CROSS WIRE
SUMMER 2025
DATES
First day for Year 7; Year 13 Enrolment
Autumn Term begins for Years 8 to 11 Lessons begin for Years 12 and 13 Holy Cross Day
A WORD OF GRATITUDE GOES A LONG WAY!
Dear Students,
As we approach the end of another school year, I want to express my gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you’ve made on our school community. It has been a privilege to spend time with you everyday - to see the ups and downs of your life and have the spontaneous conversations in the Canteen and in the corridors. Thank you for always saying hello and smiling. Thank you also for your patience with me as I learnt new skills on the canteen tills! It’s a real pleasure to be able to help you in such a practical way and speed up the queues for you.
I’ve been very proud of all the achievements that you have accomplished this year, the progress you have made in your learning and the lovely young people that you are growing up to be. You are Team Holy Cross through and through - #teamHX!
Before you embark on your summer break, I encourage you to promise yourself to do the 3 R’s - take some time to Rest, Relax, and Recharge. Spend quality time with your families, enjoy the outdoors, and pursue activities that bring you joy. Remember to find moments of quiet reflection, perhaps through prayer, journalling, or spending time in nature, to connect with God’s presence and seek His guidance. Don’t forget to say thank you to the staff who have helped you this year in whatever way either inside or outside of the classroom. A word of gratitude goes a long way.
With sadness we must say farewell to some teachers who are moving on to a new chapter in life - be sure to find them and wish them well: they will miss you.
While it’s important to rest, it’s also a great time to prepare for the next school year. Consider reviewing some of your coursework, reading books that pique your interest, or exploring new skills. You might want to prepare your new pencil case and buy a new academic diary of your choice (we won’t be using planners next year). Think about setting some personal goals for the new term in September, both academically and personally.
Remember that God loves you and has a plan for your life. Use this summer to deepen your relationship with Him and those around you, and to prepare yourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. May God bless you with a safe and restful summer break.
Mrs McConn-Finch
MAgic in the making!
Year 8 reflections on their recent glimpse into the enchanted world of Harry Potter ...
There was magic in the air for students in Year 8 who had a wand-erful time on a recent tour of the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios!
The girls have been studying parts of the stage play, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, as part of their English lessons this half term, and to go alongside their classroom activities, they were given the opportunity to see how parts of the Harry Potter movies were created and filmed.
Students got to walk on some of the most famous locations in the Potter Universe, including Diagon Alley, the Great Hall of Hogwarts, and Privet Drive, as well as discover some behindthe-scenes secrets as to how film-makers brought the Triwizard Tournament to life!
We asked a few of the girls to shed some light on the trip ...
What did you see?
Grace (8Charity): We saw the Forest Exhibit, The Great Hall, Harry Potterʼs dorm, the Ministry of Magic, Kingʼs Cross station - and so much more!
Amelia (8Charity): We got to see the Triwizard Tournament exhibiton, where we given an explanation of how they used special effects in the second task. Skye (8Mercy): We also saw the art department, and all of the props and costumes they used in the different films.
What was something you learnt?
Amelia: I learnt that for The Goblet of Fire, they built a really deep pool but they added a breathing box in the corner, so the actors could breathe inbetween takes!
Grace: Yeah it was really interesting to learn about how the actors survive under water for a good amount of time.
Skye: It made me realise just how much work and effort goes into making the movies!
What was your favourite part of the tour?
Skye: My favourite parts were when we were able to do practical things, such as putting our names into The Goblet of Fire. I also enjoyed the mini-shows they produced, teaching us about how they created the magic.
Amelia: It was all really interesting, but I did like seeing the dragon breathing fire!
Grace: It had to be when we were in Gringotts Bank and a 3D dragon came running at us!
Would you recommend this trip?
Skye: Yes! The settings and the props are phenomenal. Even if you arenʼt a Harry Potter fan, it is good to go to understand just how much work is involved to create just a few scenes.
Grace: Definitely! It was really fun. Amelia: Yes - itʼs really entertaining and informative.
What
do you think about HP and The Cursed Child?
Grace: I like reading the playscript: I find it easier to follow the story. Itʼs one of the best stories Iʼve read!
Amelia: Itʼs really interesting. I like the friendship between Scorpious and Albus, even though they arenʼt “supposed” to be friends. Skye: Itʼs a really good read. I love the plot twists!
Following the trip, all of Year 8 took part in a Harry Potter English & Dance workshop, as Matilda (8Hope) details ...
On Friday 11 July, all of Year 8 gathered in the hall for a fun experience with a famous script writer and actor, where we learnt how to develop characters and make stories.
Our visitors taught us different techniques and questions to ask ourselves in order to create the perfect story. We then sorted the stories we created into different genres, such as horror or comedy.
For the second part of the session, we were given a small piece of a story and had to develop our own ones from there, before performing them to the whole group.
We got to ask questions on how their careers work, and it was very inspiring and informative for people thinking about doing a job similar to, or just like, theirs.
ART IN WONDERLAND!
Year 8 students combined art and literacy through their exploration of Alice in Wonderland, culminating in beautifully-crafted book creations.
Their artwork depicts their personal experiences of stepping into Wonderland, each piece accompanied by a poem reflecting their imaginative journey. This project builds upon their previous A3 drawings of Alice in Wonderland one-point perspective rooms, which also featured pen illustrations focused on mark-making skills. These imaginative projects illustrate how art can inspire creative writing and deepen literary engagement!
EXPERTS BRING SCIENCE TO LIFE FOR GCSE GIRLS!
Year 10 students took an inspiring trip to the Victoria Apollo to learn from some of the UKʼs top scientists!
They joined schools from around the country at the Science Live! events in January.
They explored fascinating topics, including the mysteries of deep-ocean life with physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski; the science of laughter with Professor Sophie Scott, discovering that animals laugh too; human pregnancy insights from worldfamous biologist Sir Robert Winston; the possibility of time travel with Professor Jim Al-Khalili; and how zebras and beetroots get stripes with Prof Andrea Sella.
The students also received invaluable advice from chief examiners about how to tackle their exams, with a resource booklet handed them to further assist their studies.
A truly unforgettable experience, sparking curiosity in the next generation of scientists!
SUMMER TERM 2025
FLAME 2025
On Saturday 15 March, a group of Holy Cross students and staff had the privilege of attending Flame 2025 at Wembley Arena with around 10,800 young people from dioceses, schools, and parishes across the country.
The CYMFED Flame Congress is the largest Catholic youth event in
England & Wales, held every two years (sometimes described as the ʻCatholic Glastonburyʼ!).
The theme for this yearʼs Flame was “Unstoppable - Fan the Flame of Hope”, which perfectly complemented the Jubilee yearʼs theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”.
More than 30 students travelled
on the train from New Malden to Wembley Park, and it was fantastic to witness young people so full of life, energy, and joy as they celebrate their faith together in the Church.
Pope Francis consistently championed the rights and needs of young people throughout
his papacy, calling them the “joy and hope of the Church and the world”.
In a message to young people last year, he wrote: “Dear young people, you are the living hope of a Church on the move! For this reason, I thank you for your presence and for your contribution to the life of the Body of Christ. And I encourage you never to leave us without your good way of ʻmaking a mess,ʼ your drive, like that of a clean and well-tuned engine, and your own particular way of living and proclaiming the joy of the risen Jesus!”
Flame 2025 was a beautiful manifestation of this message.
The day featured an exciting line-up of live music and worship, with performances from Adeniké, and The One Hope Project, who led us in praise and worshipthroughout the day.
Students heard from some fantastic speakers, including Bear Grylls, who spoke openly about his personal faith journey, sharing stories of courage, perseverance, and trust in God.
As a special gift, each attendee received an advance copy of his new book, The Greatest Story Ever Told, ahead of its official release in May.
Among the standout speakers was Bryan Enriquez, co-founder of the popular Catholic prayer and meditation app Hallow. Bryan shared the story behind the appʼs creation and spoke about the growing hunger for silence, prayer, and spiritual focus in todayʼs fast-paced world.
Another powerful voice wa Brian Maeba, who works with young people in Kenya through agricultural training projects supported by the Jesuit Hakimani Centre and CAFOD. Speaking passionately about the challenges faced by Kenyan
youth and the hope he sees in sustainable farming, Brian urged us to live with courage and faith, saying: “Today I want to encourage each and every one of you to embrace the call to be unstoppable.”
Isaac Harvey MBE also captivated the audience with his powerful testimony. As a disability advocate and content creator, he spoke candidly about overcoming challenges, redefining limitations, and the importance of inclusion within both society and the Church. His message encouraged young people to embrace their Godgiven potential and to support one another in building a more compassionate and accessible world.
For many, the highlight of Flame 2025 came as the day drew to a close. The energy of the arena shifted into a profound stillness as attendees entered a time of Eucharistic Adoration, led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
In a space that had been buzzing with music, movement, and excitement, thousands of young people fell silent in reverence before the Blessed Sacrament.
It was one of the most powerful moments of the day and a true reminder of Christʼs presence among us. Watching the students worship with such sincerity and openness was deeply moving. In that silence, it felt as though God was commissioning each of us anew, to go out, to be light in the darkness, and to let our faith shine brightly in the world. As Brother Chris Patiño, FSC, a Brother of the San Francisco New Orleans District (SFNO) reminded us, “You are Godʼs living letter to the world”.
GUESS the TEACHER
Can you work out the identity of these three teachers?
Favourite ...
Film: Mission Impossible
TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Book: 1984 by George Orwell
Sport: Gymnastics
Restaurant: The Ivy Asia
Dream Holiday: Maldives
If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a cybersecurity analyst
Favourite ...
Film: Dirty Dancing
Musician: Radiohead
1
WHAT CONNECTS THESE FOUR HOLY CROSS TEACHERS?
2
Book: Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
TV Show: Friends
Restaurant: Cappadocia
Dream Holiday: Amazon Rainforest
If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a farmer
Favourite ...
TV Show: Call The Midwife
Musician: Old Skool Garage
RIDDLE LIAM WAS 11 THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY, AND NEXT YEAR HE WILL TURN 14. HOW?
3
Book: The Woman In Black by Susan Hill
Restaurant: Miller & Carter
Sport: Hurling
Dream Holiday: Caribbean
If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a stage director
Rearrange the letters to find three
MRS GARCIA
MISS HAN MRS KEMP
MISS TRAN
IT IS TIME TO SAY FAREWELL TO THosE MEMBERS OF STAFF LEAVING HOLY CROSS AT THE END OF THIS TERM. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE, AND ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR NEXT STEPS ...
MRS MURPHY
Mrs. Murphy is the very definition of a natural-born teacher. With boundless energy and an unwavering belief in her students, she has spent over four decades inspiring and motivating young people to reach their full potential. In her care, every student has felt seen, valued, respected, and nurtured.
Joining Holy Cross in September 1984 as a teacher of PE, Mrs. Murphy brought a passion for sport that quickly became infectious. Although she taught a wide range of disciplines, athletics was - and remains - her first love. Her enthusiasm and drive elevated students’ aspirations, encouraging them to compete at the highest levels, not just for medals, but for personal growth and confidence. Never one to stand still, Mrs. Murphy expanded the curriculum to include Health and Social Care at Key Stage 4. Under her guidance, the subject flourished. Students have gone on to pursue diverse and meaningful careers in nursing, allied health professions, and social work. Many return to the HSC department, eager to share their learning and experiences with current pupils—a testament to the inspiration she continues to provide.
But Mrs. Murphy’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Whether she’s behind the wheel of the school minibus, leading overseas trips, presenting staff prayers, or volunteering at school fundraisers, her presence is felt across every corner of school life. Her generosity of spirit and tireless commitment have enriched the Holy Cross community in countless ways.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs. Murphy has championed the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every student. With her calm, patient, and empathetic nature, she has built a culture of trust and support that will leave a lasting legacy.
Over the years, she has taught hundreds—perhaps thousands—of students, and now teaches the children of former pupils. Few teachers can say they’ve shaped multiple generations of the same families, and even fewer have done so with such grace and care.
In 2021, Mrs. Murphy reduced her working days to spend more time with her evergrowing family - seven grandchildren and counting! Her love for others, whether in school or at home, continues to shine through in everything she does.
She embodies the spirit of our school mission statement: “we aim to create a happy family environment in which all may grow… especially those who are in any way disadvantaged.” A truly selfless and compassionate soul, Mrs. Murphy has always been ready to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, and an open heart to staff and students alike.
Holy Cross has been deeply blessed to call her one of our own. As she steps into a wellearned retirement, we thank her for her extraordinary service, and we celebrate the legacy of a truly remarkable teacher, mentor, and friend.
Ms Sullivan
MS SULLIVAN
After 21 years of dedicated service at Holy Cross, we bid a fond farewell to Ms Sullivan, whose contributions to our school community have been both wideranging and deeply meaningful.
Ms Sullivan began her journey at Holy Cross teaching Health and Social Care, and over the years she also brought her talents to PE, RE, and even Textiles. Her versatility in the classroom was matched by her natural ability to connect with students and support them both academically and personally.
As Director of Year 10, Ms Sullivan took great pride in mentoring students through key stages of their development. She also played a unique role in training the Wimbledon Ball Girls - an opportunity that blended discipline, teamwork, and pride, and one that our students cherished. Later, she became Director of Year 12/13, guiding our sixth formers through some of the most formative years of their education. Her care and insight during these years made a lasting impact.
It was no surprise when she took on the role of SENDCo. Her empathy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to inclusion made her a perfect fit for supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities. In this role, she championed every student’s right to flourish and succeed.
Beyond the classroom, Ms Sullivan will be remembered for organising the much-anticipated Easter ski trips to Italy and Austria. Her joy came from seeing complete beginners grow in confidence - gliding down the slopes by the end of the week with smiles on their faces. But that wasn’t all. In 2009, she launched the now-legendary Thailand trip, where Year 12 students volunteered with the Father Ray Foundation. From “Thai One” to “Thai Ten” in 2019, before the pandemic brought it to a halt, Ms Sullivan made it possible for students to live out our mission statement - to “Be a Light of Hope for Children and People with Disabilities.” These experiences were transformative for those they served and the students themselves.
Ms Sullivan leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and inspiration. Her influence has shaped the lives of countless young people, and the memories she created will be cherished for years to come.
Thank you, Ms Sullivan, for everything. Mrs Murphy
MISS BROWN
Staff and students alike were sorry to hear that Miss Brown is leaving us this summer after five years at Holy Cross. Passionate and enthusiastic in the classroom, she started off teaching largely KS3 in the English department and relished this challenge. Having served as a practising lawyer herself, she fully understood that we should be offering the subject at A Level and as a result, she went on to set up, very successfully, the Law department at Holy Cross. Many students have benefitted from studying with her and her legacy will be those who have gone on to study Law or Law related degrees at university. She is a teacher who has always given her time so freely to her pupils and we wish her well in her adventures going forward.
Mr Oliver
MS KHAN
We are sad to have to say goodbye to a truly exceptional teacher. Ms Khan has made incredible contributions to our school over the past nine years, and we are forever grateful for everything she has done.
Ms Khan joined Holy Cross in September 2016 as a Maths Teacher, and it quickly became clear that she was destined for great things. Within just 15 months, her talent and dedication were recognised, and she was appointed as our KS3 Maths Coordinator, and in January 2022, she became coordinator for Key Stage 5 before being appointed Head of the Maths Department in June of that year. Under her leadership, the team has truly blossomed.
During her tenure as Head of Maths, Ms Khan has significantly raised Holy Cross’s profile in the local area through our participation and success in various mathematics competitions. Beyond her school commitments, Ms Khan furthered her own expertise, completing her MA in Ed Tech from UCL between 2018 and 2021, and even teaching computing in 2023/24, showcasing her diverse talents.
But beyond her impressive list of achievements and roles, what truly defines Ms Khan is her unwavering commitment and her incredible spirit. She is always willing to help out, always going the extra mile for her students. Ms Khan loves maths, she loves everything about it - but above all, she loves to see students thrive in her classroom, whatever their starting point. She meets them exactly where they are, offering patience, kindness, and unwavering support.
Ms Khan has been an invaluable member of the Holy Cross family. We wish you every success and happiness in your future endeavors.
Mrs
Newman
MS JENNINGS
It is a sad time for everyone at Holy Cross as we are formally saying farewell and thank you to Ms Jennings, who has always been so committed to the school and has provided so many opportunities in and outside of the classroom for our students.
Ms Jennings had previously stepped away from her role as Director of Year and teacher of Maths, but like many teachers before her, she couldn’t keep away, and returned last year to support the introduction of, and teach, our A Level Business Studies course. She also supported GCSE Maths students.
Ms Jennings is well-liked by all of the students: she is an excellent teacher and has such positive relationships in the classroom. She has also given up her time on so many occasions to support trips, and made sure students enjoyed a wonderful experience wherever they went, be it to Refugio in Portugal, New York City, or the coast of Cornwall.
She now leaves to dedicate more time to her family commitments and charitable work. We wish Ms Jennings every success and happiness - until she returns to Holy Cross again, which I’m sure will happen one day!
Mrs McConn-Finch
MISS POTHUNNAH
After eleven years as part of the Holy Cross family - seven as a student and four as a dedicated teacher and tutor - Miss Potunnah now moves on to a new chapter of her journey as an RE teacher in another school. From a bright-eyed Year 7 student coming through those red doors, to an inspiring RE teacher and devoted tutor, Miss Potunnah has truly lived the Holy Cross journey. In her four years of teaching, she offered her own version of gold, frankincense and myrrh - wisdom, warmth, and wonder for everything RE!
Miss Potunnah has spent her time at Holy Cross guiding, supporting, and inspiring her students and her form group, now in Year 10. She has truly lived the values she taught, helping others not only to learn about faith but also to grow in it.
We thank her sincerely for all she has given and we wish her every blessing in the future.
Ms Kay
MS RICHARDS
After four years, Ms Richards is leaving the Holy Cross to pursue a new opportunity as Head of Languages. From the very beginning, Ms Richards brought passion, commitment, and creativity to everything she did. She has always wanted the best for her students – not just academically, but personally. Her lessons have never been ordinary; she constantly found innovative and engaging ways to bring the Spanish language and culture to life – whether through games, interactive activities, or cultural insights that broadened her students’ understanding of the wider world.
Ms Richards will be hugely missed – not only for her teaching, but for the warmth, positivity, and energy she brought to the staffroom and corridors every day. We wish her every success and happiness in whatever comes next. ¡Buena suerte y hasta pronto!
Ms Bouchy
MISS WENLOCK
This summer we say goodbye to Miss Wenlock – an exceptional PE teacher and an integral part of the PE department.
Miss Wenlock first joined us as a student teacher. We hoped she’d return –and were delighted when she did! Efficient, organised and great fun, she brought energy and enthusiasm to everything she did, and quickly became a favourite with the girls. From leading Year 7 netball to running the Gym and Dance Show - which raised funds for brand-new sports kits - Miss Wenlock gave her all. Her Wimbledon ball girl training programme was a huge success, with 10 of our girls selected to work at the Championships this year.
Miss Wenlock is now off on a new adventure, with travel - and Australiacalling. She leaves behind big shoes to fill, but even bigger memories of fun and laughter for me. Thank you, Miss Wenlock – we will miss you!
Mrs Rex
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE HOLY CROSS HOUSE COMPETITION 2025: FAITH!
FAITH HAD AN OUTSTANDING YEAR IN WINNING THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION BY 1,325 POINTS - THE BIGGEST MARGIN EVER RECORDED! THE GIRLS DEFINITELY DESERVED THEIR HOUSE PARTY DURING THE LAST WEEK OF TERM. WELL DONE EVERYONE IN FAITH - A TRUE COLLECTIVE EFFORT!
Heavenly Father
As this academic year ends, we thank You for all the moments that have shaped us the challenges that helped us grow, the friendships that brought us joy, and the lessons that taught us more than just facts.
We are grateful for our school community: for those who teach and guide us, for those who care for our school, and for our friends who journey alongside us.
As we begin the summer break, watch over each of us, wherever we go and whatever we do. Help us to make good choices, to rest well, and to treat others with kindness and respect.
Remind us of our shared responsibility to care for Your world, to stand up for justice, and to support those in need, living out the message of Catholic Social Teaching in our everyday lives.
When we return in the new school year, may we bring back a spirit of hope, ready to learn, serve, and grow closer to You