Holy Cross Happenings
Welcome Baby Flora
A warm congratulations to Caitlyn and James on the arrival of Flora Adeline Blake!
Alvie is already embracing his new role as a proud big brother. We were all very excited to meet Flora last Friday when the Blake family came for a visit, Caitlyn also took the chance to check on our veggie garden!! It won't be long before we see little Flora joining her family out in the garden exploring too!
Aoife's Farewell
Today we said goodbye to our Principal. We are very appreciative of the time and dedication that Aoife has shared with our community. We celebrated with a sea of green and even a few tears.
Thank you Aoife x
Year 2 Camp Day
Yesterday our Year Two children embraced the outdoors at Hanging Rock, exploring its rich history and natural beauty. They discussed the cultural significance of Hanging Rock as a meeting place for the Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, discovering how the rock has had various names over time. The children also talked about all things science, including how the rock was formed through volcanic activity, and shared their knowledge about habitats and local wildlife.
Throughout the morning the children spotted local wildlife, including a friendly family of rosellas who shared some of the children's apples, and they got plenty of exercise hiking in the beautiful sunshine. Following the scenic hike, the rest of the day was filled with fun activities like orienteering and classic games, including tic-tac-toe and the chook toss.
To wind down in the afternoon the children enjoyed a plate of fresh fruit. For dinner they tucked into some chicken and salad rolls followed by biscuits. Supper was popcorn and juice. The day ended with a classic movie: Mary Poppins, which was enjoyed by all. It was a memorable day, but it didn't end there.
Today the children rounded off their Camp Day experience by immersing themselves in a hut-building challenge. The task allowed the children to work collaboratively in teams whilst harnessing resources in nature.
Thank you to Kate, Louise and Mel for organising and facilitating such an amazing and fun experience for our Year Two children.
Prep 2025 Transition Sessions
Prep 2025 Transition Sessions
Today, we were delighted to welcome our 2025 Prep children and their families for their first orientation session. The new Preps settled in beautifully, engaging in a range of activities designed to help them get to know their new school and make new friends.
While the children were settling in, parents had the chance to hear from psychologist Carly McGauran, who shared valuable insights on supporting children’s social and emotional development. We’ve included some of Carly’s resources in the Wellbeing section of this newsletter for all families to explore.
A special thank you to our Year 6 leaders, who warmly welcomed our new families and Preps today. It’s hard to believe that it wasn’t so long ago they were beginning their own primary school journey!
Year 4 Melbourne Museum Excursion
Last week our Year 4 children had an informative experience when they visited the First Peoples exhibit at the Melbourne Museum as part of their history unit in Inquiry. This powerful exhibit, told through the voices and languages of the Koorie community, showcases the history of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of Creation to the present day.
The children had the opportunity to experience the Deep Listening Space, where they could hear community members, aged 8 to 72, speak about their identity, community, and culture. They entered the nest of Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle and ancestral spirit of the Kulin nation. They also explored Koorie customs and discovered how life changed after European settlement. It was an enriching experience that will drive further learning across the term.
Thank you to the parent helpers who supported the event alongside the Year 4 teaching team for organising the excursion.
Year 3 Immigration Museum
Last week, our Year 3 children took an enlightening trip to the Immigration Museum in Melbourne, deepening their understanding of Australia’s immigration patterns as part of their current History unit. The visit offered the children a unique perspective on the personal and emotional journeys of those who left their homelands to make a new life in Australia. Through powerful exhibits, the children explored the varied reasons people migrated, the challenges they faced upon arrival in Melbourne, and the rich ways migrant communities celebrate their culture and express their identities. It was an impactful experience, helping the children connect history with the diverse cultures that make up Australia today.
Thank you to the parent helpers for assisting on the day and to Emily and Cailin for designing this awesome experience for our children.
Year 5 Leadership Day
Our Year 5 children were deeply immersed in the concept of leadership today. They were joined by inspirational past student of Holy Cross; Tiara, Stephanie, Ellie and Tate. Each guest speaker spoke of resilience and determination, as well as a passion for being part of the wider community. Thank you to Luke and Kate B for organising the day and to the PFA for supplying a tasty lunch for everyone to enjoy. The children are still working as this newsletter is being prepared so stay tuned for some personal reflections in next fortnight's newsletter!
We are so proud of these three incredible young ladies who are past Holy Cross students and school captains at Assumption College, Salesian College and Sacred Heart College. Thank you to Ellie Borg, Tiara Burt and Stephanie Waddington for coming back to speak to our Year 5's, they were truly inspiring. Look out for these impressive young ladies in the future!