About Us

Holy Cross School is located in the south of the Okanagan Valley in Penticton, British Columbia. It is a Catholic K-8 elementary school of the Diocese of Nelson and is an accredited and classified Group 1 independent school of The Ministry of Education in the province of British Columbia.

The school has been recognized by the Fraser Institute as the top, or one of the top, elementary schools in the Province of British Columbia for the last several years. 

Holy Cross School was established to provide parents of the Penticton parishes of St. John Vianney and St. Ann’s, as well as the parish of Holy Child in Summerland, with the unique opportunity for their child to receive a Christ-centered education. The diocesan administrators and school staff, with the support of parents and the local pastoral team, are dedicated to providing a learning environment that facilitates the spiritual development of every student and achieves the essential academic, social, emotional and physical growth needed to live and work in today’s world.

We work hard to create an environment in which a student can work to their potential with a minimum of distractions in order to focus on their learning.  

We are blessed with families and students who share an enthusiasm for learning, and who strive to live the virtues as set out by our Lord. 

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Forming Leaders

Outreach

Outreach Programs are an important aspect of our Catholic mandate at Holy Cross School. We believe that is vital for our students, parents, and teachers to help out the needy in our local and global communities. Some of the charitable organizations we support include: Discover House, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Birthright, BC Children’s Hospital, Terry Fox Foundation, Holy Childhood Association, and St. Timothy’s Orphanage in Tanzania. Through this support, we can model the example that Jesus our Savior has taught us.

Achievement

Out of over 900 classes across Canada, Holy Cross’ Grade 8 class won the Classroom Grand Prize in the 2012 Canada Citizenship Challenge.

Our Grade 7 class won second prize! Congratulations to the students and their teacher Mrs Cumberland for their achievement and hard work.

Governance

School Council

Throughout the diocese, school councils are chosen to promote the goals of Catholic education in their communities. This includes the establishment of policies for the efficient and safe functioning of the different schools.

Our School Council is made up of representatives from each of the three parishes in the the area that our school serves. The current members are:

  • Tim Gahagan - Chair                 St. John Vianney Parish  
  • Mary-Anne Smirle                     Holy Child Parish
  • Nolan Adam                               St. Ann’s Parish
  • Stewart Ladyman                      St. Ann’s Parish
  • Mary Anne Mendonca              St. Ann's Parish
  • David Hansen                            St. John Vianney Parish
  • Bernie Earthy                             Holy Child Parish
  • Fr. Rex Velmonte (Pastor), St. Ann’s and St. John Vianney

Parent Support Group

Holy Cross School is proud to have a strong and supportive parent organization. For the school to be successful, it is absolutely necessary for parents to become involved in the life of the school. Parents are requested and encouraged to be active members of the PSG.

The PSG is greatly involved in fund raising activities and has enjoyed tremendous success in this area. Many of these activities not only raise much needed funds, but brings together students, teachers, parents, family, friends, and parishioners developing our school community and enhancing our whole Christian community.