CROSSWIRE: Christmas 2023

CROSSWIRE CHRISTMAS 2023

PEACE AND

JOY

THE HOLY CROSS SCHOOL MAGAZINE

WELCOME

DIARY DATES JAN

8 jan

12 JAN

26 JAN

30 FEB

6 FEB

12 FEB

19 MAR

28

Spring Term begins for all students

INSET Day: school closed to students

Year 9 weekend trip to Paris departs

Year 9 Curriculum Choices Fair

Year 11 trip to Iceland departs

First day of Half-Term

Start of Year 13 Mock exam week

End of Spring Term (12.30pm)

INSIDE THIS EDITION...

3

Headteacher’s Message

4

News & Events

6

News & Events

8

Holy Cross hosts Kingston Eco-Conference

10

Photo Gallery: Autumn Term 2023

12

Interviews: Mr Terracciani, Ms White, Mr Roebuck

14

Christmas with our Head Girl

15

Raising awareness of Diabetes

16

Santa-Spotting, with Puzzles & Teasers

18

Reflections on Advent

19

Recipes, and a charity fundraising update

THE CROSSWIRE TEAM Editorial Team Mr Draper, Avani Bains, Elishka Rassapour, Elena Young (Y13) Photographs Mrs McConn-Finch, Mrs Saragosa-Voysey, Mrs Ogden, Ella-Grace Pettifer (Y9) Illustrations Hannah Williams (Y13) Thanks to Mrs McConn-Finch, Ms Gordon, Ms Kay, Mrs Koffler, Mrs Ogden, Miss Pothunnah, Mr Roebuck, Mr Terracciani, Miss Tran, Ms White, Claudia Linus (Y13) PUZZLES & TEASERS ANSWERS THERE GOES SANTA CLAUS A The Chapel B Drama Lighting Cupboard C Art Corridor D Lab 6 E St Theresa’s F Reception G Canteen GUESS THE TEACHER 1 Ms Ruggiero 2 Mrs McDonnell 3 Mrs Simeonova TEACHER CONNECTION They are all Year 9 form tutors.

RIDDLE An Advent candle ANAGRAMS 1 Richards 2 Ruggiero 3 Sullivan

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headteacher’S message

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE PRESENT I never cease to be amazed at all the wonderful accomplishments you have achieved. This term has been no exception. From mighty victorious wins in football, cross country and netball to the Senior Mathematical Challenge, to meeting Oxfam and Sir Ed Davey to talk about climate change, to our own Chiara in Year 10 who won the borough MP competition and Amber in Y9 who won the Southwark Diocese Card Competition, the list is endless - and you are just amazing! Your teachers have also been amazing organising so many trips and visits over these last 12 weeks, and it’s exciting to see Iceland, Spain, Italy, France and Africa coming up in the next six months! Remember to thank them for all their hard work.

Well done on your Mocks, Year 11 - suddenly it all now seems real. Whether you’ve done brilliantly or whether you’re a little disappointed, look at these exams as a chance to see what your strengths and weaknesses are, what you need to do, and make a plan from that.

I am also delighted to see that 38 fantastic students have stepped up to be our first cohort of Bronze Duke of Edinburgh adventurers! Good luck and we look forward to hearing more about what you’re doing!

As Christmas is approaching, the facts of Jesus’ birth adorn our nativity scenes, Christmas cards and Advent calendars, but how often do we take the truth into our own hearts and everyday lives? Christmas is about hope and a better future: year on year we seek this happiness. This year, why not challenge yourself to do something different: instead of lamenting the present and wishing for a better future, why not seize the opportunity of the present? Challenge yourself to keep your eyes open for what God might be doing in the present, despite what is less than ideal. In the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours” provide us with the motivation to respond to Christ’s calling now. I believe Christ’s presence is with us in the here and now, we just need to create the opportunity for this to grow and it is our actions that will lead to true contentment and joy - not just at Christmas but for evermore.

I hope you enjoy reading Crosswire as much as I do - thank you all for your contributions and interviews: keep them coming!

Thanks to all our contributing editors.

Have a happy and restful Christmas; remember to give the gift of time to your loved ones.

Nollaig Shona, Mrs McConn-Finch

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NEWS & EVENTS

THE ONE PER CENT CLUB Students at The Holy Cross are in the top one per cent nationally when it comes to making progress at GCSE! Progress 8 is a mesure of pupilsʼ progress from the end of Key Stage 2 to the end of Key Stage 4, when they take their GCSE exams.

Students who sat their GCSEs last summer made exceptional progress better than any other school in Kingston and its surrounding boroughs.

“I want to congratulate all our Year 12s who sat their GCSEs in summer 2023,” celebrates Mrs McConn-Finch. “Thanks to their motivation and hard work, and our amazing staff who gave their time so willingly to support you, The Holy Cross School has achieved a Progress 8 score of +1.03.

“This places us 37th out of 6,951 state secondary schools nationally and puts us in the top one per cent nationally. A Progress 8 score of +1.03 means that students at Holy Cross achieve one GCSE grade more across their subjects than students in similar schools across the country. WOW! “We have secured the highest Progress 8 score among state schools (including grammars) in the boroughs of Kingston, Richmond upon Thames, Merton, Croydon, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, and Lewisham! We are the highest scoring state Catholic school in all of the above boroughs including Sutton and Wandsworth!

Well done everyone, I am so proud of you!”

FLYING HIGH WITH SEAGULL TALK In November, Year 13 Economics students had the privilege of attending an exclusive Economics in Action event at Westminster - the heart of political and economic discourse!

Students engaged with charismatic TV personality Bobby Seagull, renowned for his passion for economics and captivating teaching style. He shared his unique insights into the fascinating realm of economics with the group, who were able to ask questions and discuss their own experiences with Mr Seagull.

The event was another example of the unparalleled opportunities for academic and personal growth offered at the school. Mr Roebuck, subject leader of Economics, said: “Events like Economics in Action demonstrate the schoolʼs commitment to excellence, where students are given the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, academics and public servants.

“The day was a great success and the students thoroughly enjoyed and took full advantage of the opportunity.”

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IT ALL ADDS UP TO MORE PRIZES IN MATHS CHALLENGE

ART STUDENTS PLAY THEIR CARDS RIGHT! We have always known that Holy Cross houses some of the most talented young artists in the borough, and this was underlined this term with two girls winning prestigious art competitions!

Amber Leahy (9Mercy) and Chiara Pischedda (10Hope) were both judged as overall winners in their respective Christmas Card competitions - and as you can see, both awards were fully deserved!

Amber (pictured with Ms Peneda) won the Archdiocese of Southwarkʼs prize, and her design is now used for the official Christmas Card of the Archdiocese of Southwark for 2023.

Amberʼs amazingly detailed pen drawing of the classic Little Town of Bethlehem shows her wonderful talent, and the use of dots, strokes, lines and shadow really showcase her natural artistic ability.

Meanwhile, Chiara (pictured with Mr Taylor) won the prestigious title of Overall Winner in all categories in our MPʼs - the Right Honourable Sir Ed Davey - constituency Christmas Card Competition.

Chiaraʼs design depicts the famous “Out of Order” sculpture on Old London Road in Kingston, with Santa perched on the arch above them.

Chiaraʼs card will be Sir Edʼs official card for all his correspondence this Christmas.

Another two of our students - Gabby Beltran Bonnin (10Mercy) and Lea Johnston (10Peace) were also recognised for their entries, and were Highly Commended in the KS3 category.

These are fantastic achievements for our girls, who allied their natural ability with a strong work ethic to ensure their work was of the highest quality.

There was more success to celebrate this term for our A Level Maths students!

Studenys from Years 12 and 13 participated in the Senior Mathematical Challenge ‒ a 90 minute test with 25 multiple choice questions.

The problems on the challenge are designed to make students think, and encourage mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. The test features stimulating problems for

both beginners and experienced problemsolvers.

Our girlsʼ performance was outstanding with 10 students obtaining a Bronze award, two receiving Silver, and one student - Gabriella Taborelli (13 Mercy) celebrating Gold! Gabriella was invited to paticipate in the follow-on round - the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo - achieving a certificate of Merit.

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NEWS & EVENTS

The Kenya team wants to say a big thank you to everyone for coming along and helping out with fundraising for our trip. With every stall making lots of profit to go towards our work experience week abroad, we could not be more thankful! We also want to thank the teachers that helped set up, provide and support our stalls, we could not have done it without you.

Asante sana!

- Phoebe Marriott (12 Peace)

A RETURNING FACE TAKES THE STAGE

A CHRISTMAS

CRACKER!

The spirit of Christmas was in great abundance at the Holy Cross Christmas Fair on Friday 1st December.

Amongst the highlights was an impromptu student Chritsmas karaoke as well as a Silent Auction, raffle draw, tombolas galore, Christmas wreaths, Korean feasts, donut delights, piles of puddings, a tree of surprises, knitted octopi, decorations, chutneys, jewellery, sweeties, lotto draw, the list goes on and on ...

Our Sixth Form students ran a range of inventive and fun stalls showcasing their crafting talents to raise money for their Kenyan adventures next year.

Our thanks to the PFA, volunteers, stallholders, students and staff for all their hard work putting on such an incredible event for our Holy Cross community this year. The event was a huge success, and will have raised lots of funds to kit out a new Design Technology room.

When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. - Ms Kay

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In October, drama students in Years 7 and 10 had the pleasure of welcoming Mary Greenslade, an ex-Holy Cross girl and drama teacher, to observe their lessons.

Mary joined as a pupil in 1936 and studied here for 12 years. She was actually the 126th pupil to enrol at the school! She came back as a drama teacher in 1964, and worked here until 1976.

Mary is Holy Cross through and through; a lovely lady with an amazing knowledge of the school, and she was delighted to meet the students and learn about how we teach drama nowadays.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed Maryʼs visit, and enjoyed hearing her memories of the school and what it was like to be a pupil here during the Second World War!

SIR ED DAVEY HAILS HOLY CROSS CLIMATE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Sir Ed Davey MP was left in awe of our Year 8 Eco Reps and their Climate Justice artwork display after he visited Holy Cross in November.

Our eco-team showcased work from across the school as part of a the ʻGet Creative for Climate Justiceʼ initiative, which not only allowed students to express and display their creativity, but also amplify their advocacy of urgent action from world leaders to tackle the climate crisis.

Sir Ed said: “I was so impressed with the Climate Justice Artwork Display put together by the students to raise awareness of the climate crisis.

“It is absolutely incredible to see young people in the constituency take such an interest in the climate emergency and the environment.”

Isobel Ogden (8Peace) and Darcey Morris (8Faith) were later chosen to represent the school at the Get Creative for Climate Justice event held at the Houses of Parliament.

The pair took on the roles of young exhibition guides, and their presence was crucial: they warmly welcomed MPs and visitors, and provided insightful guided tours of the exhibits.

The girls were recognised for their efforts in Westminster in December by Patrick Grady MP. Mr Grady addressed fellow MPs during a Parliamentary Debate on the 75th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. A video of his speech can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

STUDENTS LEAD BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS In October, students led a week of assemblies to recognise and celebrate Black History Month.

Students from all year groups created and led an original, powerful, and engaging assembly, teaching their peers all about the crucial role black women have played in shaping history.

The assembly was performed to all year groups. It was truly beautiful and informative, and delivered with grace and love. We are truly blessed at Holy Cross!

Black History Month is a time of celebration, of recognition and of reflection.

This yearʼs theme, “Saluting Our

Sisters”, pays homage to the brave black women who have been pivotal to our history and our contemporary society.

Later in the month, Abigail Kabwa (9Peace) won first prize in the PE Departmentʼs Black History Month competition.

The challenge was to design a poster to celebrate Unsung Black Sports Heroes, with a focus

on women. Abi did a great deal of research and was inspired to design her poster celebrating Alex Scott, a sports presenter and former professional female footballer.

Alex made 140 appearances for England and also was a competitor in the 2012 Olympics.

Abi received a generous goodie bag of sports wear as her prize.

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NEWS & EVENTS

CALLING FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Last month, The Holy Cross hosted the annual Kingston Schoolsʼ Eco-Conference, welcoming students from across the borough to discuss environmental issues that matter to them.

The conference is held every year during the autumn term to educate and empower pupils to take immediate action in creating a positive impact on the environment.

Experts and educators share their knowledge, insights and experiences on a range of topics including nature and conservation, a diet for the future, climate justice, and eco anxiety.

This year, teachers and pupils were addressed by Elliot Newton, Kingston Biodiversity Officer, and Angela Munden from Greenpeace, before taking the opportunity to network and share ideas with each other about how to develop meaningful actions within their communities.

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Attended by around 100 people, the conference was huge success. Expertly organised by Mrs Ogden, and brilliantly led by the eco-team, every attendee came away from the day feeling invigorated to tackle the environmental issues that matter to them.

Crosswire asked members of our eco-team that were present for the day to give us a rundown of events, and their thoughts on the conference.

Ellie Man (8Mercy): The Eco-Conference was great and inspiring! We welcomed students from Tiffin Girls, Richard Challoner, Waldegrave, Hollyfield, and Southborough, and we also had guest speakers coming in and teaching us more about climate justice, climate change, and eco anxiety.

We also heard from Rodrigo Gracia, co-founder and co-CEO of Notpla. He told us about a plastic

Clara Long (8Faith): The Eco-Conference was really fun and interactive. We took part in a lot of fun games and, most importantly, we learnt more about climate action and climate anxiety - not just climate change.

We learn that there is a ton of different ways to help our environment and raise awareness of climate issues. You donʼt have to go vegan or go protesting to participate: just do little things like pick up rubbish in your local community, plant trees, recycle, and use eco-friendly products. If we all make these small changes, it will make a huge difference and benefit us all.

that could melt in water and is completely harmless! I was personally most impressed when he ate a bag of water - the plastic bag obviously melted and was therefore harmless.

During lunch, we played a lot of eco-friendly games, after which we received tokens to exchange for a ʻsustainable swapʼ, which we used to collect a sustainable item. The items we could choose from included eco-friendly shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and cardboard pens.

Bibi Dumbuya (8Faith): During the conference, we discussed ways to improve the school environment.

We looked at ideas such as planting more flowers, installing a pond, and more!

The speakers discussed climate justice. Their talks were very interesting and inspired us to do more for the school.

Jyoti Chan (8Faith): The Eco-Conference was very informative - and fun! Angela Munden told us that we can protect the climate from our plate: eating 30 per cent less meat will result in huge benefits for the climate, nature, and water supplies. Elliot Newton gave us a lot of ideas about what we can do in our school to help animals, such as planting more wildflowers for butterflies, and building homes for hedgehogs with dry leaves and straw.

I was most impressed with the plastic that melts in water. I was shocked when I saw it! This plastic is a lot better for the climate because usual plastic takes a long time to decompose. We all had an amazing time and I think it went really well.

Siena Cheuk (8Hope): The guest speakers were amazing and presented their ideas clearly. I enjoyed the talk from Greenpeace the most. They talked about the diet for the future, which includes eating less meat and eating bugs. They said that growing bugs use a lot less space than feeding cows or pigs.

Besides, crickets and other bugs are a good source of vitamins and fibre. I was absolutely shocked when Miss Ogden gave out cricket food packages for students to try. There were a range of flavours, like BBQ. I didnʼt take one, but one of my friends ate it and told me that it didnʼt taste too bad.

Many students went home with their hands full of sustainable products! I think everyone enjoyed the day. The conference encouraged us to change and reminded us to be more eco-friendly. I really enjoyed it.

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GALLERY

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AUTUMN TERM 2023

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INTERVIEW

Mr Terracciani, Ms White, and Mr Roebuck all teach exclusively at post-16. We spoke to them about their teaching career, Holy Cross, and Level 3 study ...

GETTING A SENSE OF SIXTH FORM Which subjects do you teach?

Mr Roebuck: Economics.

Mr Terracciani: Media BTEC and A Level. I have also taught Film Studies, and GCSE Media and English in the past!

Ms White: Psychology.

What made you become a teacher?

Mr Terracciani: I wanted to go into a profession where I could use my degree.

Ms White: I wanted to get a psychology degree and initially wanted to become an educational psychologist, but you had to have two years teaching experience, so I became a teacher. I obviously forgot to leave!

Mr Roebuck: Surprisingly, my journey into teaching started on the football field. After years of working in an office, I realised my most rewarding moments were the lively discussions Iʼd have explaining complex theories to friends in simple terms - often on the football pitch! This experience sparked a thought: what if I could bring this passion for simplifying and sharing knowledge into a classroom? I wondered about inspiring young minds - showing how economics isnʼt just numbers, but a vibrant subject that explains the world around us.

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How long have you been working at Holy Cross?

Ms White: This is my 21st year. The school has changed considerably in that time!

Mr Terracciani: In a couple of yearsʼ time, it will have been two decades, would you believe?

Iʼve seen the school grow, the students change, and my hair fall out!

Mr Roebuck: I joined in the midst of the Covid pandemic, so Iʼm in my fourth year now.

Whatʼs your favourite thing about being a teacher?

Ms White: I love inspiring future psychology graduates or even just getting students interested in a subject Iʼm still so passionate about.

Mr Roebuck: My favourite thing is seeing the moments when students spark ideas and make connections, especially when weʼre studying something that seemed so abstract and perhaps intimidating at first, like game theory. Plus, I must admit, it keeps me feeling young being around bright young minds with so much energy and optimism. It beats hanging around stuffy old economists talking in circles all day!

Mr Terracciani: Hands down, THE KIDS! They are the best any teacher could ask for and a constant source of entertainment.

What were your favourite subjects at school?

Mr Roebuck: I loved most subjects at school, especially maths and economics, but in later years, I discovered a passion for photography. I became quite an accomplished photographer! It just goes to show that you shouldnʼt write something off too quickly. Even as a teacher now, I try to offer that lesson to my students. Keep an open mind, and donʼt assume you wonʼt be good at something or wonʼt come to enjoy it. You never know what hidden talents are waiting to be unlocked!

Mr Terracciani: Languages and literature. They have a lot in common with Media.

Ms White: Human biology; psychology wasnʼt offered at my school at all.

Have you worked in any other professions, and if so, what did you do?

Mr Terracciani: I worked for a big retailer and then for a magazine in advertising sales - all whilst doing my degree! Having prior work experience is very beneficial as a teacher. You bring a different authority to the classroom. It makes you more grounded.

Ms White: I worked in industry for British Telecom for years before realising office work was not for me!

Mr Roebuck: Absolutely! Before becoming a teacher, I actually had quite an eclectic career journey. I started off as a government economist meaning I was an analyst, detective, and sometimes, even a bit of a strategist. After that, I ventured into starting my own businesses. It was a rollercoaster ride in many ways, but filled with invaluable lessons that now help my teaching.

Why should students study your subject in Sixth Form?

Mr Roebuck: Itʼs a fascinating exploration into how our world works. Ever wondered what really drives prices up and down? Or why does the NHS have such long waiting lists? Or why some countries are rich while others poor? Economics will uncover all those secrets for you! Economics also gives you a toolkit to make better decisions in your own life, whether itʼs choosing a mortgage or making career choices. That toolkit will turn you into a savvier consumer and citizen.

Mr Terracciani: Because itʼs the best! Itʼs not only interesting and fun, but students also learn lots of skills necessary for both university and the world of work. Plus, they get to be taught by me!

Ms White: To get to know staff you may never have been taught by before. To have a different classroom experience that you wonʼt encounter in lower school. To be taught by staff that have such investment into their studentsʼ futures and achievements. To be taught by someone (me!) who has worked for the exam board as a senior examiner for 18 years, so understands what is required to get the highest grades.

What skills are important when studying post-16 courses?

Ms White: Critical thinking, to question things, and most of all, to work hard to do your abilities justice.

Thereʼs no such thing as a free lunch!

Mr Roebuck: Having a curious mind! Curiosity opens your mind to understanding different perspectives. The best learning happens when youʼre genuinely fascinated about the world around you: when students pepper me with questions such as, “what would happen if a country just printed loads of money?”.

Mr Terracciani: Good language and analysis skills, creativity - and a sense of humour!

You can invite any three famous people (living or dead!) around for dinner. Who do you choose?

Mr Terracciani: Madonna, Virginia Woolf and Alfred Hitchcock. Theyʼre trailblazers and creative geniuses! And who knows, maybe one day Artificial Intelligence will make it actually possible to have dinner with the three of them! Oh no! I have just revealed my top-secret idea for a new AI app!

Ms White: I have already shared a surreal experience of spending Philip Zimbardoʼs 80th birthday, cutting his cake, so I feel nothing will surpass that! Philip Zimbardo is one of the greatest living psychologists to date (in my opinion!).

Mr Roebuck: Tony Robinson - star of Blackadder, and a Bristol City fan; Eddie Izzard - an amazing stand-up comedian, and ultra-marathon runner; and Hannah Fry. I just love her passion for maths and her infectious, bubbly personality.

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HEAD GIRL

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DIABETES

LIVING WITH

DIABETES This month, a group of KS3 students have been raising awareness of what life is like living with diabetes - and have raised money to support charities helping those that live with the condition.

Diabetes is a condition that causes a person’s blood sugars to become too high. Ella-Grace Pettifer, Niamh Yarnell, Maye Dumbuya (Year 9) and Murron Carpenter (Year 8) have all been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which is managed by regular insulin injections.

Assisted by Freya Dixon (Year 9) and Mrs Deahl, the group hosted a stall at this year’s Christmas Fair that included a presentation explaining the condition, and a few fundraising activities.

Visitors to the stall could guess the name of an NHS teddy-bear, and the number of jelly babies in a jar. Jelly babies are a good source of sugar for people with diabetes as it can raise their blood sugar level when it drops too low!

Money raised was donated to Diabetes UK, a leading charity for people living with diabetes.

The girls’ presentation explained the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; how the condition is managed when sugars are too high or low; and the long-lasting

effects the condition can cause.

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin properly.

A low blood sugar level, also called hypoglycaemia or ‘hypo’, is where the level of glucose in your blood drops too low (below 4mmol/l). Hypos can happen if the balance of insulin, food you eat, and physical activity you do sometimes isn’t right. It can lead to symptoms such as a lack of concentretion, hunger, tiredness, or dizziness (shaking).

Hyperglycaemia, or a hyper, can happen when your blood glucose levels are too high – usually above 7mmol/l. Regularly having high blood sugar levels for long periods of time (over months or years) can result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.

The team did a great job at the fair explaining to people the tricky balancing act people with diabetes have to performn every day, and how important supporting charities such as Diabetes UK is in the quest to find a cure.

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SANTA-SPOTTING

THERE GOES SANTA CLAUS

Santa has already visited Holy Cross this December! But can you work out whereabouts in the school he rested his weary head? Answers on page 2 ...

B

C

A D

F

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G

PUZZLES & TEASERS

GUESS the

teacher

WHAT CONNECTS THESE FOUR HOLY CROSS TEACHERS?

Can you work out the identity of these three teachers?

Favourite ...

TV Show: Friends Book: 1984 by George Orwell

1

MS DUIZEND

MISS POTHUNNAH

MR RENEE

MISS TRAN

Musician: The Strokes Sport: Yoga Restaurant: Any! Dream Holiday: Thailand If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a researcher Favourite ...

TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy Book: To Kill A Mocking-bird

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by Harper Lee Sport: Netball Musician: Adele Dream Holiday: Canada

RIDDLE I AM TALL WHEN I AM YOUNG, AND I AM SHORT WHEN I AM OLD. WHAT AM I?

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a midwife Favourite ...

Film: The Godfather Book: The Other Boleyn Girl

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by Philippa Gregory Musician: Mabel Sport: Volleyball Dream Holiday: India If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a fashion designer or beautician

rs All answe ! on page 2

A

N

A

G

R

A M

S

Rearrange the letters to find these teachers’ surnames...

R

A

D

C

H

R

I

S

O

U

R

I

G G

E

R

L

U

V

N

A

L

S

I

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Avani Bains (13Faith)

REFLECTION

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Elena Young (13Peace)

Avani Bains (13Faith)

£ 5 57 1 . 9 5

Our fundraising efforts as a school this term have been absolutely outstanding!

So far this year, we have raised the incredible sum above. All the students of Holy Cross should be very proud!

Funds have been raised to support victims of the Morocco earthquake and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH), the Catholic Children’s Society, and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

On top of this, we must remember all the items donated as part of our Shoebox Appeal and the Harvest Festival. Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord - Proverbs 19:17.

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Father in heaven,

As we journey through Advent, guide us to be mindful of the true meaning of Christmas.

Let our thoughts and actions be a testament to the love and compassion that Jesus brought into the world.

In these moments of waiting, help us cultivate patience and prepare our souls to receive the precious gift of Your Son. May the light of His love illuminate our paths, dispelling darkness and filling our lives with joy.

Help us see how eternity permeates our everyday activities during the Christmas holidays. May we and all those with whom we spend Christmas this year seek your face in all festivities. May we develop eyes to see the gift-giving and the celebrations within the framework of true faith.

Amen

Kaosi Matheson (12Faith) and Miss Pothunnah

Illustration Hannah Williams (13Peace)