Holy Cross Happenings
Year 2 Incursion: Mad About Science – Living Things
On Friday our Prep - Year 2 students had an exciting and hands-on learning experience as part of the Mad About Science Biology Incursion: Living Things. The incursion focused on the scientific understanding of what makes something living or non-living, and how we use specific criteria to classify the world around us.
Throughout the session, the students explored a wide range of items and considered key questions: Does it grow? Does it move? Does it reproduce? Does it respond to its environment? Using these criteria, they were able to justify whether each item was living or non-living, sparking lots of curiosity and discussion.
One of the most popular activities was the yeast experiment. Students combined yeast, warm water, and sugar, then covered the mixture with a balloon. To their amazement, the balloon slowly inflated as the yeast produced gas (evidence that yeast is, in fact, a living organism)! This experiment was a clear favourite, with students fascinated by the science behind such a simple, everyday substance.
The students also constructed a real-life worm farm for the classroom. They learned how to care for these tiny creatures and discovered that worms, although unable to see, thrive underground in the dark using other senses to navigate their world.
Another highlight was making seed cups - each child planted seeds in cotton wool, which they will continue to water and observe in the coming weeks. This activity helped reinforce their understanding of plant life cycles and the needs of living things.
To top off the incursion, students experimented with special goggles designed to mimic the vision of different animals. They were particularly captivated by the fly-eye goggles, which enabled them to see the world through the eyes of a fly! They were equally intrigued to learn that worms don’t need to see, as they live and survive in complete darkness.
The Mad About Science incursion was a fantastic way to bring biology to life. Our students left the session with new knowledge, lots of questions, and a growing appreciation for the living world around them.
Living or non-living - sorting activity
Yeast Experiment
The stick insect
Seed cups
Living or non-living - sorting activity
Yeast Experiment
The stick insect
Seed cups
NAPLAN 2025 Results
Our NAPLAN 2025 results have arrived and will be sent home with students on Monday. We are incredibly proud of the way our students approached the NAPLAN assessments, showing focus, resilience, and a commitment to doing their best.
As a school, our next step is to carefully analyse the data to help inform and strengthen our teaching practices. This forms an important part of our ongoing commitment to improving student learning at Holy Cross.
Thank you for your continued support.
Parent-Teacher Interviews – Week 3
A reminder that Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held in Week 3, on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th August from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
These interviews are an important opportunity for parents and teachers to connect, share insights, and work together to support each child’s learning and engagement. Strengthening the partnership between home and school is a vital part of helping every child thrive.
We value these conversations and look forward to speaking with families about each child’s progress and goals for the year so far.
Staff Accreditation Closure Day; Pilgrims of Hope
On Monday 21st July, our whole staff participated in the MACS Accreditation Closure Day event, Pilgrims of Hope. The day began with a keynote address exploring the Catholic school’s role in the evangelising mission of the Church, followed by a session on the place of Religious Education in forming missionary disciples. After morning tea, staff split into year level groups (F–2, 3–4, 5–6) to take part in interactive workshops tailored to the students they teach. These sessions focused on practical strategies for storytelling, crafting meaningful questions, and engaging students in Religious Education through creative and age-appropriate approaches. The day concluded with a Eucharistic Liturgy and a commissioning, sending us forward in our shared mission as pilgrims of hope.
Holy Cross Cow
Have you noticed our the mysterious cow that appeared just before the holidays?
Our Year 6 students will soon begin transforming the statue as part of their Art classes for a Dairy Australia competition. We’re excited to share their creative journey with you over the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for updates!