Dear Partners,

It is great to be back with you for the rest of term.

On a recent trip to South Australia I was struck by a sense of personal positivity. 

I initially thought that this sensation resulted from the fact that I had extended the long weekend by a day and so, was excited by the prospect of time away.  Upon reflection and after discussing with my husband, who was having similar feelings, we came to this realisation; our sense of positivity was the result of human encounter.   In the street, in hotels and restaurants, and in various shops, people were constantly smiling at us and engaging in simple greetings and acknowledgements.

I was reminded of Peter Mitchell who developed “Making Jesus Real” (MJR).  MJR is a teaching resource initially developed for Tasmanian Catholic Schools and now the centrepiece of many school philosophies across Australia.  Peter built MJR for students to enhance their encounter with Jesus in everyday life. He underpins MJR with the notion of finding “God Moments” in our daily journey.  Peter calls for nightly reflection on moments of wonder and awe in nature and creation, he challenges you to find the wisdom, beauty and love in the human encounters that come your way each day. 

MJR hangs on the importance of that short evening reflection where the “God Moments” are recalled and thanks are offered.  Another of Peter’s fundamental tenets is that “the little things are the big things”, a core value that the smiles and greetings in South Australia reminded me of.   Eye contact, using someone’s name, enquiring about how you are going and waiting for the response ...making Jesus real.

I encourage you to enjoy the wonder often hidden in the little things.  I challenge you to find the “God Moments” in your day as you simultaneously create “God Moments” for those you encounter. 

On the subject of “God Moments”, beautiful human encounters abounded during the Kindergarten Orientation last Friday.  It was great to engage with our 2020 kindies, all bright eyed and bushy-tailed. Thank you to Mrs Vezinias, Miss Costello, Mrs Bartholomeusz, Mrs Cardamone, and their team of helpers who made everyone feel welcome and informed about our wonderful community.

Have a great weekend and thanks again for your warm welcome (it was a “God Moment” for me!).  

Mrs Kerrin Cronin

Acting Principal

St Vinnies Christmas Appeal

St Vinnies are asking for your help again 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 Friday, 13 December.

Kindergarten - Spreads – vegemite, peanut butter jam, honey
Year 1 - Tinned fruit, custard, summer desserts, Christmas cakes/puddings
Year 2 - Soft drinks, cordial
Year 3 - Salad Mixers – mayonnaise, salad dressing, beetroot, tinned vegetables, pasta, rice
Year 4 - Tea, coffee, milo, poppers,
Year 5 - Sweet biscuits, shortbread, lollies/chocolates
Year 6 - Savoury biscuits, chips, nuts

There is no restriction on how much you would like to give. Thank you for your generosity.

Holy Cross Parish Giving Tree

Each year the Parish of Holy Cross supports the St Vincent de Paul Society by giving gifts to those in need – people who are poor and without family. If you would like to bring joy to their lives this Christmas please buy a gift.

Gift tags are available from the Giving Tree located in the Church or from a basket in the school office foyer. When wrapping your gift please place it in an unsealed gift bag. This assists with making sure gifts are given to the most appropriate person.

Thank you

Miss Emily Costello, Religious Education Co-ordinator

2020 School Fees

After careful consideration and consultation, Bishop Mascord has approved the following fees for 2020:

Tuition Fees:  $1678 per family for the year

SEDSO (Parish School Enhancement & Debt Servicing Obligation):

$1025 per family per for the year

Resource Fees:  $180 per student

Please note that Excursion Fees for 2020 will appear on your fee statements that will be sent out from the CEO in the new year.

Work Experience Students

There will be six students from St John Bosco College at school from 25 to 29 November. We welcome Lexi, Max, Tahlia, Jemma, Kailee and Jack to our Holy Cross Catholic School.

Diocese of Wollongong Sports Council - Sports Awards Night

Last Friday 15 November, Luca Beattie received a Primary Sports Council Medallion in recognition of his tremendous sporting achievements this year at the Diocese of Wollongong Sports Council Awards night.  Luca has represented the diocese in Soccer and Cross-Country. Due to his performance when representing the diocese he was also selected in the MacKillop Soccer Team. To be nominated for this award nominees were not only required to be outstanding athletes but also diligent leaders on and off the sporting field, qualities that Luca displays daily at Holy Cross. Congratulations Luca, we are very proud of you! 

Local History Primary School Prize Presentation

Wollongong Library offered a ‘Local History Prize’ competition to Primary School students for the first time this year. It was exciting to receive 34 entries from students from seven different local schools, ranging from Helensburgh to Port Kembla and Dapto.

On Wednesday 13 November, Sommer in Year 6 attended the presentation by invitation where the top five entries were announced. I am very proud to announce that Sommer was awarded Highly Commended. Congratulations Sommer!

All the entries will be on display in the library for you to see for the following four weeks. The entries will also be compiled into a book and added to Local Studies collection.

University of NSW International Competitions and Assessments for Schools

ICAS English Achievement Awards 2019

This year, twelve Holy Cross students participated in the 2019 ICAS English Competition through the University of NSW. Congratulations to all the students who participated.

DISTINCTION

Mia - Year 2

CREDIT

Thomas - Year 2
Isabella - Year 2
Joseph  - Year 2
Scarlett - Year 2
Alex - Year 5
Robbie - Year 6

MERIT

Ella - Year 2
Nevra -  Year 2

PARTICIPATION

Lenny - Year 4
Jack - Year 5
Jacob - Year 6

ICAS Writing Achievement Awards 2019

This year, four Holy Cross students participated in the 2019 ICAS Writing Competition through the University of NSW.  Congratulations to all the students who participated.

DISTINCTION

Lenny - Year 4

PARTICIPATION

Jack - Year 5
Jacob - Year 6
Robbie - Year 6

MUFTI DAY - THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2019

Students are invited to wear mufti clothing on Thursday 28 November 2019 in return for a gold coin donation to go towards our 2020 Fete.  A reminder to wear closed in shoes and wear a hat.

BUDDY BENCHES