Monday, 20 November 2017

2018 Student Leadership Camp

Are some people born leaders? Arguably, the answer is no. Some people may have a particularly charismatic personality that draws people’s attention, but unless they project a special vision that appeals to other people, that attention is likely to be short lived. Leadership is a privilege that is bestowed on the leader by a group of followers. The authority of leadership comes from the fidelity of the followers.

Our leadership potential is largely determined by our personality and habits. We all have the capacity to lead, but we might need to adjust or temper some of our more challenging characteristics.

Leadership is about the art of motivating, influencing and directing people so that they work together to achieve the goals of a team or broader organisation. It’s important for students to experience leadership opportunities during their schooling, to learn the art of building relationships within teams, defining identities and achieving tasks effectively. It also provides an opportunity to learn to identify and display effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Our 2018 student leaders enjoyed a two-day leadership camp on Friday, 17 November and Saturday, 18 November commencing with a short pilgrimage from St Mary’s Cathedral to St Joseph’s Church in Subiaco. Students then journeyed to the Catholic Education Centre in Leederville where Dr Tony Curry, Director, School Improvement, shared five essential ingredients of good leadership:
  1. Sound relationships based on qualities such as mutual trust, respect, sensitivity, a sense of humour, truth and, most importantly, humility.
  2. Know the people you work with – this means knowing and using people’s names and being interested (but not nosey) about their lives outside of school.
  3. Leadership is based on service – the old adage, “Do not ask anyone to do something that you’re not willing to do yourself”, remains as relevant today as it ever was.
  4. Leaders need to be risk takers – the message, “If you don’t make a mistake, you don’t make anything”, is true.
  5. Leaders need to work with people. That is, be collaborative, honest and loyal.


Students returned to school and participated in a number of practical activities to build a sense of team. The Student Executive Leaders stayed overnight in the Lyon Building enjoying a night of hospitality and camaraderie.

On Saturday morning, GRIP Leadership, an independent organisation which is focused on developing student leadership, delivered a practical and interactive training session for the Student Executive Leaders. Mr Ronan McGinniss, GRIP Managing Director (Marketing), highlighted four elements of the ‘Compass of a Leadership Team’:
  1. Structure and roles;
  2. Standards and Expectations;
  3. Schedule of Activities; and
  4. Statement of Success.

It was a great experience with a lot to ponder in the coming weeks. We are grateful to Mr Ryan Shelton, Ms Kelly Bond and Mrs Carla Pastorelli for giving up their time to to facilitate a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.



Thursday, 16 November 2017

2018 Orientation and Transition Day

On Wednesday, 15 November 2017 Holy Cross College hosted an orientation day for students who will be new to the school in 2018. Around 230 new students from pre-primary to year seven enjoyed a fun day of activities designed to induct the students into the life of the College and build friendships in preparation for the new school year in 2018.

Parents enjoyed a tour of the facilities and an introductory seminar outlining the faith story of the College, along with details regarding the requirements and procedures for the commencement of the 2018 school year.

Students were introduced to the 2018 year-level teachers in the Junior school. A number of new staff members were present for the orientation day.



We welcome the following new Junior School teachers for 2018:
  • Joanne Wright
  • Annette Barron
  • Megan Brown
  • Anthony Davis
  • Amy Edwards
  • Deanna Russo
  • Kate Dunstan
We also welcome a number of new teachers to the Middle and Senior Schools for 2018:
  • Rachel Whan - Chemistry/Science
  • Georgina Pratt - Dance
  • Jessica Vaini - Digital Technology
  • Rachel Rafferty - English
  • Sharna Gregson - Human Biology/Science
  • Leanne Murphy - Home Economics

The demand for student places at the College has been strong with an additional stream of classes added from year two to year six for 2018. Limited places are available in some year levels for 2018.



Holy Cross College has established an excellent reputation for its contemporary approach to learning and teaching within vibrant and flexible learning spaces, underpinned by the latest educational theories and technology. The success of the approach to teaching and learning is confirmed through NAPLAN results, which show consistent value adding across the years, as well as a student receiving a General Exhibition in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) examinations. We hope to build on these outstanding achievements in 2018 and in the years to come.

We are looking forward to working together in partnership with our new students and families.





Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Friends of Holy Cross Quiz Night

The Friends of Holy Cross Quiz Night was held on Friday, 10 November 2017 with more than 150 parents and friends attending. The spirit was fantastic with lots of games and merriment. Many tables brought along banquets fit for royalty. Questions were well pitched with a few challenging conundrums to separate the teams. Congratulations to the winning tables and we hope you enjoy the spoils.



Mr Luke Dalglish was a masterful master of ceremonies, throwing out some great ‘dad jokes’ while keeping the night flowing. We thank Luke for his energy and talents in making for such an enjoyable night.



A special thank you goes to the organising committee, led by Michelle Francis and Sarah Dye, and their band of merry helpers:

Susan Sorensen
Jo DiPino
Tarquin Allen
Kristy Kavanagh
Rachael Dalglish
Chantelle Moodley
Krestina Puccio
Carol Wincott-Whyte
Karlee Jones
Evaschel Moodley
Josh Francis
Jessica Strange
Luke Dalglish



There was a sensational array of prizes shared across most of the tables. A big thank you goes to our families with businesses who made donations for the Quiz Night. We are very grateful to our sponsors, for without their generous donations the night would not have been such a great success.

A list of businesses that donated prizes include:

Tidy Tom’s Mowing
Metropolitan Framing
Pixel Fun educational toys
Enjo –  Lynda Adams
Scentsy – Tarquin Allen
Tupperware – Sharny
Avon – Kylie Blair
Younique – Rebecca Innes
Ellenbrook Legal -
Black Cat Cake Design
Jarrah Joint
Rita Saffioti, MLA, Member for West Swan
Jessica Shaw, MLA, Member for Swan Hills
Bunnings Ellenbrook
Romano’s Pizzeria
The Henley Brook
Empire Braids
Bali Spirit Day Spa
Smart Girls Image Consultants
Moonburra Stay
Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm
Swan Valley Sisters – Chalets
AbsonFitness
Tech Tonic
Physical Nutrition
Reiki Recharge
Abb Fab Hair - Julie Thompson
Fremantle Prison
Tara Yoga
The Ketone Lady – Janetta Burke
Krissy’s Kookies
Blissfully Balanced
Nutrimetics – Cinzia Franchina
Jetts Fitness
24/7 Power Fitness
Bella Sky
Save Mums Sani Tea
Twenty-Five Doors
Bindoon Men’s Shed – Ian Dickie
Tupperware – Cassandra Hemmings
Whistlers Chocolates
Yahava Koffee
Margaret River Chocolate Factory
Bennet Springs Shopping Centre
Winery
Perth Engrave - Matthew Busby
Old Youngs Distillery
Arbonne – Prunella Lourdes
Ardor Organics - Gemma Innes
Deliteful Details Graphic Design
Doterra – Lindsay Jacklin
Whiteman Park
Helen O'Grady Drama School
West Coast Gymnastics
Ella Enchanted
Forget me Not Photography
Refresh Relaxation Station
Hainault Vineyard
Peard Real Estate - Tiffany Bray