THE HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
Welcome to Year 7
LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION SINCE 1931
TABLE OF CONTENTS
U P C O M I N G D A T E S F O R Y O U R D I A R Y ( 2 - 3 )
U S E F U L I N F O R M A T I O N : ( 4 )
A D D I T I O N A L S T U D E N T S U P P O R T
S C H O O L U N I F O R M
P A R E N T P A Y
M O D E R N F O R E I G N L A N G U A G E S
R E A D Y T O L E A R N B U N D L E ( 5 )
P A R E N T A L C O N T R I B U T I O N ( 6 )
P A R E N T S A N D F R I E N D S A S S O C I A T I O N ( 7 )
U S E F U L C O N T A C T S ( 8 )
WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD, AND IN THE SPIRIT OF ST FRANCIS AND MOTHER BERNARDA, WE AIM TO CREATE A HAPPY FAMILY ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH ALL MAY GROW: IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE FOR GOD, IN LOVE AND RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND THE WORLD AROUND US, IN LEARNING AND WISDOM, SO THAT WE MAY LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL AND JOYFULLY SHARE THIS LIFE WITH OTHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY WAY DISADVANTAGED. SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Out of 6951 state schools in England, The Holy Cross School ranks joint 37th and proudly stands in the top 1% nationally for progress
Source: DfE School Performance
Welcome to Year 7
Starting secondary school is such an exciting new chapter in your life – full of opportunities, new friendships, and discoveries. While we know this transition can feel a little daunting at first, we are here to make sure it’s a smooth, enjoyable, and positive experience for you.
At Holy Cross, we are passionate about creating a space where every Year 7 student feels safe, supported, and part of something special. You will have a fantastic team by your side – your tutors, teachers, Sixth Form mentors, and, of course, me! Together, we will help you grow into a confident, kind individual ready to make your mark on the world
We can’t wait to meet you and watch you shine!
Miss Simpson Director of Year
7
Saturday
17th May
- Student Assessment Day
All new students joining our school are required to sit a series of short cognitive ability tests. The tests provide us with information that will help us accurately place students in the correct teaching group for their ability. These tests should not cause you or your daughter any undue concern. There is no need to revise and the only preparation we ask is a good night’s sleep Any parent/carer who has a concern because their daughter has an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) should contact our SENDCo, Mrs Cappalonga.
Wednesday 2nd July - Student Induction
Day
Your daughter is invited to the school for an Induction Day. This will be an enjoyable opportunity for new students to experience a taste of life at The Holy Cross School. Students are expected to wear the uniform of their primary school and must arrive with a packed lunch, drinks, pencil case, notebook and trainers
Wednesday 2nd July - new Year 7 Parent
Induction Evening
Parents/Carers are warmly invited to attend a new Year 7 Parent Induction Evening This will take place in the School Hall. The purpose of this evening is to brief you on how we plan the transition from Year 6 into 7, to share the ethos of the school and our partnership with you We will introduce our ‘Ready To Learn Bundle’ and you will receive a booklet with information about term dates, school uniform, school planners and code of conduct.
UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
“Teachers have strong subject knowledge They use their expertise to develop pupils’ understanding well Across the curriculum, pupils learn in depth and achieve highly ” Ofsted 2022
Friday 29th August - Summer Activity Day
Your daughter is invited to the school for an optional fun Summer Activity Day. Please note that there will be a minimal charge for this day to cover costs. This will be an enjoyable opportunity for new students to make friends, become more familiar with the school and get to know some key members of staff. Students will be expected to wear their own sportswear (not PE kit) and trainers, and must arrive with a packed lunch and drinks
Wednesday 3rd September - First Day in Year 7
The first day will start with an assembly and will be spent getting to know the way around school, collecting student planners, meeting form tutors and other students and preparing for the start of lessons. Note: If you are dropping off and/or collecting your daughter from school by car, we ask that you park in nearby residential roads to avoid congestion outside school. Please do not park across residents’ driveways
Wednesday 3rd September, 2.15pm in school - Mass for new Year 7
Parents/Carers are invited to attend a Mass at the school for the new Year 7 students
Monday 15th September, Year 7 Parent Information Evening, 6.00 to 7.00pm
Held in September, a few weeks after your daughter has started at Holy Cross, this informative evening is designed to support parents and carers as they navigate the transition to secondary school The session covers key aspects of life in Year 7, including online safety, student wellbeing, and effective homework management. We will also highlight the importance of reading, and go through the practicalities of daily school life. This event provides valuable insights and reassurance as your daughter settles into her new environment
USEFUL INFORMATION
“Staff are vigilant about pupils’ safety and report any concerns about pupils. They are well trained to support pupils’ emotional and mental health Pupils spoke highly of the support they get at the school’s inclusion centre, St Theresa’s.”
Ofsted 2022
Additional Student Support
Parents/Carers of students with additional needs are welcome to contact Mrs Cappalonga (SENDCo) to arrange a meeting. Please visit our school website for SEND information
School Uniform
When your daughter attends Student Induction Day on 2nd July, she will be given a list of compulsory and optional school uniform items as well as details about where items can be purchased The correct school uniform is to be worn at school and also when travelling to and from school. Students are expected to keep themselves, their uniform and belongings neat, clean and in good condition All items must be named. Details will be shared with you at a later date about a second-hand uniform sale in school during the Summer Term.
ParentPay
Our school operates a cashless environment All payments made to the school will be cashless This system gives both you and your daughter security and peace of mind by allowing you to make payments using your debit/credit card
or a bank transfer Your child does not have to carry money either to or from school and money cannot be lost inside school All payments for the following areas should be made online via ParentPay: school meals, music lessons, school trips/events, charity fundraising etc.
Modern Foreign Languages
At The Holy Cross School we believe that learning a modern foreign language is an essential part of a well rounded education which prepares our girls for a global life, and therefore it is one of our core subjects
Students who learn languages also learn other skills: cultural awareness; an ability to see the world from different perspectives; communication skills; problem solving and interpersonal skills The MFL department run trips to France and Spain. In Year 7 our girls choose either French or Spanish and will study it up to GCSE level.
READY TO LEARN BUNDLE
“Staff provide the highest levels of pastoral care. They are supportive and actively encourage every pupil to be the best that they can be ”
Catholic Schools Inspectorate 2024
At Holy Cross, all students joining the school sign up to the Ready to Learn Bundle, which provides them with the essential tools and resources for their academic journey. This comprehensive package goes beyond just an iPad it is designed to create an effective learning environment by integrating technology, digital resources, and practical support into everyday school life.
Our Vision
We are committed to fostering a learning environment that is both engaging and accessible, ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive. The Ready to Learn Bundle not only saves parents/carers money but also ensures that all students have access to the same high-quality tools to support their education.
Creating an Effective Learning Environment
Through the transformative power of technology, we provide students with an immersive educational experience that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills By integrating cuttingedge digital tools into the curriculum, we help students develop digital literacy while preparing them for a future in an increasingly tech-driven world Our goal is to equip every student with the skills and confidence to navigate and leverage technology responsibly.
Included in the Ready to Learn Bundle:
School iPad – A dedicated device, customised for educational use, equipped with managed apps that align with the curriculum and a comprehensive web filter to ensure safe and focused learning
Digital Textbooks & Resources – Access to a wide range of interactive and up-to-date learning materials, allowing students to engage with content through multimedia enhancements, search functions, and annotation tools.
School Locker – A personal locker for secure storage of belongings, helping students move through the school day with ease and without unnecessary weight.
Safe & Structured Online Access – The iPad’s web filter ensures that internet use is carefully monitored and restricted to age-appropriate, educational content. This, alongside the curated apps, allows students to explore learning in a secure and structured way
Financial Support
If your daughter is entitled to Free School Meals, she will automatically receive the Ready to Learn Bundle at no cost If you are not currently receiving Free School Meals but believe you may be eligible, please contact the school office for further information. By embracing digital learning at Holy Cross, we provide students with personalised, interactive, and collaborative experiences that extend beyond traditional education, preparing them for success both in school and beyond
PARENTAL CONTRIBUTION
Service to The Holy Cross School
The main source of income for this fund is the incredibly generous voluntary monthly and annual donations made by many of our students’ families These contributions have enabled us to deliver a number of improvements over the past few years. In the last three years, we have completely refurbished two blocks of toilets, restructured our Red Doors entrance, completed the security of the school perimeter fencing, and purchased resources such as Chromebooks and Unifrog (our Careers Education Platform) You will be aware of the tough financial climate, and how schools are facing increasing challenges due to changes in the way they are funded, making the cost of delivering education ever greater. Funding issues, combined with some critical infrastructure improvements that need to be made to secure the quality of the learning environment, mean that The Service to The Holy Cross School Fund is more important now than ever to help provide what is so desperately needed without diverting core school funds away from front-line activities.
As a school, we receive only £21k per year to budget for all our maintenance and building improvements. If you have recently fitted a kitchen or bathroom, you will know that £21k for a school of 980 students gives us very little scope for projects beyond basic maintenance. I offer the following as an indication of how a little can quickly accumulate into a really useful sum, which, when combined with more donations, can give us the power to do something truly beneficial for the pupils:
53 pence per child per school day equates to £100 per child per year
39 pence per child per school day equates to £75 per child per year
26 pence per child per school day equates to £50 per child per year All the above options are considerably cheaper than many daily newspapers or that coffee bought on the way into work or on the High Street
Please click on the link HERE to set up a regular monthly payment to support our school. If you are willing to contribute and are a UK taxpayer, please tick the Gift Aid box, as this allows us to claim a further 25p from the Government for every £1 that is donated
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (PFA)
“The majority of parents are extremely positive and appreciative of the opportunities the school provides for their children and the inclusive nature of the community.”
Catholic Schools Inspectorate 2024
Many of our parents and carers were members of very active primary school PTAs and will have enjoyed the connection to the school. We are very blessed to have a hugely enthusiastic and motivated PFA who are really keen to support Holy Cross and create a family of parents/carers who all work together with the aim of enhancing the experience for our students. When your daughter joins Holy Cross, you automatically become a member of the PFA. The PFA is an opportunity for parents/carers to get involved in our school community while raising much needed funds that will benefit your daughter at the school
The PFA have contributed towards several fundraising efforts, including the school’s Future Tech Learning Studio, art tables, catering facilities in the Sixth Form as well as the purchase of 3D printers They also run a monthly Lotto Parents, carers and staff can purchase a number for just £5 which goes into a monthly draw (you can purchase as many numbers as you like) - each month’s winning number wins 25% of the monthly contribution - it’s a brilliant and fun way to raise money for the school. You can sign up to the monthly Lotto HERE.
The biggest fundraiser is our annual Christmas Fair, but the PFA also runs other popular events like a Pizza & Bingo night, school discos for Years 7 and 8, and providing refreshments at the Carol Service and Rock & Pop Concert Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big commitment whether you run a stall, help with logistics, source raffle prizes, or simply put up event posters, every bit of support makes a difference. Even helping at just one event a year would be hugely appreciated!
The PFA would love to welcome new members, so if you are interested, please email: pfaholycross@outlook.com.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Ms Silvana Saragosa-Voysey
PA to Headteacher, Admissions Manager
Tel: 020 8714 5039
Email: ssarag1@holycross kingston sch uk
Mrs Kristina Vakulya Student Services Officer
Tel: 020 8714 5027
Email: kvakulya@holycross kingston sch uk
Mrs Charlotte Cappalonga SEND Coordinator
Please call 020 8714 5051 to arrange an appointment
Email: ccappalonga1@holycross kingston sch uk
School Finance Officer
Tel: 020 8714 5028
Email: financeofficer@holycross.kingston.sch.uk
School Uniform Supplier
School-Zone, 3rd floor
Bentalls Department Store Wood Street
Kingston upon Thames Tel: 020 8541 6790
www school-zone co uk