A CAMINO PILGRIMAGE - Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook

I have just returned from walking the Camino de Santiago. My pilgrimage started in St Jean Pied de Port, a small town in the Pyrenees on the border of France and Spain. From there I walked to Santiago de Compostela and then to the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Finisterre, a journey of 900 kilometres. It was an amazing experience – an opportunity to spend time on a pilgrimage with God, myself, others and nature. Holy Cross College has a strong connection with pilgrimage and as I saw the Camino shells along the route it reminded me often of the College community. Thanks to Mr Peter Collins for taking on the role of Acting Principal while I was on leave.

YEAR 6 TRANSITION

Year 6 students are ready to take the next step on their journey as they move into Middle School next year. Parents, students and staff celebrated this transition with a Mass last Wednesday. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a delicious morning tea. Thanks to Miss Kylie Henderson and Miss Aoife Hickey for their work in preparing for this special celebration.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

We are now in the Church Season of Advent, a time of preparation for Christmas. During this time we express gratitude for all the gifts we have been given this year and this will be the focus of our Gratitude Mass on Wednesday morning. During Advent we also have a focus on giving and this is particularly expressed through out contribution to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Thanks to families who have donated so far to this appeal. The Christmas Giving Tree is now in the College Office and families are invited to bring a gift for a child who may not receive one and place it under the tree. The Pre-Kindergarten students celebrated the Christmas season with their concerts last week. This week we will gather for Carols by Candlelight, commencing at 6.00pm on Thursday. I hope to see many parents at both the Gratitude Mass and Carols by Candlelight.

SWIMMING EVENTS

Students in Years 1 – 3 have been developing their skills in the water as they participated in swimming lessons this week, The Middle and Senior Schools Swimming Carnival was held last Friday. There was a great spirit of participation as the students joined in both competitive and novelty events. Thanks to Mr James Parsons and the Physical Education Team for their work in organising the carnival. Thanks to all the parents who came along to support.