Fast Facts and Bell Times
History
Holy Cross Secondary School was founded in 1998 and built at 1355 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough. The school's name is a symbol of hope, and signifies the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection. The Cross signifies our faith that God prevails in all good things, and our belief that nothing can overcome the power of God. Trusting in the message of the cross, our students can embrace with confidence and hope all of life's joys and challenges.
In 2011, Holy Cross underwent an estimated $8,743,000 expansion, which included 3,982 square metres of additional learning spaces. Our school welcomed 12 new gleaming classrooms, an advanced automotive technology classroom, an addition to our well-used library, and new administrative offices. As well, new cosmetology/health care classrooms were created by renovating some existing school administrative spaces and improvements were made to the culinary classroom, sewing & fashion area, and the construction technology classroom.
The new learning facilities and renovations enable us to deliver quality, faith-based Catholic Education now and into the future. They are wonderful examples of our commitment to offering the best educational opportunities for all of our students to achieve their potential.
Bell Times
Each school day has the following schedule. Bells ring at the beginning and end of each period.
Warning Bell 8:30 am - 8:35 am (Hurry Up Music)
Period 1 8:35 am - 9:50 am (75 min)
Period 2 9:55 am - 11:10 am (75 min)
Lunch 11:10 am - 11:50 am (40 min)
Period 3 11:50 am - 1:05 pm (75 min)
Period 4 1:10 pm - 2:25 pm (75 min)
Chaplaincy and Parish Information
As a Catholic Secondary School, Holy Cross has the advantage of a full-time chaplain who is available to meet with students. Our chaplain is part of our school ministry to support religious faith development and excellence in learning. This faith development is enhanced through:
Monthly school liturgies;
Individual grade retreats;
Weekly home room masses; and
Daily morning prayer.
A chapel is also accessible to staff and students for personal reflection and weekly masses.
Students are encouraged to participate in social justice activities through Holy Cross in Action, the Social Justice group, our Share Lent activities and daily morning Breakfast program. Holy Cross in Action is a group of students and staff that promote equity and inclusivity in our school. In the past they have promoted Black History Month and Pink Shirt Day to educate others on anti-bullying.
The Social Justice group meets weekly at lunch. They assist with preparing for Development and Peace Week in March, the Speakers Forum, and mission trips such as our Honduras trip in April.
Our chaplain is also available to counsel students with encouragement, hope, caring, and compassion. This ministry provides students and staff with an environment that is safe and non-judgmental.
Our chaplain also acts our liaison with our school parish and priest, Father Ken Rae at St. Alphonsus Ligouri Roman Catholic Parish, as well as with charitable organizations, Student and Families in Need, and Backpacks for Kids. The our parish website is located at https://www.stalphonsus.net
School Chaplain: Anita Maryam
Phone: 705-748-6664 ext. 2225
Our Catholic faith is an essential element in our school life. Students and staff are encouraged to put their Catholic virtues into action for the local and global community. We are guided by the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations in terms of knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and actions.
In our first week of classes, we speak to students about commitment, faith, respect and responsibility. We encourage our students to contribute to the school community through care for one another, service to others and consideration of our environment. By putting faith into action in our extended community activities, students have the opportunity to make connections between their faith and future goals.
We work together - students, staff and parents - to live our faith. This includes prayer, liturgies, outreach activities in Honduras, as well as opportunities to hear speakers on local and global events. There are many students involved in different ministries at Holy Cross and we welcome everyone who is interested in participating. Our Chaplain is available to meet with students, provides referrals to appropriate community agencies, and plans retreats and activities that integrate our faith into our academic and co-curricular programs.
Facility Rental
Community groups are welcome to use Holy Cross facilities for appropriate activities, as long as community use does not interfere with our regular school requirements. A user fee will apply to offset costs associated with the use of school property.
Holy Cross has the following facilities available to rent:
Single gym
Double gym
Cafetorium
Classrooms
Meeting Room
To request a booking, contact the Board Outreach Coordinator or visit the Board's Facilities Rental page to submit your request online.