Dear Parents and Friends of Holy Cross,

Last Friday, we had the wonderful pleasure of welcoming Bishop Brian Mascord to Holy Cross. Celebrating Mass, and followed by class visits, he answered a fabulous range of questions from our students, who were keen to know about his early years as a primary school teacher, what inspired him to become a priest, how he was asked to become a Bishop by late Pope Francis, even about his favourite sports and football team!

Students: 

The Bishop’s visit was special because he was being kind to us - Orlaith (Year 2)

It was good that he came because we could actually see him for the first time. I thought he was nice - Hunter (Year 3)

 I liked how Bishop Brian let us know more about him, and about his past - Henry (Year 3)

We were able to ask him questions about how he became a Bishop. We were able to talk to him as a class which was special - Airlie (Year 4)

I liked how Bishop Brian let us ask him questions so we could learn all about him- Maggie (Year 4)

It was interesting asking him questions and finding out about priests, bishops and Popes - Kai (Year 5)

It was quite exciting for us because we don’t often get to meet the Bishop and talk to him. He was very nice, funny and caring - Keira (Year 6)

I liked how Bishop Brian was very open to our questions and how he was clear with his answers, especially about how a priest is chosen to become a Bishop- Cathal (Year 6)

HELPFUL CURRICULUM GUIDES FOR PARENTS - MATHEMATICS

These parent guides from NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) are helpful in outlining the key content and ways in which you can also support your child at home in simple and fun ways. 

In the Next Newsletter: Student Semester Reports

Parent Teacher Interview times will be offered for parents to book via COMPASS:

Friday 13  June: Compass Bookings open for parent interviews Years 3, 4 (for Week 9 Interviews)

Friday 20  June: Compass Bookings open for parent interviews K-2, 5,6 (for Week 10 Interviews)

Booking Instructions will be emailed to parents via Compass. 

Student Attendance Matters

Last year, the NSW government launched a new school attendance campaign called Every Day Matters. It aims to improve student attendance levels. Like NSW public schools, the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong, has a target of a 95 per cent attendance rate for students. This roughly equates to students being absent two days per term. The importance of attending school for students’ academic success and sense of belonging is well documented in research. Missing just one day of school each fortnight adds up to four weeks of lost learning a year. Over a student’s school life, this equates to an entire year of missed learning.

The Every Day Matters campaign aims to drive behavioural change among parents and students to:

• reduce absenteeism close to weekends and/or public holidays;
• reduce family trips during term;
• reduce arbitrary days off due to convenience or pressure from students.

Whilst our school’s attendance rates are generally positive, we do have some students with higher rates of absence. Parents are encouraged to help students reach their attendance goals by:

• ensuring they attend school every day unless they are unwell
• booking holidays during breaks and 
• reaching out to your child’s teacher or to a member of the school leadership team for support, if required
• working in partnership with the school when you are contacted to discuss your child’s attendance rate concerns.

TEACHER PROFESSIONALISM

Our school’s Annual Improvement Plan’s impact on improving students’ faith, learning and wellbeing is highly dependent upon the ongoing professional learning and capacity building of our staff. The professional learning opportunities and official events that staff have engaged with the last two weeks: 

STUDENT BEHAVIOURAL, SOCIAL AND PEER RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

As an educator for over 33 years, 20 of those as Principal, I have seen, supported and guided responses, in partnership with teachers and parents, for a great many range of student behavioural, social and peer relationship skill development and needs. By far though, parents are the first and significant educators and role models for their children in these areas. The expectations, routines, boundaries and supportive conversations you create and have make a huge difference in what they see, hear and learn from you. There are many great parenting books and websites these days from quality Australian authors:

• https://raisingchildren.net.au/  raisingchildren.net.au provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.

• Happy Families (Dr Justin Coulson) Latest free article: Helping KIds Learn Self Control- A skill that can be taught. Other articles and podcasts https://happyfamilies9.wpcomstaging.com/articles
• Read our school counsellor’s fortnightly parenting tips- This week’s “Being Assertive Without Being Mean”

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion

In a Catholic Primary school, we are so very blessed to be a part of a child’s faith

formation as they prepare for and receive three significant sacraments. 

Our Year 3 Students are preparing for their First Holy Communion, with their parents, as the first educators of their child’s faith, engaging with the Parish preparation program led by Fr Paul. We will again be running a Retreat Day - for both our students, and other children in our Holy Cross Parish. 

One integral part of a child’s faith formation is the experience of the Mass. As a school, we look for the opportunities for our students to encounter prayer and the mass throughout the school year. Families who choose a Catholic school education do so because they wish to have their child grow in their faith, the Catholic faith chosen by you as parents when you baptised your child. I encourage all of our families to seek out some times you could be present at our Holy Cross Parish Sunday Masses, and, most especially, our Year 3 families as you support and provide a wonderful example of faith for your children during their time of preparation.

May the peace of Christ be with you,

Milena Colussi
Principal

Reconciliation Week 2025

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.

Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

In Week 5, our Aboriginal students engaged in a native plants workshop, learning about the many uses of plants by our First Nations people. K-6 students also engaged in an online Zoom workshop with the Museum of History NSW, learning about first contacts between Aboriginal people and colonists aboard the First Fleet, and also had the opportunity to reflect on this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, and consider the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

On Tuesday, our school engaged in an exciting Aboriginal Activities Day, where students participated in a range of Aboriginal cultural workshops including rock painting, local Dreaming stories, artefacts and totems, traditional games and the many uses of bush tucker. We were so blessed to be joined on the day by Uncle Kev, Uncle Mark Mongta, Uncle Peter Button, Sam Mongta, Karan Taylor (Aboriginal Education Officer) and Sam Mongta, all who contributed to making the day extremely special for all.

A highlight for the day was the smoking ceremony provided by Uncle Mark Mongta and his son Sam Mongta, a ceremony of cleansing and healing for our school.

We look forward to continuing to walk together, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, in learning about Aboriginal culture, and journeying together in reconciliation.

ICAS 2025 Information

Students from Years 3 to 6 are invited to take part in the 2025 International Competition and Assessments for Schools (ICAS).

What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here
2. Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
3. Read the terms and conditions here
4. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here
5. Enter our school’s access code – PEV240

Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.

Lindsay Burns
Assistant Principal

Celebrating Pentecost: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

This coming Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, a joyful and significant

event in our Church calendar, often referred to as the birthday of the Church. Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter and marks the fulfilment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit to His apostles. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples as tongues of fire and a mighty wind, empowering them with courage and gifts, like the ability to speak in different languages, to go out and share the Good News of Jesus with the world. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is with us too, guiding, strengthening, and inspiring us to live out our faith and share God's love with everyone. Maybe ask your children what they have learned about Pentecost at school to allow them to share their learning with you.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love and peace. Inspire us with your wisdom and courage, that we may joyfully share your light with all those we meet. Amen.

First Holy Communion

Next week, 12 June, the students who are receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will have their second communion workshop with Father Paul at 6pm in the parish hall. The 3rd workshop will be Thursday evening, 26 June, 6pm. We will also be having a First Holy Communion retreat day in the Parish hall on 27 June. (More information to follow at the information night). 

Please keep these students in your prayers as they prepare for this special Sacrament. I echo Fr. Paul’s words when I strongly encourage all students who are receiving this important sacrament to attend our Parish Mass on Sunday at 8:30am, especially in these remaining weeks of preparation for First Holy Communion. It is an essential and integral part of your child’s preparation. 

First Holy Communion Mass will be on Sunday 29 June, 10.00am

Pyjama Day (Week 10)

On 3 July (last day of term), all students are invited to participate in the Pyjama Day

by wearing their warm winter pyjamas to school and making a gold coin donation. The funds raised will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal to assist needy families in our local community this winter. More information regarding this fundraiser organised by the Mini Vinnies team will be sent via Compass. 

In addition to this, families are encouraged to send in donations for hampers to be donated to families in need. Please see the items below for each grade. Every donation matters and will go to a needy family in our local community, thank you in advance for your generosity.

Kinder - Tinned soup

Year 1 - Spreads such as vegemite, jam , honey etc

Year 2 - Breakfast items such as porridge, cereal etc

Year 3 - Tea, coffee milk etc

Year 4 - Tinned spaghetti, baked beans or an “on-toast”  food

Year 5 - Dessert mixes such as pancake mix, golden syrup etc

Year 6 - Packet of casserole foods such as pasta, rice or a jar of sauce 

Dates of upcoming events

Grade Masses 

Our grade masses are a chance for our students to participate with the parish in weekday masses. You are warmly invited to attend.

Thursday 12 June 9am Years 2,3 and 4 (Week 7)

Thursday 19 June 9am Years 5 and Kindergarten (Week 8)

Thursday 26 June 9am Years 1 and 6 Mass (Week 9)

Whole School Mass: Feast of the Sacred Heart Friday 27 June 9:15am

Mary Help of Christian’s Liturgy

A late change of venue due to the weather did not ‘dampen’ our spirits for our Whole School Liturgy for Mary Help of Christian’s Liturgy of the word. A special mention to our beautiful Year 4 students who led the school in a liturgical movement and to all of the readers who led us in prayer.

In Peace,

Mrs Debbie Turton
Religious Education Coordinator

The Pilgrims of Hope - Jubilee Year Passports.

We thank Bishop Brian and our diocese for providing a copy of

this resource to all Catholic school staff and students (Years 2–12). Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 a Holy Year of Jubilee, a special year of grace, prayerfulness and service. This week you will receive a copy for your child and family to share and talk about. We encourage you to visit the diocesan “pilgrimage” sites for mass or prayer. Most particularly in light of his passing, this year’s Jubilee now holds a special call for us each and all to holiness and to mission, as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The resource includes:

• Instructions on obtaining the Jubilee indulgence.
• Prayers for pilgrims to deepen their spiritual journey.
• A comprehensive guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• A dedicated space to record and stamp visits at each designated pilgrimage site.

Bishop Brian Mascord will personally visit each pilgrimage site during the Holy Year to impart the papal blessing. This blessing, accompanied by the usual conditions, offers another opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence. His next visit is this Sunday 7th June at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Rosemeadow. 

Understanding the Jubilee indulgence

Pope Francis invites us to rediscover the boundless mercy of God through the Jubilee Plenary Indulgence (complete forgiveness of the temporal effects of sin, such as spiritual consequences of forgiven sins). This extraordinary gift of grace is offered to all the faithful who are truly repentant (feeling deep sorrow for sins committed), free from attachment to sin (a deliberate decision to avoid sin in all forms), and sincerely seek God’s forgiveness and renewal. The indulgence allows us to experience the transformative power of reconciliation with God and others.

To receive this gift, the faithful are called to:

• Be purified through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Receive the Holy Eucharist with a heart open to grace.
• Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
• Embrace a spirit of charity and humility.

What is an indulgence?

An indulgence is a sign of God’s abundant mercy, extended through the Church to free us from the residual effects of sin (the spiritual harm left behind even after sin is forgiven). While the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession of sins to a priest) forgives sins, an indulgence helps to heal the lingering wounds caused by sin, enabling a person to grow in holiness. This grace strengthens us to love more fully and avoid falling into sin again.

As Pope Francis reminds us, “The Jubilee indulgence is a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy” (Spes non confundit). Through this grace, we grow closer to God and share in his divine love and mercy.

How to obtain the Jubilee indulgence? Go to the Diocesan Jubilee Webpage to explore more about the Jubilee Year.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY (KING’S BIRTHDAY)

• Monday 9th June

Last Day of Term 2 for Students- Thursday 3rd July

TERM 2 PUPIL FREE DAYS  

• Friday 4th July

PARENT WORKSHOPS

Literacy Learning in the Early Years- Parent Workshops 

At these workshops, we will explain the learning process that children go through to learn to read and write, explain phonic knowledge acquisition and the importance of phonological awareness as foundational skills to later reading and writing development. Ms Young and Miss Facci will also explain the home reader and literacy consolidation tasks parents can support their child with.

Year 1 - Tuesday 10th June, 2pm (School Library)

No need to register- just come along!

AWARD ASSEMBLIES

Our school assemblies in Term 2 will be held fortnightly on even week Tuesday afternoons beginning at 2:30pm. Any change to the time will be communicated to parents via Compass. 

• Week 8:  17 June (Year 3 sharing learning)
• Week 10: 1 July (inc Principal Awards)

Whole School Sport Carnival Dates 2025

Please find below a reminder of these dates, they are also on the Parent Calendar.

Swimming Carnival - Friday 5th December

2025 School Athletics Carnival

Last Thursday the students of Holy Cross travelled to Barden Ridge Athletics track to compete in the annual Holy Cross athletics carnival. It was a fantastic day celebrated by all students who competed in fun games and track and field events. Next week we will hold an athletics assembly to present the winning house and place ribbons for those students who didn’t receive theirs on the day. Thank you to Mrs Baker & Mr Whitehall and all the teachers for all their organisation and support with everything sport related at Holy Cross. 

Sport Leaders: Harry, Keira, Sadie and Kai

RECONCILIATION WEEK WRAP UP

On Tuesday, we spent the day learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture  together. Uncle Peter Button opened our day with a Welcome to Country. 

A Welcome to Country is not the same as an

Acknowledgement of Country. The Welcome to Country has been part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways for thousands of years. It can only be performed by an Elder or respected person who is from the local clan and been given permission to do so. It values Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and recognises the ancestral spirits who created the boundaries and lands, which allow safe passage to visitors. There are many ways that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person may perform a ‘Welcome to Country’. Today, Uncle Peter welcomed us to Country, spoke to us about aboriginal culture and care for our land, and performed a didgeridoo solo. 

Uncle Mark Mongta and his son Sam conducted a smoking ceremony just before

lunch, and also cleansed our Yalunga Yarning Circle and soon to be Bush Tucker garden. 

Smoking ceremonies have been performed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for thousands of years to cleanse people and places of bad spirits and to treat sickness. These ceremonies encourage good health and wellbeing through connection to culture and the health benefits of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medicine. They are regarded as an important part of connecting people to the country and keeping them safe from the dangerous powers of the spiritual beings residing in the land and waters.

Throughout the day, students engaged in 5 different rotations, with special visitors leading some of these including Ms Karan Taylor (CEDoW Edn Officer), Uncle Kevin Butler, Uncle Mark and his son Sam, and one of our parents Mrs Emily Johnstone. Thank you to all, and most especially to Mr Burns for consulting with our parents and elders in the local community, bringing to fruition and coordinating a significant day in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Plan.

Dreaming Stories The Dreaming story of the Birth of the Butterfly as told by the Thurrawal (Dharawal) people. Students created air dry sculpture
Art Rock Painting Uncle Kev led this rock painting workshop. They have been sealed and will be placed into our Yalunga Bush Tucker & native Garden
Yalunga Garden Bush Tucker Workshop Students engaged in learning about Bush Tucker and the plants we will have in our Yalunga Garden. Highlights included smelling & tasting Lemon Myrtle cordial, pigface, mintbush, mountain pepper and saltbush.
Yulunga Games Students engaged in games inspired by traditional Aboriginal culture with Mr Burns and Uncle Mark Mongta.
Artefacts & Totems Workshop Students learnt about traditional Aboriginal artefacts and Aboriginal totems with Ms Karan Taylor (CEDoW Edn Officer)

From our students….

I liked seeing the artefacts of mens and womens business, and how they used the bark of a tree to make a cradle for their babies- Marley (Year 1)

I enjoyed the Bush Tucker and how we were able to learn about the different plants and taste some of the Lemon Myrtle cordial - August (Year 2)

I liked learning about the Dreamtime story about the butterfly, and learning about the Bush Tucker plants we will have in our Yalunga Garden- Grace (Year 4)

I liked learning about aboriginal culture through the artifacts, and loved doing to rock painting - Fletcher (Year 3)

I liked how we got to learn how aboriginal people lived before European Settlement and also learning about Bush Tucker - Patti (Year 5)

Clean up your rubbish and put it in the right bin - Arie (Year 3)

Always take 3 (pieces of rubbish) from the sea - Ferdie (Year 4)

Stop polluting. Save the world - Sadie (Year 5)

We need to look after trees and plant more instead of getting rid of them - Nate (Year 6)

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ISSUE 4 NOW OPEN

At Holy Cross, we promote the Scholastic Book Club - Book Club is a great way for parents to provide their children with popular literature in a variety of genres which aids in encouraging children to read. And they also make great gifts!

Book Club Issue 4 catalogues have now been sent home. These orders are due by 20 June 2025.

How to order:

* jump online to order: https://bookclubs.scholastic.com.au/

* if your order is a gift, you can nominate it online as ‘gift’.

* once the orders arrive, all parents are given a courtesy call.

PLEASE NOTE: all orders are done online, the school does not collect cash or cheques.

BOOK ‘ADOPTIONS’ – WHAT ARE THEY?

You may have noticed that your child may have brought home a Library book that has an ‘Adoption Sticker’ on it, covering the barcode. These are books that I have had to cull.

From time to time, there is a need to ‘cull’ a library’s books. This is a necessary procedure and is fully endorsed by our CEO. Culling is done for a few reasons:

• To make room on over-stocked shelves for new books,
• To remove duplicate books,
• To remove damaged books,
• To remove any books that may have content that is now considered ‘inappropriate’ or out-dated, or
• To remove any under-utilised books – to obtain this information, I have to generate a report of books in Oliver (our Library system) that have not been borrowed for 5-10 years!

Rather than throw these books away (with the exception of inappropriate content and damaged books), I put these books ‘up for adoption’, where they may get a second life. It is important to know that this practice is fully approved by our CEO.

So if you see in your child’s Library Bag a book with one of these stickers covering the barcode, there is no need to return them – they are for your child to keep and enjoy.

LIBRARY WARRIORS

An Interview With…Hayden (Year 1)

Note from Mrs Murray: Hayden is one of our newest Library Warriors. Hayden has learnt where the books go in the Junior Fiction collection as well as assisting on Friday mornings with the returns. Hayden is very keen and has proven himself to be a valuable member of our Library team.

What section are you responsible for?

Junior Fiction

What is your favourite book?

I don’t have a favourite but I like encyclopedias and books on dinosaurs.

What do you love about being a Library Warrior?

Sorting out the books.

What is your favourite Library task?

Putting books away so you can see and pick which books you would like to read.

Happy reading everyone!

Sue Murray
Library Coordinator

Being Assertive Without Being Mean

Being assertive means speaking up for yourself in a clear, respectful, and confident way. It’s about expressing your thoughts, feelings, or needs while also considering others—without being passive or aggressive.

Being mean means hurting someone on purpose with words or actions. It can involve teasing, excluding, or saying unkind things to make someone feel bad.

It’s important for parents or carers to help children understand the difference between being assertive and being mean. Being assertive is about standing up for themselves while still being kind. Being mean, however, involves intentionally hurting someone. Teaching this distinction helps children develop strong communication skills and build healthy relationships, while also learning to stand up for themselves in a positive, respectful way.

Here are some tips on helping your child be assertive without being mean:

Model Respectful Communication - Show your child how to express their needs and feelings calmly and respectfully in everyday situations.

Teach “I” Statements - Encourage your child to use phrases like “I feel…” or “I need…” to express themselves clearly without blaming others.

Role-Play Scenarios - Practice common situations where assertiveness is needed (e.g., standing up to a friend who is being bossy) so they can rehearse how to respond calmly.

Discuss Feelings and Consequences -Talk with your child about how their words and actions can make others feel. Help them understand that being assertive is about expressing their needs without causing harm.

Praise Respectful Behaviour - Acknowledge and praise your child when they handle situations assertively and kindly, reinforcing the positive behaviour.

Teach Boundaries - Help your child understand the importance of setting boundaries with others and expressing them in a respectful, firm way.

Clarify the Difference Between Assertiveness and Aggression - Explain that being assertive means standing up for themselves, while being mean involves intentionally hurting or disrespecting others.

Encourage Empathy - Help your child understand how their actions affect others by talking about how someone might feel if treated with kindness versus meanness.

Encourage Problem-Solving - When conflicts arise, guide your child through steps to calmly and respectfully resolve the issue, rather than lashing out or retreating.

Support Open Conversations - Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and challenges, so they can seek guidance when unsure about their actions.

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.