PRINCIPAL APPRAISAL

All parents/carers should have received an email on Wednesday evening regarding my upcoming principal’s appraisal.

The Catholic Education Office in Wollongong has a robust process for reviewing its principals. I am now due for my next renewal review cycle (having had my last Diocesan review in 2020 at another Diocesan School).

The survey covers various aspects of leadership in a Catholic school, and I would appreciate constructive feedback that can help guide me over the next four years of my contract cycle. While email names are captured in the collection of the surveys, note that names will remain anonymous for the panel. Additionally, If you wish to speak to me face-to-face for a more extended conversation, please contact the College office for an appointment. 

I see myself as a lifelong learner, and leading the St Francis Catholic College community continues to be an honour. Indeed, it is a responsibility I do not take lightly, so I will take validation of what’s working and what can be improved seriously. 

When the Review team visits the school in early September, they will speak to various individuals. These will include parents/carers, students from various year groups, teachers, support staff, and Father Bosco, our parish priest. The Review team will then provide recommendations for areas of focus moving forward.

Thank you in advance for your support in this process. If you have not received an email, please contact the college office.

CAMPBELLTOWN CATHOLIC CLUB’S 58TH ANNUAL MASS

Last Sunday (11th August), the Campbelltown Catholic Club celebrated its 58th Annual Mass & Communion Luncheon. The Mass was held at Mary Immaculate Parish Church, Eagle Vale, with Bishop Brian Mascord and Father Leo Mifsud co-celebrating the Eucharist.

Students from Macarthur Diocesan and Congregational schools and most regional principals were in attendance. I would like to thank our Year 11 students, Thalia S. and Maame G., for representing our College at the mass. Both students met the Bishop and proceeded 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 support of education in our region over many years.

FRIENDS OF FRANCIS MEETING

The next Friends of Francis meeting will occur on Monday, 26 August, at 6 pm. Several standing items are on the agenda of this meeting, but if you would like to propose a general business item for you to talk to, could you please email Bernadette Manchester manchesterb01@dow.catholic.edu.au by 5pm Thursday, 22nd August.

YEAR 10 CAMP

I’d like to commend all our Year 10 students who attended their recent outdoor camp at Talong. This year, the camp experience was genuine, with students having to set up their tents and sleep at night in a bush environment.

The students were exceptionally well-behaved and embraced the experience with open arms. I would like to thank all of the staff who stayed overnight, especially Mrs. Greci and Mr. Fitzpatrick, the Year 10 coordinators.

BUSY EXCITING FORTNIGHT

We are just about to enter a hectic but exciting fortnight.

• On Tuesday morning (20/8), a barbecue for our Year 12 students will be held in recognition of their Trial HSC efforts. 
• ‘St Francis Has Got Talent’ will be a tremendous event showcasing our students’ talent on Thursday (22/8).
• I am delighted that Bishop Mascord will be celebrating our St Francis Feast Day mass on Friday (23/8) and that both Mr Michael Slattery, the Chair of the EREA Council, and Mr Ray Paxton, EREA National Director Mission Strategy, will be in attendance. Of course, our festivities and fate kick off after the Eucharist. 
• We have Book Week at the beginning of week six, Monday (26/8). This year, we’re not only having our typical book parade, with a wide range of costumes for students in K-6, but we also have the option and the opportunity for our students in Years 7 to 12 to get dressed in their favourite book characters. [Please note this is not a mufti day, but rather an opportunity to celebrate books and this College event].
• Monday the 26th will also coincide with the opening of our new College library. The College will communicate with you about upcoming opportunities to see the new facilities.
• There is a Friends of Francis Meeting that night (26/8) at 6 pm
• Then, to wrap up the week, on Friday, 30 August, there will be Fathers’ Day Celebrations.