As educators we strive to keep up-to-date with new learning and ideas as well as ensuring practices we know to be sound, remain firmly in place. At Holy Cross we place strong emphasis on literacy, as success in this area underpins all other areas of learning.  We provide our students with opportunities to meaningfully engage with literacy tasks, to build their understanding and application of structures and frameworks that will enable them to make sense of what they learn and organise their thoughts, ideas and responses.

This term all teachers have been applying a framework based on the work of an educator named, Susan Pepper Rollins in her book, Learning in The Fastlane.  At every level of the school teachers are using this structure with groups of students to support their learning.  I too, am working with a group of learners and am loving travelling this journey with them; their interest in the world around them, the questions they ask, the way they make sense of what they learn and express their understanding is incredible!

Last week we were discussing how we might describe ourselves or others. We used the words physical features and personality. When I asked how we could define these, the students (who are seven years old) came up with the following definitions:

Personality - your own style; it is what makes you unique 

Physical features- the way something or someone looks.  

What privileged positions we hold, working alongside you, supporting the learning journey of our Holy Cross children. 

Looking ahead- on the last Thursday of term, we invite you to visit the classrooms where your child(ren) will celebrate with you their learning journey for this term.

" Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

Each Monday morning the staff gather together for a special reflection time before school. Often, following this time we share the thoughts, prayers or dicsussions we have had with our students at a whole school gathering. 

These 'gatherings' give us time to pause and focus on the things we hold dear: our friends and family, our community, our learning and our faith.

This week the staff reflected on the Psalm above.

How blessed are we to be surrounded by beautiful tamariki who have so much to teach us?

You will recall at the start of the school year, seven weeks ago, we were privileged to hear your child's story and your family's story as part of our learning conversations. Let's continue these conversations both at school and a home-  let's make the time to pause, acknowledge and celebrate the unique gifts of each of our children.

Dear Parents/Caregivers

In the event of an emergency, knowing the expectations of the school and the practices we follow will be helpful for you and a great support for your child/ren. Please note the following:

Friday 26th March 2021 WHOLE school evacuation. Please pick up your child between 2.25 pm and 2.45pm at the top of the zig zag on Athens/Otaki Street intersection.

Parents collect your child from this location. If you are not available, you must organise your emergency contact to pick up your child. Children will be sitting with their classes. Please follow the steps below.

1. Report to one of the Marshall’s at the exit points on Athens Street or Otaki Street. A Marshall will collect your child and deliver them to you.

2. Return to school to collect your child’s bag/scooter/bike.

For the safety of our students we ask that you do not park your car at the top of Athens Street but walk up the zig zag or Otaki Street. Let the children go up first.

We suggest that at this time you also check your emergency supplies and review your home emergency practices.

For more information, checklists and ideas we recommend you look at the following site        http://www.getthru.govt.nz/how-to-get-ready

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

A REMINDER OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AT HOLY CROSS SCHOOL

Fire

• Evacuate the classroom or workspace; children assemble on the back courts near the school hall. Students walk sensibly and quietly.
• On the courts, students sit with their class and listen quietly as the teacher checks the roll (this will be brought from the office).

Earthquake

• In the event of an earthquake, children get under desks/tables and hold onto the legs of the tables. They remain under the tables until told to come out. If there is not enough room under tables or you are outside, children should get into the turtle position and protect their heads/necks.

Tsunami

• In the event of a large earthquake and possible tsunami, you will be asked to evacuate the school and move to higher ground. After the shaking has stopped we move quickly and quietly up the zigzag to the assembly point at the top of Athens Street.
• At the assembly point students sit with their class and listen quietly as the teacher checks the roll. Await further instructions.

Lockdown

• For security reasons these procedures are not displayed but are regularly practiced by the school community.

Useful information in the event of a Natural Disaster

Here are some useful links to help you and your children in the event of a natural disaster

• Wellington Region Emergency Management https://www.getprepared.nz/households

• Civil Defence website https://www.getthru.govt.nz/

• Nigel Latta's guide to Helping Children's Trauma Post Earthquake

The Kāhui Ako group have secured Samuel Marsden auditorium for this interesting and informative event. The auditorium can take up to 500 people so there should be plenty of space available for all parents to attend. The entry fee for parents will simply be a gold coin donation for the Home of Compassion Soup kitchen.

We will also receive a link to the documentary after the event that we can share with you.

Thank you to those that have returned their raffle money and goodies to the office for this quick turn around raffle organised by the PSG.

More raffle tickets are available in the office if you have the opportunity to sell more.

The raffle will be drawn in time for Easter !

Thank you again for your support.