As the third term draws to a close  I think it is timely that we reflect upon the words that guide our actions here at Holy Cross School.

Our  Vision:   Achieving More Than We Ever Dreamed Possible

Our Mission:  Celebrating Diversity- Promoting Excellence

Our Values:  Whānau    Aroha    Yes

Our Motto:    Let Your Light Shine 

Whanāu

 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ~ Matthew 18:20  

Aroha 

Let all that you do be done in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14

YES    

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13.

The true bible is the one you keep inside, when you allow God to write His Word on your heart and you live by it. That’s what gives you the power to say, “Yes I can”!

Refugee and Migrant Forum

Last Friday night I was privileged to attend the launch of the National Refugee and Migrant Forum of Aotearoa; this significant event was hosted by our school. I was deeply moved and humbled by the stories I heard, the challenges and ‘call to action’  laid before us. Throughout the evening I heard again and again the importance of Vision and deeply held and lived Values I heard stories of incredible resilience, the power of belief in what is right and just. I heard of the importance of each individual embracing who they are called to be.

I reflected personally on my Catholic faith, beliefs and practices alongside my commitment to leading our school forward, to embrace what unites us.

I include a link that will allow you to watch the recording of the whole evening and I will also share some of the key messages that resonated with me.  I invite you to read these and to ponder our call to action as a school community, how we live our school values, how we value those within our community and the beautiful country we call home.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/voiceofnineveh

Friday evening began with two waiata, sung beautifully by six of our students, Ka Waiata and He Kakano, the words of which are attached. These girls proudly represented our school community and the waiata they shared carried strong messages.  

Phil Pithyou, the MC for the evening, spoke to those gathered of elected officials ‘who work to make our dreams come true’. 

Phil welcomed to the stage,  Ahmad Tami, chair of the National Refugee Network Association. Ahmad shared his reflection of March 15 and he spoke with pride as he wished Ibrahim Omer, list candidate, all the best for the forthcoming election.

Kalkida Yohannes provided a youth voice perspective sharing many of the challenges faced.  The solutions, or possibilities, she stated, need to be found by sitting down together. She spoke of the importance of having a place for youth and communities to connect, a safe place.  

Next to address the audience was Afnan AL- Rubayee. Afnan spoke of what she has learned from our Prime Minister’s actions, that you can be very powerful, be a leader, make very important decisions and throughout this, be kind and be your true self.  Afnan said that she doesn’t have to fight to be something because she is something and she carries with her- her culture, her language and her resilience.

She spoke of being a role model to her daughter so that she can grow up to be proud of who she is, her background and where she comes from- she spoke of her desire to help her daughter appreciate her worth- so that she may always thrive.  

Afnan challenged every woman to embrace their identity not to wait for change to happen but to set their mind to achieve something that they want to change. She spoke of refugees being here to find a better future for themselves, their children and for New Zealand. Afnan said New Zealand is her home and she wants to give back both to NZ and those from refugee and migrant communities.

Phillip reflected  ‘ You are who you are and that is enough , but he also reminded us that we can build on that, to be the best we can be.  He made reference to his parents, saying they are the light that inspire him and keep him going.

The third speaker for the evening was, Ibrahim Omer, list candidate who delivered a strong message, “Believe in your own power, When we stand up, when we work together to make a change we can achieve amazing things”. Ibrahim came to NZ in 2008 and began work as a cleaner at Victoria University - it was his dream to study. The  first lecture he attended was in the lecture theatre he had cleaned the night before. He has campaigned for workers, for a living wage and he is beginning to see the changes this brings about. Ibrahim addressed the Prime Minister saying, she has shown the world that a kinder, more compassionate style of leadership can deliver strong results. He said she has been the voice of inclusion, of tolerance.  

Our Prime Minister shared two stories that she believes reflect why we still have a lot of work to do as a Nation.

She heard words of one of those affected by Christchurch events who said, one of the best decisions they made in their life was to choose to call NZ home,  Continuing through such trauma and hardship and they still call NZ home…  the Prime Minister  reflected, “it is we who are lucky- that we can call them family,  New Zealanders, Kiwis”.  

She also spoke of her work as president of a youth organisation, and involvement in refugee camps in various places around the world. She shared the story of the young people who were able to achieve qualifications outside of the refugee camp but then returned  there - feeling they had no hope, their learning was being unrealised. She reflected that these young people had the same hopes and dreams as she did but were unable to travel as she was- and it felt totally unfair; what she has carried with her is the belief that it is us who benefit from all that potential of those who call New Zealand home.  WE are the lucky ones but we also have a  responsibility to help realise that potential and we are not always good at that, there is a lot of work to be done.  

The more we tell those stories, the more that we hear of the journey of those calling New Zealand home, the more we hear about the diversity, the experience, the culture and language the more we benefit from those skills as well.

The Prime Minister spoke of the lessons of March 15, of COVID and the message the whole world needs to learn- when you strip away all the things that make us different you are left with some core values, our common humanity. 

“I would rather see a nation that is joined by our values rather than divided by our differences; our common sense of compassion and empathy, of kindness - that we’re ultimately a peace loving nation - that is what unites us.- That is what we all need, everyone- a tribe with a common set of values - we should celebrate our difference and recognise what we are united by - that is how you build strong communities” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

What incredibly powerful words -  a  call to action for us all.  I invite each and every one of you to make the time to pause, to be still and to reflect. These words, these messages have been gifted to us- let’s open this gift and show through our words and actions an understanding of who we are called to be both individually and collectively. 

On Monday 21st September, 11 children received the Sacrament of Baptism, an important step in their faith journey. It was a wonderful ceremony and it was great to welcome these children into our Catholic family.

We congratulate these children and their families for the work they put in to prepare for this special day.

We thank Nik Solia our DRS and Father Ephrem for working with and supporting the families.

We look forward to welcoming these students within the Holy Trinity Parish as they continue their faith journey.

This term has been exciting and busy for Room 1. The term started with a hiss and roar as we were introduced to the Holy Cross WAY Leadership awards, FIDs projects, persuasive writing and financial literacy. For the Holy Cross WAY leadership awards we started looking at inspirational leaders and ways that they have contributed to their communities. The FIDs (Feel, Imagine, Do) projects inspired us to make positive changes to our community and school. Ideas we have come up with include; a movie fundraising night for ongoing school projects and giving back to local charities, thinking about reducing our rubbish,recycling and the use of composting within the school to help slow global warming, and creating school sports events and art based activities to encourage a tuakana-teina relationship with other children in the school. 

Financial literacy taught us the importance of money management and gave us an insight into what our parents do to look after us. Our goal was to see if we could survive on the minimum wage with a family of four. We learnt about budgeting for bills and emergencies, how expensive rent and shopping can be and the difference between wants and needs. 

To end the term we have been working on our drama and athletic skills. Genevieve has been taking our class through a modernised version of Macbeth and Matua Tala has been working on sprints, throwing discus and shot put and high jump. To round off the term we have had a further leadership day and we continue to think about the important values of a leader; communication, organisation and service. We will put these values and skills into practice more in term 4. 

We made it! We have finally finished an entire term together! Take that, Covid-19! 

We started our term with debates and a journey down the nuclear power & nuclear weaponry rabbit hole. We made cranes in solidarity with Nagasaki and Hiroshima and developed our ability to persuade others. We also made some truly entertaining ads which might make you see a simple stapler, peg, or box of tissues in a whole new light!

As the term progressed, we began working towards earning our Leadership Awards. We have researched leaders that inspire us, led the school in weekly prayers and accepted positions as lunchtime assistants, supporting teachers all over the school. We even had a go at being the teacher and ran (by ourselves!) afternoon activities for some of the younger classes. Some of us found our calling in teaching, others, not so much… 

One of the most exciting projects this term has been coming up with our Design for Change ideas to make a positive difference to our school. We put together a formal proposal and pitched our ideas to Celeste & Mr. Carson - they were very impressed!

We have acted our hearts out in our own version of Romeo & Juliet, celebrated Tongan Language Week, Māori Language Week, Chinese Language Week and New Zealand Sign Language week (fewf!) and gotten really rather good at working with negative numbers & fractions… Not to mention the girls trip to St. Catherine’s to learn about a career in technology and trade. Some of us drove a digger. No big deal. 

Long story short - it’s been a great term. We’ll be sad to see it end. Roll on term 4!

Room 3 in Term 3 of 2020

Had lots of new learning aplenty

Of surveys and graphs

Coding and Crafts

Electric Garden, Banqer & Ukulele!

This term we celebrated the arrival of two new students, Sapphire Afoa and Nadege Keenan and waved goodbye to Sarkis who joined Room 3.

As a class we have enriched our understanding of the world around us through an inquiry into how we ‘Care for our common home’. Garden to Table learning, within this context, has continued to be a highlight. Students have focused on developing an understanding of Rongoā Māori (Maori medicine) and the ability of healing plants to contribute to our wellbeing. They have deepened their conceptual understanding of Kaitiakitanga and their role as Kaitiaki, or guardians of God’s creation. Students have enjoyed exploring ‘Signs of Spring, investigating and experimenting with soil composition, the significance of composting and ways we can enhance the soil in our garden.

Building statistical literacy and developing digital technology skills has been another key focus, with students learning how to carry out a statistical investigation with the support of digital tools. The process required students to  draw upon their curiosity, pose questions, make predictions, gather and analyse data, draw conclusions from their findings and share recommendations.  

In Room 11, we have enjoyed learning together throughout Term 3.  It has been great to have a full 10 week term at school! We have welcomed Antonio, Atarah, Ezira and Nitya to our class this term.  We are enjoying getting to know each other.  

We went on an awesome adventure to the Island Bay Bait House and Rock Pools to support our learning of the Laudato Si' topic.

We are learning to notice God's creations as well as to find ways to help our local environment. 

Gardener of the Day- By Jonathan

Today in the garden we got soi from different parts of the garden.

We did an experiment to test the soil to see the differnt layers.

My favourite part was getting soil from the pump track because it crumbled in my hand. The best soil came from the pump track.

Chef of the Day- by Marlon

In today's session in the kitchen we made vegetable stir fry with Aleksandra. Something I thought went well was the way we chopped the beans. We need to be careful about cutting them the right size.

I felt happy when I finished.

If you have a child turning 5 years old or you know of someone who would like their child to come to Holy Cross School, please call into the office and pick up an enrolment pack or ring the office 04 3887 189 and we can post you a pack.

If your family circumstances have changed and your child will not be returning to Holy Cross in 2021 please let us know as we are beginning our organisation for 2021. 

Thank you to our parents for all the things you do to support the school. You are all valued members of our school community and whether ‘officially’ or not, are part of our parents’ support group.

Entertainment Books – now valid for 12 months from date of purchase
In this era of keeping it local, there has never been a better time to buy an entertainment book.
Books are totally digital now and can be on multiple devices in your home – so more than one family
member can grab a bargain using the same ‘book’.
The great news is that entertainment books are valid for 12 months from the date you make the
purchase. The link to use so that Holy Cross benefits is:
https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/943q153
If you are renewing your entertainment book, search for Parents Support Group – Holy Cross
Miramar in the group to support.

Ways to help at school

Library

Do you have a few hours to spare? If so, our librarian Kirsten would love some help. Some of the jobs
include: covering books, reinforcing book spines, mending books, tidying shelves.
Full training provided. Come along and enjoy a chat with other volunteers or listen to the radio.
Times flexible. Contact Kirsten: kirsten.puddick@hcm.school.nz

Holy Cross Angels

We have a database of parents and friends who we call on occasionally to make an extra meal to
give to someone in our community who is needing support. If you would like to join this database,
please email psg@hcm.school.nz.
Thank you

Subway

Rebecca Crook has looked after Subway orders on Friday mornings for almost two years – thank you
for your ongoing help, we appreciate it.
If anyone wants to lend a hand and fill in when Rebecca is not available, let us know. It only takes 30
minutes on a Friday morning and pre-schoolers welcome to stay. Contact marija.vidovich@hcm.school.nz.

AGM
The PSG Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 2 November, 7.00pm, in the school staff
room. All welcome. We would love to see some new faces join us for the meeting and a cup of tea.

House Cleaning Job

A small cleaning job in Miramar, if anyone is interested in 3 hours cleaning a house in Argentine Ave on Friday mornings please contact Sue 027 273 8974 for more information.

Holiday Classes for Children at the Wellington Sewing Centre
The Wellington Sewing Centre at 40 Coutts Street in Kilbirnie is running school holiday sewing and craft classes for children 8 years old and over: learn to knit, make face masks, create Halloween creatures and kakapo and sew bags, cushions and shorts or pants!  For more information and to enrol, check out the website www.sewingdirect.co.nz or email classes@sewingdirect.co.nz. Small classes and individual attention!

FREE Play Day,  8 Oct,  10am-2pm , ages 5-12

Play Day has been created to provide children with an opportunity to learn new games which can be taken back into the community to play in parks, open spaces and places. The event is free and will have lunch and refreshments supplied. The day is supported by a number of Regional Sports Organisations, Wellington City Council, and Wellington City Mission.