WHAT DOES EASTER MEAN TO US?

At St Francis Catholic College, Easter isn’t just a date on the calendar or a break from routine—it’s the heart of who we are as a faith-filled community. As we journey through Holy Week together, we’re invited to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the true meaning of this sacred season.

Looking Beyond the Chocolate and Bunnies

In today’s world, Easter is often wrapped up in images of eggs, bunnies, and baskets. While these symbols have their place, they can sometimes overshadow what Easter is really about. For us, it’s a time to slow down and consider the deeper message: a message of sacrifice, love, and hope that speaks to each of us personally.

The journey through Holy Week

Holy Week begins this coming Sunday (Palm Sunday), where we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, greeted with palms and praise.  This sets the tone for the days that follow - the most sacred in our Church year.

• On Holy Thursday, we reflect on the Last Supper and the powerful act of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet—a reminder of service and humility.
  
  
• Good Friday draws us into the sorrow of Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s a solemn day of prayer, fasting, and the Stations of the Cross, helping us understand the depth of His love and sacrifice.
  
  
• Holy Saturday is a quiet, reflective day as we wait in hope, remembering that even in the silence, God is at work.

The joy of Easter Sunday

Then comes Easter Sunday—the most joyful celebration in our faith. It’s the moment that brings it all together. Jesus has risen, and with that comes the promise that love is stronger than death, and hope is greater than despair. Easter reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our Christian belief.

Why it matters to us

The Easter story isn’t just something we remember—it’s something we’re called to live. It challenges us to be people of kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love. It encourages us to serve others, to walk with compassion, and to always hold onto hope, especially when life gets tough.

At St Francis Catholic College, we walk this journey as one community. We celebrate, we reflect, and we grow in faith together. May this Easter bring peace to your heart, hope to your home, and a renewed sense of purpose in your life.

Wishing all our students, families and staff a holy and happy Easter. God bless!

STUDENTS INSIDE INTERNAL GATES

As an important safety issue it is critical to note that the duty of care for St Francis students commences at 8.00am every morning.

Parents/carers with students in the K-6 space can access the services provided by the CatholicCare-run OOSH on site prior to 8.00am.

Parents/carers are not allowed to drop students off inside the internal gates before 8am - this includes along the internal roads. There are no staff on supervision at this time and last week there was a near miss with early delivery drivers and students who should not have been allowed on College grounds.

K-6 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

What a fantastic day we had on Monday at the K-6 Athletics Carnival held at the Narellan Sports Hub. With the sun shining and a cool breeze sweeping across the oval, it was the perfect backdrop for a day full of energy, fun, and College spirit.

A huge congratulations to all our competitors for giving it their all across the events – your effort, encouragement of one another, and positive attitudes were wonderful to see. And to those who were involved in non-competitive activities – thank you! You helped create a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

We also want to recognise the many parents/carers and/or family members who joined us on the day. Your presence and support mean so much to the students and staff alike. A special thank you goes to Miss Laskaris for her organisation and leadership – her work behind the scenes ensured the day ran smoothly from start to finish.

It was a day full of colour, smiles, and College pride – a real celebration of what makes our community so special.

FEDERAL ELECTION on 3 May 2025 – What you need to know to support your local Catholic school.

To help families and staff stay informed during the election, the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has produced a two-page document, Catholic Education Benefits All Australians, outlining Catholic education's key priorities and its contribution to the community. This two-page document is attached as a flyer at the end of my Section.

In summary, the priorities are:

• Ensure affordability and choice – every family should have the option of a Catholic education
• Address hardship, wellbeing, and disadvantage – every student deserves access to quality education and the right support, no matter their background
• Build and innovate for the future – investing in school infrastructure and support for early childhood education.

Further information for parents/carers is available on the website: https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/ 

EASTER PRAYER THOUGHTS

This Easter may you have a peaceful and blessed time.

May the words of our last two Popes inspire:

“Dear brothers and sisters, Easter does not work magic. Just as the Israelites found the desert awaiting them on the far side of the Red Sea, so the Church, after the resurrection, always finds history filled with joy and hope, grief and anguish. And yet, this history is changed, it is marked by a new and eternal covenant, it is truly open to the future. For this reason, saved by hope, let us continue our pilgrimage, bearing in our hearts the song that is ancient and yet ever new: “Let us sing to the Lord: glorious his triumph!”.

–Pope Benedict XVI, 2010

“Today, as pilgrims in search of hope, we cling to you, Risen Jesus. We turn our backs on death and open our hearts to you, for you are Life itself.”

–Pope Francis, 2020