cw_summer26_final

CROSS WIRE

DATES

POSTCARD FROM KENYA

For the third consecutive year, Sixth Form students have travelled to Kenya to volunteer in schools from underprivileged areas. Ms Ellis and Mrs Rex have accompanied 17 girls on the trip, and here is a dispatch from them ...

This trip really is something special. The experience has been amazing. All the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly, and our hosts from the African Adventures charity have been fabulous.

Our staff have been raising money to buy resources for the Ungana Academy School. Their generosity has been incredible, and the school have been overwhelmed by their support

The adjacent photo shows only around one-third of the supplies that have been purchased thanks to their contributions. Together, we have been able to provide paints and paintbrushes, balls, skipping ropes, hula hoops, whiteboard markers, lots and lots of reams of paper, exercise books, pens, pencils, crayons, poster paper, maths sets for Years 5 and 6, Good News Bibles for every class (each with a special inscription from Holy Cross), underwear, sanitary pads, hand soap, and a fully stocked first aid kit.

We are also purchasing new textbooks to support the Year 5 and 6 students as they prepare for their examinations. In addition, a significant amount of the funds raised is being used to repair the school’s photocopier, which is essential for printing practice exam papers. These are practical resources that will be used every day. They will help teachers teach more effectively, support students as they learn, and ensure children have access to materials that many of us take for granted.

Beyond the items themselves, the generosity of our staff and the hard work of our girls sends a simple but powerful message that this school matters, these teachers matter, and these students matter.

Mrs Rex, Ms Ellis, and the Year 12 girls

THINK ABOUT THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BE ... AND THE DIFFERENCE YOU WANT TO MAKE

Well... we’ve made it! Another school year has flown by, and before you disappear for a wellearned summer break, I wanted to say one very important thing...

Thank you.

Thank you for your hard work, your determination, and the energy you bring to Holy Cross every single day. Schools are about people, and it is you who make Holy Cross such a special place to be.

One of my favourite parts of every day is simply seeing you around school. Whether we’re chatting in the corridors, catching up in the canteen, sharing a joke, celebrating good news or just exchanging a smile and a “Good morning”, those moments remind me why I love being your Headteacher. And hopefully I have managed to make the canteen queues move a little bit faster too!

This year has been full of reasons to be proud. You’ve challenged yourselves in lessons, represented the school brilliantly, supported one another and shown kindness in so many different ways. Every achievement, whether it’s a top exam result, improving your attendance, helping a friend or simply refusing to give up when something felt difficult, matters. Never underestimate how much progress you’ve made.

Your commitment to Catholic Social Teaching has been quite honestly amazing and I am so proud of you. Thanks to your enthusiasm and engagement we have achieved our Oscar Romero Innovator Level Award - we are the first

mainstream secondary school in the country to achieve this! I am so proud of you! Thank you for all the fantastic fundraising you have done to show solidarity and promote the human dignity of those less fortunate - you have raised £9,750 this year!

As you head into the holidays, I’d like to leave you with a simple challenge: remember the Three R’s: Rest; Relax; Recharge.

Sleep a little longer (without spending the whole day in bed!), put your phones down and spend time with the people who matter most, get outside, laugh, make memories and do the things that make you happy.

I’d also encourage you to make a little space for God this summer. Whether that’s through prayer, going to Mass, taking a quiet walk, reading something inspirational or simply sitting quietly and reflecting, remember that God is always with you. Sometimes it’s in the quieter moments that we hear Him most clearly.

Before we break up, please don’t forget to say thank you to the staff who have helped you this year. Teachers, support staff, catering staff, site staff, office staff, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors — so many people work hard every day to make Holy Cross the school it is. A few kind words can make someone’s day.

Sadly, we’ll also be saying goodbye to some members of staff who are moving on to exciting new adventures — you’ll read about them in this edition. If you get the chance, please wish them well and thank them for everything they’ve

done. They have been an important part of our Holy Cross family and they will miss you very much.

Although the summer is a time to relax, don’t let your brain take the whole six weeks off! Read a book you’ve always wanted to try, learn something new, practise a skill, revisit some of your learning or discover a new hobby. Get your pencil case ready for September, and if you fancy it, choose yourself a new academic diary.

Most importantly, think about the person you want to be when you return in September. Not just the grades you want to achieve,

but the kindness you want to show, the confidence you want to build and the difference you want to make. Remember, every new school year is a fresh opportunity to become an even

better version of yourself.

Finally, never forget this: you are loved by God, you are valued by this school, and you each have gifts that only you can bring to the world.

Believe in yourselves, look after one another and never stop aiming high. You belong here.

Have an amazing summer. Stay safe, make wonderful memories, be kind, and come back in September ready for another fantastic year.

I can’t wait to welcome you all back.

See you in September!

With every good wish,

Your very proud Headteacher

AN OVATION FOR OUR INNOVATION!

Holy Cross recognised for our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching

The Holy Cross School has achieved the Oscar Romero Award at Innovator Level!

The award acknowledges that the school recognises and celebrates all it does as a Christian community, enabling individuals to live life to the full. It also praises the school for challenging itself in finding new ways to spread good news to its community and beyond.

At Innovator Level, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) principles are seen in action in all areas of the school, and the school demonstrates that it is sharing this with other schools.

The award was confirmed following a validation visit that took place at the start of July. This involved interviews with staff, students, governors and parents, as well as lesson observations across a range of subjects.

Members of the awarding team were delighted to see that CST principles were embedded throughout the curriculum, integrating key themes of solidarity and human dignity into everyday teaching.

“This award shows that our CST principles are central to everything we do at The Holy Cross,” said Ms Jimenes.

Leah Macartan (9Peace) was part of the student team accompanying validators on their tour of the school.

“We took validators around the school and directed them to classrooms to observe some lessons,” said Leah. “My team and I explained to them how CST underpins a lot of what we do in school, specifically the renovations to the Peace Garden. We wanted to make it a more natural environment, relating to principles of Stewardship and Care For Creation.

“It was really nice to be able to show the validators what our school is like, and how we relate CST across all subjects. I think they very much enjoyed the tour.”

“I was part of a group talk as part of my role as Social Justice Ambassador,” explained Brielle Aka (10Peace). “We spoke about participation in CST outside of classes, including extracurricular activities, charity drives, and non-uniform days, raising money for charities such as Voices for Hope and Oxygen. I enjoyed being able to demonstrate what we’ve achieved - especially in Duke of Edinburgh, strengthening communication and independence skills, and

MathsPod, where I’ve been able to help younger students - and also how our parents have taken on board the lessons from what we have been doing, being able to incorporate CST principles into their daily lives.”

Sophie Danes (8Faith) said: “There was a big group of us who met the validators in the Chapel. They asked us for specific things we do in the school: we had lots to talk about, including Student Council, Eco Reps, and the Social Justice Ambassadors team. We also spoke about the charity drives we have organised, including events for WaterAid and Breast Cancer Awareness. It was really nice to express our accomplishments that we have given the school.”

Catholic Social Teaching underpins our school ethos, and our teaching and learning. Our commitment to this is recognised through the Oscar Romero Award, starting in 2022, and achieving the Developer Level in 2024. Our progress would not have been possible without the commitment and hard work of our students, their parents and caregivers, tutors, and teachers: a demonstration of how well we work as a team at The Holy Cross!

TOTES AMAZEBALLS!

Year 9 students unleashed their creativity to excellent effect during their Spring Term DT Textiles project.

Students were tasked with creating their own tote bags completely from scratch - from initial design ideas all the way through to production, developing technical skills such as threading and controlling a sewing machine.

The results were incredible! It was great to see such a high level of creativity across a variety of themes including nature, music, childhood characters, and the seaside - while students developed essential life skills in problem-solving and collaboration, which was a particular strength. Students were fantastic at supporting one another throughout the process and especially when the sewing machines got a bit tricky - true teamwork in action!

YEAR 10 ENJOY AN A-LEVEL EXPERIENCE

Year 10 students were able to get a taste of Sixth Form life as they came off timetable to experience some A Level taster sessions.

The girls took part in five 45-minute lessons in subjects they are considering studying at Key Stage 5, from Maths and History to Psychology and Law.

“The day was about experiencing a day like the sixth formers at our school,” explained Julia Niec (10Faith). “Teachers explained what topics we would learn, the structure of the exams, the paths the subject opens up, and which teachers teach the subjects.

“We had break and lunch times in the Sixth Form Learning Zone, and we dressed formally in line with the dress code.

“I really enjoyed the Sociology session as we got to have a debate and were able to discuss our views.”

Mr Oliver, Head of Sixth Form, said: “The day went really well, and it was a tremendously positive experience for all the students.”

AN INSPIRING AFTERNOON AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

A group of Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed a fantastic afternoon at Stamford Bridge in June, as part of a programme to get girls involved in sport.

The Chelsea Foundation Inspire Her scheme mixes classroom activities with football training for students in both primary and secondary school settings.

Our girls have been involved in the scheme since October, with staff from the Foundation coming into school to deliver afterschool sessions.

The Summer Festival took place in the first week of June, and gave the girls the chance to train and play matches on the Stamford Bridge pitch. They were also given a stadium tour, as well as the opportunity to take part in a range of other activities, such as face painting and bike riding.

“It was an inspiring day for the girls,” said Ms Garcia, who accompanied the group. “It’s great to see a programme empower girls to take part in sport.”

The Chelsea Foundation hopes the programme will drive girls’ participation in football.

SUCCESS AT THE BALLOT BOX FOR YEAR 7 GIRLS

The school are incredibly proud that five of our Year 7 students have been elected to the Kingston & Richmond Youth Council!

The girls were elected by their peers: nearly 6,000 students voted, with 44 members elected across the boroughs.

The team will volunteer a few hours a week to the KRYC, where, as Youth Councillors, the girls will meet regularly to represent the voices of young people in our local community.

They will also take part in training sessions to learn more about the role of local councillors, and the

issues facing the local area.

The Kingston and Richmond Youth Council represents local young people, organising campaigns on critical issues such as climate change, mental health, and safety.

It is wonderful to see such

enthusiasm for civic engagement at such a young age.

The future of our community is clearly in very capable handsand who knows, we may well be looking at future leaders - and maybe even Prime Ministers! We are very proud of you girls!

SUMMER TERM

AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE...

Mr Zapata details Year 10’s insight into industry project ...

In late June, our Year 10 students took part in an exciting Project-Based Enrichment Day, bringing together the subjects of Business, Computer Science, Design & Technology (DT), English and Media to transform innovative ideas into real businesses.

Working collaboratively in teams, students were challenged to identify a real-world problem, develop a creative solution and launch their own business concept. Throughout the day, they designed products, created branding and marketing materials, developed websites and presentations, wrote persuasive business pitches, and explored the exciting possibilities of 3D printing by designing and producing prototypes for their ideas.

The event encouraged students to think like entrepreneurs, using creativity, teamwork and problem-solving to overcome challenges. Students applied DT skills to design and prototype innovative products, English skills to communicate their ideas through persuasive presentations and written content, and Computer Science and Media skills to develop digital solutions, branding and promotional materials. Each team assigned roles, managed their time effectively and pitched their business idea to an audience, demonstrating confidence, communication skills and professionalism.

Participating in the enrichment day gave students valuable handson experience in projectbased learning, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to realistic business scenarios. They strengthened their

leadership, collaboration and presentation skills while gaining practical experience in business planning, product design, digital media, communication and technology. The opportunity to create prototypes using 3D printing gave students a real insight into modern product development and manufacturing.

Students also began building a portfolio of work that can support future college, university and career applications. By taking a project from concept to presentation, they developed entrepreneurial thinking, digital literacy, creativity and resilience, skills that are highly valued in further education and the workplace. The day was filled with enthusiasm, innovation and collaboration, with every team producing impressive ideas and demonstrating excellent teamwork. It was inspiring to see students combining knowledge from different subjects, supporting one another and bringing their ideas to life.

A huge congratulations to all the teams who participated, and especially to our winning projects, whose creativity, teamwork and innovation stood out throughout the competition. This enrichment initiative showcased the incredible talent within our Year 10 cohort and demonstrated the power of crosscurricular learning, preparing students with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to succeed in future education, careers and an ever-changing digital world.

Stop, and think

Take your mind to those behind the screen

Take a minute - does this link?

It doesn’t take long to realise the wrong in

Health misinformation, Disregarding qualifications

Of those who truly study the deep complications

Of conditions ruining lives, Of our nations, generations

Precious, frustrating lives, Let’s not invalidate, but help to save them

You told me you have dyslexia

So I said oh - you do?

“Oh no I’ve never seen a doctor

But I make a couple spelling mistakes sometimes so ...

“Oh I’m so depressed”

So I asked “Do you need to talk”

“Oh no its good I just can’t be bothered to walk ... to my next lesson

Did you double check that skincare product

That “claims to eliminate 99% of whiteheads”

Are you replacing your GP with That diet hack or tablet claiming XYZ?

A psychiatrist’s 20 years of practice

Is now being replaced by 20 second reels

When what they have to say could save a life, Can you even imagine how that feels?

It’s ridiculous, we assume before we even blink

So next time you see these posts, lets have a Stop, and think.

Sedina Ayidah (10Mercy)

GUESS the TEACHER

Can you work out the identity of these three teachers?

Favourite ...

Film: Parent Trap

TV Show: Prison Break

Musician: Olivia Dean

Sport: Football

Restaurant: Any Japanese Restaurant

Dream Holiday: Skiing in Canada

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a forensic psychologist

Favourite ...

Sport: Figure Skating

Musician: Olivia Dean

Book: Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh

Film: High School Musical 3

Restaurant: Pizza Express

Dream Holiday: Maldives

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a Just Dance dancer

Favourite ...

Film: Home Alone

Musician: Ed Sheeran

Book: I can’t pick just one!

Restaurant: Bill’s

Sport: Football and Tennis

Dream Holiday: Japan

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would be ... a diplomat or interpreter

1

WHAT CONNECTS THESE FOUR HOLY CROSS TEACHERS?

2

RIDDLE WHAT HAS 13 (yes, THIRTEEN!) HEARTS, BUT no OTHER ORGANS?

3

Rearrange the letters to find three

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 ...

MS GORDON

For more than two decades, Ms Gordon has been part of the fabric of Holy Cross. Through it all, she’s remained exactly the same: calm, wise, dependable - and quietly brilliant. As Deputy Head, she’s led with integrity, wisdom and kindness. She’s one of those rare leaders who never needed to remind people she was in charge. You simply knew she was. She earned respect rather than demanded it.

To me, though, she’ll always be a fellow historian. I tried to guesstimate the number of students Ms Gordon has taught in her career - but I ran out of fingers.

Let’s just say that thousands of students have passed through her classroom and emerged with an understanding of Weimar Germany, the rise of Nazism, and why democracy should never be taken for granted.

On a personal level, however, this tribute is much more than saying goodbye to an outstanding teacher. It’s saying thank you to a colleague and a friend.

Over twenty years, we’ve shared classrooms, ideas, frustrations, laughter, school trips, results days, inspections, and all the moments in between that only teachers truly understand. It has been a genuine privilege to have shared that journey with her.

History teaches us that not every legacy is built by emperors, prime ministers, or generals. Sometimes they are built by a Deputy Head who quietly turns up every day for over twenty years, teaches children to think rather than simply remember, supports colleagues without ever seeking recognition, and leaves a school immeasurably better than she found it. That’s the kind of history worth remembering.

Ms Gordon, thank you for your friendship, your wisdom, your humour, and everything you’ve given to this school.

Ms Kay

Having known Ms Gordon throughout her time at the school, I have been privileged to work closely with her on the Senior Leadership Team.

Ms Gordon is the ultimate professional who addresses all that she is either involved in or responsible for with a tenacity for ensuring robust protocols and systems are in place for the benefit of the school, students and staff. Areas including Careers, Examinations, School Trips and Teacher Training are successfully managed in the school due to systems created and monitored by Ms Gordon.

Her wide range of experience and skills resulting from over 40 years in education makes her the go to person for staff and students. Ms Gordon will never say no, will not cease until an issue is resolved, and approaches matters whilst encouraging others to develop their skills at the same time. A trusted and valued friend of mine, Ms Gordon is a cornerstone of strength in the school and impossible to replace.

Mr Horwood

MR HORWOOD

At Easter, we said goodbye to Mr Horwood, the school’s Finance Director. Mr Horwood began work at Holy Cross in 1994, and for over three decades, his expertise and commitment have been fundamental to our school’s stability and growth.

He has seen this school evolve from a maintained school back when it was called the Holy Cross Convent School, to a voluntary aided school, and finally to an academy. Through every transition, Mr Horwood has been there, quietly, reliably, and thoughtfully guiding the school forward. While structures and systems changed, one thing never did: his unwavering loyalty and dedication. He is generous to a fault, always putting other people before himself.

He has always been prepared to listen, providing sound advice to both staff and students over the years, as well as tea and sympathy. He is loved and respected by both support and teaching staff, known for his sense of humour and love of egg and chips.

A Loyal Wolves supporter, he has spent decades trying to educate the staff about why Wolves are the only team worth supporting, with less success than he might have hoped for.

But more than that, Mr Horwood has been a true friend to all those with whom he has worked, forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

His presence will be greatly missed at Holy Cross, but his legacy of hard work and integrity remains. We wish you a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

Ms Gordon

MisS ISAACS

It’s hard to believe that Miss Isaacs has packed so much into her time with Holy Cross since joining the school in 2023 - a period that can only be described as a whirlwind few years!

From inspiring students in Sociology and Business, to beginning her pastoral journey as a Year 9 tutor and proudly seeing that tutor group through to Year 11, Miss Isaacs has always put the students at the heart of everything she does. As if that wasn’t enough, she also stepped into the role of Head of Year 9, embracing every challenge with positivity, dedication and a great sense of humour.

Miss Isaacs has also been pro-active in organising and attending many trips, including New York, Cornwall, Paris amongst many. She has been a valued colleague and a real champion for our young people. Her energy, kindness and willingness to go the extra mile have been appreciated by everyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside her.

While we are sad to see her leave, we are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed during her time with us. We wish Miss Isaacs every success and happiness in her new role and know she will continue to make a difference wherever she goes.

Ms White

MR ROEBUCK

We are very sad to see Mr Roebuck leave after seven years at Holy Cross. In his time with us, he has predominantly worked with Sixth Form students as both a teacher and a tutor, and his impact can be measured in both the subject results they have achieved and in the support they have been given with their university and employment applications.

Having set up and run his own business before joining us, it was perhaps no surprise that when he arrived he took on the challenge of teaching BTEC Business and setting up Economics A Level at the school. The subject consistently attracts large numbers of students who love how the subject relates to the real world we live in and many have secured excellent examination results due to his teaching and one-to-one support.

Mr Roebuck has also pioneered the use of AI in teaching and assessment to the benefit of his own classes, and through the training that he has also delivered to teachers here: his legacy will be a long and lasting one. We wish you well in the future Mr Roebuck and thank you for all you have achieved at Holy Cross!

Mr Oliver

MRS KOFFLER

We are very sad to see Mrs Koffler depart the school after 13 years of service as an Exam Invigilator and Teachers’ Administrator.

Mrs Koffler has been an incredible asset to the school, providing information and support to all staff with various admin tasks, photocopying and ensuring all trips/visits paperwork and payments are up to date.

Always willing to help others, Mrs Koffler has always gone the extra mile to ensure events run smoothly.

We wish Mrs Koffler all the best for the future and hope she enjoys a wonderful, restful retirement.

Ms Peters

MS TABIDZE

After five wonderful years as a Learning Support Assistant at Holy Cross, Ms Tabize is moving on to an exciting new chapter as she begins her teacher training in Mathematics.

During her time with us, Ms Tabidze has supported many pupils and has been a valued member of the school community. We would like to thank her for her contribution over the years and wish her every success as she takes this next step in her career. We will certainly miss her creativity in the kitchen too, and have enjoyed sharing many of her delicious homemade cakes over the years! We thank her sincerely for all she has given and we wish her every blessing in the future.

Mrs Cappalonga

Senora ANZOLA

This term, we say a fond farewell to Señora Anzola, our wonderful Spanish teacher, who joined the MFL department in September 2025. From the very beginning, she brought enthusiasm, kindness and a genuine passion for helping every student succeed. Her engaging lessons, caring nature and positive energy have made a lasting impact on our school community.

Beyond the classroom, she threw herself into school life by supporting many clubs, school events and trips. Señora Anzola is now taking time to focus on her writing career and to spend more time with her family in Venezuela. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to our students and our school. We wish her every success with all the exciting adventures that lie ahead. ¡Buena suerte y gracias por todo, Señora Anzola!

ms ekanayake

Since joining us in January, Mrs E has become a valued member of our school community. She has approached every challenge with determination, resilience and a genuine commitment to supporting Holy Cross and our students. She has had to put in great effort, adapt, and grow throughout the year, and many students have benefited from the encouragement, care, and support she has shown them.

Thank you, Mrs E, for everything you have given to our school community. We wish you every happiness and success as you begin the next chapter of your career. We know you will continue to grow and make a positive difference wherever you go.

MR HEENEY

We are very sorry to say goodbye to Mr Heeney after one term here at The Holy Cross.

Mr Heeney has been a huge asset to the English department in his short time here, delivering outstanding lessons across all year groups and supporting our students in making excellent progress.

Mr Heeney has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school, and has not only got the best out of his classes, but has also provided invaluable advice and support to his colleagues in the department.

We wish Mr Heeney all the best in his next steps in teaching.

Ms Duizend

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE HOLY CROSS HOUSE COMPETITION 2026: FAITH!

IF THIS FEELS LIKE DE JA VU, IT’S BECAUSE FAITH WERE LAST YEAR’S WINNERS TOO! AND THEY HAVE ONCE AGAIN SET A RECORD, WINNING BY A MARGIN OF 1,358 POINTS! can they make it a hat-trick in 2027? it’s up to the other houses to stop them - it’s going to be a hard TASK!

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the blessings you have given us as we approach the end of another school year.

Thank you for the friendships made, the lessons taught, and the laughter along the way. Thank you for the efforts of our teachers who are always doing their best to educate and guide their pupils.

As we move towards our summer break, may we continue to grow closer to you as we share special times with family and friends.

May we share the Good News with others so they may also experience your love and grace.