Dear Parents/Carers,

The College experienced a bittersweet moment last week, with the removal of the last remaining large gum tree from the site. The old tree has stood for many years and was somewhat iconic, as the area around Edmondson Park has lost so many trees due to land clearance.

During the evening of 26th September the Edmondson Park area experienced gale force winds.  On the following Sunday morning I visited the College to check the site, and I discovered that approximately one-third of the tree had blown down due to the high winds.

Arborists were called to investigate & it became clear that the tree had significant sections that had rotted and sustained attacks from borers. 

Gum trees are renowned as limb droppers and are often referred to as ‘widow makers’ and so for the safety and protection of all, it was clear that the tree needed to be removed. 

We were aware that the tree had become a home for cockatoos and so arborists worked in conjunction with WIRES volunteers to ensure the tree was safely removed and that bird life was protected.

It was a significant task with a crane having to be hired to help remove the tree. 

The College master plan incorporates a significant amount of landscaping around the perimeter and throughout the site. I have asked that it not incorporate tree varieties that are known to drop limbs.  Moving forward we will beautify the site, have the bird life return and ensure that safety is maintained. Thanks for your cooperation and patience. 

Last week we said farewell and a big thank you to Mr Anthony Haddad.  Anthony has worked since the College’s foundation over almost 4 years as a School Support Officer.  Anthony has helped many students over that period, providing learning and well-being support. Anthony is leaving to start a new career assisting youth. We wish Anthony every blessing in his new job. 

Last fortnight it was a pleasure to attend both the Junior Years Assembly & Middle/Senior Years Assembly. Assemblies were banned originally and then later greatly restricted due to COVID. Some restrictions have now been lifted, allowing us to recognise some of the great work students are doing at St Francis.

Further in this newsletter, you will see images of our Bronze, Silver & Gold Award winners. These students deserve great praise as they have worked hard to achieve these milestones. Well done to them!

Another great pleasure during the assemblies was to present ICAS certificates to students who received either a Merit, Credit, Distinction or High Distinction in these international external assessments facilitated by the University of NSW.

St Francis students performed amazingly, with many students being recognised with these awards. To receive a High Distinction students must be in the top 1% of all students who sat the exam.  To receive a Distinction students must be in the next 10% of all students. 

Congratulations to all of our high achieving ICAS students. It just goes to show that students at St Francis can compete with students from any selective or other school. 

The end of year is fast approaching and students will be working solidly up until Week 10.  Details regarding our revised End of Year Mass and Award Ceremonies can be found in this newsletter.

Our last day for Year 10 students will be Friday 11th December 2020.

For all other students the last day will be Wednesday 16th December.

May God continue to bless you and your family.

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal