Filter Content
Acting with Integrity
Many of you will have heard the famous story about George Washington who, when quite small, picked the one ripe apple from his father’s tiny tree which was producing its first fruit. When questioned by his parent, young George replied without hesitation ‘Father, I cannot tell a lie. I took the apple.’
The story went on to describe how George’s character and behaviour, portrayed as a boy, developed during his years of adolescence, making him into the man of integrity with great presidential leadership skills Integrity is a powerful word. It is also a gift from God to human beings. ‘Integrity is mine,’ we read in Scripture (Baruch). It is a gift that all parents hope for their children to develop.
In mathematics, students learn that integers are whole numbers. In life, wholeness and holiness are synonymous. One of the greatest compliments we can pay to anyone is to say that ‘he or she is a person of integrity’. A person who lives and acts in truth, kindness, justice and never fails to keep a promise once given, is such a one.
We can think of people of integrity who have shown a difference by their lives and made our world a better place simply by their presence in it. They have not all come from wealthy or famous backgrounds. People such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa come to mind. They all grew up in deprived areas but because they had great hearts and generous spirits, they lived in wholeness. These good people leave a trail of light behind them for us to follow.
This is election year and we have heard many promises. In choosing our candidates for local and parliamentary office we would have thought long and hard, and perhaps prayed, to make the right choice with our vote. We would like to believe that those who have been selected are not only gifted and experienced for this huge responsibility but are first and foremost people of integrity, leaders, who keep promises made and endeavour to have the good of our country and the people they serve always before their eyes as they plan and decide.
All of us carry the same capacity for goodness and high ideals if we so choose. Integrity calls for stamina and courage at every turn. It is a huge challenge to keep our words and deeds integrated.
To say with our lips what we believe in our hearts, and practise in our lives, is to help build the Kingdom of God here at Holy Cross School and in the wider community.
(Thanks to Sister Maureen Connor who inspired this message)
What a wonderful start to the term we have had.
Powhiri: Last Thursday we welcomed six new students and their whanau as well as new staff member to Holy Cross School. Our student leaders took on key roles and represented our school community with great confidence. We also loved having many of our current school families present to extend the hand of friendship.
We also congratulate our cultural group for their wonderful performance; this is an ever growing group who never cease to impress us with their beautiful performances!
At the powhiri I was able to share a story told to me by one of our parents. One day in the previous week she brought her daughter to school and was struggling to get through the gates as she also had a pram to contend with. One of our older students who had gone through noticed what was happening and went back to help the younger student through the gate. What a fantastic example of Living the Holy Cross WAY and extending the hand of friendship to others; linking also to our Catholic Character message of living God’s word through our actions.
Athletics: This week our students from years 4-8 enjoyed a day of physical activity, participating in vortex, discus, high jump, long jump and sprint events. We congratulate all of the students for the way they supported and encouraged one another. We extend our best wishes to all those going on to represent Holy Cross in the Eastern Zones; have fun and continue that wonderful support for one another and all other participants.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Susie Sumner to the position, principal of Colville School in Coromandel starting 2021. Whilst we will miss Susie greatly, we congratulate her on this appointment and know she will be an absolute gift to the Colville Community, as she has been to our Holy Cross Community. We wish Susie and her family all the very best with this new and exciting journey.
We have been offered tickets to a matinee performance of Sleeping Beauty on Thursday 5 November at 12:30pm at The Opera House for students in Years 3-8.
This would normally cost $5 per student but we are very fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity for free because we have opted into the government’s school donation scheme. The bus has also been paid for by the ‘Four Winds Foundation’ charitable trust.
We ask that you please fill in this form
Many thanks,
McAuley Syndicate Teachers
Chef of the Day - Toby Neylan
In today's session in the kitchen we made Vegetable Risotto - at first I thought that it was Vegetable Roast but that didn't sound right! Something I thought went well was how we cut everything up to fit in the bowl. Something I think we need to be careful about next time is trying not to cut ourselves! An idea for next time would be not to add a dressing in case there are people with allergies. If we could add meat, I would make it pork risotto. I felt especially excited when we got to cut everything up for the bowl. Lily and I were talking about how tempting it was to stab the food when chopping it up.
Gardener of the Day - Shaan Patel
In today’s session in the garden, it was raining so we came back to the classroom and learnt about what kind of soil is acidic, alkali or neutral. Olivia bought a pH tester and we tested soil from the pump track and lettuce and rhubarb parts of the garden. I made a prediction that the pump track would be pH 5, lettuce garden would be pH 6.8 and the rhubarb garden would be pH 7. We found that the rhubarb garden was pH 6.9, lettuce garden was pH 6.8 and the pump track was also pH 6.8 so they are all slightly acidic. We learnt the best way to add acid to our soil is to add compost.
We are delighted to inform you that this year Holy Cross School will be part of
Brendan Foot Supersite Round the Bays 2021 through the Run and Become project.
DATE: Sunday 21 February 2021 | START: 9:15am | DISTANCE: 6.5km Run or walk | FINISH: Anytime
The 2020 Run and Become project made it possible for 500 children and their guardians to be part of a large-scale running/walking event for FREE.
The Run and Become project is returning in 2021 and Holy Cross School is excited to be involved.
This project in support from Sport Wellington is aimed to encourage young people to get moving and participate in a fun physical activity.
Why Run and Become?
- The project is more than just a free entry. The aim is to increase the wellbeing of tamariki in our communities through physical activity and healthy eating.
- For every child entry the project also covers the cost of a guardian (18+). Encouraging whānau to spend time together and create long lasting memories.
- The Run and Become project will also provide opportunities for children in the lead up to the event to develop their leadership skills and to raise their self-confidence.
What does the Run and Become project offer?
- FREE registration for your child and one guardian
- FREE transport to and from the event
- A medal for each child
- Water and a banana at the finish line
- Starting at Frank Kitts Park and ending at Kilbirnie Park with plenty of recreation activities for you and your child such as: music, food stalls, face painting, trampolines, all kind of games, bubbles, a family and kids’ recovery and a Run and Become celebration zone.
This project has a limited intake, to secure your spot register with the link below
before 18 December 2020.
We are looking for any unwanted or no longer needed Peppa Pig books, for use in the school. If you have any books you are happy to donate, please drop them into the office.
We would be most grateful, Many thanks.
AGM
A reminder 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.
If you would like more information please email Sarah psg@hcm.school.nz
News from your Parents’ Support Group (PSG)
Thank you to 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
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.
Cinderella - The Pantomime
Directed by Susan Wilson
Music Arranged and Directed by Michael Nicholas Williams
STARRING GAVIN RUTHERFORD as Dame Rosie Bubble
A new pair of shoes really can change your life!
From the writers of last year’s acclaimed Pantomime, Alice in Wonderland, comes their brand new
look at the much loved, magical fairy tale of Cinderella. Simon Leary and Gavin Rutherford
have collaborated to bring you yet another fabulous family show. It’s jammed packed with singing,
dancing, up-to-the minute jokes for the adults, and a sizeable dose of magic and slapstick for the kids.
Cinderella lives on Mt Victoria and nearby are her rich, evil and unkind step siblings. Things are
rough - but with Cinderella's can-do attitude, an encounter with someone who may turn out to
be a Prince, and a fairy godmother with magical powers, could things possibly end happily?
Circa Theatre
14 NOV -20 DEC & 2-16 JAN
circa.co.nz
NOTICEBOARD