Ethos
Holy Cross is centred on Jesus Christ as its leader and guide with Christian values being of utmost importance.  We aim to create an atmosphere that is conducive to providing for well-balanced pupils with a strong academic base from which to launch into life. To ensure this, our children receive a structured and carefully planned academic programme from a motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic team of professional educators.  We strive to encourage individuality, creativity and a positive self-image in a warm caring environment.
A happy, cheerful environment is a priority at Holy Cross. Qualities such as loyalty, courtesy, consideration, tolerance, sportsmanship and respect contribute towards the unique tone and spirit of the school. Whilst a sense of achievement is fostered in team efforts that bring honour to the school as a whole, pupils are also encouraged to participate in as many sporting and cultural activities as possible.

Mission
Our mission is to be Christ centred, enlightened by Gospel values and a centre of excellence through commitment from the children, the teachers, parents and the wider school community. This will stand pupils in good stead for their future.

History
The Holy Cross Convent was founded in 1843 by Father A. Devereux. The Holy Cross Sisters took over the running of the school in 1895 and left 100 years later. In 1996 a new principal was appointed, Mr Doug Davis, to oversee the running of the school.  After his retirement at the end of 2011, Mrs Jane Askew was appointed principal.  The Holy Cross Sisters still own the property and have strong representation on our School Governing Body.

Structure
The school, including the Pre-Primary, consists of 450 pupils and 40 personnel. There are 21 academic staff all of whom are committed to making Holy Cross the primary school of excellence in George and the Western Cape. From Grade 1 – 7, there are two classes per grade. The Computer/Resource Centre, the Art Loft, Library and the Music Hall are used extensively to ensure a holistic education for our pupils.

Holy Cross Primary School is proud to be one of the feeder schools of Little Crosses Pre-Primary School.  Click on this link to find out more about them.

The Eco-School’s adventure was started by a past educator, Mrs Anne Davis, in 2004 where we signed up as an Eco-School. We are part of both a national and international venture. Each grade is committed to contributing to the Annual Portfolio that is submitted to WESSA for evaluation each year.

We received our Diamond Award for 10 years as an Eco-School in 2013. During our 10^th year we went on a journey back to when the programme started and we published a photographic journal of our 10 years of participation. This journal may be viewed in the school’s Reception area.

In 2014 we embarked on a new 10-year commitment to Eco-Schools. We have taken up the challenges of looking at the themes of: Healthy Living, Resource Use, Community and Heritage and Nature and Biodiversity. New endeavours have meant changes to our Tuckshop as well as planting medicinal and vegetable gardens. We introduced owl and bat boxes in strategic places around the school and we are committed to recycling. More children are involved on the Eco-School’s committee and we hold a fortnightly Eco-club meeting for all learners who are interested in looking after our environment.

We aim to create awareness amongst our school community and encourage learners to actively become eco warriors; passing on the message of keeping our earth healthy, litter free and water wise.

We draw awareness to special themes and projects in our Assemblies as well as various Eco audits. Our Eco board is kept up to date and relevant. A favourite outing is the annual National Beach Clean-Up where our learners are given the opportunity to be pro-active in keeping our beaches litter-free. 

We have teamed up with businesses in our town who sponsor our Eco-club which enables us to be more proactive in caring/protecting our environment.

Every grade is given opportunities to go on outings each term.
These often form part of an extension as to what is being taught in the classroom and also provide practical application thereof.
Grade 5 Learners have 2 1-day outings during the year:

• A 1 day outing in Oudtshoorn with team building and a cave adventure.
• A Plettenberg Bay outing as a fun end of the year outing.

Gr 6 Learners have three 1-day outings during the year:

• Knysna and surrounds:  an educational visit to the area.
• Mossel Bay and surrounds:  an educational visit associated with the History syllabus on explorers.
• Garden Route Botanical Gardens:  a fun and interactive visit to the gardens to learn about medicinal plants and their uses.

The Grade 7’s participate in a 3 day intensive Leadership Camp where they have to conquer their fears as they participate in night walks, abseiling, caving and the like.  The Grade ’4 classes participate in two day outings.  In the Third term they visit the Transport Museum and have a ride on the Powervan, which links to the History Transport Theme. The other day outing is to Wild Adventures based at Timberlake, near Sedgefield. The obstacle courses with their ziplines 8m above the ground proved exhilarating for all. Many learners conquered their fears and ‘Just did it’.  All these outings and camps certainly enhance the learning process and are thoroughly enjoyed by the learners.

Chess can be played all year around. Horse riding and golf are offered externally.

As hockey is our biggest sport in terms of participation (± 300 boys and girls play!) we have built a multi-purpose Astroturf.
We can use it for hockey, tennis, soccer, netball, cricket, phys. ed. and a general play area.

Head of Sport and Sports Administration

Please contact Mr Hilton Hanreck via the Front Office for any queries regarding sporting /coaching issues.

Holy Cross Sports Policy
Please take time to peruse our Sports Policy