OPEN DAY

On Saturday 4th March our College held its annual Open Day, where new and current families interested in enrolling their child/ren at our College attended and toured the grounds/learning spaces, collected enrolment packs and spoke to staff.

With well over a hundred student volunteers and numerous staff, the College was abuzz with excitement and activity. With wonderful displays across stages and various faculties, artworks in CAPA, Science experiments, Major Works in TAS and VET, faculty and area presentations (e.g. Ministry, Gifted and Talented; Careers; Duke of Edinburgh Programme), musical performances and learning activities in Diverse Learning - it’s fair to say there was something happening right across the College. This of course was all supplemented by our students taking tours and speaking so proudly of 'their school' and Hospitality and Food Technology students/teachers making some delicious appetisers and beverages.

Additionally, our Uniform Store (run by Noone) showed off our uniform, ‘Air League’ participants conducted various drills and ‘Storm the Stage’ performed many dance routines across the day.

A sausage sizzle fundraiser was also held, where proceeds ($800) went towards ‘Caritas Australia's Syria-Türkiye Earthquake Appeal’; a very worthwhile cause.

A day like Saturday does not just happen without the incredible support and goodwill of staff. I am very appreciative of staff efforts and very cognisant of the fact that we have an incredibly talented and generous group. I am quickly learning that this is one of the critical features which makes St. Francis such a quality institution and what makes it the provider of quality Catholic education.

If families of any potential students were unable to attend on the day and would like to receive an Enrolment Package please contact the College Office.

EDUCATION MASS

Last Thursday night (2nd March) the Diocese of Wollongong held its Education Mass at the Twin Cathedral in Fairy Meadow. The occasion was very well attended and our College had a large group of staff in attendance. The occasion was a solemn and joyous one and both the Bishop and our CEDoW Director spoke of the incredible hope and opportunities which a Catholic Education can provide. Additionally, new staff to the Diocese were blessed and welcomed into our extended community and the new Diocesan Strategic Plan was launched.

ATTENDANCE

I cannot stress enough the vital nature of high rates of student attendance at school.

It is not surprising that the Diocese has set one of its targets in its new strategic plan the need for at least 95% student attendance at school and this is something which I strongly agree with.

At first glance, this percentage may seem quite high but given that there are approximately 200 days in a school year, 95% still represents that students have had 10 days of absence.

In a 2022 Department of Education, Publication on this topic:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/research-reports/understanding-attendance key points about attendance were very well expressed. Here are six of the document’s key takeaways:

• “School attendance impacts students’ academic achievement and other long-term outcomes 

• Non-attendance is linked with poorer academic achievement and long-term student outcomes. 

• Higher rates of absences have been associated with lower NAPLAN scores

• In NSW, students who report positive attendance behaviours in Year 7 are on average 3 months ahead in their learning by Year 9, compared with students who have poor attendance behaviours

• Students’ prior attendance is a strong predictor of their future attendance. A student’s attendance patterns may be established in early primary school, with school readiness being an important protective factor. 

• Students with chronic absenteeism are more likely to drop out of school and experience poorer long-term health and social outcomes.”

Given the above, and the nature of the post-COVID world in which we live, the importance of high attendance of our students is as critical as it has ever been. Accordingly, our College will be reviewing our attendance policy and processes going forward to help support our families and students ensure high attendance rates. For example, while families of course may have crises overseas (or at a distance within Australia) which necessitate unplanned travel, the College will be looking very closely at applications for ‘holidays’ scheduled mid-term. More details will follow in the near future but please be clear that the College’s strong advice is to avoid taking holidays mid-term.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN online tests will occur next week in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Our students this week completed brief practice tests to familiarise themselves with the online format. This is the first time that these tests have been completed in March (usually in May) and, given the nature of the tests, more timely feedback and diagnostic information will be available for families and staff.

I direct parents and carers to the official NAP site for advice on supporting your child: https://nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers 

We encourage students to maintain their regular routines of good sleep, eating well and exercise across the coming week and the College certainly supports the advice from the above link: “You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best.” Indeed, Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students - we wish you every success.

PRAYER

In this season of Lent may we acknowledge our need for God’s help in listening and hearing. It is so powerful to ask for the “gift of integrity” – to express our desire for wholeness. And, we humbly ask for light in the midst of whatever might “shadow our vision.” 

Let us praise our loving Redeemer, who gained for us this season of grace, and pray to him, saying: Lord, create a new spirit in us.

Christ, our life, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to life with you, – may we walk today in newness of life.

Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind, – bring us to share your concern for the good of all.

May we work together to build up the earthly city, – with our eyes fixed on the city that lasts forever.

Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness of our spirit, – so that we may grow in holiness through your constant care.

(Courtesy CatholicPhilly.com)

On the 3rd of March, we had nine students represent our College at the CSDA Public Speaking Competition at St Patrick’s College in Sutherland. 

SFCC held their first debate in the MISA Debating Competition against Thomas Hassall Anglican College on Tuesday 7th March. The debate topic was ‘That
high school students should be allowed to create their own curriculum.’ We were the affirmative team! A sensationally strong start by the delightful
Angelina T (first speaker) who was absolutely amazing; she articulated her speech with clarity and despite the technical difficulties that occurred she was still able to deliver in an engaging manner. Our second speaker, Nirvaan S was able to execute his arguments creatively and attack the opposing team’s case. Our 3rd Speaker, Ellie M completely destroyed the other school! She spoke for 5 1/2 minutes without looking at her palm cards! A compellingly delivery by Ellie! She referred to her personal life and used multiple high-modality words. Aleksander G as the fourth speaker, played an integral part in refuting the opposing team’s arguments; his silent input counteracted the opposing team’s strong thesis.

The Year 9 MISA Debating Team delivered their impenetrable arguments, were evidently passionate and represented our College victoriously. We are monumentally proud of SFCC! What an optimistic start to debating for the Year 9 MISA Debating Team!!

Reinforcing with our Team Line....

“Give students a voice by giving them the choice”.

- - Sophia A (Yr 9)

On Wednesday 1st of March, 25 students from years 3-6 participated in the West Region Swim Carnival which was held at Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre, Bradbury. Each of these students proudly represented St Francis as they swam their hardest and cheered on their teammates. Well done to all!

An extra congratulations to Chelina K, Luchio K and Victoria G who are now invited to attend the Wollongong swim selections on Monday 13th of March at Corrimal Pool. 

Rugby League Trials

Congratulations to Luke Stevens in Year 5 who has been selected to trial for the Rugby League team.  He will now trial for the Mackillop Rugby League Team in Canberra on the 5th of May. Good luck!

Kristine Micallef
K-6 Sport Coordinator

On Friday 1st of March, 79 students participated in the cross country trials at Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. All participants did their very best to complete the challenging track in the tough weather conditions.

Congratulations to the students below as they have made it to the Cross Country Championships that will take place in Nowra. 

Secondary Team:

16 Year Boys- Christian P

14 Year Girls- Senithi H & Caitlin H

14 Year Boys- Nikolas K, Adian R, Ojas G & Joseph S

13 Year Girls- Gordana P, Suhani S, Alfreda T & Sally O

13 Year Boys- Alexander F & Emil A

Primary Team: 

8/9 Year Girls- Madeline S, Alexis F & Hanna L
8/9 Year Boys- Rufaro N, Rishi M & Rylan S
10 Year Girls - Kia Q, Lexi N & Sanvi R
10 Year Boys - Liam P, Nate K & Ethan G
11 Year Girls - Sian V, Alyssa B & Phoebe S
11 Year Boys- Luke S, Daniel Di G & Siddi M
12/13 Year Girls- Victoria G, Casey B & Taline E
12/13 Year Boys - Reuben C & Ryan O

Bronze Awards

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

Year 1
Andrew E
Christopher A
Francynne L
Isabella A
Klaudia C
Swati G
Elizabeth M
Ava  G 
Emma J
Lana C 
Riya  V
Benjamin M
Hope  T
Ria A
Saina A
Tracy H
Zara F

Year 2
Rosanne K
Zuri P  
Edward P
Lilyanne  F
Rihanna G
Mikias M
Srinaya S
Nathasha P
Marko I
Isaac F
Ryan J
Irene S
Samantha C
Kristian S

Year 4
Liana S

Year 6
Lana A

Year 7
Thomas S
Ninep D
Chanel A

Year 8
Xanthe T
Caitlin H
Riyana S
Senithi H
Nathan P
Pritish A
Grace L
Jayda O
Albee V
Niraj N
Prarthana T
Riyona A
Angela G
Tamara D
Yuvraj K
Gemma B
Emil A 
Alfreda T
Trisha G
Evangeline K
Verrell S
Christian A
Emmanuel S   
Hubert G
Krishanna G
Lucas B
Laila M

Silver Awards

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

Year 3
Isaiah M
Ella D
Treshane F
Danielle W     
Sidney T
Sophia L
Andrei C
Viraaj G
Elijah A
Jherson M

Year 4
Leah B
Caitlin F
Rylan T
Chloe L
Losaline M
Samyra P
Mia T
Fleur H
Ethan G
Jairus Z
Samantha C                
Rishi M
Alexis S
Mia E

Year 5
Elyssa S
Mili G

Year 6
Luca B
Michael J

Year 7
Elpidius B
Micaela W
Michelle C
Chrysanthia T
Kundai K
Nathan P
Soane L

Year 8
Eva-Rose H

Gold Awards

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

Lewis M, Hudson K, Ephraim B, Josh R, Baani S, Nathan B, Aliya D, Joel P, Isabella J, Jenna S, Abraham J, Saira S, Lucas F, Amelia H

Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)

Japan has an annual celebration, all about Dolls?

雛祭り(Hinamatsuri), or the Doll Festival, is a 神道 (Shinto) religious festival observed on March 3 to celebrate young girls and pray for their continued health and happiness. During this holiday, families display ceramic dolls dressed in the ornate, decorative robes of the ancient imperial court. The manufacturing of these figurines remains a thriving example of traditional Japanese craftwork.

The first time these kinds of dolls were displayed in the same manner they are today is said to have been in 1629, when the young princess Meisho succeeded to the throne of her father, Emperor Go-Mizunou. At the time, female emperors in Japan were not allowed to be married, and so Meisho’s mother, Tokugawa Masako, created a doll arrangement that showed Meisho being happily married. 

The Dolls displayed during 雛祭り(Hinamatsuri) are placed on a red-carpeted platform called a ひな壇 (hinadan). The central figures of the festival include the 男雛 (obina), "male doll" and 女雛 (mebina), "female doll", which represent a Heian period wedding, but are also known to be described as the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The dolls may be as simple as pictures or folded paper dolls, or as intricate as carved three-dimensional dolls. The entire set of dolls and regalia are known as 雛飾り (hinakazari). The number of tiers and dolls a family may have depends on their budget. A set can cost from around $1,500 to $2,500 for a five-tier set, depending on quality, and is often handed down from older generations as heirlooms.

In the days leading up to the festival, households with young daughters will display their 雛飾り (hinakazari) prominently, where they can be admired by family members and guests. However, once the festival is finished, custom dictates that dolls and decorations be quickly packed away, as it is believed that leaving them out too long will harm a daughter’s chances of marriage.

Members of the Japanese club created their own 雛飾り (hinakazari) displays, using folding paper, which asked them to draw upon their skills of 折り紙 (origami). 

Do you have a similar tradition celebrated in your home? How are young girls celebrated in your culture?

Kind regards,
Ms. Tooby and Mrs. Kelleher
Japanese Teachers

The Creative and Performing Arts Department began the year with excitement and many new opportunities for our students. Our incredible Music staff and students have performed at our Opening Mass, Open Day and Middle Years Assembly. The College band is busy practicing and our artists have fresh works of art adorning the Innovation Block Gallery Space. MISA Dance is in full swing and our enthusiastic performers are practicing their skills to showcase later in the year. The Media Club, Young Archies and for the first time, Christmas Art Story are all on offer to allow our eager students to grow their artistic skills. 

Recently, the students of stage 6 Music were lucky to view outstanding performances from 2022 HSC students. This Sydney Opera House performance known as ENCORE celebrates the success of high-performing students and allows our own aspiring musicians to understand the standard required to excel in their studies of music at this level. Students in Year 11 PVDI, Years 9 and 10 Visual arts, and Years 9 and 10 PDM also have important, hands-on learning experiences coming up later this year.

An exciting new development for our faculty is the development of our own Instagram account. Our page, CAPA@SFCC is devoted to sharing the amazing creative potential of Art, Photography and Digital Media, Drama, Dance and Music students at the College. We would love for you to follow us and help celebrate our students' varied creative achievements. Students and parents are able to visit our new account to check out our fabulous Open Day Display. Student works will be added regularly!

Lastly, I wish to celebrate the amazing CAPA team and our outstanding student helpers who made our open day so visually stimulating, practical and engaging! The displays and performances and music were enthusiastically praised by our visitors and we can’t wait to share more with you throughout the year via our Instagram page and newsletter.