These last few weeks of the year are always filled with final assignments and exams, a diversity of activities and a feast of celebrations! We have now farewelled our Year 10 and 11 students who have completed exams and transition days in preparation for their studies in 2023. "Moving Up" ceremonies have also featured recently, with the Alive Early Learning to Reception liturgy and the beautiful Year 6 to 7 celebration. We wish every blessing for these students in this significant transition as they begin a new phase of their St Francis de Sales College journey in 2023.
We proudly gathered for the Year 12 Graduation Dinner on Thursday 24 November at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Our recent graduates were acknowledged for their contributions to the College in 2022 and the many years previously. It was a fitting last celebration for our graduates, in the presence of family, friends and staff. Ros Mattner and her team of diligent helpers ensured the evening was filled with the formality (and fun) it deserved.
In the same week we had an enthusiastic group of students assist with the Variety Club Christmas Lunch in the city. These intrepid Year 10 and 11 volunteers worked tirelessly to set up the event and helped entertain hundreds of disadvantaged children. We thank them, Carol Jarrell and other supporters for organising this special opportunity to care for those less fortunate.
The joy on the faces of our Junior School students, parents, carers and extended family members was certainly evident at the R-6 Sports Day. The weather was perfect, and we were delighted to be able to enjoy the fun, friendly competition and teamwork. Nadia Honner, her amazing staff team and the Year 8 student helpers ensured the day ran like clockwork and was an outstanding success.
Last week saw the many and magnificent performances of our Dance and Drama students in The Super Dooper, Sensational, Fantastically Marvellous and Extraordinary Talent Show. It was another great showcase led by Peta Bojanic with the assistance of a whole host of staff and old scholars, and featured our Stage 2 Dance students for the final time, even though the gorgeous Dance Minis tried their best to steal the show!
We were delighted to be able to welcome families to gather with us in the Community Sports Centre for our Carols Evening last Thursday, after the disruption of COVID and changes to the format in 2021. It was an opportunity for our community to get into the Christmas spirit with laughter, song and nativity stories - what a mammoth organisational effort by teachers, support staff and families! This Christmas event followed our wonderful Pageant "paraders", who took pride of place in the float just before Santa as they wound through the streets of Mount Barker. Many thanks to Michelle Baulch and a host of others who contributed to this great event for our College and wider community.
Our Senior Leaders have spent a few days on camp at Victor Harbor as they plan for their leadership roles next year. We acknowledge the 2023 College Captains, Stephanie Formby and Aimee Brooks, as well as Senior Student Leaders Charlotte Ernst, Summer Henderson, Luella Koral, Kiara McInnes, Benjamin Murphy and Kathryn Peacock. We know that they will be fine ambassadors and leaders for St Francis next year. Thank you to Oreste Farrugia and his team of staff who led this process, culminating in the camp this week.
We had some weary but happy Year 9 campers return from Hindmarsh Island after a few days of aquatic and retreat activities (with tenting!). It was a great way to finish the year as a cohort in the lead-up to Year 10 in 2023, with the guidance of Year Level Leader, Mark Andrews and his team.
A plethora of other end of year activities and events have also taken place since the last Link Up - almost too many to mention! Some of these include the Stage 2 Art Exhibition at the Library, Sports Awards Night, new and current student transitions, Year 5/6 Art Show, wonderful excursions, athletics, knockout sports, reflection days, Vinnies FIA cooking and many, many more! We are blessed to have teachers, ESO staff and families who organise and support these important activities for our students - a massive thank you to each and every one of you!
We look forward to the culminating event for our College this week as we gather for the End of Year Liturgy and Awards Presentation Ceremony Tuesday morning. It is a special way to celebrate 2022 as a St Francis de Sales community and acknowledge the achievements of students in the presentation of academic, endeavour, improvement and a variety of special awards. What a wonderful last school day for our community!
As the final Link Up for this year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE for their contributions in 2022, through trying circumstances and disruptions. We have again shown our resilience, compassion and care for one another amidst some significant challenges. Love and kindness always shine through in these times and I thank the staff, students, families and volunteers for another successful year of learning and growth at St Francis. Gavin McGlaughlin sends his warm wishes to you as well, having kept abreast of all the wonderful things that have been happening this term during his time on Carer's Leave.
As you are aware, I will be joining the Mary MacKillop College community next year as Principal, thus finishing my 8 years at the College as Deputy Principal. It is impossible to adequately express the myriad emotions at this time; joy, sadness, gratitude, nostalgia and so many more! It has been such a privilege to serve the St Francis de Sales community as it has flourished and grown. To staff, students and families, both past and present, I extend my humble thanks and love as you have supported and nurtured me over these years. Our College is truly special, and I will take the beautiful memories of it with me as I start my next adventure "down the hill", knowing that I will always feel part of the St Francis family.
I send my prayers and good wishes to you in this Advent season in the lead up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. May your holidays be filled with just the right amount of family, fun, recreation and rest.
For all that has been and all that is yet to come - God bless.
Sonia Nelson
Acting Principal
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