CATHOLICCARE PRESENTATIONS – CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

As part of Child Protection Week, the College welcomed CatholicCare on Monday night for two parent/carer presentations: Big Feelings, Calm Responses and Talking About Mental Health. Over 20 parents and carers attended the sessions, which explored practical ways to support young people in today’s complex and changing world.

Presenters Rita Maher, Hannah Stone and Sara-Ann Escarate emphasised the importance of communication, patience, and taking a genuine interest in children’s lives, showing compassion and love while also setting clear boundaries.

We sincerely thank CatholicCare for their ongoing partnership and all the parents and carers who joined us for an informative and engaging evening.

SOLAR BUDDIES

Congratulations to our students—and their families—who helped raise funds for the Solar Buddies initiative. This program provides solar-powered lights to children living in energy poverty, and St Francis Catholic College is proud to support such an important cause.

Our Year 5 students led the way with games and fundraising activities. Although it may not have been pleasant getting slimed (along with other brave staff!), raising over $4,000 for this initiative is a fantastic achievement.

A special thank you to Ms Kolar and Miss Messina for their guidance and support in making this event such a success.

CAPTAINS’ MASS WITH THE BISHOP

Earlier this week, our 2025 College Captains and Vice Captains, together with Mr Watson and myself, attended the annual Captains’ Mass at the Cathedral in Wollongong. Student leaders from schools right across the Diocese gathered for this special occasion.

Before Mass, the Bishop spent time talking with the students about leadership, school life and their hopes for the year ahead (he also had time for a paper plane throwing competition!). The Mass itself was a beautiful celebration, and afterwards the various Captains and Vice Captains enjoyed lunch and conversation with leaders from other schools.

We are very grateful to our Bishop for the encouragement he gives our young leaders and for the genuine care he shows towards the students of our Diocese.

YEAR 9 PUBLIC SPEAKING

Our College continues to enjoy success in Public Speaking, with very strong results at this year’s MISA competition. Congratulations to Year 9 student Olugbemisola (Bumni) F., who achieved 1st Place with her prepared speech on “Fake News in a Digital World.” She spoke with confidence and insight, leaving a strong impression on the judges.

Well done also to Jacob M., who received a Highly Commended award for his impromptu response to the topic “If you could change one thing about your school uniform, what would it be and why?” Jacob’s thoughtful approach and clear delivery were highly praised.

These results add to our ongoing record of success in Public Speaking and Debating over the past few years. We are very proud of both Bumni and Jacob for the way they represented our College, and we thank Ms Tanya Beslic for her ongoing support and coaching in preparing our students so well.

BISHOP’S STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

Last week, Mrs Agostino, Mrs Pearce, Mr Watson, and I joined with schools across the Diocese at the annual Bishop’s Student Excellence Awards in Wollongong. Each Year 12 recipient was recognised as a young adult who reflects the very best of Catholic education through faith, learning, service, and school spirit.

We are proud to announce that this year’s St Francis Catholic College recipient was Thalia S. As College Captain, Thalia has been an outstanding leader within our community. Beyond the College, she has also served as Cadet Under Officer and Company Commander of 22/29 ACU Holsworthy, and is an active member of the Youth Committee of the Sydney Jewish Museum. These commitments highlight her dedication, discipline, and generosity in contributing to both the College and the wider community.

It was wonderful to celebrate Thalia’s achievements alongside her family on the night, and we congratulate her on being such a worthy recipient of this award.

 SAFETY AROUND THE COLLEGE

We continue to be concerned about student safety around the College, particularly on Vinny Road during drop-off and pick-up times. Cars stopping in No Stopping zones, blocking driveways, or parking too close to pedestrian crossings create risks for our students and frustrate our neighbours.

We also ask families not to encourage students to cross roads unsafely when pedestrian crossings are available. Teaching and modelling safe road behaviour helps protect our young people and supports them in developing good habits for the future.

Please park legally and considerately, and remind students to use the crossings provided. Police and Council rangers patrol the area, and fines may apply for illegal parking.

By working together, we can ensure our school zone is safe for everyone—especially our students. Thank you for supporting this important effort.

PRAYER

The following prayer is most fitting in line with this week’s R U OK? Day. 

Prayer for Mental Health and Support

Loving God,

You know the struggles of every heart and the weight that each of us carries.

Help us to see the signs when someone is hurting, to listen with compassion, and to speak words of encouragement and hope.

Guide us to be a source of kindness and understanding, reflecting Your love in our words and actions.

Comfort those who feel alone or overwhelmed, and strengthen our community to support one another with care and patience.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Mr Matthew McMahon