CELEBRATING OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS ON WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

World Teacher’s Day is a special occasion for educators and the wider community. As a school, we are immensely proud of our dedicated teachers and their vital role in shaping our students' lives.

In today's world, which can sometimes feel chaotic and uncertain, teaching offers a powerful and unique opportunity to make a positive difference. Through education, our children learn to communicate effectively, think critically, and make informed choices. In our Catholic context, teachers also help nurture students’ moral growth and deepen their spiritual connection with God.

The work of our teachers today goes beyond the classroom—it shapes tomorrow's future leaders, parents, and community members. Whether our students grow up to contribute locally, nationally or globally, the values, knowledge, and skills they acquire here will guide them throughout their lives.

While it’s easy to overlook the daily dedication of our educators, World Teacher’s Day serves as a timely reminder to express our gratitude. The commitment and passion our teachers bring to St. Francis makes this community very special. We are thankful for their countless hours helping our children grow, learn, and thrive.

As parents, we have the opportunity to recognise and appreciate their efforts. Let’s take a moment today to celebrate and thank our incredible teachers for everything they do to shape the next generation.

Happy World Teacher’s Day!

HSC STARTS WELL

I congratulate all of our Year 12 students on the way they have approached their HSC Examinations thus far. The HSC Examination block can be a very stressful time for our students, but the fact they have started so positively and in such a focused way is testimony to their resilience. We continue to wish them success in their studies over the next three weeks.

SAFETY IN AND AROUND THE COLLEGE

As I mentioned in a Compass entry the other day, the safety of our students is essential.

Several community members have recently mentioned unsafe driving behaviours in and around the college, especially as we acclimate to our new spaces.

The new morning drop off is now open. If you haven’t yet, watch the video: ‘‘Kiss and Drop’ - which covers our new area for K-6.

I want to emphasise that the new Guillemont Car Gate is entry only. Additionally, students are not to be dropped off on the internal road. At present, many parents/carers are parking near the font office and causing traffic to be banked back.

During the week I sent a message covering other points regarding safety in and around the College. I have reincluded these points here: 

1. If a parent or carer arrives at the College after the Kiss and Drop time (i.e. after 8.30 am) and parks in the internal carpark, the parent or carer should walk any children with them to the College Office.
2. Students and parents/carers must always use pathways or marked pedestrian crossings in all College carparks, driveways, etc…
3. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. When exiting the Kiss and Drop, cars may drive along the driveway beside your vehicle.
4. Blocking driveways, including the College driveways, MUST not occur.
5. All traffic signage, internal and external to the College, must be followed. Council Rangers visit regularly, and Police have had to book several drivers for not following road rules around the College over the years. Also note that new ‘no stopping signs’ have been placed on Guillemont Rd. 
6. The internal driveway speed limit is 10km an hour, and external roads are 40km around the School Zone.
7. Double parking on neighbouring streets (especially on Vinny Rd) is unsafe and is against the road rules. See below.
8. Dropping off students on any surrounding streets - needs to occur safely, and cars should not be parked across any vehicle or pedestrian entry to the College.

I have included the following information from Liverpool Council to support safety around our site.

SPOTLIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY: THE ROLE OF AI IN EDUCATION

Yesterday, several of our staff and I attended the CEDoW's Spotlight on Technology Conference, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a timely and relevant topic today. Among the many impressive presentations, the keynote by radio and TV personality Adam Spencer stood out.

Spencer shared insights into AI's transformative potential across industries, particularly education. He highlighted how AI can improve operational efficiency, enhance student engagement, and support learning outcomes through innovative tools like ChatGPT, Suno, Gemini, and CoPilot.

According to Spencer, AI is reshaping how we approach everyday tasks, from automating routine work to personalising educational experiences and speeding up data analysis. His key message to schools was clear: the rapid advancement of AI requires educators to keep pace and actively integrate these technologies to prepare students for future challenges.

Some key takeaways for schools and parents/carers from Spencer’s presentation include:

• Personalised Learning: AI allows educators to tailor education to each student's needs, enabling more effective and differentiated instruction.
• Ethical Considerations: While AI offers many opportunities, Spencer stressed the importance of addressing issues like misinformation, privacy, and ensuring the safe use of AI—especially when handling student data.
• Maintaining Student Safety: Spencer reminded us that while AI-generated content is powerful, it also poses risks, such as potential misuse of image creation, which could endanger students if not carefully monitored.
• Staff Upskilling: Teachers and school staff need to embrace and understand AI technologies to integrate them into the classroom and enhance student learning effectively.

This conference offered valuable insights into how AI can shape the future of education. As a school community, we are committed to exploring how best to integrate these tools (where appropriate) for the benefit of our students.

DIOCESAN CHRISTMAS STORY ART EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION

I congratulate all of our Year 5 and 6 students who recently created art pieces for the Diocesan Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition. I’m thrilled to share that four of our students artworks were shortlisted, with their pieces selected among the top 48 from across the Diocese. A special commendation goes to Lexi N. (Year 5), Hailey P. (Year 5), Annalise A. (Year 6), and Elyssa S. (Year 6), whose outstanding work is now on display at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

In addition, I was delighted to attend the exhibition with Mrs Crescini and Mr Fitzpatrick and witness Hailey P. (Year 5) receive one of the Major Prizes: the ‘CatholicCare Star of Hope Award.’ Hailey’s artwork will now be featured on Christmas cards, a well-deserved recognition of her talent.

Michael Austin from CatholicCare is pictured above with our prizewinner Hailey P (Year 5)

PRAYER

A Prayer for Year 12 Students During HSC Examinations

Loving God,

With hearts full of hope and trust, we ask for your guidance and strength as our Year 12 students continue their HSC examinations.

Grant them wisdom and clarity of mind so they may easily recall the knowledge they have gained over the years. Calm down their hearts and free them from anxiety, allowing them to approach each exam with confidence and peace.

Help them to give their best effort, remain focused, and trust in the abilities and gifts you have bestowed upon them. May they be reminded that their true worth is not found in their results, but in your boundless love and goodness.

Bless their families, friends, and teachers who stand by them with support and encouragement throughout this challenging time. May your Holy Spirit envelop them, bringing peace, patience, and perseverance daily.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

–Amen.

On the 9th of October, myself and students of the Executive Student Leadership team experienced their first-ever ‘Formation Day’ - an inaugural chapter in our senior leadership journey. A well-placed tile in our St Francis mosaic. 

To understand the day in its entirety, we must look to the smiles of reassurance on students' faces as they left the College Hall, knowing that the fortitude of this community stands with them. Formation day was yet another reminder of the connectedness and ministry that breathes Christ’s vision of love onto these school grounds. October 9th meant legacy. 

But being the lifelong learners that we are, the mission of St Francis asks each of us to radiate into the world, carrying our vision of love and service forward. With the guidance of Mr Turner from the Diocesan Catholic Life, Education and Mission Team, our motivations came anew, in the light and ministry of Christ. With the leadership model resembling an opportune network for student voice and attentiveness to social justice concerns. Our intention as leaders is to uplift the human dignity of those disempowered and at the margins of our society. To sit by them, as Jesus did.  Because the quality of our leadership can only ever be assessed by how the most vulnerable members of our community feel.

By extension, we celebrate an involved staff body, whose behind-the-scenes efforts make all the difference in our holistic endeavours. We’d especially like to thank Ms Beslic for volunteering her time to host an informative public speaking workshop, engaging us with the qualities of effective leadership. Her approach was student-led and purposeful, as we each identified strengths and strategies for improvement. We appreciate her authentic contribution to developing the communication skills necessary for the year ahead and future opportunities.

Our entire cohort has been empowered to lead and inspire thanks to Mr. Watson’s style of educating, with an impact. From his timeless memos to team-building exercises we marvel at his initiative and support for the graduating class of 2025. Our leadership morale is thus imbued with the memories of connectedness and tenacity, alive within this year-group. Reflecting on this journey, gives meaning to these leadership roles and charges our interactions with the love and virtue of seeing God in each other. 

As such, the celebratory dinner, joined by keynote speaker Dr Michael Fitzgerald, reaffirmed the value of being good people with a strong sense of integrity. Our Principal’s address solidified this argument and reassured us on the path of success. With the artistic flair of Jamie’s country music performance, Ms Manchester’s ongoing support and the lovely caterers, formation evening was truly a night to remember. We extend a warm thank you to everyone and wish to honour their time and efforts by each bringing our personal best to the senior leadership role. 

Sneha. S (Learning Leader)

Early Bird Reading recommenced this week at SFCC in our new Library.

Early Bird Reading is a voluntary program in which students have the opportunity to read a book to an older student in our very own SFCC Library. This program runs every Tuesday morning from 8am to 8:25am.

Early Bird Reading has many benefits to all students involved as they get to practise their reading and listening skills, while working with other students.
This week a variety of students have participated in this program and are enjoying reading to their peers each week in the Library. 

Miss Lauren Meli

We would like to acknowledge and commend the outstanding commitment, effort, and sportsmanship displayed by the Year 7-11 students who represented St Francis Catholic College at the Diocesan Boys Basketball Tournament on Monday, 21st October, held at Minto Indoor Sports Stadium. Despite facing tough competition and not securing a win in the games played, their perseverance and positive attitude never wavered. Each player displayed determination, teamwork, and resilience, qualities that reflect the true spirit of our college. Students showed up with heart and dedication, proving that success is not always measured by victories but by the way they face challenges and push through adversity together. 

The 7-11 boys representation of our College went beyond the scoreboard. From supporting one another on and off the court to maintaining a strong sense of sportsmanship, they have set a great example for others to follow. While the results may not have been what you hoped for, their efforts will surely contribute to personal growth and future success. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them for their hard work and positive mindset throughout the day. Keep up the determination, and continue to build on these experiences for the future!

Mr Ibanez                                                   
7-9 Diocesan Boys Basketball Coach

Garth Kainz
10-11 Diocesan Boys Basketball Coach

In September Term 3, Year 9 embarked on a transformative three-week mental health awareness program called YAM, facilitated by experienced presenters and emotional health specialists. The initiative aimed to foster a healthy mindset and equip students with coping strategies for emotional challenges. The program kicked off on Thursday in week 7 with a two-hour session focused on identifying stress factors in students' lives and managing overwhelming emotions. This was followed by a pastoral banner  to enhance house spirit. Each house was tasked with decorating a banner that represented their identity, with a secret prize awaiting the best design.

Mr Dominic Fricot 
Year 9 Coordinator

Jump Rope for Heart kicks off this term at St Francis Catholic College!

Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s primary school skipping challenge that helps kids move more, have fun, and raise funds for life-saving research and programs. 

Our goal for this term is to see our Student Heart Heroes at SFCC log 40 hours of skipping and raise $5000 in total throughout the program.

If your child/ren would like to participate please register them online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link to get started.

You can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause.

Students will be able to skip during break times beginning Monday 28th of October. 

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program!

Miss Catherine Laskaris
K-6 Sport Coordinator

ICAS is a historic academic competition that has been sat by over 10 million school students from 16,000 schools across 41 countries since 1981.

It recognises academic performance with engaging, fun questions designed by psychometricians, education measurement experts and experienced teachers to test students’ higher-order thinking skills.

The top 1% of participants achieve a High Distinction, and the next 10% of participants achieve a Distinction.

We would like to congratulate the following students who have excelled in the recent ICAS Assessments:-