Hello Holy Cross families,

This will be our last newsletter for 2023 - I can’t quite believe that the school year is coming to a close. The year has been filled with many successes, challenges and opportunities for growth. Our ceiling replacement works are nearing completion so that we can hit the ground running in 2024. Thank you to our awesome staff for ensuring that learning continued in each space during the building works.

Congratulations and farewell

As 2023 draws to a close we prepare to farewell our Year Six children. We celebrated in style on Tuesday night with an 'underwater' extravaganza in the MPR. We are proud of the achievements of our Year 6 children and know that we send them on to their new high schools having had some memorable learning experiences which will stand them in good stead in the future.

Congratulations to Francesca Briganti on being the Sacred Heart Scholarship recipient this year. Priscilla Vickery was the worthy recipient of the Salesisan College Scholarship. Mishayla Butcher and Sam Smith were the joint winners of the Gisborne Gazette student award. Sebastian O'Halloran was the recipient of a SchoolsOut acknowledgement.

Semester Two reports

We will be sending all student reports home via email next week. Please get in touch with the office if you have not received a digital copy by Wednesday. Our children have worked hard this year and can be rightly proud of themselves.

Christmas Concert

We're looking forward to welcoming you all to a laid back and relaxing Christmas Carols evening next Tuesday 12th Dec, at 6 pm. Our PFA will be selling hamburgers, sausages and soft drinks. Mmm Coffee will also be there for all of your coffee needs. See you all there!

A message from our Social Justice Leaders

Traditionally, we have passed a donation basket around during the concert to support local community groups. This year, we invite you to bring a gold coin donation for Gisborne Foodbank so that they can purchase some much needed items for people in our local community this Christmas.

We thank you for the generosity you have shown in all of our fundraising this year. We are so grateful to all of the lovely families here at Holy Cross.

Lisa Peake and the Social Justice Group

End of Year Mass

We welcome you to join us at our end of year Mass next Thursday 14th December at 12 pm.

Fee option forms

A reminder that all families need to return the fee option form that was mailed out. Could you please return the completed form to the office as soon as possible?

2024 Week 1 Assessment bookings

As per my letter dated 5th December, all children from Year 1 - Year 6 are asked to book in an assessment session on Tuesday 30th or Wednesday 31st January. Please visit schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the booking code: 6a8qe. So far we have 107 children booked in, please book ASAP to secure a time that suits you. Please refer to my letter for additional information.

School uniform 2024

Earlier this term I mentioned in a newsletter that I would be seeking parent input in terms of our school uniform, e.g. footwear. Please look out for a google form which will be sent on Monday, I invite all families to have a say. The survey will close at the end of term so that we have enough time to inform families of the outcome in advance of Term 1 2024.

Thank you

I would to thank our School Advisory Council for your commitment and contribution to our school. Thank you also to our magnificent Parents & Friends Association who have worked hard all year to both fundraise and create opportunities for family connection across our school community.

Our staff has worked hard this year to create a culture of continuous improvement. We have invested much time and energy into professional development and we look to the future with excitement as we see our learning benefit the children. Thank you Holy Cross staff for your commitment to our school.

Thank you families for your support throughout the year. We are a school where working together means entering into some difficult conversations at times, at all times we strive to keep children at the centre. Thank you for entrusting your children to us. Additionally, a heartfelt thanks on behalf of our children and our staff for all of the parent helpers who have come along on excursions, been at working bees, read with children, ran our uniform shop, spent time in our Outdoor Ed space and everything else in between. We appreciate you!

Finally, thank you to the children. You are the reason we exist as a community, we are all gathered in this special place to support you. Thank you for working hard to be safe, kind, learners.

Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas break, surrounded by loved ones. Looking forward to seeing you in 2024!

Aoife

Happy Birthday!