We are proud to announce we have raised the highest amount of money for Caritas Australia Project Compassion in 2024, out of all schools in the whole of Australia. This is such a magnificent achievement for our community and emphasises the enormous generosity that is part of our culture.
As part of our Term 1 fundraising efforts, we raised a whopping $21,783.95 for Project Compassion. We thank our families for their support of this very worthy cause.
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) has announced that it will establish a new multi-million dollar school in Strathalbyn.
The primary school will be a campus of St Francis de Sales College and will cater for students in Reception – Year 6 with the possibility of expansion to Year 9 depending on enrolment demand.
We are pleased to be partnering with CESA and Hickinbotham to open what will be South Australia’s first Catholic school in the Alexandrina Council region.
In the last five years, we have opened our ELC and new junior school facilities to meet growing demand. We’re committed to providing the same educational excellence and quality learning opportunities in Strathalbyn.
In partnership with South Australia’s largest home builder, the Hickinbotham Group, the school will support our existing families and new home buyers in the fast-growing Alexandrina region.
Located in Hickinbotham’s Aurora master-planned community on the edge of Strathalbyn’s town centre, plans for the first stage of the eight-hectare campus include contemporary learning spaces, sporting facilities and an oval.
The school is expected to open in 2029. Families who wish to express an interest in enrolling their children at the Strathalbyn campus can complete the registration form, email enrolments@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au or call us on 8393 1000.
Andrew Baker, Principal of St Francis de Sales College said: “Our College already embraces the Strathalbyn community with two buses transferring students to our Mount Barker campus each day. I am confident that local families will welcome the opportunity to have a Catholic schooling option in the heart of their community.
“We have been experiencing strong enrolment growth at our Mt Barker College for some time. In recent years, enrolments have grown by over 30 percent. In 2020, we had around 695 students. With our 2024 midyear Reception intake, we will grow to 980 students, with enrolments expected to exceed 1,000 in 2025.
“In the last five years, we have opened our ELC and new primary school facilities to meet growing demand. We’re committed to providing the same educational excellence and quality learning opportunities in Strathalbyn.”
We look forward to sharing further news with you as the build progresses.
Visit the Strathalbyn Campus page to register your interest.
We are thrilled to announce our teacher and leader Rosslyn Mattner won the Experienced Teacher in a Secondary Setting Award at the 2024 Catholic Education South Australia Awards Ceremony held on Thursday 16 May.
The Catholic Education Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievement and contribution of staff and volunteer supporters working in a diverse range of endeavours across Catholic Education in South Australia.
This is another wonderful recognition of Rosslyn’s dedication and contribution to teaching and all the work she does at our College.
To read more about the awards, visit www.cesa.catholic.edu.au/news/latest-news
We are delighted to announce the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) results of our Class of 2023.
Our congratulations to all students whose results reflect the very best outcome of which they were capable, as they have attained their own personal excellence, and there is no more that we can ask of ourselves than that.
Summary of our Year 12 SACE Results 2023
As 29.8%
Bs 40.4%
Cs 27.7%
Ds 1.8%
Es 0.3%
This represents a 97.9% achievement level at C- or better across all Stage 2 enrolments, with more than 70% of all enrolments resulted in the A or B bands.
Congratulations to all who have been a part of supporting this group of graduates in their learning and wellbeing to enable them to achieve this fine set of outcomes, and thank you to our families for working in partnership with us.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Baker as our new Principal, beginning Term 1, 2024.
Andrew is currently the Principal at Nazareth Catholic Community and has held this position since 2021. Andrew previously held the position of Principal at Gleeson College, Golden Grove from 2014 to 2021 and prior to that, he was our Deputy Principal from 2005 to 2014.
Andrew is an experienced Catholic leader with a deep personal faith and brings a demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning to this leadership role at St Francis de Sales College. His high level personal and professional qualities, skills and knowledge will enable him to successfully lead the St Francis de Sales College community.
We congratulate Andrew on his appointment, and we know that he is very much looking forward to working with our staff, students, families and parish community again.
We also take this opportunity to thank Gavin McGlaughlin for his leadership, vision and innovation he contributed to our College community as Principal over the last six years.
We congratulate our Year 7-8 Leader, Jen Ness-Ferry, on her nomination for the Australia's Best Teachers series featured in the Sunday Mail over the weekend.
Jen is one of thirty six teachers chosen to feature in the latest Australia's Best Teachers campaign that runs across News Corp Australia’s weekend newspapers and digital platforms, in partnership with ANZ, Teachers Mutual Bank, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Care For Kids, Griffith University and PwC.
News Corp put the call out for the public to nominate Australia’s Best Teachers, and foster mother and parent of the College Beck Bolton nominated Jen. Ms Bolton said in the article "Ms Ness-Ferry had a “one-of-a-kind” ability to see “all her students and their needs”, especially those who are neurodiverse or processing trauma."
Jen is part of our dedicated team of teachers and Education Support Officers who support the learning and wellbeing of the young people in our community.
To read the article, refer to Australia’s Best Teachers: Nominations for the series are shining a light on the wonderful work teachers do | The Advertiser (adelaidenow.com.au)*
*Please note: a subscription is required to read the article online.
Picture L-R: Leah Stewart, Jen Ness-Ferry, Jasmine Henderson and Shaun Gador.
Our 7-12 College community gathered on Wednesday 15 February to recognise and celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of 2022 – both of our graduated Year 12s and also the top performers from each of the 7 to 11 Year Levels.
It was wonderful to welcome Sophie McCallum, Nathan Sachse, Talia Zade, David Swaine and Angelina Yu back to the College and recognise their outstanding commitment and academic success as our SACE High Achievers.
Likewise, we had the opportunity to recognise our 2022 College Dux, Lucas Rutter, who was presented with the St Scholastica Award and has his name etched on our St Scholastica Award perpetual shield. We also heard a special address from Joel Byrth, our 2012 College Dux. Both spoke glowingly of their time at St Francis de Sales, the life lessons learnt, the friendships and, importantly, the knowledge, approaches and skills developed that help set them up for success at and after school. Our Heart Values are core commitments that Lucas hopes to take, and Joel has taken, beyond the walls of the College and into adult life.
Finally, we recognised our Year Level Duces; students who attained the highest grade point average in their year level:
Year 7: Shaun Ivenn Gador
Year 8: Grace Shepherd
Year 9: Caitlin Batge
Year 10: Luella Koral
Year 11: Keeley Smith
The Academic Assembly is a wonderful showcase of the students at our College, and has swiftly become one of our College community's most anticipated traditions.
We are delighted to announce the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) results of our Class of 2022.
Our congratulations to all students whose results reflect the very best outcome of which they were capable, as they have attained their own personal excellence, and there is no more that we can ask of ourselves than that.
Summary of our Year 12 SACE Results 2022
As 27.0%
Bs 48.5%
Cs 24.0%
Ds 0.5%
Es 0%
This represents a 99.5% achievement level at C- or better across all Stage 2 enrolments, with more than 75% of all enrolments resulted in the A or B bands.
Congratulations to all who have been a part of supporting this group of graduates in their learning and wellbeing to enable them to achieve this fine set of outcomes, and thank you to our families for working in partnership with us.
We are pleased to announce our 2023 College Captains Aimee Brooks and Stephanie Formby and Senior Student Leaders.
The 2023 Senior Student Leadership Team are:
House Captains will be announced in the near future.
We also thank our 2022 Captains Sophie McCallum and Lucas Rutter and Senior Student Leaders for their wonderful contribution to the College this year, they are:
St Francis de Sales College Reception to Year 6 and Alive Catholic Early Learning Centre was named the national winner of the Landscaping/Outdoor Learning Area category at the 2022 Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Awards for Excellence in Educational Facility Design, held on Thursday 9 June.
This national recognition for the College’s redevelopment, follows those received at the LEA State Awards, winning the two categories of New Construction over $8m and Best Overall Education Project. Our project was the only South Australian school to be nationally awarded, or receive commendation status, across the eight categories of the national awards.
The original design brief was founded upon the educational vision that children will engage in inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning, directly connected to the stunning hillside topography. Our unique setting was the catalyst for a design solution that blurred the boundaries between interior and exterior space, formal and informal learning experiences, providing new ways for staff and students to work together collaboratively and interdependently. Our learning environments are embedded in nature, with the built and natural environments brought together to positively impact on learners’ wellbeing, confidence, creativity, and spirituality. We have created continuous indoor and outdoor spaces that provide endless opportunities for discovery, promoting the concept that learning can occur wherever there is questioning, inquiry and investigation. The creation of a natural water course within the project was designed to be an interconnecting feature of the new campus, that provides outstanding nature play/learning opportunities for students. The creek line through the ELC and R-6 community, like a river and its tributaries, is connecting, flowing, and engaging.
Judges Citation:
“A dry-stone river landscape which connects a variety of outdoor learning activities that wrap snuggly around the built environment to provide a sense of place and belonging. The landscaping is an extension of the overall vision of the school, working with its low-key buildings, with its natural colours.
The landscape softens the school, makes it less institutional and provides a good range of different outdoor learning spaces that are open to interpretation. We did just wonder about more opportunities for shade.
The consultation process was extensive and inclusive involving all relevant stakeholders. The resulting desire was for the outdoor space to play an integral part in learning as both a space to learn and as a prop. Nature-inspired elements can be used in a variety of ways.
The design outcome is a river landscape interconnected the variety of outdoor activities with the buildings. Certain areas have been dedicated as learning neighbourhoods which expand the options for learning. Careful groups of natural timber trunk act as seating for group gathering, active play, rain garden, contemplation spaces etc. Each area has its own unique character, e.g. an outdoor maker space, kitchen garden, amphitheatre social space, natural water play, investigative native garden.
The outdoor spaces provide for further learning options, both as venue and as an immersive tool. The innovative design manages the natural water flow and guiding this into a man-made river that doubles as a learning tool for connecting the school's learning neighbourhoods.”
View the Category 7: Landscaping/Outdoor Learning Area Award Gallery.
To tour the facilities call 8393 1000 or register online at stfrancis.catholic.edu.au/book-a-college-tour.
We warmly welcomed awardees, special guests and families to our St Francis de Sales College Year 7-12 Academic Assembly held on Tuesday 5 April. At this assembly we recognised the outstanding academic achievements of 2021 – both of our graduated Year 12s and also the top performers from each of the 7 to 11 year levels.
It was wonderful to celebrate the commitment and academic success of our SACE High Achievers Ashlea McGregor, Oscar Tydeman (absent), Jack Birks, Isabella Jenke (absent), Charlotte Tyas (absent), Isabel Kelly, Molly Wheatley, Kaitlyn Richards, Kayla Riddle, Taylor Moffat, Neva van Raalte and Dux Proxime Amara Rourke.
Likewise, we congratulated our 2021 College Dux, Madeleine Lipscombe, who was presented with our St Scholastica Award that has her name etched on the perpetual shield. We also had the opportunity to listen to Madeleine’s reflection of her time at St Francis.
We were fortunate to welcome back Tayla Hassam, our 2011 College Dux, who gave an address about her journey since graduating 10 years ago.
It was a pleasure to announce our Year Level Duces; students who attained the highest grade point average in their year level:
Year 7: Charlotte Peacock
Year 8: Rachel Morris
Year 9: Luella Koral
Year 10: Tanielle Bilney and Hayley Stephen
Year 11: Ella McKinlay-Edwards
Finally, we presented special awards to the following graduates:
Drama South Australia Award: Natalia Prokopowicz
Year 11-12 category of the National History Challenge Award: Neva van Raalte
Australian Citizenship Award: Neva van Raalte
The Academic Assembly is a wonderful showcase of the students at our College, and has swiftly become one of our College community's most anticipated traditions.
View the 2011 and 2021 College Dux Addresses
We are delighted to announce the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) results of our Class of 2021.
Our congratulations to all students whose results reflect the very best outcome of which they were capable, as they have attained their own personal excellence, and there is no more that we can ask of ourselves than that.
Summary of our Year 12 SACE Results 2021
As 23.4%
Bs 39.4%
Cs 35.8%
Ds 1.4%
Es 0%
This represents a 98.6% achievement level at C- or better across all Stage 2 enrolments, with more than 60% of all enrolments resulted in the A or B bands.
Congratulations to all who have been a part of supporting this group of graduates in their learning and wellbeing to enable them to achieve this fine set of outcomes, and thank you to our families for working in partnership with us.
St Francis de Sales College Reception to Year 6 and Alive Catholic Early Learning Centre new facilities have been named a winner at the 2021 Learning Environments Australasia South Australia and Northern Territory Awards held on Thursday 11 November.
From a field of five finalists, the recent College build of Early Learning to Year 6 facilities won the New Construction/New Individual Facility over $8m Award, and then was subsequently declared the overall winner of the SA Awards for Excellence in Educational Facilities.
The educational brief for the project was founded upon an overarching aspiration for learning environments to be embedded in nature, with the built and natural environments brought together to positively impact on learners’ wellbeing, confidence, creativity, and spirituality. The project aimed to create continuous indoor and outdoor spaces that provide endless opportunities for discovery.
The judging panel, comprising educators and architects, described the project as “a clear winner”.
Judges Citation:
“A clear winner for all of the judges, this submission showed a comprehensive educational planning process that included extensive community consultation, student engagement and the use of an educational planner. The documentation of this process and the resulting educational objectives was thorough and thoughtful. The work put into this early of the phase of the project clearly paid off, with all objectives evident in the design outcome.
The scheme demonstrated extensive opportunities to implement contemporary pedagogical practice including team teaching (in pairs), the opportunity to move from theory into practice with the use of a shared maker space and the provision of direct access to a large covered outdoor learning area, well connected through large openings for each paired learning space.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is very well applied, with the design capturing truly child centred spaces with plenty of opportunities for hands on learning and connection to nature. Furniture has been designed with an educator to respond to different teaching and learning modes and to cater for different ages. Student voice is clearly present throughout the space with clever treatment of windows at child height to allow for additional display space above and the natural finishes allowing students and their work to shine throughout the spaces.
The integration of environmentally sustainable design and a genuine connection with the hillside setting and nature overall is both intelligent and heartfelt, bringing both sustainability and improved learning and wellbeing outcomes.”
We acknowledge contributors of this project, in particular the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, Catholic Education South Australia, Catholic Early Years' Services, Brown Falconer Architects and the secondary consultants, Rider Levett Bucknall Quantity Surveying, BADGE Constructions and past and present staff, students and friends of the College.
To tour the facilities call 8393 1000 or to register online go to stfrancis.catholic.edu.au/book-a-college-tour.
We are pleased to announce our 2022 College Captains Sophie McCallum and Lucas Rutter and Senior Student Leaders.
The 2022 Senior Student Leadership Team are:
House Captains will be announced in the near future and will join the Senior Student Leadership Team.
We also thank our 2021 Captains Kayla Riddle and Neva van Raalte and Senior Student Leaders for their wonderful contribution to the College this year, they are:
Last night, Thursday 23 September, was a wonderful way to end Term 3 by celebrating our instrumental students’ achievements for the year at our annual Instrumental Student Showcase.
A number of our rockin' College band ensembles performed alongside soloists. This year, we also enjoyed listening to guest artists Tabor Tones, an award-winning a’Capella ensemble from Tabor Music Department.
Nathan, Year 12 student, has recently signed up as an apprentice through Statewide Group Training SA working as a carpenter with host employer Adelaide Hills Building.
He was able to obtain this apprenticeship by studying a Certificate I in Building and Construction Pathways at Adelaide Training and Employment Centre and has also completed a partial Certificate III in Building and Construction this year.
"I am grateful for this opportunity and glad that my hard work has paid off for me. I would like to thank my Mum, Mrs Ros Mattner and especially Mr Branden Hill for helping me achieve my goal of gaining an apprenticeship with Adelaide Hills Building," said Nathan.
We would like to thank Darren from Statewide Group Training SA for taking the time to visit St Francis de Sales College to sign up another one of our Year 12 students.
We wish Nathan all the best as his embarks on his career as a carpenter.
Pictured above L-R: Michelle, Nathan and Darren from Statewide Group Training SA
Congratulations to our history making Year 6/7 Boys Football Team on winning the School Sport SA SAPSASA Grand Final for Medium Schools.
The team got off to the best start possible and kicked the first four goals of the game. Woodcroft then steadied and scored a goal just before the quarter time break. The second quarter was a much tougher contest with scores even, giving us a three goal lead at halftime.
Coach Murphy asked the boys for a big effort to start the third quarter and the boys responded kicking three goals to nothing. This dominance continued in the last quarter with us ending up 55 point winners, which gave us our first ever State Championship in football for our College.
Final score St Francis de Sales College (10.11 71) defeating Woodcroft Primary School (2.2 14).
Well done boys.
As part of National Child Protection Week, the Department for Child Protection SA (DCP) awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 8 September.
We were invited to attend as the College with the largest number of students welcomed in the last 12 months under the new scholarship program between Catholic Education South Australia and DCP.
Catholic Education won the category of “Improving education and learning outcomes for children in care”, and Principal Gavin McGlaughlin was proud to accept the award from the Minister on behalf of all Catholic schools, but especially on behalf all our community members, staff and carers, who have been so instrumental in welcoming these scholarship students into our community, and supporting their transition and learning.
Our R-12 community celebrated the Semester 1 Awards and Heart Badge Presentation on Wednesday, 18 August 2021.
The Heart Badges are a wonderful tradition at our College and are presented as a symbol of welcome to every student and staff member who join our community. The Heart Badge symbolises the foundational values of our College: Faith, Perseverance, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Wisdom and Justice.
It was lovely to see so many new students and staff be officially welcomed into our community and receive their Heart Badge at the presentation.
Our Semester 1 Awards Presentation was also a fantastic opportunity to officially acknowledge the special efforts and achievements of some of our students who have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the award categories. One student from each year level was awarded the Heart Value Award: Compassion. We congratulate all our award winners for Semester 1.
| Reception |
Ava Anderson |
Learning Endeavour Award |
| Year 1 |
Hugo Debrowski |
Learning Endeavour Award |
| Year 2 |
Quinn Dean |
Learning Endeavour Award |
| Year 3 |
Angus Clark |
Learning Endeavour Award |
| Year 4 |
Elise Ashley |
Learning Excellence Award |
| Year 5 |
Leila Cushnie-Stock |
Learning Excellence Award |
| Year 6 |
Tayla Byrne |
Learning Endeavour Award |
| Year 7 |
Rayna Adams |
Excellence in Endeavour |
| Year 8 |
Holly Abbott |
Academic Excellence and Excellence in Endeavour |
|
Year 9 |
Luella Koral Kathryn Peacock |
Academic Excellence and Excellence in Endeavour Academic Excellence and Excellence in Endeavour |
|
Year 10 |
Tanielle Bilney |
Academic Excellence and Excellence in Endeavour |
| Year 11 |
Alana Adams |
Academic Excellence and Excellence in Endeavour |
| Year 12 |
Jack Birks |
Academic Excellence and Excellence in Endeavour |
|
Compassion |
Reception |
Tara Jovanovic |
The $13.7 million St Francis de Sales College and Alive Mount Barker Catholic Early Learning to Year 6 Learning Communities was officially opened on Thursday 29 April.
The opening of these facilities comes two years after the College’s $10.5 million Community Sports Centre was completed and opened in November 2018.
The redevelopment will expand the College’s Junior School capacity for Reception to Year 6 students, with Alive Catholic Early Learning Centre for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Principal Gavin McGlaughlin said the facilities have been designed to deliver the most outstanding learning opportunities for students across all modes of learning, and provide a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor learning environments.
“We have created facilities that not only connect young people to the variety of ways of learning, but also connect to our beautiful natural environment and local community.”
The development has transformed the site to produce four new learning communities; Early Learning/Reception, Year 1 and 2 Learning Community, Year 3 and 4 Learning Community and our Year 5 and 6 Learning Community. All four of these buildings are surrounded by magnificent nature play and nature based learning spaces that utilise the site’s outstanding location in the beautiful Adelaide Hills environment.
“It was a delight to see the excitement on the faces of our students and teachers as they entered the new facilities for the first time. It reminds us why we set out to deliver spaces that enable all students to successfully engage in their learning and development,” he said.
The Most Reverend Patrick O’Regan, Archbishop of Adelaide, joined by invited guests, staff and students, and the Parish Priest of the Mt Barker and Strathalbyn Catholic Parish, Fr Richard Morris, blessed the new facilities.
In recognition of funding support received from the Australian Government’s Capital Grants Program and Catholic Education South Australia, both Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC, Senator for South Australia and Dr Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education South Australia, unveiled commemorative plaques at the opening.
Mr McGlaughlin expresses his gratitude to all those who contributed to fulfilling the vision of delivering these quality learning environments. In particular, the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, Catholic Education South Australia, Catholic Early Years' Services, Brown Falconer Architects and the secondary consultants, Rider Levett Bucknall Quantity Surveying, BADGE Constructions and past and present staff, students and friends of the College.
“This is a very significant time for our community, and we are thrilled to see our new learning environments provide such amazing opportunities to develop our students’ creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, today and for many years to come.”
To tour the facilities call 8393 1000 or to register online go to stfrancis.catholic.edu.au/book-a-college-tour
Pictured above L-R: Dr Neil McGoran, Archbishop Patrick O'Regan, Senator Andrew McLachlan and Gavin McGlaughlin.
Blessing Meya Watta Building
Blessing Patpiori Building
Blessing Kangawirrina Building
Blessing Pereira Building
Welcome to Country, Mandy Brown, Peramangk Senior Woman
Principal's Address, Gavin McGlaughlin, St Francis de Sales College
Senator's Address, Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC, Senator for South Australia
Plaque Unveiling, Alive (Mount Barker) Catholic Early Learning Centre
Plaque Unveiling, St Francis de Sales College
L-R: Dr Neil McGoran, Archbishop Patrick O'Regan, Senator Andrew McLachlan and Gavin McGlaughlin
Vote of Thanks, Professor Denis Ralph
Our attendance at the Mount Barker District Show today was a great success.
A very big thank you to staff, students and members of the Parent Community Group and College Board who volunteered their time to work at our stand on the day.
Congratulations goes to our R-6 students on their entries in the Art Exhibition, winning the Best School Art Display.
Our 7-12 College community gathered on Wednesday 10 February to recognise and celebrate our top academic achievers of 2020. At this assembly we acknowledged our high academic achievers; whose achievement is all the more significant as it was attained in year that presented so many challenges.
It was wonderful to welcome Jake Rutter, Shelby King, Madison Violi, and Jackson Rendall back to the College and recognise their outstanding commitment and academic success as our SACE High Achievers.
Likewise, we had the opportunity to recognise our 2020 College Dux, Thomas Dee, who was presented with the St Scholastica Award and has his name etched on our St Scholastica Award perpetual shield. Reflecting on his education, Thomas gave a thoughtful and inspiring speech about his time at St Francis de Sales College, and honoured those who had supported him along the way.
We also heard a special address from Lucy Caruana (nee Bozzetti), our 2010 College Dux, who delivered a stirring reflection on how the heart of education; the pursuit of growth, has enabled her to succeed and persevere.
Finally, we recognised our Year Level Duces; students who attained the highest grade point average in their year level:
Year 7: Leni Newham
Year 8: Luella Koral
Year 9: Kiara McInnes
Year 10: Lucas Rutter
Year 11: Neva van Raalte
The Academic Assembly is a wonderful showcase of the students at our College, and has swiftly become one of our College community's most anticipated traditions.
We are delighted to announce the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) results of our Class of 2020.
Our congratulations to all students whose results reflect the very best outcome of which they were capable, as they have attained their own personal excellence, and there is no more that we can ask of ourselves than that.
Summary of our Year 12 SACE Results 2020
As 24.1%
Bs 42.9%
Cs 31.8%
Ds 1.2%
Es 0%
This represents a 98.8% achievement level at C- or better across all Stage 2 enrolments, with more than two thirds of all enrolments resulted in the A or B bands.
Congratulations to all who have been a part of supporting this group of graduates in their learning and wellbeing to enable them to achieve this fine set of outcomes, and thank you to our families for working in partnership with us.
Today we celebrated National Walk Safely to School Day encouraging students, families and staff to walk safely to the College.
Walk Safely to School Day is a national initiative that aims to encourage children to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle by simply including a walk at the beginning, at lunchtime and at the end of each day. The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia.
This is a great community event as it helps us to teach and promote road safety for our students.
We are delighted to announce our Basketball Academy Coach, Mark Billington, has been appointed as one of the High-Performance Coaches for the 2021 SA Country Basketball Team.
He will start his position as the Head Coach for the Under 18 girls’ team next year.
Congratulations Mark!
Josh, Year 12 student, has recently signed up as a school-based apprentice through Murraylands Training and Employment (MT&E) working as a diesel mechanic with Chapman Heavy Mechanical.
He was able to obtain this apprenticeship by studying a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology at TAFE SA. This lead him to a work experience opportunity at Chapman Heavy Mechanical, which provided him with an opportunity to become an apprentice.
Josh will continue his SACE subjects at the College while working at Chapman Heavy Mechanical two days a week, having one day a week continuing his VET training through TAFE SA.
We would like to formally thank Nick from MT&E and Jeff from MEGT for taking the time to visit St Francis de Sales College to sign up another one of our very talented Year 12 students.
We wish Josh all the best for his future career.
This week is ‘Nude Food Week’ where our students are encouraged to help save the planet one lunch at a time by reducing waste within their lunch box. ‘Nude Food Week’ is dedicated to help students learn about healthy eating and environmental sustainability, which will be a key focus throughout.
As sustainability is important to us, our students were recently involved in a 'Wipe out Waste' day where they completed a waste audit aimed to improve our recycling program and waste - we look forward to receiving the results soon.
Finalist in the SAETA Young Writers Award for 2020: Madison Violi, Year 12
Madison was initially short listed to the top 10 entries for the state in the creative writing category for Year 12 in this year's Young Writers Award. Only three of those 10 would be announced as finalists. Madison has since received confirmation that her story, Everything is Beautiful, Except Me has placed her amongst the top three. She has been invited to attend the official awards ceremony at Wilderness College on 21 August, where the outright winner winner will be announced.
An incredible achievement and very much deserved.
An extract from Everything is Beautiful, Except Me:
I was breathless by the time unique fingerprints from Paris tapped soft melodies against the glass, sunlight falling behind the concrete giants above. The soft embrace of my cushioned podium has become suffocating. I feel as futile as the dust colonized on the storefront window, staring hopelessly at the billboards surrounding 5th Avenue. Another night spent waiting for The One, who will break the spell cast by the hands of my creator. How can someone designed to embody devotion instead deter every approaching heartbeat?
Our Stage 1 and 2 Legal Studies students recently had the opportunity to listen to Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP, Federal Member for Mayo, give a talk on life in politics. She covered a range of insightful topics that students are able to utilise in their projects.
Ms Sharkie had a strong emphasis on the right to vote, encouraging all our Year 12 students to make a difference.
We look forward to her next visit!
We are delighted to share the recent announcement of Liz Schembri, who has been appointed as Head of Early Learning, Alive (Mount Barker).
Liz is a highly competent teacher and a successful leader. She has been a valued member of the St Francis de Sales College community for the last two years and is well known by many local families.
Prior to joining the College, Liz spent ten years at the Beijing City International School, including working in a newly established Early Childhood Centre. Liz has also worked at Emmaus Catholic School and Holy Family Catholic School here in South Australia.
With a passion for developing quality education programs for young children, Liz recognises the importance of each child’s learning journey. She is invested in working alongside Alive families, to develop a thriving early learning community in Mount Barker.
Liz will commence in this role from Term 3, Monday 20 July, in anticipation of the centre opening in January 2021. There will be an opportunity for families to meet Liz shortly after her commencement.
We congratulate Liz on her appointment to this position.
Today staff have the privilege of being served a mouthwatering morning tea.
Our Stage 1 Food and Hospitality students displayed great adaptability in producing an amazing morning tea as individual portions rather than how they would normally cater an event. The morning tea formed part of their Semester 1 assessment.
Well done to all students.
Our congratulations to all students whose results reflect the very best outcome of which they were capable, as they have attained their own personal excellence, and there is no more that we can ask of ourselves than that.
Summary of our Year 12 SACE Results 2019
This represents a 93.3% achievement level at C- or better across all Stage 2 enrolments, with more than two thirds of all enrolments resulted in the A or B bands.
Congratulations to all who have been a part of supporting this group of students in their learning and wellbeing to enable them to achieve this fine set of outcomes, and thank you to our families for working in partnership with us.
Held for the first time in the St Francis de Sales College Community Sports Centre, the evening held on Thursday 26 September featured student musicians from Years 3-11, special guests and band ensembles.
The Cabaret was a relaxed evening of entertainment, were the Music students wowed the audience with their skill, confidence, persistence, determination and care of one another. It was a wonderful celebration of the years work.
Everyone brought something special to the stage on the night, the students were true stars.
We were proud to be part of the largest ever Global Climate Strike held on Friday 20 September, with four of our students attending the march. Below is a reflection written by Year 10 student, Neva.
Global Climate Strike Reflection by Neva
As the younger generation, decisions about what our future will look like are made by the older generation; whom we trust will make the best decisions because they are older, more experienced and educated. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not the case; such as when our political leaders neglect the fact that the relationship between humans and the Earth is toxic.
Last Friday, 20 September, Aaron, Sophie, Ashlea, Mr Farrugia and myself travelled to Adelaide to participate in the Adelaide Climate Strike.
In the days before and after the protest, the following opinion circled social media and news feed; protesting is not effective, and a waste of time. However, what this opinion fails to address is that even if the Climate Protest was not effective in widening the eyes of our world’s politicians (although we hope it was), it represents the opportunity for the younger generation to avoid the mistakes of the previous generations before us; to start to think about how we can improve the world now, not later, when it is too late.
To us, this opportunity to express our opinions and own solutions to the world’s biggest problems is important, as it is possibly the only say that we have in our future at the moment, and until the day comes when we have the opportunity to be leaders and make these important decisions ourselves, we will continue to do this.
Around one hundred and twenty Dance students from Reception through to Year 12 took to the stage for three performances of the Semester One Dance production - Boogie Wonderland. The students took audience members on a trip down memory lane as they got their 'boogie' on at a time 'when disco ruled the world!'
JazZone Senior Vocal Ensemble wowed crowds at Generations in Jazz! Twelve students from Years 8-11, led by 2019 JazZone Captains Ruby Shaw and Nathan Sachse and directed by Head of Music Mrs Page, put on the performance of their season in front of family, friends, and the huge GIJ crowds. This group has been rehearsing tirelessly multiple times a week to be ready for their performance. The students enjoyed performances from 5,400 students from 134 schools across Australia and New Zealand.
The students performed amazingly well to achieve fourth in their division, which is fabulous, and the students conducted themselves beautifully.
JazZone enjoyed a gala concert in the enormous James Morrison Pavilion, featuring great jazz musicians from around the globe, and has been enjoying other GIJ highlights such as ensembles from other schools from across Australia and jazz craft workshops.
Congratulations to the students for their exemplary conduct, great enthusiasm, and fierce commitment to this fabulous national event. Huge thanks to all who have supported JazZone’s foray into Generations in Jazz 2019.
On February, 13 our 7-12 College Community gathered to recognise our top academic achievers from 2018. The second annual gathering of its kind, at this assembly we acknowledged our SACE High Achievers; students who attained an ATAR above 90 (whose achievement was in the top 10% of all graduates). It was wonderful to welcome these young men and women back to the College and recognise their outstanding commitment and achievement.
We also heard a special video address from Sarah Willis, our 2008 College Dux, who delivered an inspirational message on the various journeys that we can take from school to adult life.
It was wonderful to welcome back our 2018 College Dux, Wil Size, who was presented with the St Scholastica College Dux Shield and who gave a passionate speech about his time at St Francis de Sales, and the keys to which he attributes his success.
Finally, we recognised our Year Level Duces; students who attained the highest grade point average in their year level. This significant achievement is the result of sustained determination, hard work, and resilience.
Year 7: Charlie Rollings
Year 8: Lucas Rutter
Year 9: Louis Amos
Year 10: Thomas Dee
Year 11: Mikayla Wilhelm
The Academic Assembly was a wonderful showcase of the students at our College, and has swiftly become one of our College Community's most anticipated traditions.
Summary of our Year 12 SACE Results 2018
This represents a 97% achievement level at C- or better across all Stage 2 enrolments, with more than two thirds of all enrolments resulted in the A or B bands.
There has been marked increase in A results, increasing by 67% on our 2017 results.
This is significant as it was a discussion focus for your staff in analysis of 2017 results at the commencement of this year, with subsequent work undertaken by Year 12 staff about how to support students to move their achievement from the B and C bands into As.
Congratulations to all who have been a part of supporting this group of students in their learning and wellbeing to enable them to achieve this fine set of outcomes, and thank you to our families for working in partnership with us.
Best Wishes to you all for a joy-filled Christmas.
Gavin McGlaughlin
Principal
The first stage of a major $27 million development at St Francis de Sales College in Mount Barker was unveiled with great fanfare on Friday 16 November.
The new $10.2 million Community Sports Centre includes four basketball courts of international standard, giving St Francis one of the most modern and impressive school sports facilities in South Australia.
Work is under way on the next stages of the development, which include a complete rebuilding of the Junior School and a new $2.5 million Catholic Early Care centre co-located on the college site.
“This capital development is one of the most significant ever undertaken by Catholic Education South Australia,” said CESA’s Director Dr Neil McGoran.
“It will provide improved opportunities for families in the Hills region to continue living and learning locally, knowing they will be supported by outstanding facilities and progressive approaches to learning.”
Funding support was received from the State Government and the Mount Barker District Council, and both the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Hon Corey Wingard MP, and the Mayor of Mount Barker, Ann Ferguson, spoke at the opening.
The Administrator Delegate, Rev Fr Philip Marshall, also joined invited guests and excited staff, students and families and with the Parish Priest of Mt Barker, Fr Richard Morris, blessed the new Centre and crucifixes.
The new Centre has pride of place on the campus and will be a focus of activity for the college and the wider local community in the years ahead.
Principal Mr Gavin McGlaughlin said the facility had been greatly anticipated by the local community, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Eastern Hills Basketball Association and the Eastern Mavericks Basketball Club to sign on as anchor tenants.
“It is a really exciting development and we look forward to the opportunity of talking with other community organisations who may be interested in becoming a part of our extended family,” he said.
“We’re also looking ahead to the opening of our new Junior School in the second half of 2020. This design will prioritise spaces that inspire children and develop a sense of joy and wonder in their learning – spaces that promote collaboration and foster interdependence between learners.”
The redevelopment will expand the College’s Junior School capacity from 350 to 500 students. The new Catholic Early Care and Learning Centre will have space for 100 children aged from three to five.
Mount Barker is one of the fastest growing areas in South Australia, with the population in the Council area expected to rise from 33,006 in 2016 to 52,215 in 2036, an average annual increase of 2.19%.
Adam Palkovics
Congratulations to Adam who has been selected to attend the 2019 National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. The forum is a 12 Day residential program, which runs in January.
Adam has been involved in a lengthy and in-depth application process for this amazing opportunity. The process has included an application, interviews and also giving a presentation. Adam has shone throughout this process and has secured his position in the program with no formal coaching or external support.
Throughout the process our local Mount Barker Rotary Club have been incredibly supportive, Adam has been granted sponsorship from the Mount Barker Rotary Club to attend the forum. This is an incredible achievement for Adam and he is very grateful and excited that he has been able to access this opportunity.
St Francis de Sales College, Mount Barker, has today announced exciting news about a 27million dollar development soon to be undertaken. The project will include the building of our new Sports Centre, the complete rebuild of our Junior School and the development of a Catholic Early Learning Centre. These projects, which will enhance learning opportunities for current and future families, have been endorsed by the College Board, Catholic Education South Australia and the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, and last night through the Mount Barker District Council.
Bruno Vieceli, Interim Director of Catholic Education, wishes to communicate to you: “This is a significant development and demonstrates Catholic Education’s commitment to providing quality education in the Adelaide Hills. Catholic Education South Australia congratulates St Francis de Sales College on the announcement of their new development plans.”
This capital development is one of the most significant ever undertaken by Catholic Education South Australia. It is a strong vote of confidence in the role St Francis de Sales College has to play in expanding to meet the growing demand of families in Mount Barker and surrounds for high quality educational opportunities for children from ages 3 to 18 in the community.
The exciting developments will provide improved opportunities for families of our region to continue living and learning locally in our Hills’ community, knowing that the education provided is supported by outstanding facilities and our progressive approaches to learning.
Please refer to below pdf file to access more information.
Now accepting International Students
Want to know more about enrolment? Please click on the link below
http://www.stfrancis.catholic.edu.au/enrolments/enrolment-of-international-students
