SAINT FRANCIS FEAST DAY

Saint Francis had an incredible sense of connectedness to all living things and was ‘at one’ with nature. His famous prayer (or hymn) “The Canticle of Brother Sun” (also referred to as “The Canticle of the Creatures”) captures St Francis’ exceptional affinity for all things and serves as a wonderful reminder that: “we are never alone and whenever we forget that connection we do it at our own peril”.

Saint Francis’ actual Feast Day occurs on October 4. Given that this date occurs during the school vacation our College has some flexibility with when we observe this occasion.

This year, as in recent years, Friday, Week 5 of Term 3 (18 August 2023) has been designated the time when we, as a community, celebrate Saint Francis and the various values he espouses. 

The day will commence with Mass for our staff and students K-12. Please note that parents and carers are welcome to attend. Following Mass, our students will then get to celebrate the day through a range of exciting and fun activities and rides.

Canteen on the day

Various food offerings will be available on the day but please note that the canteen will not be taking lunch orders.

Parking on Thursday 17.8.23 & Friday 18.8.23

Due to the Amusement Ride Company needing to set up and position their rides on flat, stable ground - the carpark on Jardine/Poziers Rd will not be available. We apologise for the inconvenience - but recognise that this is so that our students can have a tremendous day.

I look forward to my first St Francis Feast Day!

PARENT/CARER REFERENCE GROUPS

Following the recent Parent/Carer Forum and subsequent survey that went out to attendees, it is clear that there is a range of views as to what parental/carer involvement should or could look like at St Francis.

One thing that has become clear is that there is a desire for more opportunities for parent/carer involvement.

As such, in the coming months, various meetings will be held ranging from a combined FCP Parent Care and Social Committee meeting to the creation of Parental/Carer Reference Groups which can provide guidance to the College on areas like Community Engagement, Learning and Policy & Practice at St Francis. I look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks. In the meanwhile, please consider if you would like to possibly be involved in any of these groups.

CATHOLIC CLUB ANNUAL MASS & LUNCHEON

Last Sunday week (30 July 2023) the Campbelltown Catholic Club celebrated its 57th Annual Mass & Communion Luncheon. The Mass was held at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Campbelltown with Bishop Brian Mascord and Father John Ho co-celebrating the Eucharist.

Students from Macarthur Diocesan and Congregational schools with most principals from the region were in attendance and I would like to thank our Year 11 students Jaidon Auditore and Christina Kelly for being present at the mass and representing our College. Both students met the Bishop and processed into the celebration with a candle, placing it in the Church’s sacred space at the beginning of the mass.

Our College and the Diocese of Wollongong value our relationship with the Campbelltown Catholic Club and recognise their generous nature in supporting education in our region - over many, many years.

PRAYER

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer is a great tool to help students remember important intentions as they pray. Indeed,

Angel W of Year 8 recently attended an International Tennis Federation Tournament in Fiji. While Angel has participated in many state and national tournaments previously, this was her first International Tennis Tour Tournament. Angel performed very well, reaching a point in the tournament where she was able to accrue points as a result of winning a match in the main draw. This means that Angel has now obtained an International Tennis Federation Ranking (Juniors).

We are very proud of Angel and look forward to following her career progression in tennis closely.

Bronze Awards

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

Year 1
Francesca A
Rishaan K
Salome M
Anugraha T
Zac F

Year 4
Hannah L

Silver Awards

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

Year 3
Joanna G

Year 4
Jairus J
Suyog B
Saxon D

Gold Awards

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

Scarlett H, Benjamin S

Diocesan Secondary Athletics Carnival: Celebrating Sportsmanship and Achievement!

The Campbelltown Athletics Centre was alive with energy and excitement on Friday, July 28th, as St Francis Catholic College students arrived for the Diocesan Secondary Athletics Carnival. This annual event showcased not only the incredible athletics talents of our students but also their spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

One of the standout performances of the day was displayed by Nikolas K, who powered through various events, securing two 1st place, a 2nd place ribbon, and a 3rd place ribbon. His achievement awarded him the 14 Years Boys Age Champion.

Taylah P was another star of the event, receiving 4 1st place ribbons and a 3rd place ribbon. Taylah’s exceptional achievements awarded her 2nd place 12 Years Girls Age Champion, as well as shattering the 12 Year Girls 200m record with a breathtaking time of 27.56 seconds. The outstanding performances of these two athletes not only set a new benchmark for future athletes but also showcased the incredible potential within our school.

Adding to the sense of accomplishment was the remarkable achievement of the Junior Girls Relay team, made up of Taylah P, Alexia P, Amali J & Bunmi F ,who clinched 1st place in the Diocesan relay event. As well as Nicolas C who placed 3rd in the 14 Year Boys Discus event.

Beyond the medals and records, the Diocesan Secondary Athletics Carnival was a testament to the sense of community that defines St Francis. Students cheered on their teammates, supported each other through victories and setbacks, and showcased exceptional sportsmanship throughout the day. A special mention to Miss Meadley, Mr Watson and Mrs Cox who attended the event to support the students.

Congratulations to all our participants and winners who represented the College with pride!

In recent weeks pairs of glasses have been found and brought into College Reception. If your child/ren have lost a pair of glasses, please collect from College Reception. 

Any unclaimed glasses will be donated to our local optometrist for their disposal.