FROM THE PRINCIPAL
ST FRANCIS FEAST DAY 2025
What a wonderful day our College community shared, celebrating St Francis’ Feast Day on Friday.
Although St Francis of Assisi’s official Feast Day is October 4, we celebrated on Week 6, Term 3, a perfect time – especially for our Year 12 students, offering a joyful pause - not long after their HSC Trial Examinations.
The day began with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Father John Nguyen, a Franciscan friar. Our student choir and staff musicians created an uplifting atmosphere, enhancing the solemnity of the celebration. Special thanks to Mrs Crescini for her careful planning and coordination of the Mass, which made it such a meaningful experience. Father John’s sermon encouraged everyone to reflect on St Francis’ teachings – his care for creation, his balance of rest and work, and his compassion for others. My address post-Mass also highlighted and encouraged our students and staff to continue contributing to the rich life and culture of our College community, helping to build a supportive and vibrant environment for everyone.
Following the Mass, the College grounds came alive with laughter and excitement. Students enjoyed a wide variety of amusement rides, various food, and a range of activities, many of which allowed them to earn tickets that could be exchanged for prizes. The joy, energy, and College spirit on display made the day a highlight of the year.
A huge thank you to all staff who worked tirelessly throughout the day. From safely coordinating the rides and activities to supporting the Mass and ensuring everything ran smoothly, their dedication and energy made this Feast Day a truly memorable celebration for everyone.
BOOKWEEK 2025
Book Week is always a special time at the College, and this year’s celebrations in Week Five once again brought plenty of colour and joy. The highlight was our K-6 Book Parade, where students filled the Hall with imaginative and adventurous costumes that reflected this year’s theme, “Adventure.” It was wonderful to see families cheering on the parade, with some parents/carers even joining in the fun. The creativity on display, from both students, staff and families, really made the morning memorable.
Our Year 7-12 students also continued their tradition of dressing up, with a costume competition that showed just how creative our older students can be. Their enthusiasm added
to the spirit of the day and helped remind everyone that Book Week is for the whole College community.
The celebrations went well beyond the parade. The Scholastic Book Fair ran across the whole week in the Library, giving students and families the chance to explore and purchase new books. There were also several parent and staff book readings, including some wonderful stories shared in different languages – a great reminder of the richness and diversity of our community.
A big thank you to our staff for all their efforts in organising such a successful week, and to our families for the encouragement and support that helped make Book Week 2025 another event to remember.
FRIENDS OF FRANCIS MEETING RESCHEDULED AND CATHOLICCARE PRESENTATIONS
Given the CatholicCare presentations on 8th September, please note that this term’s Friends of Francis meeting will be shorter to accommodate the timely start of the presentations. It will also commence at 5.30 pm sharp in the Staff Common Room.
Please register for the face-to-face presentations (Talking About Mental Health: A guide to having supportive, open conversations AND Big Feelings, Calm Responses: Supporting children through emotional overwhelm) via the following link:
VET HOSPITALITY STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2025
I am thrilled to share some wonderful news about Stephanie G., Year 12, who has been named VET Student of the Year for the Diocese of Wollongong. The 2025 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards ceremony was held on Thursday, 28 August at the Wollongong Golf Club, celebrating excellence in VET across diocesan and congregational schools, as well as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
Stephanie’s achievement is particularly outstanding given the level of competition. She had previously placed first in NSW in Hospitality and then represented the College at the WorldSkills Championships in Brisbane, where she placed seventh nationally in this discipline.
At the Awards, Stephanie was up against some of the most talented VET students across the Diocese. Her technical skill, sociable and caring nature, and ‘professionalism’ – demonstrated in both her work and a video submission – impressed the judges and set her apart.
This recognition also highlights the commitment of more than 1,600 students who have undertaken training through our Diocesan RTO this year, gaining valuable employability skills and industry connections.
It was a proud moment to see Stephanie and her mother celebrate together as her award was announced, surrounded by diocesan and Catholic Schools NSW delegates.
We will officially celebrate Stephanie’s achievement during Graduation Week. Stephanie’s success is a wonderful example of dedication, skill, and passion in VET, and a credit to herself, her family, and our College community. I also recognise Mr Suters for his unwavering support.
YEAR 12 RETREAT RECONNECTOR
On Thursday, our Year 12 students gathered for their Retreat Reconnector – a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and refresh as they continue their journey through their final year at the College. The day began with a beautiful Mass at Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Parish, Macquarie Fields, celebrated by Father Bosco and attended by members of the local parish community. We are grateful to Father Bosco and the parishioners for their warm welcome and for strengthening the connection between our College and the Parish.
Following Mass, students – guided by a dedicated team of senior staff – revisited the key themes from their Retreat held earlier this year in February. In small groups, Year 12 were encouraged to reflect on their personal growth, relationships, and faith as sources of strength and hope, both now and in life beyond school.
This day was a timely moment of renewal, particularly as it came soon after the completion of the Trial HSC Examinations. It gave students the space to pause, re-centre, and be reminded of the importance of faith, community, and resilience as they prepare for the final months of their schooling.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Watson, Mrs Hervey, Mrs Ghignone, and Mr Badolato for their commitment to leading the day, as well as the Year 12 Pastoral Care Team and Mrs Mediato from CEDoW for their invaluable support.
PRAYER
In honour of St Francis' Feast Day being celebrated at the College, the following prayer is most fitting:
