Kellie & Kate's Message

Dear Families,

What a special time of year this is! With Christmas just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, shopping for gifts, decorating, and planning gatherings. But as Advent reminds us, this is also a time to pause, prepare, and reflect. At Holy Cross, we’ve been doing just that, getting ready for the festive season and the new year while taking a moment to look back on the wonderful memories we’ve shared with our Year Six children and their families.

On Tuesday, we celebrated our Year Six Graduation with a beautiful Mass at St Brigid's, followed by a dinner with their families back at Holy Cross. Seeing these young people, many of whom we’ve known since they started with us in Prep, all dressed up and ready for their next adventure, we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible individuals they’ve become.

To the parents of our graduates, thank you for trusting us with your children. We’ve shared so many laughs, milestones, and memories over the years, and we’ll treasure them always. We also said farewell to the families leaving Holy Cross, some of the families have been with us for 14 years! As we wish you well, please know that you’ll always be a part of our Holy Cross community.

For our Year Six children, you’ve brought so much joy, energy, and personality to our school. Whether it was sharing jokes, tackling challenges on camp, or just those little chats during the school day, we’ve loved every moment with you. Remember, no matter where life takes you, you’ll always have a home here at Holy Cross.

There are many people to thank for putting together such a special evening, please see our Holy Cross Happenings for photos and thank you's! 

On Friday our Prep children led a very special Prayer Gathering. With many family members in attendance, the children shone with pride as they re-enacted the Christmas story. From the beautiful singing and trumpet-playing of our angels to the convincingly stern expression of our innkeeper, each child lit up the stage. Their smiles reflected the pride they felt, knowing they were not only performing for their families but also for the entire school community. 

A big thank you to Agnes, Alice and Leanne for preparing the children so thoroughly that any nerves were completely hidden. Thank you Preps for finishing our week with a beautiful Christmas message. 

2025 School Captains 

Last week we had the privilege of listening to our Year 5 children who were running for school captain, make their school captain's speeches. It was evident that they had taken some important messages from their leadership day and although there were nerves on the day, which is normal and showed that they wanted to do well, each speech was thoughtful and confidently delivered. Their Year 6 peers and teachers joined them, creating an encouraging and supportive audience.

It was obvious, that a lot of time was spent practicing their speeches in front of an audience, with our candidates looking up to deliver their important messages. Some of the values that shone through were our 'Ways of working' at Holy Cross, that we are safe, kind, learners. Being a good listener was also highlighted as being important if you are a leader and treating others with the same respect and kindness we wish to receive. The children spoke about those who inspire them and how important it is to have a positive mindset and be a role model for others. 

Watching the children, who only a few years ago, may not have had the confidence to stand up and speak in front of a crowd, to last week have the courage to stand up and make a speech in front of their peers, made everyone in the room feel proud of each and every one of the candidates. 

Congratulations to all the candidates for their effort, courage, and commitment, you have already inspired us!

We look forward to reading the applications for the other leadership roles this week and making those announcements before the end of the school year. Thank you to our Year 5 teachers, Luke and Kate for supporting our Year 5's throughout their leadership journey with guidance, encouragement, and valuable feedback.

Introducing our 2025 Holy Cross School Captains

After making her speech, Sienna had to leave for an important event, which is why her photo is separate. Congratulations to our 2025 school captains, Muna, Fletcher, Gabe and Sienna, we know you will make a great team and we look forward to working with you in 2025. 

Prep Orientation

Excitement filled the 2025 Prep rooms as our Year 5 students met their new Prep buddies for the first time. Sue had thoughtfully sent out photos of the buddies in advance to our new Prep families, building anticipation for this special moment.

Smiles were everywhere as the pairs worked together on Christmas activities, chatting and getting to know one another. It was heartwarming to see these connections forming as they shared in the joy of the season.

At the end of the session, our proud Year 5 buddies walked their new friends over to introduce them to their families, a perfect way to wrap up the transition program. Before we know it, these Preps will be celebrating their graduation, with their buddies cheering them on every step of the way!

Whole School Orientation

On Wednesday the 11th of December and Friday the 13th of December, the children will gather in their 2025 classes with their 2025 teachers.

Please see our Wellbeing section for some tips on how you can support your child to meet their teacher for 2025. It is normal for both the children and their parents to feel a mix of emotions when thinking about meeting their new teacher and classmates. Change can bring about feelings of uncertainty, but with your support, it can also be a positive opportunity for growth and new beginnings.

We look forward to working together to make this a positive transition for all the children. 

End of Year Mass

Our end of year Mass will be celebrated on Thursday the 12th of December at 12pm in the Multi-purpose Room. Families are warmly invited to join in this celebration. 

Library Books

As the school year begins to draw to an end, we ask that you have a look around your houses for any outstanding library books. It is never too late to return a book to the library. They are always welcome back!

End of Year Reports 

End of year reports will be sent to parents on Thursday 12 December.  Check your inbox in the afternoon.  Your children have worked hard this semester and are proud to celebrate their  growth.

Christmas Concert

We’re excited to invite all families to our annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, 10th December, at 6:00 pm! The weather is looking promising, which will be a welcome change for a Holy Cross event! Bring along your chairs and join us in celebrating with our Holy Cross community.

As part of the evening, our Social Justice Leaders will be taking up a collection for Edgar’s Mission, a not-for-profit farmed animal sanctuary that works to create a humane and just world for all.

To make things even easier, our wonderful PFA will be running a BBQ from 4:30 pm, giving you the chance to enjoy an easy dinner before the concert begins. We appreciate the time and effort our volunteers put into preparing a BBQ for so many, especially starting early to ensure they can also watch their children perform.

We look forward to seeing everyone there for an evening of community and celebration!

Have a peaceful weekend,

Kellie and Kate 

Advent is not a time for passivity. At its core, Advent calls us to reflect and, more importantly, to act out of love for one another, especially the poor, lonely and vulnerable.

Act out of love

We will hear Scripture over the next few weeks that reminds us to stay awake and stand ready – to wait with ears and eyes wide open to the world around us. At its core, Advent calls us to reflect and, more importantly, to act out of love for one another, especially the poor, lonely and vulnerable.

One of the most profound ways to observe this season is by reaching out to those who are suffering, those who are broken and desperate. Our world today still bears witness to vast injustice, where many live without basic comforts and security. In this context, Advent becomes an opportunity for each of us to embody Christ in the world.

The weeks of Advent will be marked by lighting candles placed in a wreath, one each week, until all are lit and the joy of Christmas is here.

The first candle represents hope – the longing for the coming of Christ, who brings hope to a broken world.

The second candle symbolises peace – reminding us that through Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in our families, communities, and the world.

The third candle represents joy – a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing God is with us.

Finally, the fourth candle stands for love – the greatest commandment given to us by Jesus himself, who showed us that love is the foundation of our relationship with God and one another. ‘Our fulfillment as human beings is found in love' (Francis 2024, n. 23).

All students attending Holy Cross Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.