As we come to the end of 2022 we say farewell and thank you to the following staff who will be leaving us:

Mrs Pina Zerafa our Catholic Care - School Counsellor 

Pina has been a blessing to St Francis. She has worked with us as a Catholic Care counsellor and supports students and families who are feeling vulnerable and need support. Pina has a great sense of humour and lifts everyone she meets. She has offered guidance and healing, we thank her for hard work and support. We wish her every happiness in her new leadership role at CatholicCare. 

Miss Georgina Agia 

Miss Agia started with us this year as an indentured casual. She has proven to be reliable and flexible teaching classes from K-12. Miss Agia will be available to do some casual work for us next year but seeks to have some time to further develop her emerging business and is getting married. We wish her every happiness and success. 

Miss Hannah Gray 

Miss Gray is a School Support Officer and her contract ends with us this year. She is full of joy, always smiling and her smile has endeared her to the students she helps and the staff she works with. We wish Hannah all the best at her new role at St Benedict’s Catholic College.

Mr Lionel Paez

Mr Paez started with us this year in the Technology & Applied Studies faculty. Mr Paez has also been our leader of Vocational Education courses and is a highly skilled woodworker. We thank Mr Paez for his work and wish him well in his role at St Anthony’s of Padua next year.

Miss Olivia Scotting

Miss Scotting is an excellent Science teacher and is also moving to St Anthony’s of Padua to take up a promotions opportunity as their STEM Coordinator. We wish Miss Scotting happiness in her new role and thank her for her contribution to the St Francis family. 

Mrs Claudia Sharkey

Mrs Sharkey is newly married and may be better known to many of you as Miss Marongui. Mrs Sharkey has been with us 2 years. Last year providing large class support and executive release and this year as a class teacher on Year 4. Mrs Sharkey leaves us to take up a permanent full time teaching position at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary, Carnes hill.

Mr Sebastian Diaz 

Mr Diaz came to us in 2020 from Sydney Diocese and has been our constant on Year 1. 

He has also been in charge of K-6 sport this year, which has been presented with a number of challenges due to heavy rain. Mr Diaz is an energetic teacher who is much loved by his students. The staff think he’s alright as well! We wish him well in his new role as Sports Coordinator at All Saints, Casula. 

Mrs Natalie Wagstaff

Mrs Wagstaff joined us in 2020 as a very experienced English/RE teacher. Mrs Wagstaff has provided leadership as Acting Leader of English. Her experience of Stage 6 has been appreciated in our planning of our first Year 11 & 12 cohorts. We wish her every success in her new role teaching at St Patrick’s Campbelltown. 

Ms Shelley Allen

Ms Allen loves everything creative and artistic. She is passionate about providing opportunities for students to develop new skills and brought unique gifts like ‘Hoop Troop’ and ‘Circus Club’ to St Francis. Ms Allen has provided strong leadership of our Creative & Performing Arts faculty and our loss will be Shallom College, Bundaberg’s gain. 

Miss Sarah Banks 

Miss Banks is an energetic Maths teacher who makes Maths engaging for students. She is loud, vibrant and fun. She decided after a recent trip to Adelaide to relocate to the more affordable state and looking for a new adventure. I recommended that Miss Banks contact the three Edmund Rice College’s in Adelaide, and within a day she had two job offers. We wish Miss Banks well with her new Adelaide adventure.

Ms Peta Holmes 

We first met Ms Holmes as an Education Officer working for the CEO Special Support Team. She demonstrated a great passion for children and their learning. Ms Homes provided fantastic insights in how to differentiate and meet the needs of students and was a real advocate that every child could learn. She worked as a Education Officer supporting students and their families regularly at SFCC and sensed that there was something special about the place. In 2019, we were delighted to offer her the Leader of HSIE position. She provided strong leadership of her team and offered great strength in developing quality teaching & learning programs. This year Ms Holmes was made Acting Leader of Curriculum (Years 5-12) and has worked closely with our subject leaders to continue to refine our quality learning programs and build the capacity of our staff. 

Mrs Vanessa Chisholm 

Mrs Chisholm is a foundation member of staff. She started with us coming from the Sydney Diocese and had experience as a primary school teacher who had numerous leadership positions including Assistant Principal. Mrs Chisholm’s experience proved invaluable as she was a mentor for young staff. She has always had a passion for having an impact on children’s learning. She loves working in particular, with those students who have difficulties with their learning. An examination of student learning data clearly shows just how much of an impact her work has. Mrs Chisholm will be greatly missed and we wish her well in her new journey into retirement.  

We send a warm welcome the following staff:

Mr Matthew McMahon (Principal)

Mrs Jennifer Lowe (Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care)

Mr Adam Moore (Leader of Curriculum Years 5-12)

Mrs Daniela Borkovic (Leader of HSIE Years 5-12)

Mr Suneil Buck (Numeracy Coordinator K-4 & class teacher of Year 4 Red)

Mr George Bounos (Year 3 Red)

Miss Stephanie Kingsley (Middle Years Teacher)

Miss Maryanne Bulfon (Year 3 Blue)

Mrs Estelle Standley Centorrino (PPT Teacher K-4)

Mr Jarryd Rolfe (Year 2 Green)

Miss Anna Castagnella (English Teacher 5-12)

Mrs Thuy Duong (Mathematics Teacher 5-12)

Miss Caitlin Refalo (Mathematics Teacher 5-12)

Miss Isabella Agostino (HSIE Teacher 5-12)

Mr Daniel Yokhanna (TAS Teacher 7-12)

Mr Roger Lee (Creative & Performing Arts Teacher 5-12)

Mrs Maria Dao (Science Teacher 5-12)

Ms Tanya Beslic (English Teacher 5-12)

Mrs Megan King (Executive Release Year 4 Red & Large Class Support)

Miss Stephanie Mosca (Executive Release Year 4 Green & Large Class Support)

Mrs Janelle Seymour (School Support Officer- Administration & Events)

Mrs Silvia Dzierzak (School Support Officer- Finance)

Mr Edin Avdic (School Support Officer- Grounds/Maintenance)

The following existing staff will change leadership roles for 2023:

• Mrs Melissa Vella (Deputy Principal)
• Mrs Rita Agostino (Assistant Principal- Teaching & Learning)
• Mrs Angela Bennett (Leader of Creative & Performing Arts)
• Miss Emma Randall (Acting Year 10 Coordinator)
• Miss Laura Killen (Acting Year 9 Coordinator) replacing Mrs Nadia Greci who will return from maternity leave Term 3
• Mr Mitchell Baker (Year 7 Coordinator)
• Miss Kristine Micallef (Sports Coordinator K-6)
• Miss Amber Meadley (VET Coordinator)
• Mrs Courtney Spencer (Leader of English 5-12) replacing Mrs Siobhan Moore who will return from maternity leave Term 2
  
  

Junior Years Learning Staffing for 2023

Stage 3 Homeroom Staff for 2023

The third Sunday of Advent (celebrated last weekend) reminds us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we are reminded of John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, who told the people in Israel to get ready for Jesus' teaching. The true meaning of Christmas is coming together, family, friends and community. To love and be loved. To share and give. To be humble and grateful. The Religious Education, Idenity and Mission Team wish our community a safe and holy festive season. May the break be relaxing and restful. We look forward to celebrating, giving and praying with the community again in 2023.

God of Love,

Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.

He is a sign of your love.

Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,

As we wait and prepare for his coming.

We pray in the name of Jesus, our Saviour.

- Author Unknown

The College Leadership Team has spent much time redefining and articulating the College’s Vision and Mission statements. Our Vision Statement describes the desired future position of the College and how we are unique in our community. Our Mission Statement defines the College’s daily business (educating our students), our objectives and our approach to reach those objectives. Alongside these our College Values inspire and drive each member of our community to live out Christ’s love in all we do and say.  

Siddi M, Isaac L, Lachlan C, Logan C, Jarrod M, Angelo K, Taline E, Brodie D, Natalia Z

Luca M, Andrea B, Daisy B, Jacob M, Srikar K, Sinchana S, Alexander F, Honey P, Hemakesh S, Johnny R, Tawonanyasha M

Year 11 Academic Excellence and Highly Commended Awards

Andrea B, Lavanya K, Caitlyn T, Mirelle D, Daphne S, Oscar L

Adrian M, Jacob S, Shandesh B, Adrian V, Liam N, Courtney J, Rusha K, Johnny R

Open Minds Awards

Sy, B, Xavier V, Alex T, Abigail P, Sienna V, Eric F, Katherina D, Ryan J, Angelina D, Emilia S, Victoria G

Ellie M, Ryan W, Nicholas A, Sara D, Eva-Rose H, Angelina T, Sarah J, Abigail A,

Amalia I, Sasha S

Open Hearts Awards

Scarlett F, Arushi S, Abigail P, Sofia P, Jaden T, Caitlin F, Gillian B, Irene S, Mischa O, Ria A, Penelope A, Aurhay D, Isabella A, Mia A

Epidius B, Saira S, Lucas F, Lachlan C, Emilia S, Harrison P, Gabriel W, Trisha P,

Natalia Z

Alexia C, Michelle P, Grace L, Ekisha P, Chelsea D, Varad D, Leonardo F, Angela G, Alfreda T, Angelina T, Alansa S, Sukhman K

Prachi A, Joash T, Issa G, Krrish G, Jamie S, Nana G, Thalia S, Irene D, Seth B,

Andrea B, Olivia S, Ella L

Sports Awards

Myron M, Christian P, Nikolas K, Emil A

MISA Debating

Eva-Rose H, Amalia I, Joshua S, Krishanna G

Have Sum Fun Online Maths

Myrah J, Juan J, Jaden T, Ajaswi A

SPLICED Awards

Vanya D, Myrah J, Abraham J, Elyssa S , Daisy B, Aidan T, Victoria G, Juan J, Sienna V, Abner A

NSW Premier's Reading Challenge

Noah P

ADF Awards

Sarah J, Abigail A

Blessed Edmund Rice Award

Amalia I, Ella L, Abigail P

St Francis of Assisi

Maya C, Hemakesh S, Jacob M

RESPECT Award

Hemakesh S

Bronze Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received their Bronze Award recently:

Year 4
Thomas T

Year 5
Casey B
Filip B 
Lana A

Year 6
Lily I
Ann B
Melanie K
Gabriella M
Javier V
Jessica J
Cassandra P
Ninep D
Thomas S
Kanishua S

Year 7

Margaret L
Xanthe T
Royan R
Riyana S
Pritish A
Jayda O
Prarthana T 
Angela G
Gemma B
Trisha G
Verrell S
Emmanuel S
Krishanna G
Lucas B 
Selina P

Year 8
Jorjen K
Chiara B
Harkirat V
Ashton S
Divya P
Elyna H
Ethan T
Jaslene Q     
Joshua K
Tanush P  
Rayan N
Tanisha S

Silver Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received their Silver Award recently:

Year 5
Anmol B
Callum C
Gabriel W
Jewel J
Ajithesh M
Michael J
Izma A
Luchio K
Kai F
Richa U
Giselle D

Year 6
Vanya D
Alexander B
Alexia P
Marco V
Anton R
Ivana F
Dipsha K
Mausam N
Juria S
Michelle C
Nathan P
Cassandra P
Ethan T
Kashvee S
Prithvi B
Micaela W
Emilia S
Chrysanthia T
Elpidius B

Year 8
Bea D
Vevina K
Ava C

Gold Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received their Gold Award recently:

Thomas T

Jenna S, Abner A, Angelo K, Jade M, Myron M, Antnio E, Laverne D, Arianna F, Aarav G, Reet G, Niya N

Merii Kurisumasu メリークリスマス (Merry Christmas!)

Our Australian Christmas traditions include lights, a Christmas tree, and possibly a barbecue in the backyard - in Japan, it’s tradition to enjoy KFC on Christmas instead!

While it isn’t a national holiday in Japan, as only about 1 percent of Japan’s population is Christian, Christmas is still celebrated throughout the country. If you are visiting before the New Year in Japan, you will find many things traditionally associated with Christmas, including decorations, Christmas markets, and beautiful lights and illuminations throughout the streets.

In Japan, Christmas is the time for friends and couples to have parties, make plans to meet up for dinner, and celebrate as much as they can. However, it is also an important occasion to enjoy KFC. Every Christmas, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families get their holiday meal from KFC. The demand for KFC on Christmas in Japan is so high that people will start placing their orders for the special Christmas menu more than six weeks in advance. If you try and wait in line on Christmas day, you might be standing for hours on end waiting for your bucket of chicken! 

But why is this the case? The reason goes back to 1974 when KFC Japan launched a massive national Christmas marketing campaign which proved to be a huge success. Today, it is a core part of their tradition and has become the most popular meal for Christmas in Japan.

To celebrate Christmas, members of the Japanese Club created Christmas Cards for their friends and family. These cards included both traditional Japanese and Australian symbolism, as well as Christmas wishes in Japanese. Although they might not be having KFC for Christmas this year, the members of the Japanese Club are wished farewell as they finish up the year with our final meeting as a club.

みなさん、メリークリスマス!

Minasan, Merii Kurisumasu! (Merry Christmas Everyone!)

Kind regards,
Ms. Tooby
Classroom Teacher

Information relating to nominations for NSWCCC Selection Trials is now available on the Catholic Sport NSW website. These trials are for secondary students who are among the best in the state for their chosen sport. Sports include AFL, Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, Diving, Football Boys 16’s, Golf, Hockey, Rugby, Softball, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball and Water Polo. If you think this may be relevant to your child, please visit the CSNSW Sport website (https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc) and select the "SPORTS" tab and then the required sport. Information on registration and eligibility requirements will be displayed on the "Overview" page.If you require any further information please contact Mrs Pavlovich via the College office.