St. Francis Catholic College is an exciting partnership between the Diocese of Wollongong and Edmund Rice Education Australia.
You should consider a St Francis Catholic College education for many reasons. We are a Catholic comprehensive college offering K–12 education, making us a true ‘one-stop option’ for families. Regardless of your child’s age, family members can attend St Francis. We care deeply that students give their personal best each day. We believe we offer learning experiences that go beyond traditional primary and high schools, and, importantly, the values upheld in your family home are the values lived at our College. We aim to develop respectful, honest, compassionate and reliable students who are proud of their achievements, their families and their College.
Kindergarten students begin their St Francis Catholic College journey with a playgroup over several weeks in Term 4, prior to commencing school. This provides a great opportunity for young children to come together, meet and form new friendships. It also allows teachers, students and parents/carers to connect and supports a smooth transition into ‘big school’. This is followed by one-to-one interviews with each child, allowing us to better understand their learning and development before classes begin. Kindergarten students also benefit from our ‘Kinder Buddies’ program, where each child is paired with an older primary student.
Our primary-aged students have access to specialist facilities, including Science Laboratories, Food Technology rooms, Music rooms, and Dance and Drama workshops. Students are supported by specialist teachers and senior students and participate in science experiments and Food Technology practical experiences. They use specialist equipment, including laser engravers, 3D printers, robotics, hotography equipment, a wide range of musical instruments, and specialised sporting equipment not typically available in traditional primary school settings.
A key strength of the College is our Middle Years program (Years 5–8), and it is no surprise that St Francis has been recognised as a Middle Years Learning School of Excellence since 2022. This phase helps students transition naturally across grades, gaining a genuine sense of high school learning from as early as Year 5. Students gradually build independence, confidence and organisational skills in a supportive, structured environment. Rich opportunities for interdisciplinary learning allow them to make meaningful connections between subjects and apply their learning in purposeful, engaging ways. Our curriculum is challenging, relevant and engaging, fostering curiosity and ownership of learning.
Alongside our strong Catholic identity, the College also places deliberate focus on the six Global Competencies, embedding deep learning across the curriculum. Through this approach, students develop collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking, character and citizenship, ensuring they are well prepared for the complexities of an ever-changing world.Transition points, such as moving from primary to high school, are less significant in a K–12 setting. The College gradually raises expectations and academic standards while introducing specialist teachers and learning environments in a developmentally appropriate way. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering student resilience and accountability for their learning.
While numbers increase significantly in Year 7, existing students transition with confidence, remaining in a familiar environment alongside siblings and friends. New Year 7 students are supported and mentored by existing St Francis students and are inducted into the College House System. This includes a range of events, such as a Year 7 camp early in the school year.
We make no apology for holding high expectations of our students, with Pastoral Care at the heart of what we do. Leadership opportunities are available to students in Years 4, 8, 11 and 12. Middle and Senior students support younger students through learning, Pastoral Care and organised activities, and students are encouraged to be positive role models. Senior student leaders and House Captains across all Stage levels also have defined roles supporting others.
Opportunities are abundant for students in Years 7 to 12, with access to a wide range of specialist facilities and subject electives. Whatever your child’s interests or passions, there are many pathways for success at St Francis. Alongside academic and sporting pursuits, the College has developed strong links with sporting and dance clubs and community groups, offering further opportunities beyond the classroom. These complement an already extensive range of clubs and activities generously run by staff.
Our SFCC Graduate Statement underpins all that we do. Learning experiences in Pastoral Care, leadership and faith are carefully planned from K to Year 12 to ensure each student has the best opportunity to thrive.
We work in close partnership with families so that our graduates are:
In less than ten years, the College has built a strong academic culture, reflected in consistently positive NAPLAN growth and impressive HSC results.
Thank you for your interest in our College. Further insight into who we are, our hopes, and our expectations can be found on our website, including video links.
Warm regards,
Matthew McMahon (College Principal)
