SAINT FRANCIS FEAST DAY

Saint Francis had an incredible sense of connectedness to all living things and was ‘at one’ with nature. His famous prayer (or hymn) “The Canticle of Brother Sun” (also referred to as “The Canticle of the Creatures”) captures St Francis’ exceptional affinity for all things and serves as a wonderful reminder that: “we are never alone and whenever we forget that connection we do it at our own peril”.

Saint Francis’ actual Feast Day occurs on October 4. Given that this date occurs during the school vacation our College has some flexibility with when we observe this occasion.

This year, as in recent years, Friday, Week 5 of Term 3 (18 August 2023) has been designated the time when we, as a community, celebrate Saint Francis and the various values he espouses. 

The day will commence with Mass for our staff and students K-12. Please note that parents and carers are welcome to attend. Following Mass, our students will then get to celebrate the day through a range of exciting and fun activities and rides.

Canteen on the day

Various food offerings will be available on the day but please note that the canteen will not be taking lunch orders.

Parking on Thursday 17.8.23 & Friday 18.8.23

Due to the Amusement Ride Company needing to set up and position their rides on flat, stable ground - the carpark on Jardine/Poziers Rd will not be available. We apologise for the inconvenience - but recognise that this is so that our students can have a tremendous day.

I look forward to my first St Francis Feast Day!

PARENT/CARER REFERENCE GROUPS

Following the recent Parent/Carer Forum and subsequent survey that went out to attendees, it is clear that there is a range of views as to what parental/carer involvement should or could look like at St Francis.

One thing that has become clear is that there is a desire for more opportunities for parent/carer involvement.

As such, in the coming months, various meetings will be held ranging from a combined FCP Parent Care and Social Committee meeting to the creation of Parental/Carer Reference Groups which can provide guidance to the College on areas like Community Engagement, Learning and Policy & Practice at St Francis. I look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks. In the meanwhile, please consider if you would like to possibly be involved in any of these groups.

CATHOLIC CLUB ANNUAL MASS & LUNCHEON

Last Sunday week (30 July 2023) the Campbelltown Catholic Club celebrated its 57th Annual Mass & Communion Luncheon. The Mass was held at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Campbelltown with Bishop Brian Mascord and Father John Ho co-celebrating the Eucharist.

Students from Macarthur Diocesan and Congregational schools with most principals from the region were in attendance and I would like to thank our Year 11 students Jaidon Auditore and Christina Kelly for being present at the mass and representing our College. Both students met the Bishop and processed into the celebration with a candle, placing it in the Church’s sacred space at the beginning of the mass.

Our College and the Diocese of Wollongong value our relationship with the Campbelltown Catholic Club and recognise their generous nature in supporting education in our region - over many, many years.

PRAYER

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer is a great tool to help students remember important intentions as they pray. Indeed,