Message from Mr Abernethy
Dear parents & friends,
It was a historic week this week at St Francis, as we farewelled our first Year 12 cohort. I am very proud of these young men and women who I described at their Graduation Mass, as the pioneers and trailblazers of our community. A dictionary definition defines Trailblazer as:
- A pioneer; an innovator; a lifelong learner; a mover and shaker.
- A leader who leaves a path for others to follow.
- Most importantly, a person who builds a better world for others.
I am proud to see innovators, young adults who respectfully introduce new concepts, new ideas, have plans for how they shape their world. They have learnt to be inclusive. I had the privilege of being a group leader at their Year 12 Retreat and I know that experience helped bond them.
I am proud to see life long learners. Young adults who see mistakes as learning opportunities and realise that you never stop learning. Regardless of their career choice, they will be constantly developing new knowledge, be impacted by technological change and have to adapt to new situations.
I thank Year 12 for being leaders who leave a path for others to follow. They have set a good example, which is highlighted in the responsible and trouble free way they have left the college and have created traditions and experiences for future students to enjoy.
Most significantly Year 12 leave showing others what it means to be successful. They leave St Francis going out to apprenticeships, Veterinary Science, Law, Psychology, Nursing, the Defence Force, Policing and so forth.
They leave as a strong group who cares for each other. They leave demonstrating the importance of getting involved in the life of school and enjoying your time. They leave quality relationships with staff and students. They leave St Francis a better place for having been part of our community and leave as better, more determined, more connected, more respected, more spiritual and well rounded than when they arrived.
We wish Year 12 every blessing and I invite you to pray for them over the coming weeks as they sit the HSC.
May God continue to bless you.
Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal