Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It has been an exciting and highly enjoyable term at Holy Cross. Congratulations to all of our students on a great start to the 2019 year. You have all settled into learning with enthusiasm and energy.

Over the past weeks I have observed that we have so much to be thankful for in this school community at Holy Cross. I have experienced –

• The warmth and welcoming from our parent community
  
  
• A committed and professional staff in our teachers and support personnel
  
  
• Students who take great pride in the way they contribute to their school
  
  
• A school community that values Catholic Education and what it offers students as part of a lifelong journey

Staff look forward to establishing relationships and working in close partnership with parents. As the first educators of their child, parents know and understand their child so well. It is important for teachers to find out pertinent information that will assist them in supporting the students to grow spiritually, socially, and academically. At Holy Cross, teachers nurture the growth of each individual to support each child in reaching their full potential.

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.

Cross Country

A reminder that the school, Cross Country Carnival will take place on-site at Holy Cross on Tuesday, 9 April starting at 9.30am. All parents and grandparents are warmly invited to come along and cheer on the children.

Friday Fun Day at Holy Cross

Just a reminder that on Friday all students at Holy Cross will participate in formal Library, Physical Education/Sport and Music/Drama lessons. Children will need to ensure that they have their library bags for borrowing and wear their sports uniform. Many of our students are now calling Friday ‘fun day’.

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.

• 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.

Student’s Books

I hope students taking their books home last week has been a positive experience where together you can share in the learning that has taken place over this first term.

Please remember that not all work results in written bookwork. Students are engaged in collaborative group activities, oral reporting, use of technology, etc. If you have any questions or concerns, please make an appointment with your child’s teacher.

NAPLAN Online Practice Test

Students in Years 3 & 5 have completed a NAPLAN Online Practice Test this week. No results will be received for this test. The aim is to ensure all equipment is ready to go and students have the opportunity to see how questions are being asked and the various ways they will be expected to answer.

If you have any concerns or questions about NAPLAN please be sure to make an appointment with your child's teacher or feel free to make a time to come and see myself. More information under NAPLAN further down in this newsletter.

Japanese Students visit Holy Cross

Last Monday two students from Japan visited Holy Cross and spent the day in Year 2. This experience provided our students with a cultural opportunity. We wish them a safe flight and hope to see Karen and Harry (Mia Gagen’s cousins) return to Holy Cross.

University of Wollongong Pre-Service Teachers

Every Thursday for the next eight weeks (Term 2) we welcome Mr Kevin Powers, Mr Caelan Dixon and Miss Shantel Dalgarno. They are currently in their 2nd Year Primary Education at Wollongong University. We welcome them to our Holy Cross School community.

Uniform

A big thankyou to all of our families who are maintianing a high standard with our school uniform. Please keep in mind that students are requried 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.

Students Return to School Monday, 29 April 2019

World Autism Awareness Day

The commencement of Autism Awareness Month in Australia began on Tuesday 2 April. World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism and others living with autism face every day. On this day, landmarks and iconic buildings across Australia and the world turned their lights blue in recognition of people living with Autism. 'Go Blue in April' aims to help increase understanding and acceptance for people of all ages living with ASD and their families. World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and engagement in our school community, particularly during this time of Lent when we are called to strengthen our relationship with Jesus through prayer, sacrifice, serve and support.

Wishing you a great weekend,

Mrs Dimitra Vezinias
Acting Principal

SACRAMENT DATES 2019 - YEAR 3 & YEAR 6 STUDENTS

In 2019 students in Year 3 are invited to make their Frist Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Students in Year 6 who have made their Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Sacraments are invited to make their Confirmation.

Please see dates for sacraments:

Stations of the Cross

Please join us for the Stations of the Cross at school on Thursday 11 April at 9:15am

Miss Emily Costello
Religious Education Co-ordinator

NAPLAN assesses Literacy and Numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. In 2019 our school will participate in NAPLAN Online.

Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the public demonstration site.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher. Please click on the attached PDF link for more information.

Mr Jeff Bǒdy
Middle Leader

STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL MONDAY 29 APRIL 2019

FETE STUDENT ARTWORKS

This is the last opportunity to purchase your child's artwork from the fete.  They can be collected for $5 each from the office by the end of term.

CONSENT FORM FOR USE OF STUDENT’S IMAGE AND/OR WORK