End of Year Message

Advent God,
we journey with you to Bethlehem’s stable
and a new-born King,
ears attuned to the song of angels,
eyes alert for Bethlehem’s star.
Forgive us if on our journey
we are distracted by the tempting offers
of this world.
Keep our hearts aflame with the hope
of Christmas, and the promise
of a Saviour.

Amen

This week we participated in a ‘Gratitude’ Mass. Gratitude, thankfulness, or gratefulness is from the Latin word ‘gratus’, which means “pleasing” or “thankful.” It is regarded as a feeling of appreciation by a recipient of another’s kindness. I have a great feeling of appreciation for our students and  for what  they have done to help during these times of the COVID. Their cooperation ensured that education could continue, and we did the best we could to keep each other safe.

I thank our parents, guardians, and families for your continual support, in particular, our ‘Friends of Holy Cross’ group, and our ‘College Advisory Council’ members. Your involvement in our activities and events is greatly appreciated. Thank you to the many parents that volunteer their time in so many ways. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our partnerships in 2023.

We have a very connected and collaborative staff at HCC, who show so much good will with their time, ensuring our students are well supported and have the resources they need to be successful.

We also have beautiful grounds, which are also utilised as learning environments, a most welcoming CAFÉ, where you are always greeted with a smile, and a Learning Resource Centre that is led with such passion and dedication to provide further support and opportunities.

It takes teams of people to ensure the efficiency of our College – our Wellbeing, IT, Finance and Administration teams all work collaboratively, resulting in deadlines being met and progress being maintained.

Our teachers, who have the most impact upon student learning, supported by our Education Assistants have been so dedicated and responsive to changes and directives. They continually try to engage every student, ensuring they are challenged in order to make progression.

Thank you to all of our staff members, and our College leaders for ensuring the success of 2022. We are blessed with a dedicated staff who are well connected to the story and traditions of HCC, enriching the lives of our students.

We also have a strong relationship with our Parish – where we witness our faith together and celebrate the true meaning of having John 10:10 ‘Life to the Full’.  We are blessed to have Fr Bona as our Parish Priest, who always spreads the joy, no matter what personal challenges he may have. Fr Bona often reminds us of the importance of being happy and to make every interaction with another person count. We thank you, Fr Bona.

Our College Patron, Oscar Romero, was our patron focus for 2022.With great courage, Romero embraced the journey of the cross, standing up for the poor and for justice. He became the ‘bishop of the poor’ for his work defending the people of El Salvador. With all the current global challenges, such as floods, fires, famine and war, the words of Romero still ring true today – “Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.” This is what we all have a responsibility to do for one another.

Ozanam students will be pleased to know that our College Patron for 2023 will be Blessed Frederick Ozanam.

Thank you to staff and families that came to view our Christmas Carols. The staff prepared the students well and it was an enjoyable evening. The storm never came, but it was better to be prepared. Next year we will aim to be outside again. Well done, students!

LEGO Celebrations

Well done to Chris McRae for the organisation of the LEGO Display and presentation evening. There were close to 70 students and parents and several awards presented as well as the display of the Winter Village. It was a great way to end the year. The Award winners were:

YEAR 2-4 BUILDER OF THE YEAR: Eden Kerry

YEAR 2-4 ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Edward Dell’Aventino

YEAR 5-7 BUILDER OF THE YEAR: Zac Pearce

YEAR 5-7 ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Xavier Bransby

ALL ROUNDER AWARD: Milton Roberts

Congratulations to our award recipients and recognised leaders, from this morning’s end of year Assembly.  These students aim for excellence and set goals for their own individual future directions. Thank you for your dedication and motivation. Thank you to Vice Principal, Albert Borrello, for the organisation of the Assembly. Thank you also to Deputy – Faith, Fiona De Courcier, Photographer/ LAL – Chris Gooch, and Music teacher, Kerri Sloper for your participation and leadership. Finally, thank you to our IT and Grounds team for the setup and support and to our Café manager, Cathie Lewis for organising the refreshments. The Year Four Christmas item was really well done. Thank you.

Please note that more information pertaining to the 2023 school year will be sent to you next week.

We are now well into the season of Advent. The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. It is a time of prayer and reflection, and it is a time for giving – giving hope, giving help, and giving love.

May the Lord bless you and guide you all on a safe and positive holiday experience as 2022 draws to a close.

I wish you all a holy and joyous Christmas and Advent season. And a very positive start to the New Year. Best wishes, everyone.

Ms Julie Hornby

PRINCIPAL