Dear Parents & Carers,

This week I have been reminded about the power of positive thinking and positive attitudes. Principals, like parents, worry about a great many things, desperately trying to ensure that everything goes smoothly. However, we need not stress, God is always in control. We need to spend less time worrying and more time in prayer.

We always have an option about how we look at things in life. Positive people see adversity as a challenge. They see difficulties as temporary and surmountable. This week, I heard the story of an inspiring young man who has cancer and was struck by how positively he approached his illness. It reminded me of a story I once read which I thought I’d share with you…

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.  One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

May we all be positive thinkers and may our actions always encourage others.

God bless,

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal

Congratulations to Maya C & Kaleb M on receiving their Bronze Awards at the Junior Years Assembly held on Tuesday 28 May 2019.

Maya & Kaleb are pictured with Miss Selwood following the Assembly.

On Thursday, Year One went on an excursion by bus to the School House Museum.

First we went on the bus to the museum.

Next we ate our lunch.

Then we went to dance around the maypole.

Finally we went to the 1877 room where we got to do some stamping on paper and we got to cook bread on the fire and eat it.

We then caught the bus back to school. It was so much fun.

Juno Y
1 Green

On Thursday 23 May the SFCC Debating teams went to Mount Carmel Catholic College for Round 2 of MISA Debating.

Year 7 debated the topic “There should be financial rewards for people who use public transport.”  Whilst Year 7 did not win this round, they have grown in their confidence and ability to substantiate their claims using examples.

Year 8 debated the motion that “People spend too much time on the internet.”  Year 8 won the debate with their effective team line and strong rebuttals.

We are very proud of both teams and look forward to the next debate in Week 7!

Mrs M Ramos, Mrs M Kelleher

MISA Boys Basketball

Round 5
SFCC (11) v William Carey Christian College (41)

In Weeks 4, 5 & 6 the SFCC MISA basketball team played against Good Samaritan Catholic College, Freeman Catholic College and William Carey Christian College.  The boys have improved their teamwork and have developed their confidence and presence on the court.  We are proud of the boys and their excellent sportsmanship.

MISA Girls Basketball

Round 5
SFCC (20) v William Carey Christian College (50)

The MISA girls basketball team have come quite a long way since game 3.  They have improved their team communication skills and have been using more defensive strategies.  

Game 5 was played against William Carey Christian College, it has been their best game to date.  Well done to the girls on their best score yet!!

The latest Book Club catalogue has been distributed to all students from K - 6 this week.

Please note, any orders for this catalogue must be completed online by 18 June 2019.

Attached is a reminder on how to order Book Club items. 

Thank you for your support of Book Club.

The College is selling a lightweight backpack ideal for excursions, sport carnivals etc.

If Parents/Carers would like to purchase the bag they are available from the College Finance Office at a cost of $10 each.

Otherwise you are able to put the money in an envelope with your child's name, class and "excursion bag" clearly marked on the envelope and we can send one home with your child/ren.

Congratulations to Nikolas K of Year 5 who recently represented the Wollongong Diocese at the Mackillop Football Trials. Well done Nikolas!