Newsletter 6th December 2021
Holy Cross Catholic School Papatoetoe
Our Vision: Learning and Growing in Christ
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Before he rides off into the sunset and becomes a live-in housekeeper for Rosemary, I want to acknowledge Bruce Young on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
My journey with Bruce started when I was first elected to the Board of Trustees back in 1996.
That was a very long time ago, back then we both had a little more hair on our heads and a six pack, now hidden under a single pack.
Holy Cross wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for all the hard work and dedication Bruce has put in over his thirty years as Principal.
Bruce has always believed in pushing the children to be the best they can be, whether it was in the classroom or on the sports field. His passion for success was infectious and winning became a Holy Cross war cry. If Holy Cross didn’t come first avoid Bruce at all costs.
Bruce also made it possible for our children to experience a wide range of activities which they may not have ever experienced before. One such experience is the year 8 girls trip to Mt Ruapehu where the girls went skiing and visited thermal hot pools.
The annual school fair is one of Bruce’s favourite events of the year. I think he likes it because it gives him the chance to be heard over the loudspeaker, calling out the Big Wheel numbers and making fun of ex-students.
Holy Cross will not be the same without Bruce but that’s ok, he will leave his legacy that will forever be etched in the history of this school. In the famous words of the great Tina Turner, “you’re simply the best, better than all the rest.”
I also want to acknowledge Bruce’s wife Rosemary, don’t know how you put up with this man, you deserve a legend award. Thank you for your patience every time the school needed Bruce. Thank you to Amy, Laura and Olivia for sharing your dad with the Papatoetoe community.
God Bless you Bruce Young
Don Siluuga
Chairperson
Board of Trustees
Appointment of our New Principal
Over the weekend the Board of Trustees held interviews to fill the position starting 2022.
On behalf of the Board, I have the pleasure to announce the appointment of Julie Paul as the new Principal of Holy Cross Catholic School, Papatoetoe.
Julie Paul is currently Deputy Principal at Holy Cross; she is a past student with a long history and positive relationships with the school, Parish and the Papatoetoe community. We look forward to continuing this in her new role as Principal.
Advent
The rich symbolism of an Advent Wreath connects families and churches to the sense of anticipation and joy of the season.
Advent Wreath Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the God who gives peace. This second week of Advent causes us to remember that because of Jesus we can experience a Christmas free from turmoil and chaos. Regardless of our circumstances or our situations, you offer us peace that passes understanding.
Father, this second week of Advent, keep us in perfect peace as our mind is stayed on the truth of your powerful love. Thank you for your mighty, sovereign hand. Help us to trust fully in you and rest in the peace that you offer. It’s in the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Graduation for Year 6 Boys & Year 8 Girls
Tomorrow Tuesday 7th December we will hold a Graduation Ceremony for our Years 6 boys and Year 8 girls. We would appreciate it if all Year 6 boys and Year 8 girls can be at school on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th December for this event.
We apologise that NO PARENTS can attend this ceremony at school. We will record this event and it will be available on our school website for parents to view that night. We appreciate your support in this matter.
Please Return of ALL School Chromebooks Now
Please return ALL Chromebooks to school by Wednesday 8th December 2021. Please DO NOT wipe them down.
The devices should be returned in their bubble wrap please with your child's name on the Chromebook. We would appreciate your cooperation in this matter as this is a valuable school resource and will be required for students to use next year.
School Readers to be Returned by 8th December 2021
Please return any school readers that you have at home that are stamped with Holy Cross School. Please also check your child’s book bags. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Enrolments for 2022
We ask you to enrol your children at Holy Cross School as soon as they turn three and if you are leaving Holy Cross at the end of the school year please let us know as soon as possible as we have a waiting list of children who want to take these places. Please do not leave it until the last minute to inform us as it is not fair to those children who are waiting.
End of School Year
School will close for the year immediately after the 11.30am Mass on Friday 10th December which will be held outside on the tennis courts. All children must be collected promptly at this time.
Attendance Dues
Thank you to the families who have already paid their Attendance Dues for this Term. If you have not yet paid your Attendance Dues, please do so as soon as possible. We encourage Attendance Dues to be paid by automatic payment. Forms are available at the School Office which will enable you to set up the payments. Please note, Attendance Dues will be increasing to $117.00 per child per term from 4th February 2022.
Children Leaving Holy Cross School
If your child will be leaving Holy Cross School at the end of this year (other than Year 6 boys and Y8 girls), please phone the Office and let us know. Our roll is very full and we have a large number of children on our waiting list. Thank you for your support in this matter.
School Reports
The end of year reports will be emailed to parents on Wednesday 8th December. If you do not receive your child’s report by email, please phone the School Office.
We ask that you discuss the report with your child and see where you as parents can help your child during the Christmas holiday. Research shows that children who read regularly over the holiday period make greater gains in the following year compared to children who don’t.
Maybe a good Christmas present this year could be a book for your child.
Contact Us
Email: office@hcsp.school.nz
Website: https://hcsp.school.nz/
Location: Holy Cross Catholic School Papatoetoe 21 Carruth Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 278 8224
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hcsp.school.nz