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School Reception: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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During Catholic Education Week earlier this year, MACS officially launched the Forming Hearts Framework across all MACS schools. This framework highlights the central truth that faith and mission lie at the heart of every Catholic school. The overall message is a heartfelt invitation for all members of each College community to unite on a shared spiritual journey—one that nurtures deeper understanding, formation, and belonging.
Reflecting on the term, both staff and students have embraced multiple opportunities to connect with and live out this mission. A recent after-school meeting exemplified this, where staff gathered to explore the Forming Hearts Framework more deeply. Through rich discussion and reflection, they considered the essential role each individual plays in forming a faith-filled, hope-driven, and inclusive school culture. In line with our theme for this year staff were posed with the question –How can they be the light in the world?
The framework invites us to contemplate how the life and works of Jesus can be made visible in our everyday interactions. Rooted in Franciscan values, it challenges us to live with empathy, to strive with endeavour, and to strengthen our sense of community. These pillars remind us that faith in action extends beyond words—it calls for social justice, compassion, solidarity and fraternity with others.
In essence, the Forming Hearts Framework is not just complementary to the MACS 2030 Strategy: Forming Lives to Enrich the World—it is a living expression of it, embodying the vision of holistic development through faith, flourishing learners, empowered leadership, and enriched communities.
At St Francis Catholic College, we are proud to align with the MACS 2030 Strategic Plan through the guiding principles of the Flourishing Learners position statements — Vision for Engagement and Vision for Instruction. These key documents shape our shared direction across Catholic education in Melbourne.
They reflect a commitment to high-quality teaching that not only challenges and supports students academically but also fosters deep, meaningful engagement in their learning. At the heart of this vision is the understanding that great teaching and genuine student engagement go hand in hand — one cannot reach its full potential without the other.
I mentioned in a recent Newsletter that I had recently attended the MACS Vision for Engagement launch. This new Vision for Engagement is a companion document to the Vision for Instruction. The Vision for Engagements sets out how students thrive and details key areas that define engagement
These include:
St Francis Catholic College is already well on the way to having best practise in many of these areas through the introduction of the Vertical House System, Structured PB4L lessons and a dedicated pastoral program. Our MACSIS data indicates that teacher student relationships are positive and our Wellbeing Practitioners provide mental health and wellbeing support for many of our students.
The College will now look to use the MACS 4E Implementation process to develop a whole school approach to implementation and embedding the Vision for Engagement.
Vision For Engagement for Students Poster
We would like to remind our Cobblebank campus community that building works for Stage 2 and Stage 3 are currently in progress.
To ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, please keep well clear of all construction areas at all times. Your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment is greatly appreciated.
If you are collecting your child during school hours, please use the pedestrian gate at the front of the school and report to the front office to sign them out.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we continue to improve our facilities.
| Dates to remember | |
| 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 |
| Monday 21 July | Term 3 begins |
| Wednesday 23 July | Lawrence House Mass |
| Friday 25 July | 2026 online subject selection closes for current Year 9, 10 and 11 students |
| Wednesday 30 July - Friday 1 August | Year 8 Camp |
| Dates to remember | |
| 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 |
| Monday 21 July | Term 3 begins |
| Wednesday 23 July | Lawrence House Mass |
| Friday 25 July | 2026 online subject selection closes for current Year 9 students |
| Wednesday 30 July - Friday 1 August | Year 8 Camp |
Construction is underway for the new Melton Station and the rail bridges over Coburns and Exford roads, including a new temporary bus interchange on Brooklyn Road.
From Tuesday 8 July, buses will start using the new temporary bus interchange on Brooklyn Road and will no longer use the bus interchange on the southern side of the station.
Bus timetables will remain unchanged. Please allow extra time when changing between services.
The V/Line coach replacement bus stop will continue to be located within the southern station car park until further notice.
From late 2026, a new permanent multi-bay bus interchange will be located within the new station precinct accessible from Brooklyn Road.
For more details and a detour map, click here.
Semester 2 began this week at the College and students have begun their new subjects or electives.
To support their learning, students must have all necessary stationery and texts/ebooks for their classes. Please consult your child’s 2025 booklist for all the items they need and use the upcoming holidays to prepare for Term 3.
Our College Mobile Phone and Headphone Policy states that students must use only plug-in headphones. These are a required item on our booklists and are necessary for many classes to access video content.
Laptops continue to be an issue, with some students arriving to class without a fully charged device.
If your child’s laptop battery does not last for a full day, it may be due to background apps that are draining it. These apps are not required for learning and should be removed to increase battery life.
Your child’s Semester 1 report will be released on Friday 4 July. The report will show your child’s progress and is a useful guide when choosing subjects and pathways.
At the end of a very busy term, we congratulate students on their efforts and progress.
Setting goals for Term 3 can provide focus and direction, especially if a student has not achieved their full potential.
We encourage you to talk to your child about Semester 1 and help them set one or two goals for Semester 2.
A reminder that our annual Subject Selection Expo and Information Evening for current Year 9, 10 and 11 students and families will be held this Thursday 3 July to prepare for Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2026.
The evening will help students make informed choices regarding subject selection and pathways that best suit their interests, strengths and career aspirations and give them the greatest chance of success.
It is expected that all current Year 9, 10 and 11 students and a parent/guardian attend the expo and information sessions, to be held at the Melton Campus as follows:
Subject Selection Expo
4pm - 7.30pm, Melton Campus, Padua building
Year 10 2026 Information Sessions
Melton and Cobblebank students and their parents/guardians can attend either of the following sessions.
5pm – 5.45pm, Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus
5.45pm – 6.30pm, Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus
VCE and VCE VM 2026 Information Session (Year 11 and 12 2026)
6.45pm - 7.45pm, Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus
Students can find the 2026 Subject Selection Handbook online via the College website and should look through this before attending the Expo and information sessions.
On Thursday, students will receive their unique code and instructions on how to select their subjects for 2026. They will work with their Mentor teachers to complete this process.
Final subject choices are due on Friday 25 July at 4pm.
If you are unable to attend the information sessions, please notify your child’s Mentor teacher before the event.
On Tuesday 17 June, our senior students sat the General Achievement Test (GAT), a key component of the VCE assessment process.
The day ran smoothly and efficiently and students approached the GAT with maturity and focus, conducting themselves exceptionally well throughout the entire process.
Their preparation, punctuality and cooperation ensured the testing environment was calm and positive.
We commend all students for their efforts and thank staff for their support in making the day a success.
As we prepare for Term 3, there have been updated attendance arrangements for our Year 12 VCE students.
From the start of Term 3, students who have a scheduled study period during Period 1 or Period 4 only will be permitted to arrive late or leave early.
This is a privilege extended to our senior students to support their study and time management in the lead-up to final assessments.
Students who wish to arrive late or leave early must sign in or out at Student Reception upon arrival or departure. This process is essential for maintaining accurate attendance records and ensuring student safety.
Please note that this privilege is contingent on meeting the College’s attendance expectations.
Students who do not maintain a minimum 90% attendance rate or who are absent from classes without a valid reason will have this privilege revoked.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of attendance and accountability during this crucial final semester.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our VCE Coordinator Carissa Lock at the College on 8099 6000 or via email at clock@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
A brave group of Year 9 girls from both Melton and Cobblebank campuses recently returned from an unforgettable adventure at The Summit in Trafalgar, where they embraced challenge, courage, and camaraderie across three action-packed days. Despite the wintery weather, the camp offered students the chance to push well beyond their comfort zones and discover just how capable they truly are.
Throughout the camp, the students took part in a range of high-adrenaline activities, including abseiling, the giant swing, high wire, and the Monster Mud Run. Whether it was conquering heights, working as a team, or tackling tough terrain, each challenge provided an opportunity to grow in confidence, resilience, and leadership.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing staff team who planned every detail and cheered the girls on at every obstacle. Our teachers and support staff modelled the spirit they hoped to inspire, and their dedication ensured that every student felt safe, supported and empowered.
A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who gave their time and energy to create such a memorable experience. Your commitment turned a great camp into an extraordinary one.
The Summit experience helped strengthen friendships, foster teamwork, and create memories that will last well beyond Year 9. Congratulations to all for their incredible spirit and determination—you should be very proud of what you achieved!
The Year 9 boys from Melton and Cobblebank embarked on an exciting outdoor adventure camp at Roses Gap, located in the stunning Grampians National Park. The camp offered a fantastic opportunity for the students to step out of their comfort zones, build teamwork skills, and enjoy some unforgettable experiences.
Under the expert guidance of friendly instructors, the boys tackled a range of challenging activities designed to push both their physical and mental limits. These included:
The camp not only allowed the boys to experience thrilling outdoor adventures but also helped them develop resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence in a breathtaking natural setting. Everyone returned with stories of personal triumphs, new friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Well done to all the Year 9 boys for their enthusiasm and determination — Roses Gap certainly proved to be the perfect place to reach for new heights!
Roses Gap
On camp, we participated in a number of different activities. These activities were crate stack, vertical playpen, giant swing, abseiling and low ropes. I found both the giant swing and crate stack the best, as both of which gave me the opportunity to exercise teamwork, communication and develop bonds among my peers. By going to camp I learnt how valuable long-lasting relationships are. Going through all kinds of activities and events with the people around me allowed me to truly appreciate how blessed I am to know and be with everybody that was with me. The camp taught me it's a gift to have memories with the people I value. As a group we all learnt how to solve problems, push through challenges, and work through difficulties. This camp served as a way to form strong bonds, good relationships and create long-lasting memories, and it's something none of us will ever forget.
Nathaniel – Yr 9 student, Cobblebank
The Summit
Our experience at The Summit Camp was exciting and most definitely unforgettable. We challenged ourselves on the giant swing, worked with others during our teamwork activities and all of us had an unforgettable time playing laser tag. Crossing the sky bridge definitely tested our courage and our strength. Lots of us crossed it without any issues but some slipped off. We also used this camp to help us face our fears and to step out of our comfort zones. Overall, this camp was great, filled with adventure and growth.
Jessica and Chloe – Yr 9 students, Cobblebank
My time at camp was amazing, it was fun and enjoyable. I enjoyed my activity group which we called ourselves, “The Cliques.” It was full of laughter and many jokes. Our days were eventful and packed with new activities that we have never done before. I enjoyed the night activities as we had a trivia night and got to paint. Camp allowed us to create many new memories and get closer with one another. One of my favourite memories would have to be the mud run. We had to crawl and jump through large puddles of mud, although it was gross, it was a very exciting and memorable experience.
Dawt – Yr 9 student, Cobblebank
Last week, high-ability students from Years 7 and 8 at St Francis Catholic College had the opportunity to participate in an engaging and hands-on workshop on Design Thinking, facilitated by Sid Verma, the founder of BrainSTEM.
The workshop introduced students to the Design Thinking framework, a structured yet creative approach to tackling complex challenges. Using this framework, students explored the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identified both local and global community issues. Working in teams, they brainstormed, ideated, and rapidly developed creative solutions to real-world problems.
One of the most powerful components of the workshop was the LEGO prototyping session, where students brought their ideas to life through tangible models. This process allowed them to visualise solutions, think critically under time constraints, and collaborate effectively within their teams.
In one group, students selected SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger. After identifying the issue of food affordability, they created a LEGO model that depicted a scenario involving a hungry and impoverished person living in harsh conditions. Their solution included food vans—one supported by local companies and the other by international aid—highlighting collaborative strategies to combat hunger and make food accessible to all.
Another team tackled the issue of war and conflict, visualising the destruction through broken buildings and a plane that symbolised devastation. As their solution, the students designed a supply truck filled with food and essential resources aimed at supporting victims of war. Despite having only ten minutes to create their model, the group demonstrated impressive levels of creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking under pressure.
The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, and it was clear that the students not only enjoyed the experience but also gained valuable skills and insights. The collaborative, fast-paced environment provided a meaningful opportunity for students to explore innovation in action.
We now look forward to continuing this journey in Term 3, with the launch of a six-week mentoring program. Students will have the opportunity to further develop their ideas and expand their skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.
This workshop ignited a spark of innovation, and we can’t wait to see how our students' creativity, passion, and determination will shape the next chapter of their learning journey.
We congratulate Year 9 Melton Campus student Astrid, who recently completed the Zoos Victoria Youth Conservation Leaders Program.
The achievement reflects Astrid’s passion for the environment, commitment to sustainability, and growing leadership qualities. She represents Bernard House with integrity and purpose, and her successful completion of the program is a testament to her dedication and drive.
I have no doubt she will continue to make a meaningful impact in conservation in the future.
The Zoos Victoria Youth Conservation Leaders Program is designed for Year 9 and 10 students who are passionate about conservation and leadership. It offers hands-on experience, mentorship from Zoos Victoria staff, and the opportunity to participate in a real-life conservation project.
I invite you to read about Astrid’s endeavours below. Jo Clinton – Bernard House Leader
I recently participated in a Youth Conservation Leaders Program with Zoos Victoria with 35 other Year 9 and 10 students from all over Victoria.
The ten-day program involved developing leadership skills and learning about Leadbeater's possums. We went to different conservation sites to learn about current conservation efforts for the possum.
I spent the first two days at Melbourne Zoo, then had a three-day camp at Healesville, where we went to a future Leadbeater's possum site called Haining Farm, where we could plant trees.
After a two-week break, I went to another camp at Healesville and visited a conservation site called Yellingbo. At Yellingbo, we saw sugar gliders and helmeted honeyeaters, both of which live in a similar habitat to Leadbeater's possums.
After the camp, I went to the Parliament of Victoria to learn about public speaking and how to contact MPs. The next day, we went back to Melbourne Zoo to discuss everything we had learned throughout the program.
During the program, I also developed two projects; one with a group to encourage visitors to come to Haining Farm, and a personal project where I had to find a way to help a threatened species in my area.
My project was to persuade people who own large blocks of land to plant trees as a habitat for wedge-tailed eagles.
I enjoyed meeting new people, going spotlighting, seeing the Leadbeater's possums in the wild, and seeing helmeted honeyeaters. I learned about the Leadbeater's possum habitat, details of different conservation efforts Zoos Victoria is working on, and how to improve my public speaking skills.
Overall, I really enjoyed this program because it improved my leadership skills and my knowledge of the environment.
Applications for the 2026 Youth Conservation Leaders program will open in February 2026. Click here for more information.
Last week, over three nights, our VET Music students demonstrated their impressive talents in either Performance or Sound Production. Performance students delivered engaging 25-minute sets, showcasing their vocal and instrumental skills on stage. Meanwhile, Sound Production students took charge behind the scenes, managing sound and lighting from the tech box—bringing the whole show together.
It was a proud moment for families and friends, many of whom witnessed their child perform in a professional setting for the very first time. Students will again perform their musical set in semester 2, this time for the wider community. Students will have finalised and polished their performances in preparation for their final Performance examination in October.
Thinking of choosing VET Music?
VET Music is open to students entering Year 10 or 11 as part of subject selection. We strongly encourage students with a genuine passion for music—whether vocal or instrumental—and a willingness to engage in hands-on, collaborative projects to consider applying.
For those seeking an ATAR contribution, scored assessment is available. This includes coursework and an end-of-year performance exam for Performance students, or coursework and a written exam for Sound Production students.
For more information or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at daskew@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
Our Year 8 Visual Communication Design students have been exploring a variety of methods, media and techniques to creatively reimagine their favourite music albums.
From bold paint strokes, drawing and digital media experiments, students have put their own unique twist on iconic album covers,
Can you recognise some of these redesigns? You might spot a few familiar albums.
Teacher
| Team | Result | SFCC Ladder position |
| Senior Boys Division 1 | Marymede Catholic College SM 4 d SFCC 3 | 4 |
| Senior Girls Division 2 | Kolbe Catholic College 3 d SFCC 0 | 4 |
Congratulations to St Francis Melton student Evan Dando who competed in the All Schools Cross Country Championships in Bundoora on Saturday 21 June. Evan ran the Male U17 6km course in an impressive 23:41.
Last week was Refugee Week, an important annual event that raises awareness about the refugee experience and celebrates the contributions of refugees to communities, both in Australia and globally.
It's a time to educate the public about the challenges refugees face and how they can contribute to creating a welcoming environment for those seeking refuge.
At Cobblebank Campus we ran a discussion session on what we could do to support refugees in our community and wrote letters to our local MP to share our ideas.
We also ran a food class during which students made banana spring rolls, an Asian delicacy. Students found it really interesting to hear stories of real people and show empathy and commitment to supporting refugees.
As we head into the colder months, we are proud to once again support SFCC’s Melton and Cobblebank campuses Winter Homelessness Appeal in Term 3. This important initiative helps bring warmth, dignity, and hope to members of our community who are experiencing homelessness.
So, if you are cleaning out your cupboards over the break, please pack your items in a bag and bring them along next Term to your house leader.
What we are collecting:
Your donations can make a real difference to someone doing it tough this winter. Collection bins will be placed in each house from the beginning of Term 3.
Let us all work together to show our care and compassion—every item counts, and every item will be awarded a point for your House.
More information in Term 3.
Thanking you all for your continued support.
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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