Dear Holy Cross Parents and Carers,

I have two children, Edward who 17 years old and in Year 12 at St Andrew’s Catholic College, and Elizabeth who is 15 and in Year 10 at St Monica’s College.

In their formative years, I subjected my children (as I do to my Holy Cross family) to my obsession with LITERACY, NUMERACY, WELLBEING and SPARK. Whilst literacy, numeracy and wellbeing are relatively straightforward to nurture, SPARK can be more elusive. Fortunately, through a process of elimination, I discovered that both of my children have a passion for the Performing Arts, becoming involved in theatre, music, dance, and singing.

Over the past fifteen years, I have experienced the highs and lows of the theatrical world, from front stage to backstage, nose-in-scripts to ears-in-music, and everything in between. One day, whilst reading a script, I came across a song from the musical Bye Bye Birdie that resonated with me. The song, entitled "Kids," includes the following chorus:

This humorous take on generational differences reminds us that no generation of children has ever been perfect. In St Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells His listeners, “You must be perfect – just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” At first glance, this seems like an impossible standard. However, Jesus was teaching about anger, revenge, and loving your enemy, showing that perfection comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “There is a crack in everything that God has made.”

I believe it is through these cracks that we learn to see the needs of others, feel their pain, and appreciate the human capacity for honesty and forgiveness. As Christians, we are called to be complete in the generosity of our love, not perfect.

Neuroscience tells us that our childhood experiences are stored in our bodies. As parents, we must endeavour to address our own issues and heal any lingering pain from our childhood to avoid passing emotional burdens onto our children. By acknowledging our imperfections, we can prevent our children from feeling defective when our love is not perfect.

Life is filled with adversity, but through our conversations and examples, our children will learn that difficulties can be overcome. We should strive to live fully, embracing each moment, and teaching our children to do the same. By doing so, we can help them grow into healthy, well-rounded adults….even if they do find themselves performing on a stage.

Fondest regards,

Dear Holy Cross Family,

STOP, DROP, GO ZONE

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and care in a smooth start back to school, particularly whilst navigating a safe Stop, Drop and Go’. The recent sunshine and good weather has seen families utilising all ways of getting to school – walking, riding, parking and walking in, carpooling and using Stop, Drop, Go Zone. As our new Holy Cross family members have settled in too, this week has seen much of the beginning of the year congestion settle into a smoother access.

We ask that you continue to be patient and respectful for this short time of the day. We will continue reminding the kids, but for the most part they have been doing a great job of being alert and looking for your cars too.

School pick up areas and Stop, Drop and Go Zones can appear very busy and hectic, enough to cause any parent some anxiety. Police are urging parents to have a look at the current rules that apply around school pick up areas.

If you are a pedestrian, please only use designated pedestrian crossings and pathways.

This is just a friendly reminder on a few tips to help make this area run as smoothly as possible.

 A promise to stay safe CLICK TO WATCH

Staff are on duty from 8:10am until 8:30am and then again from 2:50pm until 3:15pm. Please use the full time of duty to assist with traffic jams. Cars after 3:00pm can often drive in and out promptly. Students are safely supervised for the full duration.

Remember SAFETY of our students, your children is our top priority. We look forward to working together for the benefit of all. Thanking you in advance for your support.

Brad Henry
Assistant Principal

PARENTING TOOLBOX

Success at School Edition:

How to Help Your Child Succeed this Year (and Every Year).

Click on the link below to read the full article by Michael Grose.

2025

2025 TERM 1

MAR 4 - Shrove Tuesday

MAR 4 - School of Origin Rugby League Match - Holy Cross Oval 4.00pm

MAR 5 - Ash Wednesday Liturgy (Years 2-6) - 9.00am

MAR 6 - Chess Club Competition

MAR 11 - Year 6 Reconciliation - 9.15am

MAR 12-14 - Year 3 & 5 NAPLAN

MAR 17-21 - Harmony Week

MAR 18 - Year 5 Reconciliation - 9.15am

MAR 18 - Volunteer Induction Session - 8.45am

MAR 19 - School Photo Day 2025

MAR 25 - Year 4 Reconciliation - 9.15am

MAR 28 - HCS Cross Country Trials - Year 3 to 6 (Morning Times TBC)

MAR 28 - HCS Cross County Races - Prep to Year 2 (Afternoon - Times TBC)

APR 4 - LAST DAY TERM 1

Spirit of God, be with us as we confront and accept our imperfections.

Be with us as we give unconditional love to our children

as they grow to accept who they truly are.

Amen.