Filter Content
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE STAND FOR AT ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC COLLEGE?
Being only new to the College, in recent weeks I have been interviewing Middle Leaders at the College to hear about their own personal aspirations and their particular views about St. Francis.
One of the most common topics that has been raised is the quality of the students at our College. I am sure that you would agree that this is most heartening.
Those staff who have been at the College for extended periods of time have many examples of how the College has grown over the years and how various mindsets and habits at the College have been created to this point; especially the pleasing development in the building of our academic culture.
Typically, the ‘why’ or ‘the moral imperative’ of what we do makes our efforts all the more meaningful. Many St Francis family members would attest that they work very long hours for the financial benefit of their families. Others in service industries might recognise the great joy they find in assisting others. Those in medical industries may feel incredible meaning in helping people overcome sickness or manage very trying situations. Those in construction may find great joy in building something from nothing and then bringing joy to others … the list goes on and on.
In education, I am perpetually in awe of the efforts of those who work in schools and I am always a fan of returning to the ‘why’. Why did our staff become involved in education? Why did they wish to make a difference in the lives of young people? What society of the future do they hope to build?
For those who have not come across his work, I recommend the writings and musings of Simon Sinek. If you want a quick overview, you may wish to watch one of his many videos/TED Talks. For example, “How to discover your ‘why’ in difficult times”: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_to_discover_your_why_in_difficult_times or “Leadership is about making others feel safe”: https://blog.ted.com/leadership-is-about-making-others-feel-safe-simon-sinek-at-ted2014/
At the heart of his message is the importance of recognising the why of what you do as an individual or the why behind organisations. For our young people, we aim to ignite in them a love of learning and ultimately develop a passion for various subjects to help them develop interests and careers for their futures.
The why therefore reminds us of our starting point and it highlights our aim to foster the academic, spiritual, social, physical and cultural learning afforded our young people.
With a focus on the ‘why’, we highlight on a daily basis the importance of partnerships between the school and the home. If we ever got to the point of an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality then we have in fact lost sight of the very ‘why’ we (the staff of SFCC) individually have become involved in education and what we as a Catholic College offer our community.
NAPLAN TESTS
Thank you to Miss Laidlaw, Mrs Agostino, Mr Moore and Ms Kolar for their excellent work in guiding our students through their NAPLAN Tests. I commend our students for the manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the exams and we look forward to receiving results for diagnostic reasons.
PARENT/CARER OPPORTUNITIES
In the coming term, the College will provide opportunities for parents/carers to tell us what they would like in terms of opportunities to have their voice heard and/or information provided to them to support their children. Look out for a range of surveys and various mechanisms to indicate your interest in particular information that may be of assistance in helping you support your child manage their educational journey.
PRAYER
Lent provides us with an opportunity to prepare for the Easter Triduum.
Indeed, this holy time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving is a wonderful opportunity to bring a greater closeness to God. Yet in our modern world - the hectic nature of life can make this preparatory time challenging. The Hallow Blog provides some simple prayers which can help us automatically feel connected to our Lord.
- “God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. Amen.”
- “God, may my sacrifice today of (state your Lenten sacrifice) remind me of my dependence on You for all the blessings I enjoy. Amen.”
- ”May I stand in solidarity today with all my brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. May we be united in your love, and may I work to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.”
- “Heavenly Father, I’m truly sorry for the moments today where I missed the mark. I ask for your forgiveness and the strength to better follow Your call tomorrow. Amen.”
- ”God, I lift up (name of the person you’d like to pray for) today. I ask that you bless them abundantly today and throughout Lent. Amen.”
- “Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything. Amen.”
What prayers or scriptural references are your ‘go-to’ to bring this instant connection to God?
Mr Matthew McMahon
College Principal
A big congratulations to Courtney J in Year 12 who was awarded FIRST place in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition.
On Friday 10th March, the SFCC Swimming Team represented the College at the Diocesan Swimming Championships in Corrimal. The conditions were perfect for the event and it was a great day. It was a competitive event where all students participated to the best of their ability. The sportspersonship and support demonstrated by our students was wonderful to see.
Congratulations to Nicolas C, Accalia A, Stephanie G and Bella G that have been selected to represent Wollongong at the NSWCCC Swimming event to be held on Friday 31st March at Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre, Homebush.
A special mention and huge congratulations to Nicolas C who achieved 14 Year Boys Age Champion at the Diocesan Championships. This is an amazing achievement and we are very proud.
Finally, thank you to Miss Flegg and Mrs Flegg for supporting the students on the day.
Bronze Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received their Bronze Award recently:
Year 1
Alexis B
Klaudia C
Year 2
Megan Y
Leanne T
Luka A
Castiel C
Ivan P
Year 3
Samuel R
Silver Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received their Silver Award recently:
Year 2
Mikaela U
Noah N
Year 3
Izaac E
Gabriela C
Year 4
Ava R
Gold Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received their Gold Award recently:
Hannah P, Maria I