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Dear Parents,
Well this week at Holy Cross has certainly been full of action. To celebrate Catholic Schools week, students, parents and friends have been involved in all sorts of activities to mark this special time. Mathematics open classrooms, school breakfasts, Literacy open classrooms, Ash Wednesday Mass, Caritas Mission Launch, P&F meetings and a dance challenge are just some of the things that have taken place this week. I thank all of the staff for the commitment to Educating and giving your children so many opportunities to learn and grow while at Holy Cross.
Lent
Wednesday gone, known as Ash Wednesday, was the start of the church season known as Lent. At Mass on Wednesday, Miss Costello, shared part of the Pope’s letter to our church which reminds us during this time to be mindful of those more needy than us and to be mindful of our responsibility to look after creation. Throughout Lent your children will be called to take action and care for our Earth in response to our faith.
Fete
With just over a week to go, things are getting very busy but also very exciting with our school fete. Each family is asked to support the fete through the gift of time. If you have not volunteered on a stall there are plenty of spaces available. The children love to see mum or dad helping out and with everyone being involved, it’s a great community atmosphere. If you’re not sure which stall to get involved with, give our office a call and we can point you in the right direction.
Parents and Friends
On Tuesday, following open classrooms the P&F met for their annual general meeting. All positions were declared vacant on the executive and nominations were called for. I am please to announce that Mrs Lorraine Ashley will be our President, Mrs Jenny Amadio will be our Vice-President and Mrs Michelle McKinnon will take on the role of Secretary. At this stage we are still in need of a treasurer. If you are interested in this role please come and see me or call through the office. Mrs Traynor has generously agreed to maintain the role in the short term and I thank her for her continued efforts.
Enrolling Now
Holy Cross are accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2020. If you or someone you know has students who intend to start Kindergarten in 2020, applications forms may be downloaded from our web page and are also available from the school office. If at any stage you would like to discuss enrolments, please feel free to give me a call to discuss.
Bullying – No Way
On, and leading up to, the National Day of Action against bullying and violence on 15 March, students will learn about types of bullying, online bullying, signs of bullying and ways to prevent bullying. The whole school will participate in activities to help raise awareness of how to prevent and deal with bullying. Students will also take a pledge to say Bullying, No Way!
Athletics Carnival
On Friday, 22 February we had a fabulous day running, jumping and throwing at our Athletics Carnival. A huge vote of thanks must go to all staff, Helensburgh Little Athletics and to all our amazing parent volunteers. Our Athletics Age Champions will be announced at morning assembly on Monday, 11 March.
Canteen
A reminder that our school canteen is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Your support of the canteen will ensure its long term viability. Feel free to drop down and have a chat with Joanne and try one of her cookies!
2019 School Fee Agreements
Each year families are to complete a new School Fee Agreement. For your convenience, this Agreement has been sent home with your 2019 School Fee Statement. You may also download this form from our school website.
Please note, if you have an existing School Fee Agreement you are required to provide an amended version as soon as possible to update your details.
- The School Fee Agreements are now due.
- Families who do not return agreements will be subject to full payment within 30 days.
If your family is experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the school office to organise an appointment with the Principal. If you have already spoken to the Principal regarding your situation in 2018, this process must be undertaken annually. Parent/Carers should be assured that these situations will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, respect and empathy.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you require explanation or assistance in relation to school fee matters.
Uniform
A big thank you to all of our families who are maintaining a high standard with our school uniform. Please keep in mind that students are required to wear black polishable school shoes. Other types of shoes are not part of our uniform. On sports days children should have predominantly white sports shoes with white laces and white socks above the ankle.
Mr Brendan Dickinson
Principal
ICAS International Competitions and Assessments for Schools
Each year, we have a number of children who sit the ICAS International Competitions and Assessments for Schools Tests in Years 2- 6. They have been very popular and many students have participated in the past. This year, there have been a number of changes to these tests. Previously, all testing was in the form of a paper test. This year all tests will be online, with the exception of the Writing test for Years 3 and 4. Students will use an iPad, provided by the school, or their own iPad to complete the test. The cost of the tests has also changed. All tests now cost $14.50 each.
One of the biggest changes is the timing of the tests. Previously they ran across the year. This year all six tests will occur across a three week period. As they are done online, there will be no make up tests. If your child is sick or away, they will be unable to sit the test. When considering if you would like your child to complete these tests, you may like to take into consideration that these tests are aimed at challenging and extending students.
Further information will be sent out in Term 2. All tests will occur in September. If you require further information before then, you can contact ICAS directly on 02 8936 2210 or ring the school.
Mrs Dimitra Vezinias, Assistant Principal 
Project Compassion
On Tuesday, two Year 6 leaders Josh and Sommer, attended the diocesan launch for Project Compassion. During the launch Bishop Brian spoke about the importance of almsgiving during the season of Lent and how donating to Project Compassion is a great way to do this. The theme this year is “Give Lent 100%”.
Each family has been given a project compassion box. Families are encouraged to give what they can during Lent. Additionally, in class teachers will be educating students on the work of Project Compassion. For more information please see the Caritas website.
Miss Emily Costello, Religious Education
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Thank you for joining us during Catholic Schools Week celebrations at Holy Cross. Visit this link to have a look at some of our great photos. https://www.facebook.com/
SCHOOL FEE AGREEMENTS
Thank you for returning the School Fee Agreements so promptly. If you are not paying your account within the 30 day period your School Fee Agreement must be completed and returned to the school office. Do not hesitate to contact Brendan Dickinson with any matters pertaining to school fee payments.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NSW - STUDENT CONSENT FORM
A copy of the Catholic Schools NSW consent form for use of Student's Image and/or Work has been sent home with all students today. Please complete this form and return it to the class teacher as soon as possible. A copy can also be downloaded below.
CHANGE OF DETAILS - EMAIL ADDRESS, HOME ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBERS
A reminder to please inform the school of any updates to your email or home address along with phone numbers. In case of an emergency we need to have your correct contact details, thank you for your co-operation.
CONGRATULATIONS RUBY
Ruby from Year 2, was selected to play for the Cronulla Sharks U/8 girls Rep State Cup Touch Football Side at the Junior State Championships in Wagga Wagga.
Ruby was made Vice-Captain of her team at the tournament which ran over 3 days. Ruby’s team were State Cup Winners. Congratulations Ruby, such a great achievement for a young, talented team of girls.
If unavailable to help on fete day, help is needed on Friday, 15 March from
12 midday. Please report to office.
