Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook
'I came that they may have life, and have it to the full' John 10:10
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New COVID Restrictions, Learning Programs and More

18/03/2021
Principal

Dear Holy Cross College Community

St Patrick is a very popular saint. He was enslaved at the age of 14 and turned to God during this time. He escaped at the age of 20 and began studying for the Priesthood. He preached for 40 years in Ireland converting thousands of people. He is the patron saint of Ireland. For those of you that celebrate St Patrick’s Day, and all that it stands for, I wish you happiness and family joy today.

COVID-19 – UPDATE

The Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Mark McGowan, has announced changes to the WA COVID-19 Roadmap, “Phase 4b”, that came into effect on Monday 15 March. 

We can now welcome our parents on school site with some limited restrictions. We encourage your participation in school events, in accordance with Phase 4b restrictions. Also, parents can be rostered into the classrooms for parent help. Junior Assemblies will also be recorded and posted after the assembly . A link will be sent to parents . 

Increased capacity of up to 75% will be allowed at outdoor and indoor venues, which includes our class assemblies.

Parents attending events on site, will not need to sign in. The pre-existing sign in procedures, for visitors, will continue in Administration. 

Parents will need to adhere to good practice with physical distancing principles such as:

  • maintaining 1.5 metres separation between adults who are not from the same household, and
  • maintain a minimum of 2 square metres (2m2) per adult.

We will require good physical distancing, and health and hygiene practices such as no hugging or shaking hands.

For large events, we will consider staggering venue arrival and departure times to maintain physical distancing, maintain 1.5 metres between adults from different households, where possible, and hand sanitiser will be available to all participants.

Please consider these protocols upon your arrival, to ensure a smooth transition back.  

Learning Resource Centre – San Salvador

Our Library is open until 4pm Mondays to Fridays for students to complete homework, receive homework assistance and for an area to study. For those students who like to be active while they are learning, or want to exercise, we have the addition of two desktop spin bikes.  These bikes are proving to be very popular.

Labyrinth – ‘The Eye of Justice and Service’

The Labyrinth is close to completion and is looking to be on track with the design. I thank our Deputy Principal – Faith, Mr Ben Bull, for his design and for sourcing a setting of bricks which were part of the original McCormack family homestead that once stood on a farm just outside of the town of Trayning. The bricks will be placed at the centre of the labyrinth.

Harmony Day

Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone who calls Australia home. Holy Cross College is blessed with a rich heritage of different cultures from around the world. Approximately 25% of our students experience a language background other than English. To celebrate this diversity, the staff and student Inter-relationship team organised a multi-cultural festival on Monday 15 March. The parade, variety of foods, activities and parent conversation opportunities were well planned. Thank you to Mrs Christina Davina, and the Inter-relationship team for the organisation of the day, acknowledging the diversity of our College.

National Assessment Program – Literacy and numeracy NAPLAN

As you are aware, NAPLAN did not take place in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. NAPLAN for 2021 will commence from the 11 May. All schools have already received the instructions for the processes and procedures.

Secondary Program

Further to my last post on this topic, more detailed information about the ‘My Life’ program, will be communicated to parents prior to the end of term. This includes focus areas such as gifted and talented, learning support, the VET program, Careers, enrichment, year level curriculum timelines, and ‘Life to the Full’, pathway planning. An opportunity for parent conversation will also be organised.

I wish our HCC Community a positive end to the week.

Ms Julie Hornby

PRINCIPAL