CELEBRATING OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS ON WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

World Teacher’s Day is a special occasion for educators and the wider community. As a school, we are immensely proud of our dedicated teachers and their vital role in shaping our students' lives.

In today's world, which can sometimes feel chaotic and uncertain, teaching offers a powerful and unique opportunity to make a positive difference. Through education, our children learn to communicate effectively, think critically, and make informed choices. In our Catholic context, teachers also help nurture students’ moral growth and deepen their spiritual connection with God.

The work of our teachers today goes beyond the classroom—it shapes tomorrow's future leaders, parents, and community members. Whether our students grow up to contribute locally, nationally or globally, the values, knowledge, and skills they acquire here will guide them throughout their lives.

While it’s easy to overlook the daily dedication of our educators, World Teacher’s Day serves as a timely reminder to express our gratitude. The commitment and passion our teachers bring to St. Francis makes this community very special. We are thankful for their countless hours helping our children grow, learn, and thrive.

As parents, we have the opportunity to recognise and appreciate their efforts. Let’s take a moment today to celebrate and thank our incredible teachers for everything they do to shape the next generation.

Happy World Teacher’s Day!

HSC STARTS WELL

I congratulate all of our Year 12 students on the way they have approached their HSC Examinations thus far. The HSC Examination block can be a very stressful time for our students, but the fact they have started so positively and in such a focused way is testimony to their resilience. We continue to wish them success in their studies over the next three weeks.

SAFETY IN AND AROUND THE COLLEGE

As I mentioned in a Compass entry the other day, the safety of our students is essential.

Several community members have recently mentioned unsafe driving behaviours in and around the college, especially as we acclimate to our new spaces.

The new morning drop off is now open. If you haven’t yet, watch the video: ‘‘Kiss and Drop’ - which covers our new area for K-6.

I want to emphasise that the new Guillemont Car Gate is entry only. Additionally, students are not to be dropped off on the internal road. At present, many parents/carers are parking near the font office and causing traffic to be banked back.

During the week I sent a message covering other points regarding safety in and around the College. I have reincluded these points here: 

1. If a parent or carer arrives at the College after the Kiss and Drop time (i.e. after 8.30 am) and parks in the internal carpark, the parent or carer should walk any children with them to the College Office.
2. Students and parents/carers must always use pathways or marked pedestrian crossings in all College carparks, driveways, etc…
3. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. When exiting the Kiss and Drop, cars may drive along the driveway beside your vehicle.
4. Blocking driveways, including the College driveways, MUST not occur.
5. All traffic signage, internal and external to the College, must be followed. Council Rangers visit regularly, and Police have had to book several drivers for not following road rules around the College over the years. Also note that new ‘no stopping signs’ have been placed on Guillemont Rd. 
6. The internal driveway speed limit is 10km an hour, and external roads are 40km around the School Zone.
7. Double parking on neighbouring streets (especially on Vinny Rd) is unsafe and is against the road rules. See below.
8. Dropping off students on any surrounding streets - needs to occur safely, and cars should not be parked across any vehicle or pedestrian entry to the College.

I have included the following information from Liverpool Council to support safety around our site.

SPOTLIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY: THE ROLE OF AI IN EDUCATION

Yesterday, several of our staff and I attended the CEDoW's Spotlight on Technology Conference, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a timely and relevant topic today. Among the many impressive presentations, the keynote by radio and TV personality Adam Spencer stood out.

Spencer shared insights into AI's transformative potential across industries, particularly education. He highlighted how AI can improve operational efficiency, enhance student engagement, and support learning outcomes through innovative tools like ChatGPT, Suno, Gemini, and CoPilot.

According to Spencer, AI is reshaping how we approach everyday tasks, from automating routine work to personalising educational experiences and speeding up data analysis. His key message to schools was clear: the rapid advancement of AI requires educators to keep pace and actively integrate these technologies to prepare students for future challenges.

Some key takeaways for schools and parents/carers from Spencer’s presentation include:

• Personalised Learning: AI allows educators to tailor education to each student's needs, enabling more effective and differentiated instruction.
• Ethical Considerations: While AI offers many opportunities, Spencer stressed the importance of addressing issues like misinformation, privacy, and ensuring the safe use of AI—especially when handling student data.
• Maintaining Student Safety: Spencer reminded us that while AI-generated content is powerful, it also poses risks, such as potential misuse of image creation, which could endanger students if not carefully monitored.
• Staff Upskilling: Teachers and school staff need to embrace and understand AI technologies to integrate them into the classroom and enhance student learning effectively.

This conference offered valuable insights into how AI can shape the future of education. As a school community, we are committed to exploring how best to integrate these tools (where appropriate) for the benefit of our students.

DIOCESAN CHRISTMAS STORY ART EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION

I congratulate all of our Year 5 and 6 students who recently created art pieces for the Diocesan Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition. I’m thrilled to share that four of our students artworks were shortlisted, with their pieces selected among the top 48 from across the Diocese. A special commendation goes to Lexi N. (Year 5), Hailey P. (Year 5), Annalise A. (Year 6), and Elyssa S. (Year 6), whose outstanding work is now on display at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

In addition, I was delighted to attend the exhibition with Mrs Crescini and Mr Fitzpatrick and witness Hailey P. (Year 5) receive one of the Major Prizes: the ‘CatholicCare Star of Hope Award.’ Hailey’s artwork will now be featured on Christmas cards, a well-deserved recognition of her talent.

Michael Austin from CatholicCare is pictured above with our prizewinner Hailey P (Year 5)

PRAYER

A Prayer for Year 12 Students During HSC Examinations

Loving God,

With hearts full of hope and trust, we ask for your guidance and strength as our Year 12 students continue their HSC examinations.

Grant them wisdom and clarity of mind so they may easily recall the knowledge they have gained over the years. Calm down their hearts and free them from anxiety, allowing them to approach each exam with confidence and peace.

Help them to give their best effort, remain focused, and trust in the abilities and gifts you have bestowed upon them. May they be reminded that their true worth is not found in their results, but in your boundless love and goodness.

Bless their families, friends, and teachers who stand by them with support and encouragement throughout this challenging time. May your Holy Spirit envelop them, bringing peace, patience, and perseverance daily.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

–Amen.