A busy term for RE, Justice and Solidarity at St Francis….

Year 7 NET Encounter Day

In week 2, all students in Year 7 participated in a NET Encounter Retreat Day. Encounter Retreat Days are run by the Wollongong National Evangelisation Team (NET) and provide an opportunity for students to deepen their relationship with God through an encounter style ministry.

The theme of the day was “Steppin’ Up”. This talk was mainly about how students can become the leader of their own life, and through being a leader in themselves they then learn to lead others. This can impact their relationship with Jesus as it allows them to be a leader among peers. The Encounter Retreat Day program was designed to engage students through a combination of creative media relevant to contemporary youth culture including music, drama, sport, games, and the sharing of real-life stories, movie clips, and newsworthy events to present the Gospel as a message that is relevant to students’ daily lives. Students had a great day!

All Saints and All Souls Day

Last Monday, the whole school began the week with a prayer commemorating All Saints and Souls Day. A prayer was carried out by all Pastoral Classes and Junior classes for all the saints and those dearly departed.

Coming Up…..

Year 6 Activate Fire - on Wednesday 25th November, we are holding our own version of Activate Fire for all Year 6 students. This is a day that incorporates both fun and a deeper examination of the Pentecost unit in the Year 6 RE program. Students will be taking part in an immersive spiritual experience to help deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit and Confirmation in an enjoyable and spiritual atmosphere. 

Catholic Care Christmas Hamper Appeal 2020 - this will be launched this week at St Francis in an effort to help those less fortunate than ourselves at Christmas this year. Each class will be responsible for collecting items to make a Christmas hamper for a family in need. A letter containing a list will be sent out via the students indicating what item(s) each student has volunteered to donate. 

Christmas Gift Appeal 2020 COVID19 version- the “Gift Tree” will be a little different this year. This will be a virtual activity where staff, parents, and students can purchase a gift for an individual who otherwise will not be receiving a Christmas gift this year. A google form will be emailed to all members of the community and those who wish to be involved can complete the form indicating their intention to be involved and the demographic they would like to provide for. A tag will then be emailed to you with the specific details of the recipient. 

The tagged gift can then be handed into the student counter by your child as they enter the school of a morning. More details to come. We have over 70 individuals to cater for this year. I am sure St Francis is up to the challenge.