PRINCIPAL APPRAISAL

All parents/carers should have received an email on Wednesday evening regarding my upcoming principal’s appraisal.

The Catholic Education Office in Wollongong has a robust process for reviewing its principals. I am now due for my next renewal review cycle (having had my last Diocesan review in 2020 at another Diocesan School).

The survey covers various aspects of leadership in a Catholic school, and I would appreciate constructive feedback that can help guide me over the next four years of my contract cycle. While email names are captured in the collection of the surveys, note that names will remain anonymous for the panel. Additionally, If you wish to speak to me face-to-face for a more extended conversation, please contact the College office for an appointment. 

I see myself as a lifelong learner, and leading the St Francis Catholic College community continues to be an honour. Indeed, it is a responsibility I do not take lightly, so I will take validation of what’s working and what can be improved seriously. 

When the Review team visits the school in early September, they will speak to various individuals. These will include parents/carers, students from various year groups, teachers, support staff, and Father Bosco, our parish priest. The Review team will then provide recommendations for areas of focus moving forward.

Thank you in advance for your support in this process. If you have not received an email, please contact the college office.

CAMPBELLTOWN CATHOLIC CLUB’S 58TH ANNUAL MASS

Last Sunday (11th August), the Campbelltown Catholic Club celebrated its 58th Annual Mass & Communion Luncheon. The Mass was held at Mary Immaculate Parish Church, Eagle Vale, with Bishop Brian Mascord and Father Leo Mifsud co-celebrating the Eucharist.

Students from Macarthur Diocesan and Congregational schools and most regional principals were in attendance. I would like to thank our Year 11 students, Thalia S. and Maame G., for representing our College at the mass. Both students met the Bishop and proceeded into the celebration with a candle, placing it in the Church’s sacred space at the beginning of the mass.

Our College and the Diocese of Wollongong value our relationship with the Campbelltown Catholic Club and recognise their generous support of education in our region over many years.

FRIENDS OF FRANCIS MEETING

The next Friends of Francis meeting will occur on Monday, 26 August, at 6 pm. Several standing items are on the agenda of this meeting, but if you would like to propose a general business item for you to talk to, could you please email Bernadette Manchester manchesterb01@dow.catholic.edu.au by 5pm Thursday, 22nd August.

YEAR 10 CAMP

I’d like to commend all our Year 10 students who attended their recent outdoor camp at Talong. This year, the camp experience was genuine, with students having to set up their tents and sleep at night in a bush environment.

The students were exceptionally well-behaved and embraced the experience with open arms. I would like to thank all of the staff who stayed overnight, especially Mrs. Greci and Mr. Fitzpatrick, the Year 10 coordinators.

BUSY EXCITING FORTNIGHT

We are just about to enter a hectic but exciting fortnight.

• On Tuesday morning (20/8), a barbecue for our Year 12 students will be held in recognition of their Trial HSC efforts. 
• ‘St Francis Has Got Talent’ will be a tremendous event showcasing our students’ talent on Thursday (22/8).
• I am delighted that Bishop Mascord will be celebrating our St Francis Feast Day mass on Friday (23/8) and that both Mr Michael Slattery, the Chair of the EREA Council, and Mr Ray Paxton, EREA National Director Mission Strategy, will be in attendance. Of course, our festivities and fate kick off after the Eucharist. 
• We have Book Week at the beginning of week six, Monday (26/8). This year, we’re not only having our typical book parade, with a wide range of costumes for students in K-6, but we also have the option and the opportunity for our students in Years 7 to 12 to get dressed in their favourite book characters. [Please note this is not a mufti day, but rather an opportunity to celebrate books and this College event].
• Monday the 26th will also coincide with the opening of our new College library. The College will communicate with you about upcoming opportunities to see the new facilities.
• There is a Friends of Francis Meeting that night (26/8) at 6 pm
• Then, to wrap up the week, on Friday, 30 August, there will be Fathers’ Day Celebrations.

Please RSVP your attendance to the Fathers Day Liturgy and Breakfast on Friday 30th August from 7:30 am - 8:25 am at St Francis Catholic College.

Market Stalls will be available to all students across Junior, Middle and Senior Years and will run on Thursday 29th of August (Week 6) during Break 2. Please note that this is a cash only event and students will not be able to use cards to purchase items. 

The products available include slime and ice cream for Junior Years students, and pizza and slushies for Middle and Senior Years students. A comprehensive list of items will be made available shortly, including their price. 

As it is an expectation that all businesses fulfil their corporate social responsibility, the proceeds raised will be donated to a charity of choice. This year, the Year 9 Commerce Cohort has nominated the Make a Wish Foundation. 

We value your support in this initiative and we look forward to seeing the St Francis Community at Market Day! 

On Sunday, 4th August 2024, at the Quay Centre, Montana S (Year 7) competed in the Taekwondo red-white belt division. She demonstrated incredible skill and determination, earning 2nd place after several challenging bouts. Montana scored points by successfully executing her skills with focus and precision.

We are thrilled to announce that Montana has qualified for the National Taekwondo Championships in Brisbane! Let's all wish her the very best of luck as she prepares for this exciting opportunity.

From June 19th to June 21st, Year 9 embarked on an unforgettable camp experience in Narrabeen. Over three action-packed days, we engaged in a diverse range of activities that challenged us both physically and mentally, fostering personal growth and friendship among our peers.

Each day was filled with excitement and adventure. We faced many of our fears, particularly in abseiling. The thrill of descending the cliffs was not only exhilarating but also instilled a sense of accomplishment in all of us. We then developed our skills and used teamwork and collaboration in initiatives. As the sun set, the fun continued with engaging night activities. One highlight was the trivia night, where we tested our knowledge in a friendly competition. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our diverse interests and learn new things from one another, all while enjoying the warmth of shared laughter and friendly rivalry.

Throughout the camp, we created lasting memories, whether it was through shared meals, stories, or moments of reflection as a year group. The experience brought us closer together, allowing us to forge friendships that will endure beyond our school years.

Looking back, this camp was more than just a getaway; it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unity. We faced challenges, celebrated victories, and left with a treasure trove of experiences that we will cherish forever. The laughter, the fears we conquered, and the memories we created will remain etched in our hearts, reminding us of the incredible time we spent together as a year group.

On Friday, August 2nd, 41 of our students from Years 7-12 participated in the Diocesan Secondary Athletics Championships at Campbelltown Athletics Centre. The day was filled with remarkable sportsmanship and a strong sense of team spirit, showcased by all our students. The biggest cheerleader of the day was Emmanuella A from Year 7, whose enthusiasm and encouragement uplifted everyone.

Our students were motivated to perform their best and support one another in every event, facing tough competition with determination. Special recognition goes to Adriano L and Xaviah P for stepping up to compete in the 4x100m relay when we needed extra participants.

We had some outstanding results, highlighting the talent and hard work of our students:

• Arrush G: 3rd in 800m (12 Yrs Male)
• Nightingale V: 3rd in 100m and Long Jump (12 Yrs Female)
• Victoria A: 3rd in Discus (13 Yrs Female)
• Jorjen K: 2nd in Shot Put (16 Yrs Male)
• Emmanuella A: 1st in Shot Put (12 Yrs Female)
• Taylah P: 1st in 200m and 100m (13 Yrs Female)
• Lucas M: 1st in 200m and 400m, and 2nd in 100m (13 Yrs Male)

A massive congratulations to Lucas M, who also won 2nd place in the 13 Years Male Age Champion. Congratulations to Emmanuella, Taylah, and Lucas, who will advance to the NSWCCC Athletics Championships in September. We wish them the best of luck!

A heartfelt thank you to Miss Flegg and Mr Grant for their unwavering support throughout the event. Your efforts made a significant difference to our students' experience.

Here's to celebrating our students' achievements and looking forward to more successes in the future!

Mrs Daniella Pavlovich 
7-12 Sports Coordinator

As the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi comes closer, let’s strive to live his values in our daily lives embracing, compassion, and love for all creation. To help us reflect, there’s a word search featuring the values he embodied. Enjoy!

After you have completed your puzzle, collect your green stamp from Mr Nguyen in PL.06 during Wednesday Break 1.