Father’s Day gathering

Last Friday afternoon, the 1st of September, the College celebrated and recognised Father's Day—a special day dedicated to recognising the profound importance of fatherhood in our lives and all ‘father figures’ who have played a role in the lives of young people.

As I mentioned in my brief address on the day, beyond mere biological connections, fathers and father figures play pivotal roles in developing our young people; and the young people here at St Francis Catholic College, are truly tremendous. I reflected on how, sometimes, we don’t even recognise just how much our young people watch, listen and learn from the actions and support of their father figures and the limitless love for their beloved children. Ultimately these young ones are better for the love and support offered to them. Indeed, the deep emotional presence and active involvement in a child's journey to maturity - can reap incredible rewards and shape children's values, beliefs, and aspirations, profoundly contributing to their overall growth and well-being.

As we reflect on our recent Father's Day celebration (and I thank Mrs. Mediati, Mrs. Crescini and all staff involved), let's take a moment to acknowledge that when fatherhood is approached with love and care, it fosters deep family connections and lays the groundwork for children to develop into confident young adults who can make meaningful contributions to our world.

To all the remarkable St. Francis fathers and father figures, and from one father to another, I want to extend a heartfelt "Happy Father's Day." May this day (and event - with over 500 in attendance!) have brought you joy, and may you cherish every moment.

See photos in the article below.

BISHOP’S STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

Last night, the Senior Leadership Team of our College and Mr Zakris (Year 12 Coordinator) gathered in Wollongong to represent the College at the Bishop’s Student Excellence Award. 

This is the sixth year that this award has been run and successful recipients are Year 12 students (one from each Diocesan Secondary School) who are deemed to have exemplified the best of Catholic education in a young adult.

In 2023 I am delighted to announce that Liam N was the St Francis Catholic College recipient. On the night his citation covered key areas in which he had met the following criteria: 

• Their Catholic faith through involvement in the faith life of their school and or parish.
• Learning through their achievement and determination to succeed in their academic pursuits.
• Improving the lives of others through involvement in social justice activities.
• The betterment of the local school community, which is evidenced in and supported by their outstanding school spirit. 

Like so many of our Year 12 students, Liam has been very generous with his time and volunteered across a very broad range of areas. Equally he has demonstrated great commitment to his studies and, as College Captain, he has excelled in student leadership roles and various external programs. Indeed, Liam was a most worthy recipient and it was great to be able to celebrate with his extended family on the night.

The award consisted of a framed certificate and a gift which was presented by Peter Hill and Bishop Brian Mascord.

During the event Bishop Brian spoke about how our young people are not the hope for the future but rather they are in fact the hope for the present! They have incredible hope which they can and do share regularly. Equally our Diocesan Director spoke about he felt incredibly impressed by what these young people (and our young people in Catholic schools) continue to offer their schools, communities and families.

It was a wonderful celebration and I congratulate Liam.

STATEMENT ON THE VOICE REFERENDUM

The Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR) have meditated on the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the spirit of Aboriginal ‘dadirri’ (inner deep listening and contemplative awareness) and provided a statement on the Voice Referendum.

In this statement, they have outlined an explanation of what the referendum is, i.e., “this referendum seeks to:

- formally acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia; and

- establish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, the mechanics of which will be legislated by our elected representatives in the Commonwealth Parliament.”

And the ACCCR have identified the referendum as an opportunity to see it as: “a movement of the Australian people for a better future.”

As the ACCCR has stated: “The Voice will give our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a means of engaging directly with our Parliament and Executive government.

This referendum is a critical moment in the life of our Australian nation…

We join the Australian Catholic Bishops and the 2022 Plenary Council in endorsing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the spirit of reconciliation and walking together. In the words of Bishop Vincent Long, “A more civilised and gracious response to a history littered with violence is hard to imagine. What a remarkable opportunity Australians have been given to forge greater unity in our nation.”

We give our full support to the aspirations of our First Peoples, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers, for Constitutional recognition and enshrining a Voice to Parliament and the Commonwealth Government of the day.

IT IS TIME FOR ALL TO SAY YES!!!”

• Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (September 2023)

I ask all families to mindfully consider their response, and guided by the Spirit, reflect on how a YES vote might provide a wonderful chance for genuine reconciliation and a forward path for the future of our nation.

PRAYER

In honour of last Sunday’s Father’s Day - allow us to have all fathers and father figures in our thoughts and prayers;

God our Father,

In Your wisdom and love, You have created us and called us Your own. Bless our fathers, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.

Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.

In moments of joy, rejoice with them. In times of struggle, give them Your courage and perseverance. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honour and appreciate them always with a spirit of profound respect. 

May the example and prayer of St. Joseph inspire them to live their vocation with courage.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

– Amen.

Our college recently hosted an unforgettable afternoon (last Friday) of heartwarming dedications and prayers, delectable donuts, and delightful drawings for Father's Day, and it was a resounding success!

Many fathers, grandfathers, and their children gathered to share precious moments, enjoying the simple pleasure of drawing together and making paper airplanes while relishing the mouthwatering taste of chocolate, caramel, and strawberry donuts. Laughter echoed through the hall as dads and kids brought their imaginations to life on paper, creating beautiful memories that would last a lifetime.

This community event wasn't just about art and treats; it was a chance for our students to express their appreciation and gratitude for the amazing dads and special "father-like" figures in their lives. Heartfelt dedications filled with love and admiration were shared and a blessing to all fathers near and far. Many dads won fabulous prizes in our lucky door draw. 

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the delicious donuts (and coffee) that were devoured with glee by not only fathers and students but teacher volunteers alike! The sweet aroma and sugary delights added an extra layer of joy to an already heartwarming occasion.

Thank you to all the wonderful dads and grandfathers who joined us for this special celebration of fatherhood. Your presence made this day truly remarkable. We look forward to more memorable moments like these in the future!

Liverpool City Council hosted on Tuesday 29th August, Celebrating Community organisations that have received a Council Grant to deliver a community project.

Asher and Emmanuel represented St Francis College by representing the Edmondson Park Malayalee Association. Asher and Emmanuel delivered a progress report on behalf of their club, sharing details about their plastic bottle and can recycling program and raising awareness about their initiative. The project was applauded and recognised by Mayor Ned Mannoun, Council staff, and over 100 community representatives.

Congratulations to Bella G who is competing in the Junior World Championships over in Israel and has won Silver in the women's 200m butterfly in a Personal best time, Silver in the 4x 200m relay and Bronze in 200m backstroke.

Congratulations to Sebastian M now a finalist in the Liverpool Young Champions Awards 2023 (Junior Sports Category) for his dedication and achievements in karate. 

The Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition is an initiative of the Catholic Education Office Wollongong and Sydney, designed to celebrate and explore children’s creative and artistic ability in illustrating the Christmas story.

The competition attracts many entries and is very prestigious.  It also provides a wonderful opportunity for students to share with the wider community their artistic talents and understanding of scripture.

This year our finalists are:

In Week 7, Year 8(B) debated against Mt Carmel Catholic College in round 3 of the MISA Debating Competition. Their topic was "That students who fail to report bullying should be suspended" and we were the affirmative team. Congratulations and well done to the following Year 7 students who were victorious against Mt Carmel. They deserve high commendation on their excellent teamwork, strong arguments and robust rebuttal.

 

1) Amalia I (first speaker)

1) Ethan Z (first speaker)