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Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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On Sunday 8 June, the Church celebrated Pentecost – a sacred day that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
Signalling 50 days to the end of the Easter season, Pentecost is not just a remembrance of the past; it is a celebration of the life force of Jesus continuing to dwell among us as a community. Though Jesus’ body ascended into heaven, His Spirit remained - breathing, guiding, and empowering us to carry on His mission.
As Scripture tells us: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
At Pentecost, we are called to reflect on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
These gifts are not just blessings; they are challenges. They call us to grow in faith, to act with courage, to seek truth, and to serve others with compassion and humility.
They remind us that the Spirit is not passive but active, urging us to live out our faith boldly and authentically.
On Wednesday 4 June, Anthony House students and staff from both campuses celebrated Mass in honour of their patron, St Anthony of Padua.
Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, St Anthony lived the Gospel with passion and humility. He famously said, “Spread the Gospel. Use words if you must”.
His life reminds us that our actions are the most powerful testimony of our faith. He is also the patron saint of lost things.
St Anthony’s close friendship with St Francis of Assisi further highlights for us
the importance of community, compassion, and living the Gospel daily.
As a Franciscan school we were reminded to keep the Spirit of Christ alive and thriving in our hearts and in our community.
“The students of Anthony House recently celebrated the life and mission of St Anthony by going to St Catherine of Siena church to attend Mass. We learned more about St Anthony’s early life and his mission. After the Mass finished, we enjoyed a donut to celebrate.” Thomas, Year 8
It has been a busy week with the Stage 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony at Cobblebank Campus, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) launch of Vision for Engagement, and the Melbourne Catholic Professionals lunch.
It was with great excitement that we officially marked the commencement of Stage 3 at the Cobblebank Campus with a Groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday.
The State Member for Melton Steve McGhie MP joined me in turning soil to begin construction works.
We also welcomed guests from MACS, our architects Baldasso Cortese, our builders AW Nicholson, and Parents and Friends Association, who together with our leadership team and student leaders celebrated the occasion.
With the strong demand for places across all year levels, this new building will allow the College to continue to expand beyond Year 7- 9 and to grow into a 7-12 campus providing both VCE and VCE VM classes for our students.
I would like to acknowledge the State Government's contribution of $6 million and loan funds of $15 million from the Catholic Development Fund, which will allow the College to build this fantastic next stage of the campus.
As part of this funding, we will also be build a Resource Centre and specialist VCE and VCE-VM classrooms.
Stage 3 builds on the foundations of Stages 1 and 2, which saw the commencement of a protected cloister around the central courtyard that is purposefully designed to provide protection from the elements and a connection to our rich Catholic traditions.
It was a pleasure to attend last week’s Melbourne Catholic Professionals (MCP) lunch sponsored by Catholic Superannuation.
Catholic professionals from a wide variety of occupations met to share a meal and listen to an incredible speaker, Róisín Annesley KC.
Róisín is a barrister, Officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria, and currently serves as the President of the Australian Bar Association as well as being a Member of the MACS Board.
This luncheon was part of the ongoing MCP series, which brings together Catholic professionals to network and engage with topics at the intersection of faith and professional life.
The key message was that as Catholics in leadership, we must never forget that we have a voice and that it is not only ok but indeed preferable to speak out on our faith position on issues that face the world that we inhabit.
Some of Róisín’s incredible story included quotes from St Philip Neri, who was known for his humour and humility, and believed that, "A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one." He often used humour and gentle wit as a form of spiritual guidance.
Further details of the MACS Vision for Engagement will be shared in next week's newsletter.
| Dates to remember | |
| Wednesday 11 June - Friday 20 June | Year 10 & 11 Exams |
| Tuesday 17 June | General Achievement Test -VCE VM students and non-ATAR students will complete Section A of the GAT only.
All scored VCE students will complete Section A and Section B. |
| Monday 23 June | Student Study at Home Day |
| Monday 23 June - Friday 27 June | Year 10 Work Experience |
| Tuesday 24 June | Semester 2 begins |
| Wednesday 25 June | Year 9 Camp begins |
| Thursday 3 July | Subject and Pathway Expo and Information Evening - Years 10 & 11 2026 |
| Friday 4 July | Final day of Term 2 - students dismissed at 2.30pm |
| Dates to remember | |
| Wednesday 18 June | Year 9 Camp begins |
| Monday 23 June | Student Study at Home Day |
| Tuesday 24 June | Semester 2 begins |
| Thursday 3 July | Subject and Pathway Expo and Information Evening - Years 10 & 11 2026 |
| Friday 4 July | Final day of Term 2 - students dismissed at 2.30pm |
We are still keen to hear from families who would consider hosting a student from a school in Italy who will visit us early in Term 3 this year.
Every year, the College hosts students from Convitto Nazionale “Paolo Diacono” school in the Friuli region in northern Italy.
The students from Italy:
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to enhance their Italian language skills and foster new international friendships.
During their visit, your students will connect with you and your family in many ways.
Whether it’s sharing meals, watching movies, playing games, or exploring the local area, the students are eager to learn about life in Australia.
There is no need to plan elaborate or costly visits to tourist attractions – our visiting students want to experience your regular activities, customs, foods and leisure time.
Connecting with a young person from another culture can teach your children patience, compassion, and curiosity. It can help your child and the visiting student grow up with an open mind and learn lessons that are not often found in a classroom.
They are also more likely to study abroad themselves and develop a passion for understanding the world beyond their own borders.
Previous host families have spoken highly of the experience and the benefits it brought to both their children and the visiting student.
Please see the notice below regarding Powercor works this week at the corner of Ferris Road and Bridge Road, which are expected to continue until Tuesday 24 June.
The main points to note are:
Semester 2 will begin next Tuesday 24 June.
Monday 23 June is a student Study at Home day. Students can use this day to catch up on any outstanding work and prepare for Semester 2.
Staff will be marking Semester 1 assessments and exams and preparing for their new classes.
In some cases, students may have a class change for their core subjects. This is to ensure they receive their chosen electives.
We look forward to beginning our new semester.
The final day of Term 2 for all students is Friday 4 July.
Students at both campuses will be dismissed at 2.30pm on this day, and Semester 1 reports will be released.
Term 3 begins for all students on Monday 21 July.
It has been a big start to the year for the Faith and Mission Team!
In Term 1, we kicked things off with our annual Swimming Carnival BBQ and flipped pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, raising an impressive $239. We also launched our whole-college Project Compassion appeal for Caritas - and had an incredible response!
It was amazing to see so many mentor groups getting involved for such a great Catholic cause. From sweet treat sales and sporting events to a brave volunteer getting their head shaved, students smothering cream pies in the faces of teachers, and one brave soul getting soaked with ice water, all in the name of building community and showing compassion.
Thanks to everyone’s generosity and enthusiasm, we raised $6271.75 across both campuses, all of which has now been donated to Caritas to support those in need with food, clean water, and shelter.
In Term 2, we brought more colour and fun to our activities with face painting and hairspray at the Athletics Carnival, raising $168 for a local organisation that supports those doing it tough in our own community.
Coming up, this week is Refugee Week (16 – 20 June) and don’t forget to keep an eye on Simon Daily Messages early in Term 3, for the launch of our Homelessness Collections Campaign and all the details of our Winter Sleepout on Thursday 21 August.
Thank you all for your continued support — your actions make a real difference!
Earlier this month, the College acknowledged Reconciliation Week with a number of activities and performances.
This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites all Australians to reflect on our shared healing journey and how we can continue moving forward together in the spirit of reconciliation.
Staff at both campuses gathered for a meaningful and delicious morning tea in honour of Reconciliation Week. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The menu featured an inspired selection of native Australian ingredients. Staff enjoyed wallaby sausage rolls, macadamia shortbread, Tasmanian pepper and potato frittata, native pepper focaccia, quandong and feijoa teacake, wattleseed scones, and an array of dips and toppings.
The foods were a celebration of indigenous flavours, and the morning was a lovely reminder of the importance of respect, reflection, and unity during Reconciliation Week.
Our Leaves of Change activity invited students to reflect on their personal goals for reconciliation and consider how their actions could contribute to meaningful change, both now and into the future.
Students responded to reflective questions about reconciliation, then expressed their thoughts creatively by decorating paper leaves with messages, drawings, and colour. These leaves were then placed on a symbolic cardboard bridge, representing the ongoing journey of bridging the gap between past, present, and future.
The collective artwork showcased the diversity of student voices and their commitment to reconciliation, creating a powerful visual reminder of the role young people play in shaping a more inclusive and understanding Australia.
Students at both campuses also participated in Yulunga traditional indigenous games during Reconciliation Week.
A variety of games were set up, including ‘mere kai’ (volleyball game), ‘turi turi’ (skipping game), ‘thepan’ (sword-fighting inspired game), ‘diyari koolchee’ (ball-rolling game) and ‘kalq’ (ball-hitting game). Each offered an opportunity to engage in a hands-on and enjoyable way while learning about why these games are important to indigenous Australians.
Many students joined in and collected points for their house. It was great to see such a strong turnout and positive participation!
For this year’s Reconciliation Week Assembly at Melton Campus, we had the pleasure of watching Year 10 students Ruby and Lily and their cousin perform a cultural dance that told the story of Balayang the bat, which is symbolic of the first woman ever created.
We also welcomed Aunty Chelsea to the College to sing a Gunditjmara song about the creation of fire. Clapsticks were played during her performance, and the whole assembly was encouraged to clap along.
The performances were wonderful and further encouraged the connection between indigenous culture and the St Francis community.
We are delighted to share some exciting updates on the progress of our new High Ability Program, which continues to offer enriching opportunities that extend and challenge our high-achieving students.
Last month, a group of our students took part in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition, a prestigious event that fosters logical and problem-solving skills in mathematics and computer science. We are proud to congratulate the following students who earned a Credit Award:
Georgia Bregman – Year 7
Antonio Knezevic – Year 7
Chloe Oliver – Year 7
Josep Mang Tawn – Year 8
Well done on this outstanding achievement!
Earlier this month, our students participated in Future Scene 2 of the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) challenge, focusing on rising sea levels. This year-long academic enrichment program guides students through a structured six-step problem-solving process outlined below.
As you can see in the photo below, our students were engaged in addressing this complex global issue, collaborating thoughtfully to produce innovative and actionable solutions.
Every Thursday afternoon, students are meeting to prepare for the Da Vinci Decathlon 2026.
This multi-disciplinary academic competition requires students to think critically and creatively across ten disciplines, including engineering, science, mathematics, poetry, art, and code breaking.
The dedication and teamwork shown during these sessions are laying a strong foundation for next year’s competition. Below is team hard at work!
We are thrilled to announce our next enrichment event - the Design Thinking & LEGO Workshop, to be held at the College next Tuesday 24 June.
This fast-paced, interactive workshop will introduce students to the principles of design thinking, empathy, ideation, and prototyping using LEGO Serious Play. Through hands-on problem solving, students will enhance their creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
We sincerely thank our administration team, teachers, parents and guardians and the wider school community for their continued support and encouragement.
We look forward to many more achievements and milestones ahead.
Congratulations to Year 7 and 8 students who completed their Timed Assessment Task last Tuesday.
The students responded well to the requirements of the session. This experience allows our students to become familiar with the exam process, reducing anxiety for those who will complete the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority exams and General Achievement Test (GAT) at the end of Year 12.
Our Year 10 and 11 students are working through their exams. They have also navigated the requirements well and are to be commended for their approach.
A reminder that before or after their exam, Year 10 and 11 can:
Students who remain at the College must have meaningful private study work and may leave Padua at normal break times.
Please remind your child that if they choose to stay for private study, they must contribute to a quiet, workable environment for all students.
Any student who does not follow the process may be sent to the Restorative Room.
We wish the Year 10 students attending work experience next week all the best. Being immersed in a workplace and experiencing all the nuances of a potential career will help them select their Year 11 subjects and pathway.
All students not completing work experience are expected to be at the College next week to attend normal scheduled classes.
It was great to see Cobblebank and Melton Campus going head-to-head in Year 7 Premier League this week, providing high-scoring and entertaining games.
Both campuses showed great sportsmanship and respect for each other, coming together as one school.
Cobblebank campus scored an impressive three out of four wins against Kolbe Catholic College in volleyball and basketball. Melton played extremely well against St Monica's College and Thomas Carr College.
| Team | Result | SFCC Ladder position |
| AFL Division 1 | BYE | 6 |
| Netball Division 1 | SFCC COB 41 d SFCC MEL 20 | 7 |
| Boys Volleyball Division 1 | St Monica's College 2 sets d SFCC MEL 1 set | 7 |
| Girls Volleyball Division 1 | SFCC MEL 2 sets d St Monia's College 1 set | 3 |
| Boys Basketball Division 1 | SFCC MEL 56 d Thomas Carr College 36 | 7 |
| Girls Basketball Division 1 | SFCC MEL 41 d Thomas Carr College 35 | 3 |
| Boys Football Division 2 | SFCC MEL 6 d SFCC COB 0 | 3 |
| Girls Football Division 2 | SFCC COB 3 d SFCC MEL 0 | 7 |
Year 7 Boys Football
On Thursday 12 June, SFCC Melton played Cobblebank Campus in Year 7 Premier League soccer. There were lots of familiar faces from primary school, and it was fun to play against them again.
We scored our first goal in the first 10 minutes of the game, followed by a second goal just before half-time.
Cobblebank tried their best, but we managed to score four more goals in the second half to beat them 6-0. The main highlight was when Dieudonne scored a hat-trick and the team celebrated with excitement. We now look forward to our next game in the semi-finals this Thursday. Cooper, Year 7
The game was all out even with Cobblebank, but we ended up with the win. Now we get to play in the semi-finals against Caroline Chisholm Catholic College. Here's to hoping we win and go through to the grand final! Noah, Year 7
Team |
Result |
SFCC Ladder position |
AFL Division 2 |
BYE |
4 |
Netball Division 1 |
SFCC COB 41 d SFCC MEL 20 |
5 |
Boys Volleyball Division 1 |
Kolbe Catholic College 2 sets d SFCC 1 sets |
6 |
Girls Volleyball Division 1 |
SFCC 3 sets d Kolbe Catholic College 0 sets |
1 |
Boys Basketball Division 2 |
SFCC 42 d Kolbe Catholic College 22 |
1 |
Girls Basketball Division 2 |
SFCC 40 d Kolbe Catholic College 30 |
2 |
Boys Football Division 2 |
SFCC MEL 6 d SFCC COB 0 |
7 |
Girls Football Division 2 |
SFCC COB 3 d SFCC MEL 0 |
2 |
Earlier this month, Year 7 Cobblebank Campus student Owen travelled to New Caledonia to compete in the Oceania Karate Championships, bringing home two silver medals.
Owen displayed incredible skill, and we congratulate him on his achievements!
His father Brett shares more about the championships below.
"Owen has been studying karate for about six years at the Shindo Karate Academy in Bacchus Marsh. He is looking to obtain his black belt later this year and has been competing for the last three years in kumite (sparring).
Owen recently travelled to Noumea in New Caledonia as a member of the Australian team to compete in the Oceania Cup and Championships.
This tournament attracts the best karate athletes from across our region, including Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti and French Polynesia.
Owen competed in both the individual Under-14 Male Kumite Under 50kgs Division, and the Under-14 Team Kumite event, which sees competitors from each country battle in the best of three matches.
He performed admirably in his first overseas competition, winning silver medals in both competitions.
It has definitely increased his desire to train harder and achieve further success in the future."
Year 9 Melton student Olivia also represented Australia at the Oceania Championships after a second-place finish at the Australian Open in April earlier this year.
Olivia was awarded the bronze medal in the Female Cadet +61kg division, facing off against a New Zealander who is currently ranked 16th globally in their shared division.
Following this, she won very convincingly in the Female Cadet Open before facing off against another Australian, fighting extremely well. At the conclusion of the competition, Olivia has been ranked 32nd in the world, and the sixth highest ranked Australian Cadet Female across all weight divisions.
Coming off an unbeaten run in the Victorian Karate League season, Olivia holds some of the best competition statistics in the state. She continues to train for the upcoming Australian National Championships in July, where she will again compete in both her weight division and the Cadet Open.
Olivia will face off against some tough competitors in the tournament, gaining more experience in the lead up to her attempt to qualify for next year’s World Championship Team and Commonwealth Championship Team.
Year 8 Fibre students at Cobblebank Campus have been making cuddle heart donations for the Miracle Babies Foundation.
These hearts are used for newborn babies in intensive care who don’t have cuddle time with their mothers. One heart is placed on the mother’s chest to capture her scent, and the other is placed near the baby. The hearts are then exchanged, allowing both mother and baby to connect, strengthening their bond even when apart.
These donations will be posted to the foundation and distributed to hospitals across Australia.
Students could also choose to craft capes that will be gifted to children in hospital to wear while they undergo treatments or procedures. They will be sent to Capes 4 Kids and distributed to hospitals across Australia. The “superpowers” in the capes enable little heroes to feel they have a protective barrier to help them fight their illness.
Teacher
A group of 28 Year 10 students recently completed the Leader of the Pack Program, run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
The program ran for 12 weeks, with the students getting involved in workshops, team-building activities and ice-breaker games to get to know each other.
We had guest speakers who engaged the students in conversations about mental health, goal setting, financial literacy and gender equity.
The students commended for giving up their Big Breaks to be part of the program and we look forward to seeing the leaders they will become.
Carolyn Howard, Learning Support Officer, Abraham Jongroor, Community Liaison Officer and Emily Galofaro, EAL coordinator
My initial thoughts on the program were just to join because it would look good on my resume. The program was better than I expected. The topics covered were entertaining yet easy, but enough to get me thinking about all sorts of things. I also gained good experience and recommend this to other peers. Goch
As I kept attending, the topics that we talked about really gained my interest. I enjoyed talking about different aspects of life. This program helped me understand that being a man does not mean being tough and violent, and it’s okay to express my feelings. Alex
I enjoyed all the different activities that took place during the program. Furthermore, it has helped me develop better habits such as getting more sleep after we learned about mental health. Ekam
Our Cobblebank Sports Captains Ruth and Amelie ran lunchtime sessions to promote healthy habits among our students last week.
Students lined up to ride the smoothie bike, crushing a delicious blend of mixed berries, banana and honey.
On Thursday our captains ran the longest kick tournament on the oval. Many AFL lovers got involved to showcase their impressive skills. Prizes were up for grabs for those who could kick the longest distance with the best aim!
Amelie shares her thoughts on the activities.
Last week was Healthy Habits Week and the students at Cobblebank Campus participated in various activities throughout the week. The first one was the smoothie bike, where students could hop on a bike and pedal to create a smoothie that was both delicious and fun to make. Many enjoyed the ride followed by a delicious treat at the end.
Another great activity was the longest kick contest on the oval, with many students having a go and a ton of fun! Healthy Habits Week is important as it helps promote healthy eating habits and fitness. It was a great way to have fun while getting our exercise!
Our Year 11 and 12 Art Making and Exhibiting students recently visited the Bendigo Art Gallery to experience the incredible Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon exhibition.
The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage with the life and work of one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
The exhibition featured immersive digital installations, rare photographs, and personal stories that shed light on Frida Kahlo’s artistic journey, identity, and cultural impact. Students explored how Kahlo’s personal experiences, challenges, and Mexican heritage shaped her unique visual language.
This experience directly supported students’ learning in Art Making and Exhibiting, particularly in understanding how artists communicate ideas, how audiences respond to art, and how exhibitions are curated.
The day was both educational and inspiring, and students returned with fresh ideas and deeper insight into how personal voice and history can inform powerful artistic expression.
Cobblebank's inaugural knitting circle began in the library space recently, with Principal Marlene Jorgensen skillfully showing the students how it's done.
The students were hooked and had a great time! New members are always welcome.
Congratulations to Dominic House students at Melton Campus (pictured above), whose boys and girls basketball teams won their recent grand final matches played as part of our lunchtime inter-house competition.
Dominic girls defeated MacKillop 30-22, while the boys team defeated Bernard 25-12.
The wins follow on the back of Dominic House netballers (pictured below) who also took out top honours during the Term 1 lunchtime competition.
Thank you to everyone who came along to support their House – you created a fantastic atmosphere in Sheehan Stadium, and the energy brought out the best in all the players.
It’s wonderful to see House spirit growing strong among students and staff.
Some of our talented Cobblebank students have entered a statewide competition to design the brand-new Youth Myki card - an initiative aimed at celebrating young Victorians and their creativity.
This isn’t just any competition. The winning designs will be printed on a new myki card used across Victoria, giving young artists a chance to have their work seen by thousands of commuters every day.
We’re proud of everyone who submitted their artwork. Whether or not their work is selected, they’ve shown creativity and community spirit.
Teacher
An increase in unregulated e-bikes in the local area has prompted the North West Metro Region Proactive Policing Unit to issue this timely reminder to families about the safe and correct use of powered bicycles.
A power-assisted bicycle is identical to a pedal-powered bicycle, except it has an auxiliary motor.
EPACs are the most common type of e-bike available today. They have:
Power-assisted bicycles that meet the above definition are allowed to be ridden in Victoria as they are classed as bicycles.
Below are examples of compliant (pictured left) and non-compliant e-bikes (pictured right).
E-bike riders must follow the same road rules as regular bicycle riders, including wearing a helmet, not using a mobile phone while riding, and using lights in low light.
No registration or license is required for an e-bike provided it meets the specified requirements.
It is illegal to ride e-bikes with the following characteristics on public roads or road-related areas:
E-bikes with these characteristics can only be ridden on private property. They are considered an unregistered motor vehicle and heavy fines apply for riding in public areas.
Warning: e-bikes typically use lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk, particularly if they are improperly used, stored, charged, or manufactured.
In our last newsletter, the Student Wellbeing Practitioners focused on the importance of interests and hobbies as part of the SMILE acronym - a simple way to remember key strategies for supporting your wellbeing:
S: Sleep
M: Mindfulness
I: Interests
L: Loved Ones
E: Exercise/Eat Well.
This week’s focus: L for Loved Ones
The people you surround yourself with matter! Spend time with those who lift you up and let you be yourself. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength — no one has it all figured out, and that's okay.
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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