Dear Holy Cross Community,

Much has transpired since our last crossroads newsletter with the joyous celebration of Easter, the wonderful scenes of Pope Francis greeting the crowd only to have the news of
his passing the following day. Hopefully Pope Francis call for peace, unity, love and his humanity will hopefully be an enduring legacy for us all.

Thank you to Mrs Bredda and Ms Marshall for organising our Mothers Day Mass this morning. It was wonderful to have so many Mothers, Grandmothers and Aunts join us to
celebrate Mass.

Our Sydney Catholic School winter season competitions commence this Thursday in League and Football good luck to all of the teams and their coaches. The fourth round of debating takes place this afternoon at Catherine McCauley. We wish the teams well.

Many of these opportunities would not be available to our students if it wasn’t for the
dedication, and generosity of our wonderful staff here at the College. I would like to thank them for their passion and commitment to Holy Cross College.

Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends of the College,

Hopefully the recent holidays were an opportunity for our students to recharge, spend some quality time with family and friends and set some personal goals for the term ahead. To get the most out of Term 2, all boys need to be organised well ahead of time, ensuring that they all have necessary equipment for each day and making proper use of the College Diary. The simple mantra that we reinforce with the students here at College on an almost daily basis is something that you may want to speak about at home;

Right Place, Right Time, Right Equipment, Right Attitude.

Winter Uniform

I wrote in the final Newsletter of Term 1 that the College winter uniform is to be worn by all boys in Terms 2 and 3. Blazers are to be worn by all students to and from school and are always to be worn as the outermost garment. I thank parents and carers for their support of our clear expectations around uniform and grooming by ensuring that your sons come to school each day well presented, reflecting their pride in themselves and their College.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Being a teenage boy in 2025 is not easy and there are many factors that can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety in a young man’s life. Causes of stress for our boys here at the College may include; academic stress, part-time jobs, sport, family, relationships, sickness, financial stress and the list goes on.

Stress is a natural response when we are placed under pressure or find ourselves in an unfamiliar situation. We all respond differently when placed in these situations and it is important that we recognise our feelings of stress and know that we can work through them. Learning how to cope with stress is an important skill for all teenagers to acquire.

Reachout.com tells us that: ‘Coping’ describes any behaviour that is designed to manage the stresses and overwhelming feelings that come with tough situations.

By learning positive coping strategies early in their teenage years, children develop lifelong skills, building up resilience and wellbeing that will stand them in good stead throughout their adult years.

Reachout.com suggest the following nine tips for coping when faced with tough times.

1)   Talk to Someone

2)   Journaling- writing down your feelings, what is troubling you and ways which you can deal with the situation.

3)   Be kind to yourself- eat well, exercise and try some meditation.

4)  Take a break- Give yourself permission to leave situations that make you stressed or angry. For example, leaving a stressful conversation and coming back to speak when you are calm and ready.

5)   Use positive self-talk.

6)   Take a step back- Prioritise and leave some time for leisure.

7)  Think about the big picture- When you’re going through a tough time, ask yourself. “How important is this, will it matter in 5 years time?”

8)   Focus on the positives

9)   Practise gratitude- each day write down three things you are grateful for.

Here at HCC we always encourage the boys to share their concerns and talk to someone they can trust. That person may be a parent, friend, teacher, counsellor, Priest or sports coach. We want the young men of the College to know that they are supported, they are not alone and we are here to help.

Grey for May

In the month of May,  the College will be remembering past staff member and much loved teacher, Mr Michael Byrne. Mr Byrne passed away on 8 May 2023 after a courageous battle against cancer.

Year 12 leaders will be selling grey ribbon pins for $5 to raise funds and create awareness for Brain Tumour research.

On Wednesday 7 May we will be holding our annual Staff vs Student Soccer match as we battle it out for the Michael Byrne perpetual trophy. 

Glass half full or half empty?

Do things actually turn out better for us when we think positively? Barbara Fredrickson’s research has informed us, it is the frequency of positive emotions, not their intensity, which builds our wellbeing. Looking at life optimistically and searching for what is good in things and right about what we are doing sees positive emotions bubbling away in us. When we educate our students about the amazing benefits of adopting an optimistic outlook in their lives and introduce them to the little positive actions they can do often, they shine. Happy people enjoy better health and are more likely to achieve what they set out to do. Let us all look for the positives every day and remember just how luck we are to belong to this very special community.

Mothers Day

Wishing all our Mums and mother figures a wonderful day this Sunday. 

Wishing you all the best for the weeks ahead.

Dear Parents and Carers,

The way students study matters.

As we step into Term II, it’s important to reflect on just how pivotal this term is for students across all year levels. Whether you're in Year 12 finalising course content and preparing for Trial exams; in Year 11 marking the halfway point of your senior studies; in Year 10 shaping academic performance to inform subject preferences, or in Years 7–9 working towards Semester 1 reports—this term is a cornerstone of the academic year.

More than ever, this is the time when the way students study matters. It’s not just about how much time is spent with the books open, but how that time is used. With increasing demands and deadlines, effective study habits can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling in control.

  

Effective Study is Active Study

It’s tempting to fall back on what feels familiar: highlighting notes, rereading chapters, or writing out page after page of material. While these strategies may feel productive, research consistently shows they are among the least effective study methods. Why? Because they don’t require the brain to actively engage with the content.

Instead, strategies that push students to retrieve information, organise it meaningfully, and apply it are far more effective. This is where cognitive science comes in.

  

Understanding Cognitive Load: Why How You Study Matters

Cognitive Load Theory reminds us that our working memory has a limited capacity. When we overload it with too much information—or with disorganised information—we reduce our ability to understand and retain what we’re learning.

Effective study reduces this load by:

• Breaking learning into manageable chunks
  
  
• Connecting new content to what’s already known
  
  
• Practising with purpose, not just for time
  
  

By using techniques aligned with these principles, students can make learning stick and reduce last-minute cramming stress.

  

Tools That Work: The Pomodoro Technique and Eisenhower Matrix

To support smarter, not harder, study, two simple but powerful tools can make a big difference:

1. The Pomodoro Technique
   This time management method breaks study into 25-minute focused sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. After four sessions, a longer break is taken. This aligns beautifully with cognitive load theory—keeping sessions short enough to maintain focus, while the breaks allow for mental rest and consolidation.
2. The Eisenhower Matrix
   This organisational tool helps students prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. Students can ask themselves:

• Is this task urgent?
• Is it important?

By sorting tasks into four quadrants, students can avoid spending too much time on low-priority work and stay focused on what will move them forward academically.

  

Retrieval, Spacing, and Interleaving: Smarter Strategies for Real Learning

In practical terms, students should aim to:

• Self-test regularly using flashcards or past papers
• Space out study over several days instead of cramming
• Mix up topics (interleaving) to deepen understanding and improve long-term memory

These methods may feel harder—but that’s the point. When your brain has to work harder to retrieve and apply information, learning is deeper and more durable.

Every student, from Year 7 to Year 12, has a unique journey in Term II, but what unites them all is the need to study with purpose. As a community of learners, we have the opportunity this term to elevate not just the quantity of our efforts, but the quality.

Let’s commit to working smarter, using proven strategies to reduce stress, increase retention, and build the confidence that comes from truly mastering content.

Cecilia Batista

Welcome back to what is set to be another busy term at the College. It is lovely to see the College buzzing with anticipation and excitement after the break. We are all hoping that this level of excitement continues until the next break.

Wellbeing Space

The Wellbeing Space has been utilised by students at Lunchtime on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. The students who attend have the opportunity to play some games, relax in a safe space and can complete some mindfulness activities.

Grooming and Uniform

The boys have returned and a large majority are meeting the College expectations regarding their grooming and uniform. The boys are reminded that they need to wear their blazers to and from the College every day (with the exception of Thursday) each week. The boys will also need to ensure that they are wearing their ties and they are correctly tied each day. The second hand uniforms shop is open on Tuesday 8am - 915am and Friday from 8am - 845am. The Taleb uniform shop is open on Monday mornings from 8am - 10am and Wednesday afternoons from 3pm - 5pm if you require any additional items.

Attendance

The College has been focussing on attendance over the past year, and it is my privilege to announce that the attendance rate has significantly improved over the past 12 months. The Wellbeing and HCT teams have been busy ensuring that the students are regularly attending the College. The best learning happens when the students are in the classrooms to engage with it. The College overall attendance rate is 92%.

Further to this, we all understand how sometimes it is a struggle to get our children to school, which is why Ryde Council is hosting a free webinar for parents who are seeing signs of school refusal in their children. This webinar is designed for parents to engage with the wider community and educate themselves to be able to identify the signs of school avoidance or more complex school refusal.

The Webinar details are below:

The Complexity of School Refusal Webinar

Join experts from KYDS, EPIC and Youth Up Front to gain a greater understanding and explore support options to help 10 to 16-year-olds navigate school attendance challenges.

Who: For parents, carers and educators
When: Wednesday 14th May

Where:  Online via Zoom
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: FREE
Registrations: The complexity of school refusal webinar | Northern Beaches Council

This webinar is an initiative of the Northern Region Network of Councils, produced by Northern Beaches Council, with support from Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, City of Ryde, Willoughby City, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, and Hunters Hill Council.

The Wellbeing Team is looking forward to another busy term providing the young men of Holy Cross the Support that they may require to ensure that they are at their best all of the time.

Melissa Rutter

DIRECTOR OF WELLBEING

Year 7 has hit the ground running in Term 2! They have stepped up to represent the College in rugby league, soccer, netball and debating. I am so proud to see our boys stepping up to get involved in the many opportunities they are offered to get involved in the life of the College beyond the classroom. Due to debating changing from Friday to Wednesday nights, there are further opportunities for Year 7s to get involved with the team. If your son has an interest they are encouraged to speak to Mr Jones ASAP. We wish all of our representatives  the best of luck throughout this season. 

Last Friday I was privileged to accompany 18 of our Year 7 boys to attend the Patrician Induction Day at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. The group was made up of the HCT Leaders and an additional two students from each HCT, who were chosen by their teachers. It was a chance to learn more about the Patrician Charism and gain an understanding of the characteristics that are central to all Patrician Schools. They also engaged with students from the other Patrician schools in Sydney - St Patrick’s Fairfield and Blacktown, Delany College Granville and All Saints Liverpool. My highlight of the day was when the students were given the task of developing a plan for a new Patrician school in Sydney. Our Holy Cross boys won the competition with their concept of “All-Brothers College”. Their proposal was based on the idea that being part of the Patrician Network doesn’t end when you graduate, you take the values with you throughout your life. This really impressed the Brothers and showed a very mature understanding of the task.

This term we challenge each and every student to grow and learn, with a particular focus on personal responsibility. The HCT Team will be encouraging the boys to be on top of all communication from the College regarding their own involvement in extracurricular activities and the completion of their assessment tasks. They must plan ahead and be proactive in seeking help when it is required. We do not expect them to have all of the answers yet, but we must continue to ramp up their responsibility as they develop as young men. 

Phil Hammond

YEAR 7 COORDINATOR

Year 9 has hit the ground running in Term Two. From all accounts the boys had a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead. This term promises to be packed with opportunities for learning, growth, and getting involved in all that Holy Cross has to offer. Next week Year 9 will head off to Camp Somerset for 3 days of outdoor adventure where they will challenge themselves and form long lasting friendships.

Many of our students have excelled in their extra-curricular activities, with a number of students representing at higher levels in their respective sports. Recently we had two year 9 students represent NSW in the National Dragon boating championships, well done Nicholas T and Ethan M for their outstanding results. 

A number of our Year 9 students represented Sydney Catholic Schools in the NSWCCC selection trial with Beau R and Lucas A making the NSW side. Congratulations boys, the college is extremely proud of you. 

Faith life at the College is as strong as ever with Year 9 participating in workshops with Father Steve in their Religion classes. 

We look forward to seeing what the students of Year 9 achieve next. 

Mr Sam Raymond 

YEAR 9 COORDINATOR

Year 11 - Patrician Service

As part of their Patrician Service responsibilities, Year 11 have begun their once-a-term visit to Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Gladesville Primary School.

The College’s Patrician Service Program is a service learning program that enables students to grow from a Catholic faith perspective as people of service and justice. As a flourishing Catholic community, we challenge our students to grow in their understanding of faith, which we believe is not just a personal response to God’s love but a communal response to love one another as Jesus taught.

Friday, 14 March marked the students’ first visit to OLQP to assist the primary students with their learning, both in and out of the classroom.

The Year 11 students conducted themselves with distinction, and the feedback was glowing.

“We were so incredibly impressed by the boys for displaying impeccable manners and showing a genuine interest in helping our learners”

The student’s next visit to OLQP takes place on Friday, 23 May.

Sincerely,

Mr Boshko Maksimovic

YEAR 11 COORDINATOR

After an extensive selection process involving fitness, swim and endurance marching tests, Alexander Loncar, Sebastian Hunt, Mitchell Farnworth and Alex Scott were selected to represent the HCCACU and NSW 2nd AAC Brigade at the Adventure Training Award (ATA) for five days in Lake Barrington, Tasmania at the start of April.

The ATA is the most challenging of all cadet national activities and gives cadets an opportunity to participate in a range of physically challenging and military skill based scenarios. From the very first minute of the activity they had to demonstrate high levels of determination and resolve.

Candidates in each of the platoons faced their own unique and demanding challenges designed to test leadership, teamwork and physical and mental resilience - from an endurance march up and over Mount Roland, the canyoning, river crossings and rafting, and navigating Lake Barrington and completing tasks in kayaks.

The candidates showed self-confidence, leadership, initiative and resilience in the wilderness of Northern Tasmania and special congratulations goes to these four cadets on the outstanding achievement of their participation in this prestigious national activity and the invaluable experience they brought back to the unit upon their return and receiving their famed golden boomerang bagades.

Special mention goes to Sebastian Hunt on being named the Dux of the ATA for 2025. This is a tremendous achievement for Sebastian in what is the most prestigious national activity that the Australian Army Cadets offer each year.

Holy Cross Cadets were once again a sight to behold in ANZAC Day Ceremonies as they represented the College and Ryde Community with pride at the annual Dawn Service at the Ryde Ex Services Memorial Club and Ryde Council Commemoration Service at ANZAC Park West Ryde. The commitment from these cadets was outstanding with many members of the community commenting on their dress and discipline while maintaining the catafalque party and a sense of reverence throughout these services.

Mr Michael Boulus

CADET COORDINATOR

On Friday, 11 April more of our Year 12 student leaders had the incredible opportunity to share lunch and wisdom with His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP at Cathedral House. A day filled with insightful discussions, reflection, and inspiration - empowering our future leaders to lead with faith, courage and purpose.

Great start to the 2025 CSDA debating season. Holy Cross defeated Casimir College, Marrickville in both the Year 8 and Year 10 divisions tonight. #successbreedssuccess #hockaticki

Year12 VET Hospitality and Construction completing their final work placements.

Year 11 completing some Partrician Service hours with Ryde Vinnies Van. In a world where huge percentage of the world are selfish be the name who is selfless.  The Patrician brothers taught generations of young men not to have more but to be more!

Taleb Uniform Shop is

Located in the Bishop Carroll Building

(30m down pathway from Chapel)

   

The Taleb Uniform shop opens on

Monday 8.00am-10.00am and Wednesday 3.00pm-5.00pm

DURING SCHOOL TERM ONLY.

  

Online orders must be collected by students

from the shop during shop hours.

    

Any enquires about purchase of uniforms or fittings

are to be made directly to Taleb Australia.

         

WEBSITE: https://holycrossuniformshop.com/

EMAIL:  sales@taleb.com.au

PHONE:  02 9550 6366

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

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.)

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.