From the Principal

Why not?

At our recent student assembly, I shared part of Kobi Yamada’s beautiful book Why Not? with our students. Its simple message is one I think is particularly important for young people and for us as parents and educators.

Every young person has possibilities ahead of them that they cannot yet see. Some already have a clear idea of what they want to do when they leave St Francis, while others are still figuring it out. Both are perfectly okay.

As parents, we can sometimes see the potential in our young people before they see it in themselves. We encourage them to put their hand up, try something new, take on a leadership opportunity, pursue a challenging goal or step outside their comfort zone.

But fear of failure can often hold young people back.

The message I shared with our students was simple: Why not?

Why not have a go?
Why not try something new?
Why not step outside your comfort zone?
Why not give yourself permission to fail?

Failure is not the opposite of success. Often, it is how we learn, grow and discover what we are capable of.

At St Francis, we want our students to become the very best version of themselves. That doesn't mean being perfect. It means being courageous, curious, resilient and willing to have a go. It means using the gifts and talents God has given them and not allowing fear to make their decisions for them.

Perhaps this is a question we can all encourage our young people to ask when an opportunity comes their way:

Why not get into the water and have a go at surfing at the Year 8 camp? Why not sign up for the ensemble or the band? Why not submit an application for a leadership position or join the Social Justice team.

We don't need to map out every step of our children's future. Sometimes our most important role is simply to encourage them to take the next step and remind them that they are capable of more than they realise.

Who knows where two little words might take them?

Why not?

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Student Study at Home Day this Friday

A reminder that this Friday 28 August, is a Study at Home Day for all students. 

No classes will be held, and staff will participate in professional learning.

Parents and Friends Association Meeting

The next meeting of the Parents and Friends Association will be held online on Tuesday 1 September from 7pm.

The association comprises representatives from both campuses, and new members are always welcome.

Please contact me via email at arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au for the Teams link.

Practice Exams for VCE Unit 3 & 4 Students

The College will hold practice exams for all scored Unit 3/4 students during the first week of the upcoming school holidays: Monday 21 September, Tuesday 22 September, Wednesday 23 September, Thursday 24 September and Monday 28 September.

A full timetable is available below.

The practice exams will be held in the Trade Training Centre.

The practice exams will replicate the students’ VCAA exams in October and November. VCAA exam invigilators will supervise the practice exams, which will be conducted under the same conditions as the final exams.

Students should meet in Padua before their exam and will be escorted to the Trade Training Centre by staff.

Students may wear appropriate casual clothes when attending practice exams during the school holidays.

Student absences will be followed up by House Leaders and me. Non-scored VCE students are not required to sit the practice exams.

Students have been asked to contact me to arrange any exam changes due to clashes.

If you have any questions regarding the practice exams, please email me at clock@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

Maker's Market - Melton Campus

Save the date Melton Campus - our VCE VM students have been working on their first-ever Maker's Market to coincide with Father's Day.

On Friday 4 September, during Big Break in Gadal, students will sell a variety of items, including key rings, bookmarks, snackle boxes, stubby holders, lolly jars, and more. Cash and card will be accepted.

Year 8 Camp

Last week, our Year 8 students from both campuses enjoyed three adventure-filled days at Camp Burnside and Camp Wilkin in Anglesea.

Throughout the camp, students took part in challenging activities, including surfing, high ropes, ziplining, archery, beach and team-building games. 

These experiences encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and demonstrate resilience while supporting their peers.

A highlight was seeing students strengthen friendships and develop new connections with both classmates and staff.

We congratulate our Year 8 students on the positive attitude, enthusiasm and respect they displayed throughout the camp. We also thank the staff who dedicated their time to making the experience memorable and rewarding for everyone involved.

Below is a snapshot of what our Melton and Cobblebank students enjoyed during their three days away.

Surfing

High ropes

Climbing wall

Archery

Walks, games and team building activities

Generous Response to Food Friday Challenge

Words cannot express our gratitude for the amazing response to our Food Friday Challenge, which invited students and staff to donate food for double House points.

The Faith and Mission Action Team organised this initiative as part of its Homeless Winter Appeal across both Melton and Cobblebank campuses. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our college community, who donated almost 1500 food items!  

At last week’s Melton Campus assembly, we were privileged to welcome Mrs Maureen Mohr, member of the Melton Conference at St Vincent de Paul and Volunteer Coordinator of the Melton Soup Van, who expressed her sincere thanks for the generous donations.

"Whilst many of our families here are struggling, our college community was very generous and thoughtful in giving,” Maureen said.

These words beautifully capture the spirit of our community. Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference for local families and individuals experiencing hardship.

On behalf of the Faith and Mission Action Team, we sincerely thank our entire college community for your continued generosity, compassion, and willingness to help those less fortunate.

Father's Day Prayer Service and Breakfast

All fathers and fatherly figures in our College community are welcome to join us for our annual prayer service and breakfast at both campuses to celebrate Father's Day.

Dads, uncles, brothers, and friends are invited to this special event. All the details are available below.

Please RSVP here if you and your child would like to attend.

Health and PE Week

Get ready for an action-packed week as we celebrate Health and Physical Education Week from next Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September!

There will be plenty of opportunities to get active, have fun and earn valuable house points throughout the week.

What's on at Melton Campus

Events at Melton Campus will include the highly anticipated staff v students mixed netball match on Monday, and our longest kick competition on Friday, with a Sherrin up for grabs for our winner.

On Tuesday, students can get active in a different way by making their own delicious smoothies using the smoothie bike.

The week will finish with sports scarf day on Friday, with students and staff encouraged to wear their favourite sports scarf and show their sporting spirit.

Cobblebank Campus activities

Competitive spirit will shine on Monday as activities kick off with the staff v students volleyball match, followed by exciting sports competitions, including a 3-point shootout and penalty shootout on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Cobblebank students will get their chance to make smoothies using the smoothie bike and on Thursday there will be more sporting challenges, including the longest kick competition and vertical jump competition.

Students and staff can wear their favourite sporting team's scarf on Friday. 

With prizes up for grabs and house points available all week, there is something for everyone. So get involved, support your friends and house, and help make HPE Week one to remember!

Be Active. Be Healthy. Be You!

Year 11 Students Visit NGV

Our Year 11 Visual Communication Design students recently visited the Cartier exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) as part of their studies.

The excursion began with an engaging talk led by an NGV educator, who explored how designers use context to shape their style and branding, and how design evolves across historical and contemporary settings, influenced by culture, technology, and society.

Students then toured the exhibition, applying what they had learned to analyse Cartier's iconic designs. This was a wonderful opportunity to see the connection between design theory and real-life designs.

Library News

Seeds of science: growing knowledge, one terrarium at a time

As part of National Science Week 2026 and this year's inspiring theme, Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All, students enthusiastically participated in a hands-on mini terrarium-making session in the libraries.

Students designed their terrariums and gained a deeper understanding of the conditions plants need to thrive.

The library became a hub of discovery as students shared ideas, asked questions, and proudly showcased their finished creations. More than a craft activity, the workshop showed how science can be explored in engaging, accessible ways by connecting learning with the natural world.

Congratulations to all the students who took part. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to learn perfectly reflected the spirit of Science Week and demonstrated how small seeds of curiosity can grow into lifelong learning.

Knitting for a cause

Throughout the winter months, students and staff came together in the library to knit scarves for the St Vincent de Paul Soup Van. This community service initiative gave students and staff a chance to learn new skills, connect with others, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing hardship.

Lunchtimes were filled with conversation, creativity, and the steady click of knitting needles as participants worked towards a shared goal. The completed scarves will help provide warmth and comfort during the colder months.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talent, and generosity to this worthwhile project.

Free Parent Webinar

Parents and guardians are invited to register for a free 60-minute webinar hosted by Wellio on Thursday 10 September from 6.30pm.

This practical, engaging session will help you support your child in managing social issues online and offline.

You can use the QR code below to register or click here.

Upcoming Closure of Coburns Road

Coburns Road will be closed at the level crossing between James Melrose Drive and Staughton Street from 1am Sunday 6 September until 7am Thursday 24 September.

During this period, crews will complete road resurfacing and drainage works on Coburns Road.

In addition, the northbound lane on Rees Road between Wilson Road and Staughton Street will be closed from Saturday 19 September to Thursday 24 September to allow for road resurfacing works.

Detours will be in place throughout the works, and access to schools, including pedestrian access, will be maintained.

More information and detour maps are available below.

Bridge Road Closure During School Holidays

Melton City Council is constructing a new raised signalised pedestrian crossing on Bridge Road and a raised crossing on Wembley Avenue, in Cobblebank.

As part of these works Bridge Road will be temporarily closed between Wembley Avenue and Bridge Road Children’s and Community Centre in the September school holidays from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October 2026.

Traffic will be detoured via Diamond Parade, Stonehenge Drive, and Alabaster Avenue. Bus route 454 will divert via the detour with temporary bus stops in place. 

Following the reopening, there will be temporary lane closures outside peak times from Monday 5 October to Friday 16 October 2026.

More information and a detour map are available below.

Shop 4 Schools Promotion

The College has joined Woodgrove Shopping Centre’s Shop 4 Schools promotion. We’re now in with a chance to win a share of $20,000* but we need your help!

From Wednesday 19 August until Sunday 18 October, every dollar you spend at participating retailers can be allocated as points for our school.

Simply scan the QR code below to upload your receipts from purchases made at Woodgrove. Or click here

Plus, when you register for Shop 4 Schools, you’ll automatically go in the draw to win a $50 Woodgrove Gift Card. One is given away each week!

For more information and full terms and conditions click here.

*Terms & conditions apply.

Community Notices

Free community event this weekend