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School Reception: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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On Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of St Clare, a co-lover and co-founder alongside St Francis of our Franciscan tradition. She was a woman whose life was marked by simplicity, courage, and deep faith.
Born into a noble family, Clare made the bold decision to leave behind her wealth and status to follow in the footsteps of St Francis, dedicating herself to a life of poverty and prayer.
Clare’s life teaches us about the power of simplicity. In a world that often values material success, Clare reminds us that true fulfilment comes from living with purpose and intention. She founded the Order of Poor Clares, creating a community where women could live in sisterhood and be dedicated to serving God and others.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Clare’s spirituality is her focus on ‘gazing’ upon Christ. She encouraged her sisters to take time each day to simply be in God's presence, reflect on His love, and let that love shape their lives. This practice of contemplation is something we can all incorporate into our daily routines, finding moments to pause, reflect, and connect with our faith.
As we remember St Clare today, let her example inspire us to live with greater simplicity, to be courageous in our choices, and to take time to gaze upon the divine in our lives.
This week, staff and students from our sister school in Cividale, Italy, will head home.
The four-week exchange has flown by, and we hope that our visitors enjoyed the wonderful experience of this immersion into Melbourne culture.
Thank you to all our host families who made this exchange possible.
Last week, the College hosted an information evening for our current Year 9 and 10 students who are being offered the opportunity to travel to Italy, Germany and Poland in 2025.
Click here to view the presentation and more details on how to participate.
Our continuing collaboration with our sister school and the international travel organised by the College provides educational opportunities beyond the classroom.
It helps students develop a broader understanding of the world and fosters a global perspective that enhances their ability to navigate and appreciate international diversity.
Immersing in a new culture allows students to experience traditions, customs, and ways of life different from their own. This exposure promotes cultural empathy and appreciation, helping students to understand and respect various cultural practices and beliefs.
An overseas trip often involves interactions in a foreign language, providing students with valuable language practice in real-life situations. This experience can boost their confidence in using a new language, which will benefit those students who will continue to study Italian at the College in their senior years.
Travelling abroad encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, fostering independence and self-reliance. They learn to navigate new environments, solve problems, and manage responsibilities, contributing to their personal growth and maturity.
Students will visit historical sites and cultural landmarks and engage in activities that enrich their understanding of history, geography, and art. This hands-on learning complements their academic studies and deepens their knowledge.
Navigating unfamiliar surroundings requires flexibility and creative problem-solving. Students develop these essential skills as they adapt to new situations and overcome challenges during their trip, preparing them for future endeavours.
The College is very excited to continue its rich tradition of overseas travel for students. Families who would like more information should contact Paul Iannazzo via email at piannazzo@sfcc.vic.edu.au
| Dates to remember | |
| Tuesday 13 August | Parents and Friends Meeting - 7pm |
| Tuesday 20 August | Write a Book in a Day |
| Friday 23 August | Student Study at Home Day (Staff Faith Formation Day) |
| Thursday 29 August | Father's Day Prayer Reflection and Breakfast |
| Tuesday 10 September | Parents and Friends Meeting - 7pm |
| Thursday 12 September | Celebration Day |
| Tuesday 17 September | Parent Student Teacher Interviews (online) 4.30pm - 7pm |
| Thursday 19 September | Parent Student Teacher Interviews (online) 4.30pm - 7pm |
| Friday 20 September | Final day of Term 3 - 2.30pm dismissal |
| Dates to remember | |
| Tuesday 13 August | Parents and Friends Meeting - 7pm |
| Tuesday 20 August | Write a Book in a Day (participating students at Melton Campus) |
| Friday 23 August | Student Study at Home Day (Staff Faith Formation Day) |
| Friday 30 August | Father's Day Prayer Reflection and Breakfast |
| Tuesday 10 September | Parents and Friends Meeting - 7pm |
| Thursday 12 September | Celebration Day |
| Tuesday 17 September | Parent Student Teacher Interviews (online) 4.30pm - 7pm |
| Thursday 19 September | Parent Student Teacher Interviews (online) 4.30pm - 7pm |
| Friday 20 September | Final day of Term 3 - 2.30pm dismissal |
The next meeting of the SFCC Parents and Friends Association will be held online this evening, Tuesday 13 August, from 7pm.
The association comprises representatives from both campuses and new members are always welcome.
Please contact me via email at arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au for the Teams link.
We have been advised that the pedestrian crossing on Bulmans Road at the front of the College will be closed as part of Melton Council’s water main renewal works.
The crossing at St Catherine of Siena Primary School is open and supervised before and after school.
Please see the map below highlighting the road closure and pedestrian access.
Please take care around the worksite and always follow directions from traffic controllers and signage.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Melton Council on 9747 7200.
Families picking up students from Cobblebank Campus are reminded not to block driveways on Adelong Boulevard while waiting in traffic during peak times. Residents should have access to their property from their driveway at all times.
A reminder too, that the gates at the front of Cobblebank Campus open at 3pm so you can drive in and pick up your child when they are dismissed.
To ensure staff, delivery drivers, and, in rare cases, emergency services can quickly enter the College, we ask that parents and guardians do not wait in their cars in front of the gate before it opens at 3pm.
Blocking the entrance is dangerous. Please wait in Adelong Boulevard without blocking driveways or delay your arrival until after the gate opens.
All students enrolled in Years 9 and 10 at St Francis Catholic College are invited to participate in the 2025 Europe Trip.
The trip will embark on an exhilarating journey that spans the realms of history, culture, and discovery! Students will traverse the enchanting streets of Assisi, the artistic wonderland of Florence, and experience the vibrant pulse of Berlin and poignant echoes of Krakow.
The approximate cost of the trip is $8000.
Families applying for the trip are expected to be up to date with their school fees.
Information about the trip and instructions on how to apply are available below.
For any enquiries, please email Paul Iannazzo at piannazzo@sfcc.vic.edu.au
At Cobblebank Campus this week, we are participating in a national week of action against bullying and violence.
The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone Belongs. It highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students.
We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.
Our Catholic community is enriched when we respect everyone’s differences and stand up to unkindness. Belonging means that we all have a role to play in preventing bullying.
Our schools should be places where everyone is empowered to speak up and create a safe space where everyone feels supported and respected and their voices are heard and valued.
Early next term, Cobblebank students will watch a live performance by Brainstorm Productions exploring resilience, respect, anti-bullying, and conflict resolution.
Sticks and Stones shines a light on issues such as cyberbullying, image-based abuse and coercive control.
It provides students with practical strategies for emotion regulation, assertiveness, conflict resolution, resilience, help-seeking and breaking the cycle of violence.
The performance also highlights the importance of positive role models and providing space for all students to express their feelings in healthy and authentic ways.
I encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your children about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support.
If your child tells you about things at school or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.
Questions you could ask:
Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it. Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.
By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel they belong.
You can access the College bullying prevention policy to learn more about our prevention and response process.
If you have concerns that your child is being bullied, please contact your child’s Mentor teacher in the first instance.
If you believe the behaviour constitutes a crime or is a serious incident of cyberbullying, please refer to the Bullying No Way website for information on how to report to other authorities and access wellbeing help.
For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.
Last Tuesday our Melton Campus Indigenous students visited the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the Melbourne Museum. They explored the First Peoples Gallery, the Milarri Garden Trail, and the Melbourne Story.
Students experienced Bunjil's nest, the wedge-tailed eagle and ancestral spirit, learning how he sang the Country, Law, and people of the Kulin nation into being.
They explored sculptures and a cave with Indigenous paintings in the gardens and observed live animals. They also learned about the plants and waterways significant to the Aboriginal people of southeastern Australia and the traditional uses of these plants.
This excursion was a key event of NAIDOC week, allowing students to embrace this year's theme, Keep the fire burning, blak, loud and proud.
Our students listened to the voices of the Koorie Community, learning the story of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of creation to the present day, empowering them through this profound cultural experience.
“The excursion to the Bunjilaka Cultural Centre was a once-in-a-lifetime experience where we learned and experienced the different ways that the many Indigenous communities helped shape themselves and Australia.” Jackamos, Year 11
“The excursion was eye-opening and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Finding out more about Aboriginal culture and history was very exciting and there wasn't a single moment I wasn't learning something new and interesting.” Zayle, Year 9
“I found it interesting to see how Aboriginal designers used their imagination to create their designs.” Lily, Year 9
On Wednesday 6 August, our Western Bulldogs Nallei Jerring Program participants, Year 9 Melton Campus students Lily and Ruby, participated in a Yarning Circle about cultural identity at the Whitten Oval in Footscray.
The program supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by providing opportunities through the Western Bulldogs to encourage leadership within the local Aboriginal community.
The Western Bulldogs Football Club aims to inspire, educate and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to become future leaders in Victoria's West Aboriginal community. Young people are provided with exciting life and cultural and sports experiences from which to learn and develop.
“I am grateful for our time (at Whitten Oval). We broke up into two groups, one for boys and one for girls. The girls were led by Kirby Bentley (former AFLW player), who spoke to us about being strong and staying positive while sharing details about her childhood. We had lunch and were also able to talk to Western Bulldogs’ players Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Arty Jones and Tom Liberatore.” Lily.
There was plenty of conversation and colouring during NAIDOC Week yarns held at both campuses during lunch breaks last week.
Students did a great job decorating tote bags designed by Indigenous artist Kerri-Ann Taggart.
The bags featured a kangaroo, known as gangurru in some Aboriginal languages, surrounded by small shapes representing the Aboriginal art symbol for a kangaroo.
They are often denoted by parallel lines with outward-facing barbs suggesting the tracks left in the sand by the creature’s hind legs.
It was an afternoon filled with vibrant discussions, music, and a deep appreciation for Indigenous culture.
Students and staff across both campuses notched up 2353 laps during our annual NAIDOC Week walkathon on Friday.
Together We Walk is an Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF) initiative that raises funds and awareness to support First Nations access to education.
Students and staff at Cobblebank Campus walked 740 laps, while at Melton Campus, 1613 laps were recorded.
At Cobblebank, students walked with cardboard cutouts displaying quotes from significant events in recent Indigenous Australian history and messages of Reconciliation to Keep the Fire Burning, the theme for NAIDOC Week 2024.
Donations will be made, and House points will be allocated for each lap walked.
We thank all students, staff and FIRE Carriers who participated in this event and supported our NAIDOC Week activities.
Our fourth annual Write a Book in Day event will be held next Tuesday 20 August in the Alexandria Resource Centre at Melton Campus.
A total of 65 students from both campuses will take part – the largest contingent we have ever entered!
Teams will work from 8am until 8pm to plan, write, edit, illustrate and publish a book that will be available in a digital library and distributed to children undergoing medical treatment in hospitals across Australia.
The annual competition promotes literacy, collaboration and creativity and is run by The Kids’ Cancer Project
Each team has also been given the added challenge of meeting a fundraising target of $240 through sponsorship to support childhood cancer research.
You can support them by making a donation using the links below.
Melton 1: Arlia Fearon, Abbey Honig, Hayden Hausfeld, Keira Stapleton, Maddy Whelan, Edie Todd
Melton 2: Naman Prasad, Juliana Va'a, Gracy Singh, Hansica Srikumar, Liz Elacion, Abuk Ngong, Cecilia Bui
Melton 3: Samantha De Guzman, Rhai Bihong, Ashlynn Pereira, Sneha Sharma, Victoria Solomon, Sophia Kung, Shyann Daluz
Melton 4: Chloe Priest, Sapphire Castovita, Troy Gilbert, Monica Teichelman, Erin Johnstone, Izabella Boon, Alannah Trovato, Sage Gnacinski
Melton 5: Ollie Emin, Sophie Kolbe, Jackamos Lillyst, Alanis Furtado, Addison McKellar, Karina Delgadillo, Tra My Nguyen
Melton 6: Danielle Chan, Angelynne Gonzaga, Gabrielle Pilapil, Shreeya Prasad, Addison Anyayahan
Melton 7: Olivia Cunningham, Alisha Day, Jade Harrison, Bawi Haunung, Mikayla Jaeger, Lily Kensington, Charles Morales, Renee Furtado. Astrid Lanigan
Melton 8: Kiana Barnett, Chloe Mosqueda, Jessica Sultana, Kiley Del Mar, Isabella Sestoso, Bernice Acabel, Lorebeth Paler
Melton 9: Bridget Bairstow, Charlotte McDonald, Abby McNair, Paige Cauchi, Chayanne Soobraydoo
Cobblebank 1: Bryce Baiju, Ishaan Dhamodharan, Akul Choudhary, Amaira Dhawan, Sienna Petersen, Ruchika Prakash, Allayna Batta, Aish Aravinthan
Cobblebank 2: Prabal Bhumbla, Harshpreet Gill, Samar Ludher, Ruth Mainey, Ayush Sehgal, Arvin Singh, Achraj Virk, Kulman Brar, Adhib Cholakkal
Some of our Year 7 students enthusiastically participated in an eight-week cultural program run by the Centre for Multicultural Youth during Big Break at Melton Campus.
We shared stories about where our names came from, reflected on our shared cultural similarities and recognised our differences and how we can respect and embrace these differences.
During one activity, students were all asked to respond to a randomly allocated question, including, “What are you most proud of in your culture?” The student’s response was “the people”. This stood out for us and highlighted students' connection with those in their families and communities.
We commend the students who committed to this program for giving up their Big Break and sharing their stories.
“Thank you to everyone in the Year 7 cultural group for this opportunity to learn about other cultures and how they are formed. We appreciate what (CMY and SFCC staff) have done for us. Thank you for being so kind-hearted, amazing and fantastic - we appreciate the food the learning and all the fun games. We are very sad to see you leave. Thank you again for this opportunity." Amare
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the cultural group. I enjoyed every Monday and am sad that it’s over. In the past few sessions, I have been taught to respect, learn, and change my view of people's cultures. This program also shed light on my culture and all its riches. I loved all the food at the end of the day. I can’t wait to see everyone who was involved next year. I wish everyone who volunteered the very best. May God bless you." Daniel
“I found the program interesting because you learned about and discovered new cultures, and you can share and listen to others about where they’re from. It also allows you to meet new people and discover facts you never knew. This program is a go-to if you feel lonely or bored. Programs like this might help you be successful in the future." Aguet
“The cultural program was so good, and I wish it could go for longer. I enjoy the communication and telling stories while sitting in a circle.” Chol
Our Year 11 VCE VM class recently presented the team at the Babaneek Booboop Early Years Project with a dollhouse we designed, decorated and furnished.
Babaneek Booboop operates from the Western Health Centre in Melton and promotes the health and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-8 in Melton and Moorabool.
At St Francis Catholic College, we are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our community.
As a part of this commitment, we donated a dollhouse and a baby doll cradle to the children and families supported by Babaneek Booboop.
These items will be used in the family room, which provides a supportive environment for families to seek help and have challenging conversations. The dollhouse and cradle are valuable distractions for children, allowing their parents to discuss important matters in a safe, comfortable setting. We wanted to provide practical support where it was most needed.
Our donation was created as part of our VCE VM Work-Related Skills curriculum. We designed, sanded, painted, and furnished the dollhouse to ensure it was in excellent condition and met safety standards before delivery. We also provided a range of mini toys to enhance the imaginative play experience for the children.
Our annual Homelessness Winter Appeal began last week and will run until 30 August.
This year’s theme is Homelessness Action Now.
Along with raising awareness about homelessness in Australia, our Faith and Mission team has assigned each House items to collect, which will be donated to organisations in the local community.
And remember, each donation earns students one house point!
Tinnies for Vinnies
Collect canned food tins and pantry items:
Soups – Tomato, chicken and vegetable, beef and vegetable, pumpkin, vegetable soup, potato and leek
Vegetables – Carrots, corn, peas, mixed vegetables, beetroot, tinned tomatoes, baked beans
Tinned fruit – Peaches, pear, fruit salad, apple, apricot, pineapple
Pantry – Bags of pasta, pasta sauces, tinned tuna
Snacks – Small share packs of mixed chips, chocolates
Socks, Beanies and Blanket Drive
Socks, Beanies, Scarves - please collect new socks of all sizes for children and adults. Socks must be left in their original packaging.
Beanies and blankets can be new or second-hand.
Help Out with Hygiene Packs
All items must be new and in sealed packaging for health and safety reasons.
Toothpaste - small
Toothbrushes
Small packs of tissues
Deodorant (roll on)
Shampoo / conditioner (small travel size)
Help Out with Hygiene Packs
All items must be new and in sealed packaging for health and safety reasons.
Soap (single sealed packs)
Hand sanitiser (small)
Combs/brushes
Sanitary goods
Wet wipes
Band aids
Lip balm
Bric a Brac: Second hand goods
Decorative crockery and ceramics
Artwork, sculptures, ornaments
Candles, soft furnishings
Vases, bowls, pottery, and dishes
Picture frames and prints
Cookware, Tupperware, and storage
Help Others Thrive with a Clothing Drive
Clean out your wardrobe and donate any old, good-quality clothing.
Clothing must be clean and in good condition.
The rule is, if it is good enough to give to a friend then it is good enough to donate!
Families are welcome to donate any of the items from any of the lists above.
Students can bring donations to school and place them in their House collection tub.
If you have any questions, please email me at tgriffin@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
Our annual Homelessness Winter Appeal began at Cobblebank Campus last week.
The appeal will run until 30 August and this year’s theme is Homelessness Action Now.
Along with raising awareness about homelessness in Australia, our Faith and Mission team has assigned each House items to collect, which will be donated to organisations in the local community
And remember, each donation earns students one house point!
Tinnies for Vinnies
Collect canned food tins and pantry items:
Soups – Tomato, chicken and vegetable, beef and vegetable, pumpkin, vegetable soup, potato and leek
Vegetables – Carrots, corn, peas, mixed vegetables, beetroot, tinned tomatoes, baked beans
Tinned fruit – Peaches, pear, fruit salad, apple, apricot, pineapple
Pantry – Bags of pasta, pasta sauces, tinned tuna
Snacks – Small share packs of mixed chips, chocolates
Socks, Beanies and Blanket Drive
Socks, Beanies, Scarves - please collect new socks of all sizes for children and adults. Socks must be left in their original packaging.
Beanies and blankets can be new or second-hand.
Help Out with Hygiene Packs
All items must be new and in sealed packaging for health and safety reasons.
Soap (single sealed packs)
Hand sanitiser (small)
Combs/brushes
Sanitary goods
Wet wipes
Band aids
Lip balm
Help Out with Hygiene Packs
All items must be new and in sealed packaging for health and safety reasons.
Toothpaste - small
Toothbrushes
Small packs of tissues
Deodorant (roll on)
Shampoo / conditioner (small travel size)
Bric a Brac: Second hand goods
Decorative crockery and ceramics
Artwork, sculptures, ornaments
Candles, soft furnishings
Vases, bowls, pottery, and dishes
Picture frames and prints
Cookware, Tupperware, and storage
Help Others Thrive with a Clothing Drive
Clean out your wardrobe and donate any old, good-quality clothing.
Clothing must be clean and in good condition.
The rule is, if it is good enough to give to a friend then it is good enough to donate!
Families are welcome to donate any of the items from any of the lists above.
Students can bring donations to school and place them in their House collection tub.
If you have any questions, please email me at ckeating@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
Our annual Winter Sleepout will be held on Friday 30 August, and is always a fantastic night that brings together students, staff and inspiring speakers to raise awareness of the plight of people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Students from both campuses are invited to work together to prepare packs for the homeless, listen to presentations from local guest speakers and learn more about the poverty and disadvantage faced by many Victorians.
This year's guests will include:
The sleepout will be held at the Melton Campus. It starts at 4.30pm on Friday 30 August and ends at 7.30am the next day. Students who would like to participate must email me by this Friday 16 August at tgriffin@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
Melton Campus teacher Natalie Bourke will lose her locks during Big Break on Friday 6 September to raise money for the Cancer Council and students will have the chance to make the first snip!
You can donate to Natalie’s Hair Be Gone campaign here.
To add to the fun, Melton Campus students can wear a beanie to school on 6 September for a gold coin donation.
If they add an extra gold coin to Natalie’s box at Big Break on the day of her haircut, they will go into the draw to cut off one of her plaits.
Join us for drinks and canapes to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CRC Melton's Year 12 Class of 2014 on Friday 6 September from 6.30pm in the Performing Arts Centre foyer at our Melton Campus.
Reminisce, reconnect with friends and staff and find out more about what has happened at the College in the past decade.
To attend the Class of 2014 reunion, please RSVP by emailing me at arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au
The next Elevate Education free webinar for our parents will be on Wednesday 21 August.
Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.
Click here to register for free
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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