Rebecca Lenzi Appointed Head

Girlby Hollie Sheehan

Year 12• • •

Rebecca Lenzi is Holy Cross’ recently appointed head girl. Rebecca moved to England when she was just seven years old, unable to speak any English at all. However, you would never guess that she was anything but a native speaker. She is currently studying History, English literature, Government and Politics, Performing Arts and Italian. Rebecca has thought about going to University in Italy as she believes “you should always keep your options open”. Rebecca spoke to us about her role as head girl and what she hopes to achieve in this role. She also compared her life in Italy to her life here in England; as well as her love for the sense of community in Italy which she hopes to encourage within Holy Cross School.

Why do you think you were chosen as head girl and what can you bring to the role?I think that everyone that applied deserved it. I was up against some talented and hard working young ladies. To be appointed head girl was such an honour- it’s such an achievement for me. I want to work mostly with the younger years and guide them in the right direction, to form a bond and work together. Hopefully during my time as head girl I wish to make big changes to the canteen.

Did you expect to be appointed head girl, was it a shock?It was such a shock! I didn’t think I was going to get it. I’m a different kind of head girl to the past ones.

How did you family and friends react when you told them the news?Well, my mum wouldn’t pick up the phone. I wasn’t meant to really tell anyone but the minute I saw my friends I told them. Everyone was really happy; I don’t think my mum thought I was going to get it.

What have you had to do so far in your role?I’ve been very busy! I stayed for the year 7 open evening and have been organising to get the prefects and deputies photos taken. I’ve been introducing myself and have spoken to everyone during the whole school assembly.

HOLY CROSSSUMMER 2010 NEWSLETTER

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Are you enjoying the role so far?Yeah, I love it! I think I was born to lead people! I just want to work as a community as Mr Gibson would say. I don’t feel like I’m head girl, it’s no different yet.

What are you most looking forward to?The prom! Prom is the main one. The new year will be an exciting challenge but my only concern is the year will pass to quickly- I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to everyone at Holy Cross. Like a bird leaving the nest, leaving home. I look forward to fulfilling my role as head girl, doing the best I can.

Do you have any plans for next year?My plan is to succeed in my A level exams. I want to go to university; I’m torn between doing a history degree and a one year law conversion or just doing a law degree, as I want to be a barrister. I’ve looked at Cambridge University and fell in love with it. I also looked at a few others so I’ll have to see if I get the grades, touch wood.

Final thoughts;I will try to do my very best as head girl and hope to succeed. I want to be remembered as a cheerful and reliable head girl, who will help to make the school happy and successful.

Last year’s head girl, Shona Ginty at the Valentine’s afternoon for the

elderly

A group of year 12 students with the residents of a local care home

Valentine’s Afternoon for the elderly

Senior prefect, Rachel Cruickshank atthe Valentine’s party for the elderly

‘It’s always about the students…’

by Hollie SheehanYear 12

• • •Mrs Croggon took the time out to speak to 6th form briefly about her year as Head Teacher of Holy Cross. As well as carrying out her duties as Head Teacher, Mrs Croggon also completed her doctorate in philosophy at King’s College London, so it has been an extremely busy and exciting year for her. After being Deputy Head for thirteen years, she said how interesting she found the year’s experiences as well as how insightful it was and “a great honour”. Although she enjoyed the role, she is looking forward to Mr Gibson’s return in September. ‘We have a good partnership, his strengths are my weaknesses and my strengths are his weaknesses so we’re a balanced team.’

When asked to describe her highlight of the year, Mrs Croggon became quite emotional. She explained the moving assembly towards the end of last year and how Mr Gibson had handed her the names of all the students in the school. Mrs Croggon took the names during the ceremony and made the promise to look after

the students and return the names to Mr Gibson after her year in the role. Mrs Croggon also mentioned the sixth form ball and the Investors in People as her highlights. The most challenging situations that our acting Head teacher has faced were definitely the natural disasters that have taken place this year, including the snow days and the volcanic ash; when 17 members of staff were delayed and unable to return to school. ‘Making the right decision is very important’.

Over the past twelve months Mrs Croggon hopes that she has inspired the students of the school; “being a woman you can be the best you can be’. She believes she has ‘brought life to the teachers and staff and encouraged them to attempt new things.” Mrs Croggon’s hopes for next year are to work on teaching and learning. To ensure students are happy, because when they are, they progress more. She will also see how she can apply her doctorate. So overall it has been a successful year

Mr Gibson’s Return

by Amy McFadden and Hollie Sheehan

Year 12• • •

This year, Mr. Gibson took some time out of the role as Head Teacher to work for Ofsted where he was trained to inspect a variety of schools. After Christmas he led inspections of secondary schools across the south east of England. ‘It was fascinating to see how schools work in comparison to Holy Cross and seeing children in different circumstances. It made me appreciate the Holy Cross staff and students.’ Working for Ofsted

was a completely different environment to working at Holy Cross ‘ I thoroughly enjoyed my year at Ofsted, I met lots of people and learnt a great deal.’ Although he enjoyed his experience he missed Holy Cross ‘massively’, particularly the people, the friendships and the welcome he gets from the community at Holy Cross. “As an inspector people are charming to your face, yet happy when you leave…” Mr. Gibson is really happy to be returning and has lots of new ideas to make the school even better. He’s looking forward to the next school year, meeting the new staff and trying to implement the things he’s seen

to make our school even better. His role at Ofsted was for one year only, but he may continue inspecting once a term as it would be good practice, however he wouldn’t want to work there permanently. When asked how he felt how Mrs. Croggon had performed as head teacher he answered ‘Fantastic! She will be a hard act to follow.’

A New Beginning

by Amy McFaddenYear 12

With the school year almost over, we thought it would be a good idea to find out how the first year at Holy Cross had been for one year 7 student. Like everyone starting a new school it was nerve racking for Krystyna Brennan but she settled in quickly. ‘It was easy to settle in here and to make friends as everyone was really friendly. I wanted to come here because my sister came here and really liked it, plus I like it as it’s a Catholic school and it’s local, making it easier to get here.’ The year has been busy for the new year sevens with lots of activities to get involved in and trips to go on. ‘ I really enjoyed the trip to Marchants Hill in the first few weeks of year seven and I’m really looking forward to the trip this week to Paris- especially as we get to go to Disney, see the Eiffel tower and go on a boat cruise.’ When the new students start, they’re split into tutor groups from the first day and then later into teaching groups.’ I liked being put in our tutor groups because I knew a few people and it was easier to get to know the other people in my group. My group had two tutors which was good as they were both nice.’ When asked if she had enjoyed her first year here, Krystyna said ‘Yes I’m glad I came here- I’ve made a lot of friends. The lessons are good and maths is my favourite because I like to learn new things and it will be useful for the future. I’m looking forward to the next few years,especially sixth form as there is no uniform, but I’m also really nervous for exams.’

MRS EATON

The End of an EraBy Stephanie Horsley Year 12

One month ago, the school bid farewell to another group of year eleven’s before taking their

final GCSE exams. It was a sad occasion after the girls’ spent five years together, experiencing

many events both in and outside of school. To celebrate the end of an era, the school took the

year group to Thorpe Park, which was an extremely successful and memorable day for all.

“Getting to know the students and being able to make a difference has been an absolute

highlight for me”, says Miss McCann, head of Year 11. “The year on the whole was a success,

we faced a few challenges along the way, but nothing we couldn’t handle”, she continued.

Despite more students wanting to stay than ever before, Miss McCann would like to wish all

those leaving all the best for the future on whichever path they decide to follow and to not

forget the school. On a final note, remember, “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me!”.

Mrs Eaton is the head of Year 7 and has been for many years now. Working with the year groups in their first year at Holy Cross has meant she has been able to help them become comfortable with being here so that they can move up through the years successfully. As always there has been a lot for the new year group to get involved in with events such as fundraising with the help of the 6th Formers, road safety workshops, a Shakespeare day and visits to the theatre such as when they went to see Treasure Island at the Rose Theatre in Kingston- all of which were very successful. Every year the Year seven’s have a night to raise money for Holy Cross’ main charity Street Child Africa. This year they had a pirate theme where everyone dressed up including the teachers, “this was one of the highlights of the year, seeing everyone taking part.” This week the year group as a whole are going on their annual residential trip to Paris for 3 days where they will visit Disney land Paris- and you can tell they are all looking forward to a lot! When asked about the year and how it’s progressed she said “Time flies when you’re having fun. I’m pleased that as a year group they have all settled in very well and are all now fully initiated into what life at holy cross means. There have been many challenges but as usual we as a year group have, in many areas, reached for the stars.”

The Pope’s Visit – With Mrs Lucas

By Nirthana ThiruketheeswaranYear 12

Holy Cross was selected out of many other Catholic school in the country to send 5 students to visit the Pope on his trip to London, so we allocated one place per year group from Year 7 – 10 and from the whole of 6th form. Many Students applied to take place in the event. They were then shortlisted and then names were picked out of a hat. The students who were chosen are: Ellen Clancy (Year 7), Ayanda Mhwambi (Year 8), Dixie Madden (Year 9), Shannon Hale (Year 10) and Rebecca Lenzi (Year 12)There will be approximately 3000 children and young people attending the event at St. Mary’s University College in Strawberry Hill on Friday 17th September 2010. He will be visiting the UK from the 16th-19th September.At the moment, the school has only been given general details about what will happen on the day, however, it is likely that there will be an assembly lasting for one hour. We are unsure what the Pope will be addressing in this assembly but it is likely that he will focus on celebrating Catholic education, encouraging the young people to be committed to their faith which will be followed by a prayer and a Papal blessing.

What would be so special to you about meeting the Pope?We are unlikely to personally get to meet the Pope, however when I attended a papal audience in Rome, I was struck by how the Pope radiated warmth and peace as he passed by. This is something that cannot be conveyed in images on TV or in a photograph.

What do you hope to gain from this experience personally?I am sure that I will be moved by the event because it is such a unique experience. I am passionate about Catholic education and look forward to celebrating this with so many young people and hearing the Pope speak directly to them.

What do you hope the girls to gain from the experience? I would hope that the girls will be inspired from being in the presence of the Pope and 3000 other young Catholics. Many of the students who applied, hoped that their faith would be strengthened. In the process of growing up, young people can have doubts and question their faith.

Miss Thompson

by Stephanie Horsley Year 12

• • •

This year, Miss Thompson took on the role as of Head of Year 9 for the first time. Miss Thompson, a PE teacher has certainly enjoyed the experience and the challenge of managing 150 girls.

This year has certainly been memorable for the Head of Year as she has helped the year 9 Wimbledon ball girls, organised a year trip to the musical “Legally Blonde” and an olympic enterprise day.

Miss Thompson has absolutely loved her time in the role and would like the chance to continue and guide another group of young girls in their end of year choices for their GCSE options. Nevertheless, there have been many challenges that Miss Thompson has had to face, trying to organise enough time in the day for students and parents

included. “However, everyday is something new and exciting”, she explained.

Last year, the PE teacher climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for a charity close to her heart, Help for Heroes. “If i had the chance to go back tomorrow, I would, I loved it”, Miss Thompson told us. Miss Thompson met some amazing people on her journey and shared

some amazing memories with them.

“If anyone has the chance to go, take it. It’s hard at times but absolutely worth it at the end”. In total, Miss Thompson raised £3,000 for the charity on her five day climb up the 19,340 ft mountain.

MRS COKER

Miss Coker has been part of the Holy Cross School for over 20 years now and has contributed to

the school community in many ways. Before retiring, she worked with the accounts ‘Of course back then I had to do it all in books because there were no computers or anything- I think I still have a few in my car !’ After officially retiring, Mr. Gibson asked her if she wanted to stay on at the school to help with lunch duty, or working on anything that’s needs doing within the school. ‘I love supporting anything that’s goes on here, the activities,

events- anything I can help with’ When asked what she loves most about Holy Cross she answered ‘The company. I’ve worked with children all my life and if I wasn’t here with everyone I would just be at home- I love working here.’

By Amy McFadden

and Hollie Sheehan

Year 10 Trip to HSBC

by Georgina ThompsonYear 12

• • •

Miss Derry recently took a group of Year 10 girls on a trip to HSBC bank in Canary Wharf so the girls could experience the real world of work.

The trip involved a talk from a HSBC member about the bank and what they do on an everyday basis. The girls saw that the HSBC staff complete a variety of daily tasks. In addition to this, the students received a talk from the HSBC school educational headquarters as the girls had to bring in their CV’s and were informed on why it is important to have a good CV and were furthermore provided with good quality interview techniques.

The students gained an understanding a working environment and the trip

helped them see that they already have good transferable skills such as social and leadership skills. Miss Derry continued to say that the trip was extremely successful and that she was very proud of the girls, as they were more than willing to give up their inset day to gain knowledge into the professional world of work.

Thailand6TH FORM FUNDRAISINGBreast cancer awareness: £1,300

Mencap: £126

Haiti Earthquake: £800

Thai Children’s Trust: £12,500

This year, nine year 12 students have been working hard to raise money for a charitable trip to Pattaya, Thailand. The girls needed to raise in the region of £12,500 for their trip which would cover their flight and accommodation costs, whilst also allowing the girls to donate money to the charities they will visit.

The students and two teachers accompanying the trip have been holding cake and sweet sales, bag packing at local supermarkets, holding entertainment evenings and much more in order to reach their target.

The girls will be supporting the Father Ray Foundation, which benefits many disadvantaged children’s lives. The Foundation takes in street children providing them with a home, education and a future. These projects include the Fr Ray Children’s Village and Children’s centre, the Pattaya School for the blind, the Fr Ray day care Centre and the Pattaya orphanage. During their visit they intend to give their time to as many of these projects as possible and their trip will certainly benefit all.

The girls decided to become involved in the trip and help out in any way they could after hearing the experiences of the students who have visited before. They are very excited about the trip after fundraising over a period of 5 months and there is no doubt that it will be an extremely rewarding experience. We wish the students and teachers a safe journey and wonderful trip.

By Stephanie Horsley

6TH FORM PHOTOS

LEAVERS’ BALL

Tim PrendergastBy Sarah Willis

Year 12

WIMBLEDON

BALL GIRLS This year Hannah Cruickshank, Jessica Reddy, Sarah O’Leary, Fabiola Hatahintwali, Ellen Keely, Hannah Gordon and Sophie Peters from Holy Cross were chosen to be Wimbledon Ball Girls. We spoke to Hannah C about the experience.

What was the best thing about Wimbledon? Everything but seeing Tim Henman was a highlight.

And the worst? It was lots of hard work.

Which players did you Ball Girl for? Cara Black and Liam Brody- a Junior finalist.

Who is you favourite tennis player? Rafael Nadal.

EARLIER THIS TERM THE ATHLETE AND SPORTS MENTOR, TIM PRENDERGAST CAME AND SPOKE TO THE YEAR 10 P.E STUDENTS ABOUT HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIS TRAINING REGIME. AT AGE EIGHT TIM PRENDERGAST BEGAN LOSING HIS VISION. AND WITHIN FIVE YEARS IT HAD DETERIORATED BY OVER 90%. DESPITE HIS RAPIDLY DETERIORATING SIGHT AND TROUBLES COMING TO TERMS WITH HIS IMPAIRMENT, TIM STILL HAD A

PASSION FOR SPORT AND FOUND A REAL ENJOYMENT IN RUNNING. TIM TRIED AND FAILED IN MANY RACES AS A JUNIOR. IN 2004 TIM REPRESENTED NEW ZEALAND AT HIS SECOND PARALYMPIC GAMES IN ATHENS WINNING THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE 800 METRES. TIM RECENTLY RAN AT THE BEIJING PARALYMPICS WHERE HE FINISHED JUST OUTSIDE THE MEDALS IN THE 1500 AND 5000 METRES. THE STUDENTS WHO MET TIM SAID THEY FOUND HIS SPEECH ‘VERY INSPIRATIONAL’. DESPITE HIS IMPAIRMENT HE TOLD THE STUDENTS HOW HE TRAINS 2-3 HOURS A DAY. ‘IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT EVEN IF YOU DO FAIL AT FIRST YOU SHOULDN’T GIVE UP. IF TIM CAN DO IT, THEN WE CAN DO IT TOO.’

Achievements

Year 7- Volleyball champions. 2nd place athletics in south qualifiers. Year 8/9- Basketball champions. Congratulations to the team: Jessica Reddy, Eva Hall, Rebeca Barnett, Madeline Cassidy, Sarah O’Leary, Beth Roche, Molly Gil, Miriam Assoufi, Cindy Toleza, Lana Alkhozali, Angel Nabakooza

Year 10- Congratulations to Dominika Wrobel who came 9th in Borough cross country

SPORTS PERSON OF

THE MOMENT

Pippa Wingate, Year 12Pippa came 1st in the Senior Girls

Hammer at the Surrey Schools Athletics, throwing 37.38m.

Source: http://www.coolrunning.co.nz/news/2004n011/TimPrendergast.jpg

Sporting Achievements 2009/2010By Marcella Urbina and Nirthana Thiruketheeswaran

Year 12

Year 7Girls Volleyball Championship: 27th May (2nd place) Faced Chessington Community College (CCC) who narrowly beat them 21-17 in the finalsSports-hall Athletics Team: 2nd place in South qualifiersWent on to compete in the Kingston final and achieved 4th place

Year 8/9Volleyball Championship: Beat CCC for 1st place

Basketball Team: Champions of borough competition 4th November Played against winners of two other boroughs with a loss against Harris Academy and a win against Orleans Park School11th March finals where we won and Jessica Reddy received the player of the match award Continued to London Zones final and were the only Kingston girls basketball team to get this farCongratulations to Jessica Reddy, Eve Hall, Rebecca Barnett, Madeline Cassidy, Sarah O’Leary, Beth Roach, Molly Gil, Miriam Assoufi, Cindy Toleza, Lana Alkhozali, Angel NabakoozaCricket Team: 7th July came in 3rd and took the highest number of wickets in a tournament

Year 9 Athletics team: Regained the U14 borough athletics trophy 3rd year running

Year 10/11Dominika Wrobel: Came 9th in the borough cross country and then went on to represent Surrey in the cross country championships

Congratulations to the following girls who represented Surrey in the Athletics Championships: Laura Reilly (Hurdles)Emma Walsh (Long Jump)Ilana Marismari (200m) Isobel Ward (Discus) Pippa Wingate (Hammer)

Congratulations to Ellen Towers and Fabiola Hatahintawali, who have been selected to become young ‘adistar’ ambassadors for the school and PE department. Their work will involve helping to assist the PE department and Kingston to raise the profile of PE and sport in the lead up to the Olympics in 2012.

by Rachel Cruickshank and Rebecca Lenzi

Year 12• • •

Monday 12th July 2010

The penultimate week of the summer term is work experience week. Sixth Form students either take part in a work experience

placement or work as part of a team on a work based problem. As a team, nine students; Emily Hollands, Rebecca Lenzi, Rachel Cruickshank, Vanessa Nakibuka,

Karis Prescott, Carmela Simeone, Aoife Bell, Jessica Lynagh and Miranda Wallace were asked to review the Holy Cross School Critical Incident

Policy and how it could be improved.

We set off from Holy Cross in the school minibus on our way to the Schlumberger offices in Gatwick. When we arrived we were greeted by Bernard Marley,

head of Health and Safety at Schlumberger and the days activities began. Our time at the office was both interesting and educational, and as well as

learning about the company we also learnt about aspects of Health and Safety that are

essential to The Holy Cross and

many businesses including Schlumberger and WesternGeco. Part of our training included carrying out a scenario that had been created for members of the

staff on the Management Team and as we stepped into our roles of Head teacher, Deputy Head teacher and various Assistant head teachers, the scenario

unfolded and we had to deal with the fictitious incidents. It was our responsibility to deal with anxious parents, pushy newspaper reporters and the

local authorities. We ended the day after we had been given our assignment and now the real work was to begin.

The next few days involved creating our own critical incident scenario that was to be used for training the senior members of staff, updating and reviewing the

Critical Incident Policy and

preparing our final presentation.

Although we had support from a number of teachers around school, for the most part we were on our own under the leadership of Emily Hollands.

Overall, every member of the team enjoyed and appreciated the experience. We would particularly like to thank Schlumberger and Western

Geco, for providing us with generous hospitality and showing us an insight into their company. The presentation was the last element of the week, and

possibly the most nerve wracking; to present our ideas to Mr Marley and other members of the Senior Management Team at Holy Cross. We hope our

work will be put into good use within the school especially because of the effort that we put in and the experience that we were given: overall, a true

insight into the world of work.

Holy Cross Girls Mean Business

Sister Margaretby Marcella Urbina

Year 12• • •

Sister Margaret and Miss Derry are taking a group of five Yr 11 students to India for a chance to experience life abroad in a developing country.

What I do when girls come to me, and are interested in spending time with our sisters, is explain what its going to be like; the cultural differences, how life would be, the restrictions on them and how it’s different to life in England so that they know, before they make a final commitment, exactly what they’re going in for”, explained Sr Margaret.

There are five girls going with Miss. Derry and Sister Margaret who has always had a fascination for India. The girls, all year 11 students, are Amber Stamford, Bernadette Agboola, Jay Highmoor, Kalyana Phillips and Philippa Moseley. The girls will be living in the convent with the sisters and three of the girls want to go on to do medicine at university so they are going to shadow some of the sisters to see what it’s like working in a hospital.

The girls will be working with children as well as the sisters in India. In the lower school we teach the girls it’s not just about giving people in poverty food, the idea is to provide them with the means to grow their own food. Poverty is just a whole cycle which, through their work, the sisters aim to improve.

By Nirthana ThiruketheeswaranYear 12

This year, we are going to bid farewell to several members of staff who have been an important part of the Holy Cross Community for many years.

Madame Cargill – A dedicated modern languages teacher/ assistant head that always encouraged every student who passed by her to achieve their true potential. She has been involved in the PFA (Parents and Friends Association) helping the school to develop into the school it is today. This year, she is retiring and will be deeply missed by students and staff alike.

Mrs McColgan – A talented science teacher, who is hard working and supports her students as much as she can. She is leaving for a promotion to head of Year 10 at Ursuline Girls School.

Ms Tang – A much loved music teacher who has inspired many students to start or continue playing a musical instrument. Ms Tang will be moving to Hong Kong this year and will be greatly missed by all.

Miss Pottay – A supportive, enthusiastic P.E. teacher who has encouraged many students to become active and take part in many extra-curricular activities. She is an inspiration to many students at Holy Cross. She is leaving to be a lecturer at Strawberry Hill.

Mr Champion - An amazing, interesting science teacher with a unique teaching technique. His lessons will always stay in the minds of those who had the privilege to be taught by him. He is going into retirement this year but will be working hard on his farm in Surrey.

Mr Williams- A fun loving music/English/IT teacher who made learning interesting and enjoyable for everyone in his classes. Everyone who was taught by him will always remember his classes and he will be missed greatly.

Mrs Dominy- A caring food technology teacher who has been part of the school for many years. She’s been involved in teaching many girls and will be missed.

Also we will be sad to say goodbye to Miss Conquest, Miss Di Mambro, Miss McElroy, Miss McWalters, Miss Smyth and Miss Sullivan.

They have all played a huge part in shaping Holy Cross to make it the school that its is today and will be missed by everyone in the school.

We are looking forward to welcoming the new staff joining us in September : Mrs Angus (Technology), Mr Daw (Science), Miss French (R.E), Mr Fletcher (Languages), Miss Jo (Music), Miss O’Sullivan (P.E), Miss Perfetti (Psychology) and Mr West (R.E)

And a special welcome to Mr Oliver who will become the new Assistant Head Teacher and Head of 6th Form development and progress.

Departing teachers