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- From the Principal
- From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education, Identity and Mission
- From the Assistant Principal - Pastoral
- MISA Debating - Grand Final
- Awards Recipients
- SFCC's Proud Sporting Moments
- SFCC's Proud Sporting Moments
- 2024 Vinnies Christmas Card Competition
- Junior Years Mathematics
- Year 4 Excursion - The Rocks
- Year 6 Camp - Canberra
- From the CAPA Department - Arts After Dark: Winter Edition
- Year 9 Camp - Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation Narrabeen
- Year 11 Excursion - Ninja Warrior Recreation Park
- HSIE Excursion to the Chau Chak Wing Museum
- From the TaPs Coordinator
- 2025 Formal College Student Photos - orders open
ARTS AFTER DARK: WINTER EDITION
What an incredible evening we shared at Arts After Dark: Winter Edition! Held last week, the event brought together over 400 members of our community to celebrate the creativity and talent of more than 110 students from Kindergarten through to Year 11.
It was heartening to see such a strong turnout from families and friends — on a cold night, your support filled the outdoor Green with warmth and encouragement, and it meant the world to our performers. From music and dance to drama our students took to the stage with confidence and joy, and the sense of pride displayed was unmistakable.
These moments don’t just happen. They are the result of many hours of practice, teamwork, and the shared commitment of staff and students. I want to particularly acknowledge Mr Tannous, whose leadership and coordination were central to the success of the night. His passion for the arts and for providing students with meaningful opportunities to shine was evident in every part of the event.
One of the highlights for me was seeing the mix of year groups involved — from our youngest Kindergarten students to those in Year 11, all contributing to a genuine celebration of student voice, creativity and collaboration. It’s experiences like this that build confidence, connection and lifelong memories.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and supported the event. I thank all the staff involved and especially Bernadette Manchester for coordinating the BBQ with the Friends of Francis. Thanks to Mrs Kate Acosta, Mr Ray Tabet, Mrs Maria Dao and Mrs Zulamoski for their wonderful help on the night.
Everyone’s presence helped make the night so special. I look forward to seeing how Arts After Dark continues to grow and evolve as a key part of our cultural life at St Francis.
YEAR 5 PUBERTY INFORMATION EVENING
On Tuesday night, we welcomed Year 5 parents and carers to a special Puberty Information Evening held at the College. The event was well attended, with families gathering in the Hall for an engaging and informative session, while our Year 5 students participated in a parallel session in the Library.
We extend our sincere thanks to CatholicCare Wollongong for leading the evening. Their expertise and supportive approach helped guide both parents/carers and students through this important stage of development as our young people begin their journey into adolescence.
It was a valuable opportunity to open up conversations, provide accurate information, and support our students and families as they navigate the changes that come with puberty.
In particular, I thank our PDHPE Leader of Leader, Miss Jessica Flegg for her coordination of the evening.
‘TELL THEM FROM ME’ SURVEYS – FEEDBACK MATTERS
The College has recently received data from the latest Tell Them From Me Surveys completed by parents/carers, students, and staff. Early analysis shows pleasing growth in several areas, including a 6% increase in students’ sense of belonging and a 5% reduction in reported bullying. There has also been a strong increase in cognitive challenge — reflecting our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.
We were particularly encouraged by the many open-ended responses acknowledging the leadership team, the dedication of staff, and the growing impact of our focus on New Pedagogies for Deep Learning and critical thinking.
With over a thousand open comments and hundreds of responses, we’ll now take time to explore this valuable data more deeply. Naturally, some feedback is contradictory — for example, views on uniform policy range from requests for stricter enforcement to calls for a more flexible approach. Similarly, preferences vary between more Zoom opportunities for parent/carer/teacher/student conferences and more face-to-face engagement. This reflects the diverse realities of family and work life.
While not all feedback includes the specificity needed to take immediate action, we remain committed to listening with discernment and responding thoughtfully wherever possible.
As always, if you would like to discuss any aspect of College life further, please don’t hesitate to arrange a meeting with the Principal or a member of the senior leadership team.
CYCLIC INQUIRY - UNDERWAY AT THE COLLEGE
As part of the Continuous Catholic School Improvement (CCSI) processes supported by Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, this week our College commenced its formal Cyclic Inquiry.
This important process provides an opportunity to reflect on how we are progressing as a learning and faith community, to celebrate strengths, and to identify areas for further growth and improvement. It draws on evidence from a range of sources and engages us in thinking deeply about our impact — particularly in student learning, Catholic identity, and community engagement.
An expert panel of educational leaders and professionals, both internal and external to the system, are facilitating the Inquiry. Their role is to guide us through a structured and rigorous review that highlights how we are tracking, and where our priorities should lie as we move forward.
Staff, students and parents/carers will be interviewed in the coming week.
We look forward to sharing the insights, affirmations, and recommendations that emerge from this process in the coming weeks and months. This work aligns closely with our ongoing commitment to improvement and excellence in Catholic education.
PRAYER
Prayers for Refugees – 20th of June, World Refugee Day
Today, on World Refugee Day, we take a moment as a College community to pray for all those across the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or hardship. We remember especially families, children, and young people who seek safety, dignity, and a place to belong.
Prayer for Refugees
(Adapted from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service)
Loving God,
As you once called your Son home from exile, we pray for all refugees and displaced people around the world.
Gather them from the four corners of the earth.
Grant peace to those who can return to the homes they left behind,
Grant courage to those beginning new lives in unfamiliar places,
Grant hope to those still waiting, longing for safety and stability.
May we open our hearts and communities to welcome those in need,
And may your justice and compassion guide all who work for peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Mr Matthew McMahon
Bishop Brian visits our College
Years 11 and 12 Studies of Religion II Unit Excursion
Year 11 and 12 Studies of Religion II students recently visited the Sydney Jewish Museum as part of their learning on Judaism. The excursion provided a powerful opportunity to deepen their understanding of Jewish beliefs, practices, and riutals—particularly in relation to contemporary Judaism. Students engaged with personal survivor testimonies, explored sacred texts and cultural artefacts, and reflected on the enduring significance of faith, resilience, and remembrance. The experience enriched their classroom learning and fostered a deeper appreciation for interfaith understanding and human dignity.
Mrs Alexandra Mediati
Knitting and Crochet Group
Parenting Opportunities
Parenting Tweens: What Kids need now, before the Teen years
For Parents and Carers of Primary School Students 8+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Tuesday 24 June 7pm - 8pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TWEENS
Parenting Teens: Staying connected through the Teen years
For Parents of High School Students 12+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Wednesday 25 June 7pm - 8pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TEENS
Why boys are so at risk - even in the womb. Understanding their unique timetable of development, so you are on track at every age. The three big stages of boyhood - and the one we nearly always miss. Teaching about respecting girls and respecting themselves. Teaching him emotional intelligence - and to know his own insides. Role models - what they are, and what they are not, and how to find them. Why dads have often struggled, and how they are healed. Thoughts for single mums.Year 9 SFCC MISA Debating Grand Final WINNERS!!!!
Year 10 (B) MISA Debating - Grand Final RUNNERS UP!!!!
Congratulations to the following student who recently received their Bronze Award:
Year 1 - Sofia N
Congratulations to the following students who recently received their Silver Award:
Year 2 - Kioko T
Year 3 - Payton B
Congratulations to the following student who recently received their Gold Award:
Year 3 - Swati G
Year 4 - Joshua T, Archita G, Audrey E, Srinaya S, Leanne T
Diocesan Netball Gala Day
MacKillop Football Trials
On Friday the 30th of May our Wollongong Football (soccer) teams represented at the MacKillop Football trials.
A great event, with exceptional students representing their schools. Of the 12 students in each team, we had 7 students from the boys team and 6 from the girls team selected to play in the possible Vs probable match. With 5 students selected for the 2025 MacKillop team.
Congratulations to two of our amazing SFCC students who were selected for the MacKillop Football teams (These students will compete at the NSWPSSA Girls & Boys Football Championships - 26-28 August (Ballina)
We are very proud of each of you and cannot wait to see the results from the Championships!!
Anthony T (6 Red) and Stefan R (5 Blue).
Miss Catherine Laskaris
K-6 Sports Coordinator
We are exceptionally proud of Arabella F of 6 Green who's artwork has been chosen as one of only five winners in the 2024 Vinnies Christmas Card Competition with nearly 400 entries in total.
Ms Catherine Laskaris
Middle Years Learning Teacher & K-6 Sport Co-ordinator
Math Vocabulary Spotlight: PLACE VALUE
Place value is defined as the value of a digit is determined by its position in a number relative to the one's (or units) place. An important digit in place value is the number 0 and recognising that it can act as placeholder for an amount.
For example, in the number 924, the 4 represents 4 ones, the 2 represent 2 tens, and the 9 represents 9 hundreds.
Why is place value important?
Understanding place value is closely linked to partitioning and helps kids:
- Read and write numbers correctly.
- Understand how numbers work (for example, understanding why 90 is bigger than 9).
- Do operations like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
- Estimate and mentally calculate more easily.
You can also ask your child these questions when talking about numbers:
- How many ones in the number ___
- How many tens in the number ___
- How many hundreds in the number ___
This is a picture of what MAB blocks look like. We use these in class to support our learning.
On Tuesday the 10th of June, 2025, Year 4 students stepped back in time on an exciting excursion to The Rocks, Sydney, as part of their HSIE unit on European exploration and colonisation. Guided by the enthusiastic team from Ranger Jamie Tours, students dressed in costumes representing convicts, soldiers, free settlers, and Captain Arthur Phillip himself—setting the scene for an immersive historical experience.
Throughout the day, students participated in engaging tours exploring topics such as convict life, housing conditions, daily jobs, and even the unexpected challenges wealthy individuals at the time were facing.
Students visited significant historical sites, including Australia’s first bank, hospital, and police station—each built by convict labour. They discovered that convicts were only paid 10 cents a day and had to carve their initials into each sandstone block as proof of their work.
The experience deepened students’ understanding of why European settlers sought new lands, how early colonists lived, and the difficult conditions faced by convicts—sometimes sharing tiny homes with up to 11-15 people. Most importantly, it has laid the foundation for students to explore the impact of colonisation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in future lessons.
It was an eye-opening and educational day for all, and Year 4 students are already hoping for another chance to step back into Australia’s colonial past!
- Alex L (4G), Everly M (4R) and Chloe K (4B)
Our Year 6 students recently embarked on an unforgettable two-day camp to Canberra, a rich blend of excitement, learning, and adventure, directly linking to their HSIE unit this term. Each stop along the way brought the curriculum to life, offering hands-on experiences that deepened students' understanding of Australian history, government, and civic life.
Throughout the camp, students actively engaged with the 6 Cs of Deep Learning, ensuring a purposeful and meaningful experience. The first day began with a visit to Parliament House, where students explored the chambers and participated in a role-play that brought the law-making process to life. This activity built their communication skills and deepened their understanding of citizenship. The learning continued at the Australian War Memorial, where students demonstrated character through respectful reflection on the stories of service and sacrifice. Next, students visited Mount Ainslie Lookout, taking in the sweeping views of Canberra. It was the perfect setting for a group photo, a special moment to capture the spirit of the day and the unity of the group. That evening, students headed to Questacon, where they explored hands-on science and technology exhibits. Their creativity and collaboration were on full display as they tackled interactive challenges that sparked curiosity, innovation, and plenty of excitement.
On Day Two, students explored Australia’s democratic journey through visits to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) and the Australian Electoral Commission. These sessions encouraged critical thinking and helped students see the importance of being informed, active participants in our society. A highlight was the mock election, where students took on different voting roles and learned how the democratic process works in real life. The final stop was the Royal Australian Mint, where students had the unique opportunity to mint their own coin and design their own creations. This hands-on experience offered fascinating insights into Australia’s economy and the role of currency in our national identity. The bus ride home was filled with a few well-deserved naps after two days of rich learning, friendship, and fun!
Teachers were incredibly proud of Year 6. Their outstanding behaviour, thoughtful questions, and respectful engagement were consistently praised by venue staff. Their enthusiasm and participation made this experience truly special. Beyond the learning, this camp allowed students to build stronger friendships, grow in independence, and develop resilience particularly for those experiencing their first night away from home.
A camp like this wouldn’t be possible without the support and care of our amazing staff. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Agostino, Mrs Sanchez, Mrs Weaver, Mrs Vega, Miss Messina, Mrs Cox, Mr Fitzpatrick, and Mr McKendry for taking time away from their families to guide and support our students on this journey.
To hear directly from the students, some of our Year 6 campers have written short reflections about their time in Canberra. Let’s hear what they have to say!
Daniella Sultana
Stage 3 Pastoral Coordinator
The Year 6 camp was a deeply inspiring and memorable adventure of learning, fun and memories that will last forever! We had the privilege of visiting significant landmarks such as Parliament house, Questacon, the Australian Electoral Commission, Old Parliament House and the Royal Australian Mint. In addition, we also got to see the outstanding views of Mount Ainslie, which gave us a jaw-dropping view of the city. It left us in awe to finally see how our government functioned and to have the opportunity to increase our knowledge of the Australian democratic system, along with its history. I believe that I can speak for everyone in this year when I say that we all feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this time with our peers, making beyond extraordinary memories and learning so much along the way.
- Hailey P (6 Green)
Year 6 got to school at 6:15 am; we were all excited for our Canberra camp! At 6:30 am, the bus arrived. The grade was split into two groups as there were two different buses. We were all singing, sleeping, and having fun on the bus as we waited to arrive at Parliament House. When we got there, we were greeted by some staff from Parliament House. We then went up to the Lego Parliament House, where we had some morning tea, which was frozen yogurt. After that, our guide took us around Parliament House. First, we went to the House of Representatives; after, we went to the Senate. We even saw some senators there! We did a roleplay about the House of Representatives. It was so fun as we got to be Prime Ministers, Speakers, and the Opposition! When our time was finished, we went and had some pizza for lunch. Then we went back on the bus to go to the War Memorial. There we learnt about Australia’s history, WW1 and WW2. We saw some cool artifacts like parts of tanks and a watch which told us when the Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey! Then we went to Mt Ainslie to see the view. Next, we went to our cabins. They were nice, and we also got ready for Questacon! Before we went to Questacon, we ate dinner, which was marinated chicken, vegetarian fried rice, and for dessert, we had chocolate cupcakes with whipped cream. When the bus arrived, we went on it to go to Questacon! When we arrived, we went in and a tour guide led us to our first of six fun rooms full of fun activities! We had so much fun. There was even an earthquake house; it replicated an earthquake. The last room was the best as it was a big slide! We hung on a bar one at a time, let go, and slid down it! It was so much fun. There was even a speed ball tracker which tracked the speed of your throw! Sadly, we had to leave as it was time to get back on the bus. When we got back to the cabins, we went to sleep.
The next day, we woke up at 6:45 and got ready to eat breakfast. For breakfast, we had hash browns, bacon, sausages, cereal, and toast. It was very yummy. After breakfast, we went on the bus to go to Old Parliament. There, we learnt about voting, what they wore in the House of Representatives, and we played some cool games there as well! We then went and had something to eat, which was doughnuts, juice poppers, and shapes. Afterwards, we went to the Mint, where we had lunch, which was roast beef sandwiches, apple, and water. When we went into the Mint, we looked at how coins were made, the history of Australian coins, and played some games like making our own coin and learning skills that the workers there have. At the end, we got to mint our own coin. Then we had to go home, so we went back on the bus. On the way back, some of us slept, some watched movies, and some played games like Uno. After two days of fun and excitement, we got back to the school where our trip ended.
- Liam P (6 Blue)
When we visited Canberra, we had a fantastic time! During the three-hour bus ride, we chatted and played games like Uno. Before we knew it, we arrived at Parliament House. At Parliament House, we explored the rooms and enjoyed frozen yogurt while we answered questions about Parliament. They also showed us where important members of the Australian government would sit. Once we finished viewing the rooms of Parliament, we settled down outside, where we ate pizza along with some fruit and chips.
We then got back on the bus and drove to many places like the War Memorial, Questacon, and Mount Ainslie, where we saw an amazing view. After visiting many enjoyable places, we returned to our resort and rested until morning.
My favorite part of this trip to Canberra was visiting Questacon, where we had the opportunity to ride a vertical slide and play various science-related games!
- Irene S (6 Red)
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs.
A Dazzling Celebration of SFCC’s Inaugural CAPA showcase. SOLD OUT. Over 110 performers. 400+ attendees. One unforgettable night beneath the winter sky.
On the evening of June 12th, 2025, our SFCC community came alive under the stars for the first-ever Arts After Dark: Winter Edition — an inaugural Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) showcase that united the entire community in a celebration of artistic talent and
togetherness.
The event transformed the school grounds into a vibrant, festival-like setting. Families bundled in coats, brought picnic gear and blankets, and snuggled up under the crisp winter air to enjoy an inspiring night of music, drama, and dance.
The atmosphere was electric. Over 110 student performers, from Kindergarten through Year 11, took to the stage with excitement and pride. There was a tangible buzz backstage and in the crowd — students were bursting with nervous energy and joy, supporting each other and showcasing weeks of hard work.
Audience members were treated to everything from ensemble music pieces and solo performances to expressive dance routines and compelling drama scenes. But behind the spotlight was something equally powerful: students learning, collaborating, and leading.
While many students performed on stage, others were deeply involved behind the scenes, working closely with industry experts in lighting and sound. These students gained hands-on experience in live production — programming cues, managing tech gear, and running live audio. For many, it was their first exposure to professional backstage roles — an unforgettable, real-world learning experience.
Students were absolutely buzzing with excitement throughout the event. Whether they were performing on stage or working behind the scenes in lighting and sound, they felt the energy and understood they were part of something truly special. The sense of pride and collaboration was felt in every corner of the showcase.
Music teacher Mrs Blunden and drama/dance teacher Miss Castagnella, who also servedas Stage Manager, were pivotal to the event’s success. Their combined leadership brought warmth, structure, and vision to every part of the showcase.
“It was more than a show — it was a shared experience. We saw students from all ages working together, lifting each other up, and taking risks. The growth in
confidence, especially from students who had never performed before, was incredible.” - Mrs Blunden
“There’s something uniquely powerful about creative expression. One Year 6 student said, ‘I didn’t think I could do it, but I did, and it felt amazing.’ That’s what
it’s all about.” - Miss Castagnella
Arts After Dark was more than a performance — it was a celebration of creativity, connection, and the power of student voice. From the stage to the sound desk, every moment reflected the heart of our community. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the arts landscape at SFCC.
- Mr Najee Tannous
Leader of Creative and Performing Arts
In Week 6 the Year 9 cohort travelled to the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Narrebeen for a three day camp. This was the first camp experience the year group has been involved in since the beginning of Year 7 and students were very excited in the lead up to the camp.
Some of the activities that students engaged in included:
- Facing their fears abseiling down a 15 metre rock face
- Testing their archery and agility skills in Archery Tag
- Completing a hike through the bush which finished with a great view
- Creating campfires and cooking damper with the fire
- Using problem solving skills in various physical and mental initiative challenges
- Competing in a year group wide trivia tournament at night time
- Students faced all activities and challenges head on and with a positive attitude. It was great to see students not only face these challenges individually, but also in constantly motivating, encouraging and helping each other throughout the three days.
In addition to the various activities the year group also engaged in a number of reflection sessions at the conclusion of each night. In these reflections, key themes such as resilience, forgiveness and kindness were explored, and the year group as a whole were able to strengthen their bonds with each other and continue to grow and mature as individuals.
Feedback from both students and staff that attended camp has been overwhelmingly positive and a special thanks must go to all the SFCC staff who volunteered to attend camp, spending time away from their families in support of the Year 9 cohort.
Mr Mitchell Baker
Year 9 Coordinator
As part of their Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation course, Year 11 students recently took on an action-packed excursion to a local Ninja Warrior Recreation Centre.
This excursion directly supports the outcomes of the Outdoor Recreation unit in the SLR course, providing students with a practical opportunity to engage in physical activity within a non-traditional, adventure-based setting. By participating in the Ninja Warrior course, students were able to apply their understanding of risk management, personal challenge, and skill development in a controlled outdoor recreation environment. The experience
encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and reflect on the importance of participation, preparation, and safety in recreational pursuits beyond the classroom.
This excursion was also designed to complement the class’ focus on fitness, movement skill development, and functional training in a fun and engaging environment. Students were challenged physically and mentally as they navigated a series of obstacles that tested their strength, balance, agility, and perseverance — just like the real Ninja Warriors!
Student involvement throughout the day was outstanding, with every participant embracing the opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Many students stepped well outside their comfort zones, attempting obstacles they initially thought were beyond their ability. Whether it was scaling the warped wall, balancing across narrow beams, or tackling upper-body challenges, students showed courage, persistence, and a willingness to have a
go. It was inspiring to see peers encouraging one another, celebrating both successes andefforts, and building a strong sense of teamwork and support. This experience highlighted the value of stepping up to new challenges and the personal growth that comes from trying
something different.
As the SLR teachers, we couldn’t be prouder of the way our Year 11 SLR students approached the day. Their enthusiasm, positive attitude, and willingness to support one another truly reflected the values we aim to foster through the Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation course. It was incredibly rewarding to see students step up, challenge themselves, and engage so actively in an environment that pushed their limits. We hope this experience not only strengthened their understanding of outdoor recreation but also encouraged a greater appreciation for lifelong physical activity and the benefits it brings.
Mr Arzapitian & Mr Badolato
Year 11 Ancient History
Year 9 History Elective
Year 10 Careers Expo – Exploring Pathways Beyond the Classroom
On Thursday the 5th of June, our Year 10 group attended the Macarthur Careers Expo aimed at expanding our understanding of the many opportunities available beyond school. Held at the Minto Indoor Sports Stadium, the event brought together students from a range of schools to engage with professionals, training providers, and tertiary institution experts with a purpose to create curiosity about the career possibilities available for us at the moment.
The expo featured an impressive range of stalls and exhibitors, including representatives from universities such as UNSW, UTS, Notre Dame, ACU, and Macquarie University, who provided valuable insight into course offerings, admission pathways, and student life. Vocational education was also strongly represented, with TAFE stalls highlighting practical, hands-on career options and apprenticeships which was really helpful.
We had the chance to explore pathways in fields ranging from education, medicine, engineering, and STEM, to creative industries, trades, and community services. The breadth of information available catered to our diverse interests, making the experience both eye-opening and inspiring.
The day was not only informative but also empowering and encouraging. We were able to think critically about our future ambitions and the next steps to assist us in career making decisions. It was also a fantastic opportunity to start meaningful conversations about life beyond high school with friends, teachers and parents/carers.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents and carers, Mrs McMahon, Mr Fricot, our Pastoral Care teachers and school administration team for all the support that made this event a valuable life experience. We are confident that we all walked away with a greater awareness and motivation to continue moving through our career pathway.
- Devika A, on behalf of Year 10
Western Sydney University
Open Day is on Sunday the 6th of July 2025 from 10am to 4pm. This event isn’t your average University tour. It’s a full-campus experience packed with everything you need to feel informed, inspired and ready to take the next step toward your dream career.
Explore course options, find out about our entry pathways and experience University life to see why so many students choose Western.
University of Notre Dame - UniPath Program
UniPath is a free 12 week pathway program for senior students that upon successful completion will secure direct entry into many undergraduate degree programs at the University of Notre Dame. UniPath will help students develop the skills and knowledge that will enable a smooth transition into their first year of university study.
UND UniPath Promotional video - FINAL.mp4
If you’re interested in film and television, SFCC are hosting guest speakers from AFTRS in Term 3 Week 2. Stay tuned….
Mrs Joanne McMahon