Aoife's Message

Good afternoon Holy Cross families,

This is our first detailed newsletter of the term, it has certainly been a jam-packed few weeks so far. An excursion to Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend had our Prep - Year Two children well and truly exhausted yesterday. Thank you to the parent helpers who volunteered, we are very appreciative. Thank you also to the James, Paola and Szostak families for caring for our chickens over the Easter holidays. They were very happy and well fed on our return. Please check out the Learning & Teaching section of the newsletter, along with the Holy Cross Happenings section for more detail on what we've been up to in the last three weeks. 

Professional Learning

We continue to have a strong focus on staff professional learning. Our Year Three - Six teachers have been immersed in a spelling focus, whilst our Prep - Year Two team have been delving into reading about the science of learning. As a whole staff the practice of daily reviews in mathematics continues to go from strength to strength, with all children engaged in the problem solving process. Next week our leadership team will be taking part in two days of learning focused on 'crucial conversations' at the Catholic Leadership Centre. 

Term 2 reminders and events 

• Mother's Day Stall, Thursday 9th May
• Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, Friday 10th May
• Aqua Aware Swimming Lessons for Prep - Year Three will take place from Monday 13th - Friday 17th May
• Prep 2025 enrolments will close on July 31st. To assist with future planning could I please ask that any current families submit enrolment forms as soon as possible. Forms are available from the office. 

Please note the expectation that conversations online should never identify a child by name, nor should social media be used as a tool to discuss school issues, staff or other families. We all have a right to work and live in a community where the dignity of all is upheld. 

We have added a 'Wellbeing' section to our newsletter. We aim to inform families about our current practices and some of the strategies that we use to support children's social and emotional learning. We will add to this throughout the year. 

Wishing all mothers and mother figures a blessed and happy Mother's Day next weekend. 

Aoife

Lord Jesus Christ, 

You chose to put yourself—tiny, needy and helpless—into the nurturing and watchful hands of a human mother. Since then, every act of mothering, both physical and spiritual, in every time and every corner of the world recollects Mary’s. Inspired by this example, we, too, honour our mothers and mother figures today. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers and nurturers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, honour them always with a spirit of profound respect.

We ask this in your holy name. 

Amen.