Dear Families,

We hope you all enjoyed a truly restful long weekend after what was an eventful and very rewarding week!

Celebrating Our Sporting Community

Our Futsal teams had a wonderful experience competing at the District Futsal competitions. A huge congratulations to our boys' team for finishing second overall! Beyond the scoreboard, it was wonderful to hear reports of the camaraderie between schools and the good sportsmanship our students showed during the competition.

We were also incredibly proud of our swimmers at the district swimming carnival. Our students returned decorated with many ribbons and wonderful experiences, with many qualifying for the division event today.

Thank you to the parents who supported these excursions both as helpers and spectators. It is wonderful to have you there, sharing in our students’ passion and cheering them on.

Grand Prix

Fast cars, bright minds! Our year 5/6 students spent the day at the Grand Prix diving deep into the world of robotics and engineering. It was inspiring to watch them connect with these fields in such an exciting setting, with many leaving with a newfound passion for the engineering excellence that drives high-performance racing.

P-2 Western Water Incursion

Last week our Prep–Year 2 students enjoyed an engaging and interactive incursion with Greater Western Water, exploring the wonders of water and why it is so important in our everyday lives.

The program introduced students to the water cycle, the properties of water, and where our water comes from. Through stories, games, songs and hands-on activities, students built their understanding of clouds, weather patterns and the journey of water through the environment.

It was wonderful to see our students so engaged, asking thoughtful questions and developing an understanding of how they can care for this precious resource. We thank Greater Western Water for supporting our students to become informed and responsible water users.

1/2P Prayer Gathering

Students from 1/2P recently led a beautiful Lenten Prayer Gathering as our school joined people around the world in the World Day of Prayer. The students confidently shared their readings in front of the whole school, guiding the community through prayer, reflection and Scripture.

The gathering invited us to reflect on Lent as a journey — a time to pray more deeply, grow in kindness and make loving choices each day. Through the symbols of stones and flowers, we were reminded that while we sometimes carry heavy moments or mistakes, Lent is also a time for growth and renewal. Together we prayed for our school, our families and those around the world who are suffering, asking God to help us become people of peace in our words, actions and choices.

Managing Big Feelings

For those who joined us for the "Managing Big Feelings" workshop with Carly McGauran, we hope you found it as insightful as we did. For anyone who missed it, the resources are

available here: https://youtu.be/9LsSZnVWY6Q.

Excellence in the Classroom

Last week, we invited an education specialist to provide "point-of-need" coaching for our staff. We wanted to see how we could sharpen our practice to best support every child. We were so impressed to observe our teachers in action, with the feedback overwhelmingly glowing regarding their preparation for lessons and their attention to the needs of their students. They demonstrated how to lead a room using slideshows as resources and tools, not as a substitute for teaching. Most importantly, they were adapting lessons and content to meet students exactly where they are. This happens so naturally that children never feel "different" or singled out—it is simply the way we teach. This consistency is a real strength of our school, and it was a proud moment to see it in action across all settings.

Leadership and Learning

On Monday night, Jane and I were privileged to attend the launch of the MACS Vision for Leadership at the State Library. The third vision document from MACS accompanies the Vision for Engagement and Vision for Instruction, as a framework that is designed to unite our schools in a shared commitment to student success.

The launch focused on how we can foster leaders, both among staff and students, by cultivating an environment where we are present, compassionate, and focused on the flourishing of every single child. It’s a vision that aligns perfectly with our culture here at Holy Cross.

A Note on NAPLAN

This week, our students begin NAPLAN. For many, this is their first time participating. We want to remind you that while this is an important process, it is just one small snapshot in time. It doesn't capture your child’s creativity, their kindness, or the many ways they grow every day. Please encourage them to approach the week with a calm mind and a "just do your best" attitude. They have nothing to prove to us; we are already proud of who they are.

Exciting Baby News!

Huge congratulations are in order for Kate Bloomcamp and Mitchell, who have officially welcomed baby Darcy into the world! It is a joy to share that Mum and little Darcy are both doing well and settled in comfortably at home. Wishing them all the best during this special time!

Gospel Reflection

As we journey through the third week of Lent, we are reminded of the woman at the well. We are all searching for something, aren't we? This week, let’s ask ourselves: Which well are we drinking from? Are we choosing the well that helps rather than harms? Are we pouring into the wells that build a kingdom of love, compassion, and faith?

Wishing you all a blessed and fruitful week with full wells to share.

Many Blessings

Eloise Meyer

Principal

emeyer@hcnewgisborne.catholic.edu.au

All students attending Holy Cross Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.

Meet the Teacher

Ms Prebble from 1/2P