Latest News

STUDENTS from Holy Cross College received a special visit from Sydney Kings basketball players Ben Knight and Rod Grizzard.

The players towered over the students, with Knight standing 202cm tall and Grizzard at 203cm.

Knight and Grizzard led the school basketball teams through a training session from 3.30pm through to 5pm.

“It is great two players from the Kings shared their knowledge and expertise with our players,” Holy Cross sports co-ordinator Chris Whitty said.

“The boys have been very excited and really looking forward to a great afternoon of sport with these professional players.”

The Sydney Kings are back in the National Basketball League after a short hiatus and are keen to assist grassroots teams and promote the game.

From Northern District Times, 3 November 2010 BY MELISSA DAVEY

RYAN Le Febvre and his twin sister, Aimee, have picked up their sporting genes from their parents, but not necessarily in the same sports.

“I was a good swimmer, which is funny, because it’s one of the only sports Ryan doesn’t really do,” mother Rosemary Le Febvre said.

Which is just as well, because he is flat out juggling his favourite sports as well as his year 7 studies at Holy Cross College Ryde.

Ryan was recently named the 2010 Holy Cross Community Service Award winner at the school’s Feast of the Holy Cross ceremony, which was attended by Premier Kristina Keneally and her husband, Ben, a former old boy at the school.

“This student is a very engaged member of our local community, by playing football with the Putney Rangers, rugby league with the Holy Cross Rhinos, baseball with the North Ryde Rams and also participates in the Ryde Eastwood touch football competition,” Holy Cross College maths teacher George Kiswarni said at the ceremony.

Ryan, of Ryde, is this week’s Northern District Times Junior Sports Star, sponsored by Vince and Roz’s Gym in Meadowbank. He is a former pupil of Putney Public School, where he was the senior athletics champion.

Ryan said he remembered that soccer was the first sport he played with the Putney Rangers.

“Back then, I was in kindergarten and I wasn’t that keen on the actual game, I just wanted to play with my friends,” Ryan, who turns 13 in December, told the Northern District Times on Friday.

“But after a while I started to enjoy the sport and became more competitive.

“Then I started Little Athletics and I really enjoyed the jumping, high jump and long jump, and would normally come first or second.

“I was seven then and I finished when I was 10.

“I don’t do Little Athletics any more because I play baseball on Saturday in the summer instead.”

Ryan, who fields at second base, said he liked exploiting some of baseball’s rules.

“There are so many rules that make it so much more interesting, like stealing bases, which is a lot of fun.”

In winter, he plays soccer for the Putney Rangers, where he is the striker in the under-13s.

“Then on Sunday I play rugby league for Holy Cross Rhinos under-13s where I play winger and sometimes fullback,” Ryan said.

“I also play touch football on Monday after school for Ryde Eastwood.

“And I also play six-a-side in the summer on Friday afternoon after school.”

Ryan said it was hard to pick his favourite sport.

“I just love sport, it keeps me occupied and is really fun as well.

“If I had to choose a favourite, it would probably be soccer because I have played it the longest.”

And even with all that, there are other sports he has his eye on.

“I would like to have a go at basketball one day,” Ryan said.

“And platform diving.”

Rebel Sports is the major sponsor of the 2010 Junior Sports Star awards, while the local sponsors are Vince and Roz’s Gym at Meadowbank.

From Northern District Times, 6 October 2010 BY SCOTT HOWLETT

Celebrities joined the mass to commemorate the Feast of the Holy Cross in the Patrician Centenary Hall at Holy Cross College Ryde.

Ben Keneally, who graduated dux of 1988, was there to receive the 2010 Feast of the Holy Cross Community Service Award, which is given to a distinguished former student.

He was accompanied by his wife, Premier Kristina Keneally.

Last year’s winner was cardiologist and consultant physician Andrew Sindone.

Holy Cross principal Adam Taylor “reintroduced Benedict Keneally”, who arrived at Holy Cross from Villa Maria Primary School in Hunters Hill in 1981.

Mr Taylor said Mr Keneally represented the school in debating, as well as tennis and squash, and later went on to become a councillor on Hunters Hill Council.

“Premier, special guests, students, parents, colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to present to you our 2010 Feast of the Holy Cross Community Service Award winner, Mr Benedict Keneally.”

Mr Keneally thanked the audience for “inviting me to share this feast with you”.

“I am proud to be an old boy of Holy Cross,” he said.

“My favourite memories of school involve the many extra-curricular activities.

“I was never a really strong athlete, but enjoyed competing. When we restarted the debating program in 1988 it was finally my chance to represent the school.

“When we beat Riverview I felt like a minor celebrity.”

Mr Keneally is currently the head of marketing and strategy at Better Place Australia, which is investing in electric-powered motor vehicles that use 100 per cent renewable energy.

He told the boys they would be using electric cars by the time they were in their 30s.

Mr Keneally then turned to his central theme.

“I want to talk about what it is to be a man,” he said. “Before I came here, when I told family and friends that I was going to attend Holy Cross, they said ‘that will make a man out of you’.

“They were talking about courage, being tough and holding the line. They were also talking about making a mark. We were encouraged to aim high, to be the best.”

Holy Cross economics teacher Tim Barrett, who has been at the school for 23 years, taught Mr Keneally and remembered him as a “really intelligent student with a very inquiring mind”.

“His sensitivity to social justice also shone out,” Mr Barrett said. “He was also a fantastic public speaker.”

From Northern District Times, 30 September 2010 BY SCOTT HOWLETT

STUDENTS and staff at Holy Cross College Ryde will be hosting a Mass and award presentation on Friday to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross.

One Old Boy is chosen to receive special recognition for the achievements after leaving school.

This year’s recipient is Ben Keneally, head of marketing and strategy at Better Place Australia, a company committed to using 100 per cent renewable energy.

He is, however, better known as the husband of Premier Kristina Keneally, who will attend Friday’s ceremony will be held at 9.30am in the college’s Patrician Centenary Hall.

Principal Adam Taylor extended an invitation to all parents and friends to join in the celebration.

“This year we focus on the theme ‘Behold the Cross’ and in this spirit, it would be wonderful if members of the community could join us,” Mr Taylor said.

Following the mass, he will present an award to Mr Keneally, who graduated from the college in 1988 and had acquired a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours, both from Sydney University.

Economics teacher Tim Barrett said he remembered Mr Keneally well.

“He was an outstanding student and fantastic public speaker.”

Cardiologist and Consultant Physician, Andrew Sindone was the recipient of last year’s Holy Cross College Outstanding Old Boy award.

From Northern District Times, 14 September 2010

On May 26, Holy Cross College Ryde hosted  the Jubilee celebrations for Brother Patrick Lovegrove and Brother Mark Ryan. Br Patrick and Br Mark have given a lifetime of service to Catholic education through their work as Patrician Brothers.  Both are former Principals of Holy Cross College.

The Most Rev. Julian Porteous, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, attended the celebrations while student representatives from four other Patrician schools, Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Delany College Granville, Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, and All Saints Catholic Boys’ College Liverpool also attended.

Bishop Porteous honoured the two Brothers and acknowledged the dedication of all women and men who devote their lives to the Catholic Church through religious orders. “Br Patrick and Br Mark represent Australian born and bred Brothers who stepped in to continue the work of the Patrician Brothers who first arrived from Ireland,” said Bishop Porteous.

Throughout his 60 years as a Patrician Brother, Br Patrick has been Principal of Patrician Brothers’ Waterloo, Holy Cross College, and Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown. In 1968, he was appointed Australian Provincial of the Patrician Brothers, and in 1980 was appointed Superior General of the Patrician Brothers – the supreme accolade. Br Patrick also received a Papal award from Pope John Paul II for services to Catholic education in Australia.

“All I ever wanted to do was teach,” said Brother Patrick. “I loved school and I loved the Brothers and Sisters who taught me. I’ve experienced so much joy and happiness while teaching in Catholic schools. It has been a mighty and powerful journey for me. I sometimes wonder how we accomplished what we did with what we had. We can’t forget that schools are for kids, and we are there for them.”

Br Mark celebrated 50 years since his first profession. He has been Principal of Holy Cross College and Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, and held a number of teaching positions at other Patrician schools.  He is a noted musician and a passionate supporter of the performing arts.

Br Mark reminded the students gathered that nothing comes easily. Academic and sporting success comes from practice and training and is not something that happens overnight.

Adam Taylor, Principal of Holy Cross College, said: “Holy Cross is proud to host this Jubilee celebration for two men who have dedicated themselves to Patrician ideals, and have guided the education of so many young men. We are blessed that Br Patrick and Br Mark continue to play an important role at our College.”

From CEO Sydney, 27 May 2010

Photograph: From left, Jonathan, Cameron, and Aidan Salvatore … the triplets have settled in well to life at Holy Cross.

From The Rhodester, 19 March 2010

RYDE student Matthew Munce is taking one giant leap for Holy Cross College after being chosen for a week’s astronaut training at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Alabama.

The 16-year-old is one of two Australians among 160 students from 20 countries to be awarded the Honeywell New Leadership Program Scholarship.

As part of the week-long program run at Huntsville, Alabama, Matthew will follow an itinerary which reads like a wish list for any budding scientist.

The Space Academy training, which runs until Friday this week, will involve simulated astronaut training, including a realistic shuttle mission and experiencing what it is like to walk on the moon and tumble in a space capsule. Stress-inducing and time-critical physical challenges, designing, building and testing rockets, and a simulated jet-fighter pilot training will all be a part of Matthew’s week at the centre.

Matthew, who would like to study palaeontology and plays the trumpet in the college band, said when he found out he was “over the moon” and he had been “counting down the days” until the trip began late last week.

“I’m looking forward to learning from the astronauts, putting forward my ideas, but mainly feeling what it is like walking on the moon,” he said.

Holy Cross principal Adam Taylor said it was a tremendous opportunity for Matthew.

“The knowledge and skills he will develop during the program will be life changing,” Mr Taylor said.

“We look forward to Matthew sharing his experience with the school community upon his return.”

Eastwood Public School teachers Tom Garvey and Lyn Edwards visited the centre last year, following the success of the trip for 43 of their students.

The Eastwood space connection was pioneered by adventurer Jackie Slaviero, who is the school’s year 4 teacher and assistant principal.

From Northern District Times, 4 March 2010 BY BRIAN KARLOVSKY

Public Speaking is being organised and run by our enthusiastic and dedicated Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator, Mr Kuchappan, who had the following to report:

Public Speaking at Holy Cross has kicked off with a great start for 2010 with a record number of participants signing up to get involved and represent Holy Cross College in the Catholic Schools Public Speaking Competition.

The following students attended Mater Maria College, Warriewood on Friday March 5: Michael Thomakos and Ricky Raj (Year 7), Jack Hearn and Patrick Anusrideacha (Year 8), Jack Cullen and Eric Kent (Year 9), Hugo Robinson and Thomas Hedl (Year 10) and Jordan Busic and Dae-Uk Han (Year 11).

From this contingent of students, two have made it through to the regional zone finals to be held at Marist College, North Shore this Friday, March 12 – Ricky Raj and Hugo Robinson. A commendable effort from both boys having achieved a placement in the top quarter percentile of their age divisions!!!

A special thankyou to Mr Buxton, Ms Huntly and Ms Halloun for their support of our students on the night. Well done to all boys for their participation and success!!

On Wednesday the 3rd of March, Anthony Pasquale, Jake Mavin, Michael Kokkaris, Stefan Macinko and myself helped out at the Inner West Catholic Schools Soccer trials, at Morrison Bay Park. Jake and Michael helped out the girls, and Stefan, Anthony and I helped out the boys. At the beginning of the day, we started off by demonstrating some soccer drills to the boys. Anthony and Stefan certainly showed the boys how it was done. As well as demonstrating, we were also asked to help out the selectors, by watching the boy’s ball skills and to let them know who we thought were the best. After a quick drinks break, the young boys had some shots at the goalkeepers just before the game. This helped us and the selectors select a good goalkeeper. Soon after that we got straight into the games. It was now our job to referee. This was very enjoyable, although we were told to take it easy on the boys and to not call many fouls. There were definitely some young talented players on show. After about five games, the trials were over and the final team was selected. The teachers, parents and the players then thanked the Holy Cross boys. We all certainly had a very enjoyable day, a great experience for all the boys.

By Matthew Saleh.
Year 10—Gallagher

The carnival was held yesterday at Ryde Aquatic Centre from 8.00 to 10.00am. I would like to congratulate the 98% of students in Year 7 who came to the carnival and participated in some way. There was some excellent racing in the Junior and interme- diate divisions with some students posting personal best times. I would like to congratulate the following students who are age champions this year 12’s – Luke Biady 13’s – Cooper Henwood 1st, Dean Pollicina 2nd 15’s – Jacob Molloy 1st, Jeremy Pollicina 2nd 16’s – Glenn Burton 1st, Luke Dawson 2nd 17’s – Duncan Vincent 1st, Sam Williams 2nd.

All these students will now move on the MCS Carnival on Wednesday 17th March at Blacktown Pool