APRE NEWS
Welcome to the 2025 Jubilee Year at Holy Cross: 'Pilgrims of Hope'
After three active weeks at Holy Cross, I am excited to say that the new school year is now in full swing. In my new role as AP Religious Identity and Wellbeing, it has been a privilege to spend time working with many students across the school. I have had the opportunity to visit classrooms during learning and break times, attend school events, and take students to represent our school at the St Andrew’s Opening Mass. I have happily reconnected with many former students and have also had the chance to make new friends along the way.
Just like the students starting a new grade, or even a new school, this year has brought changes for me as an educator. As I adjust to new routines and navigate my diverse role, I am immensely thankful for the encouragement, kind words, and smiles shared by students, staff, and families as I embark on my new journey at Holy Cross. In my travels around the school, speaking with new families, I have been reminded of the importance of community. The feeling of being welcomed and knowing you belong plays an important part in our connection to others and in turn, our general happiness and wellbeing. At Holy Cross, I believe that our community is strong, and I am confident in the knowledge that as we continue into this Jubilee Year of Hope, here at Holy Cross there is always someone we can turn to when we have a question, are in need of support or simply want to chat. I look forward to the year ahead and the upcoming opportunities to work with you all. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can help your families in any way as the year progresses.
Happenings Around the School
After a wet few days, the students have finally enjoyed some outside playtimes. It has been great to see the activity on the playgrounds, basketball court, library, and STEM room. In the coming week, we look forward to reinstating the loose parts and bush play areas in the playground. On Tuesday this week, we opened our school year with our 'Opening of School Mass'. We thank Father Dariusz and Deacon Tony for celebrating this special Mass with our community. Thank you to all of the students who contributed to the reverence of our celebration, especially those who sang in the choir, shared a reading, or participated in the processions. It was so nice to hear the buzz of excitement around the school on Wednesday night at the annual meet and greet event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the drinks station to say hello. The teachers have shared how lovely it was to meet so many families across the evening. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us and share in the fun.
The Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope
Finally, this year the Church celebrates the Jubilee year. This takes place every 25 years in our Catholic Church. This year, Pope Francis has called us to be Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on December 25th, 2024. He declared it a wonderful opportunity to restore a climate of hope and trust. We are all on a journey; as such, we are all pilgrims. We journey towards Jesus with hope and love in our hearts. This beautiful theme offers all people an opportunity to focus intentionally on the notion of hope. We at Holy Cross recognise that we can share the gift of hope with those in our community through living out our school values in actions demonstrated in our service and outreach programs and Year 6 Leadership groups. In these areas, we will work together to build a better world.
