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Holy Cross a delight for students, staff alike

Mar 30, 2006
By Kendra King

OSHAWA -- As a Grade 8 student who has been at Holy Cross since J.K. I have experienced great teachers and principals. Friendships have lasted and others have faded away, but all in all, being at this school will always have a great impact on my life.

The teachers, principals, educational assistants and custodians have greatly influenced what Holy Cross is today. This elementary school has become warm and welcoming due to these amazing people who include: Mr. Major, an amazing artist and I really enjoyed participating in art when he was my teacher; Mr. Canning, my current teacher, who is in charge of the school choir and has the amazing talent of being an instrumental and vocal artist; and Mrs. Whyte and Mrs. Hirschfeld, two of our wonderful E.A.s, who always contribute to the school by volunteering to coach junior and senior boys and girls teams in all sports.

Other people who have contributed to this incredible school are the students. The students of Holy Cross will always be the reason for the great school that Holy Cross has become. The Builders' Club are Grade 7 and 8 students who are elected to represent the student body. I have been in the Builders' Club for two years, last year as the treasurer and this year as the president, and we have aided our school in many ways.

Holy Cross Catholic School only has 161 students, and although we do have a small school that doesn't mean we're not the same as any other schools. It may even be possible that we might be better because we are closer together and, therefore, we do more things together as a school. Holy Cross Catholic School is a great school to attend every day.
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Faith a key for Holy Cross CS


Apr 24, 2007 By: This Week staff

OSHAWA -- Nancy Drynan was once a student at Holy Cross Catholic School in Oshawa. Today, she has the joy of being the school principal.

Ms. Drynan -- who was a student at the school in the late 1950s and early 1960s -- said Holy Cross Catholic School has changed in numerous ways over the years. The school, she said, at 357 Simcoe St. S., was once much bigger in terms of the number of students when compared to the current student population.

This year, a total of 161 students will walk the hallways of Holy Cross Catholic School. When Ms. Drynan was a student, there were more than double the number of students who attend today.

In other ways, she said, the school has grown. A gym and library have been added to the building, two features that were not around at Holy Cross when Ms. Drynan was a student. Nevertheless, the same kind of school spirit appears to have remained, she said.

"I really enjoy the friendliness of the students and how appreciative and respectful they are of the school, and of getting their education," said Ms. Drynan.

Ms. Drynan is in her first year as principal of Holy Cross Catholic School. She previously spent eight years as principal at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Pickering.

Situated directly beside Holy Cross Church, the school has close ties with the church, where mass was held for students and staff on Ash Wednesday on March 1.

"We're right beside the church, so we have a close working relationship with the priest there," Ms. Drynan added.

But the school also has close ties to the surrounding community, and believes strongly in giving back to parents and students. Each morning, three times a week, the school provides free breakfast to up to 60 students as part of its Breakfast Program, developed by Ms. Drynan and another staff member.

The program, which is run by staff members and parents, was implemented in November.

"They come in before school, and we have different things... pancakes, eggs, bagels... the kids don't pay anything," Ms. Drynan said.

It appears, at least at Holy Cross Catholic School, that sometimes the best help students can get takes place outside the classroom.