Saturday, 10 February 2018

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY

On Wednesday we gathered together as a College for our Opening Assembly, followed by House games and morning tea.   We welcomed new students and staff and we also farewelled Fr Alexis who is moving to the Broome Diocese.  I  thank Fr Alexis for his support of Holy Cross College during his time in Ellenbrook and wish him well for the next stage of his journey. One of the highlights of our Opening Assembly each year is congratulating the high achievers from the previous year’s graduating class.  This year we congratulated the following students:

 

  • Logan Kain received an outstanding ATAR score of 99.55 and was also awarded a Certificate of Distinction by the Curriculum and Standards  Authority.   Logan has been offered a place in Engineering at the University of Western Australia.
  • Caitlin McKenzie, Arjuna Leach and Bianca Sumich also received ATAR scores above 90. Caitlin, who was also awarded a Certificate of Distinction, will study a Bachelor of Education at Curtin University.   Arjuna has enrolled to study Forensic Biology, Toxicology and Chemistry at Murdoch University.  Bianca has been successful in receiving entry into Medicine at UWA, an outstanding achievement, as this is an extremely competitive course with very limited places for direct entry.
  • Bianca Sumich, Rebecca Hughes, Sally Reyes and Keely Prasalowski were awarded Certificates of Merit for their WACE results.

Congratulations to these students and to all students who worked hard to achieve their goals.

 

This year our Patron focus will be Frederic Ozanam, founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society.  The values for Ozanam House are compassion and connection.  This sense of a connected community was very evidenton Wednesday evening as students, parents and staff gathered for our Welcome BBQ.  Thanks to Friends of Holy Cross for organising this event and also thanks to members of our College Alumni who came along to assist.  It is wonderful to have students who have graduated returning to help at College events.

 

Thursday, 1 February 2018

A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Over the past two days we have welcomed students in all year levels back for the 2018 school year.  We have grown considerably with the addition of the double stream from Years 2 – 6 and additional enrolments in the Middle and Senior Schools.   As a result we have a number of new staff.  I welcome new students to Holy Cross College and also the following new staff:

Annette Barron – Junior School Teacher

Megan Brown - Junior School Teacher

Anthony Davis - Junior School Teacher

Kate Dunstan - Junior School Teacher

Amy Edwards - Junior School Teacher

Sharna Gregson - Junior School Teacher

Leanne Murphy – Middle and Senior School Teacher

Natalie Pecherczyk - Junior School Teacher

Georgina Pratt – Junior, Middle and Senior School Teacher

Rachel Rafferty - Middle and Senior School Teacher

Deanna Russo - Junior School Teacher

Richard Smiroldo – Junior and Middle School Teacher

Judith Sharper - Middle and Senior School Teacher

Jessica Vaini - Middle and Senior School Teacher

Rachel Whan - Middle and Senior School Teacher

Joanne Wright - Junior School Teacher

 

I also welcome back Miss Antonia Ravenscoft and Mr Gareth Elliot who have returned from leave.

 

Ms Anita O’Donohue is on Long Service Leave during Summer term.  During this time the following people will take on new responsibilities :

Mr Paul Murphy : Deputy Principal - Learning

Ms Kelly Bond : Assistant Deputy Principal – Enrichment

Miss Emilie Reynolds : Learning Innovation Coordinator

 

Thanks to Middle and Senior School Student Leaders for their assistance yesterday. They did a great job assisting with parent sessions and helping new students settle into the College.

 

COLLEGE ASSEMBLY, GAMES AND MORNING TEA

On Wednesday 7 February we will hold our first College Assembly.   At this Assembly we will congratulate high achievers from our Class of 2017.  We will also farewell Fr Alexis who will be moving to take up a position in the Broome Diocese. The Assembly will be followed by House games.  At the conclusion of the games students will be provided with a snack and a drink for morning tea.

 

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS AND WELCOME BBQ

Parent information sessions for Junior and Middle School will be held on Wednesday 7 February.  Friends of Holy Cross will also be hosting the Welcome BBQ commencing at 5:30pm on this day.   A letter with full details has been emailed to all parents.  If you have not received this, please contact the College Office. I look forward to seeing all parents of Junior and Middle School students next Wednesday.