How We Teach & Support

It's the little things we do to support an individualised learning program that get us the big results

How we teach and support

Our entire teaching staff is dedicated to the detail and we want to ensure every child achieves to their own potential.

This means ensuring we have a robust system of teaching and support that not only caters to the average (or middle student) – but also the advanced student or the student that needs some extra support.

For learning to take place we need to ensure that every child feels safe, happy and confident within themselves – and so a huge emphasis is placed on a strong wellbeing and support program that achieves just that!

Extending Students

At Holy Cross learning is always targeted to individual students’ needs. Students’ learning needs are taken into account by classroom teachers and support staff and extension is offered in the classroom when necessary. Teachers differentiate lessons and provide more able students with additional learning opportunities to ensure that they are being challenged and engaged in their learning.

Additional Support

At Holy Cross, additional support is provided for students with a range of learning and social and emotional needs. Personalised Learning Plans (PLP’s) set specific, long and short term goals to support students in their learning. These plans are collaboratively created and monitored by classroom teachers and parents at Program Support Meetings (PSG’s) throughout the school year.

Respectful Relationships

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is key to childrens’ overall wellbeing and happiness. At Holy Cross, we teach the Respectful Relationships Program from Prep to Year 6. The program supports our students to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

Buddy Program

All prep children are matched with a Year 6 student and involved in cross-age sessions where they complete tasks together. The Year 6 buddies look out for their Prep buddies in the playground and help them find friends to play with. The Buddy Program helps the prep child’s transition into the school environment and benefits the social development of both the Preps and the Year 6 children. It provides a positive opportunity for the Year 6 children to develop leadership skills and promotes the values of Holy Cross.

Friendship Monitors

Year 6 students are encouraged to model leadership in a variety of ways throughout their final year at Primary School. One such program is the Friendship Monitors. Year 6 students are encouraged to apply for the position, which involves training sessions and ongoing support from the Student Wellbeing Leader.

The Friendship Monitors work in pairs at recess and lunchtime, supporting younger students in conflict resolution and positive play.

Student Leadership

Student leadership at Holy Cross is an integral part of the development of student voice and equips students with significant life skills and experiences.

Students in Years 3-6 are voted by their peers to represent them on the Student Representative Council (SRC). The position involves advocating for the student cohort and discussing ideas with staff Leadership.

Year 6 School Captains are elected by their peers. The Year 6 children can also apply for other Leadership roles, such as Friendship Monitors and The Social Justice Committee.

Kinder to Prep Transition

Our Principal and student leaders visit the local kinders in term 2 to meet the prospective students and deliver application packs. Once applications are received they are followed up by a 1:1 interview with the Principal, parents and child. Acceptance letters are then sent out. In term 4 there are four transition sessions of approximately 1 hour duration, where students familiarise themselves with staff, other students and the school environment. We also hold some information sessions for parents during this time.

School tours are available at any time upon request.

Moving Schools

We welcome new enrolments across all year levels throughout the year. Please contact our School office if you are considering transferring your family to Holy Cross. We would love to talk further and take you all for a tour of our school.