Dear Holy Cross Community

Last Tuesday, Fr Greg, Mrs Christina Breda and myself attended St Mary's Cathedral Hall for the Sydney Archbishops Awards for Student Excellence. These awards recognise young men and women from across all Catholic schools for their commitment to Catholic values and for actively contributing to the faith life of the school, parish and wider community. I congratulate Finton Cottrell on being awarded this very prestigious award. 

The citation is below:

Citation: 

Finton Cottrell models the living out of his Baptismal calling through servant leadership and discipleship. As a recent participant in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth (RCIY) program, he actively expresses his faith within both his parish of St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Ryde and his school community, Holy Cross College, Ryde. Finton serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and lector at weekly Mass. He is also actively engaged in the parish youth group. This year, Finton performed in the live Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. He attends Adoration, assists with parish retreats, and contributes to various prayer services. 

At school, Finton is part of the Army Cadet Unit, serves at morning and whole-school Masses and co-founded the youth group Brothers in Christ, while leading initiatives like the lunchtime Rosary in May. As a mentor in the RCIY program and a Student Councillor, he supports younger students in their faith and promotes social justice initiatives in collaboration with other leaders and Year Coordinators. His dedication to faith, leadership, and service makes him an inspiring role model who lives out our Catholic values.

He is a wonderful example to his fellow Holy Cross students. 

Next Monday, we are inducting our 2026 College Leaders. It seems that this ceremony is coming around faster each year. I would like to thank the current College Student Leadership Team for the wonderful work that they have done over the past year and in particular signal out Mrs Jenna Belcastro for her efforts in supporting the leaders in their work. I look forward to working with the 2026 team to continue to build on their good work.

Father’s Day is fast approaching and once again we are hosting a Fathers day Mass and Breakfast BBQ on Thursday, 4 September at 7:30am. Hopefully we will get a chance to celebrate together and we are looking forward to hosting as many dads as we can. 

In Cruce Salus