Being-Well

For the last two days whilst back on 'gate duty' I have been reflecting on the events of the week,  including our move back to level 2. As we said last year when we moved through the levels, our focus is best placed supporting children to understand the things we do to keep ourselves well; the things we can control- this is indeed an important life lesson.

What are some of the things we can do to support our children?

Answer any questions they have

Revisit correct handwashing techniques

Prompt them to wash their hands regularly

Keep children (and yourselves at home if unwell)

And what else? Something I have shared before and encourage us all to focus on are six ways to wellbeing-

Building six actions into day to day lives is important for the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and organisations.

The six actions are:

• Karakia me te whai whakaaro        Pray and Reflect
• Me whakawhanaunga                    Connect
• Tukua                                                Give
• Me aro tonu                                     Take notice
• Me ako tonu                                     Keep learning
• Me kori tonu                                     Be active

Let's make these actions part of our every day - not only art this time but always.

I encourage you to display these words somewhere in your homes - and refer to them regularly, discussing the actions family members have taken. I share below a beautiful smilng face I noticed walking through the gate.

Confirmation- Last Sunday 10 of our students were part of a group from Holy Trinity Parish  who received  this Sacrament of Initiation. The way we explain this to our students is- the word sacrament means “a sign of the sacred,” not only are they signs, they are also celebrations of a continued journey and relationship with God, teachings to help live out His word and ceremonies to show devotion to Him. 

Cardinal John in his homily explained to the children-

"Sometimes people choose to use their own Baptism name, which is wonderful, because in effect that is what we are doing here today, confirming, and strengthening our baptism.  Others have done great research and have learnt a lot about a particular saint in whom they want to model their lives, whom they want to be like as they grow in goodness and holiness.

Pope Francis has given us this year of St Joseph and reminded us that for 150 years Joseph has been the Patron Saint of the whole Church throughout the world. So, it doesn’t matter what our Baptism name is, or our Confirmation name, St Joseph is for each of us, our own saint. He took care of Jesus and Mary; he does and will look after us too."

Cardfonal John then said to the children, "Whatever Confirmation name you have chosen today you too have, living in you, the gift of the Holy Spirit, you are the daughters and sons of God, you are already like St Joseph and the other saints….be like him, your lives will be blessed, and you will be truly happy."

- Over the past few days I have spoken with our children about their confirmation and these are their reflections: 

What Cardinal John told us

• We wanted to be confirmed 
• He told us it was the year of St Joseph 
• We have to try and do what our saints did 
• To follow the way of Jesus - being saint- like 

Other ideas:

Marlon- The day was about confirming our baptism- and baptisimal promises.

It was special that I had to fly back down from my Grandma’s birthday. 

My Dad had his confirmation about 30 years ago. 

I chose Patrick as a name because he’s the Patron Saint of Ireland and my ancestors  are from Ireland.He had a special ability to think things through- he’d been in tough situations and found his way out. 

Charles- The day was special to become a child of Jesus - we have to follow the steps of Jesus and God. I chose St Philip - after my Dad’s name. St Philip was very wise - and humble. In Samoan we say Filipo. 

Elaisa- Confirmation is about accepting your baptism because when I was baptised I was a little baby. Now I have said, Yes as an older child.  It was nice that we had the food to celebrate.

Nadege-  It is about confirming your baptisimal promises-Like a second baptism.It reminds you of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it brings the Holy Spirit upon you.It completes you. You are sealed with your name or the saint you have chosen. I chose St Nadia who is the patron saint of gymnastics!

Mia I chose St Marie- she is the patron saint of laughing because she believed that laughing always made you feel better!

Lofi  I chose St Cecilia- patron saint of music, I chose her because I love music and music makes people feel happy. 

Toby St Patrick- Patrick is my grandfather’s name, he is the Patron saint of Ireland, he preached to people. 

Cian - St Augustine was a very wise saint, he was around a very long time ago.

Ninor- Chose St George for a confirmation name because George was a soldier and he rode a horse. Soldiers are protective, I will always protect my family and my faith.

Serena May- I chose the name Mary because Mary was the mother of Jesus and also Mary is my grandmother's name. 

Kia ora e te whānau, 

Our year 7 & 8 classes will be attending camp from the 1st to 3rd September and we would really appreciate your support. There has been a tradition at Holy Cross School that families help support the Year 7/8 students to go to camp by selling raffle tickets. All proceeds will go to supporting our year 7 & 8 camp at El Rancho 2021.

Raffle Books

Each family at Holy Cross is asked to sell one raffle booklet of 5 tickets at $5 each. The tickets will be sent home on Monday to the eldest and only child. Year 7 & 8 students will be asked to sell two booklets. For the family that sells the most raffle tickets there will be a special prize.

 We have 5 amazing prizes including:

1st Prize :  1 x Kids Mountain / Road Bike 26 inch

                    Value $700.00

2nd Prize:  Close Encounter Wellington Zoo

                   Family pass (for 4 people)     

                   Value: $400.00

3rd Prize:   Dinner &  Movie + New World voucher

                   Family pass (for 4 people) Roxy Cinema & Iron Horse Eatery + NW voucher

                   Value $200.00

4th Prize : Family day out & dinner + New World voucher

                  Family pass (2 Adults + 1-3 children) Zealandia & Strathmore Local + NW voucher 

                  Value : $150.00

5th Prize : New World Hamper

                  Value : $50.00

Prizes will be drawn on Friday 6th August 2021 at 12.30pm. Winners will be notified by phone and results will be published on the school website at www.hcm.school.nz - 2000 tickets have been printed for this raffle.

Matariki and Celebration of Learning 

Next Friday, if we are back at level 1, we invite you all to visit your child’s classroom to celebrate Matariki and the wonderful learning that has gone on this term.  Last term we had a fantastic turn out of families as our tamariki proudly shared aspects of their learning from the term.

1:10pm          Come and enjoy some delicious Matariki soup in your child’s classroom.

                      Everyone will sample some of the beautiful Matariki soup alongside their regular 

                      lunch.

1:30-3:00pm  Stay a while, hear about and see some of the fabulous learning from this term. 

                       Celebrate this learning with your child.

Early School Closure 5 July 2021

Please be advised that school will be closing at 1:00pm on Monday 5 July as teachers attend a paid union meeting. If you are unable to collect your child at this time please advise the school office.  Thank you for your support. 

School Term Ends Thursday 8th July 

Term 2 will end for the students on Thursday 8th July, as Friday 9th July is a teacher only day for all the 13 Catholic schools in the Wellington region.  

We have decided to change our school app to SZapp which is connected to our

e-newsletters. This will make our e-newsletter easier to read on your phone and we are

making a big saving by changing to this App.

Please download our new school app to your phone and remove the old SchoolAppNZ .

The link to download the app is here : Installation guide

and the code to unlock the app is : 5500

If you have any problems please call the office and we can assist.

Gardener of the day - Lauren tells us : 

We are learning about the shortest day and longest night (winter) and we also learnt about soil health.

What can we find in the garden? We can find worms, millipedes, ants, spiders and slaters and ladybugs, if you find these insects in your soil that means it is healthy.

We found 103 worms in the garden!

Chef of the day - Liam tells us : 

In todays session in the kitchen we made Samoan Chop Suey with Aleksandra  and Justine. Something that went well was the chopping and we need to be careful when using the knives. An idea for next time is to make pizza. My favourite part was eating the Chop Suey - it was yummy.

A reminder that students are required to wear winter uniform in Term 2 and 3.

The photos below show winter uniform options.

Please note regulation school jackets are to be worn by students - no coloured jackets. Children should bring them to school everyday in the winter.

Please label all uniform items and talk to your child about looking after all uniform  clothing putting this in their bag when not in use.  

If you need assistance purchasing uniform items please contact the office, we may be able to help you.    

We encourage all students to wear our uniform with pride.