OPEN DAY

Last Saturday 9^th March saw hundreds of people visit St Francis to meet the staff, examine the facilities and hear our senior leaders speak about the future direction of the College, our approach to Pastoral Care, Teaching and Learning.

The feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. Prospective parents and students were impressed with the displays of student work, the demonstrations and vision for the future. We did very little advertising about the Open Day. Our existing parents have been our greatest advocates, recommending the College to their family and friends. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Families commented on the sense of welcome and I acknowledge the large number of students who volunteered to act as tour guides on the day. Their support of our new families added to the strong sense of hospitality. I also acknowledge the parents who provided assistance on the day. Having a large group of students and parents give up their precious time is a really a testament to our sense of community and sends a strong message to prospective families.

Thank you to Mrs Degabriele, Mrs Munro, Mrs Muiser, Mr Tabet, and Mrs Manno who were our parent volunteers. I really appreciate your commitment and support.

It was also great to have strong support from our local parish of Mary Mother of the Church, Macquarie Fields. The parish stand highlighted the various ministries that the Church is involved in to support our community. Thank you to Father Bosco, Mrs Pellicciaro, Mrs Santos, Mr Raisbeck, Mrs De Santis & Mr De Santis who volunteered to run the parish stall.

I would also like to publicly acknowledge the efforts of SFCC staff, all of whom gave their time on a Saturday so enthusiastically. It too, highlights that we have staff who go above and beyond to support the children of our College. Well done team!

We are now accepting enrolment applications for all years Kindergarten to Year 10 for 2020, and Year 7 2021. All applications are due to College Reception before Friday 12^th April (last day of Term 1).

STAFFING APPOINTMENTS

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Catholic Education Office has appointed two additional teachers to support students of St Francis who have English as an Additional Language Dialect (EAL/D).

Miss Sandra Rahim been working as an Indentured Casual teacher every Monday and Friday. She now will be adding EAL/D support 3 days a week (Tues-Thurs) to her teaching load. Sandra has a passion for helping students and her ability to speak Arabic has been and will continue to be, an asset. Sandra will commence her EAL/D work with us this week. 

Mrs Nicole Martin has starting working this year as an EAL/D teacher two days a week at Mary immaculate, Eaglevale. She has already made a significant impact on building teacher capacity. She will continue in this role and will join us for two days to provide EAL/D support. 

We are very fortunate to have the support of the Catholic Education Office in employing both of these excellent teachers. They will work as a team with Mrs Alison Harris to provide extensive support to students who require assistance as a result of having English as an additional language. 

Have a great week

Mr Simon Abernethy, College Principal