Did You Know?

Did you know that each College newsletter can be translated into a large range of languages (over 100!)?

Have a look at the top of this newsletter,  look for the heading “translate” and then use the dropdown menu to choose the language of your choice.

Be sure to tell you fellow parents/carers and/or community members about this.

Pick Up & Kiss and Drop

The College has recently applied for additional pedestrian crossing supervisors for the new pedestrian crossings on Vinny and Guillemont Roads. Fingers crossed these will be made available in the near future. Until that time, the current traffic, drop off and collection arrangements will remain.

Please help us to protect our young people travelling to and from our College. Use your common sense, follow the road rules and let’s be kind to one another.

CSDA Public Speaking

I would like to commend our students who have recently competed and are still competing in the Catholic Schools Debating Association Public Speaking Competition.

A number of rounds are held against students from Catholic Schools from Broken Bay, Sydney, Parramatta and Wollongong and we have had wonderful success with Abigail P and Elyssa S (Year 7); Abner A (Year 8); Olugbemisola F and Ethan Z (Year 9) and Asher A (Year 10) all making it to the Qualifying final against a strong field.

From there three students Abigail P (Year 7), Abner A (Year 8) and Asher A (Year 10) have all progressed to the Grand Final to be held tonight. A tremendous achievement!

I thank Ms Tanya Beslic for her exceptional support and guidance to the students and for being there with our College across the Competition.

We wish all of our finalists every success in tonight’s Grand Final!

Parenting Advice

Michael Grose, a leading voice in Australian parenting and education, distills big ideas into practical, down-to-earth advice. With years of experience, his relatable insights make him a trusted guide for families navigating the challenges and joys of raising children today.

In today’s newsletter (and future newsletters) I will be including his articles, summaries and tips to assist parents/carers. These are a part of the Parenting Toolbox the College has purchased for 2025.

Here is a summary of his latest article: “Five Proven Ways You Can Help Your Child Succeed at Primary School”, an article which provides a number of tips for parents/carers. The full article can be located here

1. Establish a Routine

Kids do best with structure. Set regular times for waking up, meals, homework, and bedtime to create stability. Sleep is especially crucial—consistent bedtimes and a wind-down routine improve focus and learning. Help kids balance study with breaks, and involve them in planning their routine to increase commitment.

2. Encourage a Love of Reading

Reading is the foundation for learning, so make it a priority. Read with your child daily, provide access to books, and create a reading-friendly home. Kids imitate what they see—if they see you reading, they’re more likely to read too. Dads, take note: research shows boys read more when their fathers model it.

3. Stay Connected with Teachers

A good parent/carer-teacher relationship benefits your child. Attend meetings, stay updated with school news, and address concerns early. Teachers and parents working together create the best outcomes.

4. Keep Expectations High (but Realistic)

Kids rise to the expectations set for them—but only if they’re achievable. Praise effort over results, encourage independence, and teach them to set goals and learn from mistakes. A “keep trying” attitude builds resilience and confidence.

5. Create a Positive Learning Environment

A quiet, clutter-free space dedicated to study helps kids focus. Avoid doing homework in bed to maintain good sleep habits. Provide the tools they need and encourage curiosity through hands-on learning experiences.

Final Thought

With a little structure, encouragement, and the right support at home, parents/carers can make a huge difference in their child’s success at school.

Prayer

In last week’s Opening Year and Lenten Mass I shared the ideas of Jesuit Priest Father Greg Boyle. Father Boyle from Los Angeles, has dedicated his life to working with people who were once involved in gangs. He is the founder of Homeboy Industries, which is now the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world.

Father Boyle has spent decades helping people who many others have written off. He believes that no one is beyond redemption. His message is clear: kindness has the power to heal, transform, and offer second chances.

In keeping with this I share the following prayer; Heavenly Father, You teach us through Your Word and example the boundless depths of Your kindness and mercy. Grant us the grace to live out Greg Boyle's call to love without condition, as You do.

May we see Your face in every person we meet, especially those who are marginalised or in need. Guide us to be instruments of Your peace, dispelling darkness with the light of Your love.

Like Your Son Jesus Christ, who showed mercy to all He encountered, help us to extend forgiveness and compassion, knowing that in serving others, we serve You.

Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, and all the saints who have lived lives of charity, inspire us to practice radical hospitality and embrace the outcast with open arms.

In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, may our actions speak louder than words, bringing hope where there is despair and healing where there is brokenness.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

St Francis of Asissi …. Pray for Us

Blessed Edmund Rice …. Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts …. Forever

Mr Matthew McMahon

The importance of wearing the St Francis Uniform with Pride

Being a recent arrival to St Francis, I have noticed many positive aspects to the College: the professional staff, the beautiful facilities, how inclusive and welcoming  the community is and how the students mostly wear their uniform with pride. These aspects of the day to day at St Francis tell me a lot about what is valued. At the end of the day I see pride with “Open Minds and Open Hearts”. 

Hopefully you have read the email I sent to the community via Compass last week. I hoped to remind our community of the importance of wearing the uniform well and with Pride. Why?

Our Uniform Fosters a Sense of Identity and Belonging:

• The uniform visually unites students, creating a strong sense of community and shared identity within the St Francis community. It reinforces that each student  is a  part of something bigger than themselves.

Our Uniform Promotes Equality and Reduces Distractions:

• By wearing a uniform, students are placed on a level playing field, minimising social disparities based on clothing. This reduces distractions and allows students to focus on their education.

Our Uniform Represents the College's Values and Reputation:

• Our  uniform is a symbol of the College’s values and standards. When worn with pride, it reflects positively on the way each student feels about belonging to this school community.

Our Uniform Develops Discipline and a Sense of Responsibility:

• Adhering to the uniform policy cultivates discipline and a sense of responsibility in our students. It teaches them to present themselves neatly and appropriately, skills that are valuable throughout life.

As stated in the email, wearing the uniform well and with pride is an expectation of all students at St Francis Catholic College. Uniform standards must be maintained.

Over the last four weeks of Term 1, there will be a focus on students meeting these expectations. The Week 7 focus is on wearing appropriate jewellery. Male and Female students are permitted to wear a watch/activity tracker (with no wifi or internet connectivity) and NOT a Smartwatch; a plain/discreet silver or gold necklace/chain with a small crucifix/cross concealed by clothing. Girls are permitted to wear only one pair of plain gold or silver small sleeper or stud earrings (no hoops) which must be worn in the lower lobe. I wish to commend our students on meeting this expectation this week.

Week 8 will see a focus of shirts and skirts. All shirts (boys and girls) should be tucked in. All skirts should be to the knee and NOT ROLLED to make them shorter.

All staff will record infringements to uniform policy expectations on Compass and ask students to remove any offending items of clothing or jewellery. Teachers will refer students who regularly violate the policy to Year/Stage Coordinators and an appropriate consequence will be issued.Parents are asked to support their children by reinforcing these expectations. Note: students are encouraged to wear all aspects of uniform well.

I am grateful for parents’ and carers’ support.

Some Changes in Student Lockers

Year 9 and 10 :We are keen to give our Senior  students the opportunity to organise themselves in a way that meets their individual needs. As a result, lockers are no longer compulsory in Senior Years (9-12). Students should however remember that bags are to remain outside of the classroom at all times AND must be in an orderly and neat manner (i.e. up against the wall of the classroom). Students will receive a red stamp if they consistently leave their bags in the middle of the corridors as this is a safety concern. 

Year 7 and 8: It is compulsory for Year 7 and 8 students to place their belongings, including their school bags in their lockers for the day. This is to ensure that students are assisted in organising their equipment. It is also a WHS support as the bags are both heavy for young students to carry all day  and can pose as trip hazards.

Should your child (Years 7 - 10 ) have a medical condition which makes these decisions difficult to carry out,  please provide a medical certificate where possible and speak with your child’s Year Coordinator.

Harmony Day 2025

1. On the 21st of March, 2025, all students are asked to wear one of the following:

1. 1. ORANGE - the colour of Harmony Day
   2. Cultural dress reflecting their own family’s traditions and origins
   3. National Sporting jersey 
2. Cultural music will replace the bells on the 21st of March.
3. All assemblies will celebrate cultural harmony.

Project Compassion Launch

On Tuesday the 4th of March, St Francis students, accompanied by Mrs. Mediati and Mrs. Crescini, traveled to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School in Warrawong for the 2025 Diocesan Launch of Project Compassion. Harkirat V (Year 11), Mischa R (Year 11), and Nicole (Year 4) represented our College, joining students from across the Diocese of Wollongong for this significant event.

The day began with an Opening Liturgy led by Bishop Brian, marking the beginning of Lent and Project Compassion. Bishop Brian spoke about the significance of giving during Lent, encouraging us to reflect on our intentions and the impact of our generosity. He illustrated this point by sharing a relatable story about siblings arguing—highlighting that our actions, even small ones, carry meaning and shape our relationships. He challenged us to consider the deeper reasons behind our choices and to make our giving truly meaningful.

A guest speaker from Caritas Australia reinforced this message, emphasising the benefits of our community’s donations in supporting those in need overseas. Other speakers from the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong shared powerful stories of hardship and resilience, including water scarcity in Samoa, challenges faced by people with disabilities in Vietnam, and the inspiring journey of a mother from the Congo. These stories highlighted the global struggles of poverty, water scarcity, food security, and economic hardship, deepening our understanding of the real-world impact of our support.

The event concluded with school representatives stepping forward to receive the Project Compassion boxes, a symbolic commitment to driving change within our communities. Inspired by the message of hope and action, we left with a renewed dedication to making a meaningful difference and truly becoming Pilgrims of Hope.

Care for Creation Lenten Calendar

As we journey through Lent in 2025, the Care for Creation Lenten Calendar invites us to walk as Pilgrims of Hope, embracing the call to ecological conversion. Inspired by Pope Francis’ vision in Laudato Si', this calendar offers daily reflections, actions, and prayers that encourage us to care for our common home. Each step of the journey challenges us to live with greater simplicity, gratitude, and responsibility toward God’s creation.

Join in this sacred season of renewal as we commit to a future of hope, justice, and love for all of God’s creation.

Unity Grammar Iftar

On the 4th of March, Thalia, Ella, Tuli, Mrs Lowe and Mrs Mediati were given the honour of attending Unity Grammar, Austral to engage in the multifaith Iftar dinner and to break fast with the Islamic community upon their commencement of Ramadan. This opportunity highlighted the importance of unity, respect, and interfaith dialogue, strengthening our understanding of different cultural and religious perspectives.

The Head of the Islamic Faith, Mr Assaad, kindly welcomed us to the College and formally spoke to all staff, guests and students about the significance of Ramadan and the importance of the Iftar dinner. We were able to observe the act of verbal prayer, which was recited in Arabic and viewed the physical aspects of prayer conducted by the community, including the practice of facing the Kaaba and the commitment to praying five times a day.

As part of the Iftar meal, we experienced the significance of breaking fast with a date and drinking water in three sips, following the actions of Prophet Muhammad, while also adhering to segregated seating arrangements by gender, in accordance with Islamic customs. Beyond these traditions, we engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanging insights on the similarities and differences between Catholicism and Islam, particularly our practices within this Holy month.

Overall, it was a profoundly enriching experience that broadened our perspectives, and we are sincerely grateful to Unity Grammar for welcoming us and allowing us to share in this special occasion.

Mrs Alexandra Mediati

Year 8 Faith Formation Day

On Monday the 3rd March, six students from Year 8 were selected to attend a student leadership formation program at the Emmaus Centre, Campbeltown. Students engaged in workshops with other students from the Macarthur region, in the Wollongong Diocese. They were challenged to plan and create a project that will benefit their year group back at their school under the theme of ‘Digital Discipleship’. Our St Francis students worked passionately and enthusiastically to produce some fantastic ideas.

'During our time at the Emmaus Centre in Campbeltown, we were involved in many workshops alongside other schools in the Macarthur region to focus on the topic of leadership and how we could use technology in a way that addresses current issues in our grade to create ideas on how to solve them. It was an extremely enjoyable time, getting to know other students from different schools while engaging in productive brainstorming sessions in hopes to find a way to creatively address these issues'. - Lana, Year 8

'We explored the concept of leadership and learnt about different charities that help the homeless. The last session of the day involved exploring issues within the Year 8 community at our school and brainstorming some ways to implement a solution to these issues in our grade. We have decided on one idea and are hoping to find a way to bring it to life'. - Vidisha, Year 8

Mrs Melissa Ghignone

Year 7 Art | Mastering the Basics: Year 7 Artists in the Making

Our Year 7 students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of Visual Arts, beginning with an introduction to the Elements of Art which are the building blocks of artistic expression. These fundamental concepts help students develop their creative skills and artistic confidence.

As we progress throughout the term, students will apply these elements into a range of different projects, from abstract compositions to realistic drawings. Their enthusiasm has been inspiring and we can’t wait to see what they create as young artists!

Here’s what some of our students had to say about Year 7 Art:

“Visual Arts class has given me a way to express my creativity and allows me to relax my mind from other aspects. I’ve learnt that art allows us to view different perspectives, for example, some people could see a hidden meaning behind an artwork and connect with it in many unique ways. ” - Jethro F

“What I have enjoyed about year 7 art so far is having fun and creating art. So far we have been learning about tone and texture and are currently drawing realistic animals and looking at different types of art.” - Aiden M

“Visual Arts class has taught me techniques I never knew which has really helped me in my drawings. It has definitely improved my skills already, and has made me understand the techniques on how to make my drawings the best they can be.” - Violet G

For more updates on our talented Year 7 Creative Arts students, as well as the broader CAPA community at SFCC, be sure to follow us on Instagram: CAPA_SFCC.

Mr Najee Tannous

Leader of Learning Creative and Performing Arts

Mrs Grace Roman & Mrs Sarah Mirabito

Visual Arts Teachers

Pi Competition Winner Announcement

St Francis has celebrated its inaugural Pi Competition and our superstar winner was Migel R from Year 8!

Class finalists from years 5 to 12 battled it out during break 1 on Tuesday 11th of March.

Students had 30 minutes to write as many Pi digits as they can and Migel, our winner, recalled a whopping 429 digits! Congratulations to Migel, who scored an iPlay gift card and four and twenty pies!

The finalists for the St Francis Pi Competition were:

Well done St Francis Mathematicians!

World Maths Day 2025

This year, St Francis students will be competing with over 10 million students from over 150 countries in the World Maths Day challenge! On the 26th of March, students will compete in twenty 60-second live challenges where they will earn one point for each correct answer. Points accrued will help place St Francis in the World Maths Day Hall of Fame.
Students have started the warm up period in Maths classes to maximise their speed and potential for this exciting event. Students are encouraged to keep playing at home to accrue points and practise their mental computation. All students have been provided with usernames to log in anywhere, any time. This even will help improve students’ mental maths fluency while putting St Francis mathematicians on the world map!

Junior Years Mathematics

Using mathematics in art opens doors to new ideas, beautiful and captivating creations.

On the 14th of March, the International Day of Mathematics will be celebrated worldwide. The theme for 2025 is Mathematics, Art, and Creativity! It celebrates the creativity found in mathematical discovery and art, showcasing the harmony of logic and imagination, where numbers dance with colors, equations sculpt beauty, and ideas transcend boundaries to inspire and innovate.

This year’s creative challenge is constructing mathematical elements using everyday physical objects (such as household items, objects from nature, or even people). Use your artistry and creativity to make sculptures that bring Mathematics off the page and into the real world!

You could consider creating mathematical elements such as:

• geometrical shapes,
• patterns or sequences,
• formulas,
• numbers and mathematical symbols,
• curves and spirals,
• magic squares and other mathematical puzzles,
• tessellations,
• and more…

… using everyday things like

• forks, spoons, and other kitchen utensils,
• coins, keys, and buttons,
• books, pencils, paperclips, and rubber bands,
• twigs, leaves, and pebbles from outside,
• socks, shoelaces, and other clothing items,
• toothpicks, and modeling clay,
• dry pasta, nuts, and candy,
• your friends and family,
• and anything else that you can think of…

Here are 2 examples:

Send Mrs Jeymour your creations at kylie.jeymour@dow.catholic.edu.au.

This week we have a spotlight on the young Mathematicians in Year 3. They have just finished a week on Time, working towards telling the time to the minute on analog clocks.

Each lesson began with students constructing their own circular analog clock on a blank Brenex circle to show a given time. Misconceptions and inaccuracies in the spatial arrangement of numbers and the incorrect placement and proportion of the hour and minute hands were discussed and then refined each time the activity was completed.

The images below show the growth of 2 students across the week:

Each of the Year 3 Maths classes had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of time to a game of Bingo! Students were challenged to listen to a time expressed as ‘past the hour’ or ‘towards the hour’ and then find the matching analog time on their bingo sheet. E.g. ‘half past ten’ matched the first clock below and ‘a quarter to eleven’ matched the second clock.

Mrs Khoury’s class enjoying their game of Bingo!

As their final task, Year 3 were asked to create a diagram, poster, letter or video to teach this year’s Year 2 how to tell the time when they come to Year 3 next year.

Well done Year 3!

Mrs Kylie Jeymour

College Cross Country Carnival 2025

On Monday, March 3rd, our school community came together for the annual College Cross Country Carnival, and what a fantastic day it was! With perfect weather setting the scene, 130 students from Years 3 to 12 gave their all, showcasing incredible determination, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

A special thank you to the 24 PASS students who generously gave their time to assist throughout the day. Their support was invaluable in ensuring the event ran smoothly. We are also incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff—Mrs. Weaver, Mr. Arzapitian, Mr. Watson, Miss Acitelli, Mrs. Christian, and Mrs. McDonald—who helped make the day a great success.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the effort and enthusiasm of our students. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and resilience. A special mention goes to our place-getters on the day:

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event, both in the lead-up and on the day. Your support and encouragement truly make a difference. We look forward to seeing even more students lace up their running shoes next year!

Mrs Pavlovich & Miss Laskaris

Sports Coordinators

Diocesan U13s Boys Touch Football Championships

On Thursday, March 6th, our Under 13’s touch football team proudly represented the college at the Wollongong Diocesan Touch Football Championships. The team was made up of students from a variety of sporting backgrounds, including many who were playing competitive touch football for the first time. Throughout the day, every player gave their best effort, showing incredible growth and mastering their positions as the tournament progressed.

While the competition was tough, the boys displayed outstanding teamwork, resilience, and determination, competing strongly in several matches. Their sportsmanship and commitment were evident, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements. With such a promising start, we are excited to see many of these players continue to develop and take on new opportunities in the future.

Mr Reutens

Diocesan Boys Touch Football Coach

Diocesan Secondary Swimming Championships 2025

On Monday, our talented swimmers made a splash at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival, representing our school with outstanding skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Held at Corrimal Pool, the competition brought together students from across the Diocese, showcasing some thrilling races and incredible individual and team performances.

Our swimmers gave it their all, achieving impressive results in various events, with several personal bests and podium finishes. Beyond the competition, the camaraderie and encouragement among students truly reflected the spirit of our school community.

A huge congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication on the day and to the following students who were awarded special recognition for their efforts:

Evie L (Year 7)- 12 Year Girls Age Champion

Maddison A (Year 8)- 13 Year Girls Age Champion

Luchio K (Year 9)- 13 Year Boys Runner Up Age Champion

Accalia A (Year 10)- Senior Girls Age Champion Multi-Class

Miss Flegg

Diocesan Swimming Team Manager

2024 CSNSW Sports Aquathlon

Diocese Swimming Carnival (West Region)

On Thursday 27th of February 16 years 3-6 students represented St Francis at the Dioscesen Swimming Carnival. All students showed great enthusiasm and sportsmanship qualities. We are so proud of them!

Ivy M (year 6) and Chelina K (Year 5) did exceptionally well. 

Ivy was awarded Senior Girls bronze age champion and Chelina was awarded Junior Girls silver age champion. Both students swam well considering the ever changing weather conditions!

Chelina will be going through to the Mackillop Team Swimming Competition to represent SFCC. Amazing achievement for Chelina and we wish her the best of luck at this event!

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving AGE Championship

At the NSW Surf Life Saving State Championship, Chelina excelled in Surf (ocean swimming) competition. 

She was awarded first in quarter finals, first in semi finals and 8th overall in the final out of over 140 competitors. A great achievement! She was also approached by two other surf life clubs to join their training! Chelina also made it into the quarter finals for her board race.

Wollongong Primary Netball Trials

Ivy M (year 6) and Sosefina M (year 5) travelled to Wollongong for the Diocese of Wollongong Netball Trials. Both students played very well against over 60 girls from around the Diocese. Ivy was successful in making the final team to represent Wollongong at the Mackillop trial at Canberra in May. This is the second sport Ivy has represented Wollongong for this year, representing basketball in February. 

Catalogues for Issue #2 of the Scholastic Book Club have been distributed to our K - 6 students.

All orders must be completed online via the normal process, and the cut off date is Sunday 23 March 2025.