Kia ora e te whānau,

We’ve reached the halfway mark of the term, and with it, the energy is really building up! Students are fully engaged, preparing for exciting class trips, while teachers are hard at work gathering assessments, writing reports, and organizing key end-of-year events like the Year 8 Graduation and our end-of-year Mass.

On my end, I’m focused not only on reviewing students’ end-of-year reports but also on reflecting on our school’s Annual Implementation Plan. This reflection centers on two essential questions: did we achieve what we set out to accomplish this year? And, importantly, what was the impact on our school and community? (Did our actions truly make a difference?)

As we get closer to the end of the term, I look forward to sharing these reflections with you all.

Holy Cross Food Fair

Our Food Fair on Friday was a tremendous success! Our families, staff, and community came together in an extraordinary way, transforming Holy Cross into a hub of vibrant activity, delicious aromas, and joyful sounds. While official numbers are still coming in, early signs show we may have doubled our 2022 takings —a fantastic achievement! We are extremely happy to announce that $16,000.00 has been raised !!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing PSG team, especially Didi and Malisha, who led the charge. Your dedication, long hours, and tireless work have been invaluable. To the whole PSG team, community members, and our Holy Cross chefs, thank you for making this event unforgettable with your hard work, careful planning, cooking, and setting up.

Our event sponsors also deserve a huge round of applause. A special thanks to: Haylo, Headstart Hair, Joy Florals, BlueBridge, Westfield, Interislander, Lochmara Resort, Butterfly Builds, Lowe & Co, Art for Kids, Bonobo, Mario’s Candles, Carters, Monsoon Poon, New World Miramar, Pak'nSave, Maia Crossfit, Miramar Auto Centre, Mike Adams from Ray White, Vietnameezy, Little Bread Loaf, and RJE Cleaning Services. Your support means the world to our kura!

Farewell to Kirsten

It’s with mixed emotions that we announce Kirsten from Room 11 will be leaving us in 2025 to take up a new position at St Patrick’s Primary in Kilbirnie. Kirsten has been a cherished member of Holy Cross, first as our librarian and, more recently, as a dedicated teacher. She joined us as a student teacher in Room 12 with Mrs. Blewman and, after transferring her UK qualifications, took on the role of New Entrants teacher while Lucy was on maternity leave. Kirsten, you will be missed, but we wish you all the best on your new journey. Remember, our doors are always open for you.

Appointments for 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two new teachers for 2025, with one more to be confirmed soon.

Clare James (Rm 5) - Clare is no stranger to Holy Cross, having been an integral part of our team over the years. This year, she has been leading Room 5 with exceptional skill and passion. Clare will continue with our Year 5/6 cohort in the Middle Syndicate, where her experience and dedication will be a great asset.

Mia Doogue (Rm 11) - Mia comes highly recommended from Sacred Heart School in Thorndon, where she has completed her last 8 week teacher placement. With strong skills in the arts, sports, and Te Reo Māori, as well as a talent for helping new tamariki transition smoothly, Mia comes with a passion for new entrant teaching. She will be working in Room 11, alongside Mrs. Blewman in Room 12 and Simone in Room 7, bringing fresh energy to our Junior Syndicate. We look forward to the bright future these kaiako will help shape at Holy Cross in 2025!

Tikanga / Kawa Working Group Meeting - 18th November, 6pm in the Staffroom. 

On behalf of the School and the Māori whānau rōpū, we warmly invite all community members to join a discussion on the tikanga and kawa of Holy Cross School. At its heart, kawa is what we do, and tikanga is how we do it. This gathering will be an opportunity for everyone to share their perspectives and help shape our shared approach.

Topics we might explore together include kawa and tikanga for:

• Community events such as pōwhiri, poroporoaki, celebrations, and other gatherings.
• Students; in the classroom, on the playground, and around eating times.
• Teachers; welcoming guests into the classroom or when representing our school.

We hope to hear from a wide range of voices, so please join us next Monday. Nau mai, haere mai!

Events in Term 4

Here are a few important events coming up this term; 

• High Jump - Athletics; 13th Nov, 9:30-2:30pm, Newtown Park, 
• Year 7 & 8 - Mountain to Sea Trip
• Pool Session: 14 Nov, 9-11am - WRAC
• Field Trip: 22 Nov, 9am-1pm - Taputeranga Marine Reserve
• Transition day for St Mary's /St Caths and St Pats Year 8 students - 21st Nov. 
• Government House Visit - Room 3 & 5 - 27th Nov, 9:30-12:30pm. 
• Whole School - Christmas Liturgy, 12th December at 6pm
• Year 8 Graduation - 18th December at 6pm.

Ngā mihi nui, 

Tala Moemai

ROOM 7

Room 7 has started term 4 with learning about Christmas and the Nativity. 

We are now moving into learning more about plants and life-cycles and how to care for God’s Creation. We are exploring NZ money and learning about financial literacy as well as really consolidating our basic facts (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division in our heads).

We had a great time at our junior dance party as a whole school reward for kind behaviour.

We lead whole school prayers in The Rosary in week 1. Garden to Table in room 3 were so kind to invite us to taste some of the vegetable soup that they cooked. It was delicious!

Over the last 2 terms we were able to learn how to play Jingle Bells on the ukulele. You can hear us on the Food Fair night.

ROOM 8

What a fun start we have had to the term! We have been learning all about Diwali. We have read, listened to, watched and re-enacted the story of Rama and Sita. We have made rangoli patterns and enjoyed having mehndi patterns decorated on our hands.

Today in the garden with the mushrooms

 I planted strawberry corn in a  six part pot

 Angelia planted sunflower seeds and Isabella planted gem corn

 Then I picked up the cut grass of the field and put it into the carbon bin along with Angelia, Asher, Isabella and Josh 

By Braxton Room 5 November 5th 2024 

Garden to table - Kitchen

Today in this session me and my group were in the kitchen. We made green cheese fritters. First we chopped some garlic and spring onions then me, David and Anaya were mixing the dough. Then we put the fritters in the pan and started to flip it like a pancake. 

There's one thing you need to be careful about is not burning yourself when you're cooking. Secondly, you must not walk with a knife because you might drop it and hurt yourself. The one thing that was relaxing was when I was stirring the dough. 

My favorite part of this session was when we were cracking the egg. It was really satisfying.

By Stuti

Room 3 has been busy making products to sell at last Friday's Food Fair.

On Wednesday 30th November 48 students attended the Eastern Zone Athletics at Newtown Park. While the weather wasn’t in our favour for much of the day it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm and effort put in by all the participants. Many events went ahead as planned, the only exception being the High Jump which will be held on 13th November for those athletes who qualified to take part from our school athletics.

Thankfully the rain stopped in the later morning and by the afternoon the sun came out much to everyone’s relief. 

Well done to all the athletes and parents who took part and supported others. Congratulations to the ten students who have qualified for the Interzone Athletics on the 19th November. Those involved will receive a notice once the High Jump is completed.

Holy Cross Chiefs 

Who's celebrating their Birthday?

On the list we have: 

Tessa, Imogen, Amato, Solomon, Esme W and Meisha.

Enjoy your special day everyone!

Wellington Hockey - Term 4

Wellington Hockey is excited to announce our Term 4 hockey opportunities for tamariki across Wellington! We have two fantastic programs available for young players looking to learn or improve their skills, with an emphasis on enjoyment and development.

After-School Hockey Club (Years 1-6)

This program is open to both beginners and returning players. It’s a perfect environment for students to explore hockey in a fun, engaging way, guided by our coaches.

Program Details:

- Duration: 6 weeks

- Days and Locations:

  - Mondays at the National Hockey Stadium, Newtown 

  - Thursdays at the National Hockey Stadium and Fraser Park, Lower Hutt

- Times:

  -School Years 1-3: 3:30 – 4:15 PM 

  - School Years 4-6:  4:15 – 5:00 PM 

This program is ideal for young players keen to develop their hockey skills in a supportive, inclusive setting.

Register here (https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/register/b6b08d)

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U11 SPRING into Development Program

Designed for players of all skill levels, this program aims to build foundational techniques and enhance abilities through fun, structured activities. Participants will enjoy teamwork, skill-building exercises, and small-group sessions focused on core hockey techniques and sportsmanship.

Program Overview:

• Duration: 8-week Development Programme (20th October - 8th December)
• Training Days: Sundays, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
• Locations: National Hockey Stadium (Newtown), Elsdon, and Fraser park
• Cost: $120 per player (includes a U11 Development shirt)

Register here:  https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/register/f0b823

More Information: (http://www.wellingtonhockey.org.nz/.../u11-development)

Soft Toys for Holy Trinity Parish