Term 2 is passing in the blink of an eye and with June now upon us, there is a definite chill in the air. All of our students in Years 7-12 have been busily completing assessments; in addition to the normal classwork, homework and participation in extracurricular activities that takes place every day here at Holy Cross. Our winter sports season is in full swing, with matches continuing each week. The Debating season has now concluded for 2025 after some wonderful performances from all of our teams, and in particular our young men from Year 8 who were successful in 5 out of their 6 debates. Thank you to all staff who give so freely of their time and make these extracurricular opportunities possible for our young men.

The College is a hive of activity and this is typified wonderfully on Wednesday afternoons when the FLP and Library are full of our students participating in homework club. It is a real pleasure to watch our students working collaboratively with their peers and with the many staff who have given up their time to stay back on site to assist and support the boys with their learning. All students in Years 7-12 are most warmly invited to stay back at the College on a Wednesday afternoon and participate in this wonderful initiative under the watchful eye of 2023 Holy Cross Dux, James Green.

As a proud Catholic community in the Patrician tradition we are called to look out for others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves and those who do not have access to the opportunities and basic necessities that many of us may take for granted. We often speak with the students about being ‘other people centred’ and thinking of ‘we before me’. We attempt to promote in our boys the desire to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves and to fight for those people who have been pushed to the margins. In a world and in a society where we see such corporate greed and little regard for the environment or those around us, we understand that what we are asking and expecting of our students could be viewed as counter-cultural. For this we make no apologies, for it is who we are and what we are called to be and to do. In recent weeks we launched the Vinnies Winter Appeal and our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Ashleigh Boulus has included some information pertaining to this in her section of the newsletter. What we know is that as a proud Catholic community working together, we can make a huge difference to the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to all of those families for supporting this most worthy cause. 

Staffing

This term we have welcomed the following staff to our team here at Holy Cross College.

Alex Mutimer (Learning Support Officer)

Alex Van Es (Learning Support Officer)

Callan Flynn (Administration support)

Chantelle Matthews (Learning Support Officer)

Steve Sharp (English)

Michael Moore (English/ RE)

Albert Makram (Mathematics)

William Johnston (Science)

I have confidence that each of them will contribute significantly in their own way towards the work that we do every day for the fine young men in our care, and I know that all of our community will make our newest staff members very welcome.

With my best wishes for the weeks ahead.

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

We are already halfway through Term 2 and I hope all of our young men are in an effective routine for their learning here at the College. The term ahead should be filled with hope and high expectations as students tackle their upcoming assessment tasks and represent the school in the many co-curricular opportunities we provide here at the College.

We are continually working on student engagement in their learning as this is a vital component of academic success and personal growth. When students are actively involved in their learning—emotionally, intellectually, and behaviorally—they are more likely to achieve academically, develop critical thinking skills, and build a lifelong love of learning. However, this engagement doesn't happen in isolation. Research consistently shows that parent engagement plays a crucial role in fostering student motivation and commitment to school. When parents show interest in their child’s education, communicate regularly with teachers, and support learning at home, students feel more supported and are more likely to stay engaged. Your involvement—whether through attending school events, helping with homework, or simply talking about school each day, sends a powerful message that education matters. Thank you for all that you do by being involved in your son’s education as this is vital to their success. 

Student Uniform

It is wonderful to see the majority of students who consistently wear the College uniform with pride each day. As we move into the colder months it is a timely reminder that all students should continue to wear their blazer to and from school. How we present in the community is how we are perceived so please work with your sons to keep up this high standard. 

Tell Them From Me Survey - Parents

Recently I wrote to the community about our Tell Them From Me Survey for Parents. I shared with you the link to complete this survey. The survey is still open to all parents and it allows all parents and carers as valued members of the community to provide feedback on specific areas of the College. Thanks to those who have already completed this and we encourage everyone to do so through the Compass Link. 

Events in the Coming Weeks

We have a number of important events coming up that should be on each student’s radar. 

Week 6

• Friday 6th June: Staff Professional Learning Day (Pupil Free Day)

Week 7

• Monday 9th June: King's Birthday (Public Holiday)
• Wednesday 11th June: Year 10 & 11 Parent Student Teacher Interviews (3:30pm-8:00pm)

Week 9

• Wednesday 25th June: Year 10 into 11 Subject Preference Interviews (2:00pm-6:30pm)
• Friday 27th June Staff Professional Learning Day - Spiritual Formation (Pupil Free Day)

Week 10

• Monday 30th June: College Photo Day
• Tuesday 1st July: College Athletics Carnival
• Thursday 3rd July: Year 7,8 & 9 Parent Student Teacher Interviews (Face to Face 3:30pm - 8:00pm)
• Friday 4th July: Year 7,8 & 9 Parent Student Teacher Interviews (Zoom 8:30am - 3:30pm)

We have so much to be thankful for in our College and this is due to the students fully engaging in all aspects of school life. We expect high standards from each of our young men in every lesson and in order for them to excel they need to hold themselves and each other accountable to these expectations. I look forward to seeing them continue to improve their learning not just in the classroom but in all facets of school life this term. 

Mission and Identity

Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus,

 

You returned to the Father, but You didn’t leave us alone.

Help us to live with hope and confidence, knowing You are still with us through Your Spirit. May we be Your witnesses, bringing joy, truth a

nd love to the world.

Give us courage to share our faith, and remind us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen

 

Mother’s Formation Evening

Our theme for our Parents in Touch for Term 2 was “Formation.” This year we focused our formation of our parents on the Holy Family. In March Fathers and Sons has the opportunity to attend a pilot program run by Sydney Catholic School titled “The Joseph Fatherhood Initiative.” On Tuesday 27th of May we had our Mother’s Formation themed “With Mary at the Heart of the Home: Cultivating a Domestic Church.” The evening was filled with laughter, music, catch-ups and a painting component looking at the qualities of Mary. Ivanka Rancic, Church Engagement Officer from Sydney Catholic Schools spoke from the theme referring to the humility, love and compassion of Our Lady and the sacrifices she would have also made for Jesus just as our Mothers do daily for their children. A big thank you to our Mothers who attended the evening and we look forward to hosting future formation events.

  

Year 8 Spirituality Day

On the 30th of May Year 8 students had their annual formation day themed “Heroes - Jesus as the Ultimate Hero.” Stemming from the passage “Who do people say the Son of Man is?.... You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13,16. A hero is known not by strength, but by sacrifice. The villain seeks glory; the hero lays it down. Saints walk the narrow path, unseen by crowds, but known in heaven. Pop culture lifts up power; the Gospel lifts up love. Christ did not come with might, but with mercy, and conquered not by sword, but by the cross. The world waits for heroes—may we answer not with capes, but with courage, not with pride, but with grace. For in Him, the greatest became servant, and the servant became Savior. The day was run by St Charles Youth Group who were phenomenal in their engagement of the students. Students played various games throughout the day, engaged in small group talks on the theme and concluded the day in Adoration. 

Patrician Service Learning Program

The Patrician Service Learning Program was launched at the beginning of the year to create opportunities for students to engage with both their College community and local community. It is a requirement at Holy Cross College that each student complete a minimum of 10 hours of service, 5 internally at the College and 5 externally in their local community. Within the Semester 1 Report, students will have a progress report on their hours of service. We have encouraged students throughout Term 1 and into this term, to continue to log their hours of service at the back of their diaries in their service log and to have their supervisor sign off on the activity completed.

HCT teachers in preparation for the Semester 1 report, have begun documenting the hours of service recorded at the back of the College diary onto compass, to allow this record to appear on the reports. Students are to ensure that their hours of service are up to date within their diaries and are responsible for also ensuring that the hours of service are recorded on compass.

At Holy Cross College, our value in forming the whole student is important to the growth and development of their confidence, success and part of our Patrician Charism, to serve others. Thank you for your ongoing support of this program.

Walk with Christ - Feast of Corpus Christi

Walk with Christ is Sydney’s annual Eucharistic Procession held on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, honouring the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. It serves as a public witness and act of worship, described in the Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy as “a continuation of the Eucharistic celebration, allowing the faithful to publicly profess their faith in the Most Blessed Sacrament”.

• When: 22 June with a festival beginning at 1:00pm in Martin Place
• The procession begins at 2:30pm sharp from the corner of Martin Place and Pitt Street.

Travel

Holy Cross College will be joining St Charles Parish for the procession. A bus will be travelling from St Charles Church to Martin Place and then back to St Charles at the conclusion of the procession. We invite you to RSVP here the number of people in your family attending should you wish to participate.

We kindly ask that the google form be completed by the 6th of June.

Youth Ministry 

 

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Holy Cross College has officially launched the 2025 Vinnies Winter Appeal. The Winter Appeal aims to help people in our local Ryde community who are currently, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness and have been affected by the cost of living crisis.

More and more Australians are being forced into homelessness. Meeting basic needs such as food, water and a place to sleep can be the most important daily priority for people experiencing homelessness and is often not a reality for many Australians, even if they are employed themselves. Throughout the remainder of the term, we will be coming together as a community to collect material donations and put together care packages.

 

A burning need within our local Ryde community is sanitary items and toiletries. We have therefore asked the students to bring these in for us to package and distribute. The items include, but are not limited to; soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, women’s sanitary items, men’s and women's deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, and men’s and women’s razors.

 

Every HCT has been given a tub to collect donations and all students will be encouraged to give generously to such a worthy cause. Thank you for your ongoing support. If you would like any more information on this initiative please feel free to contact me directly.

 

Deanery Youth Afternoon

 

On Friday the 23rd of May students from Holy Cross College, Marist College Eastwood, and Marist Sisters Woolwich gathered together for an afternoon of fellowship and faith formation. The Evening was held at Holy Cross College and led by the team at Sydney Catholic Youth who spoke on the theme of “Living as pilgrims of Hope in a modern world”. The students learnt about the importance of zeal and understanding the way in which faith can be a powerful motivator of Hope in a world which is often fast paced, shallow or misguided. It was an incredibly successful afternoon and we look forward to the next Deanery Youth Afternoon in Term 3 aimed at students in Years 9 and 10.

 

Purpose Conference

Purpose Conference is back again this year with another opportunity for students to engage in their faith formation. The event will be held on Wednesday the 2nd of July (Week 0) at Rosebank College. Students will be accompanied by a teacher and be able to engage in presentations led by Sydney Catholic Youth. The Invitation has been sent out to the first 20 students in Years 9, 10 and 11 to sign up via the Google Form on Compass. Keep an eye out for further events taking place in Term 3!

 

Mrs Ashleigh Boulus

Youth Ministry Coordinator

   

  

Liturgy and Service

Mother's Day Mass

On the 7th May the College came together to honour the mothers and mother figures in the community through a Mass, followed by a morning tea. It was a special opportunity to show appreciation for the vital role mothers play in families and our school community. When we reflect on motherhood, we turn to Mary, who exemplifies the dignity and vocation of women, as well as a model of motherly love. Thank you to Fr Greg who presided over the Mass.

We hope all mothers had a happy and relaxing Mother's Day!

 

Vinnies Night Patrol & Sandwich Preparation

Four students and three teachers attended Vinnies Night Patrol in the city last Tuesday night, engaging with the community to hand out food, drinks and basic supplies to those in need. Holy Cross are fortunate enough to staff 2 Night Patrol shifts a month, one for the local area of Ryde-Gladesville, and one in the city. Any students who are interested and aged 16+ are encouraged to reach out to myself or Mr Acosta to learn more about how to be involved.

Volunteers to help prepare sandwiches for our Ryde shifts are also welcome. We have a great contingent of Year 9 and 11 students who help out monthly, however we'd love to see some new faces! Open to all years. Again, please see myself or Mr Acosta to sign up.

 

 

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.