Holy Cross Happenings 

Book Week Parade 2025

This morning our school came alive with colour and creativity as we celebrated our annual Book Week Parade. Both children and staff put in an amazing effort with their costumes, creating a joyful and inspiring atmosphere.

We saw a wonderful mix of purchased outfits and imaginative home-made creations. Children paraded as real-life heroes from their favourite biographies, classic storybook characters like the Wicked Witch of the West, family-favourite figures such as Gru and his Minions, and well-loved characters from Bluey. There were also clever pairings like Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, and plenty of Where’s Wally costumes where staff and students blended seamlessly into the crowd.

A highlight of the morning was our Principal, Eloise, who dressed up as our Luce mascot. Wearing a yellow raincoat, boots, and light blue hair, she spread joy throughout the room as she hosted the parade and interviewed some of the most intriguing characters along the way.

A huge thank you goes to Zoe, our Literacy Leader, for her wonderful organisation of this much-loved event.

Author Visit – Aimee Chan

As part of our Book Week celebrations, we were fortunate to welcome author Aimee Chan to Holy Cross today. Aimee shared with the children the process of writing a book and spoke about her personal connections that inspired her stories. She also ran a mini workshop on creating interesting sentences, which the children thoroughly enjoyed.

A highlight of the visit was when Aimee read her picture book My Grandma is 100 and told the children about her own grandma, who inspired the story and lived to an incredible 102 years. It was a memorable and inspiring experience for our students.

Year 2 Day Camp!

Last Thursday, our Year 2 children, together with their teacher, Mel, co-educator Michelle, and Kate and Kellie, set off to Lady Northcote Discovery Camp in the Rowsley Valley for their very first Year 2 Day Camp.

Lady Northcote is an outdoor adventure camp and the site where our Year 3 and 4 students will go for their overnight camp next year. Visiting the venue gave the children a wonderful opportunity to see where they’ll be staying in the future, helping to ease any nerves by becoming familiar with the setting. While their activities were different to those of the older students, they enjoyed a sneak peek at some of the exciting challenges that await them next year.

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by our camp leaders, Ben and Teesh (Natessa). We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, with the sun shining brightly all day long. They divided into two groups and took part in an “Amazing Race,” which included discovering 19 checkpoints filled with fun challenges. Highlights of the day included archery and a variety of team-building activities.

Back at school, the adventure continued with dinner, a change into cosy pyjamas, and a movie to finish off a very special day.

A huge thank you to Kate J for her thoughtful planning, to all the staff who gave up time with their own families to make this possible, and to our parents for their support and for collecting their children after a later finish than usual.

We were so proud of the way the children conducted themselves throughout the day. They supported one another, embraced the challenges, and made the most of this special experience. It was a privilege to be part of their first school camp adventure. 

Science Week Incursion: Mad About Science

To celebrate Science Week at Holy Cross, we enjoyed a whole school incursion last Friday afternoon with the team from Mad About Science. Our presenter wowed the children with fascinating demonstrations that brought science to life.

Highlights included jaw-dropping liquid nitrogen experiments, balloons charged with static electricity through children’s hair, and the use of blowers to explore the principles of flight. It was a fun, hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and excitement about the wonders of science.

District Volleyball

On Thursday, our Holy Cross boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams travelled to Braemar College to compete in the District Volleyball Competition. Each team played three games; competing against Braemar, New Gisborne Primary, and Gisborne Primary.

The hours of training put in with Leonie during break times were clearly evident, with both teams showing great skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our students made us proud by supporting one another, offering coaching tips and feedback between sets, and encouraging each other after errors.

The girls’ team had a fantastic run, winning two of their three games against Gisborne and New Gisborne Primary, finishing second overall. The boys’ team also showed great determination, claiming victory against Gisborne Primary and finishing third overall.

A big thank you to Leonie for training and selecting the teams, and to Casey for organising the event and coaching the boys on the day. Congratulations to all players on a fantastic effort!

Children's Book Week Celebrates  80 Years in 2025

The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure!

The feature artist for the year, Jess McGeachin, has brilliantly captured this adventurous spirit in his artwork, which features a whimsical map filled with imaginary characters. Jess’ illustration invites young readers to embark on fantastical journeys, inspiring them to travel through the worlds that books open up. As an award-winning Australian picture book illustrator, Jess’ work encourages children to imagine, explore, and create their own adventures.

2025 is also a milestone year as we celebrate 80 years of Children’s 

Book Week! For 8 decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer. Jess’ imaginative artwork reflects this mission perfectly, encouraging children to set off on adventures through time, lands, and imagination. We look forward to continuing this mission for the next 80 years and beyond!

Hen-sational Junior Chefs 

The Holy Cross Hen-sational Chefs were incredible ambassadors for Holy Cross in the first round of the Sacred Heart College Junior Chef Competition. Hannah, Allyria, Tommy, and Max put on a sizzling display of culinary talent, competing against students from local schools to showcase their skills by creating delicious chicken quesadillas. The aroma of seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and toasted tortillas filled the air as the young chefs meticulously prepared their dishes.

The judges were impressed by the team's excellent communication and support, noting how they looked out for each other and worked together throughout the competition. Their attention to detail and collaboration were also praised as they presented their final dish. The menu item is a staple in many Grade 4 classrooms, and if you haven't tried it, the recipe is attached for you to have a go.

This week, our team will compete in the final round, creating butter chicken. We wish them all the best and thank the parents who have supported them in practicing at home.

Father's Day Events 

We look forward to welcoming fathers and father figures to our Father's Day Breakfast on Friday, September 5th. The PFA, supported by our staff, is excited to cook up a storm and welcome you from 7:30 a.m.

Additionally, the Father's Day stall will be held on Thursday, September 4th. Gifts will range from $1 to $10, and students will have the chance to buy gifts during class time.

All Staff First Aid Training

This week, our entire staff completed their Level 2 First Aid training. As part of our annual training schedule, we ensure all staff members have a minimum of Level 2 certification, which includes CPR, anaphylaxis, and asthma training. This is all part of our commitment to keeping our children safe at Holy Cross.