Dear Parents/Carers,

Term 3 at St Francis is shaping up to be an action packed and busy term. Construction of the new Technology, Art & Science block will be completed and we will set up this huge building with state-of-the-art learning equipment. I look forward to Parents/Carers having an opportunity to tour the new classrooms in the later part of the term. 

As most would be aware, the construction of the new roundabout on the intersection of Jardine Drive & Poziers Road has now been completed. The civil contractors are now focusing on developing Vinny Road and Benzentine Road and will finally finish with the second roundabout on the intersection of Vinny Road and Poziers Road. This will complete all the roads around the College, improving traffic flow, parking and providing additional pedestrian paths and crossings. This work will be completed this term. I thank Parents/Carers for their patience. 

Tenders have gone out for the construction of the next permanent building, the Performing Arts Block, which will house music rooms and associated practice rooms, a room for the College Band, a fitness gymnasium, dance studio and drama workshop. Construction on this building will commence as soon as the Technology, Art & Science Block is completed. 

Our Family Community Partnership committees will continue this term.  These meetings have been a fantastic opportunity for myself and members of the College Leadership Team to hear from parents and students about how the College can be improved. This term we will consult more broadly with parents to develop initiatives in the areas of inclusivity, additional equipment and involving parents in student learning. 

On Wednesday last week, Years 8 & 9 spent the day with the NET Ministry Team, a highly trained team of young adults who encourage students to develop their faith and put it into action. The students were engaged in a range of fun activities and enjoyed the day. 

We kicked the term off with a very exciting fortnightly program of Mathematics challenge activities for Years 5 & 6 students. They were totally engaged in finding solutions to Mathematics problems and enjoyed the wide variety of games and tasks they had to work on in the Hall.  My thanks to Mrs Hughes, Miss Cox and the Maths faculty for their work on this. It was wonderful to see the students really enjoying their Mathematics learning. 

On Sunday, I attended the annual Campbelltown Catholic Club Community Mass and Luncheon. I am very grateful to Nereena S (pictured left) and Chris M, who represented the College at the Mass. The Catholic Club are fantastic supporters of Catholic education in our Diocese, making considerable financial donations to our Diocesan office and schools.

On Monday this week, Year 8 students started an exciting investigation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Throughout this unit they will examine the tragic death of these two young people. My thanks to Miss Moore and the English faculty for developing this engaging unit of work which contains some exciting twists. 

On Tuesday, Kindergarten students celebrated their 100th day of attendance at St Francis by dressing up as 100 year olds. This was a great celebration and they really enjoyed the day. Many thanks to all the parents and grandparents who assisted in dressing the students.

On Thursday, Year 6 will travel to Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Eaglevale. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 students to join other Year 6 students from schools in the Diocese to celebrate Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord. 

So as you can see, there is plenty happening and we still have Book Week, St Francis Has Got Talent, St Francis Feast Day celebrations and much more to come!

May God continue to bless you.

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal