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Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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This week I had the privilege of accompanying our Year 8 students on a City Pilgrimage as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Pilgrimages are an ancient practice that can be made anywhere by anyone for just about any spiritual purpose.
Traditionally, pilgrimages include some kind of travel, prayer and visiting holy places. In the past, people would either travel by boat or by horse, but most pilgrims walked.
While anyone can travel to a location, the difference between being a tourist and a pilgrim is that while tourists like to experience new surroundings and see new things, a pilgrim searches for something deeper. A pilgrimage is an intentional encounter with God.
Our program for the students asked them to reflect on signs of hope, particularly in the images of Jesus, Mary and the saints.
They were asked to be curious about their surroundings and to sit in silence to reflect on their place in the world and their own relationship with God.
This year, Pope Francis has encouraged us all to embark on a pilgrimage like this, whether that be to a physical location or a spiritual place to deepen our experience and understanding of God.
With Holy Week commencing this year on 13 April, Christians are called to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and how the resurrection has brought hope to our world.
This Easter, just as Christ brought hope to the world, may we too be beacons of hope to all those we encounter.
The weeks have flown by, and here we are in the last week of Term 1.
So much has happened – we celebrated Harmony Day, our Year 8 students went on a pilgrimage to significant churches in Melbourne, Bridge Road in Cobblebank opened, we finished construction of the Brindisi Building at Melton Campus and introduced a structured, College pastoral program, just to name a few.
Thank you to our staff who have worked so hard to make these achievements happen.
As we continue our journey towards Easter, I include this week a reflection from Dr Mary Coloe PBVM. (PBVM stands for Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, referring to the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in 1775.)
Mary taught me a unit on John's Gospel and is both a religious sister and a powerful female theologian specialising in New Testament biblical studies.
“The Lenten theme of repentance (metanoia) is the central teaching of St Paul's Letter to the Corinthians (10:1-6.10-12). Living Christian faith does make demands that go beyond an hour each Sunday.
“In all the choices we make about what we buy, how we live, and how we are to be guided by the Gospel Principles to love of God and neighbour, are we living a rigorous Christianity that stands for principals of social justice, respect for all, tolerance towards others with a special regard for those most vulnerable in our society?
“What are our values really? How much do Gospel values impinge on the choices we make?
“These questions may help deepen our Lenten time of metanoia. Lent is a metanoia time, giving us a chance to have a change of heart and to live from the choices of our hearts.
“This week, take some time to reflect on your choices and the direction in which you want your life to go. Choose while the choice is still possible.”
Reproduced from the Christ our Light Catholic Parish Bulletin, 23 March 2025.
Last Sunday's Gospel continues this theme of repentance with the story of the prodigal son returning to his father. In these final weeks of Lent, let us all reflect deeply on how we too can come to our senses and return to the Father.
I wish you all a safe and restful break, but more importantly, a wonderful Easter celebration. May this most significant celebration in our Church's calendar have a meaningful impact on all in our St Francis Catholic College community.
| Dates to remember | |
| Friday 4 April | Last day of Term 1 - students dismissed at 2.30pm |
| Monday 21 April | Easter Monday Public Holiday |
| Tuesday 22 April | Student Study at Home day - College office closed |
| Wednesday 23 April | Student Study at Home day - College office reopens, Staff Faith Formation Day |
| Thursday 24 April | Student Study at Home day - Staff Professional Learning Day |
| Friday 25 April | ANZAC Day Public Holiday |
| Monday 28 April | Students return to begin Term 2 |
| Dates to remember | |
| Friday 4 April | Last day of Term 1 - student dismissed at 3pm |
| Monday 21 April | Easter Monday Public Holiday |
| Tuesday 22 April | Student Study at Home day - College office closed |
| Wednesday 23 April | Student Study at Home day - College office reopens, Staff Faith Formation Day |
| Thursday 24 April | Student Study at Home day - Staff Professional Learning Day |
| Friday 25 April | ANZAC Day Public Holiday |
Monday 28 April | Students return to begin Term 2 |
Parent Student Teacher Interviews will be held on-site at both campuses on:
Bookings can be made via the parent portal PAM from this Thursday 3 April and throughout the holidays.
Below are instructions to help you make your booking. The College will provide interpreters for parents and guardians who require them. You will be asked if you need an interpreter when you log in to PAM to book your interview.
How to book your Parent Student Teacher Interview
It is important that students attend these interviews to share in the conversations taking place, reflecting on what they have achieved and the priorities for the year ahead.
A reminder about the road rules regarding e-scooters, particularly when traveling to and from school.
You can legally ride an e-scooter in Victoria if you are 16 years or older.
You can ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths), or roads that have a speed limit up to 60km/h. You must:
Source: Victoria Police website
Students who are not at least 16 years old should not be riding e-scooters to and from school.
Any student who arrives at school on an e-scooter and is under 16 will not be allowed to ride it home. Parents and guardians will be contacted to collect the e-scooter.
When riding a bicycle or non-powered scooter, you must wear a helmet, even if you are riding on a footpath.
Please ensure your child is following the road laws to keep themselves and others in our school community safe.
Cobblebank Campus families are reminded to take extra care when dropping off and picking up their children on Adelong Boulevard.
Please use the parking bays available and do not stop or park in front of a driveway.
The street is busy before and after school as students move to and from vehicles.
Stopping on the road or illegally, allowing your child to step out of the car and onto the road or dart out between cars is dangerous and puts the safety of all pedestrians and motorists at risk.
The College is working to introduce Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as a second language and taster program, provided we can recruit an Auslan teacher or Auslan language assistant for 2026.
We have two teachers enrolled in Level 3 Auslan with Renee D’Offay, an Auslan teacher and native signer.
These staff members will soon visit St Mary’s School for the deaf at the Tarneit Campus of Thomas Carr College. In Semester 2, another 10 staff will begin Level 1 training in Auslan.
Many students in our feeder primary schools learn Auslan thanks to the MACS Teacher as Co-learners Program.
Our Director of Professional Practice, Mollie Daphne, and I were able to see first-hand how this is completed in the classroom through a recent visit to St Anthony’s Primary School.
If you know an Auslan teacher or Auslan language assistant who would like to join our staff, please contact our Recruitment Officer Olivia Rabottini, at orabottini@sfcc.vic.edu.au, or me jholmes@sfcc.vic.edu.au, for more details.
The work of our Year 9 students at both campuses highlighted the depth of understanding developed during their Term 1 studies of World War I in Humanities classes.
Their amazing models, replicas, stories, artwork and artefacts expressed their learnings in creative and sensitive ways. Click here to read more and see photos of our students’ work.
There will be three Study at Home Days at the beginning of Term 2 - Tuesday 22 April, Wednesday 23 April and Thursday 24 April.
All students will begin classes on Monday 28 April.
As students begin to prepare for the holidays, a reminder to take home any homework or unfinished assessment tasks and use the Study at Home days to complete these. It's also a good time to ensure stationery supplies are replenished to support a good start in Term 2.
Junior students can revise current units of work, complete any outstanding tasks or activities and prepare for any upcoming assessments in Term 2.
Senior students should revise current units of work, complete any outstanding tasks or activities and prepare for any upcoming Assessment Tasks (ATs) or School Based Coursework or Tasks (SACs/SATs).
It’s also a good opportunity to begin revising Term 1 work in preparation for Semester 1 exams.
Last week, our Year 9 students at both campuses submitted their artefact creations for their Humanities World War I assessment task.
They created some amazing pieces of work, as you will see in the photos below.
On behalf of the Year 9 Humanities team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the families who supported the students to create these artefacts at home. We hope the experience provided an opportunity for you to talk to your child about the range of World War I topics covered in class.
We also appreciated the support of our Melton families who attended last week’s exhibition and witnessed some of the activities students completed out on the soccer pitch. There was a great buzz around the campus as students spoke about their work with their loved ones.
I would also like to thank the Year 9 Humanities teachers for all their hard work in the facilitation of this assessment and exhibition.
We look forward to seeing this event grow in the years to come.
Melton Campus
The Night at the Museum event provided our class with an opportunity to express our creativity while gaining deeper insights into World War I through the creation of historical artifacts. Each student crafted a unique piece, showcasing our collective dedication and research.
The day unfolded quickly with various immersive activities that enhanced our understanding of a soldier's experience. Participating in challenges such as tug-of-war and stretcher-carrying gave us a glimpse into the physical demands faced by those who served.
It was fascinating to explore everyone's artefacts and observe how classmates interpreted historical items using materials found at home. This hands-on approach to history transformed our understanding of World War I beyond what textbooks alone could convey.
The exhibition not only celebrated our hard work but also created a meaningful connection to an important historical period through creative expression and experiential learning. Mikayla, Year 9 student, Melton Campus
Cobblebank Campus
This term in Year 9 Humanities, we learned about World War I - how it started, what was going on at that time, and how it ended. For the assessment, we made artefacts related to WWI. I made a replica of a first aid kit, as my focus was on the role of the Red Cross during the war.
My artefact was a brown shoebox with the Red Cross logo and several tools and medicines. I created bandages, an aspirin box, some ointment, and a set of tweezers. I wanted people to understand how hard the nurses worked during the war to help the soldiers and I wanted them to know how scarce and underdeveloped the resources were.
Throughout last week I saw lots of amazing artefacts like a boat, a nurse’s outfit, some trench rats, a tank, and a diorama of no man’s land. My favourite part of the unit was learning about WWI’s causes. I didn’t know that WWI started all because of an assassination. I just thought countries were having problems, so they decided to strike opposing countries, and it created a big war. Achraj, Academic Captain, Cobblebank Campus
Cobblebank’s Year 8 Fibre students got up close to some fascinating animals during a highly anticipated incursion yesterday.
Staff from Reptile Encounters visited the campus to talk to students about threatened and endangered species. Throughout this term, Year 8s have worked diligently to create joey pouches, which they were excited to donate to marsupials in need.
During the session, students had the unique opportunity to interact with various animals, including a ring-tail possum, a gliding possum, and a Woylie - an animal now extinct in Victoria.
In addition to these marsupials, students were introduced to other rescued creatures such as frogs, a turtle, a large albino python, and a saltwater crocodile.
The session sparked insightful discussions on topics such as injured kangaroos on the road, the vital role of the handmade pouches, and the challenges faced by endangered Australian species in need of rescue and protection.
The incursion was an enriching experience for the students, and the presenters were deeply grateful for the thoughtful donation of our handmade joey pouches.
St Francis students represented the College exceptionally well at the 2025 SACCSS Swimming Championships, claiming three Age Champion awards, four individual team pennants and the Senior Team Aggregate trophy.
Both Melton and Cobblebank campuses competed independently in Division 2, taking home 87 podium finishes between them.
Congratulations to our three Age Champions:
Congratulations also to all students in the following teams that were awarded pennants on the day:
We are extremely proud of all our students who participated in the Swimming Championships this year and hope to see you all again in 2026.
Thank you to the parents and guardians who brought their children to swim training before school every week in Term 1 in preparation for this event.
Thank you also to all staff from both campuses who gave up their time to coach and support our athletes.
Below is a full list of results.
Our College community spirit was evident last week as students and staff participated in Harmony Week activities.
Following on from the wonderful opening assemblies and cultural dances, students had many opportunities during lunchtimes to get involved.
At Melton Campus, a cupcake icing workshop by our College receptionist, Samantha Butcher, was very popular.
Samantha kindly shared her knowledge and expertise, baking cupcakes and then teaching students how to create beautiful piped floral decorations in Harmony Day colours.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the activity, and we thank Samantha for giving generously of her time, knowledge, and resources.
Outside the kitchen, there were games, henna art, bead bracelet making and art and craft activities to keep students busy and Year 9 Bakhita student Ollie put on another fantastic stock whipping demonstration on the green.
We also had a visit from the Zone, a youth alcohol and other drugs program for Melbourne’s northern and western regions delivered by Drummond Street Services, Youth Support & Advocacy Services (YSAS), and Odyssey House Victoria.
The Zone team created a friendly vibe while on campus, with students picking up several free gifts.
Our canteen added to Harmony Week festivities by offering a special menu representing countries around the world. We thank them for the delicious food and continued support of this annual event.
To end the week on a high, last Friday our Melton Campus held its Ks for Caritas event, with students and staff walking more than 800 laps of the oval with heavy bags of rice and buckets filled with water.
The aim is to raise awareness of the many kilometres people in other countries walk daily to access fresh water, food, and education - all things we take for granted.
There was plenty of support and enthusiasm for participants and some friendly competition among houses to see who could walk the most laps during the big break.
The final tally is below.
Bakhita 198, Dominic 163, Glowrey 145, Bernard 92, MacKillop 86, Anthony 86, Lawrence 58 and Catherine 37. Total: 865
On behalf of the Harmony Week team, we would like to thank all the students and staff who embraced the spirit of the week and helped prepare and run activities. Let us continue to bring harmony to all walks of life each day.
Last week, Reflection Days were held for all Year 8 students at both campuses over two days. This involved a one-day workshop run by the Youth Ministry Team and a pilgrimage into the city.
The workshop focused on three relationships: our relationship with ourselves, relationships with others and our relationship with God. The focus of the pilgrimage was the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Students on the pilgrimage visited three churches: St Mary Star of the Sea, St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Francis Church, where they also celebrated Mass.
While at the churches, students were asked to focus on signs of hope and encouraged to reflect on the significance of the artwork and architecture they encountered.
It was a very positive experience for all involved, with many students developing an appreciation for the symbolism, history and the way the message of hope was reflected in the different churches.
Aventus Week has been a fantastic celebration of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) framework and the values that shape our school culture.
Throughout the week, students have been acknowledged for consistently demonstrating the key pillars of our Student Expectation Framework: Empathy, Community and Endeavour.
A highlight of the week has been the collation of Commendation Cards, which recognise the positive actions, choices, and attitudes of our students.
It has been wonderful to see so many students celebrated for the way they contribute to a respectful and supportive school environment.
To wrap up the term, students will have the opportunity to cash in their Commendation Cards at the Aventus Table for a selection of rewards.
This not only celebrates their achievements but also reinforces the importance of positive behaviour and consistent effort.
A big thank you to all staff for their continued support of PB4L and for the time they dedicate to recognising and encouraging our students.
Together, we’re building a strong, values-driven culture where positive behaviour is both expected and celebrated.
I wish everyone in our College community a wonderful, safe Easter break.
Our Unit 3 & 4 Food Studies students have been exploring how food fosters a sense of connectedness within their community.
They have used fresh, organic produce from the Melton Campus vegetable garden, carefully maintained by the VCE-VM students, whose hard work ensures a supply of homegrown ingredients.
Recently, the Food Studies students made tear and share bread, featuring basil harvested straight from the garden, filling the space with its aromatic scent.
A special thanks to our VCE VM students, whose dedication is literally paving the way for the creation of a vibrant community garden.
Technology Domain Leader
Last Thursday, a group of Melton Campus VCE VM students worked with an external tradesman in the vegetable patch to install artificial grass.
The aim is to have a leisure space in the garden, with furniture made by students to come.
The team appointed Year 12 student Sione as foreman of the site and worked hard to dig and level the ground to prepare it for grass to come early in Term 2.
With time to spare, the garden got a tidy up and the green house in the space was taken apart to be relocated to the Gadal area.
The foreman for this job was Year 12 student Josh and the boys learned about safe practices in demolition and how to label then store all the screws and pieces for a successful rebuild elsewhere.
Applied Learning Leader
Our Melton Campus VCE Visual Communication Design (VCD) students recently visited the Melbourne Museum to experience Top Designs 2025, an exhibition featuring exceptional folio work from the top VCD, Media, and Product Design students across Victoria in 2024.
Students were inspired as they engaged with the high-quality works on display, gaining valuable insights that deepened their understanding of the expectations as they begin their own folio projects.
The students also participated in an educational forum with Senior Graphic Designer Jess Louey, whose expertise in the Design Thinking process provided students with a real-world perspective on problem-solving and creativity in the industry.
Our Melton Campus VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate students have been working hard preparing a range of handmade gifts for the annual Makers Market, to be held during Big Break on Monday 5 May.
This year, our students are exploring various creative skills in preparation for the market. They have dabbled in resin, decoupage, clay, melting wax and soap, terrarium building, macrame, embossing and much more.
Items for sale will include resin serving boards, bookmarks, tote and make-up bags, homemade cards, key rings, trinket dishes, and plants.
Producing this range of products has developed our students’ problem-solving and teamwork abilities. They are also achieving their course outcomes around Occupational Health and Safety, collaboration, conflict resolution in groups, idea sharing, and developing transferable employment skills.
The Makers Market is a great chance for students to purchase a handmade Mother’s Day gift! Cash and cards will be accepted, and hot chocolates whipped up by our budding baristas will also be available.
| Team | Result | SFCC ladder position |
| Senior Boys Division 1 | SFCC 3 sets d St Monica’s College 2 sets | 4 |
| Senior Boys Division 1B | Bye | 5 |
| Senior Girls | St Monica’s College 3 sets d SFCC 1 set | 5 |
In our final week of Term 1, we would like to share with you one more story of hope from Caritas Australia.
Irene lives in a remote village in the Kongolo Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Life hasn’t been easy for Irene. After losing her father in a war, Irene and her family were forced to flee their home. Life became even more challenging when her husband left, leaving Irene to raise her two children alone.
Without finishing her education and with few job opportunities in her village, she struggled to provide even the basics for her family.
Things began to change when Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program, run by Caritas Kongolo with the support of Caritas Australia.
Through the program, Irene learned sewing skills and was provided with a sewing machine and fabric. Irene also gained farming skills. Now, she grows enough food to feed her family and even shares her sewing knowledge by mentoring other women in her community.
“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” Irene said.
Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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