COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

RECONCILIATION

Congratulations to the Year 3 students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Tuesday.   Preparation for sacraments is family-focused, parish-based and Catholic school supported.  Thanks to Mrs Henderson for helping to prepare the students and also to Fr Bona, Parish Catechists and visiting priests.

COLLEGE COMMUNITY MEETING

On behalf of the Marco Pasalich, Chairperson of the College Board, and Susan Sorenson, President of Friends of Holy Cross, I invite you to attend the AGMs of these two important groups on Tuesday 1 December.  The gathering will start with wine and cheese at 5.30pm, followed by the AGMs at 6.30pm.  The 2016 budget and College fees will be presented at the Board AGM.

GOOD NEWS - CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

This week we received notification that our application for  an Australian Government Capital Grant for Stage 5 of our Capital Development Plan has been approved.  We will receive $3 450 000 toward the project.  The additional funding will come from a low interest loan and school contribution.  Stage 5 includes the Junior School learning centre for Years 2 -5, Performing Arts facilities and an undercover area. The project will go to tender next year.  The Junior School will be completed for the beginning of the 2017 school year and the remainder of the project will be completed during 2017.  We are in the final design stage of this section of our Capital Development Plan.  The finished product will see the addition of some outstanding facilities.  Some Year 3 students had the opportunity to contribute to the project last week, as they gave input into the design of the play areas. 

GRATITUDE MASS

Parents and family members are invited to join us for the Gratitude Mass on Wednesday 9.00am in the Parish Church.  This is an opportunity of us to come together as a College community to give thanks for the many blessings we have received this year.  

END OF YEAR

Students finish school on Friday 11 December.  Parents are invited to join us for the College Assembly commencing at 9.15am.  Students will return to classes after the assembly and school finishes at the usual time.

M.Connor

30 November 2015

CHOIR PERFORMS AT HOSPITAL OPENING

Today the College Choir sang at the Blessing and  Opening of St John of God Public Hospital in Midland. It was a significant event and the College was very pleased to be involved in a ceremony which marked the beginning of a new era for health care in the Swan Valley.  The Choir, which included students from Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, gave an excellence performance.  Thanks to Mr McRae for his work with the Choir and Mr Muller and Mrs Azzopardi for their support. 

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Please keep Year 3 students in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday.

STAFFING

Next week we will farewell Ms Jayne McNae.  Ms McNae has made a significant contribution to Holy Cross College in the roles of Year 7 Team Leader and Learning Enrichment Coordinator.   I wish her all the best for her return to New Zealand and thank her for her contribution to Holy Cross College during these years of growth.

JUNIOR SCHOOL TRANSITION

On Tuesday Junior School students will have a morning of transition in their 2016 class. Students who will be joining the College in Pre-primary to Year 4 in 2016 will join us for the transition morning.

COLLEGE COMMUNITY MEETING

The College community meeting will take place on Tuesday 1 December.  This will include the Annual General Meetings for the  College Board and Friends of Holy Cross. The meetings will commence at 6:30pm following the Friends Of Holy Cross Wine and Cheese function which commences at 5:30pm.  The 2016 budget, including 2016 school fees will be tabled.  

 

The College is seeking competent and dedicated people to serve as Board members. If you have an interest in the welfare of the students and staff and are eager to promote Catholic schooling,  you may see membership of the College Board as a means of giving valuable service to the College community. Though all Board members should bring to the Board their own contribution to its work, the most important skill required is the ability to work cooperatively and constructively with all other members of the Board. Board members, of course, must be willing and able to give their time. A letter was sent home last week regarding the meetings and calling for nominations.  If you would,like any more information, please contact me through the College Office.

HOUSE LUNCH

On  Wednesday 25 November  Middle and Senior School students  will have lunch with their Junior school House buddies.  Students from PP - Year 3 and Middle and Senior School students who have a buddy role should wear their House shirts on Wednesday.

A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION

Last week the College celebrated its  Annual Celebration Night.  The evening started with a liturgy focusing on the life of Sr Irene McCormcak, who has been our patron focus for 2015.  We were very privileged to have Bernadette McCormack. sister of Irene as our special guest on the evening.   We were also very pleased to welcome representatives from the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Sisters of Mercy and Benedictine Community of new Norcia. The evening included speeches, award presentations and entertainment.  Congratulations to Danielle Jacobs who received the Oscar Romero Medal, James Evans - College Dux, Cameron Miles - Runner-up Dux and Caleb Portellii - Excellence in Vocational Education.  It was wonderful to see our first Year 7 students receive their Graduation Certificates.  Anther highlight of the evening was the presentation of Student Leaders for 2016.  Congratulations to College Captains Lauren Ford and Max Hughes

Thanks to staff and students who assisted with the organisation of Annual Celebration Night.  A special thank you to Mrs Walmsley, Miss Kendrick and other staff and students involved in the prayerful and moving liturgy. Thanks to Mr Collins for coordinating the event and to Mr McRae for coordinating the musical items.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME

Our Year 3 students are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  On Wednesday they participated in a Retreat with other students from the Parish who are also on this important journey.  Thanks to Miss Croswell and Miss Henderson for supporting the students in their preparation for this Sacrament.

WELCOME TO 2016 STUDENTS AND PARENTS 

On Friday we welcomed the youngest students who will be entering the College in 2016 - the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes.  On Tuesday 10 November we will welcome students who will begin Years 5 - 7 at HCC next year. This will be a big day for us as it is the first time we have had students in Years 5 and 6 in the College.   A Parent Information Session for all parents who have a child new to the College will be held on Tuesday at 1.00pm and 6.00pm.  Parents will need to attend one of these sessions. The College is growing rapidly and it is a pleasure to welcome so many new families to Holy Cross.  

SENIOR SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT

Senior School students have started their new academic year.  They are studying a variety of ATAR, General and VET courses.  I look forward to meeting with parents of Year 11 and 12 students on Monday, 10 November at 6.00pm.   Learning Conversations for Senior School students will be held on Wednesday 11 November.  This is an important time for students and parents to meet with staff to reflect on the academic year and their goals for the coming year.