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Dear parents and friends of Holy Cross,
On Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit 50 days after the Resurrection. The presence and works of the Holy Spirit within us has been a focus at school over the past few weeks. I came across this excerpt from the recent issue of Australian Catholics that resonates with our message of the Holy Spirit:
The Spirit is with us when we are compelled beyond complacency; when we get out of our own way to do something for someone else or to sign on for a cause that matters. The Spirit is that moving force, the insistent whisper, the part of us that cannot say no. It’s the Godly get-up-and-go that moves our lives.
Ann Rennie
Jesus sends his Spirit to remind us of God’s love for each human being and to help us live and to love as he did. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is central to thinking about human rights. This is because recognising the dignity of each human being whom God loves drives us to do what is right. Over the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to witness the Holy Spirit move within our students and community as we launch our Winter Appeal together in partnership with the Helensburgh St Vincent De Paul Conference and are compelled to look outside of ourselves to those more vulnerable.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
God Bless,
Kaylene
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
This winter as a school community, we are working to support the great work done by the Helensburgh St Vincent de Paul society to help locals in need. To help out we are asking you, from Week 8, to donate non-perishable food items to make up winter hampers. In order for Vinnies to create as many winter food hampers as possible, items have been split throughout the school. In each classroom a basket will be located near the prayer space for donations.
Kinder - Tinned soup
Year 1 - Spreads such as vegemite, jam , honey etc
Year 2 - Breakfast items such as porridge, cereal etc
Year 3 - Tea, coffee, milk etc
Year 4 - Tinned spaghetti, baked beans or any 'on-toast' foods etc
Year 5 - Dessert mixes such as pancake mix, golden syrup etc
Year 6 - Packet of casserole foods such as pasta, rice or a jar of sauce etc.
Additionally, on Thursday 23 June we will have a share the winter warmth day. Students can wear scarfs, beanies, gloves and warm socks with their school uniform. This is in return for the donations that have been received.
First Holy Communion
On June 19, students in Year Three will be making their first Holy Communion. We would like to keep these students in our prayers as they prepare for this very important time in their faith journey. Thank you to their families for their support and Mrs Rowles for all she has done in the lead up to the day.
All families are invited to join in the First Holy Communion celebration on Sunday 19 June 10am at Holy Cross Church.
Staff Development Days/Pupil Free Days
As you would be aware, all schools are given Staff Development Days throughout the year to focus on Spirituality or Curriculum. This year, all schools were recently awarded an extra Staff Development Day.
Please note the dates for the remaining Staff Development Days/Pupil Free Days.
Monday 5 September (Week 8, Term 3)
Monday 19 December (final day of Term 4).
This means the final day for students in 2022 will be Friday 16 December which is also our Christmas Concert.
Assemblies
Our next school assembly will be held on Tuesday 14 June at 2.20pm. At this assembly we will be launching our Vinnies Winter Appeal and announcing our Athletic Carnival winners and Write ON Competition winners. Everyone is welcome.
Dance-A-Thon and Crazy Hair Day
Thank you to everyone for seeking sponsorship to support our Dance-A-Thon held last Friday. Our community raised $3,258.40, this is an incredible effort and we are so grateful. This money will go towards purchasing Guided and Home Readers in Kindergarten - Years 2 and Literature Circle texts for use in Yrs 3-6. Last Friday was another uplifting community event - we all had so much fun…bring on the P&F Disco on Friday 24 June!
National Religious Education Symposium
Next Thursday 16 and Friday 17 June, Mrs Duffin, Mrs Jennett and Miss Costello will be attending the National RE Symposium. This year’s symposium will examine the use of scripture: how can we better utilise scripture as a transformative agent in the classroom and amongst the wider school community and how can we better teach scripture. This learning will support our focus on Mission and help students identify the mission moments in scripture so that we can follow in these footsteps. Mrs Susan Bates will be relieving Principal on these days.
University of Wollongong Pre Service Teachers
Over the next three weeks, we welcome four preservice teachers from the University of Wollongong. They will be spending time in a range of classrooms as part of their teacher training.
Camp Australia
A reminder to ensure you book early for placements into Camp Australia. This will ensure the student-teacher ratio can be met and avoid disappointment when bookings close. Also, if you have booked and no longer need the booking due to sickness for example, please advise Camp Australia as soon as possible so they can open up further bookings.
Opal Cards
A reminder that Opal Cards must be used when travelling to and from school on the bus.
Recent Staff Professional Learning
This term, there has been limited Professional Learning for staff due to CEDoW balancing continuity of learning for students together with staff shortages due to illness. However, please find the Professional Learning that our staff have been engaged with.
31 May - Continuous Catholic School Improvement Colloquium
Mrs Duffin and Mrs Jennett
2 June - CEDoW Reading Position Paper
Mrs Duffin
6 June - Principal’s Business Meeting
Mrs Duffin
8 June - Work, Health & Safety Committee Planning Day
Mrs Duffin, Mrs Jennett, Mrs Rowles, Mrs Timmins, Mrs Maguire, Mrs Phillipson (CEO)
9 June
Gender Equity Committee Meeting
Mrs Jennett
World Environment Day Liturgy
Upcoming Events
All of our upcoming events can be found on the parent calendar. The calendar can be accessed from our School Website, https://www.hchdow.catholic.edu.au/news-and-events/
2ND HAND UNIFORM SHOP
Monday, 20 June 8.45am - 9.30am
All second hand uniforms are $5 each (Cash Only)
MacKillop Trials Cross Country
Congratulations to our Wollongong Diocesan representatives, Eddie (Multiclass) and Jesse (8/9 yrs) who competed in the MacKillop Cross Country Trials at Eastern Creek on Tuesday. Both boys finished 2nd Place and will now represent MacKillop at the NSW Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek on 22 July.
Unfortunately, Emma M was unable to compete due to illness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Emma who had trained extremely hard for this event. We also acknowledge and extend our gratitude to Mrs Natalie Baker who has been coaching many of our cross country runners for the past few months. This training has obviously paid off!
Pie Drive
Pie Drive
Do you feel like something yummy to warm you up on these cold winter's days? Then check out the delicious options from Loftus Pies: from steak and potato to chicken and vegie or even a family sized sausage roll. If sweet treats are more your style how about a scrumptious apple pie or crumble?
Orders for the pie drive close Tuesday 14 June, so get your orders in now!
(See order form attached)
Disco
For the first time since 2019 the P&F will be holding a school Disco on Friday 24 June on the school grounds. Full details in flyer below.
The P & F are currently looking for helpers to assist on the night. We need 8 helpers for each time slot to assist with entry, BBQ, glow stall and supervision. Please get in contact with us via the P&F Facebook page or through the school office.