Dear Parents/Carers,

Next week is what we as Catholics know as ‘Holy Week’. We reflect on events leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Easter is the most important time in the Catholic Church’s calendar. It brings a message of hope for all, but initially the Easter story begins in darkness, in a time of great fear, sorrow and despair.  The disciples were nowhere to be seen but were hidden away behind locked doors fearing for their lives.  That description could very easily describe the world we have been living in since last Easter as the COVID–19 pandemic took hold. Our familiar lives became unfamiliar and we are only now beginning to re-emerge to our normal routine and ways of living.  For a year now, we have kept abreast of daily news searching for positivity and light upon the horizon.

But as many Theologians have said ‘you must have your Good Friday, to fully appreciate Easter Sunday’. When Jesus rose from the dead on that first Easter morning, the risen Christ brought the light of hope into the darkness of despair. The stone was rolled away from the entrance to the tomb and the risen Lord appeared to Mary.  Through closed doors he entered the place where the disciples were and said to them: “Peace be with you.”

The Easter story may begin in the darkness, but it ends in the light.  From Good Friday to Easter Sunday – Holy Week invites us to journey inwards to seek the inner peace that only Christ can bring. 

I pray that you and your family experience joy and peace this Easter. I acknowledge that we still have a battle to fight with the pandemic, but I would invite you to focus on the hope and good news that the risen Christ gives. Light that is shown in the devotion and care by healthcare and frontline workers who have reached out to help the sick; hope provided in vaccinations; light in the kindness shown by neighbour to neighbour and in gentle and simple acts of compassion carried out by countless ‘Good Samaritans’;. Peace in the resilience shown by all members of College community to carry on and persevere, despite the challenges faced.

May God continue to bless you this Easter.

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal

For any further enquiries please contact Mrs Rooke at College Reception on 4645 3400.

Kind Regards 

SFCC Administration 

The Renaissance Reading program is now in full swing, and Years 5-8 have continued to enjoy regular reading in class. A reminder to all MYL students that when you finish reading a Renaissance book, be sure to log into the Renaissance AR Quizzes and complete the quiz for your book.This will help you track your progress, earn STAR points and help you to reach your target!

STAR ☆ Readers

It has been a busy and fantastic couple of weeks here at St Francis,however we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the great reading taking place in our classrooms and at home. The following students have been recognised for their reading achievements - you are our ‘STAR ☆ Readers’ for Weeks 7-8! Well done!

Yours in Literacy,

Ms Courtney Spencer

Bronze Awards

Congraulations to the follwoing students on acheiving their Bronze award at our recent assembly:

Year 5
William B
Shanina R

Silver Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their Silver award at our recent assembly:

Year 5
Daisy B 
Ava T
Jacob M
Harini A 

Year 9
Cheryl S

Year 11
Paul F

Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. The week promotes inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.  Harmony Week aligns well with our Touchstone 'Inclusive Community' and whilst we expect our students to be inclusive each day, this week is a timely reminder for our community to exercise respect, tolerance and acceptance of all students, staff and the extended College Community.  This year Harmony Day was celebrated nationally on Sunday 21st March, however, staff and students at St Francis had the opportunity to celebrate Harmony Day on Friday.

Students participated in various activities in class and were treated to some cultural music throughout the day.  Additionally, staff and students were asked to wear a splash of orange.  Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

Despite the rain, St Francis was incredibly bright on Friday as staff and students arrived at school in their orange shirts, socks, hats and hair accessories.

Mrs Agostino
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

On Thursday 18th March, Year 8 students had an udderly fantastic time when 'A Smart Farmer' brought some special visitors to our school; Thelma, Amelia, Dash.

The dairy cow incursion provided our students with the opportunity to learn more about the dairy industry, the processing of dairy products and how to milk the cows. Legendairy!

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). This is what it means to be truly full of life - or LIVE.

Each year in the Diocese of Wollongong, each secondary school is blessed to have the Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong (CYMW) team visit the school three times a year to run LIVE. The aim of LIVE is to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic Church and forge a strong sense of community.

On Thursday 11th March, we held our first LIVE event for the year, focusing on the theme “Connected-Be”. The first part of LIVE was a lunchtime concert where the CYMW team performed live music in the undercroft from our new band room. This lunchtime concert was open to students in Years 5-11, with many of our younger students also enjoying the event from a distance.

After school, the second part of LIVE took place with our Year 7-11 students participating in an optional retreat afternoon where the theme “Connected-Be” was explored in greater depth. Students were treated to afternoon tea, a game, live music, a talk, small group discussion, worship and dinner. We were pleased to have 117 students in attendance at this optional afternoon session. This group of students was the largest group we have had at a LIVE event. 

For our Year 7-11 students who want to ensure they are free for our remaining two LIVE events of the year, the dates are as follows:

• Thursday 10th June (Week 8, Term 2)
• Thursday 4th November (Week 5, Term 4) 

Additionally, for our Year 7-11 students who enjoyed LIVE and want more before term two, the CYMW team run a non-school affiliated event called LIVE Local - a youth group for Year 7-12 students which runs from 7-9pm each Friday night of the school term at St John’s Campbelltown.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sjbSQFzpSzKR1FnmGuAb-tIAjHrGEd0e/edit#gid=1585961462

On Friday the 12th March, a number of students represented the College at the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Championships at Corrimal Pool. Being so far, it was great to see the students and parents make the effort to represent the College. It was a fun day full of team spirit and some fabulous swims. Despite the tough competition and tiring nature of the day, everyone swam to their best ability and should be applauded for doing so.

On the day we had a number of students who swam in multiple events and despite the exhaustion of continuously swimming, several students placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their respective events.

Overall, St Francis had some wonderful performances at the diocesan level. Special mention must go to Bella G & Nicolas C who swam exceptionally well and as a result will represent the Dioceses at the NSWCCC Swimming Carnival. Bella G & Stephanie G won the Age Champion Medal in their respective age groups, with Nicolas C winning second place Age Champion. Congratulations on these excellent results!

Thank you to Mr Grant who came to help organise and support the students. Finally, a big thank you to the parents who came along to show their support for the Dio Swimming team on the day. Both the students and myself really appreciate your efforts.

Mrs Pavlovich- Sport Coordinator