Link Up Term 2 Week 4 2021

Welcome to our first Link Up of Term 2, which began for our Year 12 students with their annual retreat on the Wednesday to Friday of Week 1. Congratulations to our Year 12 students for the way that they engaged and connected with each other during this important time and to all of our staff who facilitated this memorable experience for the students.

The annual Arch D Awards were held at the end of April and it was wonderful to have a couple of our old scholars who have been heavily involved with Arch D Radio present at the event. 2017 graduate, Cailin Alexander, was a presenter on the night and we were delighted to have 2020 graduate Eliza Lovelock win the “On the Mic” Award in the senior female category. Congratulations Eliza and to all of our students who have been involved in Arch D radio over several years now.

With Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier unable to proceed this year, we were pleased to be able to provide the opportunity for our performers to take part in the ABODA SA Schools Jazz Festival on May 1 to 2. As usual, our highly talented musicians presented themselves in a way that reflects so positively on themselves and our College community.

The College Board Annual General Meeting was held on the 4th of this month with a number of our existing Board members elected for a further period of tenure (Nick Crowe, Anthony Werts, Ray Jackson, Rosie Lillas and David Kyriacou) and a new member, Olivia Carter elected to both the Board and the Finance Committee. We welcome Olivia and acknowledge all of our re-elected and continuing members in their ongoing roles of service to the College. The Board also noted at the AGM the service of outgoing Board member, Rob Plenderleith, celebrating his significant contribution as a Board member over several years.

Similar service is provided to our community through the members of our Parent Community Group, who again this year did an outstanding job with our Mother’s Day Stall, providing opportunity for our students across the College to access gifts for their mums that no doubt brightened their Mother’s Day mornings. Thanks so much for all the organisation and preparatory work that went into enabling that to happen.

Thanks also to our parents who joined with us on Friday last week for Walk Safely to School Day. It was wonderful to come together as a community to partake in the short but meaniglful walk that day, whist reinforcing for our students the importance of both being active and travelling safely.

The College was delighted to able to send off to Canberra last Sunday our Year 8 students, who missed out on their usual Year 7 trip to the nation’s capital last year. I was delighted to be able to join the students for the first couple of days for their trip in Canberra, where they are having a wonderful time and some terrific experiences celebrating the great democracy in which we live.

Whilst our Year 8s have been away, the rest of our R-12 College community gathered together this week for a whole school liturgy focused on Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. The message about our collective responsibility to our environment, local and global, was an incredibly powerful one that I know means so much to our young people, which augurs well for our future.

It was a delight yesterday to be able to host our Mother and Son Breakfast in the PAC. At this event we welcomed back to the College 2014 graduate and College Captain Josh Teakle, who spoke to us about his life since leaving school and his work as a journalist at The Courier newspaper and his freelance media roles with numerous organisations. It was a pleasure to have Josh return to his school community and for us to be able to welcome his mum Jo, as it was wonderful to have many other Mother and Son combinations who also joined us for the breakfast. Thank you to all involved, especially to Sarah Sims and her team of helpers in coordination of the event, and most importantly to the incredibly talented Year 12 Food and Hospitality class who catered for the event so expertly.

Gavin McGlaughlin
Principal

Term 2 has started very well, despite the change in weather! NAPLAN testing has been occurring over the last week or so in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, and students have commented on their preference for the online NAPLAN version. From the first day of term students seem to have ‘hit the ground running’ in learning and extra-curricula activities, with a variety of excursions supplementing classroom learning experiences. Our Year 8 cohort has travelled further afield for this, with visits to various locations in Canberra such as Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Mint and the National Science and Technology Centre.

Other students have been busy preparing for end of semester performances in learning areas such as Dance, Drama and Music, with Technology students also working steadily in completing and evaluating products that they have created. We encourage parents to remain connected to the learning journey of their child/ren through information available on SEQTA Engage and Seesaw. Most significant however, is the ongoing communication with teachers as required and the rich conversations with your child about their learning as well as the skills and capabilities they are developing. Rather than ask “How was your day?” perhaps ask questions such as “What did you learn today?” or “What did you find interesting or challenging about your learning today?”. As much as students sometimes pretend that they don’t want you involved in their schooling, especially in the teenage years, we all know that they really do!

On a final note, it is wonderful to be here at St Francis again after my time at St Joseph’s in Port Lincoln last term (which was also wonderful!). It was heartwarming to be welcomed back so warmly and I certainly noted how much the students had grown since December! My best wishes to you all as we bunker down for the colder weather and I look forward to our conversations and connections as the year progresses.

Sonia Nelson
Deputy Principal - Learning

Respectful Relationships and Positive Teaching

At our recent staff professional learning day, the focus was on Restorative Practices. The facilitator, Maurizio Vespa, worked the room superbly in engaging staff to further develop and practise the skills associated in building positive relationships through a process of engagement. Maurizio drew attendees into the social discipline window and focused on being AUTHORATIVE; which involves working WITH young people when building positive respectful and dignified relationships. 

College staff workshopped the skills and language of remaining in the HIGH CONTROL, HIGH SUPPORT pane of the window as we continue to build a culture of respect and positivity at the College. Maurizio referenced the work of the late American psychiatrist, William Glasser, who described behavior as being internally driven. One of Glasser’s lasting quotes is:

We almost always have choices, and the better the choice, the more we will be in control of our lives.

Our College Personal Responsibility Procedures and Community Commitment is based around choices and is underpinned by a restorative philosophy. Restorative Practices focuses on the ‘deed and not the doer’ and aims to eliminate blame and shame while at the same time, through positive and supportive relationships, seeks to build accountability and acceptance while maintaining dignity and respect. As a College we are committed to Respectful Relationships for all members of our community. This is sometimes easier said than done and it is important that we continue to work at it. The link below offers more information about how Restorative Practices work with young people in schools.

For more information visit What Is Restorative Practices? - IIRP Canada

As the weather starts to become colder and wetter, we are fortunate to be able to shelter inside our houses where its warm and safe. Unfortunately, there are many people within our local community and broader community who are homeless. This means that for many, they sleep outside in the cold, struggle to find food, and are anxious about their safety at night. 

Vinnies has been one of many agencies to support people who are in the difficult situation of being homeless, or simply struggling to make ends meet. At our College we are supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal this term. We are asking families to donate items for this Appeal, and we thank you sincerely for your generosity. The items that are in most need by Vinnies are: 

•  Clothing (new or good-condition used) 
•  Blankets (new or good-condition used) 
•  Non-perishable food  
•  Toiletries 
•  Toys (new or good-condition used) 

Each classroom has been given a basket to collect goods for donation. The total number of goods collected from each House will be transferred into points for the Community Shield. There is also a set of 'Vinnies Wheelie-Bins' in the Mercy Courtyard and the Junior School Deck. Donated goods may be placed in these too. The last day for donating goods to this Appeal is Friday, June 25 (End of Week 9). Thank you for your support with this very important Appeal.

We are also raising awareness in a very practical way, amongst our student and staff community of the challenges that homeless people face on a daily basis. On Wednesday, June 30 evening, our College's Vinnies Sleep-Out is happening, as part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal. The event will begin at dinner time at the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). The Vinnies-FIA Group are running a program for the students who attend, which will conclude with the making of cardboard shelters under the veranda near the PAC. Students will sleep the night in their cardboard shelters (with sleeping bags). On the Thursday morning, they will be served a breakfast and then get ready for the school day, using the College's bathroom facilities. Students (Years 6-12) and staff are invited to be part of this informative and important activity. Each participant is required to collect sponsors as part of their commitment to the Vinnies Sleep-Out, who will donate money for their efforts. All money raised will go to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. 

Also, just an update on last Term’s Caritas Project Compassion Appeal. As a College we raised $9,034.50, which is an outstanding achievement! We thank all families for their generosity to the Project Compassion Appeal. Congratulations to Geneva House who raised the highest amount of money from the four Houses, with $2,566.25 collected. Well done everyone! 

Oreste Farrugia
Assistant Principal - Religious Identity and Mission

Walkathon

On Tuesday, April 6, students in R-6 undertook their annual 'Walkathon' aimed at raising awareness and funds for project compassion. Fresh from a restful Easter holiday, each year level set off at 9am on our various paths across the College, Laratinga Wetlands and Keith Stepheson Park. It was a beautiful day weather wise, which helped our students enjoy all of the wonderful flora and fauna we have here in our local area. We were blessed to have so many volunteers in the form of parents, grandparents and carers join us on our various walks and this again showcased the ongoing support and care our College community has for one another. Thanks to all the staff who helped educate their students on the purpose of our walk and why we were raising funds for such a worthy cause. We are grateful for all those who donated and who took time to raise awareness for this event, it was hugely successful.

Blessing and Opening of the Early Learning to Year Learning Communities

After being unable to host our Blessing and Opening of the Early Learning to Year Learning Communities in 2020, we were grateful for the chance to gather and celebrate our new facilities on Thursday, April 29. This ceremony was an opportunity to recognise and thank all those who contributed to the creation of our wonderful new learning spaces, as well as a chance to share how they are being used and showcase the unique and innovative pedagogy that we as a community value. His Grace, Reverend Archbishop Patrick O'Regan blessed our communities as he walked around with staff and students, whilst a short film helped show the guests a sample of the work occuring in the new buildings Meya Watta, Patpiori, Kangawirrina and Pereira. 

It was a joyous occasion, one celebrated by many distinguished guests from CESA, The Australian Government, The Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide as well as a variety of past staff and community members. The event was expertly coordinated and planned by Sarah Sims the College's Marketing and Communications Coordinator, who ensured it was momentous and engaging. Many thanks must also go to the support from College Administration, Property Maintenance and IT Services for their valuable contributions to the event. We look forward to celebrating these spaces everyday, they serve as a reminder of how blessed we are to be working in such a thriving community.

Rowan Thomas
Director of Learning R-6

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.

A retreat to remember

As per tradition here at the College, in Week 1 of Term 2, the Year 12s left the College on Wednesday morning for a three day retreat at Victor Harbor; their very last school camp before graduating and journeying into adulthood.

The first day was certainly a highlight for most, as the Year 12s were treated to perfect surfing conditions down at the Middleton beach. Most were keen to jump into the waves; and for those not too fond of the sea, many interesting specimens of driftwood and sea sponges were to be found amongst the sand and rock pools.

The days that followed were filled with various activities; walks to the beach and morning swims, football before lunch, shared dinners, and conversation.

The retreat certainly did provide a rare opportunity for the students to bond outside of the school environment.

Year 12 student, Harry, describes how “It was admirable to see the connection the students showed towards each other - even for the students that normally would not connect with each other”.

The Year 12s also had the opportunity to reflect on themselves, their religion/spirtuality, and their almost 13 years of schooling through various group activities and presentations. As frequently expressed, a highlight for most of the students was the last night, in which among other things, the students received a heart touching and tear provoking letter from their parents.

Taylor describes the retreat as “A week of emotions” and “something we will remember forever”.

Neva van Raalte
College Captain

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, the Year 11 students went to their two day retreat at ‘Woodhouse Activity Centre’, Piccadilly. The retreat was facilitated by guest presenter, Sam Clear from ‘Walk4One’. He used his journey of walking 15,500km through many countries of the world over a two-year period, as a basis to unpack his insights about life, relationship, and God.

As well as being a spiritually nourishing experience for the students, the retreat is also the foundation of the assessment task for Religious Education in Term 2, which focuses on Joseph Campbell’s ‘Heros Journey’. Intertwined between Sam’s sessions, the students had the opportunity to take part in outdoor physical challenge activities, which were fun and team-bonding.

Our three Year 11 student leaders shared some of their thoughts about the retreat experience: 

“The retreat was a fascinating, thought-provoking, and an enjoyable experience. During Sam’s walk, his quest was to spread the message of unity around the world. Calling Sam an inspiration would be an understatement. His story is one of hardship, adversity, courage, strength, and perseverance, shining a light on how fortunate we are to be living the way we do in our safe, stable and affluent society. We felt privileged to have Sam facilitating the main part of our retreat and took a lot away from it, not only for our upcoming assessment task for Stage 2 Religious Studies, but for us as people on our various Hero’s Journeys through life. We also participated in fun activities such as the tube slides, laser skirmish and Challenge Hill. The retreat was an incredibly valuable time to build and strengthen bonds both with each other and with our spiritual selves”. Lucas Rutter

“The retreat was an amazing experience, filled with adventures, eye-opening stories, laughs, good food and even better company. It enabled our year level to become closer and we learnt a lot from the sessions with Sam Clear. Personally, I’ve gained three particularly powerful messages from the sessions. The first one being to always respond with kindness, as responding in an aggressive way still achieves the same end result, but its not pleasant for those involved. The second, remembering how incredibly privileged we are, living in this community and this beautiful country of Australia. Listening to Adolfo’s story was extremely eye-opening and a reminder about all of those in this world who are struggling deeply and how lucky we are to have clean water, food, and shelter. Finally, the third being how God guided Sam through his whole mission and Sam consistently draw his focus back to the goal of unity”. Sophie McCallum

“I have learnt to approach every hard situation with kindness, even though it may be challenging. Being nice to people still gets the same outcome, but it’s a more pleasant experience for everyone”. Macy Fox

Upcoming Dance Performance - Let's Love

Wednesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 27 are the dates to mark in your calendar for the Semester 1 Dance production – Let’s Love. This performance will showcase the talents of the Dance Minis, Dance Crew, Year 8, Year 9 and Stage 1 and 2, Semester 1 Dance classes, all presenting their choreographed routines.

A Junior school matinee performance will be held on Wednesday, May 26 in the Performing Arts Centre at 2pm, with two evening performances for parents and friends on Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30pm. The format for the performances will be slightly different this year due to social distance seating, therefore it is expected that there may be family and friends who miss out on a seat at the live performance due to limited numbers. Unfortunately we can only accommodate for one person per student performer to attend the production (this is over the two nights and NOT one person per student, per night) as we must adhere to the government regulations of numbers allowed in the space. Please understand that this is completely out of our control and will be strictly monitored through booking a seat (as per instructions on Consent2Go) and also a check system on the night to ensure we are keeping everyone safe. To accommodate for this, or for those who may not feel comfortable (given the COVID situation) attending a live performance, we will stream the recorded performance of Let’s Love which will be available for a limited time via a private link which will be emailed to all performers.

As Sir Ken Robinson stated, 'dance allows students ‘who need to move to think’, and in providing Dance as part of the curriculum, we allow them to do just that!

Peta Bojanic
Senior Dance Teacher

Upcoming Performance – Stage 2 Drama – Bethel Park Falls

On Wednesday, June 9, our Stage 2 Drama students will take to the stage for their SACE externally moderated performance of the emotionally charged production of Bethel Park Falls. This heart felt play tells the story of the residents of the small town of Bethel who are facing a crisis: Their beloved park has been sold out from under them and it's sending their lives into a tailspin. In nine interconnected vignettes, sixteen locals grapple with the loss of jobs, homes, and spouses, but find love, courage, and forgiveness as the park magically transforms and connects them. From a tired security guard trying get home to his kids, to a young mayor in over his head, to a nostalgic fisherman who can't seem to catch anything, everyone takes a fall... and picks themselves up again. Bethel Park Falls draws a group of complex, fascinating, funny people together into one poignant story about the spaces where communities connect.

This will be the final performance for the 2021 Stage 2 Drama students, and we would like to thank them for their valued contribution to the dramatic arts and wish them all the very best as they embark on the next chapter in their lives. Please join the Stage 2 Drama students in the Performing Arts Centre at the College on Wednesday, June 9 at 6:15pm, as they share their version of the heartfelt story of Bethel Park Falls. Attendance at this performance will follow social distance seating and as such, seating will be limited. For those who may not be able, or do not feel comfortable (given the COVID situation) attending a live performance, we will stream the recorded performance of Bethel Park Falls which will be available via a private link that will be emailed to the performers. However, if you would like to view the streamed performance of Bethel Park Falls, simply email Peta Bojanic at pbojanic@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au and the link will be emailed.

Upcoming Performance – Year 9 Drama – Goldie Locks On

On Monday, June 7, our Year 9 Drama students will take to the stage for their performance of the crazy and chaotic pantomime Goldie Locks On. What starts as one girl (Goldie) deciding to let herself into the Three Bear’s house, turns into a veritable home invasion when more fairy tale characters turn up at the front door, demanding entry, causing Goldie no end of problems!

Please join the Year 9 Drama students in the Performing Arts Centre at the College on Monday, June 7 at 6:15pm, as they share their version of the funny and frantic story of Goldie Locks On. Attendance at this performance will follow social distance seating and as such, seating will be limited. For those who may not be able, or do not feel comfortable (given the COVID situation) attending a live performance, we will stream the recorded performance of Goldie Locks On which will be available via a private link that will be emailed to the performers. However, if you would like to view the streamed performance of Goldie Locks On, simply email Peta Bojanic at pbojanic@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au and the link will be emailed.

Stage 2 Drama and Stage 1 English Excursion

Students of Year 11 English studies and Stage 2 Drama students attended the State Theatre Company’s performance of Euphoria presented at the Space Theatre, Adelaide on Thursday, May 13. This was not only a privilege, but also an important part of the learning required to meet the standards for the SACE English and Drama. The students were fortunate to be a part of a fantastic Q&A session with the cast after an amazing performance at which time we got some wonderful insight into the preparation and characterisation methodologies used by the State Theatre Company’s actors. 

It is always a pleasure to take our students out of the College for special events such as this as they are a credit to the College, conducting themselves in an exemplary manner at all times.

Peta Bojanic
Senior Drama Teacher

The Vocal Jazz Fest and the SA School Band and Orchestra Festival

Recently, we had three groups attend the Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) SA and Association of Heads of Music in Non-Government Schools (AHOMINGS) Vocal Jazz Fest and the Australian Band and Orchestra Director’s Association (ADOBA) SA Schools Jazz Festival over a weekend.

In lieu of Generations in Jazz, schools were invited to submit vocal and band ensembles to perform and compete at the two local events. Taking place at venues around the city, including Adelaide University’s Elder Hall and St Peter’s College Memorial Hall, the students were able to then watch other schools and noted musicians perform at concert and awards events.

Our Year 11 and 12 small vocal ensemble, VoCo (Bella, Tilly, Nathan and Max), participated in the Vocal Jazz Fest Division 2, and our premier Years 7-12 jazz vocal ensemble, JazZone (Bella, Tilly, Nathan, Max, Charlotte, Kathryn, Charlotte, Erianne, Lauren, Ashlee, Matilda, Harry and Lachie) competed in Division 3. Both were awarded silver level achievements, and were given immediate feedback by noted singers.

De Groove (Lucas P, Max, Lucas R, Louis, Dylan, Ethan and Harry), our Year 8-12 jazz combo band, also performed for the very first time outside of the College in a non-competitive division, and they received some very positive feedback from their adjudicator, John Morrison. Extra thanks to Harry (JazZone and De Groove), and particularly Max (in all three ensembles) for their attendance on both days.

All students and leaders meet once or twice a week, and have been rehearsing for these events since the beginning of the year. The students made us proud, representing the College beautifully and conducting themselves with professionalism and maturity and we thank the students, their families for their support. Huge thanks and congratulations go to out tireless and fabulous band leader, Karen Redman, for her enormous and continuous efforts, and to our marvellous and hard-working R-12 Music Teacher, Bec Page, for her leadership, knowledge and vision. We would not have Music at St Francis without these two!

Students reflected on the weekend:

“Being able to perform in our jazz ensemble, De Groove, for the first time was a big honour. It was great to see all our hard work pay off and to be able to perform at a great venue. We were tasked to perform three songs, one of these being chosen by ABODA, the second being a ballad and the third being chosen by us. This was great for us to show a very wide variety of skills and techniques and giving us all plenty of opportunity to shine. This also allowed us to receive feedback from the judges’ panel that will assist us heavily with future performances. I hope that in future years the college’s music program will be able to compete in higher divisions and get some great results!” Lucas P, R-12 Music Captain

“On Friday, April 30 our senior jazz vocal ensembles VoCo and JazZone competed in the Adelaide Vocal Jazz Fest in Divisions 2 and 3 respectively, hosted by ANCA and AHOMINGS. We workshopped with our adjudicators Luke Thompson and Sally Cameron and were able to get instant feedback (which we have already been able to put to good use!), and really enjoyed the experience of performing in the Norwood Town Hall. We did very well, with VoCo scoring 8th and JazZone receiving 7th place out of large fields. On May 2, we were really lucky to attend the Division 1 Finale Concert, and we were able to watch our talented adjudicators, the Kym Purling Trio and Lauren Henderson in a show stopping display of jazz vocal and instrumental excellence. Although we didn’t place in the top three, we were all really proud of our performance and are looking forward to Generations in Jazz 2022, where we can show off a little bit more!” Bella, R-12 Music Captain

Term 2 has been a busy time for science excursions with both the Year 9 students and Stage 1 Biology students enjoying opportunities to engage with experiences outside of the College early this term.

On Wednesday, May 5, our Year 9 students attended workshops at Flinders University, Tonsley Campus. They heard from current students and lecturers and were able to program a speaker to turn light energy into sound energy. They also learnt to program Zumo robots and saw examples of complex robots used by engineering students at the university. This was a fantastic way to link the work students have been doing at school, designing, building and testing robots to assist in natural disaster recovery as part of their Problem Based Learning unit of work.

The following day, Stage 1 Biology students went to the Adelaide Zoo and heard a talk by a Zoo educator, discussing endangered Australian animals, the threats to their survival and the importance of conservation of Keystone Species. Students then spent time walking around the Zoo learning more about the Zoo’s role in conservation of species and students were able to gain information for their current assessment.

Our students have been very fortunate to have varied experiences in science this year with upcoming events such as an Ecologist talk for the two Stage 1 Biology classes and an excursion to Adelaide University for Stage 1 Chemistry students. Late in Term 1, Stage 1 and 2 Physics students attended an excursion to Adelaide University and Year 8 students visited Christie’s Walk Ecocity as part of their students for their Problem Based Learning unit of work ‘Saving your Energy’. 

Please enjoy the photos of our students enjoying these opportunities.

Danielle McKinnon
Learning Area Specialist - Science

Knockout and Interschool Sport

The start of this term has seen a huge number of opportunities for students to represent the College in a variety of interschool sports. Our Year 4-7 runners have been training hard for the Barker District Cross Country Competition, which will be held next week at Woodside Oval. We also currently have multiple groups training to compete in AFL, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball and Futsal. Keep an eye on our social media pages and in future newsletters for reports and results.

On Friday, May 14 our Open Boys AFL Team participated in a knockout competition against Nazareth Catholic College and SEDA College. The two matches were hard fought and the boys played admirably. Bests for the day included Billy Trott, Will Thomas, Ben Murphy, Oscar Koral and Logan Barbary.

Congratulations to Daisy Hocking and Emerson Beeching who have made the SAPSASA Barker District Netball Team for Year 6. They will compete in a carnival later this term and I am certain they will make us proud.

Continuing throughout the year we will have more opportunities for students in Years 6 to 11 to trial for school representative teams. As these teams are nominated the coaches will place notices on SEQTA Engage with the relevant information for students.

For all sports related information parents and caregivers can keep an eye on daily notices through SEQTA Engage. If there are ever any questions about these activities please email Nadia Honner.

Nadia Honner
Learning Area Specialist - Health and Physical Education and Specialist Sport Coordinator

In 2020, our Senior Student Leaders had the opportunity to be involved in ‘Arch D Radio’, which is a radio segment run by the Adelaide Archdiocese broadcast through 102.3LIFE-FM. James Meston from Arch D Radio journeyed with our Senior Student Leaders throughout their Year 11/12, and recorded their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and insights into leadership. It was a marvellous audio-journal of their development. We were very pleased to learn that many of the Senior Student Leaders from 2020 were nominated for awards, at the 'Awards Night' held earlier this year.

The nominations were:

PODCAST EPISODE OF THE YEAR

Eliza, Maddie and Cara from St Francis de Sales "Becoming A Student Leader (Part 2)"

ON THE MIC (FEMALE SENIOR) Yr10+

Eliza Lovelock - St Francis de Sales

MOST LISTENED PODCAST EXCLUSIVE OF 2020

St Francis de Sales "Becoming A Student Leader" Series

At the 1920’s-themed Arch-D Radio and Podcasting Awards Night at the Capri Theatre on April 27, Eliza Lovelock was awarded the “On The Mic” (Female Senior) Award by James Meston from Arch-D and TV personality Brenton Ragless, for her work as a guest announcer during the Student Leader Series and in subsequent individual guest spots.

Eliza has been a guest announcer a number of times at Arch-D and looks forward to working with James and the team into the future.

We congratulate the finalists on their nominations and Eliza on her award.

The Parent Community Group (PCG) has had an exciting start to Term 2. Frankie’s Café has been a great success with some great coffee being enjoyed and an opportunity for some lovely catchups.  

A big thank you to Rowan Thomas for his continued efforts in helping the PCG make fabulous coffee! Also, a big thank you to Emma Petersen for overseeing Frankie’s Café, ordering stock each fortnight, and ensuring everything that is needed is ready to go. Thank you also to the PCG members who volunteer each fortnight to help.

Frankie’s Café is open every second Friday of the Term for a gold coin donation, from 8:15-9:00am.

The Mother’s Day Stall was a great success. Thank you to Kristy How, Emma Petersen and all the staff for their hard work in organising, set up and pack up of the Mother’s Day Stall. Thank you to all the families for ensuring the correct money was provided on the day.

The next PCG meeting will be held Tuesday, May 18 in the College Art Room at 6:30pm.

The PCG welcomes new members at any time throughout the year and is always looking for new ideas. We value all contributions. If you would like to join the PCG or would like further information please email PCG@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au.

We would like to thank everyone for their valued contribution, and we look forward to some more great events!

Sue Werts
Chair of the Parent Community Group

Describe your family and what a typical weekend looks like.

We have a blended family of four boys and one girl, ranging from 12-22 years. Rob works in IT Support and I am a Customer Operations Manager for Newsltd. Like most families we have a busy schedule of footy, basketball, filmmaking, flute, guitar, full-time and part-time jobs. A typical weekend is full of activities – sports, socialising, connecting with nature and Netflix.

What attracted you into the Parent Community Group and why did you volunteer to be a member?

I have an extremely busy work and family life but still wanted to be part of the College community and contribute where I could.

What are your hopes for the future of the St Francis College community?

Making our community a priority by ensuring we continue to explore opportunities to support local businesses, vulnerable groups and the importance of our health and wellbeing.

How do you see the College Heart Values lived in our College community?

They are all around us within our community and College environment. It’s wonderful that the College has embraced such important values that are aligned to our own as a family. One that resonates with me more predominately is Perseverance – whether it be aligned to our faith, our compassion for those around us, to continuously learn and develop or just to ensure that we are always kind and respectful. I see the values every day and that’s such a wonderful feeling – sometimes we miss the important things.

Recently our ELC staff combined with the Reception to Year 3 College staff for shared professional development around Godly play. The workshop was run by Robyn Mercer who has had over 30 years experience in teaching and religious leadership in Catholic schools. The purpose of Godly Play is to invite children to listen to the stories of our faith tradition through connecting to their personal experiences, wonderings and questions in an open-ended creative way.

During the workshop we explored how we could share scriptural texts such as the Parable of the Mustard Seed and gospel accounts of Jesus’ interactions with children through Godly Play. Robyn engaged us in Godly Play as she shared the life of St Francis de Sales and the key attributes that make him significant to our community. At the ELC we are looking forward to implementing what we have learned into our curriculum as a tool to encourage children to reflect on the stories that they have heard in a meaningful way. We are also planning to continue our work with Robyn so that she can support us as we build on and develop our skills.

Liz Schembri
Head of Early Learning