GIVING THANKS

GRATITUDE  MASS

On Wednesday we celebrated our Gratitude Mass.  It was a wonderful opportunity to gather as a College community to give thanks for the many gifts we have received this year.  Thank you to Fr Bona who presided at the Mass, Mr Muller for coordinating preparation for this Mass and to Mr McRae for coordinating the Music.

 

FINAL ASSEMBLY

The final College Assembly was held this morning.  It was a good opportunity to celebrate the year and to acknowledge achievement and effort.  The Assembly finished on a high note with the Year 4 entertaining those gathered with their Christmas song. Thank you to parents who joined us for the Assembly.  It is always great to see parents supporting their sons and daughter by attending College events.

 

STAFF

At today’s Assembly we farewelled the following staff:

Mrs Moolla – Principal’s Assistant and a member of our foundation staff

Mrs Louden - Teacher - Junior and Middle Schools

Miss George - Teacher - Junior School

Mrs Doherty - Education Assistant - Early Learning

We wish each of these people well as they embark on the next stage of their journey.

 

We also wished Mrs Ryan a restful break, as she will be taking long Service Leave in Semester One and thanked Mrs Shea who has been doing a short-term placement  this year in the Early Learning Centre.

 

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Last week we held our Middle and Senior School Swimming Carnival.  Congratulations to the winning House, Ozanam.  Thank you to Mr Parsons and the Physical Education Staff for their work in organising the carnival.  Thank you also to parents who came along to support this event.

 

COLLEGE BOARD

Last week we held the College Board Annual General Meeting.  Mr Marko Pasalich, Board Chairperson reported on the Board’s activities for this year and Mrs Jacqueline Sanders, Business Manager provided a summary of the 2016 Budget.  School Fees for 2017 were also presented and an informationpack with details regarding school fees has already been mailed to all families.  Mr Pasalich has been a Board member for the past six years and Board Chairperson for two years.  The maximum continuous term for a Board member is 6 years so Mr Pasalich will leave the Board this year.  I would like to thank Mr Pasalich for his commitment and support both as a Board member and Board Chairperson.  He has led the Board through a significant period as the College has expanded rapidly and significant building programmes have been completed to allow for increased enrolments.  Thank you to all Board members for their commitment to the College this year.

 

FRIENDS OF HOLY CROSS 

Friends of Holy Cross also held their Annual General Meeting last week.  Thank you to Mrs Susan Sorenson for her enthusiasm and commitment as President of Friends of Holy Cross and to the core team who have worked to ensure the success of many activities in all areas of LIFE this year.  Carols by Candlelight, organised by Friends of Holy Cross, was a wonderful community event and I appreciate the efforts of all who contributed to this inaugural event.

 

REPORTS 

Student Academic Reports for all year levels are now available in Parent Coneqt.  Please contact the College Office, if you have any difficulty accessingthese Reports.

 

FINISHING 2016  … BEGINNING 2017

The school year for students ends today and staff will finish next Friday.  The College Office will be closed from 16 December and will reopen on Monday, 16January.   The new Junior School Building, Fitzroy, will be ready for the arrival of the children at the beginning of the school year. An email to parents has been sent today which details some important dates for the start of the new school year. 

 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

At this morning’s Assembly I asked the young people to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.  Amidst the busyness of  Christmas preparation I ask you to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas, a Christian Feast celebrating the birth of Christ. The season of Christmas is about giving, but the real spirit of Christmas sometimes gets lost in the Christmas rush and an anticipation around what we are getting rather than  what we are giving.  Thank you to all the families who contributed in this spirit of giving by contributing items of food and gifts  to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.

 

A Christmas Prayer

            Christ is born in us today

            In order that he may appear

            To the whole world through us.        Thomas Merton

 

I wish all families a happy Christmas and a restful break. I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

M Connor

 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Caitlin McKenzie, College Captain and Year 12 student has been announced as a winner of the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour Competition.  Caitlin had to write an essay and was then shortlisted as a finalist, at which stage she went through an interview process.  In April 2017, Caitlin will travel to Singapore with the nine otherWA winners.  The is an amazing achievement for Caitlin.  Thanks to Miss Reynolds for support and encouragement of Caitlin in entering this competition.

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM – GLOBAL TRENDS FOR ALL GENERATIONS

I have recently returned from representing Catholic Secondary Principals Australia at an International Symposium in Toronto.  It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with representatives from Principals associations from around the world and to share ideas on educational leadership.  The purpose was to gather leaders of professional principal and vice-principal associations from around the globe in an effort to better inform, share expertise and ideas, and discuss common issues. The symposium included representatives from professional associations in Australia, Canada (British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador and Ontario), Finland, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States.   It was a great learning experience and i came away with an assurance that education in Australia - and aT Holy Cross - is in a very good place.

ORIENTATION DAY

Today we welcomed new students and parents to the College for Orientation Day.  We had a large number of Kindergarten and Year 7 students, as they are our main intake years, as well as a number of other Junior School students.  The new students had an opportunity to meet staff and make new friends..  Junior School students transitioned to their next year level.  We welcomed new Junior School staff - Miss Abby Rowlands, Miss Aisling Keating and Mrs Pieta Bloxom..  Miss Aoife Hickey, who will also be joining the Junior School staff, will meet the students next week.  Last Friday we welcomed 2017 Pre-Kindergarten students and their parents to the College.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Last Friday we gathered as a College to mark Remembrance Day.  We prayed for those who have lost their lives and been injured in wars, past and preset, and for those affected by conflicts today.  Mr Collins and College Captains, Rebecca Hughes and Caitlin McKenzie, represented the College at the community Remembrance Day Service.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS - COLLEGE BOARD AND FRIENDS OF HOLY CROSS

The Annual General Meetings for the College Board and Friends of Holy Cross will be held on 29 November.  The evening will commence with wine and cheese provided by the Friends of Holy Cross College at 5.30pm in San Salvador,  followed by the AGMs at 6.30pm.  I encourage parents to attend.

CELEBRATING GRADUATION

I have just returned from Long Service Leave during which I enjoyed a wonderful holiday and a family wedding in Europe.  Thanks to Mr Peter Collins for the wonderful job he did as Acting Principal during my absence and for enabling me to take a real break. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2016 as they graduate from Holy Cross.  Last Thursday we gathered for a graduation breakfast, followed by a College Assembly and the Grand Parade, during which the whole College farewelled the Year 12 students.  On Thursday evening we celebrated the Graduation Mass and gave thanks for the many gifts that the Year 12  students have in their lives and the importance of sharing these.  I have included the text of my address below.

On Thursday evening the Year 12 students will receive their Graduation Certificates on Annual Celebration Night.  I am looking forward to seeing you at this important community event which starts at 6.30pm on Thursday 27 October.  

Graduation Mass - Principal’s Address 2016

This year we have had a special focus  on Ursula Frayne and the Gospel values she represents - dignity and personal best.  This has also been an Olympic year and in August many of us spent hours watching athletes who have given much of their lives to the achievement of their personal best. 

In 1924 the Olympic Games were held in Paris and the life of one of the Olympians from these games was celebrated in movie Chariots of Fire.  Eric Liddell is a beautiful example of someone who throughout his life modelled the values of dignity and personal best.

He achieved notoriety because he refused to run in  the heats of the Olympic 100 metres  because they were scheduled on a Sunday  and it was in conflict with his beliefs to compete on the Sabbath.   He  stuck to his principles despite immense pressure from the British Olympic Committee and the public.  Ironically he came home a hero after winning the gold medal in the 400 metres, an event for which he only trained for a couple of months,

Eric Liddell, was born in China, the son of Scottish Christian missionary parents who spent much of their lives in China.  While Eric was educated in England and Scotland, he too became a missionary and returned to China after the Olympics, as a missionary and a teacher. Eric believed his speed was a gift from God  He said ‘God made me for a purpose,  but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure.’    At the Paris Olympics Eric Liddell was admired not  just for his athletic prowess but for his sportsmanship and  the dignity with which he treated other people.  

After the Olympics Eric went to China where he worked as a Science teacher and a missionary.  He spent his last years in a Japanese Internment Camp during World War II and here he died of a brain tumour, aged 43.  In the camp he did all he could to make life more bearable for others, particularly for the young people.  After his death a young man who knew him in the camp  said, ‘We confided in him, went to him for advice, looked on him as probably the most perfect and honourable Christian friend we had ever known and in losing Eric the whole camp feels they have lost a real friend.  It is my prayer that I may live like Eric, a life that is exemplary, lovely,  useful and full of caring service to others.’

In his short life, Eric Liddell lived life to the full, he received the gifts of God with gratitude, developed them responsibly and shared them lovingly with others.  Pope Francis said, Dear young people, do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you!  Do not be afraid to dream of great things!  

I hope that as graduates you will dream of great things and use your gifts to achieve them, that in living life to the full you will have a vision beyond yourselves and will remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.   In his poem ‘An Arundel Tomb’ Philip Larkin wrote ‘What will survive of us is love’.   I hope you too will live lives full of caring service to others and that you will leave a legacy of love.

 

WEEK 6, WINTER TERM

This week we have LIFE Week in the College. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 will participate in a range of activities including Camino pilgrimage walks, Retreats, Christian Service Learning activities and a variety of excursions. A group of Year 9 students left for Canberra on Friday night and, for the remainder of this year group, the City of Perth will be their classroom for the week. Year 6 students will spend the week in Albany and Year 8 students will be in New Norcia.  Year 12 students will walk the final two stages of the Camino Salvado, walking into new Norcia on Wednesday and staying there for their  Retreat. Thank you to all staff for their work in organising LIFE week and attending the many activities.

PRINCIPAL'S LEAVE

I will be on Long Service Leave from 24 August - 17 October;  Mr Peter Collins will be a acting Principal during this period.

STAFFING

On Monday we welcome Miss Sara O'Neill back from leave.  I would like to thank Ms Sharon Andrews for her work at the College during the five weeks Miss O'Neill has been away.  Ms Andrew's has been generous in her commitment to the College during this period of time.

ANGELICO EXHIBITION

Last week I attended the official opening of the Angelico Exhibition.  I am always amazed at the quality of the art work which is produced by young people in our Catholic schools and it was great  to see the exhibits of our College students. Thank you to Miss O'Neill for her work in preparation for the Angelico exhibition and to Ms Andrews for supporting the students at the event.

PERFORMING  ARTS FESTIVAL FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS & COLLEGES

The Performing  Arts Festival for Catholic Schools & Colleges continued this week.  Well done to the Junior School Choir on their performance on Thursday.  This was the first time the Junior School have  been involved in the festival and the students did a great job.  Thanks to Mr Chris McRae for preparing the students for this event.

 

SUBIACO AND TRAYNING BUILDING

On Friday we took possession of Stage 4 of our Capital Development Plan. The new learning centre consists of two levels which will be named Subiaco and Trayning.  Subiaco is a town in Italy, about an hour From Rome; here  the Monastery of St Benedict  enshrines the cave (Sacro Speco) in which St. Benedict lived as a hermit before he organised his first monastic community.  This community was the first of the Bendictine communities of which Bishop Rosendo Salvado was a member.  

Trayning is the town in the West Australian wheat belt where Sr Irene McCormack was born. 

 

This stage of our building programme has included significant development of the grounds,   including our beautiful reflection garden.   We now have extensive ovals, outdoor learning  and recreational spaces and new play equipment.  

Thanks to the Student Leaders from across the College who had input into the design of the outdoor spaces.  I think the older students will be pleased with the outcome with the realisation of their idea of installing a small trampoline, a big swing and table tennis tables, as well as seating and a stage area.

_________________________________________________________________________________

ENRICHMENT

Congratulations to our DaVinci students who competed in the Robocup, on Friday and Saturday.  All teams did very well and one of the teams won a bronze medal.  The DaVinci programme is an extension programme for students in Years 5 and 6 at HCC and five other regional Catholic primary schools.  This semester the students have been developing their skills in robotics. Thanks to Mrs DiPino for her work with the students and her commitment to preparing the teams for this event.

CATHOLIC PERFORMING ARTS

Students in the Performing Arts have had the opportunity to showcase their talents this week. I was pleased to see the dance students as they paid tribute to Sr Irene McCormack in their liturgical dance. This is the first time we have been represented in this category in the festival.  Thanks to Miss Hannah Sibbald and Mrs Christina Davini for their work with these students.  Well done to musicians who also performed last week.  Thanks to Mr Chris McRae for coordinating HCC's participation in this event, which runs throughout August.  See a full report on the LIFE@HCC blog -  https://www.holycross.wa.edu.au/news/lifeblog.php

APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

Holy Cross College has once again been awarded the title of Apple Distinguished School.  The award recognises HCC for innovation, leadership and educational excellence.  The focus of the award is on innovation in learning rather than simply on the technology.  

PLAYGROUND

The new Junior School play area is nearing completion.  The children have been watching in anticipation as the poles and ropes have been installed during the past week.  I am sure they are looking forward to their first play in this area.

YEAR 12 PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

I am looking forward to meeting with Year 12 students and their parents on Wednesday, 10 August, to discuss their final months of school.  This is an important session as we will outline procedures for TAFE and university entrance, as well as key events over the next few months, including Graduation.  

BOOK WEEK

Thanks to Friends of Holy Cross, and particularly Mrs Jo Davies, for organising the Scholastic Book Fair.  This is a good opportunity to promote the important skill of reading.  The Junior School children enjoyed the chance to gather in San Salvador in their pyjamas on Thursday night to listen to bedtime stories.  The Book Fair continues, in San Salvador, this week. 

FAITH TO LEAD, LEAD TO FAITH

The National Catholic Education Conference was held in Perth last week.  It was a very inspiring conference with outstanding keynote speakers, including Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga from Hunduras and Bishop Saunders from Broome, as well as Archbishop Timothy Costelloe.  The theme of the conference was Faith to Lead - Lead to Faith.  Holy Cross College had a significant involvement in the conference, in addition to a number of staff attending as delegates.  A group of Middle School students spent two days learning at the convention centre, working on a Big Ideas extension project.  They were showcasing learning in a contemporary classroom.  Mr Harry Muller and myself presented a workshop on Pilgrimage.  We were supported by Belinda Cooper, Salvado House Captain,  and Lauren Ford, College Captain.  In addition, Karen Taylor presented a visual display on the LIFE Week City Experience, in which Year 9 students participate.  Some of our Year 10 and 11 students had an opportunity to participate in a Youth Summit on Friday.  Details of this experience can be found on the LIFE@HCC blog.

PARENT CAMINO

Last Friday we held a parent Camino.  We visited the site of the Benedictine Monastery in Subiaco before walking to the trail head outside  St Joseph’s Church.  After praying our Pilgrim’s Prayer in the Church we proceeded to Victoria Square, where we saw the original Convent of the Holy Cross, now part of Mercedes College, and visited St Mary’s Cathedral.  The first stage of the Cathedral was built by Benedictine monks, who walked each day from Subiaco to the Cathedral site.  Our Camino walk finished with a lovely lunch at Claisebrook Cove. Thanks to Mrs Susan Sorenson and Mrs Tiffany Bray from Friends of Holy Cross for organising our pilgrimage walk.  

REPORTS

Reports are now available to parents of students in Middle and Junior Schools.  If you are having difficulty accessing your child's report through Parent Coneqt, please contact the College Office.  It was pleasing to see the number of parents meeting with staff and their sons/daughters at Learning Conversations. 

BUILDING PROGRESS

You may have noticed the slab for the new Junior School building being poured on Monday.  It is great to see the progress being made.  The new Middle School Building is also nearer completion and we should have possession in the middle of August.  We are also looking forward to the completion of the reflection garden, which is looking really beautiful.

END OF TERM

Classes finish at the usual time on Friday, before the commencement of the holidays. I hope you are able to spend some time with your children over the holidays.  Winter term commences on Monday 18 July

CELEBRATING FRAYNE

Last week we celebrated Frayne Feast Day with a House Mass followed by lunch.  It was an opportunity to focus on the values of Frayne House - Dignity and Personal Best - and to reflect on the life of a remarkable woman born 200 years ago. Ursula Frayne sailed to Western Australia on the Elizabeth, arriving in January 1847.  During LIFE Week, Year 5 students will participate in a pilgrimage, which will follow  Ursula Frayne’s journey down the river from Fremantle to Perth.  From Barrack St, they will walk up to Victoria Square, where Ursula Frayne founded the first convent school in Western Australia, the Convent of the Holy Cross.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP 2017

Congratulations to Samantha Evans who has been awarded the Middle School Scholarship for 2017.  Samantha was selected on the basis of academic testing.  Well done to Samantha and thanks to all students who sat for the Scholarship test.  Samantha will be presented with her scholarship at he Annual Celebration Night.

 

LifeLink SLEEP-OUT

Last Thursday staff and students slept out to raise money for LifeLink. It was a cold night and it gave all who participated a little insight into the experience of people who are homeless and sleep out on a regular basis.  Volunteers from the Young Vinnies and Passages assisted on the night.  In addition to raising money for LifeKink, students made bags of donated toiletries to give to Passages, a service which enables marginalised and young people with a safe, friendly and positive place to access essential support. Year 12 students made the soup for the Sleep-out Soup Kitchen.  Junior School students also had their pre-sleep out event during which they ate dinner from a soup kitchen and participated in a number of activities to raise their awareness of the issue of homelessness. 

 

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

The curtains will open on the College production on Thursday. After months of preparation, the cast and crew are ready to take to the stage for the opening performance - a Matinee on Thursday, which will have residents from some of the local aged care facilities in the audience.  Thank you to Mr McRae, Ms Maher, Ms Collender and Mrs Robinson for all the work they have done on the production and to all other staff and students who have assisted. 

 

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORTS AND SUBJECT SELECTION

Senior School Reports are now available through Parent Coneqt and Senior School Learning Conversations are happening today.  Next Wednesday, 22 June, an Information Night will be held for Year 10 students and their parents, to assist them in the subject selection process for Year 11.

THIS WEEK

REFLECTION GARDEN

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS - CONVERSATIONS ABOUT FURNITURE FOR NEW BUILDINGS

JUNIIOR SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 

RECONCILIATION

Last week Year 3 students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.  This was a special time for the young people and their families.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Thanks to Fr Bona, Fr Alexis, visiting priests and staff who supported the students in preparing for the sacrament. 

NATIONAL SORRY DAY

On Thursday the College commemorated National Sorry Day in morning prayer.  This is a day of reconciliation for all Australians.

O God, Creator of all peoples, we thank you that you are found and worshipped in every land, in dance and community, in suffering and peace-making, in silence and singing and in the faithfulness of your people. Help us to build right relations with each other based on truth and justice. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.

JULIMAR CAMINO

Year 10 and 11 students completed the section of the Camino Salvado through the Julimar Forest on Wednesday.  They were the first students to complete this section of the Camino.  It is a really beautiful section of the pilgrim trail.  There was a great spirit a great students and staff and although this was quite a long walk - 24 kilometres, they made it in very good time.  Everyone enjoyed a treat at the Bindoon Bakery on the way home.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR STAFF

A reminder there will be no classes on Friday 3 June and Tuesday 7 June.  The College Office will be closed on both days. On Friday staff will be engaged in professional learning.  The extended long weekend is good opportunity for students to have a break, as well as to catch up on some homework and to complete Giving Life hours. 

CELEBRATING A LIFE OF SERVICE

Saturday marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Sr Irene McCormack.  On 21 May 1991 Sr Irene was executed in Peru by Shining Path terrorists; her crime, handing out Caritas food parcels.  On Saturday morning I was privileged to attend the 25th Anniversary Mass at St Columba's Parish in South Perth.  I was accompanied by Mr Harry Muller, Ministry Coordinator, Mrs Carla Pastorelli, McCormack House Coordinator and seven student leaders.  Hensy Patel - McCormack House Captain, and Noel Vella - Year 6 Faith Leader, carried the McCormack House banner in the opening procession.  Max Hughes  - one of the College Captains, read one of the General Intercession prayers. The Mass was a beautiful celebration of Irene's life and it was moving to hear Irene's family and members of her congregation, who knew her well, talking about this vibrant woman who loved life and who committed herself to a life of service. 

CAMINO SALVADO

A number of year levels are progressing in their Pilgrimage along the Camino Salvado, during these few weeks.  On  Friday, Year 8 students walked from Guildford to Bells Rapids and Year 9 students walked through lower Chittering; the country side is beautiful at this time of the year.  On Wednesday Year 10 and 11 students will walk through the Julimar Forest. Thank you to Mrs de Courcier for the enormous amount of work she has done in organisational aspects of the pilgrimage walks.  Thank you also to coordinators for the Years 8 and 9 walks, Mrs Christina Davini and Mr Simon Falcone and to all staff who assisted.  It was great to have a parent and grandparent joining the Year 8 walk and we appreciate their support.  This year the Friends of Holy Cross are organising two parent Camino walks. The first will be held on Friday, 24 June; Friends of Holy Cross will be sending out further details soon.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

On Wednesday Year 3 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.  Please keep the students and families in your prayers at this significant time in their faith journey.  Thank you to Mrs Antonia Ravenscroft, other staff and the Parish Sacramental Team for their  work in preparing the students.

APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

 Holy Cross College has again  been selected as an Apple Distinguished School for 2016–2017, a two-year designation.  It is pleasing to be be recognised as an exemplary learning environment for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. 

BUILDING PROGRAMME

The ground is now being prepared for the new Junior School and Performing  Arts facilities. Last week, before the work commenced, Fr Bona blessed the site.  This was an important ritual in the commencement of Stage 5 of our Capital Development  Plan.

A GROWING COMMUNITY

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME

Students in Years 3 and 4 have participated in Sacramental Retreats during the last two weeks.  Year 3 students are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Year 4 students, the Sacrament of the Eucharist. These are very important steps along their faith journey.  The Parish Sacramental Programme is Family-focused, Parish-based and School-supported.  Thank you to Ms Melissa Bonatto, Miss Kylie Henderson, Mr Harry Muller, Miss Antonia Ravenscroft and Miss Courtney George for their work in supporting the sacramental programme.

STAFFING

This week we welcomed  Mrs Irene Platis to the College to teach Mathematics in Middle and Senior Schools.  Mrs Vanja Basell will also be teaching one day a week in the Junior School.  Mrs Basell is a foundation staff member of the College and is returning from maternity leave.  

NAPLAN

This week students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are sitting NAPLAN tests.  NAPLAN tests skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy.  They are one of the tools used by teachers to measure student progress and to support students in continuing to progress in their learning.  The College and parents will receive NAPLAN reports during the latter part of Winter Term.  Recently I received a letter from the Executive Director of Catholic Education acknowledging that Holy Cross College has been recognised by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)  as achieving above average gain in the 2015 NAPLAN compared to schools with similar students. In the letter Dr McDonald noted, “Whilst acknowledging NAPLAN results are one element of a flourishing school, I would like to congratulate you on your leadership and the staff at Holy Cross College for the significant work that has contributed to these results.’”

EXAMS

Students in Senior School commence exams next week.  Students have received examination timetables and these have also been sent to parents.  In Year 11 and 12 students completing ATAR courses and all Year 10 students will  sit examinations.  Year 12 students studying General courses complete an Externally Set Tasks for the first time this year.  These tasks are set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and make a significant contribution to students’ final marks. Please keep Senior School students in your prayers during this important time.

MOTHERS’ DAY ACTIVITIES

Last week mothers and grandmothers received lots of attention in preparation for Mothers’ Day.  A thanksgiving liturgy was followed by a College Breakfast on Wednesday and it was fantastic to see the large number of people attending.  Thanks to Mr Harry Muller for organising the liturgy and Mrs Cathie Lewis and Mrs Samantha Vagg for preparing the delicious breakfast.  Mums were also pampered in the Early Learning Centre with opportunities for hand and foot massages and nail painting, which extended to the fingers in many cases.  Thanks to the Early Learning Centre staff for organising these events.

LOVING FOR LIFE

Year 7 students and parents participated in the Loving for Life programme last week.  Loving for Life is a Christian sexuality and relationships programme which we run in Middle and Senior School Years.  Year 11 students will participate in a Loving For Life workshop on Thursday, 26 May.

BUILD

On Wednesday we met with representatives from Absecon to formally commence the building of  Stage 5 of our Capital Development Plan.  This is an exciting time as we look forward to the addition of some excellent new facilities - a Year 2 - 5 Learning Centre and Performing Arts facilities.  You will have seen that fencing has been installed and this has an impact on parking and drop-off.  Please stay informed regarding parking via the LIFE@HCC blog.  We are in a complex phase of building, with two large building stages overlapping; however, the outcome will be some great facilities.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY

Friday, 3 June is a Professional Learning Day for staff.  There are no classes on this day.  A reminder also that Tuesday, 7 June is a leave day for staff in Catholic Schools granted by Catholic Education WA.

JUNIOR SCHOOL AND PERFORMING ARTS BUILDINGS - WORK COMMENCING

I am pleased to let you know that we have accepted tended on Stage 5 of our Capital Development Plan.  Work will commence soon on the Junior School building (Years 2-5) and the Performing Arts facilities. This stage will also include an undercover area, play areas and extensive landscaping. It will fully connect the College and Church sites. I would like to thank Mrs Jacqui Sanders, College Business Manager and the College Board for all the work they have done in getting us to this point. There will be some inconvenience as we  wil be undertaking building on two sections of our College site, but the final results will be some state of the art facilities.

We have also taken possession of one of the Stage 4 buildings. This building, which will be named Lyon, includes four learning spaces, a kitchen and change room facilities for sport.

PRINCIPAL REVIEW PROCESS

The Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia has endorsed a process of performance review for Principals. I am one of a number of Principals in Catholic schools to be reviewed this year.

 

This Principal Review Process relates only to the Principal’s Duties and Responsibilities (as enunciated in the Principal’s Contract of Employment) and is not a School Review or Evaluation.

 

The aims of the Principal Review Process are:

·       Accountability to the Employer;

·       Renewal of Contract; and

·       Professional Development for the Principal

 

The process will involve the following members of the school community: selected staff; the School Board; the Parents & Friends Executive; and the Parish Priest.

 

This review will be conducted by means of written evaluation, followed by interviews with the review panel who will visit the school. The review panel usually comprises two members, CEOWA Personnel and a Peer Principal.  My review will take place during May 2016.

ASPIRING TO BE A LARGE-HEARTED COMMUNITY

On Tuesday I attended the Archbishop' LifeLink Forum with Mr Muller, Ministry Coordinator, and the Faith Leaders.  LifeLink is the major way in which the Catholic community of our our Archdiocese ensures that the Archdiocesan social outreach agencies have the resources to support those in need.  Archbishop Costelloe spoke about the Year of Mercy and talked about Jesus being large-hearted in the way he served others. He quotes Pope Francis who said that, Jesus is the face of his Father's mercy.'  Archbishop Costelloe encouraged the students to be large hearted in responding to the LifeLink Appeal.  He challenged the students with the following -  'Can you be at the very centre of transforming your school into a large hearted school full of large-hearted people?'  Our major LifeLink fundraiser is the Sleep-Out which will be held in June.

LEARNING CONVERSATIONS

Thanks to parents who attended learning conversations on Wednesday.  These are an important opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and for parents to meet with the class teachers (Junior School) and Learning Adbisors (Middle and Senior Schools).

FURNISHING OUR NEW LEARNING  SPACES

Some of our student leaders are involved in a consultation process regarding the furnishings for our new learning spaces.  Last Friday they visited the site to look at the spaces and on Tuesday we visited some furniture show rooms so they could get some ideas about different types of furniture and how they might work in these learning spaces.  Thanks to Gabriellla-Rose Van der Linde, Hensey Patel, Meagan Jones and Caitlyn McKenzie for their input.

ASSEMBLY

Our end of term Assembly will be held  in the under-cover area tomorrow, Friday, commencing at 9.00am.  Our special guest will be Dr Tim McDonald, Executive Director of Catholic Education. Parents are invited to join us for the assembly.

END OF TERM

Classes finish tomorrow after at the usual time.  Students returns to school on Monday 26 April.  I wish students and staff a safe and happy holiday. I hope families have some opportunities to spend some time together.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS - JOURNEYING TO EASTER SUNDAY

Today we marked the beginning of the Easter Tridium with a liturgy in St Helena of the Holy Cross Church.  The liturgy commenced with the washing of the feet, reflecting Jesus' actions as he washed the feet of his disciples on the night of  the Last Supper.  This was followed by a moving and prayerful portrayal of the Stations of the Cross.

Today, Holy Thursday, is also the anniversary of the assassination of Blessed Oscar Romero, our College patron.  Oscar Romero had a deep faith and  believed he had to have the courage to,live his faith in Christ, despite the risks.  He said, 'I do not believe in death without resurrection.  If they kill me I will rise again in the Salvadoran people'.  Today's liturgy reminded us of the Gospel call for social justice and of the importance of us responding to this in our own lives. 

I wish all families a happy and holy Easter.  School resumes on Wednesday 30 March.

 

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

 We will be holding Easter Liturgies on Thursday 24 March.  These liturgies will commemorate the Last Supper and the Stations of the Cross.  School will be closed for the Easter break from Friday 25 March to Tuesday 30 March.  Students and staff return to school on Wednesday 31 March and we will hold our Easter Resurrection Liturgy on that day.

OPEN DAY 

College Open Day will be held on Wed 23 March. There will be tours at 9:30am, 11.15am and 1.30pm.  Parents are welcome to attend.  Please book through the College Office.  If you have a child who you wish to enrol at Holy Cross College in the next couple of years, this will be a good opportunity for them to experience the College in action.  

ENROLMENTS

We are currently interviewing for Kindergarten 2016 and Year 7 2018.  If you have a child who is due to commence in either of these year levels at these times, please ensure you have submitted an application form. Application packs are available from the College Office

ASSOCIATED AND COLLEGES SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Good luck to the HCC Swimming Squad which will be competing in the ACC Swimming Carnival at Challenge Stadium on Wednesday. 

OPENING OF OVALS

We were very pleased this week to take possession of our ovals.  We now have extensive oval space for sport and recreational use. The students are making good use.of them both for Physical Education lessons and at recess and lunch times. The new buildings are coming along well and by the end of the term we should have possession of the sports change rooms and the learning spaces above them.  The tender for stage 5 closes this week and the Board is looking forward to progressing this section of our building programme.

BLESSING THE CAMINO SALVAOD

It was a privilege to attend the Blessing and Official Opening of the Pilgrim Trail - Camino Salvado on Tuesday.  Salvado Captain, Belinda Cooper, Salvado House Representatives, Sean Smith and Skyler Stewart, Mrs DeCourcier and Mr Muller also attended.  The Camino Salvado finishes at New Norcia, so it was very fitting that the trail was blessed by Abbot John and Father Bernard from the New Norcia Benedictine Community.  The Pilgrim Trail was officially opened by Her Excellency the Honourable Governor Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia. Trevor Walley, Noongar descendant of the New Norcia mission said, 'when you walk the trail you become the trail.'

Students from Holy Cross walk sections of the trail each year. The Year 12 students will walk the last two sections into New Norcia in August as part of their Retreat.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY FOR STAFF

A reminder, Tuesday 7 March is a Professional Learning Day for staff. There will be no classes for students.  This is a good opportunity to engage in home study or to work on completing Christian Service hours.

FAREWELL BROTHER PAT

This week we were saddened by the news that Brother Pat Kelly passed away last Friday night.  Brother Pat has been a member of the Holy Cross College Board for four years.   He has made a wonderful contribution to our young College and will be sadly missed.  Brother Pat gave generously of his time and wisdom to Catholic education over many years and will be remembered as  man of great integrity and compassion.  Please keep Bro Pat and the Christian Brothers' community in your prayers. 

CELEBRATING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

On Wednesday night I was privileged to attend the School Curriculum and Standards Authority Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House. This ceremony recognised the  highest level of achievement by 2015 Year 12 students.  James Evans, Holy Cross College Dux 2015, was presented with a General Exhibition for his outstanding achievement of being ranked 26th in the state.  In addition he received a Certificate of Distinction for Physics and a Certificate of Commendation.  It was a special evening for James, his family and Holy Cross. 

YEAR 7 TEAM BUILDING

Year 7 students spent a day at Ern Halliday Recreational Camp last week.  This day of team building was an opportunity for the students to get to know each other and to learn skills in working together.  They had a great time kayaking, crate climbing and trying out the big swing and flying fox. Thanks to the House Coordinators for organising this day and to other staff who assisted.

SWIMMING CARNIVALS

On Friday we had our first Junior School Swimming Carnival followed by the Year 7 Carnival.  Students had opportunities to be involved in competitive races and fun team events. Thanks to Mr James Parsons, Health and Physical Education Coordinator, and his team for organising these events.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

I look forward to seeing you all at the Junior and Middle School Parent Information Sessions on  Wednesday afternoon and evening.  Details were sent home in a letter and are also available of the LIFE@HCC blog.   https://www.holycross.wa.edu.au/news/lifeblog.php

COMMUNICATION WITH THE COLLEGE

Our first week of term was a busy one with many new students commencing at the College, the commencement of our first Year 5 and 6 students, Year 7 Transition, a College Opening Assembly and Breakfast and the College Ball.

I would like to thank the staff for their work in ensuring that we had a good start to the year and also the Student Leaders who assisted  with the transition of new students on their first day.  

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS AND FAMILY BBQ

Information sessions for parents of students in the Junior and Middle Schools will be held on Wednesday, 24 February.  All parents are expected to attend the Information Session for their child’s year level.  Middle School students are required to attend with a parent.  A letter regarding these sessions will be sent out this week.  The Friends of Holy Cross will be holding a Welcome BBQ at 5:30pm on this evening.  This will give you a chance to meet other parents and staff and will also alleviate the need for you to feed your children when you get home!    

COMMUNICATION

The College will communicate with parents this year in a variety of ways.

SMS messages will be sent at 10.30am each day regarding student absence where parents have not notified the College of their child’s absence. Please refer to the Parent Information Handbook for more information if your child is to be absent or arrive late/leave early.  SMS messages are also used to remind parents of upcoming events at the College. Please ensure your mobile number record is kept up to date with the College Office.

Emails - will be sent to advise details of events. Please ensure your email address is kept up to date with the College Office and that you check your emails regularly.

Parent Coneqt – Direct Messages in Parent Coneqt may be used between parents and teaching staff.  If you do not have a log on to Parent Coneqt, have lost your log-on or are unsure how to use it, please contact the College Office.

Website - www.holycross.wa.edu.au   The College website has a number of blogs (under the news tab) which are updated on a regular basis. The purpose of these blogs s to keep parents up to date with key developments and upcoming events and also to share information and photos about recent events.

• Principal’s Blog
• LIFE@HCC
• Wellness Blog

The blogs replace the traditional newsletter - allowing us to post information and photos on a regular basis.

The College Calendar can be found under the News tab on the website under Calendar and Upcoming Events. Please check this regularly so you are aware of upcoming events or student home study days.  2016 Term Dates also lists the student home study days for the year.

Facebook - The College Facebook page is used to alert people to upcoming events and also to celebrate what is happening in the school through photos and information.  People must request to join the Facebook page and the College is able to block anyone who uses the page inappropriately.  We do request that people do not tag photos with student names, including your own children.

A reminder that our Privacy Collection Notice, which parents receive at the time of enrolment, includes:

Each year visual imagery (photographs and videos) are taken of students which are used in various media outlets such as College publications (College newsletters, Year Book, website etc), student files, newspapers, community magazines and others.  Visual imagery may be used for the promotion of the College, College public relations, documentation and the recognition of student achievement.  If you have any concerns, please contact the College Office.

Communication with staff

Parents may use Parent Coneqt to email teaching staff or may make an appointment via the College Office.  A reminder that a Coneqt message will not receive an immediate response as staff will only attend to this when they are not teaching. Email contact to Admin Staff should be via the admin@holycross.wa.edu.au email and not directly to the staff member.

Parents should deal with concerns with the people who work most closely with their child - in Junior School - the class teacher and in Middle and Senior School - the House Tutor or Subject Teacher.  More serious concerns may be referred to the Cluster Coordinator in Junior School, House Coordinator, Learning Area Coordinator, Head of Junior School and Deputy Principals as appropriate.

Communication with the Principal should be via the admin email - admin@holycross.wa.edu.au  Communication with the Vice Principal, Mr Collins should be through collins.peter@cathednet.wa.edu.au.  Please do not use Parent Coneqt to contact the Principal and Vice Principal.

Check out https://web.holycross.wa.edu.au/news/principalblog.php for information about the past week, coming events and development of buildings and grounds.

  

I look forward to seeing you on 24 February.

Yours sincerely 

Ms Mandy Connor