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- FROM THE PRINCIPAL
- Joseph Fatherhood Initativve
- FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
- TRANSPORT NSW - School Student Travel
- FROM THE LEADER OF LEARNING - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- Celebrating the Legacy of St. Patrick & the Patrician Brothers
- FROM THE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & CURRICULUM
- FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PEDAGOGY
- FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DIVERSE LEARNING
- From the Year 12 Coordinator
- From the Year 11 Coordinator
- From the Year 9 Coordinator
- From the Year 8 Coordinator
- From the Year 7 Coordinator
- WINTER SECOND HAND UNIFORMS
- Food & Toiletries Drive for St Merkorious
- Enrolments Year 7 2027
- HCC IN THE MEDIA:
- Open Day 2025 March 3rd
- College Leaders Investiture
- ASH WEDNESDAY
- Pancake Tuesday @hccryde
- 2025 Harmony Day
- Patrician Service Program @OLQP
- Servant Leadership @hccryde - our senior leaders on Vinnies patrol.
- Year 11 Chemistry Flame Test
- College Army Cadet Representatives
- Newman Selective Stream @hccryde.
- CSDA PUBLIC SPEAKING
- HSIE @hccryde
- Mathematics Excellence @hccryde
- STEM Engineering @hccryde
- Year 8 Science Abiotic Factors
- Sydney Swimming Age Champion
- Swimming Success @hccryde
- House Sport @hccryde - 6 March
- Thursday Sport @hccryde 13 March 2025
- Outstanding Student Success Story:
- Sydney Transport - Buses - Time of Departure
- CANTEEN
- HCC Canteen Menu
- NEW UNIFORM SHOP
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Lost Property
- PARISH BULLETIN
Dear Holy Cross Community,
We have reached the halfway point of our Lenten journey and continue to prepare for the coming season of Easter. Let us use this time to continue to renew our relationship with Christ focusing on the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (charity).
- Prayer: Make time for personal and communal prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength.
- Fasting: Consider what you can give up or abstain from (e.g., certain foods, social media, or distractions) to focus on spiritual growth.
- Almsgiving: Practice acts of kindness and generosity towards others, especially those in need, reflecting Jesus' compassion.
Last Friday we celebrated Harmony Day at the College with cultural performances from our Greek, Lebanese and Pacifica students. The College hall was filled to capacity during lunchtime for the incredibly talented performances.The singing and dancing were exceptional and demonstrative of the preparation of the students involved. Hopefully as it continues to grow next year we will have some more performances added to the day. The students managed to raise $2,309.45 for Caritas and Project Compassion. Thank you to Mrs Belcastro and Ms Chong for organising the day.
Next Wednesday 6:00pm - 7:00pm we are hosting the Saint Joseph fatherhood project. This is an initiative of Sydney Catholic Schools and is being piloted at Holy Cross. It is a response to parents surveys asking for more Faith formation activities for parents. All are welcome.
Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends of the College,
It is quite incredible to think that we are already in Week 8 of Term 1 and we have only two full weeks of school prior to the Easter holidays.
Harmony Day
Last Friday, 21 March the College celebrated Harmony Day with a Mufti Day Fundraiser and cultural celebrations at both recess and lunch. The day was a huge success and showcased all that is good about Holy Cross, in particular demonstrating the tremendous feelings of unity and connection that our very unique community shares. On Harmony Day, our nation joins as one to celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians. Students raised over $2300 for Project Compassion as part of our Lenten fundraising. This is a tremendous achievement and will make a fantastic difference to the lives of many.
Naplan
Naplan has been and gone for another year but I did want to make special mention of our Year 7 and our Year 9 students. These young men demonstrated tremendous commitment throughout the testing period and approached each of their exams with fervour and determination. Well done to all. I very much look forward to celebrating their achievements when we receive the results later this year.
Academic Assessments
We are well and truly in the midst of assessment season with each of our young men in Years 7-12 presently completing both take home tasks and in class examinations and tests. Parents and carers often ask how they can assist their sons in best preparing for their assessments. The points below offer some very simple tips that you may find useful in your household.
- Create a realistic study schedule: Don't cram at the last minute; spread out your study time.
- Set clear goals: Identify what you need to learn and how you will achieve it.
- Prioritise tasks: Focus on the most important topics first.
- Plan for breaks: Regular breaks can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Sleep and eat well and ensure you are still getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Winter Uniform
A reminder that all students are required to be in full College winter uniform at the beginning of Term 2. Please ensure that all students have Blazers and ties so that they are able to begin the term in a positive fashion.
Wishing you all the very best for the fortnight ahead.
Mission and Identity
A prayer for Lent.
Lenten Companion 2025
The Parish Renewal Team from the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney has created a Lenten Companion to support the faithful of Sydney as they meditate upon the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. While some people may use the resource within the context of a parish Lenten group, others may use it for their own individual or family prayer. Gospel Reflections have been provided by Bishop Richard Umbers, Christina Guzman, Lawrence Qummou, Helen Wagner, Dr Paul Morrissey, Sister Cecilia Joseph, OP, and Fr Julian Wellspring.
You can download the Lenten Companion 2025 here.
The Family Wellbeing and Education Team from Sydney Catholic Schools will be hosting and presenting the "Joseph Fatherhood Initiative" at Holy Cross Ryde. The Joseph Fatherhood Initiative is an evening of faith and fun for fathers and their children.
Date: Wednesday 2nd April 2025
Start Time: 5.45pm for 6.00pm
Finish Time: 7.30pm
Venue: College Hall
RSVP: Essential in the following link - JFI RSVP Google Form Holy Cross 2/4/25
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms Christina Breda, Religious Education Coordinator, on christina.breda001@syd.catholic.edu.au.
The Family Wellbeing and Education Team looks forward to seeing you at the Joseph Fatherhood Initiative.
Youth Ministry
SPARC Youth Group
The St Charles Parish Youth, SPARC, gather every Friday night, which allows young adults from Ryde and the surrounding communities to come together and form new friendships and discuss their faith. With various activities, led by young adult leaders they also use this time to incorporate and explore different ways to grow a relationship with God. Last Friday night's gathering was held at Holy Cross and there were over 80 students who attended. There were opportunities to have self-prayer and Eucaristic Adoration.
- James Tourle
Year 11 Student
All are welcome to attend the SPARC youth nights at St Charles and we are looking forward to having more Holy Cross students attend.
Project Compassion
Students have been fundraising for project compass through various initiatives. Year 12 on Friday 21st of March raised over $2,300 for their Harmony Day initiative. We encourage all within the community to continue to contribute to the fundraiser through the money boxes in HCT or through various events coming up over the next few weeks.
Here is an initiative year 11 have organised for Friday 28th of March at lunchtime, which not only raises awareness for Project Compassion but also builds community. We look forward to the staff vs students basketball game.
Miss Ashleigh Fayad
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Liturgy and Service
St Patrick’s Day Mass
On Tuesday, 18th March, Holy Cross held a whole school mass to honour St. Patrick, a man of faith, resilience, and mission, whose legacy continues to inspire generations. His spirit of service and education lives on through the Patrician Brothers, a congregation dedicated to spreading knowledge, compassion, and faith worldwide. From classrooms to communities, the Patrician Brothers have carried forward St. Patrick’s mission, nurturing young minds and fostering a spirit of justice, kindness, and leadership.
Celebrating the Legacy of St. Patrick & the Patrician Brothers 
Dear Parents and Carers,
NAPLAN 2025 is now over and I would like to congratulate all our Year 7 & 9 students who approached all tests with diligence and focus. All students who participated in NAPLAN will receive an individual report of their results.
Since 2023, NAPLAN individual student results are reported against proficiency standards to provide parents and carers clear information on student achievement.
The NAPLAN proficiency standards include 4 proficiency levels for each assessment area at each year level:
- Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
- Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
- Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.
Each of the standards represents increasingly challenging skills and understandings as students move through the years of schooling.
Watch ACARA’s video on reading NAPLAN ISRs (3:15) | transcript (PDF 130 KB)
Assessments
Many of our students are completing their end of Term assessments. These were communicated to all students and their parents and carers at the beginning of Academic Year the Curriculum Guides and Assessment Schedules for Stage 6 students and via Assessment Notifications in Week 2.
These documents can also be found on our Assessment Tasks website accessed via Compass and the star icon and via your son’s Year group google classroom.
Curriculum Guides
Assessment Process
At Holy Cross College our assessment processes apply to all students 7-12. Below is a visual presentation of our processes.
Stage 4
All assessment and submission instructions can be found on our assessment notifications. This includes our examination rules, academic integrity and malpractice policies. Class teachers also remind students of assessment requirements when notifications are issued and provide reminders as the assessment due date approaches.
It is important that students are familiar with our processes to maximise their performance.
Year 9
A reminder that course preferences offered in Term I of Year 10 is based on a student’s Year 9 performance as well as standardised testing like NAPLAN, PAT-R, PAT-M and AGAT.
Additionally, work covered in Stage 5 Mathematics and Science is foundational for success in their Stage 6 counterparts. Students are encouraged to maintain their strong work ethic and diligent application throughout the entire year.
Year 10
Year 10 students are working conscientiously towards their subject preferences. Here is how you can support your son in their journey to Stage 6 in each term this year.
Cecilia Batista
Dear Parent, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends of the College,
Celebration of Learning
It has been great to see the celebration of the learning occurring across the College this year. Each year group has their different learning focus and experiences and in order to improve our learning it is important to recognise this throughout the year. Recently I have been working with our senior students in PDHPE who collaborate to respond to key HSC practice questions. This teamwork is key to increasing learner confidence and student efficacy. The skills to learn this way doesn’t just occur in Year 11 & 12. This must begin in our 7-10 year groups in order for them to be experts in their study skills in Stage 6. Keep an eye out on our social media for more celebration of learning. Here are a few photos of our Year 12 PDHPE students in action.
Cycle of Learning
For our young men to be successful in their learning and retention of knowledge they need to have the discipline to follow a routine to learning success. This takes great dedication and commitment to their school work but when they learn they feel good about themselves.
This diagram shows three clear phases each of our young men go through to be successful in their subject areas.
The content phase is usually completed in our lessons. This highlights the importance of regular attendance to school as without this phase, our student won’t be able to succeed in Step two.
The consolidation phase is where students will discover whether they have retained the information from the content phase. This is where students write separate study notes and/or flashcards to summarise their understanding. This phase is also important to ask questions of their teacher should they not be able to grasp a topic or skill.
The Practice and Feedback stage is vital in students executing their writing and comprehension skills to apply what they have learnt in the previous two phases. This is where they will receive feedback from their teacher and peers. This is also a phase where parents engage with their son’s learning and ensure they show you the practice responses they have been writing. Without this phase our young men won’t be effectively prepared for any writing assessment tasks as without practice they will not be able to perfect their skills.
Newman Higher Ability Selective Test
On Tuesday 25 March we welcomed a group of Year 6 students to Holy Cross College who participated in the Higher Ability Selective Test (HAST) for inclusion in our Newman program in 2026. These students worked conscientiously all day on a number of tests including reading, writing, abstract thinking and mathematics. With only a few short breaks throughout the day, they are to be commended on their mature approach to the tests on the day.
Literacy Pro Update
Year 7 and 8 students have had a great start to Literacy Pro this year with over 2,600,000 words read!
Just a reminder that all students should be reading for twenty minutes every day and should have passed at least THREE book quizzes before the end of Term 1.
Students who have earned colour reading certificates will be awarded early Term 2.
The Graduating class of 2025 has had a great start to the year. There has been a lot of talk with the Student Leadership group around the legacy that they would like to leave the College and initiatives that they would like to introduce to the College Community.
From their first term as Year 12, an important message that this group wanted to share with the College was the idea of being inclusive of all, as well as embracing and celebrating cultural diversity. Harmony Day quickly became the focus to get this message across. On Friday the 21st March, Year 12 led this day with pride and pledged all funds raised to project compassion.
Harmony Day 2025 was a great success with 3 cultural performances, the College Community wearing a national jersey or the colour orange in support and activities and games in the FLP at recess. Thank you to the 3 groups that performed on the day. The time and effort that you volunteered to ensure an outstanding performance was greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the Graduating Class of 2025, I would like to sincerely thank the College Community for their involvement and support with Harmony Day 2025.
I would like to congratulate the Year 11 Councillors who were chosen by their peers to represent their respective HCT classes.
| 11 Delany Councillor | - | Larry Lewin |
| 11 Dwyer Councillor | - | George K Panagolouolos |
| 11 Fogarty Councillor | - | Joshua Smith |
| 11 Gallagher Councillor | - | Noah Roumanos |
| 11 Hannigan Councillor | - | Charlie Sing |
Ryde Secondary School Leaders High Tea
local high schools were in town for a broad ranging discussion and exchange of ideas over high tea 
Charlie Sing - 11 Hannigan
On Friday 21 March four Year 11 Councillors including myself, attended an event at the Parliament House in the city. We met Ryde MP Jordan Lane who was talking about how we and other Councillors representing other schools can change the future for the better and he wanted to get to know if we were interested in the politics region. We learnt the interesting history on the Parliament House and how it used to be a rum hospital. Overall it was an interesting experience that i shared with the other Councillors from our College and the other schools.
George K. Panagopoulos - 11 Dwyer
On Friday 21 March, myself and three other Year 11’s represented Holy Cross College at a Ryde High Tea event at the New South Wales Parliament House in the City. Holy Cross College was one of five schools that attended the event along with Marist Eastwood, Marsden High, Ryde Secondary College, and Epping Boys High. The event was run by Ryde MP Jordan Lane and he was talking about how, as future leaders, we can make a positive impact and stand as a voice for others. Along the way, we also made friends from other schools.
Noah Roumanos - 11 Gallagher
Last Friday, myself and three of my peers set out to NSW Parliament House. We were invited to a High Tea regarding the future leaders of all the schools in the Ryde area. We met with Ryde MP Jordan Lane, who was keen on getting insights into what our views were on society, what we would like to change or begin inovating if we were in charge. These discussions sparked friendships between our schools and produced healthy and positive conversations. We were given a tour of the Parliament building as well as plenty of history and fun facts about Australian Parliament by Jordan Lane himself. I was lucky enough to be able to have a private conversation with Jordan to gain insights into what he has planned for the future and how invested he is to get the younger generations input into his work. It was a truly splendid day and a lot was learnt.
James Tourle - 11 Fogarty
Last Friday, myself and a small group of Year 11’s were selected to represent Holy Cross College at NSW Parliament House. This event was run by Jordan Lane, the MP for the Ryde area. Alongside Holy Cross College there were few more schools from the Ryde, Gladesville area, these being Marist Eastwood, Marsden High, Ryde Secondary College, and Epping Boys High. At this event we were discussing how the student leaders of current schools can create a lasting impact on the school and their local community. Following the High Tea, Mr Lane took all the schools on a tour of Parliament House.
Year 9 has kicked off the school year with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication, setting a high standard for the terms ahead. I would like to congratulate the students who attended the College swimming carnival earlier this year. Your participation in this community event was amazing to see. The students' commitment to their studies was particularly evident during the recent NAPLAN assessments, where they demonstrated exceptional focus and resilience. This strong start to the year is a testament to the hard work put in by both students and their supportive teachers, laying a solid foundation for continued success. The students continue to shine in their extra curricular activities including Cadets, Representative sport and Public Speaking.
Beyond the classroom, Year 9 has also excelled in contributing to the school community and demonstrating outstanding classroom conduct. An impressive number of over 100 students have been recognised with Bronze and Silver awards for their classwork and Patrician service. These awards highlight not only academic achievement but also the students' willingness to participate actively in school life and embody the school's values. From volunteering their time to make sandwiches for the Vinnies Night Patrol to consistently producing high-quality work, these students are shining examples of the positive impact Year 9 is having on our school.
This early success has set the standard for the rest of the year and they will only continue to improve.
I would like to acknowledge the Year 9 Councillors who were chosen by their peers to represent their respective HCT classes.
| Delany Councillor | - | Yuveer Dawar |
| Dwyer Councillor | - | Xavier Stephenson |
| Fogarty Councillor | - | Joshua Andoniou |
| Gallagher Councillor | - | Jack Morgan |
| Hannigan Councillor | - | Andre Ozbenian |
| Phelan Councillor | - | Preston Tam |
Early nex term, Year 9 will attend Camp Somerset on the Colo River, this will be a wonderful experience for these young men and bring them closer together. I ask that if any Year 9 parents and carers have not registered to please do so at their earliest convenience.
Congratulations Year 9 but the job is not done!
What an outstanding start to the year. Year 8 has been busy with lots of events taking place at the College this term.
Opening Mass, the Swimming Carnival, St Patrick's day Celebrations, Harmony day and Project compassion fundraisers. I commend the students for their willingness to participate in all things extra curricular- their positive attitude is fantastic to see.
Year 7 came and went so quickly and student’s are no longer the youngest in the College. The expectations and responsibilities have increased and the boys have taken these on board well. During HCT, the focus has been on anti-bullying, dangers of social media and resilience. The conversations and positive discussions taking place have been great to see.
Year 8 has such a wide range of talents and I congratulate all the students who have signed up for and taken initiative in the College Band, Wolf Gang, Debating, Public Speaking, SCS Touch, Water polo, European handball and Basketball.
Students begin trials this week for SCS Soccer and Rugby League- goodluck to those students.
Congratulations to our new Year 8 student councillors.
| Delany Councillor | - | Ethan Bromfield |
| Dwyer Councillor | - | Marcus Hahnel |
| Fogarty Councillor | - | Harrison Keeley |
| Gallagher Councillor | - | Tej Shah |
| Hannigan Councillor | - | Maverick Scorer |
| Phelan Councillor | - | Luke Mercer |
They have already shown such great leadership- Well done boys.
I look forward to witnessing the many accomplishments I know this cohort will achieve.
It has been a very busy start to the year for Year 7, filled with a lot of firsts. They have been guides at Open Day, gone to camp and participated in whole school and year group Masses. It is a big thing to get up in front of the whole school, but Aston Kostovski, Beau Smith and Dylan Hanslow-Burns spoke clearly and eloquently when they addressed the community. Central to the idea of service is leadership and I was proud to present our Year 7 Councillors to the community during our recent assembly. I’m sure the following boys will be excellent representatives of Year 7.
| Year 7 Dwyer | - | Arnav Pillai |
| Year 7 Delany | - | Harrison Hovardas |
| Year 7 Fogarty | - | Harry Culpon-Hammon |
| Year7 Gallagher | - | Harry Mercer |
| Year 7 Hannigan | - | Olivier Parisi |
| Year 7 Phelan | - | Jack Johnston |
Donations of Second Hand Uniforms for this winter would be greatly appreciated.
Urgently needed are HCC Senior Blazers & HCC Jumpers.
Donations can be left at Student Services.
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is open on
Tuesday and Friday mornings between
8:30am & 9:00am.
(Located next to the double gates down from the Chapel.)
To apply, simply follow the below steps:
1. Click the cog wheel on the top right-hand side of your existing parent Compass account and then “Family and Enrolments” in the drop-down.
2. If you are applying for your currently enrolled child please click on their name in Student Profile, complete the profile to get to 100% and you will then be able to create an application. You must select at least two school preferences to submit.
3. For new students (not in a Sydney Catholic School), please create a new student profile before submitting an application. You must select at least two school preferences to submit.
4. Upon submission, you'll receive a confirmation email, and your Compass account will display the status as “submitted.”
Here is a step-by-step guide if you need assistance.
Feel free to share this information with friends, family, and community members who may be interested in enrolment at our College.
On March 7 the College celebrated its elected leaders for 2025. Once again another example of the fine young men Holy Cross College is proud to call its own. There were fine speeches that resonated with our students and teaching staff in particular once again Mr Maher and College Captain Nathan Sutton who both spoke so eloquently. Well done to all new leaders and all the best for 2025.
Harmony Day invites us to embrace cultural diversity and the strength it brings to our society. These moments remind us of the importance of inclusion, respect, and the shared values that unite us, and invite us to focus on the importance of human dignity, which unites people of every culture, encouraging mutual respect and working together toward the common good. On Friday students at Holy Cross embraced their culture and wore orange, their cultural dress or cultural jersey raising money for Caritas Australia.
We had some very special visitors at OLQP this morning! 
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x 4
x 3
x 1 Opens Freestyle relay (William Morgan, Max Corbett Opens Medley Relayx 2x 1 x 1x 1 x 1 x 2
Although our great College is known nation wide for its sporting success it does offer a broad range of social sports to cater for every boy at the College. Social sports known as house sport can vary each week with sports such as fishing, rock climbing, ninja warrior training, ju-jitsu and of course the junior favourite in fllip out bounce centre at Gladesville. Something for everyone all the time is our motto in the sports department.
The new Taleb Uniform shop will operate on the following days:Monday 8.00am to 10.00amWednesday 3.00pm to 5.00pmThe online platform will be active in the next few weeks.
Taleb Uniform Shop is
Located in the Bishop Carroll Building
(30m down pathway from Chapel)
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is open on
Tuesday and Friday mornings between
8:30am & 9:00am.
(Located next to the double gates down from the Chapel.)
DONATIONS FOR THE
SECOND HARD UNIFORM SHOP
CAN BE LEFT AT STUDENT SERVICES
Parishioners can register online to receive daily e-news and the weekly Bulletin by email.
Just go to the Parish website at www.rgcp.org.au and fill in the subscription details on the right hand side.