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