Dear parents and friends,

At our first Whole School Assembly last Thursday morning, I referenced the importance of our Holy Cross School community. Students, Parents and Families, Staff and the Holy Cross Parish together, make up this community. Building strong connections and partnerships across all of these groups is essential for a thriving school community. Recent examples of building such connections include our Meet and Greets, Beginning of the Year School Mass and presentation of Year 6 Leaders, Open School Twilight event and yesterday's Ash Wednesday Mass. 

Additionally, last Sunday’s Parish Mass was a wonderful opportunity for many staff members to join with school families and parishioners. Father Paul provided a blessing for staff for the year ahead and reinforced the importance of the unique link between school and parish. The staff present were thrilled to see so many of our students at Mass.

CONTINUOUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Next week, Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW), is launching its strategic plan, Lighting The Way 2023+. The foundation of this plan is based on high quality, school-driven improvement that focuses on the integration of faith, learning and wellbeing.

As part of CEDoW’s revised strategic plan, Holy Cross will take part in a Year of Renewal this year that involves participation in a School Cyclic Inquiry (SCI). This process usually takes place every four years and is a unique opportunity for our school community to reflect and celebrate our improvement and growth journey and to identify the major strategic priorities that will further enhance improvement and growth into the future.

SCI is a highly collaborative, school-led inquiry and review process that will require input from all stakeholders including students, parents and parish. Analysis of data and discernment will be crucial in this process and as such we have planned a Staff Development Day on Thursday 6 April. Parents and our community will be kept updated with details of this process throughout this Semester.

2023 ANNUAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Update

Goal 1  By the end of 2023, all students will have deepened their knowledge and understanding of our school’s Catholic values through their increased engagement in scripture and prayer life so that they actively live their faith and live life to the full.

• • Our Staff Meeting this week, focussed on developing shared beliefs and understandings of our Catholic values embedded within scripture. We explored our newly purchased Bibles and increased our knowledge of the background and contexts of the four Gospels

Goal 2   By the end of 2023, all students will achieve learning growth and increased confidence and engagement in Mathematics.

• • Students in Years 2-6 completed the Maths Progressive Achievement Test. This assessment data will be used to identify starting points for learning, target teaching and monitor student learning growth. 

• • A group of five teachers conducted a ‘Learning Walk’ during a Mathematics lesson in K-6 classrooms to collect data on how students were understanding their Maths lesson. A number of students in each class were asked the following questions:

• • What are you learning? Why?

• • How are you going?

• • How do you know?

• • How can you improve?

• • Where do you go if you need help?   

This data will inform future professional learning sessions so that teacher practice is explicit and students are supported.

The Importance of Professional Learning 

Crucial to the impact that our Annual Improvement Plan has on improving students’ faith, learning and wellbeing is rigorous professional learning for our staff. Professional learning that leads to effective teaching that in turn results in improved student learning outcomes is crucial. We have a highly effective professional learning plan for our teachers including staff meetings after school and before school, Staff Development Days, onsite professional learning (half days and whole days) as well as offsite professional learning days. 

I am very conscious that teachers’ participation in professional learning will require them to be away from face to face teaching. I want to stress that continuity of learning for students will remain regardless of who is teaching them. When teachers attend professional learning, they plan the day's work and communicate with the casual teacher regarding the needs of students. With research confirming that teacher quality is the biggest in-school factor responsible for improved student outcomes, professional learning is not a choice. The Professional learning opportunities that staff attended willI continue to be included in each fortnightly newsletter. 

P&F AGM

On Tuesday evening, our 2023 Annual General Meeting P&F meeting was held. Thank you to the parents who attended. At this meeting, the 2023 P&F Executive Committee members were voted in. I am extremely grateful to these parents for their willingness to support our school in this capacity.

President: Mrs Jenny Amadio

Vice President: Mr Chris Eyles

Treasurer: Mrs Melissa McCallum

Secretary: Mrs Merryn Murray

Thank you for your support,

Kaylene Duffin

Have you ever considered having your child Baptised?

If your child is not Baptised and you have been considering this or you would like to find out more about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the leadership team via the school office for a chat, we would love to hear from you.

Scripture Focus

This fortnight our scripture focus comes from Matthew’s Gospel. In the scripture Jesus is reminding us of the most important commandment, to love God followed by loving your neighbours as yourself. During his life Jesus was repeatedly tested but by being a man of integrity he stuck with what his Father had always said. At Holy Cross we work to always show love to God and to each other through our Catholic faith and our daily actions. 

Matthew 22:34-40 

The Greatest Commandment

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

Lent

Yesterday as a Catholic community we observed Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. During Lent we get ready and prepare for the great events of love made by Jesus, his death and resurrection at Easter. Lent is a time of prayer and penance. Christians often fast and avoid eating certain foods during Lent as a way of doing penance. Little acts of giving up something we like but don’t need or trying to be more caring and patient are also an act of penance and preparing for Easter. I encourage you to spend some time this Lenten season to speak about this with your child/ren. 

Bibles

As a part of our Annual Improvement Plan, we put the spotlight on Scripture and how scripture provides all people with a model for being people of integrity, hope, justice and compassion. 

To support this work we have purchased a class set of Catholic Youth Bibles. Not only does this amazing resource include the traditional scriptures but the bibles also make connections to our world today, highlight strong Catholic Women and Men, provide context for each book and provide a detailed glossary. This is a resource I highly recommend for all students and famililes. In coming weeks the P&F will be sharing information on how to purchase this amazing Bble through the school.

Professional Learning

Recent Staff Professional Learning

Research tells us that the quality of the teacher is the greatest in-school influence on student achievement. Therefore high quality professional learning for teachers must be a priority to ensure improved teacher practice that leads to improved student growth. Recent professional learning undertaken by our staff this fortnight includes:

6 February 2023

Lamplighters Spirituality Program Miss Costello & Miss Facci

15 February 2023

Programming Quality & Compliance Mrs Duffin, Mrs Jennett, Miss Costello & Mr Body

17 February 2023

School Cyclic Inquiry Mrs Duffin, Mrs Jennett & Mrs N Baker

22 February 2023

NCCD Meeting Mrs Jennett & Mrs Mitrevski

23 February 2023

New K-2 Syllabus PD Mrs Jennett & Mrs McEntee

School Uniform

Thank you for ensuring your children attend school each day in the correct school uniform. We are grateful for your support in maintaining the high expectations we have regarding uniforms at Holy Cross. Uniform items can be purchased from Claudine’s in Caringbah or via Claudine's website https://www.claudineschoolwear.com.au/

This year we are introducing an optional unisex ½ zip Polar Fleece Jumper with the school logo. These jumpers may be worn under the Holy Cross Softshell Jacket or Sports Jacket on cold days or by itself with the winter or summer uniform. These are currently available through Claudine’s website for pre order and will be available in approximately 3-4 weeks. 

This winter, all girls also have the option of wearing long grey trousers. There are two options; girls zip trousers or elasticised trousers which are the same as the boys. All students wearing trousers will wear the blue long sleeve shirt with pointed collar and the long school tie.

IMPORTANT Please note that the girls’ long sleeve sky blue shirt with peter pan collar will be phased out by 2025. The school blue, long sleeve shirt with pointed collar (the same as the boys) is to be worn under the girls’ winter tunic and therefore should be purchased when buying a new long sleeve shirt. 

Claudines will set up a pop up shop in the school library on Thursday 23 March from 2.15pm. This will be an opportunity for parents to view winter uniform items, try on and purchase on the day. More details to follow.

Please find the Holy Cross School Uniform Policy attached.

Recent Resources Purchased

To support our learning and teaching programs, we have recently purchased the following resources:

Maths - Approximately $6000 spent on quality Maths resources for Measurement and Geometry. Thank you to Mr Body for organising these…

3D Printer - We are extremely excited about our purchase of a 3D Printer. This Printer will be used in Semester 1 to support our students’ participation in STEM Mad (https://stemnational.cna.catholic.edu.au/) and Makability (https://www.makeablechallenge.com/)

Competitions. We cannot wait to share the innovations and designs our students come up with! Thank you to Mrs Mitrevski for organising this.

Same on the Inside - Different on the outside Guest Speaker

On Monday Maree Jenner came to our school. She talked to the students about her life and how she could do things when they were challenging. She showed us other people who have achondroplasia or dawarfism, and what their problems were in their lives. I am so glad that she came to share her story.  All of our students learned a lot and wil now be able to make the world a better place.

LIBRARY NEWS

LIBRARY WARRIORS

Who are they?

Library Warriors are students who give up their time to help out in the Library on Fridays. They assist me with a range of tasks from collecting the returned Library books before school, sorting the books into their Collections, shelving the books, and looking after the shelves making sure they are ordered and kept tidy. These students assist before school and at Lunch 2 and are invaluable to the upkeep of our Library – I certainly cannot do it all without them and I very much appreciate their help.

Being totally voluntary, we have many students from Kinder to Year 6 who come to help out each week – however there is a core group of students who come every Friday, and these students have been given a Collection to be responsible for – a role they take very seriously. Each newsletter I will introduce you to one of our long term Library Warriors.

Introducing…Pippa (Year 6)

 

What section are you responsible for?

Senior Fiction and Senior Fiction series

 

What is your favourite book?

 I love fantasy - The School For Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani is one of my favourites.

 

What do you love about being a Library Warrior?

Spending time in the Library – I love being in my own space and discovering new books.

 

What is your favourite Library task?

I really like getting together with the other Warriors.

GENTLE REMINDERS…

• Our school expectations are that every child borrows each week (or reborrows if they haven’t finished their book).
• Library day is FRIDAY for all students.
• Students are expected to bring their Holy Cross Library Bag every Friday – these bags are designed to be sturdy and waterproof to protect the books. If your child has misplaced their Library Bag, they may bring an alternative bag.

Happy reading everyone!

ENROLMENTS

We are currently accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2024. If you son/daughter will be starting school next year, please collect an enrolment form from the school office or download one from our school website. If you know of anyone who is interested in enrolling their child, please advise them to contact our school office. 

Enrolment forms may be collected from the school office or via the school Website 

https://www.hchdow.catholic.edu.au/

Holy Spirit College, Bellambi is currently accepting enrolments for students who will begin Year 7 in 2024 and 2025. Please note that enrolment applications will need to be received by the college by Thursday 6 April, 2023 for families who wish to secure a position. Please find information below from the College.

PUPIL FREE DAYS

We have now allocated all seven Pupil Free Days for 2023:

Term 1, 2023

• Pupil Free Days - 27 & 30 January 2023
• Pupil Free Day - Thursday 6 April 2023
• 5 April - Last day of Term 1 (Wednesday) 

Term 2, 2023

• Pupil Free Day- 24 April (Monday)
• 26 April - First day of Term 2 (Wednesday) 
• 30 June - Last day of Term 2 (Friday) 

Term 3, 2023

• 17 July - First day of Term 3 (Monday) 
• Pupil Free Day -  18 August (Friday)
• 22 September - Last day of Term 3 (Friday)

Term 4, 2023

• 9 October - First day of Term 4 (Monday) 
• 15 December - Last day of Term 4 (Friday)
• 18 December - Pupil Free Day (Monday)
• 19 December - Pupil Free Day (Tuesday)

Catholic Care Counsellor

Please note that Doreen, our Catholic School Counsellor, will be on leave from Thursday 2 March to the end of the term. During this time, another Catholic Care counsellor will be available. 

2023 Swimming Carnival Presentation

The students who attended our 2023 Swimming Carnival (held in Dec 2022) were presented with ribbons and awards at a special assembly in Week 3. Congratulations to all students who received a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbon for competing in their chosen events. 

A special congratulations to the following students who were awarded age champions!

Junior Boy Champion- Nate

2nd- Rustin and Jesse

3rd- Max

Junior Girl Champion- Vida

2nd- Elsa

3rd- Patti, Sophie, Emma and Hannah

11 Year Boy Age Champion- Eddie

2nd- Aiden

3rd- Amos

11 Year Girl Age Champion- Mikaela

2nd- Isabella A

3rd- Evelyn K

Senior Boy Age Champion- Oliver M

2nd-Tom

Senior Girl Age Champion- Leni

2nd- Mia A

3rd- Keira

Well done to BLUE HOUSE for scoring the most points and winning the House Trophy for 2023!

A team of swimmers were selected from this carnival to attend the South Coast Swimming Carnival to be held at Corrimal Pool on Tuesday 7th March. We wish all these students the best of luck! I'm sure they will represent Holy Cross with Pride and Integrity!

South Coast Swimming Preparation

The Holy Cross South Coast Swimming representatives have been preparing for the carnival on Tuesday 7 March. Each Thursday the squad has been meeting Mrs Jennett, Mrs Baker and Mr Whitehall at Helensburgh Pool to prepare for this event. We are proud of their attendance and enthusiasm at these sessions!

MacKillop Touch Trials

On Wednesday 15th February, the MacKillop Touch Football Trials were held in Yass. Ruby from year 6, who was selected to play for the Wollongong Diocese attended the trial and was selected in the MacKillop team for 2023! Ruby demonstrated outstanding talent and skill. We congratulate Ruby on this achievement.

AFL Diocesan Representatives

The School Cross Country Carnival is fast approaching!

Would your child like to get some practice in before the day? We’d love to have them come to our running club, Friday mornings before school at either the Duck Pond or Rex Jackson oval. 

We already have a great little bunch of kids that come along to run either 1km or 2km. All ages and running abilities welcome.

Check out our Facebook Page for more information and details

https://www.facebook.com/hcrunningclub

Welcome to Captain’s Corner! Each fortnight, we will be sharing stories, learning and events from the perspective of the students at Holy Cross. We hope you enjoy!

Yulunga Garden

Holy Cross is a vibrant community with areas to learn, live and love. Learning — meaning in-class engagement with tasks, Live — meaning social outdoors interactions and Love — meaning education in our Catholic faith. However, Holy Cross has included all three of those elements of our school to create an outdoor experience for learning, faith and nature experiences. Yulunga Garden is a mindful area located on the far side of the Top Playground. Unfortunately, the wooden table and other parts of Yulunga had rotten over time so Mrs Duffin (and a handful of students) put their heads together to recreate the space to what it is today. Over the holidays, Yulunga was renovated into a yarning circle for reading, talking and/or reflection for classes and individuals. 

The Yulunga garden has different varieties of plants including Kangaroo Paws, Grevilleas and Adenanthos (Woolly Bush). These native Australian plants give colour, character and beauty to the yarning circle. Shade and smells from the native plants give a true Australian context for students and teachers who meet there. Native plants represent an important part of the Australian landscape that has always played a role in Aboriginal culture. The plants help it make a place where everyone has the job to look after the surroundings and reflect, chat or admire the wonders of Yulunga garden.

It’s no secret that Holy Cross’ playground can be quite the crazy, dynamic type. This is from soaring balls, impressive flips on the ropes to anything as simple as long engaging conversations. All of these are either done underneath the cola, astro turf, the grass area or the adventure playground. Thanks to the work of various teachers and back and forth suggestions from students, Holy Cross has completely reopened Yalunga garden with its inviting yarning circle as a huge new addition to the playground! The yarning circle consists of 15 sandstone rectangular prisms placed in the form of a circle. The phrase ‘yarn’ is one used by Indigenous peoples, where a collective group of people collaborate in a creative and harmonious way to preserve cultural knowledge as well as build a respectful relationship with each other. It is without doubt a beautiful place to engage in conversation and class lessons. 

Holy Cross is set on Dharawal land. In this school, everyone has been taught to acknowledge and respect Indigenous culture. This is because not only do many of our students have Indigenous heritage, but also because if it weren’t for those people before us, we wouldn’t be here today. Indigenous people have taught us many things and we must appreciate it - hence learning the Dharawal version of the first verse of our national anthem, which we sing at assemblies, accompanied by the Acknowledgement of Country. Yulunga Garden was given its name as ‘Yulunga’ means ‘welcome’ in Dharawal. We hope our newly renovated space lets us connect and reflect upon nature and the Dharawal people!

By Bella, Oliver R, Joseph and Mia G (Year 6).

Oztag State Cup

Spotted! 4 Holy Cross students playing Oztag at the 2023 Oztag State Cup, representing the Heathcote Blackhawks. This was played in Penrith on the 11th and 12th February, in 36 degree heat! Well done to Max (Year 3) who played in the 9s team and to Nate, Lachlan and Jesse from Year 4 who played for the 10s. An achievement playing at this high level! 

Illawarra Baseball Representative 

Congratulations to Harry in Year 4 who was recently selected to play for the Illawarra Junior Baseball League team, the Ironbirds. We wish him all the best at the upcoming Rookie cup this weekend!

Dance Queen - Leni!!

Last weekend, Leni (Yr 2) competed at Get The Beat dance competition. She came 2nd place in both her routines and received a double platinum score which means she qualified to compete at Nationals in QLD later in the year.

We are very proud and excited for her!!

Touch Footy NSW State Champion

Over the weekend, Ruby from Year 6 played Touch Football at Wagga for her representative team, The Sharks, in scorching temperatures to come away with the title of Champions! What another incredible achievement for her!

We love learning about the ‘out of school’ experiences and achievements of our students! Please email us a photo and a blurb about your child’s recent achievements so that we can add them to our newsletter!!