Religious Education
Our Religious Education key learning area is built on Diocesan guidelines, Sharing Our Story, produced and published by the Catholic Education Office, Parramatta. Sacramental programs for the preparation of children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are conducted both in our Parish of Good Shepherd and Holy Family, Emerton.
English
Our English program caters for the children's interests, abilities and individual needs. We are constantly aware of the rich diversity of the cultural backgrounds from which our children come.
Mathematics
We have a 'hands on' Mathematics program, designed to stimulate and challenge the children's mathematical concepts in number, space and measurement.
Human Society and Its Environment
Human Society and Its Environment exposes the children to people, traditions, lifestyles, changes in our world, and caring for our environment. Outdoor education is a developing facet of our curriculum in response to environmental awareness. This incorporates caring for our school environment and sharing these good habits at home and in our neighbourhood.
Science and Technology
Science and Technology encourages 'hands on' experiences so that the children may explore scientific and technological areas relevant to their lives.
Technology
Technology is always changing at St Francis and we are very lucky to have a collection of interactive whiteboards, flip videos, laptop banks and digital cameras for the children to use. Our staff is dedicated to incorporating new technology into all aspects of classroom life. All classes have a CENet page allowing the children to access school work from home
Each class group has at least two computers and there is a bank of computers in the library. We also have a bank of 30 laptops that can be used in any classroom.
Creative Arts
The Creative Arts key learning area is integrated within other key learning areas. Each class enjoys music and drama lessons that offer the children the opportunity to develop their talents freely and wisely in an encouraging environment.
The Music program is based on the creative arts syllabus. There is also a school choir, a dance group and visits from performers. (i.e. Musica Viva, concerts)
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education addresses the children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Each class has sport/physical education weekly. This means that the children must wear their sports uniforms and sports shoes on this day. Children in Years 3 to 6 are given the opportunity to compete in local cluster, zone and diocesan events.
Good Schools Week Activities rewards students for excellent behaviour and hard work with an afternoon each term. On these afternoons the whole school takes part in fun activities such as sport, art and craft.
