24 July 201324 July 2013

FROM THE PRINCIPALDear Parents and Friends of Holy Cross,

Record Growth

The College is in good shape and theconfidence of the community is reflected inthe record growth in Year 7 that is anticipatedfor 2014. Our current numbers for Year 7/2014 are the highest in the history of the

College. I am concerned that there may be some students fromfeeder Catholic primary schools (who have guaranteed accessto Holy Cross) whose parents have not yet placed their nameswith us. If you know of a friend in this situation, I wouldappreciate your encouragement of them to be in touch with theCollege as soon as possible.

Building Work Update

I am conscious that my promise to commence the process ofcommunity consultation on building works at Holy Cross wasmade for the end of Term One this year. Circumstances beyondmy control have not allowed for this to happen. I write now tokeep you informed of where matters stand.

The relatively high SES (Socio-Economic Status index) of theRyde area and the generous space of Holy Cross has meantthat the College will not be the beneficiary of capital worksfunds through the CBGA (Commonwealth Block GrantsAuthority). The Catholic Education Office, the owners of theCollege site, remain committed however, to supporting a majorbuilding project focussed on the construction of new Sciencefacilities and accompanying flexible learning spaces. Thisbuilding work will ultimately need to be funded through loanstaken out by the College and funded through the CollegeBuilding Levy.

Progress to date has been in the form of a detailed BuildingDesign brief. I have reproduced the Design Brief overview belowfor your information:

The College seeks an architectural response to alignwith its educational objectives that encompasses threeelements:

Doggett/Gell

The Doggett and Gell buildings house the currentScience facilities. The intention is that these facilities arereplaced by new Science facilities. Thus, there exists theneed to re-imagining the use of this space. Consideration

should be given as to how the Doggett/Gell buildingsmight be made into a contiguous learning space.

Covered outdoor learning area

There is insufficient covered space at Holy Cross.Consideration needs to be given in the master plan tothe provision of covered outdoor learning area. This maywork best in the Gell/Doggett precinct, or as a part of theScience area brief. This is left to the discernment of thearchitect in further conversation with the client.

New Science facility

New Science facilities are required. Such a facility mightbe a new building, or a re-imagining of an existing

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building. It is envisioned that the new Science facilityshould be positioned on the campus such that it is ableto enhance the site development that has already takenplace around the central Delany Paddock precinct. Incontemplating this facility, the architect and Collegeacknowledge the shared occupancy opportunities thatare present with the delivery of modern sciencepedagogy.

A series of meetings with senior CEO personnel indicate thatthey remain tightly committed to the principles of the DesignBrief.

Following the Design Brief, architects Alex Coutts andAssociates were engaged to present initial concept drawingsto the CEO Director of Financial Services, Mr William Walker,the CEO Head of School Facilities, Mr Peter Clarke and me.This task has been completed and the initial concepts havebeen considered. Further meetings will take place over thecoming weeks to develop these concepts into a workable andaffordable staged solution that addresses the Design Brief to fullsatisfaction and this is the stage at which we find ourselves atthe time of my writing. I anticipate that this process will not becompleted until September. After this, with drawings approvedby CEO for community consultation, I will be able to inform youfurther of the progress of plans. I can, at this point, assure thecommunity of the firm commitment of the CEO to work towardsa timetable that would see the first sod turned in the Christmasbreak of 2014.

HSC Trial Preparation

Our senior students are currently in preparation mode for theirforthcoming HSC Trial examinations. Both last week and thisweek, the College library has been opened to our HSC classand their fellow Marist Sisters College Woolwich students forCollaborative Study Nights. This opportunity, which so muchcontributed to the success of our senior class in 2012, is madeavailable by the generosity of teaching staff, who supervise thespace for no extra pay or credit other than the satisfactionof seeing their students succeed. This is a deep commitmentwhich as a community we must not take for granted. It doesn’thappen in all schools and we are blessed with generous andsupportive teachers.

Your Prayers

I ask for your prayers of support for Mr Michael Croucher(Middle School Coordinator) and teacher Mr Tim Barrett, wholost their mother and brother respectively over the term break.Both men have had two members of their family pass away thisyear. For them and for all members of our community who havesuffered family loss recently, I pray that our generosity of spirittowards them is Christ working through us to support them.

In cruce salus,

Adam TaylorPRINCIPAL

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

As you may know, each Year cohort has a pastoral periodincorporated into the 10 day timetable cycle. This period istaken by the Year Coordinator who delivers the pastoral careprogramme each fortnight. Both Mr Taylor and I attend andtake the opportunity to speak to the boys about various issues.This cycle I spoke about the parable of the Good Samaritan,which, as you might know, was the Gospel on the Sunday priorto returning to Term Three. The story, as you would recall, wasthe response Jesus gave by being asked what one needed todo to inherit eternal life. The Samaritan was the unlikely hero ofthe story given the politics of the day. I challenged each boy tothink about the politics of today and who that Samaritan mightrepresent. I challenged them to think when they could emulatethe actions of the Good Samaritan and how the story might playout in 2013. Finally, the boys were asked to consider how theparable of the Good Samaritan fits with our notion of being aPatrician Man and men for others.

Parent Teacher day night

You should have received a letter from you son last week givingdetails of the Parent Teacher Day/Night which will take placefrom 8.30am – 8.00pm on Wednesday, 31 July 2013. Theletter indicated that no timetabled classes will be held on theday and that each boy (Years 7-10) will be expected to attendin full College uniform. These interviews provide an excellentopportunity to discuss your son’s progress in Semester One.Bookings can be made online and the letter sent last weekprovided all of the necessary details for you. I look forward toseeing you on the day.

Activities Week (Week 4 Term 3)

Please note that Week 4 of this term is Activities Week. Year7 will be at school participating in a special Middle SchoolProgram, Year 8 is on camp, Year 9 is on Duke of Edinburghand camp, Year 10 is on Work Experience, Year 11 is onRetreat and Year 12 have their Trial HSC exams. Detailedinformation has been sent home for each year group and I takethis opportunity to wish all boys and staff the very best for theweek.

Staff Development Day Monday, 12 August 2013

A Staff Development Day has been planned for Monday, 12August 2013. The focus will be on National Curriculum andplanning. Trial HSC examinations and Vet work placement willstill go ahead as normal but no other timetabled classes willtake place on the day.

Mark ComptonASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGERTerm 3 fees are now due. Please ensure your payments arekept up to date and if you experience difficulty meeting yourpayment schedule contact Michael McCormack to discuss apayment plan.

Year 12 fee payers must ensure that all financial transactionsare complete by the end of Term 3.

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Thank you to all fees payers who are meeting their financialexpectations.

Mr Michael McCormackBUSINESS MANAGER

STAR OF THE WEEK – Ciaran CroninYear 7

Ciaran Cronin of 7 Hannigan is anoutstanding witness to the Patrician value ofhospitality. He is a kind, courteous and acaring member of Homeroom, who is alwayswilling to help and is respectful and inclusive.Ciaran’s qualities were recognisedimmediately by his peers, being nominated asa Class Councillor for Hannigan and he has

led through example.

Well Done Ciaran, Star of the Week!

Mr Kieran Jones

Br. Fintan O’NeillThis picture has been sent to us fromEoin Lacy of Potmarnock, Co. Dublin,Ireland. While visiting a relative inFrance he discovered this photographof his great grandmother who is thesister of Br Fintan O’Neill. The picturewas taken in 1926 on his only visit back to Ireland since 1883.Br Fintan O’Neill was a founder and first Principal of Holy CrossCollege Ryde.

Creativity on show as Holy Cross CollegeHosts Annual Herodotus ChallengeBy Naomi Tsvirko

On Monday 22 July, Year 4 and 5 boys from eight local CatholicSchools were invited to take part in the Holy Cross CollegeAnnual Herodotus Challenge.

The event stayed true to its namesake Herodotus, the GreekHistorian who was famous for testing out theories through aseries of experiments, with boys taking part in Science, Maths,Geography, Art, Sport and Engineering challenges.

Year 4 student Liam Kinna from Holy Spirit, North Ryde, lovedthe surprises the day had in store.

“You never knew what fun and exciting thing you were going todo next. I especially liked drawing in the Art challenge.”

Another well-received activity was the day’s engineeringexperiment, with boys asked to create an egg holding devicecapable of protecting an egg falling from a variety of heights.Year 4 student Xavier Watkins from Saint Therese, Deniston,said it was one of his favourite challenges.

“We built an egg drop device from paper, sticky tape andtoothpicks. Our group’s one survived the one metre drop butnot a two-metre drop. Next time I will plan harder,” said Xavier.

Meanwhile, Xavier’s friend Joshua Moujalli really enjoyed theScience challenge where boys got to mix ingredients to createsherbet.

“I liked making sherbet ‘cause it was something new. I learntabout chemical reactions and the best part is it tasted yummy,”said Joshua.

Principal of Holy Cross College, Adam Taylor, is a driving forcebehind the program and sees it as a great way to promotelearning and a community spirit.

“The Herodotus Challenge is all about connecting with localprimary schools in an unconventional way. Boys are asked tostep out of their usual classroom comfort zone and participatein activities that focus on creative thinking and ingenuity,” saidMr Taylor.

Year 4 Teacher Saint Therese, Deniston, Nick Brierley agrees.

‘The day was well planned and organised. All activities wereinteresting and challenging. They really stretched theimagination. I’d come back for another Herodotus Challengetomorrow if I could,” said Mr Brierley.

Although all the participants felt like winners, the recipients ofthe Holy Cross College Herodotus Challenge awards went to StCharles, Ryde (winner of Year 4 challenges) and Saint Ambrose,Concord West (winner of Year 5 challenges).

Mrs Jessica Janz and Mr Thomas Gardiner who coordinatedthe program are to be congratulated for their hard work inensuring the day's activities were running smoothly

Primary school studentsPrimary school studentsfrom Villa Maria enjoyfrom Villa Maria enjoythe Sherbet Sciencethe Sherbet Science

Challenge at Holy CrossChallenge at Holy CrossCollege, Ryde.College, Ryde.

Student representatives from 2013Student representatives from 2013Herodotus Challenge winners- StHerodotus Challenge winners- St

Charles, Ryde (Winner of the Year 4Charles, Ryde (Winner of the Year 4challenges) and Saint Ambrose,challenges) and Saint Ambrose,

Concord West (Winner of the Year 5Concord West (Winner of the Year 5challenges) with Mr Adam Taylor,challenges) with Mr Adam Taylor,Principal of Holy Cross College,Principal of Holy Cross College,

Ryde.Ryde.

For media enquiries please contact the College Media OfficerNaomi Tsvirko via email naomi.tsvirko@syd.catholic.edu.au

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CAREER NEWSPlease refer to online version for information.

Mark MustapicCAREERS CO-ORDINATOR

MCS SPORT REPORT

2013 Athletics Carnival

Holy Cross’ annual Athletics carnival got off to a great startFriday week one, with our year 12 leaders in their house coloursand hamming it up and setting the tone of the day.

A fun, competitive morning was had with age groups moving ina rotation around several events, including, Long Jump, Discusand Javelin.

With the sounds of our local community radio 2r.r.rbroadcasting in the background, the rain came and eventswere suspended. It looked like the day would resume after ashort break, but alas it was not to be.

As a college community, we gathered in the Hall. With threeguest judges on hand, each House gave their best ‘chant’ theirheart and souls. After much deliberation, Delany emerged asthe house with the most liked chant, Gallagher and Dwyer tiedfor second, with Hannigan not far behind.

Overall, it was a disappointment that we could not finish theday, but we will still field a strong team at the MCS AthleticsCarnival in coming weeks.

Thanks to all the hard working teachers and helpers who madethe day such a success.

MCS Sport

This term has seen the start of the Rugby 7s competition,with our boys winning 80% of their games in a Round RobinCompetition week one. We wish them good luck in the Finalrounds week two.

In other sports news u14 and u16 Rugby Union and u14 andOpen AFL teams are being finalised, with the first round in weekthree. Touch Football starts week four. We look to the boys toplay as strong Patrician men and wish them all good luck.

Ms WilliamsSPORT COORDINATOR

LETTERBOX

17/7/2013 Yr11 2014 Subject Selection Evening

CALENDARWorld Youth Day Pilgrimage till 3 AugYear 11/2014 Subject Market Afternoon (Periods 3-5)8:00am Wednesday Morning Mass8:30am Yr 10 Buddy Up with Villa Maria5:00pm HSC Collaborative Trial Preparation6:30pm Year 11/2014 Parent Information Evening

Thursday, July 25MCS Tennis (12-15)Rehearsals for Academic Awards AssemblyRugby 7s Comp5:00pm HSC Collaborative Trial Preparation

Friday, July 269:00am Semester One Academic Awards Assembly5:00pm HSC Collaborative Trial Preparation

Monday, July 29 Week 3HSC Trial Examinations till 12 AugYr11 Hospitality & Construction VET Work Placement till 16th

Tuesday, July 30Yr 10 Patrician Music Day @ Fairfield

Wednesday, July 318:00am Wednesday Morning Mass8:30am Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Meeting 8.30am-8pm

Thursday, August 1MCS Tennis (wet)Rd1 AFL/Rugby

Friday, August 29:00am Yr 8 Mass at St Charles

Monday, August 5 Week 4Year 10 Work Experience till 9thYear 9 Camp till 8thYear 11 Retreat till 7thYear 8 Camp till 7th

Wednesday, August 78:00am Wednesday Morning Mass

Thursday, August 8Feast Day of St Mary MacKillopRd1/2/3 Touch (long R'nd))Rd2 AFL/ RugbyYear 11 Rest DayYear 8 Rest Day

Friday, August 9Special Mass St Mary's Cathedral for Indigenous Students YrsYear 11 Leadership DayYear 8 Forensic DayYear 9 Rest Day

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