Principal’s Blog
Semester Two: A Time for Purpose, Growth and Personal Best
As we commence Term 3, we also begin the second half of our academic year—a natural point for reflection, renewal and goal setting.
The beginning of a new semester offers every student, regardless of age or stage, an opportunity to pause and consider an important question:
What do I want to achieve by the end of this year?
At Holy Cross College, our 2026 theme of Personal Best, grounded in our Frayne House tradition and inspired by the Spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, continues to guide us. Personal best is not about comparison. It is not about being better than others. Rather, it challenges each young person to become the best version of themselves by making the most of their God-given talents and opportunities.
Throughout life, meaningful growth rarely happens overnight. Transformation occurs through small decisions, consistent effort and a willingness to keep moving forward, even when the journey becomes challenging. It is in these everyday moments that character is formed and potential is realised.
For our Junior School students, Semester Two provides opportunities to develop positive habits, strengthen friendships, show kindness, build resilience and embrace new learning challenges. A student’s personal best might be improving their reading, becoming more organised, participating more confidently in class or simply demonstrating greater perseverance when things become difficult.
For our Senior School students, goals may be focused on academic achievement, leadership, service, study habits or preparation for life beyond school. As young people move through adolescence, goal setting becomes an increasingly important skill—helping them develop the self-discipline, accountability and determination that will serve them throughout their lives.
This week we also celebrate students who have received academic and co-curricular awards. These achievements are worthy of recognition and we congratulate all award recipients on their commitment, effort and success.
Importantly, while awards acknowledge excellence, they do not tell the whole story of growth. Some of the most significant progress occurs quietly and away from public recognition. Many students are making important strides in confidence, resilience, organisation and perseverance. These achievements matter greatly and deserve equal encouragement.
A special message must also be shared with our Year 12 students as they enter their final term at Holy Cross College.
The finish line is now in sight.
After many years of schooling, it would be understandable for some students to feel fatigued by the demands of study, assessments and future planning. However, this final term presents an important opportunity to finish strongly and remain focused on both personal and academic goals.
We encourage our Year 12 students to continue showing the resilience, determination and spirit that have brought them to this point. Their success will ultimately be measured not only by their results, but also by their character, their perseverance and the way they embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As a Catholic community, we believe that every person is on a journey of growth and transformation. Inspired by Mother Ursula Frayne and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, we seek to create an environment where each student is encouraged to strive for excellence, serve others with compassion and reach their fullest potential.
As families and staff work together throughout Semester Two, I encourage you to discuss goals at home, celebrate progress and remind our young people that success is often found in consistent effort rather than immediate results.
May this semester be one of purpose, growth and achievement as we continue to support every student in pursuing their personal best.
Mr Albert Borrello
Principal
Holy Cross College Ellenbrook