Dear Parents/Carers,

I am very pleased that the NSW Premier announced this week that students across NSW will return to classrooms full time on Monday. This decision was made following the success of the phased return to face-to-face learning which we have experienced since Week 3 of this term.

It is important to note that the Federal Government under the advice of the Chief Medical Officer has deemed it unnecessary for students to maintain social distancing with each other at school. Adult to adult social distancing is still encouraged however, and as such a return to teaching and learning onsite, will still involve a number of restrictions and measures in order to reduce the risk to students, staff and parents.

Extra cleaning throughout the day of toilets and high touch surfaces will be maintained and good personal hygiene practices will continue to be encouraged. For now, extra-curricular or co-curricular activities such as excursions, homework club, Music Bus, Soccer Academy, Air League and inter-school sport will not run. 

We will be trialling some minor changes to arrangements for arrival and dismissal next week.  These measures were detailed in a letter that was distributed to parents via Compass yesterday. 

I thank everyone for their ongoing support and patience. Again, I ask that if you have a child who is experiencing any symptoms of illness, please keep them at home. In the event your child is unwell at school the normal processes apply.  Your child will be cared for at school in the sick bay by a qualified first aid officer, while they await collection from an appropriate parent/carer.

St Francis has Personal Protective Equipment in order to support students and staff. The student will be provided with a medical mask to reduce the risk of transmitting droplets or respiratory fluids. The first aid officer who is assisting the student will also be wearing a medical mask and gloves. The student’s temperature will be taken using a non-contact thermometer to assess severity of presenting symptoms.  Please note that regardless of the child’s temperature, all students who present unwell will be sent home. 

When the parent/carer of the student collects their child from school, a letter will be provided to them, which outlines the steps required for the student to be able to return to the Collegel. These steps include gaining a medical clearance certificate and only returning to the College once the student has fully recovered.  

Please be assured that the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. 

Building Update

Our Stage 2 Performance Centre is progressing well and is due for completion for the start of Term 4 this year. It will have a large undercroft that leads into the Hall. Two music rooms, 4 music practice rooms, a room for the College Band, Drama workshop, Dance studio, Fitness Gymnasium and associated storerooms.

The roof is on, internal walls are up, air conditioning is in and power and sound is currently being fitted. Furniture and equipment will be ordered in the next fortnight.

Directly behind the Performance Centre, construction has also started on our new 1700 seat Hall (see photos below). Construction on our Middle Years Block (18 Classrooms & 2 Practical Activity Spaces) is currently out for tender and construction should commence in July. 

Designs for our Administration Block, Junior Years Learning Block, Library & Senior Block are being finalised and an application to Catholic Schools NSW for funding will be submitted before the end of the month. 

St Francis is a very busy and exciting College for so many reasons at the moment!

May God continue to bless you all.

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal

Laudato Si' Week (16th -24th May)

We are all asked to accept an invitation from Pope Francis for all people worldwide to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his ground-breaking environmental encyclical Laudato Si' during Laudato Si' Week (16th - 24th May).

This week presents Catholic communities, such as St Francis Catholic College, across the globe with an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to caring for God's creation, our common home.

We are learning that indeed "...everything is connected. Concern for the Environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society". (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ N.91)

Click on link below and scroll down the website to play the video -

Mercy and the Degradation of the Earth

Grateful for the gift of all creation and concerned for the challenges we face as a community, let us offer each other a sign of peace and support (either virtually or by a distanced gesture). 

Mr Damian Sligar
Assistant Principal - Religious Education, Identity & Mission