Trips

Field trips enhance students' learning experiences and reinforce concepts taught in class. Parents/guardians must sign and return an official school consent form before a student is allowed to participate in an activity away from the school. If the excursion is an overnight trip, parents/guardians must print and sign an overnight trip contract as well.

Holy Cross' Student Code of Conduct remains in effect during school-sponsored trips. Unless otherwise indicated, the Dress Code should be followed on school outings. Field trips are important educational experiences and at no time should a student be denied that experience due to financial difficulties. Please contact your Vice Principal if this is a concern.

Friends of Honduran Children and Wells of Hope

From 2006-2015 Holy Cross sent a building brigade each year to Honduras through Friends of Honduran Children. The students volunteered and helped to construct orphanages, schools and stoves in an orphanage community. 

Since 2016, Holy Cross has been taking students to Guatemala through Wells of Hope ( see www.wellsofhope.com) This awareness trip allows the students to experience a different culture and engage in various activities and building projects in a small mountainous community, with the locals. Both of these trips have been powerful life changing trips for the students.

Canadian and World Studies Enrichment Trips

The Canadian and World Studies department engages students inside and outside of the classroom regarding their role and place in society. Enrichment opportunities include an Ottawa trip for Grade 10 students, a Quebec-Halifax trip for Grade 11 and 12 students, and the speakers' forum to broaden awareness and lead to action.

Ottawa Field Trip

Every year, up to 52 Grade 10 students engage in a two-day excursion to our nation's capital to appreciate our political and cultural heritage. Students visit the Canadian Parliament, the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Byward Market, and take an historical ghost tour of Ottawa retracing the steps of Darcy McGee, father of Confederation and his wrongfully accused killer, Patrick Whelan, who John A. MacDonald hung for McGee's death.

Quebec/Halifax Field Trip

Every other year in May for seven days, up to 45 Grade 11 and 12 students experience three world-class cities by VIA rail: Quebec, Halifax, and Montreal. The trip explores Canada's diverse geographic, historical, and cultural mosaic, and includes transportation by boat, horse and carriage, bus and train. Students visit with Canadian politicians and experience museums, live music and great food. As one past participant remarked, "The train gives you the expanse and breadth of our country in real time."

The Speakers' Forum

Every year, the Canadian and World Studies Curriculum Chairs and the Equity and Diversity Office in the PVNC Catholic District Board organize an educational speakers' forum to inspire and create dialogue on social faith and justice. Themes have focused on militarism and non-violence, the AIDS pandemic, children and war, immigrants and refugees, Canadians working overseas in the developing world, and aboriginal perspectives.

Retreats

Retreats enhance students' faith development. This year, Grade 10 students visited elementary school classrooms to assist students and teachers for a day. This was an opportunity for our students to show leadership with elementary school children.

Music Trip to the Windy City

The Music Department is planning a trip to Chicago in April. Students have been busy fundraising with a Craft/Bake/Garage Sale, playing at numerous events, and more. An information night for parents was held in October for students interested in participating. All music students from first and second semester, and those involved in music extracurricular groups can participate.