Dear Parents,

Welcome back to another busy term for your children. During the holidays we celebrated Easter which is the most significant time in the church year. The Easter season actually runs until Pentecost. Easter is the great celebration of Jesus’ power over death. This can be difficult at times for our children to fully understand, actually it can be difficult for many adults to understand but if we related it to our suffering and adversity it can make more sense. We have all had times in our lives where we feel as though things will never get better or easier, it is these times that I relate to Good Friday. Most times, things do get better and easier, this feeling I relate to Easter Sunday.

On 25 April, ANZAC Day, many students from our school attended the dawn service dressed in their full school uniform. I was particularly proud of the students and the reverent way in which they participated. I would like to personally thank the parents who accompanied their children to the service.  We again stopped at our assembly last week and gave thanks for the service men and women who have and continue to serve our country, which enables us to enjoy all the freedoms Australia has to offer.  Congratulations to Flyn in Year 6 who was awarded the ANZAC medal for demonstrating courage and bravery.  We are all very proud of you Flyn.

Mothers’ Day

I hope all of our mothers enjoy a fantastic day this Sunday. Our Kindergarten students shared their ideas about their mums at Assembly yesterday and we were able to stop as a community today and give thanks for all of our mothers and for all that they do for us. I hope you are all spoilt on the weekend!

Cross Country

On Tuesday our team of champion runners ventured to Nowra for the Diocesan Cross Country carnival. The track is extremely difficult and we are very proud of our team. Mr Body attended with our team and he was particularly proud of the effort, support and behaviour of our students. A huge congratulations to Luca from Year 6 and Ruby from Year 2 who were successful in being selected in our Diocesan team to compete at Eastern Creek later in the term.

Kindergarten 2020 Enrolments

The enrolment process has begun for Kindergarten 2020. It is hard to believe another year has passed and we will soon begin interviews for places in 2020. If you have a child beginning school next year, please ensure your application is lodged at the school office as soon as possible. Enrolment forms for Kindergarten 2020 are available from the school office or from our Website.

Winter Uniform

All students are asked to return to school on Monday 13 May, in their full winter school uniform.

Principal Appraisal

Earlier this week you should have received information about my Principal Appraisal. As part of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Principal Professional Development Planning and Review Process, an Appraisal occurs for each Principal every four years of their contract. This provides system and community accountability that is aligned with the School and Improvement process, focusing on the Principal’s leadership achievements and strengths, as well as identify areas for growth and development and future directions. As part of this process parents are asked to complete a survey. The survey can be completed by following the link below or a hard copy may be collected from the school office. All surveys need to be complete by 7 June.

NAPLAN

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.

Starting on 14 May, 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 questions or concerns about NAPLAN, please be sure to see your child’s class teacher or feel free to give me a call via the school office.

For more info:

• How to support your child during NAPLAN
• Information for parents and carers
• Watch a video that explains NAPLAN Online
• Subscribe to ACARA’s monthly parent newsletter, Parent Update

SACRAMENT DATES FOR 2019 - YEAR 3 & YEAR 6 STUDENTS

Please see dates below for Sacraments being made this year:

Year 3 students 

First Reconciliation - Tuesday 21 May @ 7pm   * Note new time

First Holy Communion - Sunday 23 June @ 8:30am

Year 6 Students

Parent Confirmation Meeting - Tuesday 2 July @ 6pm

Confirmation - Sunday 11 August @ 8:30am                                                      

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Year 3 & Year 4 hosting Sunday Mass - 2 June @ 8:30am

Pentecost Liturgy - 11 June @ 9.15am

SCHOOL FEES

Fee Statements have been sent home this week.  Thank you for your prompt payment and commitment to the Fee Agreement.  A reminder that Bpay is the preferred payment method with EFTPOS facilities available at the office.  Contact the Principal via the office if you have any concerns regarding your fees.

STUDENT NEWS

DA VINCI DECATHLON

On Wednesday 8 May, eight Year 6 students competed in the Illawarra Regional da Vinci Decathlon at the Illawarra Christian School, Cordeaux Heights.  The Illawarra Grammar School and Illawarra Christian School have partnered with Knox Grammar School’s da Vinci Program to offer an exciting regional “Decathlon with a Difference”. The da Vinci Decathlon is an interschool gala day that is conducted in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon with each team competing in ten academic disciplines.  

The Theme for the 2019 da Vinci Decathlon is…  Balance

The Holy Cross Year 6 team of eight students competed in ten disciplines:

Mathematics, English, Science, Code Breaking, Engineering Challenge, Ideation, Creative Producers, Art and Poetry, Cartography & General Knowledge.

All the tasks in the da Vinci Decathlon emphasise higher order thinking skills, assisting students to develop their abilities in analysis, synthesis and creativity. Students have been working on sample questions with Mrs Lucy Barbuto.

Congratulations to our team on finishing 3rd Place in Cartography!

MATHS OLYMPIAD

This year a group of Stage 3 students were selected to participate in the Maths Olympiad in the Junior Division. These students will be given the opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and understanding to the test by competing alongside thousands of others around Australia and NZ in this year's problem solving competition. This will also provide the students with a great opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work mathematically, as well as their communication and reasoning skills.

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.

Good luck to all the students participating in this exciting learning opportunity that develops valuable maths problem solving skills and an appreciation of mathematics.

Mrs Natalie Baker & Mrs Lucy Barbuto

P&F EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Thank you Mrs Catherine Godfrey for accepting the role of P&F Treasurer.  The following generous volunteers make up our new P&F Executive team:

Mrs Lorraine Ashley - President;         Mrs Jennifer Amadio - Vice President;

Mrs Kathryn Godfrey - Treasurer;       Mrs Michelle McKinnon - Secretary     

MOTHER'S DAY STALL

Thank you for supporting our Mother's Day stall and raffle.  If you forgot to send in the cash today for your gift, just send it into the office on Monday.  Happy Mother's Day to all our the special women in our lives.

SAVE THE DATE ......

HOLY CROSS ANNUAL BALL - FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER, 2019

This year we are mixing things up a little and changing the venue.  Save the date and start organising your table of friends.  More details coming shortly.

MOTHER'S DAY BREAKFAST  & OPEN CLASSROOMS AT HOLY CROSS