Friends of Francis

In choosing a Catholic systemic school in the Diocese of Wollongong, parents enter into a partnership with the school. In this partnership, the responsibility for their child’s learning, wellbeing and faith development is shared between them, as the first and primary educators of their child, and the school community. This partnership is a collaborative relationship between home and school, working with the parish, toward our shared mission.

The shared mission of all in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) is to ‘create vibrant Catholic communities where every student finds meaning and purpose in their life through experiencing continual growth in faith and improvement in learning’. Informed by our Catholic tradition, we believe this is best achieved when there is a genuine partnership between home, school and parish. In particular, the role of parents, as ‘the first and primary educators’ (Vatican II) of their child, is recognised and valued. We believe that the ‘partnership between a Catholic school and the families of students must continue and be strengthened’ (The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, 1988).

This belief is also reflected in our strategic direction and school improvement agenda as a core element in creating effective schools. Drawing on the broader educational agenda and contemporary research, we aspire to create learning communities that build and maintain collaborative partnerships with parents and the broader community which will enhance student learning and wellbeing outcomes. This framework has been developed to support the creation and maintenance of the partnership between parents and school so that together we can create:

• identifiably Catholic communities, inspired by the person and teaching of Jesus Christ, where all strive to act with hope, integrity, justice and compassion;

• effective schools which improve outcomes for students.

The Friends of Francis (FoF) is the Parent/Carer Engagement Group at St Friends of Francis. The FoF's purpose is to promote the interests of the College and Catholic education generally by bringing together parents/carers, students, clergy, and teaching staff, both religious and lay, in a spirit of collaboration and close cooperation. The FoF provides a forum for members to raise and discuss issues related to the spiritual, social and academic development of their children at school, diocesan, state and national levels.

The funds raised provide opportunities for social gatherings, Pastoral Care for particular families, and broader areas of student and/or community needs. A Facilitator leads the FoF, and facilitators also lead the Fundraising Subcommittee and the Social/Community Subcommittee. The FoF also has a Parent/Carer Advisory arm that can advise on College procedures and policies.

Although the FoF is relatively new, it has previously provided pastoral care for individual students and families. Its members also assist at College events, and we look forward to some exciting social gatherings in the near future. The FoF meets at least once a term, usually in Weeks 5 or 6.