Dear Families, Staff, and Students of Holy Cross,

As we come to the close of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we have experienced together and express my heartfelt gratitude for each member of our school community.

This year has been one of growth, learning, and collaboration. I am deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our parents and caregivers, whose partnership continues to play a pivotal role in the success of our students. Together, we have nurtured an environment where curiosity, respect, and kindness thrive.

To our dedicated staff, thank you for your hard work, passion, and commitment to nurturing our students not only academically, but also in their personal and faith development. Your care and dedication truly make a difference to our students every single day.

We are also grateful for the sense of community and faith that binds us. Through our masses celebrations, events, and everyday moments, we have witnessed the power of working together in service of our children, our families, and our shared values, with Christ at the centre of all we do. I particularly thank Fr Paul, who supports and guides our community in so many ways.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us reflect on the joy of giving, the peace

of community, and the hope of a bright future. May this season bring peace and joy to your home, and may the New Year be filled with continued blessings.

Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your faith. I look forward to all that we will achieve together in the year to come.

May your Christmas be coloured with the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and may the peace of Christ be with you during this special time. Looking ahead to the New Year, may we all carry forward the spirit of Christ’s love and grace in all that we do.

With much gratitude,

Milena Colussi
Principal

This newsletter features messages from our staff ~ we all wish you a wonderful Christmas!

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

Dear Parents,

It has been my absolute pleasure to work in such 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

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 

Dear 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

Dear Parents,

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

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

Dear 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

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

Dear Parents,

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

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 Murray

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

School Leaders in 2025

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.

Can You Identify Signs That Your Child Might Need Support?
It’s natural for children to show some changes in behaviour when they're tired after a busy school day or feeling anxious before an important sports event. However, parents should be mindful if their child’s behaviour shifts noticeably from their usual self for a prolonged period, especially if the cause of this change isn't clear.

Signs that something may be going on emotionally for your child:
• If your child is normally very talkative and open, but they start to become quiet, not
wanting to talk and withdrawn from activities they use to enjoy.
• If your child has started to show new behaviours of lashing out such as slamming
doors, boundary pushing, appearing frustrated, and not able to express how they
feel and explain their emotions.
• If your child may be experiencing difficulties sleeping and eating because they are
feeling worried, anxious, or depressed.
• If your child has difficulties making friends or has become avoidant with their friends.

When it comes to your child, trust your instincts regarding their behaviour and emotions. If you notice that your child isn't quite acting like themselves, don't hesitate to reach out to the school staff. They can work together with the school counsellor to support your child's well-being and ensure they receive the help they may need.

Meet the School Counsellor
Hello everyone! My name is Sara, and I’m the school counsellor at Holy Cross Primary, partnering with Catholic Care. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wollongong and have extensive experience working with the NDIS, supporting both physical and mental health needs.

I am deeply passionate about ensuring that young people have a positive and fulfilling experience at school. I understand that children may face academic challenges, personal struggles, issues with peer relationships, or feelings of worry and anxiety. My approach is to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space
where I can help them explore their emotions, identify underlying concerns, and work together to find practical solutions.

Please reach out to any of the staff members at school for a referral form if you would like your child to receive support.

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

Christmas Mass

All of our Holy Cross Families and extended families are invited to come along to celebrate Christmas Mass. Christmas Eve Mass will begin with carols at 7pm and Mass at 7:30pm. Christmas day Mass will be at 9am.

Father Paul has invited all children who are attending to dress up as Angels, Shepherds and Magi (the kings or wise men). The children will be invited to enter the Church in the entrance procession with Father Paul. They will also be invited to the front of the Church to sing silent night with the congregation.

COME ALONG with all your family to celebrate Christmas with great joy this year!

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.