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School Reception: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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Since the fourth century, Catholics have set aside the six weeks before Easter as a special time of prayer, fasting, and reflection.
Traditionally, Lent has been a time of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Fasting can be a powerful way to connect with those experiencing poverty; however, it doesn’t always have to be a fast from something physical.
A way we might consider ‘fasting’ this Lent is to set aside ‘the self’ for a while, take on a greater concern for others, and do this in a way that draws us out of our comfort zone a little.
We ask God to help us find generous, compassionate, and loving things we could do for others to help them conquer the mountains in their lives and grow in faith.
St Francis, known for his devotion to serving the marginalised and his reverence for the natural world, teaches us to live with open hearts and to find joy in acts of kindness and selflessness.
This Lent, we are guided by his words, chosen by our school community for our annual theme: ‘Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible’.
Let us begin this sacred journey of Lent with open hearts and minds, ready to deepen our faith and live life more justly and with love.
The first week of Lent is a wonderful time to spark a focus on prayer, fasting and service. As the leaders of faith in your family, I ask you to consider how you can nurture a Lenten spirit in your homes.
An easy way to start is perhaps to create a prayer routine before dinner each evening or a prayer upon rising each morning.
Perhaps a family commitment to composting, recycling or picking up rubbish to show love for Mother Nature. Maybe you can ask everyone in the family and at work to participate in Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, with all proceeds being donated to our school’s Project Compassion campaign.
Perhaps a family commitment to fasting from negative comments to each other or about others.
I urge you to be creative in finding meaningful and impactful ways your family can grow in God’s love this Lent.
This week, we launched our Project Compassion campaign. Click here to read more about how to donate.
Thank you to families who joined us last week for our annual House Welcome Evenings.
The weather was perfect and the buzz amongst our staff, students and families was wonderful.
Several parents commented that it was lovely to put a face to the names they often see in our newsletter. This sense of community has long been a strength at our College, so it is terrific that we continue to build these connections and partnerships with families.
Easter is very early this year, so in Week 3 we commence our Lenten preparation with Shrove Tuesday today, followed by Ash Wednesday.
Staff and students will participate in a morning liturgy to signify the start of our 40 days of Lent.
This Sunday’s Gospel reading prepares us for what is ahead. We hear in Mark's Gospel that Jesus has an encounter with a leper. Since lepers were not permitted inside the city walls and were banished to live in inhospitable places, I wonder how Jesus came to be in the same place as the leper. It points to the fact that Jesus continually sought out those less fortunate and that his message was not for a particular elite group but for everyone, including the marginalised.
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, which calls us to reflect on our treatment of those in the shadows. Who are the marginalised in your life that you might seek out this Lent?
Growing up as children, we were encouraged to give up something for Lent, but more modern-day thinking asks us to act or do something proactive.
The Gospel for this liturgical year is Mark's and it is the shortest. A commitment to reading Mark’s Gospel or learning more about St Francis, our College patron saint, are simple ways to deepen our spiritual life during the Lenten season.
| Dates to remember | |
| Wednesday 14 February | Year 12 Information Night, 7pm (online) |
Friday 16 February | Campus Opening Mass - full academic uniform required |
| Monday 19 February | Sibling and catch-up photo day |
| Thursday 22 February | Campus Swimming Carnival |
| Wednesday 28 February | Year 9 Rite Journey Boys Ceremony |
| Thursday 29 February | SFCC Concert Band Information Evening - Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus, 7pm |
| Wednesday 6 March | Year 9 Rite Journey Girls Ceremony |
| Monday 11 March | Labour Day Public Holiday |
| Tuesday 12 March | Parents and Friends meeting |
| Thursday 28 March | End of Term 1 - 3pm dismissal |
| Dates to remember | |
Friday 23 February | Campus Swimming Carnival |
| Thursday 29 February | SFCC Concert Band Information Evening - Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus, 7pm |
| Monday 11 March | Labour Day Public Holiday |
| Tuesday 12 March | Parents and Friends meeting |
| Thursday 28 March | End of Term 1 - 3pm dismissal |
Last week we celebrated the start of the year with a House Welcome Evening. It was wonderful to meet our new and existing families and hear about their children’s start to the year and how they have settled into classroom routines. It was also an opportunity to remind families of the different structures implemented last year.
The evening also allowed families to meet their child’s House Leader and House Mentor, discuss their child’s education, and ask questions.
We encourage families to attend all College events. As your child’s first educator, we know that working in partnership and maintaining a strong connection achieves the best academic outcomes for your child.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with your child’s House Mentor. They will work with you to ensure you have the answers you need.
Our families are valued members of our College community, and we look forward to celebrating and sharing our many achievements with you throughout the year.
The annual photo day for Melton Campus students was held on Friday 2 February. Please click here to read more about ordering your child’s photo, the catch-up day next Monday 19 February, for those who were absent and how to organise a family photograph.
It was wonderful to celebrate our opening mass last Tuesday at St Anthony’s church. Our students are to be commended for their reverence and participation during the mass.
Thank you to the many families who joined us last Tuesday for our House Welcome evening. It was an opportunity to catch up with our 2023 families and to meet our new 2024 families.
There was a genuine sense of community in the cloister with families and staff enjoying the chance to chat informally. This was followed by a presentation from our House Leaders.
With warm sunny days upon us, Cobblebank Campus students are encouraged to apply sunscreen before they come to school each day and bring a hat.
Many students enjoy being active during their break but must also be mindful of sun exposure. Sunscreen is available for students to apply at school, and they are reminded by staff to wear a hat while outside.
The wide awning on our yellow building is architecturally designed to provide shelter and shade throughout the day. There are also outdoor chairs for students to move around and use in this area, and space is plentiful.
The Master Plan for Cobblebank Campus includes a pavilion in the cloister to provide another shaded area as the school grows. The College is also considering installing shade sails and is currently seeking quotes for this work. Over time, tree planting is specifically designed to provide ample shade.
On days of extreme heat with high UV, inside spaces will be opened for students.
A reminder that students are required to wear the College cap or bucket hat, which are available from the uniform shop.
Our Faith and Mission Action Teams led the launch of Project Compassion today at both campuses with successful pancake stalls to mark Shrove Tuesday and the beginning of Lent tomorrow, Ash Wednesday.
Staff and students enjoyed a warm pancake with a choice of toppings. The money raised will go towards our Project Compassion campaign, which will run during Term 1.
The season of Lent heralds the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas, the Catholic agency for international aid and development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
During Lent, both campuses will demonstrate their call to action within their houses and mentor groups by organising fundraising activities. All mentor groups received their Project Compassion boxes today, and students are encouraged to donate during the weeks leading up to Easter.
The mentor groups from each house that raise the most funds will be recognised at the end of the campaign.
Along with mentor and house activities, students can participate in the K’s for Caritas challenge later in Term 1.
Students and staff will walk or run laps carrying bags of rice or buckets of water. These K’s for Caritas help raise awareness of global poverty. Many underprivileged people, including young children, walk several kilometres daily to access fresh water, education or work. Many of the things that we take for granted.
This event will take place during our Harmony and Diversity week celebrations from 18-22 March.
Project Compassion reminds us that the good we do today will extend and impact future generations. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow.
We encourage all students and families to give generously to Project Compassion this Lenten season. Along with donation boxes in your child’s mentor group, the College has a fundraising page. You can click here to donate online.
Students at the Melton Campus had their school photo taken on 2 February and will receive ordering instructions from their Mentor teachers this week.
Students who were absent on photo day can have their photograph taken next Monday 19 February. Family photos will also be taken on this day. To organise a family photo, please register with Arthur Reed here.
Please remember that bookings for family photos will close at midday on Sunday 18 February.
Full academic uniform, including the blazer, is required for all school photographs.
Annual school photos including sibling photos were taken by Arthur Reed Photos today (13 February).
There is no need to return any forms or money to school.
Unique image codes were issued to all students today so families can register online to view images when they become available in the webshop.
Registration is simple; just follow the three steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children attending the school.
When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email.
Once registered, please wait for notification that 2024 images are online to view before making your purchase.
Tomorrow we will observe Ash Wednesday and no meat will be served at the canteen.
Please see the altered menu below.
All items are available via the Flexischools app, or students can come to the canteen and place an order before the first bell.
A reminder that all lunch orders prepared in the canteen will be served at the first break, 11.25am.
HOT FOOD |
|
Veggie Burger veggie patty, lettuce, tomato & tomato relish |
$7.00 |
Pasta - Mac n Cheese |
$5.50 |
Fried Rice - vegetable (G/F) |
$5.50 |
Pizza - Margherita |
$6.50 |
Wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce or tomato sauce |
$6.50 |
Cheese and Tomato Toastie |
$4.00 |
Cheese Toastie |
$3.50 |
Jumbo Vegetable Spring Roll |
$3.50 |
Pastizzi - ricotta or spinach and ricotta |
$1.50 |
Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls |
$1.50 |
Vegetable Samosa |
$1.50 |
Vegetable Taquito (sour cream and sweet chilli available for $1.00) |
$1.00 |
Hash Brown |
$1.00 |
Tomato Sauce, BBQ Sauce or Sweet Chilli Sauce |
$0.50 |
Due to ongoing planning works, the canteen at Cobblebank Campus remains closed. We anticipate opening soon and the College will notify families once this occurs.
Welcome back for 2024 and what a year it's going to be in sport!
SACCSS competition began last week for our senior netballers and cricketers who competed in their respective Round 1 matches. Both teams started the season with a bang and have already displayed exceptional sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing what these players can achieve throughout the season!
Team | Result | SFCC Ladder position |
| Senior Netball | SFCC 42 d Caroline Chisholm College 17 | 1 |
| Senior Cricket | SFCC 123 d Marymede Catholic College 122 | 2 |
Last week, our swimming squad, made up of Melton and Cobblebank students, began their early morning training. It was a great success with many laps swum and much talent among the squad.
This week, 20 students will compete in the SACCSS Senior Futsal event, and we wish both our girls’ and boys' teams the best of luck.
Our annual Swimming Carnival for Melton Campus will be held on Thursday 22 February and for Cobblebank Campus on Friday 23 February.
There will be many activities for students, ranging from the usual competition races such as freestyle, backstroke and relays to exciting novelty events for those eager to participate and earn House points.
May the best House win!
The Senior Netball team played their first game for the year last Tuesday. We travelled to Braybrook to compete against Caroline Chisholm and played extremely well, coming away with a 25-goal win, which placed us first on the ladder.
Even though it was the first time we had all played together, everyone gelled nicely and showed great sportsmanship on the day.
We are all looking forward to playing our next game on Friday.
Lauren Martin and Ebony Raudino, Captains, Senior Netball Team
Last Wednesday, the school's Senior Cricket team travelled to Marymede Catholic College.
It was a good day out for the team, who won the game with a couple of overs left and seven wickets in hand. Ryan Dreaver starred, taking one wicket and scoring roughly 40 runs to lead the team to victory.
Jhett Ramsey, Co-Captain, Senior Cricket Team
Athletes compete at relay championships
During the recent school holidays, three SFCC students competed in the Little Athletics Victoria State Relay Championships at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.
Year 9 students Caleb and Asher and Year 8 student Lachlan represented their Athletics Clubs on the day.
At this annual event, the top 23 teams across Victoria compete in 4x100m, 4x200m and medley races.
We congratulate the students for reaching such a high level in their chosen sport.
An information session regarding establishing a new College concert band will be held for students and families from both campuses on Thursday 29 February from 7pm in the Performing Arts Centre at the Melton Campus.
The session is open to interested parents and students from all year levels, with a particular focus on Year 7 students. There will be demonstrations and displays of musical instruments on the night.
All Year 7 students at both campuses will undergo a Music Aptitude Survey before the evening to ascertain their natural musical abilities.
You will be able to discuss the results of the aptitude survey with your child’s music teacher on the night. Students from other year levels are encouraged to attend and discuss their interest and participation.
The college aims to establish a concert band program on both campuses. Each campus will conduct weekly rehearsals.
For more information, please contact Gary White at the Melton Campus, gwhite@sfcc.vic.edu.au, or Suzanne Askew at the Cobblebank Campus, saskew@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
Maths Club at the Melton Campus will begin this week and is a great opportunity for your child to receive help with their homework or study.
Whether your child is looking for extra support in maths or just a calm, quiet place to do some work, Maths Club could be the place for them.
There is a junior room for Year 7-9 students and senior room for Year 10-12 students, each with a teacher to assist and supervise students.
Your child is welcome to attend as many sessions as they choose and can leave a session early if needed. They will be added to a Microsoft Teams page to keep them updated on any changes to the scheduled sessions.
Please note that if your child attends Maths Club, you must ensure they have a way to get home afterwards.
Please email me at jfarrugia@sfcc.vic.edu.au if you have any questions or want your child to attend Maths Club. Your permission via PAM is required before they begin.
Simon Everywhere puts permission requests for excursions, emails and school reports at your fingertips.
The app gives you access to PAM, the College online parent portal and allows you to:
Simon Everywhere can be downloaded from the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Click here to watch our video guide or see below for instructions.
Please email itsupport@sfcc.vic.edu.au if you require further information or assistance.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Youth Leadership Project is returning to Melton in 2024, with applications now open.
This FREE program, led by the
Western Bulldogs Community Foundation offering unique opportunities for young
people aged 14-16 to build confidence, make new friends and develop skills that
will enable them to become leaders in their community.
The 10-session program consists
of sessions involving opportunities to develop a range of life skills and
connections and culminated in a ‘social impact’ project on a topic of the
participant’s choosing.
The program kick starts with a 2-day camp in the April school holidays.
Throughout the 10-sessions,
participants learn from experienced leaders in the community who discuss topics
including mental health, intercultural understanding, social inclusion, gender
equity, education and employment pathways and public speaking.
Due to the popularity of the
program, participation is by application only. To find out more, and to start
your application scan the QR code below.
Nominations are now open for the School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Award.
The biennial award acknowledges the dedication of school crossing supervisors who contribute to the safe journey of students to and from school throughout Victoria.
Click here for more information and to nominate your local crossing supervisor.
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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