of a handle on the door. Hunt replied that this door can only be opened from the inside. 

“Casting off the works of darkness” also presupposes some effort at spiritual renewal. Prayer, fasting, and works of charity are always the soul’s weapons at any time of the year. The Second Vatican Council greatly enriched the Advent liturgy with extra Mass formalities and Scripture readings. They are a mine of inspiration. Fasting will remind us that many in the world will not be gorging themselves at the Christmas feasts. The money saved, as in Lent, can well be given to various Christmas charities. Many churches display a “giving tree”. 

William Holman Hunt was a founding member of a group of like-minded young artists who, in 1848 in London, established themselves as the Pre- Raphaelite Brotherhood. They embraced medieval art and focused on religious subjects. Hunt’s The Light of the World toured Australia in 1906, with thousands queuing to see it (The Weekend Australian Review, 13–14 January 2024). 

The painting is steeped in symbolism. Christ holds a lantern—the light of conscience. Around his head is the halo—the light of salvation. The morning star is just visible above Christ’s head—the dawning of a new day. All this counteracts the fallen apples in the lower right-hand corner (see cover image), symbols of the original sin of the Fall. The overgrown ivy covering the door hints that our past life may have made it difficult for Christ to enter. 

MSGR GRAHAM SCHMITZER    Wollongong Diocese 

As communicated in the last newsletter, in the spirit of Advent, Christmas "things" (cards, candy canes) are best saved for children, if they wish to, for sharing in the last week of school when we are preparing for our Christmas concert!

2025 Staffing

We are in the process of recruitment for a music, dance and drama teacher. Previously, Mr Wells had accepted the 1 day a week position for 2025, however, he has been fortunate to be offered a full time classroom teacher position at St Therese Wollongong. 

We are of course also in equal parts very happy for Mrs Kate Jennett, who will move into an Education Officer role within the Catholic Education Office Wollongong, and sad to farewell her after having been our Assistant Principal here at Holy Cross since 2020. This is a system level recruitment and appointment process, which is currently taking place. This will be an Actng role for 2025, given the lateness in the school year. 

Once we finalise these two positions, I will be able to share our staffing for 2025. Students will meet their 2025 class teacher on Tuesday 17th December. 

Student Leadership Timeline for 2025 

Congratulations to our 2025 School and Vice Captains!

Check out our Facebook page for the Sport Leader Announcements later today!

Week 9: Evangelisation & WEN Leaders Selection (In Year 5)

Week 9: Thursday 12 December Mass: New 2025 School Captains and Vice Captains expected to attend Whole school Thanksgiving Mass- 2024 Leaders pass on Leadership Light.

Semester 2 Student Reports

Reports will be available via COMPASS NEXT Friday, 13th of December, from 3:30pm. 

About Semester 2 reports

Schools are required to include the following:

• Attendance
• Social development and commitment to learning
• Reporting a student’s learning achievement in each key learning area, requiring
• the outcomes assessed (informed by the NSW syllabus we teach- outcomes and content taught)
• A-E grades or word equivalent (Years 1-6); 3 point scale (Kindergarten)
• student effort in each Key Learning Area
• key learning area, subject or course-specific comment. (Religious Education-as Learning Gains (in Years 1-6); English and Mathematics -as Learning Gains and areas for growth, and a General Comment)
• whole school activities that may be included, as relevant, in the general comment : extracurricular activities (eg, gardening club); academic events and competitions (eg, public speaking, maths Olympiad); student leadership opportunities; sporting events and competitions (eg, school or representative sport)

The Common Grade scale is used to indicate a student's achievement in an area of learning.

Teachers report on the outcomes and content taught.  Teacher judgements about student achievement are based on quality evidence. The evidence used by teachers to make that judgement can include results from formative and summative assessments (work samples, book work, assessments) as well as teacher observations. Decisions about student achievement of the learning in which students have participated in, is up to a point of time in each KLA.  Information on a student's achievement is collected during the second semester of learning and is used as part of this broader assessment strategy to allocate grades.

Semester reports reflect a child’s learning at that point in time. Of importance is that the common grade scale is not used to show growth from one semester to the next. 

For example, 

• If a student receives the same grade for two consecutive reports, they have made progress, as the complexity of the outcomes and content increases.
• If a student receives a grade Sound in the middle of the year and again at the end of the year, they will be making progress.
• Between the two reporting periods the student will have learned new knowledge and skills of a more advanced nature.

Effort Descriptors:

Our CEDoW report formats have been updated in the area of PB4L:

“Your Child as a Community Member & Your child as a Learner”, for example

“Rarely” typically means something happens infrequently, often interpreted as around 10% of the time or less.

“Sometimes” generally refers to something that occurs intermittently, often interpreted as around 30% to 50% of the time.

“Usually” typically means something happens most of the time, often interpreted as around 70% to 90% of the time. It suggests a frequency that's more consistent than “sometimes.”

“Consistently” generally implies something occurs nearly all the time, often around 90% to 100% of the time.

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 or other professional commitments by our staff this fortnight includes:

Every Blessing,

Milena Colussi
Principal

Advent Liturgies

Happy New Church Year! It is the beginning of a new Church year and every year begins with the season of Advent. The season of Advent is 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 at Monday morning prayer services. 

• Monday 9 December 8:50am -- Lead by Year 3 and 4
• Monday 16 December 8:50 -- Lead by Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2

 Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Vinnies are asking for your help 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 Wednesday 11th December.

I would also like to ask you to consider contributing to the Parish Christmas Giving Tree. The Mini Vinnies have made labels for the Parish Christmas Tree (In our Church)There are also tags available in our school office foyer. You are invited to take a tag and purchase a gift for a person described on the label, then place the gift in an unsealed gift bag and place it under the tree (or on the sacred space in our school office foyer) prior to Christmas. These gifts are generously given to members of our own local community in need this Christmas.

Thank you for your generosity.

In Peace,
Mrs Debbie Turton
Religious Education Coordinator

Religious Education

Classes are doing some wonderful work in Religious Education at the beginning of our new Church Year. Each grade is completing a unit about Advent and Christmas. Check out some of this great learning (in one day!) showcased below.

Kindergarten is learning about John the Baptist.

Year 1 has been learning about preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus during the season of  Advent.

Year 2 was exploring the symbolism of the “Advent Wreath.” They have made their own Advent Wreaths.

Year 3 were using a ‘keyword’ strategy to listen to some information about Advent and then to summarise and give the key information to a friend (an oral language strategy)

Year 4 were using the “Understanding Faith Website” to unpack key vocabulary and themes about the Advent season.

Vida in Year 5 created this image to creatively demonstrate the Advent season.

Year 6 have been reflecting on the words of their Christmas song and how this relates to the promise of our saviour, Jesus in the Old Testament. They have also created their own images for the ‘Jesse’ Tree.

2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Saya wows her Holy Cross audience!

The students at Holy Cross were thrilled to welcome Saya Sakakibara to our school last Wednesday!

Saya shared her insights around perseverance, chasing one’s dreams, and being the best you can be in all that you do. She answered a range of questions each class identified, and gave us a glimpse into her incredible Olympic journey, which led to her winning a GOLD Medal! 

We loved learning more about her, the dedication it takes to achieve one’s goals, the challenges and triumphs of being an athlete, and how important it is to always work hard to turn your dreams into reality.

ASSEMBLIES in TERM 4

Our final assembly for the year will be held in Week 10, on Tuesday, 17 December 2023 at 2:30pm. Principal Awards will also be presented.

HOLY CROSS HAS TALENT 

Our annual Talent Quest will take place in Week 9, organised by Mr Whitehall and Year 6:

• Monday 9/12 K-2. 2-3pm 
• Wednesday 11/12 3-6. 1:45-3pm

Criteria:

• One performance per child (Either individual or as part of a group (not both, or in multiple performances)
• Songs and actions must be respectful and age appropriate (Songs will be checked by staff)
• No more than 2 minutes long

Save the Dates

• Swimming Carnival

This annual event will take place on Friday 6th December, at Helensburgh Swimming Pool. More information and race nominations will be sent home shortly.

• 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 12 December at 9.30am. 

• Christmas Concert

This wonderful event will be held on Wednesday 18th December, on the Top playground. Please note the starting time will now be 11:15am. Students will have an early lunch from 10:30-11am. Gates will open at 11am for parents and friends.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT COSTUMES K-6

Some students in each class have an extra role. Class teachers will contact parents with any additional instructions on what to wear. Please ensure that closed shoes and hats are worn.

We regularly acknowledge and celebrate our student sporting achievements. This week, I share the fabulous news that one of our staff, Mr Chris Whitehall, will be playing for the NSW indoor hockey team at the upcoming Australian Championships, and has also been selected as the Captain of the NSW team! Mr Whitehall will be on leave 13-18th December, and we wish him all the best for the upcoming competition taking place in Canberra.

Screen Time

We live in a digital age, and it is natural for children to want to spend time on their devices. Devices can be used for learning, homework and provide a great source of enjoyment through gaming and videos. Some of these games and videos can be educational. However, while devices can be a great source of learning and enjoyment, it is important to the balance the time spend on technological devices with other activities likes sports, hobbies, outings with friends and family. To gain a healthy balance of screentime is to set up a schedule around screen time.

The recommended use for children and young people aged 5-17 is no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time play (not including schoolwork).

Negative effects for children and young people aged 5-17:

• Weight and diet
• Behavioural problems
• Anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Attention
• Self-esteem
• Psychosocial health

Boundaries to set up around screen time may include:

• Setting screen times, that are age appropriate.
• Use of parental controls.
• Ensuring device are out of bedrooms.
• No devices during mealtimes.
• Use of devices in an open area where you can monitor.
• Charging devices in area that children can't access them.

Ways to help your child manage screen include:

• Having a set time for when all device in the family will be turned off.
• Set a health bedtime routine.
• Talk your child about balance and the importance of it. Create a plan with them around this. By involving your child in plan making, they are more likely to follow the plan.
• Create a list of fun activities with your children that they can do instead of using a device. These can be activities they can do individually, with friends or with family.
• Family time! Plan an activity or outing that the family can do and enjoy together. This can be going outside to the beach or park, or even playing board games – Great opportunity to connect.
• Set clear consequences for breaking the rules.
• If your child is already hooked on the screen for a longer period then you would like, reduce the time on them sleekly. Decrease the time by 10-15 minutes daily for the child to get use to this.
• Set your own screen limits as a parent/carer. This allows the child to see that even adults need a balance and time away from their screens.

Sara Ljuboja

School Counsellor

The Holy Cross Parish Bulletin is emailed to our families via COMPASS, but it is easily accessible on the Parish website: https://www.helensburghcatholic.org.au/bulletins

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. 

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.