HSC RESULTS 

Preliminary Analysis of our HSC results shows outstanding performances from only our 3rd HSC cohort, Year 12 2024.

More details will follow in the new year, but we are incredibly impressed by all of our students.

Our students have very bright futures ahead of them - whether they are moving into business, apprenticeships or a tertiary pathway.

Achievements include:

• A Sydney Morning Herald Ranking of 132 (following our ranking of 146 in 2023).
• 13th Highest systemic Catholic school in NSW
• 79 Band 6 results (from a candidature of 96 students)
• One All Round Achiever in Sarah J. (i.e. Band 6 and/or E4 results in at least 10 units) with several students missing out by 1 or 2 subjects
• Number One ranking in the Diocese of Wollongong (both in the percentage of band 6 achievements AND in the total number of band 6s/E4s)
• 92% of subjects (22 out of 24 subjects) were above state average
• We have not received all ATAR scores (effectively showing a rank) … but so far
• 7 students received an ATAR above 95
• Another 12 students received an ATAR between 90 and 94.95
• Another 6 students received an ATAR between 85 and 89.95
• HSC Showcase nomination in SHAPE (the HSC Design and Technology and Industrial Technology showcase) for Zachery C. in Design and Technology
• HSC Showcase nomination in ENCORE (the HSC Music showcase) for Danielle M.
• HSC Showcase nomination in SHAPE (the HSC Design and Technology and Industrial Technology showcase) for Nicholas C. in Industrial Technology.

STAFF LEAVING THE COLLEGE

As per my letter last week, it is with mixed emotions that we announce Mrs Melissa Vella’s appointment at St Thomas More Ruse as Acting Principal in 2025 (with the right to return here in 2026).

On the one hand, I am delighted for her and recognise that this substantial achievement is incredibly well-deserved. However, she will be sadly missed in 2025!

Details of new 2025 appointments and the new-look leadership team has been shared separately on Compass.

Now is also the time to recognise several other staff who are officially leaving us:

Mr Michael O’Brien has not been with us for some time now - but we can now officially farewell him and thank him for his efforts in the past as a Japanese teacher and Administration Coordinator.

Miss Elise Laidlaw left us at the end of 2023/start of 2024, but we can now officially farewell her and thank her for her terrific efforts in the JY space. She was promoted to Assistant Principal in one of our Diocesan primary schools and was here for our most recent blessing. She has said that SFCC will always have a special place in her heart.

We are sad to see Miss Rebecca Caltabiano, who is in the HSIE faculty, leave us. Miss Caltabiano is moving up to the Central Coast, and as a fine classroom teacher and a great contributor to such things as Mock Trial, she will be missed. 

Miss Caitlin Morgan, will be working in a specialist school setting in 2025 - and is set to return to us in 2026. She is an outstanding teacher, but it's not farewell, it’s just bye for now. We wish her every success in 2025.

We say farewell to Mr Roger Lee at the end of this year. Mr Lee has been a great contributor to CAPA, particularly in his Music contributions. He has also greatly contributed to extracurricular activities such as Minecraft Club and his work across multiple age groups. We wish him every success.

Mrs Courtney Spencer has taken a promotional position at another Wollongong Diocesan Secondary School, starting next year. She has been a great contributor in English, extra-curricular aspects and especially in the area of Literacy. We know she will do great things at her new school, and we wish her the best of luck.

We also bid farewell to Mrs Angela Bennett, our CAPA Coordinator; she will be moving to Sydney next year in a similar role, but her positivity, passion, and expertise will be missed here at SFCC. We hope to build relationships with her and CAPA between St Francis and her new school.

Finally, we also wish our SSO, Carmen Robinson-Sharp, and Mrs. Michelle Karakus, our TAPS Coordinator, all the best as they prepare to commence maternity leave.

Some other staff have only recently told me they are leaving the College - but will not officially leave till next year - so we will confirm those staff early next year.

BEST WISHES AND PRAYER TO END THE SCHOOL YEAR

I wish all of our staff, students and families a holy, safe and blessed Christmas. May you all return next year safe, energised and ready for a great year ahead.

PRAYER

Loving God of wisdom and compassion, We thank You for the blessings You have poured upon our College community this year.

Inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi, we give thanks for the beauty of creation and the call to live simply and care for others. Guided by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice, we are grateful for the courage to walk in solidarity with the poor and marginalised and for the faith that sustains us in our mission.

As we approach the end of this school year, we pause to recognise Your presence in our journey. Thank You for the gifts of learning, growth, and service that have shaped us.

We are grateful for our staff's dedication, our students' leadership, and our families' support.

Bless our community as we prepare for the Christmas season—a holy time to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May this vacation be a time of renewal and joy for all. Refresh our hearts, minds, and spirits so that we may return ready to embrace the new challenges and opportunities You place before us.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with You in unity with the Holy Spirit,
Forever and ever.

–Amen.

LITURGICAL GOWNS - Mrs Joelene Dalli

A big thank you to Mrs Joelene Dalli for donating her time and effort to create twenty-six beautiful liturgical gowns. The students looked so elegant and graceful as they danced upon stage wearing them for the Christmas concert. These gowns will serve St Francis Catholic College so greatly for many future events. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Joelene Dalli for her exceptional dedication and skill in designing 26 stunning liturgical gowns for our Christmas Concert. Her artistic vision and careful attention to detail have greatly enriched the event, infusing it with elegance and joy. The considerable time and effort she poured into each gown is genuinely appreciated and will leave a lasting impression on everyone involved. Thank you for your generosity and unwavering support in contributing to the success of our celebration Mrs Dalli!

PPT Teachers (Mrs Bryan, Ms Autard, Mrs Jamieson)

SFCC K-4 Christmas Concert :

Our recent Christmas Concert, centered on exploring and celebrating Christmas traditions from around the globe, was a fantastic success! The event showcased a vibrant celebration of global cultures and customs, engaging and delighting all in attendance. It was obvious to see the incredible talent we have in Junior Years! We extend our sincere gratitude to the committee, staff, students, and parents for their dedication and support. Your hard work and enthusiasm made this event truly special, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. Thank you for helping us bring the spirit of the season to life!

PPT Teachers (Ms Autard, Mrs Bryan, Mrs Jamieson)

On the 5th of December, during Pastoral Care, Year 9 participated in an event called Speed Careering meeting expo. This unique opportunity allowed students to meet professionals from diverse careers and learn about the different pathways they took to achieve their goals.

The event featured three 15-minute sessions where students could engage with the guests of their choice, gaining insights into their fields of interest. The professionals came from a wide range of industries, including occupational therapy, law, biochemistry, construction, social work, finance management, engineering, real estate, nuclear science, electrical work, event planning, architecture, entrepreneurship, and IT.

This event was incredibly beneficial for Year 9 as it inspired students to ask questions about various careers and pathways while encouraging them to think deeply about their own futures. It offered a fresh perspective on the possibilities ahead and helped students begin considering their aspirations going into year 10 next year.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the esteemed guests who generously shared their time and experiences, including Alicia Fletcher, Reshma Prasad, Laura Rollins, Joelene Dalli, Andrew Fricot, Jamie-Lee Radburn, Andrew Guan, Erica Lacuna, Allie Thompson, Tristan Lorquet, Kate, Anthony Glynn, Jasmin Kelaita, and Joshua Frew.

Special thanks go to Mrs. Karakus and Mr Fricot for organizing this enriching event. their efforts in bringing these professionals to the college are deeply appreciated.

This event has not only educated students about numerous career opportunities and pathways but also helped them prepare for Year 11 and Year 12 subject selections.

Our Year 9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) students joined forces with Year 2 students for an energetic and exciting coaching session that blended fun, fitness, and teamwork. This event fostered inclusivity and engagement through a tabloid-style format, with Year 9 students leading creative games that captivated the younger students.

The session took place in the vibrant green space near the Middle Years Undercroft, where Year 9 students worked in small groups to design engaging activities. One standout highlight was an animal-themed obstacle course created by an exceptional group. The Year 2 students enthusiastically hopped like frogs, crawled like bears, and sprinted like cheetahs through the course, cheering one another on along the way.

Year 9 students demonstrated impressive creativity, transforming casual sports equipment into exciting challenges for the younger participants. The session was a win-win for both year groups; Year 9 students developed their leadership and coaching skills while building meaningful connections with the younger students. Meanwhile, the Year 2 students had a blast, learning new skills and being inspired by their older peers.

This collaboration also highlighted the PASS program; sparking interest in the elective and showcasing its emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and fun across the junior and senior schools of St Francis Catholic College.