Holy Cross Happenings 

Year 6 Graduation

This week has been all about graduation—and rightly so! What an incredible gift to our graduating class; the time, effort, and attention to detail were extraordinary. The experience felt almost supernatural, as we were transported into an intergalactic dimension.

The main focus, however, was always the students, celebrating their journey from 2019 to 2025. We were lucky enough to share the excitement of a number of awards, including the Gisborne Gazette Awards, Scholarships from Salesian College and Sacred Heart College, and the inaugural Spirit of Holy Cross Award.

We wish all of our graduates a wonderful journey as they enter the new realm of secondary education.  A special thanks to all the parents and helpers who literally spent months creating all of the elements and days bringing it together on site. Your efforts are truly intergalactic!

The Spirit of Holy Cross Award

The inaugural Spirit of Holy Cross Award was awarded to Mehar Poonia. 

The Spirit of Holy Cross Award goes to an individual who truly understands that leadership is defined by service and relationships. The Cross stands as a powerful symbol for their life:

• The vertical beam represents their outstanding resilience and unwavering commitment to the call to live out the Gospel, guiding their every action.
• The horizontal beam symbolises expansive love, manifested in their genuine care for others and their boundless passion for community and all of creation.

This student has not just led; they have served, uplifted, inspired, and even named our sheep, demonstrating how a resilient spirit and a compassionate heart can truly transform the world around them.

Gisborne Gazette Award

Katrina Buttigieg the Editor of the Gisborne Gazette presented the Gazette award to Lachlan and Harry Wilkes. 

Lachlan Wilkes is welcoming, positive, and kind-hearted, Lachlan has been a highly respected and supportive classmate. His attitude towards learning and school life has been exemplary. A collaborative worker and enthusiastic sports participant, Lachie consistently strives for excellence. Congratulations, Lachie, on this well-deserved award.

Harrison Wilkes is positive, hardworking, and easy-going. Harry Wilkes has been a joy to teach. His kind-hearted nature, energy, and genuine care for others shine through daily. Harry gives 100% to everything he does and is consistently reliable, trustworthy, and honest. Congratulations, Harry, on this well-deserved award.

Salesian College Scholarship Recipient 

My Mark Brockhus presented the Salesian scholarship to Evie Lockens

This year’s Salesian College Scholarship recipient for 2025 represents the very best of our Holy Cross community, an exceptional student whose achievements and character align beautifully with the values we uphold. Throughout their journey at Holy Cross, this student has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence paired with a deep commitment to personal growth. They approach their learning with a holistic mindset, embracing each day with curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm. A reflective and open-minded thinker, they have thoughtfully challenged ideas, offered fresh perspectives in problem-solving and taken admirable ownership of their learning. These qualities reflect the true spirit of a dedicated lifelong learner and embody the principles we celebrate at Holy Cross.

During their time with us, this student has made meaningful contributions in countless ways. They consistently show respect and kindness, with a caring nature that shines through their interactions with others. Their ability to collaborate effectively, persevere through challenges, and consistently extend themselves reflects natural leadership and integrity. Beyond academic pursuits, their commitment to sports and extracurricular activities highlights their teamwork, determination, and school pride. This person competed in all team sports this year for Holy Cross.  Also venturing to QLD to represent VIC in Futsal. Their maturity, honesty, and warmth have earned them admiration throughout our community, making them an inspiring role model for younger students.

As they begin their next exciting chapter at Salesian College for Year 7 in 2025, this scholarship not only acknowledges their remarkable achievements but also celebrates the bright future ahead of them. We are delighted and proud to announce Evie Lockens as the deserving recipient of the 2025 Salesian College Scholarship.

Sacred Heart Scholarship Recipient

Mr Saul Travers-Hucker the Direction of Faith and Mission, on behalf of Dr Darren Egberts , presented this year's Sacred Heart Scholarship to Thomas Fairmaid. 

This year’s Sacred Heart Scholarship recipient for 2025 truly reflects the heart of our Holy Cross community, an exceptional student whose achievements and character embody the values we hold dear. Throughout their time at Holy Cross, they have demonstrated outstanding academic ability paired with a genuine dedication to personal growth. They approach each learning opportunity with curiosity, imagination and enthusiasm, embracing challenges with a desire to design, create and innovate. These qualities exemplify the spirit of a lifelong learner and uphold the principles we are proud to celebrate at Holy Cross. Often helping with school events and projects. 

During their journey with us, they have contributed to our community in countless meaningful ways. As a classroom SRC representative, they consistently demonstrate respect, kindness, and care in their interactions with others. Their collaborative approach, resilience when faced with challenges and determination to extend themselves highlight their natural leadership and strong integrity.

As an active member of the Media Team, they continually seek opportunities to grow through research, experimentation and reflection. They approach technology with confidence and creativity, solving problems with ease and always considering the broader impact on the world around them. Their innovative use of their 3D printer, creating items to support initiatives like the Social Justice Market showcases both their skill and their desire to help others.

Their positive influence, forward thinking mindset, and unwavering dedication make them a truly deserving recipient of this honour.

As they prepare to embark on their next exciting chapter at Sacred Heart for Year 7 in 2025, this scholarship serves not only to honour their exceptional achievements but also to acknowledge the promising journey ahead. We are thrilled and proud to announce Thomas Fairmaid as the worthy recipient of the 2025 Sacred Heart Scholarship.

Gisborne Foodbank Christmas Appeal

Today, Wally from the Gisborne Foodbank visited Holy Cross to collect the generous donations contributed by our families and staff to support people in need this Christmas.

Our very own Sue Grant, a long-time supporter and volunteer at the Foodbank, has once again shown her deep commitment to helping others. Together with our Social Justice Leaders, Sue has been instrumental in leading this initiative and reminding us of the true spirit of giving.

We sincerely thank our families and staff for thinking of others during what can be an expensive and overwhelming time of year. With gifts to buy and meals to prepare, many families in our wider community find it challenging to make ends meet.

From bon bons to puddings, UHT milk to soft drinks, your donations will help make Christmas a little brighter for those doing it tough. Wally expressed his appreciation, noting that your generosity will make preparing Christmas hampers much easier next week.

As always, our Holy Cross community has pulled together with kindness and compassion. Thank you for making a difference.

Year 4 Cricket Fever Hits Holy Cross!

While Australia battles it out in the Ashes Test series this summer, Holy Cross has been hosting its own high-stakes cricket showdown! Under the expert coaching of Mr Wenczel, our Year 4s have been mastering the fine art of “tipperty run,” a skill we’re sure would confuse even the best of the English bowlers.

With perfect cricket weather on their side, the Year 4 students took a well-earned break from their classroom efforts and headed outdoors for a lively match full of enthusiasm, big hits and plenty of laughs.

We did remind Mr Wenczel that a traditional Test match runs for five days… so stay tuned to see if this Year 4 game picks back up again next week!