PARENT/CARER FORUM

Last week details about our upcoming parent/carer forum were sent out.
Please register if you are intending to be there

DETAILS:

When: Wednesday 28th of June (from 6.30-8pm)
Where: The College Hall
Who: Senior and Middle Leaders will present information and then conduct groups with parents/carers who have pre-registered for the event. Please note that, as we are expecting a large number of attendees, only ONE member from each family may attend this event. However, do know that we are looking at having additional forums in the future.

What: During the evening you will have the opportunity to hear about:

• The latest building update
• Results from the recent Tell Them From Me survey
• Updates on College transport
• Information regarding the College goals for 2023 and beyond

Also, parents/carers will be given the chance to provide feedback regarding Extracurricular opportunities; Parent/Carer engagement; College communication channels; our expression of Catholicity; Future Parent/Carer Advisory Councils/Committees

How: One parent/carer from each family can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/st-francis-catholic-college-parentcarer-forum-tickets-660855435397?aff=oddtdtcreator

KINDY CULTURAL SHARING EVENT

Last Week our Kindergarten students and families had a joy-filled cultural ‘get-together’ and lunch in the College Hall. The event was eventuated with many smiles, laughter, and a sense of togetherness as we celebrated the diversity of our College community.

The purpose of this event was to provide an opportunity for parents/carers, family members and students to come together, share their cultural backgrounds, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for different traditions. We were overwhelmed by the tremendous response from all participants, and the event turned out to be a resounding success.

The cultural ‘get-together’ began with musical items from our students and a cultural display - from traditional clothing (worn by most students and several parents/carers) to special cultural items or symbols from around the world; it was a true celebration of cultural exchange.

The multicultural lunch was fabulous as families generously brought dishes from their unique backgrounds, creating a genuine feast. Parents/carers, family members and children mingled while sampling different delicacies with many families making new connections with other St Francis families.  

I would like to thank our Kindergarten teachers (Caitlin Morgan, Melissa Davidson, and Lauren Meli) and our JYL Leader of Learning Elise Laidlaw for their work in the lead-up to and during the event. Thank you also to those parents/carers and families who dressed in traditional garb and/or cooked/brought along delicious dishes to make this event possible. 

Your involvement and willingness to share your cultural heritage helped create a truly memorable experience for our kindergarten community.

PRAYER

With many St Francis students in Year 6 receiving the sacrament of Confirmation on the weekend (during beautiful masses conducted by both Bishop Mascord, Father Bosco and Father Gideon at our Mary Mother of the Church Parish Church), the following prayer for Confirmation is most fitting:

CONFIRMATION PRAYER 

Spirit of God, grant me: 
The gift of wisdom 
To see the world through your eyes, 
The gift of counsel 
To make difficult decisions, 
The gifts of knowledge and understanding 
To use my mind to know you and to love you, 
The gift of fortitude 
To have the courage to live in the faith despite the difficulties and disappointments, 
The gift of piety 
To be able to express my special love with a commitment to you, 
And the right kind of awesome fear 
That makes me pause to wonder and revere God’s Love. 

– Amen. 

St Francis Medallions

Congratulations to the following students who recently received their St Francis Medallion.

JYL

Sy B, Sienna Z, Madaline S, Lexi N, Sofia P, Kia Q, Arabella F

MYL

Annabelle P, Juno Y, Sian V, Liam G, Amaya T, Raunav G, Phoebe S, Zavier B, Arushi S, Kenisha S, Alisha S, Joanne T, Darcy N, Izabela P, Charlie C, Emma D, Isabella C, Andrew C, Antony N, Morgan H, Imogen G, Adison P, Rayaan L, Jenine J, Anita G, Sophia B, Mia C, Angelina D, Shrikar K, Ameek G

SYL

Marie-Desiree T, Abigail A, Sarah J, Krrish G, Sasha S, Angelina-Rose M, Aimey A

Aged Champions Awards

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Aged Champions Award.

Da Vinci Decathlon

Bronze Awards

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

Year 1
Payton B
Maxine C
Sakura U

Year 2
Xander R

Year 5
Alayna D

Year 6
Anonna B

Year 8
Cherise S
Tahlia R
Liseni W
Mariari T
Sally O
Tanooj A
Tanisha S
Vansh W
Rayan S
Liam S
Zachary S
Spoorthi R
Joshua S
Adian R
Charmain P
Maria C
Sienna H

Year 9
Jack H
Genisha S

Year 11
Prachi A
Manjil N

Silver Awards

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

Year 2
Isabella B

Year 3
Adriana S
Isla C

Year 8
Jayda O
Alexia G
Xanthe T
Sibella R

Year 9
Gabriella S
Rosin S
Aarush C

Year 11
Elbron B
Issa G

Gold Awards

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

SYL

 A Student Perspective

The commencement of Term 1 was associated with the anticipation for Stage 6; unaware of the hurdles to come yet excited to begin a new chapter. Students seemed prepared at the start and ready to flourish in their selected subjects. However, the majority of students could not foresee the potential struggle and stresses to come as the workload became significantly heavier than previous years. One student claimed, “School feels like a job,” inferring that they were not prepared for such a sudden transition. 

To learn to effectively navigate these skills, teachers organised a ‘Study Skills’ seminar with Dr Prue Salter. She focused on five key skills and habits to adopt which target students’ weaknesses when studying. By taking on her advice, students will be able to improve their study skills through more effective organisation and reflection by the time preliminary examinations commence.

However, despite the challenges this year has brought forth, students have been able to develop closer relationships with peers and teachers. One student claimed that, “We’re bonding more with our teachers as we get older now.” The further development of these relationships allow students to feel more comfortable and at ease. 

This year has allowed students to strengthen their sense of community to be maintained throughout the remainder of the Stage 6 journey. 

Extending warm regards to parents, teachers, staff and students in the community.

Wishing the best of luck to all students. 

Laura T. (11 Wellington)

On the 14th of June, students from Year 6 travelled to St Justin’s and St Benedict’s school hall. On that day, students gathered together for a Bishop Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord, as well as other students from different schools in the Macarthur Region.  We gathered together for a mass to show how far Year 6 students have come in their journey through school/education. 

Bishop Brian Mascord, along with other priests participated in the mass. I really enjoyed how during the mass, Bishop Brain engaged with students asking them questions. After the mass, Bishop Brain was kind enough to hand out a prayer card to every student that attended the mass, so we are able to remember this wonderful mass that we were blessed to experience. 

-Lana A, 6 Red