Junior School Parent Workshop

Melissa Croswell
Head of Junior School
27 February

Salvado Feast Day

On Wednesday 25^th February Salvado House celebrated its Feast Day. The day started off with the four House Tutor Groups and our Junior School students attending Mass, where the readings focused on the talents we possess. The core values of Salvado House are gratitude and stewardship, so as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dom Rosendo Salvado we give thanks to God for our gifts and talents and commit to using them wisely, just as Salvado did many years ago.

In the entrance procession, Year Seven students brought items to the altar that represented our musical, artistic, sporting and academic talents, as well as Dom Salvado’s compass. The College is fortunate to have Salvado’s compass on loan from the Benedictine Monks of New Norcia. This is the compass that Salvado used to navigate his way from Subiaco to New Norcia. It is a great symbol of keeping faithful to one’s beliefs and talents as we journey through life.

The day was then capped off with a festive lunch, music and games. Even though it was a hot day, students were able to keep cool under our new House marquee. We had some students show off their artistic talents decorating the pavement with chalk art while others enjoyed a dance in the shade. It was a great day where we had the opportunity to spend time together and celebrate as a House community.

Fiona de Courcier

Salvado House Coordinator

Study Time

As your senior school students will be aware only too well, we are quickly approaching the end of Semester and that means exams.

There are a number of things that students can be doing at home and at school to prepare for this in advance and in doing so, reduce their stress. 

1. Ensure there is a place and a time for study

2. Study every day - using a long term and short term calendar can be very helpful here

3. Planning is essential

4. Review and revise - make notes of notes and complete sample essays and problems

5. Take breaks 

6. Ask for help

Below is an app and a website that might help. 

1.  The app is called Self Control. This could be handy to avoid things such as Facebook and IMessage distractions, just whilst studying.

SelfControl is a free and open-source application for Mac OS X that lets you block your own access to distracting websites, your mail servers, or anything else on the Internet. Just set a period of time to block for, add sites to your blacklist, and click "Start." Until that timer expires, you will be unable to access those sites, even if you restart your computer or delete the application.

2. The website is as listed below. It has great litte tips around managing stress and getting organised.

http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills

Ms Walmsley

Assistant Deputy Learning 

Year 7 Swimming Carnival

The Year 7 Swimming carnival was held on Friday 20 February. There was incredible team spirit shown by all students, but in the end there could only be one winner.

Mr Paul Murphy
Assistant Deputy Principal
23 February 2015

House Results: Frayne 429 Salvado 423 McCormack 277 Ozanam 266

Champions: Tyler Boyle Jade Stewart Runner Up: Darshan Kerai Kameron Kennedy

Week 3 in the Junior School

Kindergarten H

We have had an amazing start to Kindergarten in our class. This week saw the children start their journey through the alphabet at the very beginning with the letter “A”. We used halved apples to create apple printings and discussed that the apples could be cut in half different ways to create different shapes. Some children helped Mrs Borg to make delicious apple juice (using fresh green apples that had not been covered in paint from the previous activity!).

Shrove Tuesday saw the children helping Mrs Matthews to make some tasty pancakes. We challenged her to create a pancake in the shape of the letter “A”, in honour of the letter of the week. Mrs Matthews did not disappoint and we were all very impressed. It was quite timely that during our week of letter “A”, we had Ash Wednesday. We held a small Liturgical service and received ashes on our foreheads as a reminder that sometimes we make mistakes, but Jesus will always love us.

Our afternoon sessions have been super exciting this week as the doors between the two Kindergarten classes have been opened, allowing the students to have free movement between the rooms to experience the best of both worlds and develop new friendships. It is pleasing to see that the children have started to settle well into College life and enjoy their learning.

Mrs Tucker

Class Teacher

Year 1

It has been very exciting in Year One as we have filled our class jar twice this fortnight and the children have enjoyed a class game session and free choice time.

Reading has focused on the books ‘Winnie the Witch’ and ‘There was an old lady who swallowed a fly’. We have discussed the characters, analysed the rhyming words, identified some punctuation and compared features of the stories.

During Mathematics we have continued building our counting and place value skills. The students enjoyed playing "Two Minute Collect". The timer was set and they needed to roll a dice and collect that number of unifix cubes. Once the time was up they tried to present their cubes so someone could quickly count them.

During Art with Miss O’Neill the students have been working with clay and are beginning to design some wonderful sea creatures.

Chemical Science is underway with Mrs Tucker, the students looked at temperatures of different materials and compared their findings.

We have nearly completed our first Religious Education unit and have enjoyed looking at the choices we make and the choices Jesus made.

We are looking forward to Week 4 as we will have the chance to practise our football skills with an AFL Auskick clinic visit.

Miss Behiels

Class Teacher

Year 3

The year may have only just started but, in Year 3 we are doing a lot of learning! We have begun to look at the structure of narrative writing, as well as identifying the purpose and audience. This week we have been looking at developing characters and setting. We are also enjoying our reading group rotations and our first Reader's Theatre Performances of the year are coming along well. In Mathematics we have started to explore different ways of representing and comparing numbers, Ali the Alligator even came along to help us with this! In Religious Education we have been looking at the 10 Commandments and the responsibilities that come with the ability to make choices. We have even been learning a CHOICES song to help us remember this. If you come to assembly on Tuesday you may even see us in action!

Looking forward to another great week of learning in Year 3!

Miss Henderson

Class Teacher

Other News

A Digital Citizenship workshop is being held for parents with children in Years 1, 2 and 3 on Tuesday 24 February. There are two session times 1.15pm - 2.00pm and 5.30pm - 6.15pm. Parents are reminded to return their reply slips.

The first Junior School Assembly for 2015 will be hosted by the Year 3 students on Tuesday 24 February at 2.15pm in San Salvador.

Parents are also reminded of the student free days on Monday 2 March (Labor Day Public Holiday) and Tuesday 3 March (Staff Professional Learning day).

The Pre-Primary to Year 3 students will attend a Liturgy in the Parish Church on Wednesday 4 March hosted by the Year 1 class.

Melissa Croswell

Head of Junior School

20 February

Year 7 have a lovely afternoon with visitors for Big Ideas.

This term in Big Ideas, the year 7 students are investigating, 'Is I.T. a friend or foe?'

Their big question is encouraging them to think about both the advantages and disadvantages of I.T. and technology.

To get the year 7s thinking, grandparents, uncles, aunts and even parents were invited in to talk to about their points of view of technology. Students spent some time preparing open questions to find out as much information as possible from our visitors, and were able to speak to at least three guests each.

The students will now be able to use the information they gathered from today, over the rest of the term to answer the question, 'Is I.T. a friend or foe?' We hope that we will be able to share our findings with visitors at the end of the term.

Middle School Information Evening

Tonight sees our 2015 Information Evening happen across the College. I would like to draw your attention in particular to three sessions that may be of special interest. 

Mr Taylor our Learning Area Co-ordinator for English will be running 3 sessions around literacy and strategies that can be used in the home to aid your child's progress and understanding. 

In the same vein, Mr Gray will run 3 sessions on numeracy and what you can do at home to support your child with numeracy skills. 

Finally, Mrs Louden will be looking at making sense of social media. 

It's always a fantastic evening and I hope you are able to make the most of these sessions. Sessions run from 6.30pm after the BBQ and the 'meet the tutor sessions' which begin at 5.15pm.

I look forward to seeing you. 

Anita Walmsley

Assistant Deputy Learning

Year 8 Big Ideas: Let the Games Begin!

On Thursday of Week 1, the Year 8 students began the World Communities Game. After being divided into twenty six countries, each student took on the role of either Government, Banker, Ambassador to the United Nations or National Media. Countries were allocated resources that reflected their situation in the real world, and allowed to trade their resources to improve their country's position.

The students acting as National Media altered their Twitter name and photo to reflect their national identity, and tweeted their response to events unfolding in the game.

In Week 2, the students were confronted by their first group challenge...Ebola! The disease spread rapidly from the first contaminated nations to enter the trading floor, and soon made its way through the majority of the world community.

Groups could combat the disease by using their tokens to fund health workers, who would reduce the rate of disease in their countries, or research scientists, who could potentially develop a life saving vaccine.

The United Nations met to hear appeals from those countries struggling most with the disease, and decided (following rigorous debate) to supply vaccines to Nigeria and Ghana.

Several countries also received their Situation Cards in Week 2, and it was interesting to watch the students develop solutions to these potentially devastating challenges.

It has been a wonderful start to the term for Year 8 Big Ideas, and we look forward to watching the 

Year 8s grow and develop as the World Communities Game progresses.

Miss Emilie Reynolds

Year 8 Innovator

Week 2 in the Junior School

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

We have made a fantastic start to the year in Pre-Kindergarten and the children have been very busy getting to know their friends and teachers. Our focus for the first few weeks has been on the children becoming familiar with their new environment and learning some of the routines of Pre-Kindergarten. There have been many opportunities for the children to explore the indoor and outdoor learning environments and it has been wonderful to see the children's personalities and interests emerging.

The next few weeks will see us continue to meet new friends as they turn 3 and join us in Pre-Kindergarten - we cant wait! We will be learning a bit more about each other as we explore how we are all unique and special and then we will be using photos from home to talk about our families.

Mrs Fretwell
Classroom Teacher

KINDERGARTEN C

The children in Kindergarten C have settled into their new classroom and have been having so much fun! The last two weeks have been spent getting to know our teachers and friends, learning about our bodies, singing songs, dancing, painting, reading stories and playing.

Next week we will start our alphabet adventures, by completing plenty of activities based on the letter aA. We will also begin our PATHS program by selecting a superstar of the day.

Important notes to remember:

* Kindergarten doors open at 8.40am. The bell will ring at 8.50am to start our day. Kindergarten finishes at 2.40pm.

* Please remember to label EVERYTHING, including shoes, socks, spare clothes and bags.

* Junior School Information Evening - Monday, 16 February 4.30pm-5.00pm or 5.00pm-5.30pm, followed by a Holy Cross College BBQ for all families.

* Coloured House shirts are to be worn every Wednesday.

Have a great week!

Mrs Borg

Class Teacher

PRE-PRIMARY - A Sense of Belonging

Week Two has seen the children develop a heightened sense of belonging in their classroom and among friends. They have adopted the phrase; “I can do it myself” in all of their class duties, such as tidying up and packing their bags of an afternoon. 

Since the children are becoming responsible learners, they have been given their own workbook. The children have started using their workbooks to write down the letter of the alphabet they have found around the classroom and sight words in published texts. A few children were challenged to write words on our Writing Wall and also create sight words with blocks.

After going to the College Opening Mass, the students showed awe and wondered about the life of Jesus. We got into an involved discussion about why Jesus was on the cross and the meaning of the bread and wine in the Eucharist. The children also had a special visit from Father Bona, who kindly explained the meaning and purpose of each.

I look forward to seeing all Pre-Primary parents at our Information session Monday, 16 at either the 4.30pm or 5.00pm session. In the session we will discuss a take home pack with Literacy activities, routines, forms of communication, class timetable and the Cafe.

Miss Pritchard

Class Teacher

YEAR 2

During the last two weeks in Year Two we have been discovering the forces of push and pull. We walked around the school identifying what force is used to move objects. Mrs Wilson even gave us the opportunity of entering the Design and Technology classroom to investigate the different tools and movements there. The Pillar Drill was one of our favourites.  

We have begun discussing the book Possum Magic. We have discovered the different animals in the story and what types of foods helped to make Hush visible again. We are writing recipes for food from the text. In Maths we have been discovering the connections between addition and subtraction and how we can use our knowledge to find missing numbers. 

Mrs Ryan

Class Teacher

OTHER NEWS

Parent Information Session and College BBQ: Monday, 16 February - All families are required to attend the year level information session for their child/ren. Sessions will be offered at 4.30pm and repeated at 5.00pm. Please ensure the reply slip indicating the session preference is returned by Monday 16 February. Supervision will be provided for students in the front playground. A Welcome BBQ is also being offered to families for a gold coin donation. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Ms O'Neill has been busy with the Year One students introducing clay as an Art medium. We are excited to see the final creations. 

Cafe - Students have access to purchase lunch Monday to Friday from the College Cafe. Ice-creams can be purchased on Wednesday and Friday.

Reconciliation - Year 3 Students: The dates published for Catholic students to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation have been changed. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will now be celebrated on 24 November at 6pm in the St Helena of the Holy Cross Church. Further information will be provided throughout the year.

Melissa Croswell

Head of Junior School

13 February

Coffee and Conversation

Junior School Families are invited to attend the Gospel Reflection in the ELC DaVinci before heading to the Cafe for a Coffee and Conversation.

Melissa Croswell

Head of Junior School

12 February

Year 7 Swiming Carnival

The Year 7 Swimming carnival will be taking place at Chisholm College next Friday 20 February. It will take place at Chisholm College and parents are welcome to attend. Students will be bussed to and from the event, starting at 11:15am. Parents should have already received more details via letter.

May the best House win!

Mr Paul Murphy
Assistant Deputy Principal
12 February 2015

WA Police Visit HCC

The Kindergarten and Pre-Primary students were treated to an impromptu visit from the WA Police Force. Police horses Dan and Dexter, with their fellow officers, called in to say hello as they completed their patrol of the Coolamon area.

Melissa Croswell
Head of Junior School
12 February

Friends of Holy Cross Meeting 9 February 2015

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, especially to the following people who have graciously taken on coordinating roles for 2015:

Position	Name
President	Susan Sorensen
Vice President	Danine Powell
Treasurer	Fiona Schneider
Secretary	Louise Breadsell
Learning Council	Jo Davies
Inter-relationship Council	Susan Okello
Faith Council	Carol Wincott-Whyte
Enrichment Council	Adam Bolton

The Friends of Holy Cross Council is the coordinating arm of the parent body and will seek assistance from the wider College community at various times throughout the year. Parents/guardians are encouraged to make themselves known to Council members and offer assistance when required.

Ms Mandy Connor thanked Flavia Lenzo and Sharon D’Evelynes for their awesome contribution over the years. Flavia and Sharon will be around to assist for some years to come!

The new Council will meet again in the coming weeks to plan the year’s activities. The meeting schedule for all members and friends of Holy Cross is listed below:

·      Monday 9 February

·      Tuesday 28 April

·      Tuesday 28 July

·      Tuesday 13 October

·      Tuesday 1 December (AGM)

Throughout the year the Friends of Holy Cross provide assistance at a number of College functions by way of catering, personnel, help setting up, or simply by providing a welcoming presence to new members of the community. Some of the scheduled activities include:

Date	Event
16 February	Welcome BBQ
26 March	College Open Day
4 June	LifeLink Sleep-out
25, 26 & 27 June	College Production
23 July	Junior School Athletics Carnival
24 July	College Athletics Carnival
11 September	Holy Cross Feast Day
29 October	Annual Celebration Night
6 November	2016 Kindergarten Transition Information Session
10 November	Orientation Day
26 November	Junior School Orientation

In addition to these activities the Friends of Holy Cross will conduct their own events and fundraising initiatives.

Parent involvement and support is critical to building a vibrant and welcoming College community. Research indicates positive outcomes are achieved when parents show a strong interest in their child’s education and are actively involved.

I look forward to working with the Friends of Holy Cross in 2015.

Peter Collins

Vice Principal