St Francis of Assisi College - Term 2 Week 2

From the Principal

Welcome to new families

As I welcome all families back to start of Term 2, we especially welcome new families to our community, hoping that they will enjoy being a part of our learning community. The term has commenced smoothly, and students have once again settled into the routines that were established in Term 1. We look forward with fresh energy to the learning experiences to be encountered during the term.

Honouring Pope Francis

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that we gather as a community to honour the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. At St Francis of Assisi College, we have been profoundly inspired by Pope Francis, whose commitment to justice, the marginalised, and the environment inspired our College ethos, Laudato Si’.

Pope Francis was not merely a distant figure in Rome; he was a beacon of hope and compassion who walked alongside us, embodying the principles of service, simplicity, and love. His encyclical, Laudato Si’, has been a guiding light for our College, reminding us of our responsibility towards all creation.

This week, as we came together for a whole school Mass to reflect on the lasting legacy of Pope Francis, we celebrate his life and the powerful message he imparted: that true faith is found in service to others and in the stewardship of our planet.

Let us continue to honour his memory by living out these values each day, nurturing our community and our world with the same love and dedication that Pope Francis exemplified.

Election of our New Pope – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

Please see as follows a message from the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide regarding the election of our New Pope – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV:

Habemus Papam

We have a new Pope

Earlier today Pope Leo XIV emerged from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome to signify the beginning of a new Papacy with the words “Peace be with you”.

Archbishop Patrick O’Regan has welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV.

“Our prayer today in the Adelaide Archdiocese is one of thanksgiving to God for providing a good Shepherd for us all,” he said.

“He will be a shepherd who walks before us and with us helping us to bring the joy of the gospel to all people specially those on the margins of our society.”

Archbishop O’Regan met the new pope several times at the Synod on Synodality last year.

“He has a vast experience of working in many parts of the world and a profound knowledge of the Church and a deep Augustinian spirituality that will guide the Church in faith, hope and love.

“God bless Pope Leo XIV and his ministry of communion.”

The new Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost OSA is an American Cardinal of the Catholic Church, born on 14th September, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), and was ordained a Priest in 1982. Pope Leo XIV has a background in canon law and has served in various international roles, including as a Missionary and Bishop in Peru, where he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, placing him in charge of overseeing the selection of Bishops worldwide. He was made a Cardinal on 30th September, 2023.

We take this opportunity to pray for our new Pope Leo XIV and for the Universal Church.

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favourably on your servant Pope Leo,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that,
together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

The Importance of Anzac Day – ‘Lest we forget’

As we gather this term, it is with great pride and reverence that we acknowledge the importance of Anzac Day and the spirit of unity it fosters in our community. Anzac Day holds a special place in the hearts of all Australians, symbolising courage, sacrifice, and the enduring bond shared among our nation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students of St Francis of Assisi College who played active roles in Anzac Day services across the Riverland. Your involvement in these solemn ceremonies not only honours the legacy of our brave servicemen and women but also strengthens the values of respect and remembrance within our community.

A special thank you goes out to our students who are part of local Cadet service groups. Your dedication and commitment to service are exemplary, reflecting the very essence of the Anzac spirit. Your participation in various ceremonies and activities demonstrates a commendable sense of duty and patriotism.

Let us continue to uphold these values, remembering the sacrifices made by those who came before us and nurturing the spirit of service in our daily lives. Together, we honour their memory and strive to build a future founded on the principles of courage, loyalty, and community.

Celebrating Mother's Day: Honouring the Pillars of Our Lives

As we approach Mother's Day, it is with heartfelt appreciation that we recognise the invaluable role of mothers, grandmothers, and significant adults in the lives of our students at St Francis of Assisi College. These remarkable individuals are the pillars of strength and love, guiding our young minds with unwavering dedication and profound wisdom.

Mothers and grandmothers are often our first teachers, imparting lessons of compassion, resilience, and faith. They nurture our spiritual and moral growth, embodying the virtues of patience and kindness that resonate deeply within our Catholic ethos. Their presence is a testament to the power of unconditional love and the enduring bond of family.

We also acknowledge the significant adults who step into roles of guidance and support, enriching the lives of our students in countless ways. Whether as mentors, guardians, or family friends, their influence helps shape the character and aspirations of our young people, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

This Mother's Day, let us celebrate and honour these extraordinary individuals who inspire and uplift us daily. May we continue to show our gratitude and love, cherishing their contributions and embodying the values they instil in us. Together, we build a future rooted in love, faith, and service.

Catholic Education Week

May 13 - 17 is Catholic Education Week in all CESA schools across the Port Pirie Diocese, and the Arch Diocese of Adelaide. To celebrate this, next Wednesday we are hosting St Joseph’s School Renmark, Our Lady of the River School Berri, St Albert’s School Loxton, and St Joseph’s School Barmera. The day will begin with combined outdoor Mass, and then an afternoon of activities that students and staff will engage in across the campus.

2026 Student Enrolments

Year 7 enrolment trends have continued to show significant growth in student numbers year on year since St Francis of Assisi College opened in 2022.

To support the College with planning for 2026 and to ensure your child’s position, I invite parents and carers intending to enrol their child to contact our Enrolment Registrar, Claire Smith on 8595 4500, as soon as possible to begin the enrolment process for 2026.

There are also enrolments open in Year 8 – 12 for 2026.

Mr Nathan Hayes, Principal

Catholic Mission and Religious Identity

ANZAC Day and Resurrection Liturgy

On the first morning of Term 2, our Houses gathered for a special combined liturgy to honour ANZAC Day and celebrate the Resurrection. This reflective service provided students and staff with a meaningful opportunity to remember the sacrifices of others while also rejoicing in the hope of new life.

On ANZAC Day, Australians and New Zealanders give thanks for the free and peaceful nations we call home. We honour and remember those who have sacrificed for the good of others. In war, we see great suffering - but we also see courage, sacrifice, and a deep love for one another.

As people of faith, we also gather in the light of the Resurrection. Jesus gave His life for us, and through His death and rising, He conquered sin and death forever. The Resurrection is a promise that suffering and sacrifice are not the end of the story. It reminds us that love is stronger than death, that hope endures, and that God’s peace is possible.

Pope Francis Memorial Mass

On Wednesday, 7 May, we gathered for a Memorial Mass to honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Rooted in the spirit of Laudato Si’, the Mass was a reflective and prayerful celebration of his profound commitment to caring for our common home. Staff and students joined together in gratitude for a leader who inspired hope, unity, and stewardship across the world.

Catholic Education Week

Week 3 is Catholic Education Week. Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) supports over 100 Catholic schools across the state, educating more than 50,000 students. Guided by Gospel values and the teachings of the Catholic Church, CESA is committed to shaping thriving people, capable learners, and leaders for the world God desires.

As part of Catholic Education Week celebrations, we look forward to welcoming students and staff from our Riverland Catholic Primary Schools on Wednesday of Week 3. This joyful and community-focused day is a wonderful opportunity to come together in faith, friendship, and fun as we celebrate all that Catholic education offers in the Riverland.

10 year Anniversary of Laudato Si

In Week 4, our College community will come together for a special liturgy to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on caring for our common home. As a college named after St Francis of Assisi, we are proud to reflect on how we have lived out this call through initiatives such as our Faith in Action units across Years 7 - 11. This liturgy offers a meaningful opportunity to honour our shared commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and hope for future generations.

Terra House Fundraiser

After counting the individual Project Compassion boxes, we’re excited to share the final total from Terra’s Term 1 fundraising efforts! Through our Spirit Day casual clothes and BBQ, along with the generous contributions from families via the Project Compassion boxes, Terra House raised and donated $1,472.80 to Caritas Australia. A heartfelt thank you to all students, families, and staff who supported this important cause.

Prayer for Pope Francis

Spirit of truth and love,
We thank you for the life of Pope Francis,
who led your Church with courage, compassion, and vision.
He opened doors, built bridges, and called for a Church that listens and grows.
Through him, we saw a faith that speaks to the modern world—
welcoming the broken, caring for the Earth, and walking with the excluded.
May his legacy of renewal continue to guide us,
as we become a Church ever more faithful, inclusive, and alive with your Spirit.
Amen.

Mrs Isabella Trudgian, RE Coordinator

Leader of Learning

Planning with Purpose: How Our Teachers Are Designing Learning for Success

This week, our teaching staff took part in professional learning focused on Backwards by Design - a well-established planning approach that we revisited together to refine and strengthen our current units of teaching. At St Francis of Assisi College, professional learning is something we take seriously. It’s an important part of our commitment to growing together as educators so we can provide the best possible learning experiences for our students.

Backwards by Design is a thoughtful and effective method that helps teachers plan with the end in mind. Instead of starting with activities or resources, teachers first consider what they want students to know, understand, and be able to do by the end of a unit. From there, they work backwards to design assessments and learning experiences that are purposeful and aligned.

The process follows three key stages:

Identify the learning goals - Teachers begin by selecting the most important outcomes from the Australian Curriculum. These guide the direction of the unit and help ensure students are working towards deep and relevant learning.
Determine how students will demonstrate learning - Teachers then consider how students will show what they’ve learned. This could be through a hands-on project, a written task, a presentation, or another meaningful assessment that captures understanding - not just completion.
Design the learning journey - With the goals and assessments in place, teachers plan engaging lessons that build students’ skills and knowledge step by step. These lessons are designed to be active, inclusive, and responsive to students' needs.

Revisiting this planning model gave our staff the opportunity to reflect on and refine their current units, share ideas, and align their work across year levels and subjects. It also reinforced our shared focus on clarity, consistency, and student-centred learning.

‘The "Backwards by Design" approach is an excellent strategy for aligning instruction with assessment goals, ensuring students are fully prepared for what they need to know. This professional development session helped me break down the process step by step, ensuring nothing was overlooked. It also served as an important reminder to slow down and revisit challenging concepts before moving forward, so every student has a chance to succeed.’

Miss Anita Modlinski

‘I really enjoyed participating in our recent staff meeting focused on the Backwards by Design approach to planning. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and reflect on how we can make learning more meaningful for our students. I particularly valued the chance to work on the Year 10 Forces unit, where we explored new ways to engage students and brainstormed alternative assessments. It was inspiring to be part of a conversation that prioritises student understanding and creativity in how we assess learning.’

Mrs Sarah McGorman

By planning with Backwards by Design, we ensure that students not only know what they’re learning - but why it matters. This kind of purposeful planning helps make learning more meaningful, engaging, and successful for every child.

Mrs Natalie Meuret, Leader of Learning

College Community Wellbeing

Immersion Days

We’re looking forward to hosting senior students from local Catholic primary schools in Week 4 and Week 5 as they join us for a day of connection, exploration, and learning.

During their visit, students will have the opportunity to experience a range of high school activities, meet some of our teachers and students, and become more familiar with our school environment. It’s a great chance to get a feel for secondary school life in a supportive and welcoming setting.

Scheduled visits include:
Monday 19 May – St Joseph’s School, Renmark
Wednesday 21 May – Our Lady of the River School
Thursday 22 May – St Albert’s School, Loxton
Friday 23 May – Students from non-Catholic primary schools
Tuesday 27 May – St Joseph’s School, Barmera

We invite students from other primary school's to register their interest in attending on Friday 23 May. To find out more, please contact Claire Smith, Executive Administrator on 8595 4500 or info@assisi.catholic.edu.au.

A reminder that if you have any concerns or questions or information to share regarding your child’s wellbeing or academics, please contact their home group teacher in the first instance via email or through the College phone number - (08) 8595 4500.

House	Home Group	Teachers	Email
	AQUA1	Ms. Anita Modlinski	anita.modlinski@assisi.catholic.edu.au
	AQUA2	Ms. Neven Daoud	neven.daoud@assisi.catholic.edu.au
	IGNIS1	Mr. John Lyons	john.lyons@assisi.catholic.edu.au
	IGNIS2	Ms. Amy Hunt	amy.hunt@assisi.catholic.edu.au
	TERRA1	Mr. Fraser Sampson	fraser.sampson@assisi.catholic.edu.au
	TERRA2	Mr. Luke Cotter	luke.cotter @assisi.catholic.edu.au
	VENTUS1	Ms. Isabella Trudgian	isabella.trudgian@assisi.catholic.edu.au
	VENTUS2	Ms. Nathan Hayes	nathan.hayes @assisi.catholic.edu.au

Breakfast Club

Each Friday morning, our school community holds Breakfast Club at the canteen from 8:15 to 8:40am – a warm and welcoming space where students can start the day with a healthy meal, connect with peers, and prepare for a successful day of learning.

We know that breakfast plays a vital role in student wellbeing. A nutritious start to the day supports concentration, energy levels, and mood – all of which are essential for learning and engagement in the classroom.

At Breakfast Club, we offer a variety of free breakfast options, including:
🍞 Toast
🍎 Fresh fruit
🥣 Cereal
🧃 Juice
☕ Hot milo

All students are welcome, and everything is completely free of charge.

We are incredibly grateful to Foodbank Riverland for their generous support in supplying fresh fruit and bread each week, helping us make this initiative possible.

We encourage students to drop by, fuel up, and start their Friday mornings on a positive note!