END OF TERM TWO

Thank you to our students and staff for their tremendous efforts across Term 2. The second term is notoriously one of the busiest terms of the year but also one of the most productive, and Term 2 2024 was no exception.

The term was jam-packed with numerous camps, excursions, incursions, Athletics Carnivals, Gala Days, sporting and cultural competitions, and events. I thank all of our talented staff members who were able to be there for our students, our supportive parents/carers, and, of course, our wonderful students. We are excited about the following term (day one, Term 3 commences Tuesday, 23rd July).

SAME PARKING / DROP OFF ARRANGEMENTS AT THE START OF TERM 3

A letter will be sent via Compass in the coming days, providing additional information about the move to the new classrooms.

Critically, it is important to note that existing kiss-and-drop arrangements (via Jardine Drive) will continue for the first four weeks of Term 3.  

Despite the new office on Guillemont Road being in operation from Tuesday, 23 July, Stage 7 building works (Library, landscaping, and internal drop-off and pick-up) will not be complete for at least the first four weeks. Therefore, to ensure the safety of our students, we ask that parents/carers maintain their existing drop-off and pick-up arrangements.

Parents/carers needing to access College Reception should note that the temporary partial internal road on Guillemont Road will only be open between 8.30 and 2.15 pm during the day. These arrangements will be in place for the first four weeks of the term.

SAVE THE DATE

Parents/carers are invited to view our new Junior Years classroom spaces on Tuesday, July 30, between 3.30 and 5.30 pm. More details to follow.

MISA DANCE

Congratulations to all SFCC students involved in this year’s MISA Dance Festival. The team, this year made up of Year 7 and 8 students, produced a lively performance that had elements of contemporary dance and cultural hints inspired by Bollywood. The students have been working extremely hard over the recent months, and it was wonderful to see them on the stage at The Campbelltown Cube at Catholic Club.

In recent years, as Vice President of MISA (The Macarthur Independent Schools Association), it has been an absolute honour to give the festival a vote of thanks, and the 2024 Festival was a very memorable one. With students from 13 schools performing and a packed audience consisting of students, teachers, parents/carers and family and friends, it was a real celebration of the talents of our young people across our Association.

I would like to thank Ms. Elise Markus for supporting our students and Mrs. Amy Jamieson for her hard work preparing, choreographing, and coaching them. They and our students made the College proud.

FAREWELL AND WELCOME BACK

Thank you to Mr Steven Robinson for his efforts as the Acting Assistant Principal - Religious Education, Identity, and Mission this term. His positivity has been evident throughout his time with us, from taking academic and pastoral care classes to attending the overnight Year 9 Camp and assisting with various REIM initiatives. He has been generous and genuine in all his dealings. 

We are pleased to note that Mrs Alexandra Mediati Assistant Prinicipal of Religious Education, Identity, and Mission is now on the mend and returning from day one next term. Welcome back Mrs Mediati.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

As we conclude this term, thank you for guiding us through our successes and challenges. Grant us wisdom to learn from our mistakes and to grow as individuals in our learning and relationships.

Lord, bless our time spent with family and friends during these holidays. Grant us strength and courage to uphold our faith and to be faithful witnesses of Your love.

Help us, Lord, to live out our faith practically these holidays. May we appreciate the kindness of others and dedicate our time and effort to helping those in need. Grant us the grace to foster peace within our families.

Keep us safe in all our activities, grant us restful rejuvenation, and fill our days with joy and laughter. Bring us back refreshed and eager for the new term ahead.

Lord, we are grateful for our classmates, teachers, parents/carers, and the caring community of St Francis Catholic College. May we always be mindful of Your presence in our lives.

Lastly, we pray for Your blessings upon our teachers as they prepare our classrooms and as our staff transitions into new facilities. May their efforts be fruitful and guided by Your wisdom.

St Francis of Assisi … Pray for us

Blessed Edmund Rice … Pray for us

Live Jesus in our hearts … Forever 

–Amen

On Wednesday the 27th of June, representative teams attended a Volleyball Gala Day whereby students competed against other schools within the Wollongong Diocese. Despite a very early start to the day, students were eager and ready to compete. The tournament featured both a boys' and girls' team consisting of students from Years 9-12, each displaying impressive skill and sportsmanship.

The matches throughout the day were highly competitive, allowing students to showcase impressive teamwork, powerful serves, and important plays. The highlight of the day was the playoff matches due to the nature of high competition where synchronisation and precise timing were crucial. Adaptability was also important as students had to quickly adjust their strategies based on their opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Both teams exhibited exceptional talent when competing against other schools and were commended from staff for their efforts.

The event was a success, fostering camaraderie and school spirit amongst the students. The students' dedication and hard work in the lead up to the event were evident, making the Volleyball Gala Day in 2024 a memorable experience for all involved.

Members of the girls volleyball team

• Jessica A. (Year 10)
• Ama A. (Year 12)
• Ebony C. (Year 12)
• Chelsea D. (Year 10)
• Khloe F. (Year 12)
• Kiahna F. (Year 11)
• Caitlin H. (Year 9)
• Honey P. (Year 12)
• Jennifer S. (Year 12)
• Cheryl S. (Year 12)
• Kalan S. (Year 9)
• Mariari T. (Year 9)

Members of the boys volleyball team 

• Fadi A. (Year 12)
• Naga A. (Year 12)
• Vasanth B. (Year 12)
• Umang B. (Year 12)
• Aydan K. (Year 12)
• Zachariah L. (Year 12)
• Andrew N. (Year 11)
• Liro P. (Year 12)
• David S. (Year 9)
• Ashvanth S. (Year 12)
• Pavel S. (Year 9)
• Daniel V. (Year 12)

Congratulations to both the girl’s and boy’s teams on their efforts on the day.

Throughout Term 2, the 7-9 MISA Basketball teams have participated in the MISA season for 2024. Going against some tough competition, all students had demonstrated skills present in training that have led to significant success on the court.

Starting with the 7-9 Boys MISA Basketball team, their success was demonstrated in the main season with wins that demonstrated significant teamwork and communication. One game in particular showcase their abilities with a score over 100.

The following students formed the 7-9 Boys MISA Basketball team for St. Francis in 2024:

• Shaun B. (Year 9)
• Lachlan C. (Year 7)
• Joshua E. (Year 7)
• Johny O. (Year 7)
• Anuj P. (Year 9)
• Xaviah P. (Year 8)
• Jieden P. (Year 9)
• David S. (Year 9)
• Liam S. (Year 9)
• Javier V. (Year 8)

Congratulations to the boys team on their success during the 2024 season.

MISA Years 7-9 Girls Basketball

The 7-9 Girls MISA Basketball team, demonstrated significant pressing and abilities of footwork on the court throughout the MISA season. The training conducted by students weekly on Thursday afternoons demonstrated their commitment to success in the season.

For some of the students who are a part of the team, the success achieved is 3 years in the making with their journey in MISA Basketball beginning in Year 7 back in 2022.

Mr Opalniuk is proud to announce that the girls team are the 2024 Champions for Division 2 MISA 7-9 Girls Basketball. The students were also able to achieve this incredible feat with an undefeated season. Which is a testament to the students' hard work and dedication.

The following students formed the 7-9 girls MISA Basketball team for St. Francis in 2024

• Tiaina-Victoria A. (Year 8)
• Accalia A. (Year 9)
• Chelsea D. (Year 10) - Assistant Coach
• Taline E. (Year 7)
• Senithi H. (Year 9)
• Amali J. (Year 8)
• Ada M. (Year 9)
• Laila M. (Year 9)
• Laasya P. (Year 8)
• Taylah P. (Year 8)
• Emily V. (Year 9)
• Angel W. (Year 9)

Congratulations to the girls team and their success during the 2024 season.

On Tuesday June 25th, 17 students from Years 7 and 8 represented St Francis in the MISA Dance Festival at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club. These students rehearsed during sport lessons, and even committed to multiple lunch time rehearsals in order to practise. These students spent Terms 1 and 2 using their collective knowledge and experiences to assist in collaboratively putting together their performance, as well as learning and rehearsing for the festival. Not only did they wow the audience with their strength and talents, they also left audience members in awe being the youngest group there! They were respectful and encouraging of each other as well as of other schools. An amazing team, well done to the 2024 SFCC MISA dancers!

A special thank you to Mrs Jamieson for her encouragement, guidance and leadership of these girls.

On Thursday 27 June, the Year 9 Visual Arts elective class went on an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW. Previously in art, we had studied portraiture - specifically the Archibald Prize, so we jumped at the chance of being able to view the artworks in person. As a part of the exhibition, we also viewed the Sulman and Wynne Prize, and the works were spectacular; sculptures, paintings - even the doors of a truck - were displayed so beautifully, it was unbelievable to see. These people had put so much effort into perfecting their craft, and it certainly did pay off.

After we had viewed the Archibald, Sulman and Wynne prizes, we moved onto Wendy Sharpe’s installation, ‘Spellbound’. This installation perfectly demonstrates the creative and expressive expertise that Sharpe holds, which were used to make art celebrating the human condition. The room was filled with sketchbooks, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, paintings and wall murals, featuring all types of colours and shapes. The installation was ‘magical’.

Lastly, we went to see Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau, the most detailed exhibition of Mucha’s works in Australia. His works were revolutionary during 19th and 20th century France. It was amazing to see his styles influencing much of our contemporary art, especially since much of his art was from over a century ago. His styles influenced ideas like covers of Marvel comics, Final Fantasy XIV prints and The Lord of the Rings print art. Mucha’s art was breathtaking, and witnessing the exhibition was an experience that is unforgettable.

Overall, our trip to the gallery was awesome. Thank you to our teachers for making the effort to take us there!

- Xanthe T (Year 9 Visual Arts Student)