Holy Cross College was established in 1891 and offers quality Catholic education based on a tradition of excellence in all fields. The spacious, landscaped grounds include several sports fields and afford views from the city to the mountains.
Facilities: Library collection of over 21,000 books, extensive computer CD-ROM and audio-visual facilities; chapel seating 500; auditorium seating 700; gymnasium with weight training equipment; seven science laboratories; specialist rooms and equipment for most subject areas; computer equipment includes class network sets of PCs and also laptop computers. Ten hectares of landscaped grounds and gardens including tennis and basketball courts; cricket net facilities; soccer and rugby grounds with change rooms, shops, seating and floodlights; extensive off-road parking areas with security lighting; and extensive play areas for each year group including seating, paved and shaded areas.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Commerce, History, Geography, Music, Photography and Digital Media, Visual Arts, Personal Development/Health/Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports Studies, Italian, Japanese, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology, Information and Software Technology.
Electives Years 11 and 12: English (Standard, Fundamentals, Advanced, Extension), Mathematics (General, Mathematics, Extensions 1 and 2), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Senior Science, Catholic Studies, Studies of Religion 1, Studies of Religion 2, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Modern History, Ancient History, History Extension, Legal Studies, Work Studies, Music, Photography, Video and Digital Imaging, Visual Arts, Italian Beginners, Japanese Beginners, Personal Development/Health/Physical Education (PDHPE), Sport, Lifestyle and Recreational Studies, Design and Technology, Engineering Studies, Industrial Technology, Information Processes and Technology, Software Design and Development. VET courses: Construction, Information Technology, Hospitality.
Sport: Some opportunities offered by the College in the area of sport include: participation in the Metropolitan Catholic Schools Competition in a wide variety of sports including rugby league, soccer, cricket, basketball, swimming, athletics, cross-country, tennis, squash and golf; a wide variety of non-competitive sports on Thursday afternoons; affiliated sporting clubs offering weekend competitions in rugby league, soccer, and cricket. Holy Cross College Outdoor Education programs give students the opportunity to participate in a huge array of activities including: abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, bushwalking, hiking, whitewater kayaking/rafting, diving/snorkeling, camping, orienteering, mountain biking, sailing, caving, skiing/snow boarding, surfing.
Extracurricular activities: Catholic Schools Debating Competition, public speaking including Rotary and Lions Club competitions, Mock Trial, opportunities to learn a musical instrument (individual performance is also encouraged), stage bands and other musical groups, choir and singing groups, film and video direction, production and editing.
Welfare and personal development: The College strives to build a community that respects the rights of each individual. Clear expectations are outlined to all students in relation to acceptable standards of behaviour and dress. Time is provided to formally address pastoral issues within the classroom. Each year group has a Pastoral Team to lead the program. A Special Education unit designed to support students with specific learning difficulties is available at the College. Counselling services are provided for students who are experiencing personal difficulties or who require support due to family circumstances.
Famous ex-students: Jack Renshaw, Darren Clark, Dr Robert Cooper, Dominic Choy.
Annual fees: As for Catholic systemic schools (Sydney Archdiocese). There is also an annual building fund contribution.