Junior School Update

Pre-Kindergarten

The children have settled back into Pre-Kindergarten extremely well and it has been wonderful to see them remember all of the routines we follow. We welcomed some new friends into our class last week and it is like they have always been with us.

The first few weeks have seen us explore farms and some of the things we find there, such as farm animals and equipment like tractors. The children have been very excited to share their knowledge about farm animals during our mat sessions and have been using a range of vocabulary to describe the attributes of the animals, with a focus on size, colour and features. We will be continuing our exploration of farms over the next few weeks.

Colour recognition will continue to be revised from last term and we are now focusing on counting by rote to 10, as well as counting small collections of objects. Next week, we are going to begin exploring 2 Dimensional shapes in the environment with a focus on basic shapes such as: triangles, circles, squares and rectangles. I look forward to a wonderful third term shared with you all.

Mrs Fretwell

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher 

Kindergarten C

Welcome back to Semester 2!

The Kindergarten children had so much fun preparing for the races, relays and games in the Junior athletics carnival. We even had Sonic come and visit our classroom the day before the carnival to warm up, stretch and do some exercises. Congratulations to all the children for trying their hardest and cheering on their team.

We have also been very busy in Kindergarten learning through play. This week we have learnt all about the letter tT. We built toothpick towers, painted with tractor tyres, counted to twenty, wrote numbers to ten, created transport collages with shapes, made wind chimes out of tins and even had a teddy bears picnic.

We love Kindergarten!

Mrs Borg

Kindergarten C Teacher

Pre-Primary

Wow it is already Week Two of Winter Term and we have made it half way through the year! Time has gone by so quickly in Pre-Primary.

Last week the Pre-Primary class showcased their Big Ideas Launch, “Can we save the world”? at the Junior School Assembly. The students outlined all of the little things they could do to save the world such as turning off dripping taps and lights, putting rubbish in the bin and looking after our animals.

We have started discussing the meaning of Measurement, "Why and How do we measure?" The students realised that they have been measuring for some time now, such as by using measuring cups when cooking. During class, the students used their hands as informal units of measurement. They counted how long objects were in the class, evaluated which was the biggest and smallest and shared their findings with their peers.

Keep up the outstanding learning!

Miss Pritchard

Pre-Primary Teacher

OTHER NEWS

Congratulations to the Year 3 and 9 students who sat the Bishops' Religious Literacy Assessment today.

Thank you to the families who attended the Parish Masses last week to support their children in Year 3 to enrol for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be further preparation and information sessions held during Winter Term for parents and candidates to attend. 

Our prayers and well wishes are extended to Mrs Ryan as she takes extended leave during Winter Term. In her absence, we welcome Mrs Olivia Croswell and Miss Roslyn Cherubino to Year Two. Mrs Croswell will teach Monday and Tuesday with Miss Cherubino teaching Wednesday to Friday.

Melissa Croswell

Head of Junior School

31 July 2015

Year 11 Geography students experience Tourism in the Swan Valley

Yesterday, despite the rain, year 11 Geography students had an enjoyable day carrying out fieldwork into the diffusion of tourism in the Swan Valley and the impacts it has.
We visited Morish nuts, Mondo Nougat, House of Honey, Houghton's Winery and the Margaret River chocolate factory. Students completed counts of transport in each car park, and of the numbers of visitors in each attraction. They were also able to undertake more in detail interviews with our hosts at each attraction. This information will be collated and written up into a report.

What's the next big thing for Ellenbrook?

Year 7 students have made a fantastic start to the term in Big Ideas. Last week we learned about what a pilgrimage is, and why taking part in the Camino Salvado is very important at Holy Cross College. All Year 7 students then walked the first section of the Camino Salvado, from Subiaco to Maylands. They were all really enthusiastic walkers and we saw some excellent examples of team work from some students.
Here are some pictures from the day:

The students will walk the next section, from Maylands to Guildford on the Monday of LIFE week. All parents/guardians should have received a LIFE week letter. If you haven't, please pop into the school office to pick one up. 

Back at school, this week, students have started to learn about the 'Big Things' around Australia, such as the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the Big Ram in Wagin. They have learnt how to Mind Map to organise information, and have practised their mapping skills by charting the Big Towns of Australia. This work will hopefully give them some inspiration for when they have to design a 'Big Thing' for Ellenbrook, later in the term. 

Fundraising Opportunity

This year we will be participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program. Through this program we will be able to get new educational resources for the Junior School – and all we need you to do is shop for your groceries at Woolworths. From now until Tuesday, 8 September, we are collecting Woolworths Earn & Learn Points. You will get one Woolworths Earn & Learn Point for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco and gift cards). Place the Woolworths Earn & Learn Points onto a Woolworths Earn & Learn Points Sheet and when it’s complete, the Points Sheet can be dropped into the Collection Box here at the College (in the ELC or College Office). Any loose stickers can also be placed into the box. At the end of the promotion, we’ll be able to get some great new equipment. The range is extensive and offers lots of items ideal for our students – including resources for Mathematics, English, Science and some fantastic fun supplies for Arts & Craft, Sport and Library. If you’d like to know more visit woolworths.com.au/earnandlearn

Melissa Croswell

Head of Junior School

Life Link Quilt

For the first time since Holy Cross College has been hosting the HCC Sleep Out Event, the Years 1-3 students were invited to participate. The students arrived early and shared a story, completed an activity and ate some soup. As part of raising awareness for homelessness the students traced their handprint onto a piece of cloth then stitched around it with wool. One of the parents, Mrs Hawser, kindly quilted the pieces together to make a blanket to be used to keep someone warm. 

Over the past two weeks the students have been selling raffle tickets in an attempt to raise additional funds for Life Link. A total of $114.10 was raised. The winner of the raffle was drawn at the Junior School Assembly Tuesday, 28 July. Congratulations Mr Williamson.

Melissa Croswell
Head of Junior School
29 July 2015

Congratulations

Recently Year 8 student Alannah Reberger has been selected to attend a two day Ballet Workshop with one of France's finest ballet masters and teachers, Mr Marsa from the Paris Opera Ballet.

Alannah successfully auditioned for the West Australian Ballet 2015 Masterclass Program and currently attends The Graduate College of Dance. This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for Alannah to further her dream of one day dancing as a Ballerina. The Holy Cross College community would like to congratulate Alannah on this achievement and wish her the best for the workshop.

Mrs Carla Pastorelli

McCormack House Coordinator

LIFE Week 2015

As you know, letters have been sent home across the College regarding LIFE week which happens in Week 6 this term. It is looking like it is going to be a fantastic week of learning. Keep your eye on this blog to see how Middle School students are preparing for their week already.

If there are any questions regarding LIFE week, please make contact early to get these answered.

Thanks
Ms Walmsley
Assistant Deputy Learning

Junior School Athletics

Congratulations to FRAYNE! 

The Junior School students ran, competed and cheered on Thursday, 23 July. The House spirit was excellent with all students participating and supporting each other. Mrs Azzopardi, Mrs de Courcier and the Secondary Physical Education students were a great help on the day. 

We thank all of the parents, grandparents and family members who came along to support their children. 

The final results for the day were:

FRAYNE 737

SALVADO 722

MCCORMACK 685

OZANAM 682

     

Melissa Croswell
Head of Junior School

Welcome Back!

Kindergarten H

Welcome to Term 3! It was delightful to be greeted by so many cheerful and happy faces on the first day back this week. All the children had many exciting recounts of their adventures that took place over the two week break. We got straight back into our learning and continued our alphabet exploration with the letter Ss. We went on a treasure hunt around the College to locate different objects that start with the letter Ss. We found many things including a shed, sushi, a skateboard, a skeleton and a picture of Salvado. Using our iPads, we photographed the many different items that we found. Back in class we each took turns on the iPads to use the app PicCollage to create a collage using the photographs that had been taken. The final products look SENSATIONAL!

On Thursday we had our House Athletics carnival. The students had lots of fun and tried their best in each event. We are so proud of everyone for having a go and for all the hard work they put into their training. Well done to the winning house, FRAYNE.

Mrs Tucker

Kindergarten H Teacher

Year One

The Year One class have had a busy start back after the school holidays. The children wrote some fantastic recounts about the exciting activities they got up to over the break. Our book focus for this week has been ‘Herbert and Harry’. We have been identifying the difference between a 'telling' sentence and an 'asking' sentence.

During Mathematics we have been learning about money. We have identified the difference between Australian coins and notes and have had fun playing ‘Money Bingo’.

Our new unit of work for Religious Education is ‘Baptism’. We are discovering ways in which we are all different and special. The children will be introduced to the understanding that, through Baptism, people become members of God’s family.

For Geography we have had fun exploring our school for examples of natural, constructed and managed features of our environment. The children took some great photos to record their findings.

We look forward to hearing about Ms Behiels' holiday when she returns in Week 3.

Year Three

This term we have welcomed four new students into our Year Three class: Mia, Abbey, Mary and Kiera. We are very excited to get know more about them.

To start the term, the Year Three children have been exploring NAIDOC Week, which was celebrated during the holidays. We have been looking at the importance of celebrating and learning about the indigenous culture, particularly about the Noongar people who are the traditional owners of our land. 

In Mathematics, we have been exploring 3 Dimensional Objects. We have been learning about their key features, such as the number of faces, edges and vertices.

On Friday, 31 July the students will complete the Bishops' Religious Literacy Assessment. Further information will be provided to parents during the week.

We are looking forward to another wonderful term of learning.

Miss Henderson

Year 3 Teacher

Ellenbrook Rangers Registration Day

St Vincent de Paul Winter Blanket Appeal

 

The Vinnies have launched the Winter Blanket Appeal and the College is looking for donations of Blankets for this Appeal. Students have been asked to think of those in our community who are going without warmth in this cold weather. Please look around for any blankets that you no longer use or consider donating a blanket and placing it in the box in the front office of the College. 

Many thanks from the Ministry Team.

Congratulations

Over the holidays we have had some great results in sporting competitions by our Holy Cross Students. We would like to congratulate them on their achievements.

Hannah Schnell has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2015 State Orienteering Team and will travel to Ballart at the end of the term.

Jeremy Garcia competed in the State National Indoor Archery Competition and placed 4th securing him in the top 5 in his division in Australia.

Jayden Sterling placed 1st in the cub division at the Bowmen of Melville Junior Archery Tournament.

Tristan Chilman recently competed in the National Dance Sports Ballroom Championships and placed first in the Junior Open Ballroom event and Junior Open  New - Vogue.

Cian Guest travelled to Kuala Lumpar during the holidays to compete in the 23rd MSSM-WALA-SSSC-IFE U14 & U15 International Little Athletics Championships. Holy Cross College is proud to announce that Cian won the 1500 metre event and 800 metre event. Cian was also awarded the Best Athlete award for his age group. 

Bishops' Literacy Assessment

Year 3 & 9 students will be sitting the Bishops'

Literacy Assessment on Friday 31 July. All Catholic schools in Western Australia complete the assessment annually in Years 3, 5 and 9. Year 9 students will be completing the assessment as an online assessment for the first time this year.

Mr Paul Murphy
Assistant Deputy Principal
20 July 2015

College Middle/Senior Athletics Carnival

The College Athletics Carnival will be held on the College oval on Friday 23 July. This is an all day event stating at 9am. Parents are welcome to come and support their House.

Mr Paul Murphy
Assistant Deputy Principal
20 July 2015

State Gymnastics Team

Congratulations to Aimee Sorensen Year 8, who was selected for the WA State Gymnastics Team to compete at the Border Challenge in Queensland.  This is a significant achievement and an honour to represent her State.  Unfortunately due to injury Aimee was unable to compete.

Aimee has also been selected to attend the Gymnastics Australia Women's Artistic Gymnastic Training Camp at the Australian Institute of Sports in Canberra in August 2015.

Friends of Holy Cross

Thank You

A big thank you to all the wonderful families who donated cakes, cookies, etc on short notice to be used for the intermission during the performances of the College musical production Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  We were simply overwhelmed with the response - it is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to your continued support and involvement.

Congratulations to all involved in the production - cast, crew, teachers, musicians - it was a fantastic production.

Susan Sorensen

President

Friends of Holy Cross

NEAS wrap up

After a successful home and away season, the Year 7 NEAS girls netball team finished in second place on the ladder allowing them to progress to the grand final against their archenemies Swan Valley. The girls played well creating some quick breaks through the centre court but unfortunately lost control of the play too easily giving Swan Valley Anglican too many opportunities to shoot, losing them the game. Throughout the season the girls showed commitment to training and displayed great sportsmanship. The team should be congratulated for their efforts this season.

The Year 8/9 boys NEAS team was a strong contingent of soccer players with plenty of talent to work with. The boys managed to go the whole season undefeated before going down courageously in the final 2-1. It was a see sawing battle that saw our Holy Cross boys control the majority of possession. After a goal from the opponent due to an unfortunate penalty, the boys rallied and managed to equalise on the stroke of half time through a wonder strike from Connor. With a lot of confidence going into the second half, the boys continued to control the possession but struggled to make it count on the scoreboard. With 10 minutes to play Swan Valley were able to play a through ball against the tide and squeeze one past our goal keeper, Brenton, who has been fantastic all season. The boys worked tirelessly for the whole competition and should be applauded for their fantastic efforts.

A special  thanks goes to those teachers who coached the teams, as well as the students who volunteered their time to referee and coach: Lauren Ford, Amy Dangerfield, Isabella Busby-Daly,  Tristen Chilman, Scott Varady, Alyssa Kinkaid and also Shannon Hardingham for coming along and supporting the netball girls at their games.

Year 8 Dance

Yesterday the Year 8 Dance class performed their final assessment piece in front of the Year 2 students, who came down to join us in the performing arts room. The girls performances were based around a new musical that they created, where students took a movie or an idea and turned it into a dance piece that would fit the elements of Jazz. Our students spent the last term choreographing, organising props, hair, costumes and makeup. It was great for them to be able to perform their pieces to a live audience. The girls all showed great talent with their performances full of leaps, spins, acrobatics and pizzazz.

What's the Final Frontier? Year 8 Big Ideas tackles the ends of exploration.

This term in Big Ideas, the Year 8's have investigated the limits of human exploration in an attempt to discover 'what's the final frontier?'

During the first part of the term, the students experienced a range of workshops which focused on scientific endeavours as well as physical exploration. These workshops prepared the students for their major inquiry in the second half of the term. Each student decided on what they believe to be the 'final frontier' - from the discovery of a cure for cancer, to the real explanation for the Bermuda Triangle, to places such as the Amazon Rainforest and Antarctica. The students had to find out what had been done in terms of exploration of their frontier and what challenges face those who continue to explore. The students completed a scaffolded inquiry process which focused on developing the inquiry skills that are required for Geography.  Throughout this process, the students had to practice using and evaluating different sources, both written and visual. This has enabled the students to discover how and why a source may be considered reliable, and to be selective in their inclusion of information.

This has been a busy term for Year 8 Big Ideas, and we are looking forward to more creative and informative projects next term!

Miss Emilie Reynolds

Year 8 Innovator.

LIFE Week 2015 (Curriculum Enrichment Week)

In Term 3, Week 6,  Holy Cross will once again embark on LIFE Week.

The week is designed to allow students to learn outside of the classroom. The learning over this week is heavily connected to curriculum areas, especially in the Junior School and in Years 7, 8, 9 where it is intimately linked to the terms Big Ideas question. In the Senior School, the focus is very much around future focus and spirituality.

As you know, all year groups at the College work within a theme with a College patron focus and this is nowhere more evident than over LIFE Week.

Please see below for the week in brief  (Junior, Middle and Senior School)

Junior School - During LIFE Week the Junior School students will use their inquiring minds, generate ideas, reflect on and analyse their findings. A variety of activities will contribute to the exploration of the BIG Ideas: “How can I look after myself?” in Kindergarten; “Let’s save the earth one step at a time, or can we?” in Pre-Primary; the Year Ones will ask, “how do ‘they’ make a difference?”; and Year Two and Three are aiming to solve, “Where in the world?”.
A mixture of excursions, incursions, and visits from special guests will be offered during normal school times. Each Year Level will provide a more detailed overview early in Winter Term. Parent help will be required across the week so please keep your calendars free!

Year 7 -  The week will begin with a Camino walk and then will be heavily based in Ellenbrook and surrounds as the focus is on 'The next big thing for Ellenbrook".  Students will travel to Guildford and will be cycling and/or walking in and around Ellenbrook. The final day will include a sausage sizzle to which all parents will be invited.
 
Year 8 - Students in Year 8 will spend the first two days divided between a Camino walk and a College day retreat. For the final three days, they will travel to New Norcia for their 3 day Learning overnight Camp where the big question will be around 're-energising the past'. Students will travel to New Norcia by coach and will be home by the close of school on Friday.


Year 9 -  Year 9 sees a focus around the city of Perth. For the first time, some of our Year 9's will travel to Canberra for LIFE week where they will answer the same big question as those based in Perth. Part of the project will see a great compare and contrast, post LIFE week, on what is indeed the greatest city of Aus! Students will make their way into the cities each day and then will complete a series of highly structured activities around the big question.


Year 10 -  The week for Year 10 will begin with two days of Christian Service Learning, followed by a social justice retreat at the college. The final two days will be centered around future focus where students will have sessions at the College around building up their study skills. They will also travel to various State Training Providers and Universities.
 
Year 11 - Year 11 will walk a section of the Camino on day one, they will visit various State Training Providers and Universities on day two and the final 3 days will see them travel to Eagles Nest in Gidgegannup for their overnight Retreat.


Year 12 - Year 12 will begin the week with two days of the Camino - building up their connection and understanding of pilgrimage - fantastic as this is also a huge part of the Stage 3 Religion and Life programme. On the Tuesday, they will walk into New Norcia where a two day overnight Retreat will begin around 'taking the long view'. The final day for Year 12 will see them visiting universities of their choice or spending a day of work experience in a career of their choosing.  Placement forms have been given to students today.

TO NOTE
Letters for LIFE week will come home to all parents in Week 2 of next term. The letters will give a full outline of the week and will include permission slips and medical forms if a camp is involved. It is essential that all reply slips are returned by the due date.

Please note that some days will be longer than a usual school day given the nature of the activities such as Camino walks and camps.


Anita Walmlsey and Melissa Crosswell

Year Three Steps Back in Time

The Year Three students have had a busy week of learning, even stepping back into the 19th Century! As part of our Big Ideas learning we have been exploring how schools have changed. On Wednesday, the children wore old fashioned clothes to school and participated in a range of activities, including: writing with ink dip pens and chalkboards; having a bottle of milk and oranges for recess; as well as playing hopscotch and marbles. Although the children all enjoyed this experience immensely, they were very relieved to get back into our current classroom!

This week the Year Three children also visited Fr. Bona at the Church as part of our Religious Education unit. He explained the different parts of the Mass and showed us the Eucharistic Vessels – paten, ciborium and chalice. It was an excellent opportunity for the children to see these vessels close up and have their many questions answered. 

It has been a very busy term for the children and they are all looking forward to a chance to relax and regain their energy over the holidays, ready for another exciting term of learning.

Miss Henderson

Year Three Teacher

Autumn Term Wrap Up

Pre-Kindergarten

We have had a wonderful time exploring the topic 'Oceans' and the children have been very busy playing with soapy sea foam, looking at shells, creating octopuses, singing songs about ocean life and much more. It has been fantastic to see the level of interest in the topic and we will continue exploring ocean life until the end of the term. 

The children have also been busy reflecting on their learning and completed a 'Two Stars and a Wish' reflection. They were asked to name something they love doing at school, something they are good at and something they want to improve on or do more of. It was great to have this one-on-one time with the children to reflect on their learning journey. 

Mrs Fretwell

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher 

Pre-Primary

On Monday, 22 June the students had a visit from Lilly’s Dad, who is an Ambulance Driver. The students got to experience lying in a stretcher, seeing their heart beat on the monitor and moving around on a portable chair. After seeing the Ambulance equipment in the confines of the classroom the students were able to walk around the vehicle and see where the equipment is kept.

 

The students have been practising their Athletics games to be ready for the carnival on Thursday of Week 1 next term. When being involved in a team the students are learning: to take turns, that it is “okay to lose”, the importance of communicating their feelings rationally and to encourage participation amongst each other.

Miss Pritchard

Pre-Primary Teacher 

Year One

Wow! How eleven weeks have flown by! We have continued our news telling this fortnight. The children shared jobs they are aspiring to have once they finish their schooling.

Some of the responses included:

Aislinn plans to be a swimming and yoga teacher because it sounds like fun. Brendon is planning on being a Master Chef. Emily is setting her sights on an ambulance driver because she would like to help sick people. Indyanna and Evie-Jean would like to both be vets, as they love animals. Norvella would like to be a Hungry Jacks worker because she just loves Hungry Jacks! Seth is looking to build machines as a scientist with Levi. Maxim would like to put robbers behind bars being a policeman.

The students’ confidence to speak in front of the class is continuing to develop and they enjoy answering the many questions being asked.

During Physical Education this fortnight we have been learning our carnival games. 'Rock, Bridge, Tree' is definitely the favourite! Their concentration to balance the egg on the spoon has been brilliant and they are careful to accurately catch the ball during circle ball. The Year Threes have been joining us too which has improved team work among the Houses.

Formulating our letters was our writing focus. We have been looking at the anti-clockwise letters a, c, d and g. The children have been eager to sit their letters on the line. It has been pleasing to see their accurate formulating continue into daily writing tasks.

It has been a fabulous Second Term and I wish all the students a very safe and happy holiday. 

Miss Behiels

Year One Teacher

Year Two 

The Year Two class presented their assembly based upon the topic 'water'. They dressed up as rappers and presented a Water Rap to their parents and the rest of the Junior School. The children were very excited and showed a lot of enthusiasm!

The students have been learning about the concept of cause and effect in literacy. They created an oral story to demonstrate their understanding. The students started with one sentence that explained the cause which was followed with a sentence to describe the effect. One example was, "Mrs Ryan was riding too fast down the hill. That’s why she fell off her bike." Some of the stories created were very funny!

In Mathematics we are consolidating our learning and the use of our mental strategies in addition and subtraction. We have been working on word problems and the different vocabulary that helps us work out whether we add or subtract. 

With the sports carnival fast approaching we are busy learning the team games and working on our fitness for the running races. We have talked about the importance of always putting in your best effort.  

Mrs Ryan

Year Two Teacher

Sister Frances Visit to Holy Cross

On Tuesday 30th of June, Sister Frances of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart visited the College. She came along to talk to the students of the McCormack House as well as the Year One, Two and Three classes. 

Sister Frances taught us different things about Peru and showed us photos of the places she had visited throughout the country, the local people and their traditions. She even taught the students some spanish!

She spoke about Sister Irene McCormack and shared some stories about her with us. Sister Frances explained the mission in Peru of the Josephite Sisters and the work they continue to do for the poor and vulnerable. 

It was a great opportunity for the students to see photos of the school that their donations from College Feast Day and the McCormack House Feast Day are going towards, and also to hear some stories about Sister Irene McCormack.









Mrs Pastorelli
McCormack House Coordinator

McCormack House Update

Term 2 has been a busy term for the students of McCormack House. We started the term off with the Inter-House Cross Country, where we won both the Junior School and Senior School Carnivals! It was great to see so many students participating in the different events offered.

                                   

On the 20th of May, we celebrated our Feast Day. The day began with mass in the church. The students created a yellow cross which contained the thumbprint of each student and staff member of the House, and presented it at the start of mass. Mass was followed by a sausage sizzle lunch. The day gave us the opportunity to spend some time together as a house.

A couple of weeks ago, we invited the McCormack Junior School students to join us for an activity during Extended HTG. Students worked in groups to create a Narnia themed costume, which the students from Junior School modelled. It was a fun morning and some great costumes were created!

                    

 

This Wednesday we were lucky enough to have Sister Frances Maguire from the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart join us for our House Assembly. She spoke to us about her mission in Peru and was able to show us some photos of the school our donations from Feast Day are going towards.

Today I presented awards to students in McCormack House for 100% Attendance and Good Standing. Congratulations to all award winners!

I would like to thank all the staff and students of McCormack House for a wonderful term.

Mrs Pastorelli
McCormack House Coordinator