Talofa lava and kia ora e te whānau,

As we begin a new term together, we pause to reflect on two significant moments that have touched our community and the wider world over the past fortnight.

He was a champion for the poor and marginalised, a voice for the environment, and a leader who inspired millions to embrace kindness, inclusion, and care for one another. For many in our community, especially our Catholic families, this is a moment of mourning and reflection. We join together in gratitude for Pope Francis’s example and pray for peace and unity as the Church prepares to choose his successor.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May He rest in peace”.

Remembering ANZAC Day

On April 25, we joined with people across New Zealand and Australia to commemorate ANZAC Day — a national day of remembrance honouring all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This day marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915, a defining moment in our shared history.

Across the country, dawn services, commemorative marches, and moments of silence brought communities together to remember the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the ANZACs. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, reflecting on the importance of peace, service, and remembrance — values that remain central to who we are at Holy Cross.

They shall grow not old;

as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them;

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

In Memory of Pope Francis

At HCM we are mourning the death of Pope Francis who passed away on Easter Monday. A shepherd of compassion, humility, and tireless dedication, Pope Francis guided the People of God with courage and love. His witness to mercy, care for the marginalized, and call to ecological and social responsibility will continue to inspire for generations to come.

This term we are looking forward to continuing with our structured literacy and structured maths. 

Our topics are: 

• Matariki and Samoa, and we are looking into an educational trip to Te Papa, to look at, and participate in, Matariki and Pacifica Art. Once organised, we will confirm details.
• In RE we will be looking at ‘Good News Te Rongopai’

- stories about Jesus that show us how to be holy

- stories about Jesus that show us how to be part of the Church

- understanding that Jesus showed us by his words and actions how to be fair and caring to others

- understanding that the Bible is a way God communicates the Good News with us, and it is a holy text that helps us to get to know God.

- we will also be celebrating Mary, during the month of May (the month of Mary), the Ascension of Jesus, and Pentecost.

• Our Kura Ahurea focus stories this term are Tane - Guardian of the Forest (Room 11 and 12) and Te Ika a Maui,  Te Upoko a Maui and Ngake & Whataitai (Room 7)
• Our Physical Education focus will be:

-continuing with co-operative games, and Ball Skills 

So, a busy term ahead. We appreciate the support you give to your children, and we all look forward to working with them again this term.

Virginia, Patsy and Penny (R12) Mia and Brenda (R11), Simone and Lyn (R7)

Notices from the middle syndicate

School cross country in week 2 on Wednesday 7th May for Year 4-8

In the Kitchen:

Today in Garden to Table the Spinaches were in the kitchen. Today’s recipe was Herbed Cheese Scones. 

First we sprinkled an oven tray with flour and turned on the oven to 220 degrees C. Next we had to sift the flour with baking powder and salt. We chopped butter into cubes and rub it through the ingredients with our fingers till the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. We washed, dry and chopped herbs. We added the herbs to the cheese and mixed three quarters of the ingredients, mixing it with a knife. We made a well in the centre of the ingredients and added milk. We used a knife to bring the ingredients together but don’t overmix. Then we poured it onto a lightly floured bench to make a rectangular shape. Then we chopped it into even pieces and popped it onto a tray and that’s how we made Herbed Cheese Scones.

By Avery

In the Garden:

Today in the garden I was gardener of the day. The first thing I did was cut rosemary and drop it off to the kitchen. Alina, Alex and Isabella cut grass with secateurs. Tyler and Thinbeth pulled out weeds from the plants and me, Anaya and Niki cut it up and put it in the compost. The grass is called Kykuyu. It grows all around our garden and if we don’t cut it out it might infect our garden. 

Rory went to the Peace Garden to harvest thyme, Larkham and Nyakua were edging the grass. Thinbeth and Tyler were washing the disgusting bucket with a hose to share it with the kindy across the street. We are starting to set up a worm farm but couldn’t find the filter.

By Hosanna

Our first Pasifika Fono for quite some time is happening this term. We are inviting all families that identify as having a Pacific culture to join us for a cuppa and a chat. 

Date is Wednesday 21st May

Time is 3.30pm

Venue is Room 4- looking out on the playground. 

When you come along to pick up your tamariki, just stay a bit and join us for a short discussion on how we can make Holy Cross a better place for your tamariki and your whānau. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your thoughts and ideas. 

Matua Tala and Lyn 

What does it mean to be on a school board ?

Our communities need great boards to help build great schools! 

The board has overall responsibility and accountability for the school/kura. School board’s legal responsibilities are determined by the Education and Training Act 2020. The Act sets out boards’ four primary objectives. These are ensuring student achievement for all of its students, including for those of differing needs, making sure the school is a safe place for all, and giving effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

As part of its focus on these four objectives, boards’ responsibilities include: 
• Setting the strategic direction for the school
• Protecting the school’s values
• Monitoring and evaluating student learning outcomes
• Approving policies
• Financial stewardship
• Building community engagement and support

It’s important to note that the board does NOT get involved in the day-to-day running of the school.

If you are interested in standing for the board, watch this space for more information coming soon. BOT elections happen in September this year.

Term 2 and 3 is the time for students to begin wearing their winter uniform. This means no summer dresses to be worn to school.

Navy skorts, shorts and navy track pants are the options.

Polo shirt plus Polar fleece or jersey and blue school jacket  

Thank you for your support.