Dear Parents/Carers,

On Friday, the school community will come together for Mass at 9am to celebrate the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron of our College.

We invite everyone to attend. It will also be an opportunity to officially induct our new student leaders for 2019-2020.

The actual feast day of St Francis falls in the school holidays on the 4th October, so why do we stop to celebrate the life of St Francis? The answer is that St Francis of Assisi is a great role model for our community. He is truly one of the world’s great saints - an ordinary man who lived a privileged life as the son of a wealthy textiles merchant, someone who by all accounts was a very charismatic man, who was popular with the ladies.  He enjoyed living an extravagant lifestyle during his time as a flamboyant soldier, until he was captured by the neighbouring army of Perugia and held as a prisoner for a year, until his wealthy father paid a ransom for his release. 

During his time in captivity, Francis spent a great deal of time praying to God. He developed a relationship with God through prayer and over the next few years began to see visions of God that changed his life. He denounced his position of privilege, gave away his possessions and began a life of dedicated service to others, especially the poor and marginalised. He left the safety of Assisi’s walls (designed to keep residents safe from attack from opposing armies and wild animals) and went to live in the bush in the valley with the farmers and lepers who were very exposed in what was a fairly lawless country. Francis built a hospital and a church and was loved and admired by those who lived outside the city walls.

What he was doing was inspirational.  Others in the ancient city of Assisi joined Francis and the Franciscan movement began. The great work of Francis and his followers gathered momentum, and the many miracles that Francis performed in the name of God greatly enhanced his notoriety, and in turn led to further followers. 

We spend time acknowledging St Francis because he provides a blue print on how to live a dedicated life of service to Christ. Inspired by the life of Jesus, Francis made an effort to live simply. He de-cluttered his life and spent time in prayer. He slowed down, reflected on the beauty of nature and was grateful for the gifts he had been given by God, and he found true happiness in the service of others.

In this fast-paced, noisy world where we are constantly bombarded by the media telling us that we are only worth what we consume. I think it is worthwhile stopping and taking some time to hear the message of St Francis of Assisi. He was an ordinary person, like the rest of us.  He just followed Jesus’ example in an extraordinarily dedicated way. 

May God continue to bless you and may you enjoy time with your family over the student vacation period.

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal

Congratulations to our Award recipients
who were awarded their Bronze and Silver certificates
at our recent Middle/Senior Years Assembly:-

SILVER AWARDS
L-R:  Aidan N, Mrs Agostino, Mia K

BRONZE AWARDS
L-R:  Mrs Agostino, Dominic S, Robert C, Aimey A, Daniel M

We also celebrated students who were absent when our PB4L Certificates were given out at the end of Semester 1, as follows:-

Hope I, Ellie M, Mrs Agostino, Scarlett C, Laura T

Congratulations to all of our award recipients from this week's Assembly.

Year 7 Science Students were working on a Crime Scene Investigation unit this term where they developed their skills in problem solving and using scientific equipment. 

An exciting promotion is currently underway at all Big W stores across Australia. The ‘Free Books for Kids’ initiative is designed to promote the value of reading and encourage families to establish regular reading habits. 

From Thursday 19th September one new book will be released weekly in store to children, free of charge.

All you need to do is ask the door greeter when you enter a Big W store for your free book.

There are eight books to collect and they all talk to an Australian experience; covering indigenous, city and country kids.

The books are written and illustrated by Australian authors and artists. 

Happy reading!

Miss Elise Laidlaw
Junior Years Leader of Learning

On Friday 30 August, Year 9 travelled to the WIN Entertainment Centre to participate in the LIVE Festival, an annual Diocesan Youth festival that celebrates the life of faith of the youth and young adults of the Diocese of Wollongong.

Week 6 - SFCC vs William Carey Christian School

In Week 6, the Year 7 and 8 MISA Netball team played William Carey Christian School.

The girls played well and maintained their lead throughout the game.

They showed great sportsmanship and encouragement.

Final score was William Carey (13) - SFCC (30) - a win and a great result girls.

Congratulations on your win.

Week 7 - SFCC vs Clancy Catholic College

In Week 7 MISA girls netball verses Clancy Catholic College.

The girls played a great game, they started from behind, but quickly caught up.

The final score was Clancy (13) - SFCC (15).

Well done girls - keep up the great effort! 

Week 8 SFCC vs Freeman Catholic College

The team played really well this week in the final game of the MISA competition, versing Freeman Catholic College.

They worked well together as a team playing to their strengths.

They were not successful in winning this game, however it was close with the final score of SFCC (12) - Freeman CC (16).

Well done on your efforts overall in the competition girls!


Mrs D Vaga

Congratulations to Nikolas K who represented Wollongong Diocese at the Mackillop Athletics Trials on Monday 16th September and Michael F who represented Wollongong Diocese at NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Athletics on Friday 20th September. 

A special mention to Michael who competed in the 1500m, 800m and 400m and won gold in all three events.

Michael was also runner up age champion in the 14 year boys age group.

A great effort boys!

Miss Jessica Flegg
Sport Coordinator

Our students had lots of fun having a look through the Music Bus when it visited recently.

Thank you Miss Papadam for sending through photos of 2 Blue during their visit.

I think we have a lot of budding musicians in this group!!

Last year we collected bottle tops for a College project (see picture below). Some of our current Year 2 students helped us begin this project.

We are now in need of more plastic bottle tops for this project to continue. If your family are able to collect any plastic bottle tops and send them along to College Reception, they will be gratefully received. All sizes and colours will be accepted.

Please send them in (washed and in a zip lock bag) to College Reception. 

There will also be a basket near the Return & Earn bins so that before placing the bottle in the bin, the bottle tops can be placed in the basket. 

Thank you for your help!

Miss Amanda Marshall

JSSS Registration Form