School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
March 28, 2025
Issue 22
In this issue, Yohan G., Juliana M., and Laura O., are covering school events run by students and their classes.
New Experiences...
Ordinandi Youth Event: The Future of the Catholic Church
By: Yohan Ghadiali
On the 18th of March, 15 students in the Holy Cross Youth Group were invited to be a part of the Ordinandi Youth event of 2025. The Ordinandi event celebrates the newly deaconed priests who will be ordained in the spring. This event took place in a luxurious banquet hall with hundreds of other schools all across Ontario. This event not only celebrates the ordination of the deacons, but also bonds the Catholic school community through Christ.
A Night to Remember...
A Night at the Golden Gala
By: Juliana Muzzi
Holy Cross’ highly anticipated grade 11 Semi-Formal is quickly approaching, taking place on April 10th at the Primavera Event Space in Woodbridge. This year’s theme will be “A Golden Gala” inspired by grandeur and sophistication associated with the colour gold that will create a night of elegance for the party guests. There are so many things to look forward to at this event! Whether it be preserving memories at the photobooth, dancing the night away, jamming to the songs, or having fun with friends, there is no shortage of fun at this event.
Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving...
The Lenten Season at Holy Cross
By: Laura Oppedisano
Holy Cross began the Lenten season with a virtual Ash Wednesday Mass, which gave students and staff time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal. While the Mass was online, Holy Cross staff invited students to receive ashes in the chapel throughout Ash Wednesday. The staff welcomed students during all three lunches, providing a quiet space for reflection and prayer. The distribution of ashes allowed students to participate in a significant Lenten tradition and experience the importance of repentance.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
February 28, 2025
Issue 21
In this issue, Yohan G., is covering school events run by students and their classes.
Black Heritage Month...
Celebrating our Community, Celebrating our History
By: Yohan Ghadiali
February 2025 marks the 49th anniversary of Black Heritage month, initiated in February 1976, where communities celebrate all the African-heritage people throughout history and currently who make a difference in our community. Holy Cross took this opportunity to celebrate Black History month through various activities held throughout February. With each daily morning announcement, the school highlighted a historic person of African-heritage who made a difference in the world. The announcements would cover some background context, a mini biography on the person, and the impact they had on the community.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
January 22, 2025
Issue 20
In this issue, Laura O., and Juliana M., are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Math Minds....
The Holy Cross Mathletes
By: Juliana Muzzi
Do you have a passion for mathematics and are interested in solving complex math problems individually or in teams? If the answer is yes, then the Holy Cross Mathletes might be a great fit for you! The Holy Cross Mathletes brings together like minded students who want to showcase their skills in mathematics and compete in several competitions. To begin preparing for the upcoming events, meetings are held after school every Wednesday in room 219 from January to April, where students get the opportunity to practice questions similar to what is asked of at the actual competitions. These meetings are a great way to become familiar with testing and question styles that could be seen later on.
Don't Stress, Study...
Your Guide to a Stress-Free Exam Season
By: Laura Oppedisano
Exam season is just around the corner yet again and stress often overwhelms the best of us. But with the right strategies, you can confidently walk into your exams! Before you start looking at your notes, create a study schedule! Schedules are a very efficient way to manage large workloads and stay on track. Dividing your time realistically is also helpful, as it allows you to focus on more challenging subjects.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
December 20, 2024
Issue 19
In this issue, Raphael J., Jazelle V., Laura O., Yohan G., Madison B., and Juliana M., are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Let's Reflect...
A Season of Reflection at Holy Cross
By: Laura Oppedisano
The Christmas season is upon us once again, and Holy Cross is celebrating the spirit of Advent with celebrations that unite the school community! This year’s Advent celebrations highlighted the Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace, and continued meaningful school traditions.
Holy Cross Events...
Spreading the Christmas Spirit: Christmas Carolling
By: Kirsten Ymanuelle Legaspina
The Holy Cross Choir serenaded the residents of Aspira Villa Da Vinci Retirement Living on December 13, 2024 to spread the holiday cheer. The students had a brief meeting in the school’s music room to warm up as they prepared to walk to the retirement home. Some brought props to further radiate the Christmas spirit.
Hawks Paying It Forward...
Holy Cross’ Annual Gift Card Basket Drive
By: Juliana Muzzi
As the Christmas season is upon us, we should take time to reflect not only on ourselves, but on the lives of the less fortunate. Annually, Holy Cross participates in a Gift Card Basket Drive to support the less fortunate in our community. Each homeroom class sponsors a family that is in dire need of help during the Christmas season and donates money to buy a gift card for the family.
Holy Cross Events...
Holy Cross’s Market Fair (Week 1)
By: Jazelle Veron
In the first week of the Market Fair, there was the opportunity to try so many different foods, such as pancakes and candy kebabs! Now, the thing about the Market Fair that is great is that everything there is, well, affordable! All foods basically being around $2-$5! Also, the money made at the Market Fair goes to charity! This pretty much makes buying stuff from the Market Fair all the more worth it!
Holy Cross Presents...
Joyful Days Ahead: Celebrating Christmas Spirit Week
By: Raphael Jose
Holy Cross’ annual winter spirit week just took place. It has been a week filled with festive activities to spread holiday cheer. There have been lots of fun events planned for everyone to enjoy! The Christmas movie marathon has run all week in the cafeteria, during all three lunch periods. Whether you were in the mood for a classic or a comedy, there has been something for everyone.
Get Your Hot Chocolates Ready...
Winter Holy Cross Market Fair: A Taste of The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
By: Madison Bruch & Yohan Ghadiali
The Christmas holidays are finally here! To end the year with a Christmas spirit, the grade 10 business students conducted this year's Holy Cross Market Fair. This Market Fair is the CPT for the Introduction to Business course. On the 10th and 12th of December, Mr. Pasutto’s Grade 10 students created their own businesses and treated the Holy Cross community to a variety of delicious treats, ranging from tasty desserts, to refreshing, and warm beverages, to mouthwatering sandwiches.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
November 26, 2024
Issue 18
In this issue, Kishan K., Jazelle V., Laura O., Candelaria J., Lillian F., Shaan S., and Julia Y., are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Hawks At Work...
Small Hands, Big Office: A Day At Work
By: Shaan Sukhija
Take Your Kid To Work Day is a special day when Grade 9s get to visit their parents and cousins' workplaces. It's an occasion that only comes 1 in the 4 years of highschool where you can explore different careers. This day is to learn about jobs, see many workplaces and a chance to see what career interests yourself.
Future Hawks In The Making...
Hawks in Action: Holy Cross Open House 2024
By: Lillian Ford
Holy Cross Catholic Academy welcomed potential students and their families to the school on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 for the Grade 8 Open House, an exciting night that Holy Cross students and teachers look forward to each and every year. Students were greeted by volunteers and the Holy Cross school mascot, Marty the Hawk. Future students had the exciting opportunity to explore what makes this school a vibrant community of learning, growth, and achievement, where students are respected and celebrated.
Holy Cross Presents...
L’Arche Daybreak: Find Your Purpose
By: Julia Yossiba
Everyone is unique and complete exactly as they are. This is a lesson the Grade 12 Philosophy classes learned on their field trip to L’Arche Daybreak. L’Arche Daybreak, founded in 1969, is a community in Richmond Hill that welcomes adults with disabilities to live independently and share their talents and gifts with others.
It's Spooky Season at Cross
A Spooktacular Spirit Week at Holy Cross
By: Kishan Kasotharan
Halloween Spirit Week at Holy Cross was filled with excitement, competition, and creativity, as students enjoyed several festivities set up by the student government over the week. The week kicked off with two events: "Who's Got It?" on Monday, October 28, and "Mummify Your Teacher" on Tuesday, October 29. The week started with "Who's Got It? ", a fast-paced scavenger hunt that tested the speed of the students playing.
Helping out Hawks...
Hawk’s Closet: Affordable Uniforms, Big Impact
By: Laura Oppedisano
On Thursday, November 14, Holy Cross’ Hawk’s Closet club began the year off strong with their first sales event! Hawk’s Closet is a student-led club that provides affordable, gently used uniforms to the school community. The club donates its profits to charities including ShareLife and SickKids, and also uses its profits to help families during the holidays.
Hawks on Their Spiritual Journey
Exploring Faith: Grade 11 Temple Tour Retreat
By: Candelaria Jaramillo
The Grade 11 Temple Tour Religion Retreat was an eye-opening and unique learning experience for all students involved. This retreat has been held consistently for years for all Grade 11 World Religions: Beliefs, Issues, and Religious Traditions class students. Visiting different places of worship and learning about each religion in person is a diverting switch-up from normal in-class lessons, leaving an undoubted...
The Pick of the Patch...
Holy Cross’s Homeroom Pumpkin Context
By: Madison Bruch
This year’s pumpkin carving contest was spectacular! (Or should I say, “spooktacular?”) There were so many amazing submissions, and this article will be showing all of them, including which class won the contest! As well as sharing some of the amazing costumes seen during Halloween!
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
October 28, 2024
Issue 17
In this issue, Alyssa P., Juliana M., Madison B., Jessica P., and Raphalluis J., are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Eradication of Poverty Civvies Day...
Casual Day, Big Impact
By: Jessica Pellegrino
As the world reflects on the urgent need to eradicate poverty, students at Holy Cross Catholic Academy transformed their usual uniforms into a colourful display of solidarity and support, all while raising funds to make a difference in their community. Every year on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed. It was created to raise awareness of the need to end poverty and motivate people to take action.
Lets Give Thanks...
Thanksgiving Food Drive at Holy Cross
By: Madison Bruch
Throughout the month of October, Holy Cross Catholic Academy has shown their determination toward assisting those in need, specifically the population of individuals and families who are facing food insecurity. From September 30, 2024 to October 11, 2024, in support of Holy Cross’ 13th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, sets of bins had been placed in the school atrium. The Holy Cross community had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to the Vaughan Food Bank, located in Woodbridge, Ontario. The Vaughan Food Bank is an organization that collects and provides food to those who cannot afford it and who are in desperate need of it.
Holy Cross Presents...
Raising the Bar: Holy Cross Celebrates Academic Stars
By: Alyssa Paternostro
Tuesday, October 22nd, Holy Cross celebrated their annual Award Ceremony! As we gathered in the Holy Cross gymnasium, this event dedicates itself to celebrating the students and their accomplishments. Ranging on a wide scale of academic excellence, Holy Cross gives students the opportunity to stand out.
Hawks Helping Out...
Youth Group’s Apple Picking Trip for the Homeless
By: Juliana Muzzi
On October 10th 2024, Holy Cross’ Youth Group got the opportunity to visit a local apple orchard to pick apples for the homeless in our community. Around 50 students attended the excursion and each student picked a 10 pound bag of apples. The picked apples were then brought to the Good Shepherd Ministries homeless shelter in Downtown Toronto. The apples were then given to each person who attended the Thanksgiving dinner, which was cooked at the homeless shelter and was free for anyone who was in need of it.
What Are You Passionate About?
Clubs Galore: Discover Your Passion at the School Fair!
By: Raphalluis Jose
Each year, our school holds a Club Fair, and this year was no exception. The atrium was filled with students excited to check out various clubs. There were a wide range of options, ensuring something for everyone. As students wandered around, they encountered different activities at the booths. The atrium was filled, making it a great place to meet new people. Teachers were present as well, encouraging students to explore the various options.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
May 28, 2024
Issue 16
In this issue, Santiago O., Juliana M., Madison B., and Lili H. are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Holy Cross Presents...
Holy Cross’ Annual Athletic Banquet
By: Lili Hovsepyan
On Monday, June 10, 2024, athletes of Holy Cross attended the annual Athletic Banquet, held at Venetian Banquet Hall. The athletes enjoyed delicious food and many of the extraordinary athletes received awards. Throughout the award ceremony, I went around and interviewed some of the winners. Here is what they said:
Holy Cross Presents...
Graduation Breakfast at Holy Cross
By: Madison Bruch and Lili Hovsepyan
On May 30, 2024, the grade twelve graduates at Holy Cross attended their Graduation Breakfast in the cafeteria. They enjoyed a variety of breakfast foods while picking up their graduation gowns. Throughout the breakfast, we interviewed groups of grade twelve students, asking them about their favourite memories from high school and what they wish to do after graduation. They preferred to keep their names unrevealed. Each “Student” line indicates a different student’s response.
Holy Cross Playoffs...
Holy Cross Spring Sports Playoff Roundup
By: Santiago Ortega
As the school year winds to a close, so did the YRAA sports calendar and the sports teams for our Hawks. With the end of the season came the playoffs for our spring sports teams, where the teams, as always, gave their best and represented Holy Cross athletics well.
Holy Cross Presents...
The Holy Cross Market Fair
By: Juliana Muzzi
On May 28th and 30th, as well as on June 4th and 6th, the Grade 10 Business students were given the opportunity to participate in the Market Fair. The Market Fair is a great opportunity for students to grasp the idea of how money is made in a business, and all that goes into creating and running your own business.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
May 28, 2024
Issue 15
In this issue Santiago O., Kirsten L., and Kiera P. are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Play Ball...
Varsity Boys Baseball Clinch Playoff Spot
By: Santiago Ortega
The Varsity Boys Baseball Team came rolling out of the gate to clinch a playoff spot in the YRAA Tier 1 quarterfinals, as runner-ups in the West division. Riding great pitching, defence and timely hits, the boys look to make this season one to remember.
Ideas, dreams, aspirations...
Holy Cross’ Photography Festival
By: Keira Pompa
On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, Holy Cross hosted its annual Photography Festival, in which spectators had the opportunity to view beautiful artwork, created by our very own Holy Cross Hawks. This year’s theme was metamorphosis, thus the pieces were centred around this natural process of change and growth. Various pictures depicted butterflies emerging from their cocoons to depict this beautiful transformation.
Holy Cross brings to you...
Spring Market Blooms At Holy Cross
By Kirsten Legaspina
Holy Cross Catholic Academy hosted this year’s Spring Market on May 2nd, 2024 with the help of the school’s Parent Council as the blooming season slowly came in. The event was made possible with the collective efforts of the school administration, donations from different establishments, and the student volunteers who contributed their time to setting up the event.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
April 30, 2024
Issue 14
In this issue Alana M., Juliana M, Angelina P., and Kiera P. are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Holy Cross brings to you...
An Evening with Rapunzel and Flynn: Holy Cross Semi-Formal 2024
By: Alana Moschella
A time of music and dancing, Holy Cross’s Semi-Formal 2024 was a night to remember. The event was run by Mr. Wojnarski and Ms. Vivilecchia, with the support of the student government. This year’s theme was “An Evening with Rapunzel and Flynn”.
Holy Cross brings to you...
Pink Shirt Day At Holy Cross
By: Keira Pompa
On Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, students at Holy Cross Catholic Academy were encouraged to wear pink shirts to school in support of anti-bullying. Both staff and students wore pink attire in order to promote inclusivity and take a stand against bullying in the school community.
Never-ending math...
The YCDSB Waterloo Math Team Competition
By: Juliana Muzzi
This year on Friday, April 12th, our Holy Cross Mathletes were given the opportunity to participate in the inaugural YCDSB Waterloo Math Team Competition, which was held at YCDSB Board office in Aurora. Over 100 students from across the York Catholic District School Board came together in teams of 6 from grades 9-12 to partake in this rigid competition.
Holy Cross brings to you...
Holy Cross’ Badminton Team
By: Angelina Pignataro
The underestimated yet technical and exhilarating sport, badminton, has again marked its place in Holy Cross. At face value, badminton is a simple sport that involves two or four players using a racket to strike a shuttlecock or “birdie” into their opponent’s court.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
Mar 26, 2024
Issue 13
In this issue Angelina P and Kiera P. are covering school events run by students and their classes.
A challenging contest for students...
The Waterloo Math Contest
By: Angelina Pignataro
Since 1968, the University of Waterloo has been challenging student math enthusiasts around the world, with their math contests. Overall, there are over 80 countries that take part in Waterloo’s contests from North and South America to Europe, averaging above 265,000 total students each year. Contests vary for those in grades 5 to 12, with there being a specialised one for each grade.
Holy Cross brings to you...
March Spirit Week at Holy Cross
By: Keira Pompa
During the week of March 18th, Holy Cross kicked off March spirit week with an event that spread love and kindness throughout the school community. Student government orchestrated the selling and distribution of candy grams to celebrate St. Patrick's day, which occurred on Sunday, March 17th, 2024.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
Feb 27, 2024
Issue 12
In this issue, Juliana M., Angelina P, Kiera P., Kristen Y.L., Nyah C. and Santiago O. are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Deeper meaning than you think...
Shrove Tuesday - More Than Just Pancakes
By: Angelina Pignataro
Known to most as a day to gorge over pancakes, Shrove Tuesday or “Pancake” Tuesday holds a deeper religious and sincere history and meaning. Shrove Tuesday is a hundreds-year-old Christian celebration to prepare and mark the commencement of Lent which begins on the following day on Ash Wednesday.
An amazing season coming to an end...
Senior Boys Basketball Season Ends in Heartbreaking Defeat
By: Santiago Ortega
Coming into February and fresh off the new semester, the senior boys basketball team was looking to continue the dominance they’d shown all season and carry what had worked into the playoffs. At 7-1 with a +103 point differential, the boys were the 1 seed in the YRAA West division and got two playoff byes to start as well as home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In the round of 16, they would face the 4 seed from the north, the St. Maximilian Kolbe Mustangs.
Holy cross clubs...
Holy Cross Ski Club
By: Keira Pompa
The Holy Cross Ski Club is an exciting way for students to embrace the winter season and enjoy skiing and snowboarding with friends. On Thursdays, club members are allowed to leave school early and head up to Blue Mountain, where they will make long lasting memories on the slopes.
New opportunities at Holy Cross...
Electives of Holy Cross - the Religion Department
By: Nyah Conforti
Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God, or learn more about the Catholic community our school was built upon? Holy Cross’s Religion Department has you covered! The department offers courses at all grade levels, thus giving all students the opportunity to expand upon their faith and spirituality. In grade 9 and 10, religion courses are offered at an open level, thus students can take the course regardless of which stream they are enrolled in.
Holy cross co-op...
The Co-op Department at Holy Cross
By: Juliana Muzzi and Luz Commisso
Everyone knows the dreaded question that is commonly asked to them, especially during their teenage years - “what do you want to be when you grow up”? For some, this question is very easy to answer as they are confident in what career path they want to pursue. For others, this question makes them feel nervous and uneasy as they have no clue what career path they want to pursue in the future. If you are one of those people who are often questioning their future career choice, then Co-op may be the answer you are looking for.
School News
School News is a section of the Holy Cross Newspaper that covers events that happened in the month of each issue at the school and news regarding what is going on in the school. First-hand information from students within our school community will be shared here for students to reference and learn about what is happening around you.
Jan 23, 2024
Issue 11
In this issue, Madison B., Angelina P, Kiera P., Kristen Y.L., Vanessa B. and Santiago O. are covering school events run by students and their classes.
Grade 9s and 10s
The Junior Winter Dance at Holy Cross Catholic Academy
By: Madison Bruch
The junior winter dance was held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 in the Holy Cross Catholic Academy gymnasium. Purchasing a ticket to the dance included a raffle ticket that would be entered into a draw to win a prize. The student whose number was picked received the prize of a gift card.
Brand new events at Holy Cross...
First Holy Cross Pep Rally a Success as Sr. Boys Basketball Head to Playoffs
By: Santiago Ortega
Holy Cross held its first-ever pep rally on Monday, January 15th and it was a great success with a considerable turnout, some entertaining events, and another win from the senior boys basketball team to finish the regular season 7-1, with the playoffs coming soon in February. With everyone gathered in the cafeteria, a hype video was played for the team and all who wanted could get their faces painted. Then, everyone came into the gym. Starting players were announced to much applause after a speech from the athletic council leaders and the game was underway. Holy Cross once more started with a strong lead supported by the biggest crowd they’ve seen all year.
Grade 10s
Market Fair Madness
By: Vanessa Bonofiglio
On December 5th, 7th, 12th, and 14th, the students of Holy Cross got to experience another amazing market fair! The grade 10 business students were selling items such as sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, brownies, rice krispies, waffles with ice cream, chocolate-covered strawberries, coffee, popcorn, cotton candy, smores, pancakes, and many more!
Therapeutic Paws at Holy Cross...
Therapy Dogs Come to Holy Cross
By: Keira Pompa
With exam season fast approaching, everyone could use a little time to relax and rejuvenate, and there’s no better way to relieve stress than playing with adorable puppies! On Friday January 19th, during all three lunches, students got the opportunity to spend a few minutes playing with a wide variety of fun-loving dogs.
Opportunities at Holt Cross...
The Math Department of Holy Cross
By: Angelina Pignataro
Math is the recognized language of the universe. Although a mandatory course taken throughout high school, Math is so much more than that. Holy Cross’ Math department has a multitude of different courses for students with varied skill sets and has implemented many learning strategies that delve deep into core thinking to help students achieve their goals. After the grade 9 destreamed or locally developed Math course, students can take Locally Developed, Applied or Academic Math in grade 10, based on their level of learning.
New opportunities for students...
Science Electives of Holy Cross
By: Kristen Ymanuelle Legaspina
As the first half of the school year comes to an end, everyone looks out for elective courses that they could possibly take in the following school year. Students choose their courses to comply with a requirement they may need in the future or simply for their interest. At Holy Cross, many electives are offered but one specific department catches the attention of many.
Movember: Before & After
Mr. Wojnarski
Mr. M Panetta
Mr. Mattei
Mr. Texiera
