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Dear Parents,
Welcome back to a busy Term Four. Attached to this newsletter you will find the calendar outlining all of the events which will take place throughout the term. I encourage all parents and friends to be involved in the life of the school and add important dates to your own calendar. I will only change dates or times if absolutely necessary.
The planning for the 2020 school fete is in full swing and I thank Michelle Walsh for coming to our rescue and taking on the role of fete coordinator. This is a huge undertaking and I’m sure she will appreciate any support and help that you can offer her. Michelle was to be the Chocolate Wheel coordinator so at present we are looking for a volunteer to fill the role of Chocolate Wheel Coordinator. If you feel you can help with this role please let either Michelle or myself know. We also need coordinators for the White Elephant and Major Raffle stalls.
Today is World Teachers Day and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at Holy Cross. Yes, it is their job but I am proud of the work they do and how much love they put into their work. Being an educator is more than just a job, being a Catholic educator is more of a vocation. A vocation is a calling and the staff at Holy Cross always go above and beyond to ensure that your children get many fabulous opportunities and are taught by passionate, loving educators.
Public Speaking
Congratulations to Luca from Year 6 and Alex from Year 5 who won their class public speaking competition last week. The standard of all the finalists was very high and we were proud of the efforts of our Stage Three students in the way in which they prepared for this competition. Both Luca and Alex represented Holy Cross at the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition held at Eagle Vale on Wednesday. Both boys spoke confidently and represented our school extremely well. Congratulations and well done boys!
All Saints Day Mass
All parents, grandparents and friends are warmly invited to join us for Mass next Friday, 1 November 9.15am on All Saints Day. All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, or Hallowmas is a Christian celebration in honour of all the Saints from Christian history. In Western Christianity, it is observed on November 1st. The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual connection between those in Heaven and on Earth. In Catholic tradition, the holiday honours all those who have passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven.
P&F News
On Wednesday this week the Annual General Meeting of the P&F was held in the library. The current executive was re-elected and will continue in their roles for another 12 months. I sincerely thank the executive of Lorraine Ashley (President), Jennifer Amadio (Vice-President), Kathryn Godfrey (Treasurer) and Michelle McKinnon (Secretary). We are all part of the Parents and Friends Society but fully acknowledge that it takes special people like these four ladies to organise us and pull our resources and people together to help build such a vibrant and positive community at Holy Cross.
Gymnastics
Each Wednesday for the next month, All students at Holy Cross will participate in a structured gymnastics program. This gymnastics program will be taught by fully qualified gymnastic coaches and teaches. I thank Mrs Rowles and Mr Whitehall for organising this fantastic opportunity for ur students.
Kinder Playgroup
Our 2020 Kinder class have begun their Kinder playgroup which forms part of their transition to school. The playgroup meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning for four weeks and the children are involved in a play based program with their parents and Mrs Cardamone, who will be our Kindergarten teacher for 2020.
Little & Early Learning Labs
The University of Wollongong would like to invite your students to LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic enrichment holiday program. We are targeting students from Year 1 to 6 during 2019, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Mr Brendan Dickinson
Principal
On Wednesday students were invited to wear crazy socks to support the work of Catholic Mission and “Sock it to Poverty.” This year, Catholic Mission is focusing on the country of Ghana and the work of Sister Stan who is developing a vocation centre.
During the day students were involved in African drumming lessons with Mrs Sommerville and a primary trivia competition. Both experiences provided students with opportunities to learn about the African culture and issues that facing Ghana.
Thank you for your very generous donations. As a community we raised over $225.
Miss Emily Costello
Religious Education Coooridnator
2019 CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBITION
You might also be interested in our interactive virtual tour of the exhibition with audio... view all the 56 students' artworks as displayed at the Wollongong Art Gallery - zoom in to view a student's artwork in closer detail and to hear from the student as they describe their artwork for you.
CHARLES HARPER PARK - NEW PLAYGROUND OPENING
2019 MATHS OLYMPIAD RESULTS
This year a group of ten Year 5 and 6 students were selected to participate in Maths Olympiad, a Maths Problem Solving Contest in the Junior Division. These students sat a series of 5 separate contests, one per month from May to September and were given the opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and understanding to solve mathematical problems in a creative manner. Each test consisted of 5 problems in which they needed to solve within a 30 minute time limit with each problem more challenging than the last.
In preparation for the Maths Olympiad, an essential part of the learning process is Working Mathematically. The students have been provided with opportunities to engage in genuine mathematical activities and develop the skills to become flexible and creative users of mathematics. They have all worked extremely hard and I have enjoyed working with the students in my Maths Olympiad groups this year.
Congratulations to the following students who participated in this year’s competition:
Year 5
Alex - Highest Individual Score overall at Holy Cross and top 30% of students who participated from Australian Schools
Thomas - Special Achievement Award for most improved
Year 6
Hunter, Sommer, Coby, Luca, Elena, Emma, Jacob & Caleb
Mrs Natalie Baker
Maths Olympiad Coordinator
BOOK DONATIONS
Mr Jeff Bõdy
Year 6 Teacher
DIOCESAN TRIALS 2020 NOMINATIONS
Every year the Diocese of Wollongong conducts trials for a variety of sports. Students who are successful during these trials represent the Diocese of Wollongong at MacKillop Level Trials and might advance to represent at a State Level if they are successful at MacKillop Trials.
If your child is considered to be extremely talented in their chosen sport, please complete and return the nomination form by the 30th of October.
Christopher Whitehall
Sports Coordinator
Mrs Lorraine Ashley