Holy Cross College Ryde eNewsletter

Dear Holy Cross Community,

Term 3 has certainly commenced with a flurry. Our postponed Athletics Carnival was held in very favourable conditions and our Athletes will now go on to compete in SCS championships later in this term. Our Junior football teams completed their 2025 campaign after being competitive all year just to fall at the final in the semifinals. Our league teams 13’s, 15’s and A grade will compete in the SCS Finals this week at Liechardt Oval against Patrician Brothers College Fairfield. We wish the teams and their coaches all the best.

Our year 12 students are in the final stages of preparation for their Trial HSC Examinations commencing in week three. We wish the seniors well. This will mean there will be some restrictions to our normal circulation around the College Hall and The FLP precinct for the duration of the examination period.

Last Friday we launched our Term 3 Delany Foundation Reachout. We were very fortunate to welcome Mr Daniel McInnerney, Director of the Delany Foundation, SCS School Manager and former principal of All Saints Catholic College Liverpool and Casimir Catholic College Marrickville to launch this year's Delany Foundation Reachout. Named after the founder of the Patrician Brothers, Bishop Daniel Delany, the Delany foundation is an initiative of the five Patrician Linked Schools here in Sydney which seeks to raise money to support our Patrician communities here at home and overseas. In recent years the Delany Foundation has supported school communities in Ghana, Kenya and Papua New Guinea as well as contributing scholarships to each of the five Patrician Schools here in Sydney to assist students in need.

School Attendance

It is important not to send your son to school when they are sick. It is equally important to send them when they are not. Every day counts! This is often quoted, and the evidence clearly indicates that it is true. Attendance at school is a very clear path to success at school and by association success after school. This is something that has been a focus over the past year and has greatly improved. Exemptions from school attendance are reserved for very limited reasons and must be applied for in advance of any absence. Under the guidelines family holidays are not covered by an exemption and will be recorded as an absence.

In cruce salus

Mr Phil Stewart

PRINCIPAL

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

Term 3 has commenced in fine fashion and it was pleasing to see our young men return to the College for Semester 2 with vigour and enthusiasm. It is hard to believe that we are officially over halfway through 2025 and for our Year 12 cohort, they have commenced their last term as students of Holy Cross College. I wish them all the very best as they prepare for their Trial examinations which are due to commence in Week 3.

At the end of last term we held our annual Cadet Passing out Parade. It was a wonderful event and included all the pomp and ceremony that would be expected for such an occasion. We were honoured to have Colonel Warwick Young CSC, OAM join us as the reviewing officer. His address really resonated with me and I asked him to send it with me so I could share with our community. There is much to take away from his speech and I am sure that each of us can apply some of these messages to our own lives.

It is both an honour and a privilege to be here today as the Reviewing Officer for this Annual Parade.

To the young men who make up this Cadet Unit: your presence here affirms your school’s commitment—and that of the Australian Army—to what I believe is the premier youth development program in the country: the Australian Army Cadets.

You may not realise it yet, but the skills you’ve learned through Cadets—leadership, teamwork, discipline—will stay with you. The ability to delegate, to empower others, and to work towards shared goals is a life skill that will serve you well across all aspects of your future, no matter the path you take.

Today’s Passing Out Parade is an opportunity to reflect. Think about what you’ve achieved—not only in this unit, but also in your school and community. The friendships you’ve made, the knowledge you’ve gained about service and responsibility, and the pride you feel today—these will stay with you.

These achievements are underpinned by the values of Defence and the Army Cadets:
• Service – The selflessness to place others and our nation before self.
• Courage – The strength to do what is right, even in adversity.
• Respect – The humanity to treat others with dignity and compassion.
• Integrity – The consistency to act in line with what is right.
• Excellence – The commitment to strive each day to be your best.

Whether or not you go on to serve in the Australian Defence Force, these values are a blueprint for good citizenship and a meaningful life.

To the Holy Cross College Army Cadet Unit: I commend you for your dress, drill, and bearing on parade today. Your achievements—both individual and collective—are significant and worthy of recognition.

I know you will face challenges in life, but I also know that the skills and qualities you've built here will help you meet them with confidence and resilience.

Looking around, one thing is clear: you are well supported. By your families, your school, your community. And so, on your behalf, I thank your supporters. Without their encouragement, you may not have reached this milestone—and with their continued support, you’ll be even better prepared for the road ahead.

It is also a little surreal for me personally. It doesn’t feel that long ago that I stood on a parade ground much like this, at Barker College, back in 1983. I was 17. I still remember standing in the ranks, listening to some old bloke like me speak—and now, here I am, over 40 years later, speaking to you.

My time as a cadet gave me great memories and experiences that shaped my life. The values I learned then are the same values that the Army and this program continue to uphold today. They remain as valid and powerful now as they were back then.

Perhaps the most important of these lessons is resilience—the ability to get back up when you fall, and to help others rise when they stumble.

Life isn’t always easy. It’s filled with challenges and setbacks alongside triumphs. But it’s how you respond to setbacks that defines you. As former U.S. President Richard Nixon once said after the Watergate scandal:
“Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.”

Resilience also teaches us to maintain a positive mindset. One of my favourite quotes comes from my mother, and I think it captures that spirit perfectly:
“There is no such word as Can’t. Can and Not cancel each other out. Therefore, you can do anything you put your mind to. Aim for the stars and at the very least you will hit the moon.”

To the graduating cadets, today’s award recipients, and those stepping into leadership roles—congratulations. Continue to set the example for those who follow.

And finally, I leave you with this:
“The world doesn’t say yes easily. Be inspired by failure, not defeated, and above all keep in mind your goal.”

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to review today’s parade—and once again, congratulations.

With my best wishes for the weeks ahead.

Andrew Maher

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Mission and Identity

Prayer

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

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. 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, our value in forming the whole student is important to the growth and development of their confidence, success and part of our Catholic identity to serve others. Thank you for your ongoing support of this program.

Youth Ministry

Vinnies Winter Appeal - Thank you

On behalf of the Mission and Identity team and Mr John Lumley, Ryde Conference President for Vinnies, we would like to extend our Thank You for all the Donations that we received for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. The generous contribution has been taken to the Welfare Centre at Ryde to be distributed to the local community.

These donations will make a great difference to those in need particularly during this time where the cost of living is at an all time high.

"And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ - Matthew 25:40

Purpose Conference 2025

On Wednesday the 2 of July, 15 students years 9,10 and 11 took part in the Purpose Conference 2025. They had an opportunity to engage with their faith on a deeper level through a number of activities and experiences. Students enjoyed fellowship with students from other schools, got to listen to a number of talks relating to living a Christian Life in the modern world and were blessed to be able to take part in Mass Celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Anthony Fisher. This was a great opportunity for students to engage in their faith. Any student who would like to continue to take part in faith based discussions are encouraged to join the Brothers in Christ group. See myself or Mr Belekas for more details.

Upcoming Event - 7 & 8 Deanery Event @ Marist College Eastwood

Looking ahead in Term 3 there are multiple opportunities for students to get involved in the faith life of the College. Students in Years 7 and 8 will have an opportunity in Week 4 to attend the Deanery Youth Event for Term 3 at Marist College Eastwood. Keep an eye out for details to come in the following week.

Mrs Ashleigh Boulus

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Liturgy and Service

Vinnies Secondary School's Gathering

On Friday 25 July, 5 Year 11 students (Charlie, Joel, Sam, Alex and Karl) attended the Vinnies Secondary Schools Gathering, where they explored real-world issues like the cost of living and housing crises, the work of Vinnies vans, and environmental sustainability within the Vinnies stores.

They left inspired with practical ways to make a difference in their own communities - proving that small actions can create big change. Joel spoke to Year 11 on Monday morning on the benefits of volunteering for a service like the Vinnies Night Patrol.

Miss Jacqui Marshall

Liturgy Coordinator

Yours in Christ,

Ms Christina Breda

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Welcome back to another term at Holy Cross College. Term 3 is always an increasingly busy term with the Year 12 students finalising their 13 years of formal schooling, and the Year 11 students stepping up to take on the reigns. Term 3 also provides an indication of solid friendships and areas of personal growth.

The Wellbeing team is busy planning a myriad of activities and fundraisers for the Delany Foundation to provide for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

We are also pleased to announce that for the Parents In Touch session this term, we have secured the services of Nick Kenny, who is a mental health advocate with lived experience relating to the deterioration of his own mental health. The aim of this session is to empower parents to walk away with valuable strategies to assist their
children if they ever need support regarding mental health and what to look for in their own children and when they may need to access further support.

Please click here to complete registration.

Years 7 and 8 students will be attending the ‘Backflips against Bullying’ presentation which outlines the importance of calling the behaviour out and providing a safe space for students to report issues. This presentation is engaging and interactive, so we are looking forward to the students learning from this experience. The team looks forward to sharing some photos from the event.

As a College, we have seen an increase in the daily attendance percentage. This is a positive step in the right direction. We thank our parent and carer community for assisting us with this. As a reminder ALL absences are required to have an explanation, especially medical certificates for ANY absences around assessment tasks or that span over three days. These medical certificates can be uploaded to Compass via the app or sent to the relevant Year Coordinator and Student services.

Thank you for the care and support that you all provide your sons and the College, it is only with this strong partnership, that the Wellbeing team can effectively engage students so that they thrive in the Holy Cross environment.

Melissa Rutter

DIRECTOR OF WELLBEING

Year 12 HSC Trial HSC Examination Preparation

The Trial HSC Examination is approaching and it is great to see each of our Year 12 students maximising their time intheir lessons. Whilst each student has their own routine their learning cycle will all lead them to success in these assessments. Content retrieval is a key skill for all of our students from 7-12. There are many different methods to this but repetition is part of all of these routines.

Our Year 12 SOR classes have been revising each of their knowledge points through collaboration, memory/flashcards, peer testing and most importantly writing under examination timed conditions.

Our 7-11 students should already be embedding these study habits before they reach Year 12 so that the HSC experience is as successful as possible. If our students are following this routine for learning success over and over, they will see their learning confidence grow each term and each year.

Study Strategy Advice

Set Clear Goals
Break down subjects into manageable topics and set weekly goals. Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Use Active Recall
Practice retrieving information from memory (e.g., flashcards, quizzes) and review content at increasing intervals to strengthen retention.
Practice Past Papers/Questions
Familiarise yourself with exam formats and timing. Do these under timed conditions.
Mix Study Techniques
Combine reading, summarising, teaching others, and visual aids like mind maps or diagrams to reinforce learning.

Over half way through the year and the students are well and truly hitting their strides both academically and through their extra curricular pursuits.

Our Year 9 students have once again demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence, with their recent NAPLAN results showcasing significant improvements across the board. These results come as no surprise, as the way the students completed the exams was with a much improved focus.

The recent holiday period was particularly eventful for some of our talented Year 9 students, who competed on international stages!

Congratulations goes to Aiden Lee, who traveled to Korea to participate in the Korean Open Championships in Fencing. Aiden's dedication and skill were evident as he proudly secured a bronze medal! Furthermore, we celebrate Nicholas Taranto and Ethan McCarthy, who recently had the honour of representing Australia in Dragon Boat racing in Germany. They demonstrated exceptional strength, teamwork, and resilience on the world stage.

Closer to home Abraham Tohme represented NSWCCC at the U/15’s National Championships in Rugby League, where his team finished as runners up.

Well done to all the Year 9 students who participated in the numerous categories in the SCS Eisteddfod last term and in particular Fédor-Henri Guerro who finished in second place in his individual category.

A massive thank you to the large number of Year 9 students who attended the Athletics Carnival. Regardless of their sporting prowess, these students bought into the culture we are trying to build in the cohort of doing all the little things.

Further to this, many Year 9 students have signed up for the inaugural drama club at the College. It is fantastic to see these young men getting out of their comfort zones and trying something new. There is so much to offer at Holy Cross and it is wonderful that the students are getting involved.

While the cohort has made massive improvements, there is still more work to be done. It’s not how you start but how you finish, so let’s keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing all that you can achieve in the second half of the year.

Mr Raymond

YEAR 9 COORDINATOR

Year 11 News - Senior Retreat

The goal and aim of the Senior Retreat were to lead students to an increased awareness of themselves and to a more meaningful relationship with their teachers, peers, and God.

I am very pleased to say that in all respects, this was a resounding success!

The students arrived bright and early at the College on Monday 21 July, and were ready to depart for the Collaroy Centre soon thereafter.

The location was simply idyllic. With panoramic views of the ocean, beautiful wildlife and nature surrounding us, the scene could not have been better set up for success than it was.

The students conducted themselves with maturity, were courteous, and engaged well in the activities, truly immersing themselves in the experience.

Activities included:

Personality tests
Teacher testimonials
A night prayer/pilgrimage
Trivia night
Discussion on the meaning of ‘brotherhood’
Creating and sharing affirmations
Mass, Adoration and Confession
Karaoke concert
Student Leadership @ HCCR

The Retreat asked students to reflect on ‘who am I’ and ‘who do I want to be’, and students returned to the College on Wednesday 23 July, feeling exhausted, but happy, having a renewed sense of self and direction for the term ahead.

The experience really brought the cohort together and exemplified our motto of ‘Together We Can. Together We Will’.

Thank you to Ms Breda, Religious Education Coordinator, for organising such an enriching experience for Year 11. Thanks to the staff who so kindly contributed their time and guided the young men during Retreat so wonderfully. And finally, thank you to the students for their maturity and engagement.

Sincerely,

Mr Boshko Maksimovic

Year 11 Coordinator

On Wednesday, 11 June, the Year 12 Investigating Science class participated in a Science Conference where they presented research that they had been conducting over the last two months. Each researcher presented their findings to an extended audience. The students produced a complete scientific paper ready for publication. Below is the abstract of the reports they created, which provides a brief summary of their research and findings.

Does Sleep Duration Correlate with Mood? - Alistair Byrnes

This report examined the amount of sleep people get and how it is linked to their overall well-being. It was found that people who sleep between 7 and 9 hours each night usually have better moods than those who sleep too little or too much. I used both research from other studies and my survey to arrive at this conclusion. The survey showed that people who slept less than 6 hours often felt more tired, sad, or moody. It also showed that sleep quality (like not waking up a lot during the night) matters just as much as how long you sleep. Overall, the results suggest that getting the right amount of good sleep can help people feel happier and more in control of their emotions.

What Factors or Experiences Most Influence Motivation to Engage in Physical Training - Dean Camilleri

This research examines the factors that motivate people to exercise regularly, particularly their impact on both physical and mental health. According to the World Health Organisation (2022), approximately 27.5% of people globally don’t get enough exercise, and nearly half of Europeans report never working out. Even those who join gyms often stop going within three months. In this study, individuals who exercised at least four times a week reported better mental health, scoring up to 0.8 points higher than those who were less active. There was a clear link between regular exercise and feeling mentally well, with 78% of respondents reporting that it helped improve their mood. People who exercised to stay healthy worked out for longer (around 50 minutes) compared to those focused on appearance (around 35 minutes), indicating that having deeper, long-term goals helps individuals stick with their exercise routine. A common reason for not exercising was lack of time; those affected only exercised about 2.8 days per week, suggesting the need for shorter, more flexible workout options that fit into busy lives.

The study also showed that gender and lifestyle affect how and when people exercise. Females preferred group settings, such as fitness classes or the gym, while males leaned toward outdoor activities or solo workouts. Students were more likely to exercise in the evening, while full-time workers preferred mornings. Group exercisers were also more likely (82%) to participate in fitness challenges than solo exercisers (58%), indicating that social support can enhance motivation. Overall, this research shows that exercise isn’t just about staying fit, it’s a powerful tool for managing stress, improving mental health, and building healthy routines. By focusing on meaningful reasons to exercise, making workouts more flexible, and creating comfortable and supportive environments, more people, especially young people, can build long-lasting, healthy habits.

Do You Believe Caffeine Consumption Improves Concentration and Productivity? - Dhruv Dawar

This in-depth study investigated whether caffeine improves concentration and productivity, a question relevant to many students who rely on coffee or energy drinks to stay alert. A survey of 75 individuals aged 15–25 found that most reported moderate improvements in focus, especially during study or work. Still, nearly 44% also experienced adverse side effects like anxiety, poor sleep, and energy crashes. Scientific articles supported these findings, showing that caffeine boosts attention and alertness, particularly when people are tired, but also highlighting that its effects vary depending on dosage, timing, and individual body chemistry. The report also explored the biology behind caffeine’s action in the brain, such as how it blocks sleep signals and increases stimulating chemicals like dopamine. Overall, the study concluded that while caffeine can enhance mental performance, it should be used with awareness of its limits and side effects.

Congratulations to all the young men who presented to an exceptional standard. The calibre of every presentation was beyond expectation and worthy of presenting at professional conferences.

On Tuesday, 24 June the Cadet Unit held its annual ceremonial Passing Out Parade. Under the direction of Parade Commander Senior Under Officer CUO Roberto Monardo and Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Finton Cottrell this parade marked the end of the 2024-25 training year and served as an opportunity to formally send off our graduating Year 12 Cadets. Colonel Warwick Young OAM was the Reviewing Officer of the parade as the cadets displayed great discipline and resilience to put on an outstanding ceremonial display in front of their parents and members of the College Old Boys Association. We were also honoured by the presence of special guests including Br Peter Ryan, Br Aengus Kavanagh and Br Stephen Sweetman as well as the Mayor of Ryde Councillor Trenton Brown.

Special mention and congratulations goes to the following cadets who were recipients of the perpetual cadet trophies, some of which date back as far as 1951:

CUO OF THE CADET UNIT - SUO Roberto Monardo - for outstanding leadership of the Holy Cross College Army Cadet Unit.

PLATOON SHIELD - 5 PLT CUO Luke Connor and 6 PLT CUO Alexander Trunzo - awarded to the most consistent and well drilled platoon throughout the training year

ALOYSIUS SHIELD - SGT Sebastian Hunt - awarded to the most exemplary Senior Non Commissioned Officer.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE SENIOR CADET TROPHY - CPL Jett Fell - awarded to the most exemplary Junior Non Commissioned Officer.

CUO “JOSEPH GO” SHIELD - SGT Karl Muller - awarded to the most proficient cadet in their speciality.

JUNIOR MARKSMAN SHIELD - CDT Ethan Aspinall - with an average grouping of 107 mm at the Weapons Training Simulation System.

HEADMASTER’S TROPHY FOR SENIOR MARKSMAN OF THE UNIT - SUO Roberto Monardo - with an average grouping of 77 mm at the Holsworthy Range Live Shoot.

MAYOR OF RYDE TROPHY FOR THE BEST DRESSED CADET - CDT Sam Nancarrow - awarded to the best presented cadet in every aspect from parade to camp.

SPIRIT OF ANZAC AWARD - WO2 Cameron Kennedy - awarded to a cadet who has gone above and beyond in service of the College and Ryde Community during ANZAC Day Commemoration Services.

CAPTAIN PHILLIP HALTER MEMORIAL TROPHY - CDT Harrison Keeley and CDT Luke Mercer - awarded to the most outstanding Holy Cross College Cadet.

In the first week of the school holidays Cooper Latham, William Bexton, Alexander Jenkins and Max Hadfield were selected as four of only ten NSW based cadets to compete at the Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge (CACTC) for five days at the Kokoda Barracks in Canungra, QLD.

The CACTC is the pinnacle of team based competitive activities within the Australian Army Cadets during which teams from each state face a number of activities assessing their ability to problem solve and complete tasks in a team environment.

Army Cadets from across Australia and even a team from New Zealand touched down in Queensland ready to face off in a series of intense challenges and obstacles. Representing every AAC region, along with teams from the Navy Cadets and Air Force Cadets, our cadets faced long days, tough tasks and plenty of mud but above all a test of teamwork, resilience and leadership when completing obstacle courses, navigation and first aid exercises.

On the first morning they completed a practice run of the Kokoda Barracks obstacle course led by Army Personal Training Instructors, testing their mental and physical agility and strengthening their leadership skills ahead of the upcoming challenge phase. Determination and discipline were on full display as they tackled each obstacle together to grow stronger and more resilient within their team.

After two intense days and very cold nights in the field, our cadets faced their final challenge in the form of a water-based obstacle course designed to test their agility and fitness. Cadets were tested in real-time leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving to push through ten demanding tasks out in the field, showing incredible determination and resilience along the way. Each cadet completed the challenge with distinction and returned home with new skills, fresh confidence and a strong sense of accomplishment.

These four cadets deserve special recognition on the achievement of completing this national challenge as well as James Tourle and Cameron Kennedy who volunteered their time to assist in running activities as headquarters helpers.

Mr Michael Boulus

CADET COORDINATOR

Hello all

You may remember last term we celebrated the efforts of our College ensembles in the Sydney Catholic School Eisteddfod. During the holidays it was the turn of the soloists to try their luck in the various categories against the best in Sydney Catholic Schools. Unfortunately several of our performers were not able to attend due to injury and various other reasons but I would like to present to you today the ones who did perform, and represented the College with pride. I invite Mr Stewart to present the boys with their certificates.

In the Piano Grade 6 Category we had three performers

Diyar Malik of Year 7

Zareh Keshishian of Year 10 also Highly Commended in the Contemporary Piano Section

And taking 3rd place Fedor- Henri Guerro.

This section was unfortunately won by a student playing well below the grade he should have been in.

In the Guitar solo Grade 5-8 category Kartikey Vij took out 2nd place, Highly Commended.

Congratulations to you all and I would encourage more of our talented musicians to have a go next year, it is a great experience and well worth the effort.

We will now hear from our youngest soloist, Diyar Malike of Year 7. He has been playing piano for about six years already, inspired to take up the piano after seeing a random youtube video of someone playing piano with an orchestra. He practises at least an hour every day 6 days a week and you can hear how well it is paying off in his control and expression of sophisticated repertoire. He says he would like to compose more and perhaps be a professional musician in the future. Diyar is living proof of the power of finding something you like and sticking at it even when it gets hard. I’m sure we will hear a lot more from him in the years to come. Today he will play for you a Waltz by the great Frederic Chopin. Please enjoy.

Click Link: Soloist, Diyar Malike of Year 7

Applications are now OPEN in Compass for Year 7 2027 enrolments (currently Year 4 students).

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.

Compass_Enrolments_Parent_FAQs_and_Troubleshooting_Guide_Vn01_25 pdf 1.03 MB

Congratulations again to House Champions Gallagher for taking home the shield. Thanks to Mr White and all of our Holy Cross Staff for all their hard work leading to the event and allowing for a fantastic day.

Brother Aengus

Holy Cross College held its 75th annual Cadet Passing Out Parade on Tuesday 24 June 2025, signifying the culmination of our Year 12 students' Cadet experience. We extend our gratitude to Mr. Boulus for his dedication to organising a fantastic morning. Sydney Catholic Schools #cadetpassingout #75thannual Parade Australian Army Cadets - New South Wales Brigade

Life @ HCC - At Holy Cross, service to others is at the heart of everything we do. Throughout each term, both students and staff give their time on both the local Ryde and Central Sydney Vinnies Vans. This not only provides both senior students and staff with the opportunity to serve others, but also put our Patrician Beliefs into action.

Life @ HCC - Year 10 accompanied by Mr Belekas travelled to St Patrick’s Mortlake to take part in a forum on World Refugee Day.

On Tuesday 1 July, our Year 8 Korean students dove into the delicious world of Korean food culture! Many brought their own chopsticks from home and took on the Chopstick Challenge.

They explored new flavours - from the spicy tang of Zt (kimchi), to the crispy & (seaweed), and the savoury delight of MIH|E| (ijapaghetti)!

Students also practised writing the names of these iconic dishes in Korean. A fun, tasty, and educational day all around!

Learning @ HCC - Our Year 11 Health and Movement Science students delve into biomechanics and put their skills to the test in the gym, while our Year 7 PDHPE students explore The Resilience Project journals.

Recently five of our Year 11 students attended the Vinnies Secondary Schools Gathering, where they explored real-world issues like the cost of living and housing crises, the work of Vinnies vans, and environmental sustainability within the Vinnies stores.

They left inspired with practical ways to make a difference in their own communities - proving that small actions can create big change.

During the recent school holidays a number of Year 11 students and 4 teachers assisted Lifeline with packing their trucks to deliver books to their biggest findraiser - The lifeline book fair.

This was an opportunity for students to demonstrate their willingness to give back to the community in which they live and to help in a small way raise funds for those who are less fortunate than themselves.

Thank you to Mr Maksimovic, Miss Shawcross, Miss Marshall and Mrs Rutter for their assistance on the day.

Learning @ HCC - Year 10 student Ruari Frawley working on his Clancy Religious Art Prize entry, a highly detailed drawing of Mary for the Theme “Saints Anchored in Hope”

This week Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale MP stopped by to donate some of his election corflutes for our STEM energy breakthrough team.

As a part of the College’s STEM program teams create electric cars out of recycled materials and will then compete in a 24 hour race in Melbourne against schools across the country in November this year.

Jerome was shown the Car prototypes and designs by Year 10 STEM students and Year 12 Leaders and was gifted a team cap as a show of our appreciation for his support.

On Monday 10 June, our Holy Cross men represented the College with distinction at the @sydcatholicschools Chess Competition hosted at Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Kensington.

The competition was rigorous with 2 Junior, 3 Intermediate, and 2 Senior Teams, made up of 3 students in each (and one team of 4), with 22 students participating.

Other schools involved included: Randwick, Marist College North Shore, St Clare’s College Waverley, Marcellin College Randwick, St Mary’s Cathedral College, Corpus Christi College Maroubra, Christian Brothers High School Lewisham and our host school of Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Kensington.

Our senior team, comprising Kartikey, Larry, Radin, and Lucas, also took out second place in their division.

Each student conducted himself with merit, displaying excellent sportsmanship, making the College proud.

Life @ HCC - The College held its Jersey Day fundraiser today, supporting our Charitable works fund.

Leadership @ HCC - Earlier this term, Year 12 Leaders hosted the annual Year 7 and 8 Dance with local network schools. Thanks to the young Men and Mrs Belcastro for all their hard work. Special mention to our very own DJ Tiger who yet again facilitated a fantastic event.

Recently the College had a whole school assembly focusing on Mental Health week in particular mens mental health. There were stirring presentations by Mr Cuttler and College Vice Captain Luca Monti to encourage all our young men to not suffer in silence along with stories of resilience. The assembly was finished off with some excellent musical items from our award winning SCS eisteddfod bands.

Mr White also presented our NSWCCC Representatives for terms 1 and 2 along with our Schoolboy Cup Rugby League player numbers dating back to 1975.

It was such a positive uplifting assembly organised by Ms Belcastro who deserves special mention putting so much effort into the making it run smooth with a men’s well-being focus. #successdriven #mensmentalhealthawareness #maroonandgold

Earlier in July one of our fine Year 12 Students, Luke Broadbent represented NSW at the U18 National Hockey Championships in Perth.

Luke had a great tournament and we look forward to him leading the College teams later in Term 3.

Outstanding Student Success Story #3 - Holy Cross is fast becoming the Field Hockey school of choice with another student Joshua Harwood from Year 8 also selected for the u14 NSW Blues hockey side for the upcoming nationals in Brisbane.

He will join the Broadbent boys to represent our state. We also look forward to them competing for the College in SCS Hockey later on in the term.

Check out these action shots from this week’s Sydney Catholic Schools League Under 13 A and 15 B finals against Lewisham and Randwick.

Sport @ HCC -

Holy Cross finish 2nd in the 2025 Sydney Catholic Schools Wheelchair Basketball Gala day taking on schools across Sydney in a one day event.

At Holy Cross, our Young Men are able to compete in a wide range of sports tailored to all abilities and talents, achieving excellence in a wide range of Co-Curricular Opportunities. #successbreedssuccess

A quiet Thursday at Holy Cross today but again some exceptional results just before semi final time. First Grade Football had a 4 - 1 victory along with our Junior A and Intermediate teams who are all into the Semi Finals next week. Joining them are two of our four Netball teams which is a great achievement along side Marist Sisters our sister school.

Special mention to our victorious Under 15 Maroon team who defeated the mighty Under 15 Gold team with a last second 25 metre field goal by Cooper Merchant. The game was played with tremendous spirit and tenacity. #successdriven #maroonandgold

Sport @hccryde - our first week of Finals for Winter Sport proceeded today with some outstanding results.

Our Junior A Soccer team has stormed into the GF next week with an outstanding 2-0 win against Marcellin College Randwick. This is the first Junior Soccer team in 20 years to make the GF following in the footsteps of their older brothers winning the previous 3 First Grade premierships.

Our Junior and Intermediate Mixed Netball teams finished with Bronze and Silver in today’s finals.

Our Rugby League teams also finished today with a clean sheet of victories with 1/4 Finals beginning in Week 10 culminating in Sydney Championships at Leichhardt Oval in term 3.

Well done to all players and coaching staff and all the best in your future challenges. #maroonandgold #hockaticki #successmindset

Old Style Sports Uniforms

The Second Hand Uniform Shop have the old style sports uniform available for purchase at very reduced prices.

There are limited sizes available and students are still permitted to wear this style.

Please Note: Coloured House Shirts are no longer required to be purchased as part of the College uniform.

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.