CELEBRATING A TEN YEAR JOURNEY

Last Friday we had a wonderful celebration of our first ten years as a College.  The day started with an Opening Sequence telling the story of our College patrons in a very moving drama.  This was followed by our Tenth Anniversary Feast Day Mass at which Bishop Don Sproxton was the main celebrant.  He was joined by Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini, Abbott John Herbert OSB, Fr Robert Nixon OSB, Fr Bona and Fr Marcela.   At the conclusion of the Mass we were given a very special gift – Fr Robert Nixon, a member of the Benedictine community of New Norcia and a talented musician, performed for us a piece of music written by Dom Salvado, as well as one of his own compositions.  Many people who have been part of the growth of the College during the past ten years joined us for the Mass. These included Dr Debra Sayce, Executive Director of CEWA, representatives of the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the McCormack family and foundation staff and students.  The Mass was followed by a delicious morning tea during which German Silva, who had worked as a catechist with Archbishop Oscar Romero, spoke to staff and guests.  In the week leading up to Friday’s celebrations students, staff and some parents participated in a pilgrimage around the College, reflecting on the life of St Oscar Romero.  They also listened to a presentation by German as he told his story of life in El Salvador during the time of Oscar Romero.  He was very excited by the connection of Holy Cross College to Oscar Romero.

On Friday night we celebrated our tenth year with a wonderful family festival.  A large number of staff and families, past and present, gathered on the College oval for a night of festivities.  The highlight of the evening was the display of photos depicting each year of our development, projected on the wall of the Subiaco/Trayning building.

Thanks to staff for their incredible commitment in preparing for our 10 Year Anniversary Celebrations, to students who contributed in so many ways and to parents who joined us at this special time

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

On Sunday a number of our Year Six students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Please keep these students in your prayers at this special time in their faith journey.  Thanks to Miss Aoife Hickey and Miss Megan Knapton for preparing the students for this sacrament and to Mrs Kylie Day and Mr Ben Bull for their support.

CATHOLIC PERFORMING ARTS AWARD

On Monday evening Eva Ladyman, Year Ten, accepted the Ron Dullard Shield for Christian Drama at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival Final Concert.  Eva accepted the award on behalf of the Holy Cross College students who performed Dom Salvado – A Pilgrimage.  This is the third consecutive year Holy Cross College has received the award for Christian Drama.  Thanks to Mr Chris McRae for his work with the students and for coordinating the College’s participation in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.  This year the College had 41 entries in 21 categories.  Thanks to all staff and parents who supported the student’s participation in the festival.

ATHLETICS CARNIVALS

Despite the cold weather, the College oval was filled with colour and excitement yesterday as Junior School students participated In the Inter-house Athletics Carnival. Thanks to the many parents who came along to support their children at the carnival. Thanks also to Mr James Parsons and the Health and Physical Education Team for their work in organising the carnival.  A huge thank you to the Friends of Holy Cross for organising the sausage sizzle at the carnival.

GRADUATION ASSEMBLY AND FEAST DAY

On Friday 27 September we will farewell Year Twelve students at the Graduation Assembly.  Following the Grand Parade we will hold our Feast Day Fair.  Parents are welcome to join us for the day’s activities.  This is also the last day of term and will be a great way to finish a busy term.  Year Twelve ATAR students commence their final school exams during the second week of the school holidays.  Practical ATAR examinations commence during the first week of the holidays.  We wish the Year Twelve students all the best during this time.

NAPLAN RESULTS

We have received the individual reports for NAPLAN 2019. The Year Three and Five results will be given to parents at Learning Conversations next week.  Year Seven and Nine results will be given to students to take home on Wednesday.   An SMS will be sent to parents of Years Seven and Nine students on Wednesday reminding them to ensure they receive the results.

Ms Mandy Connor

Principal