Welcome back!

I welcome everyone back to Term Four. Certainly, seeing our students settling in so well to their studies and routines has been wonderful.

Term Four is always a hive of activity with multiple events, activities, final assessments for most years and the first HSC assessment tasks for Year 11 (Year 12, 2024).

We continue to pray for and wish our Year 12 2023 all the very best as they continue sitting their HSC Examinations. They have entered into the examinations very well thus far.

I look forward in the coming weeks to speaking about end-of-year events - including upcoming concerts and assemblies.

Referendum on Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and Voice. 

I understand that many people are distressed by the outcome of the recent referendum. For me, it is bewildering how a simple and non-threatening proposal could evoke fear and anxiety. I believe that, as Catholics, we must uphold the foundational value of human dignity in our interactions with everyone, regardless of background or voting preference. Indeed, let us engage in civil discourse and debate about important social issues, drawing on the gifts of our Catholic tradition and values of hope, integrity, justice, and compassion - avoiding division in a fractured and violent world.

We have access to a peace that surpasses understanding through the New Testament. Jesus, the light that shines in the darkness, stood with those facing challenges and those on the margins. We are responsible and privileged to share this light, hope, and peace within our College community. In the aftermath of the referendum, it is unhelpful to confine complex debates to individual viewpoints and risk sending negative messages to our young people. Let us respect the democratic process and one another, seeking the good of others even when our opinions differ, and striving for unity and the flourishing of all people.

This is not the end but another opportunity to focus on reconciliation and ‘closing the gap’. I believe we all have a unique opportunity to shape the way forward. Let us be drivers of positive change, breaking down barriers rather than succumbing to despair. 

Let us remember we can be beacons of compassion even amid intense debates. Jesus, who suffered, understands our challenges and shows us what God's love looks like in action. Compassion rejects bitterness, despair, and envy, recognising the image of God in each person. Let us walk this path with simplicity and difficulty, fostering curiosity and empathy. We can cultivate connections and understanding through prayer, effort, and genuine listening.

I encourage you to read Bishop Charles Gauci’s statement as Chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. As Bishop Gauci states, although the: “majority of Australians did not see the Voice as the way to address disparities… that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something.” … this is a time for: “the Church and its ministries to redouble our efforts to close the gap – not as a slogan, but as a commitment”. 

National Catholic School Improvement Colloquium

On 15th October, I travelled to Western Australia with a team of educators from Catholic Education Wollongong to attend the 6th National Catholic School Improvement Colloquium (NSIC). 

Starting with a beautiful Eucharist at St Patrick’s Basilica and a beautiful smoking ceremony led by Indigenous elders at Bather’s Beach, Fremantle, it was wonderful to connect with and hear from outstanding educators across Australia.

The Colloquium provided an excellent opportunity to share research and best practices from Catholic Education systems across Australia, promoting connection, innovation and excellence. Keynote speaker Tracey Ezard spoke about and engaged in genuine dialogue with us, about the importance of “moving towards the heat” in the most effective and meaningful ways - all the while with a student-focused mentality.

I was privileged to be one of the presenters at the Colloquium, and I shared best practices at our College and in our Wollongong system. This sat in very well with the Colloquium’s theme: “Pathways of Hope”, and the exploration of how we should constantly engage and empower our schools to prepare students for a hope-filled future.

Following the Colloquium, I and others from our system toured Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook - an impressive WA Catholic school which we have, and will continue to have, strong connections with. I am very thankful to Principal Julie Hornby and her team for conducting such a comprehensive tour of the College and facilitating meaningful discussion - answering many of our questions. I have invited her and representatives from her College to visit us next year.

Parent School Partnership Framework

You will often hear me talking about the importance of genuine partnership between the College, our students and our parents/carers. For the best educational and holistic outcomes for our students, genuine partnerships are needed and these are built upon how we communicate with one another.

While I understand (and expect) that families want the absolute best for their children, it is critical that, at all times, communications between the College and the home remain respectful.

It is not appropriate for parents/carers or community members to be rude or disrespectful to College staff - whether communicating with office staff, those in a learning support role or classroom teachers.

I am extremely grateful to the vast majority - the 99% - who are positive, thankful and forward-thinking. There may be some uncertainties or possible disagreements from time to time but I am very thankful to our families who recognise that we remain committed and here to support your children. 

May I be very clear, however, that no one has the right to threaten, be aggressive or demanding of our staff. The “Parent-School Partnership framework”, produced by the Catholic Education Office Wollongong clarifies many of the expectations that exist for parents/carers in our schools. Any parents/carers who fail to comply with the ideas outlined in this document may be breaching the enrolment contract that they signed for their child.

On Thursday 12th of October, 8 students from years 5 & 6 headed down to Wollongong to participate in the Cricket Gala day at Thomas Dalton Park. 

All 8 students played well and participated enthusiastically throughout the 6 games. Students were able to showcase their skills in a friendly competition against schools in our Diocese. Well done boys! 

Mrs Kristine Vella 
K-6 Sports Coordinator 

On Wednesday the 11th of October 12 students from Years 7-9 travelled to Dalton Park in Fairy Meadow to represent St Francis Catholic College in the Wollongong Diocesan Cricket Gala Day. Students competed in four games of cricket, each match consisting of just seven overs per innings. 

It was a slow start to the gala day with opening losses against both Corpus Christi Catholic School and Magadelene Catholic College. In their third game against John Therry Catholic College, however, the team displayed some outstanding batting, reaching a total of 127 runs from just 7 overs. Three students (Rayan N, Harry R and Evan D) batted so well that they reached the maximum amount of runs they were allowed before being automatically retired. The bowling in this match was just as strong and the team managed to dismiss the opposition for just 32 runs.

In the fourth pool match against St Josephs Catholic High School, the team needed to win to keep their finals chances alive. Rayan N again batted fantastically reaching 30 not out, but unfortunately this performance was not enough to get the win in the match.

All students involved showed great sportsmanship and respect for the opposition in all games, which is a credit to them. Well done to the following students who represented the school on the day: Rayan N, Isaiah J, Ojas G, Pranav N, Pritish AR, Asher A, Evan D, Yuvraj K, Harry R, Emmanuel S, Kanishua SG, Ethan T. 

Congratulations to Taylah P in Year 7 who recently competed at the 2023 NSW All Schools Athletics Championships in the 400m race for under 12's category.

Winning silver medals in both the 100m and 200m events, further solidifying her position as one of the top young athletes in the state.

Taylah's outstanding achievements and commitment to her sport are truly commendable, and her success is a testament to her hard work and passion for athletics. 

In Round 4 of the MISA Debating Competition, the Year 7(A) debating team competed against Thomas Hassall Anglican College. The topic of the MISA debate was "That mobile phones should be banned for teenagers under the age of 15"

The St Francis team was on the negative side, disagreeing with the topic. Both schools put up compelling arguments, utilising their skills of refutation and rebuttal. Although it was a hard debate, both the affirmative and negative teams introduced new and interesting perspectives. We congratulate the speakers once again for an amazing debate: