Lenten Prayer for Ash Wednesday
God of goodness and mercy,
Hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you.
Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you.
Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love.
May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace.
Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father.
Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day.
Amen
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday is ‘Ash Wednesday’, a day of prayer and abstinence, marking the start of Lent. When we receive the Ashes, it causes us to pause and look at our lives and remember what we are made of and where we are going. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday. The ashes that are marked on our foreheads symbolise the dust from which God made us. Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year’s Palm Sunday Mass.
On the upcoming Wednesday, we have a House ‘Ash Wednesday’ Liturgy during extended times. This significant occasion provides us with a spiritual renewal as we commence the period of Lent.
Welcoming Mass
Thank you to Daniel Bateman, Deputy Principal – Faith, and all supporting staff for the creation of a wonderful Mass this week. The music and readings were well thought out and the students were very reverent.
Welcome BBQ
It was a wonderful atmosphere at the Welcome BBQ, as we welcomed existing families and new families to the Holy Cross College community for 2024. Thank you to our College staff and the Friends of Holy Cross for a lovely welcoming afternoon/evening to commence the year. We are also extremely grateful to the parents and students that gave up their time and assisted with the Sausage Sizzle.
The stalls and information sessions provided valuable insights and information on different aspects of the children’s education within each of the LIFE Pillars at the College. All parents and caregivers of students at the College were invited to attend the Classroom Meet and Greet with their Class Teacher or House Tutor Group Teacher.
Year 7 Transition
We extend our gratitude to Georgina Pratt, our dedicated Year 7 Inter-relationships Leader, for her exemplary leadership and organisation of the transition weeks. Under her guidance, the Year 7 students have relished the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with one another and become fully immersed in the vibrant culture of HCC. Thank you to Daniel Bateman, Deputy Principal – Faith, for his contribution to the Faith Retreat days with our Year 7 students. The Year 7 students have now commenced their normal timetables classes and we wish them all the very best for their academic year ahead.
Year 8 Kindness Challenge Day
On Tuesday, our Year 8 students enthusiastically participated in a Kindness Challenge incursion, which centred on promoting acts of kindness towards others and themselves. This initiative resonated well with the values of ‘Gratitude and Stewardship’, embodied by the Year 8’s Patron, Rosendo Salvado. Throughout the day, students explored key values such as service, gratitude, forgiveness, and self-compassion, aligning closely with Bishop Salvado’s teachings on receiving and sharing divine gifts with responsibility and compassion. The sessions were filled with insightful activities and interactive discussions, providing students with valuable insights and fostering meaningful connections. Thank you to Simon Falcone, Deputy Principal – Inter-relationships, and Lisa Walton, Year 8 Inter-relationships Leader, for their contributions in organising this enriching experience for our Year 8 students.
Student Achievement
We extend our congratulations to Keira Bosman, Year 9, for her outstanding achievement in securing a role in the upcoming production of “Annie the Musical” at the Regal Theatre in April. Keira’s success is particularly commendable, given the rigorous audition process that involved over 300 applicants. She has earned her place as a valued member of the company/ensemble, showcasing her talent and dedication to the performing arts.
Sun Smart School
The College has restated its status as a Sun Smart School, demonstrating our dedication to skin cancer prevention through the implementation of policies aimed at educating and reducing UV exposure in outdoor environments.
Census
A reminder that Census is next week on Friday 16 February and all children’s absences can be submitted via the absentee portal.
Mrs Christina Davini
Vice Principal
