PISA and the Importance of Reading

Later this year, our students in Years 9 and 10 at St Francis will take part in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

PISA is an international assessment under Australia's National Assessment Program (NAP), which helps monitor and report on student achievement consistently. It plays a crucial role in tracking our progress against educational goals set out in the Melbourne Declaration Goals for Young Australians and the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration.

Improving Australia’s PISA score is not just about a number. It reflects how well our education system is supporting student learning. More details about this assessment will be shared with students in the coming weeks.

PISA data provides valuable insights into student progress across different subjects and identifies factors that influence individual achievement. It’s a tool that helps shape future educational strategies across Australia.

Students involved will receive more details in the coming weeks.

One key finding from recent PISA tests underscores the significant role of regular reading in enhancing student learning outcomes.

THE POWER OF DAILY READING

As parents and carers, we all want to see our children thrive—not just academically, but as well-rounded, confident learners. While many factors influence student achievement—such as the quality of teaching and access to resources—there’s one simple habit that continues to make a remarkable difference: daily reading.

The most recent international PISA data, which assessed nearly 200,000 students across 32 countries, confirmed something we’ve long suspected: students who read regularly, read a variety of texts, and see reading as something valuable perform significantly better in literacy. In fact, a student’s level of reading engagement was found to be more influential than gender or family background. This is good news—it means that all students, regardless of their starting point, can make real gains through regular reading.

SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US?

Students read regularly as part of their learning at school, but even more powerful is when reading becomes part of a student’s daily routine—at least 20 minutes a day. The benefits are far-reaching: improved vocabulary, stronger critical thinking skills, greater general knowledge, and better academic outcomes across all subjects.

Reading should never feel like a chore. It’s an enjoyable, enriching experience—and thanks to our College Library and digital platforms, students have access to a huge range of books and magazines to suit every interest.

One great resource available to all students is SORA, a digital reading app that provides access to eBooks, audiobooks, and popular magazines through our shared library network, the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN). It’s easy to access:

• Download the Sora App on iOS or Android
  
• Visit soraapp.com in a browser
  
• Or access SORA through the school library system (Oliver)
  
  

Whether your child prefers a traditional book they can carry around or a digital read on their laptop or tablet, the format doesn't matter—what matters is developing a lifelong habit of reading.

Let’s work together to make daily reading a shared priority. It’s a simple habit that opens up a world of possibilities.

YEAR 6 CANBERRA EXPERIENCE

Over the last couple of days, our Year 6 students travelled to Canberra for an overnight excursion that brought their learning in HSIE and Civics and Citizenship to life. The long bus journey gave students time to connect with one another and build excitement for the days ahead.

A key highlight was visiting Parliament House, where students saw firsthand how our government operates and explored the important role citizens play in a democratic society. The experience deepened their understanding and provided real-world context to their classroom learning.

At the time of this newsletter’s publication, students are still on their way home from Canberra. However, the trip has already proven to be not only educational, but also a valuable opportunity for students to bond, develop independence, and create lasting memories as a year group.

We sincerely thank Stage 3 Coordinator, Ms Sultana, for her outstanding organisation, and all the dedicated staff who generously gave their time and care to support the excursion.

YEAR 9 CAMP – NARRABEEN

Over the past three days and two nights, our Year 9 students have been away at camp in Narrabeen, taking part in a range of outdoor, hands-on activities designed to challenge, connect, and inspire.

From the start, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones—through team-building challenges, high ropes, crate stacking and group problem-solving tasks. Along the way, there was plenty of laughter, encouragement, and moments of quiet achievement. The camp has offered valuable time for students to strengthen friendships, grow in confidence, and come together as a year group.

At the time of this newsletter’s publication, students are still on their way home. We’re looking forward to hearing more stories and highlights once they return.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Baker, Year 9 Coordinator, for his thoughtful planning and leadership. We also sincerely thank all the staff who attended and, most generously, gave up their time (and nights away from family) to ensure this experience was possible for our students.

A PRAYER TO END THE WEEK 

This week, as many of our students have taken part in camps and excursions—stepping outside their comfort zones, deepening friendships, and growing as young people—it’s fitting to pause and give thanks for these opportunities and for the people who make them possible.

We end this week with a simple prayer of gratitude and trust:

“A Prayer for Guidance and Gratitude”

Loving God,
Thank You for the opportunities this week has given us—
to learn, to grow, to support one another, and to be part of this community.
Help us to see Your presence in the everyday moments.
Guide our students as they return home safely,
and bless our staff and families for the care and commitment they show each day.
May we continue to walk in Your light,
with open hearts, willing hands, and grateful spirits.
–Amen.

Wishing all families a restful and safe weekend.

Mr Matthew McMahon

SFCC Youth Ministry Update

Last Tuesday our Youth Engagement Leaders were involved in a prayer planning day. Our St Francis YELs along with YELs from Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan created a prayer that was centred around discipleship and service to inspire students across the Wollongong Diocese. 

Loving God,

We are grateful to be faithful witnesses to your joy and humility.

We invite your presence into our lives, guiding us while we embark on our pilgrimage of hope.

Open our hearts so that we may strive for prosperity, as one body, bearing Christ’s Love.

Let us embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as we endeavour to become courageous disciples who embody the living Gospel.

We consciously reflect on our opportunity to create a unified future.

In our thoughts and actions, accompany us as we go forth acting as beacons of hope to the world.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen

Mrs Melissa Ghignone

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Year 2 & 3 Explores the Easter Season Through Art!

Year 2 have been learning about the events that took place on Easter Sunday, when Mary of Magdala and other women went to visit Jesus’ tomb on Sunday morning. They engaged in role playing the events of the story. Here the children are acting out the reactions and feelings that the women experienced when they realised that the stone had been rolled away and Jesus’ body was not in the tomb.

Students then had the choice to write a news article or a diary entry to demonstrate their understanding of these events.

Year 3 students have been diving deep into understanding the Liturgical season of Easter. To consolidate their learning and express their creativity, they recently completed a task: designing a poster to represent this significant time in the Church calendar.

We were so impressed with the thought and effort that went into each poster! Students were challenged to include a variety of elements, such as words, symbols, images, and actions that are central to Easter. They also thoughtfully considered their use of colour to convey meaning and emotion. A key part of the activity was for students to either annotate or describe within their poster, how their chosen elements effectively represented the Easter Season.

These posters are a beautiful reflection of your children's growing understanding of faith and their ability to express complex ideas visually. We encourage you to ask your child about their poster and what they learned during this engaging activity!

Mrs Jill Crescini

Semester One reports 

Semester One reports will be shared later this term for all students in Kindergarten to Year 10. These reports present an opportunity for parents and carers to gain further insight into their child’s learning, as well as their effort and application in the classroom.

Understanding the Common Grade Scale (K–10)

In NSW, schools use the Common Grade Scale to report on your child's progress from Kindergarten to Year 10. This helps ensure consistency and clarity across all schools. It gives parents and carers a better idea of how well their child is achieving in relation to the expected outcomes for their year level. This Common Grade Scale can be found on the NESA website. 

What the Grades Mean

Grades are given from A to E, with each letter representing a level of achievement. These grades do not compare students to each other, but rather to what is expected for their year level and the content being taught at that time. 

Here’s a breakdown:

Things to Keep in Mind

• A “C” grade means your child is achieving what is expected for their year level.
  
  
• Grades are based on evidence, which could include classwork, projects, assessments, quizzes/tests/exams and teacher observations.
  
  
• Progress is what matters – talk to your child’s teacher about how they’re growing and what they can work on. 

How You Can Support Your Child

• Celebrate effort, not just grades. Explore what the report indicates about your child as a member of the community as well as being a learner. Start with the positives - what are they doing well? Celebrate and affirm this. 
• Talk regularly with teachers about your child’s progress. If you have questions about progress, be sure to contact your child’s teacher. An opportunity for Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will take place later in Term 2. 
• Encourage curiosity and learning outside the classroom – through reading, hobbies, or everyday activities.

We look forward to continuing to work with you and your child as the 2025 Academic year continues. 

Mrs Jennifer Lowe

Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning

Morning Arrivals

On Wednesday, 21st of May 2025, our K–6 students proudly joined over two million children across Australia and beyond in celebrating the 25th anniversary of National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). Each year group delegated a time throughout the day to read this year's selected book, The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.

This heartwarming tale follows Tinka, a curious cat, and his human companion Yacoub, a migrant truck driver navigating life in a new country. Their journey explores themes of immigration, identity, and the meaning of home, resonating deeply with readers of all ages.

To enrich our NSS experience, students engaged in a variety of activities inspired by the story.

The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by our students highlighted the power of shared storytelling in building community and promoting literacy. Events like NSS not only celebrate reading but also provide meaningful opportunities for students to connect with diverse narratives and each other.

We extend our gratitude to all staff and students who made this event a memorable success. We look forward to next year's NSS and continuing our journey of fostering a love for reading within our school community.

Kind regards,

Ms Lauren Meli, K-4 Literacy Coordinator.

Arts After Dark: Winter Edition – Tickets On Sale Now!

This exciting new event celebrates the incredible talents of our students from Kindergarten to Year 11 in a relaxed evening of live music, engaging dance, and immersive drama. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to shine and for our community to come together in celebration of creativity and expression.
The event will take place on Thursday, 12th June 2025, with gates opening at 5:30 PM and performances running from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

This is an outdoor event, so we encourage families to bring blankets, rugs, or cushions to stay comfy. Food and a coffee cart will be available. Tickets are $5.00 and includes a sausage sizzle and drink voucher.

Dont miss out! Tickets are on sale until sold out via Trybooking. Simply scan the QR code below. 

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a magical night of performance, creativity, and community spirit.

Mr Najee Tannous
Leader of Creative and Performing Arts

Stage 5 Archibald Prize Excursion

On Friday 23th of May, Year 9 and Year 10 Visual Arts students attended the Art Gallery of New South Wales to experience this year’s Archibald Prize exhibition; Australia’s most esteemed portrait prize. Students engaged with a diverse range of contemporary portrait artists, each demonstrating exceptional technical skill and conceptual depth.

For some of our students, this was their first time at the art gallery - making the experience all the more memorable and impactful. Despite the rainy weather, students remained enthusiastic and fully immersed themselves in the visit, gaining meaningful insights and forging real connections with the artworld.

Below are some reflections/experiences shared by some of our Visual Arts students:

Some snapshots of our day:

Mr Marcus Fitzpatrick

Assistant Leader of CAPA

Mathematics is part of everyday life and it is very important that our students see the real life applications of it. Talking about numbers to your child is an easy thing to do. It can be something as simple as helping your child read a price tag when you are at your local shops or teaching them how to skip count when counting your fruits and vegetables! Using concrete materials is also important to help students gain their factual fluency in maths. 

Classroom Spotlight: Kindergarten

Kindergarten have been working hard to understand their teen numbers such as 13, 14 and 15. They have been making towers of ten to help them understand that the number 13 is really 10 and 3 more. Not just 1 and 3! They are also looking at combining and separating amounts using concrete materials. 

Miss Maryanne Bulfon

Junior Years Numeracy Coordinator

Diocesan Cross Country Selection Trials

Due to inclement weather, the Diocesan Cross Country Championships scheduled for Monday 26th of May were unfortunately cancelled. In place of the event, a special Selection Trial was held for elite cross country athletes to determine representatives for the upcoming NSWCCC Championships.

St Francis Catholic College was proudly represented by six students who took part in the trial, held at the Illawarra Criterium Track. We are delighted to announce that Lucas M (Year 8) was successful in his selection and will go on to represent both the College and the Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships on Wednesday 11th of  June.

We congratulate Lucas on this outstanding achievement and wish him all the very best for the upcoming competition.

NSW All Schools Swimming Championships

On Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of May, two of our talented students proudly represented St Francis Catholic College and the Diocese at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships, held at the prestigious Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Violet V (Year 7) took on the challenge of the 12–14 Years 200m Butterfly, placing 8th in a highly competitive field. It was an impressive effort and a wonderful achievement for her first appearance at this level.

Accalia A (Year 10) also had a fantastic meet, competing in multiple events in the 16 & Over Girls Multi-Class category. Her results were outstanding:

• 6th in the 100m Freestyle
• 5th in the 50m Freestyle
• 5th in the 50m Backstroke
• 5th in the 100m Backstroke

We are extremely proud of both Violet and Accalia for their commitment, sportsmanship, and determination. Representing the College and Diocese at a state-level competition is a tremendous accomplishment, and both students should be congratulated on their success.

Well done, girls!

MISA 7-9 Boys Basketball

Our Junior basketball team has showcased outstanding performance this season, earning a well-deserved place in the semi-finals. The students have demonstrated impressive teamwork, discipline, and hustle in every game, both on and off the court. Mr Kainz

MISA 7-9 Girls Basketball

The MISA 7-9 Girls Basketball team has been engaging in the competition throughout this term with exceptional effort in securing a place in the semi-finals. The students have been dedicated to training and presented clear applications to the skills provided in training to our games. The girls have showcased teamwork to achieve significant success. 

MISA 7-9 Mixed Ultimate Frisbee
The mixed MISA Ultimate Frisbee team has had a thrilling mix of wins and hard-fought losses, with our team so far showcasing improved skills, resilience, and teamwork. Each game has tested their strategy and determination, particularly in some challenging weather conditions.

Despite some tough challenges, the team has embraced each game with enthusiasm, learning and growing together. Congratulations to all players for their dedication so far this season!

Mrs Daniella Pavlovich 

Sports Coordinator (7-12)