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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 15 August, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This special day commemorates the moment Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It’s a celebration of God’s love and the promise of eternal life - a reminder that where Mary has gone, we too are called to follow.
For us as a Franciscan community, this feast holds a special resonance. St Francis of Assisi had a profound devotion to Mary. He saw her as the perfect example of living in total openness to God’s will. In her humility and willingness to serve, Mary embodied the virtues at the heart of Franciscan spirituality - simplicity, trust, and a deep sense of joy even in the face of challenges.
The Assumption also speaks to us about hope. In a world that often seems overwhelmed by suffering and injustice, Mary’s journey to heaven reminds us that God’s love ultimately triumphs. It’s a message that St Francis echoed throughout his life: even in the darkest times, a light guides us toward peace and fullness of life in God’s presence.
As a school community, the Feast of the Assumption invites us to reflect on how we can live more like Mary and Francis. How can we say “yes” to God’s call in our lives with the same trust and courage? How can we bring more simplicity, humility, and service into our daily interactions with others?
This feast is more than just an event on the Church calendar - it’s a challenge to live with our hearts set on heaven while our feet remain firmly on the ground, serving those around us with Franciscan joy.
We pray together:
Holy Mother Mary, Remembering the day of your Assumption, we turn to you with hearts full of hope.
Teach us, like Francis, to walk humbly and joyfully in God’s light.
Help us to embrace the simplicity of life, trusting fully in God’s love.
Guide us on our journey, that we may live with peace and compassion, and one day share in the joy of heaven with you.
Amen
Artwork: Stephen Whatley
As part of my studies, I was blessed to visit Ephesus in modern-day Turkey.
So whenever I hear in the Sunday readings from the Letter of St Paul to the Ephesians, I am taken back to the beautiful ruins of Ephesus.
Sometimes the Sunday readings seem perfect for what is happening in our College community.
The leadership team is currently interviewing applicants in preparation for staffing in 2025.
Because we are unashamedly a Catholic school, prospective candidates are always asked: “How can you, in this role, contribute to the distinctive Catholic Identity at the College?”
St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians gives an explicit instruction of what it means to be Catholic:
“Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anyone or call each other names or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.”
As we enter the halfway mark of Term 3, may we take this instruction to heart and remember to be friends with everyone in our community.
With only five weeks until the end of Term 3, we keep our Year 12 students in our prayers.
The final year of school always goes so fast and presents our young people with the challenge of what next?
For those completing VCE Unit 3/4 subjects, we pray that your exam preparation in the coming months is rigorous. May you use this time wisely to prepare so that you enter your final exams with confidence.
For those completing VCE VM, may your efforts to gain employment be successful, and we pray that your future endeavours bring you great joy.
This Friday 23 August is a student Study at Home Day for both campuses.
Staff will be participating in our annual Faith Formation Day.
| Dates to remember | |
| Friday 23 August | Student Study at Home Day (Staff Faith Formation Day) |
| Thursday 29 August | Father's Day Prayer Service 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 | |
| Friday 23 August | Student Study at Home Day (Staff Faith Formation Day) |
| Friday 30 August | Father's Day Prayer Service 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 |
Two of our Melton Campus school psychologists, Sarah Abbas and Rachel Agius, recently left the College to pursue new opportunities. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and support they provided our students during their time at the College and wish them all the best in their new roles.
We are currently recruiting staff to replace Sarah and Rachel as soon as possible and appreciate your understanding and patience during this transition.
If you have any queries, please contact me at the College at jmitsch@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
All fathers and fatherly figures in our College community are welcome to join us for our annual prayer services and breakfasts at both campuses to celebrate Father's Day.
Dads, uncles, brothers, and friends are invited to this special event. All the details are available below.
Please remember to RSVP here if you and your child can attend.
Last week, our Director of Learning and Teaching Dr Lucy Cassar and I attended the annual EduTech Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The conference brings together a range of educational technology suppliers and plenary sessions on technology in the learning environment.
The strong message is that we need to plan and be aware of the impact of and correct use of technology to improve student learning and outcomes.
Interactive and dynamic software will allow students to digitalise their learning and improve their tasks. Professional learning for all teachers needs to include digital literacy, use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data.
MACS has produced an advice paper for teachers to inform enhanced decision-making about purposeful and professional usage in a Catholic education context.
We have incorporated the responsible use/misuse of digital technologies, including AI, into the College’s Academic Integrity Policy, available on the College website.
GROK and Khan Academy were two of the keynote presenters at the EduTech Conference. Both are not-for-profit organisations working in education and providing school resources.
They spoke about emerging technologies, like ChatGPT, that use large language models. Predictions are often based on previous data and can include past biases on gender and culture. Education about AI's correct and ethical use will be critical in schools as we move into this technological realm.
Another area featured at the conference was Virtual and Augmented Immersive Realities (VIR/AR).
The Australian Defence Force uses their simulators and AR to provide simulated field experiences. Their message relayed the importance of keeping mathematics in student senior options and the advantage of STEM/STEAM subjects.
At the College, our Domain Leaders continue to look at incorporating our Lumination Lab into curriculum units. As a school, we are lucky to have this latest technology on-site.
Solving real-world problems and learning to collaborate and work as a team are essential skills for the future workplace. The Year 9 students undertake three Project Based Learning units in Science, English and Humanities that focus on these skills.
Two teams of students participated in a model United Nations Conference at St Patrick’s College last Friday.
The students became country ambassadors for China and Mexico and spent many weeks preparing for the conference topic, Climate Action.
The day started with all teams presenting their country’s position to the General Assembly.
During this time, the students had to take note of which clauses other teams supported or did not support in preparation for the caucus session.
During the caucus session, students were asked questions, sought clarification from other countries about their position statements and debated the Resolution and its clauses.
They had to ensure they were expressing their country’s views accurately before moving to draft, edit and finalise their proposed amendments.
During this session, there was a buzz across the room as students worked collaboratively with other countries to seek support for their amendments.
In the final session, the teams voted on which amendments to make to the Resolution.
Our students were quite proud that the amendments they helped put forward were the only two approved by the delegation.
"The model UN was a valuable experience. It allowed me to understand how United Nations conferences would really work and all the research and preparation behind them. Each team represented a country, and we all revised amendments and put forward ideas that would better suit our selected country. During the conference, each team had to discover which other groups' goals aligned with our own. It was an enjoyable day, and I would recommend giving it a go next year! Abbey, Year 10
This week, students at both campuses will celebrate the joy of reading during the many Book Week activities and competitions organised by our Alexandria Resource Centre.
Students wanting to get involved can check Simon Daily Messages for times and locations.
Magnetic Bookmark Making: Craft your very own magnetic bookmarks! A perfect way to mark your spot in your next great read. Students at Melton Campus enjoyed this activity yesterday (pics below), and Cobblebank Campus students will join in their event tomorrow.
Write-a-Book-in-a-Day: Participants unleash their creativity by writing an entire book in just one day! Click here to sponsor a team or participant.
The Great Indigenous Literacy Book Swap: Join us in supporting Indigenous literacy by participating in our book swap. Pick up a book for a gold coin donation and help spread the love of reading. All proceeds go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. You can also click here to donate to this great cause. (Please note: this event was held at Cobblebank Campus yesterday, Monday 19 August and will be held at the Melton Campus tomorrow, Wednesday 21 August.)
Design a Bookmark Competition: Let your artistic side shine! Enter our bookmark design competition to have your artwork featured and win exciting prizes.
Poetry Competition: Express yourself through words in our poetry competition. Whether you're a seasoned poet or trying it out for the first time, we welcome all levels of experience. See Simon for details.
Join us for a week full of creativity, inspiration, and, of course, books! We can't wait to see you there.
The weekly dodgeball competition has been heating up, with all houses having played their first game.
House points have been awarded to the teams recording the most participation and effort.
The competition is off to a great start, and the race for the top spot is already fierce!
Congratulations to the top four teams on winning their matches and displaying fantastic house spirit.
SACCSS Year 9 Premier League Competition – Round 3
| Team | Result | SFCC Ladder position |
| Boys Basketball | SFCC 63 d Emmanuel College 31 | 2 |
| Girls Basketball | SFCC 42 d Emmanuel College 25 | 3 |
| Boys Volleyball | SFCC 2 d Emmanuel College 1 | 4 |
| Girls Volleyball | SFCC 2 d Emmanuel College 1 | 2 |
| Girls Netball | SFCC 33 d Caroline Chisholm 7 | 1 |
| Boys AFL | Bye | 2 |
| Girls Football | SFCC 2 d Caroline Chisholm 1 | 2 |
| Boys Football | SFCC 1 - Caroline Chisholm 1 | 1 |
| Team | Result | SFCC Ladder position |
| Boys Basketball | MacKillop College 55 d SFCC 45 | 5 |
| Girls Basketball | Kolbe Catholic College 51 - SFCC 51 | 3 |
As you read today's newsletter, 11 teams of students are taking part in our fourth annual Write a Book in Day event!
Teams began work in the Alexandria Resource Centre at 8am and must plan, write, edit, illustrate and publish a book by 8pm. Their stories 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 donating 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
It has been a special term for our junior Italian students with Italian Week festivities recently held at both campuses.
Our Year 7 and 8 students attended a fun incursion, and some signed up for a soccer clinic.
In-class activities combined the Italian language and the knowledge of St Francis and St Claire.
Our next extracurricular activity this term is the CIS Junior Italian Poetry Competition, which will involve some of our Year 7 and 8 students.
We wish them all the best in their poetry recital.
Our annual Homelessness Winter Appeal continues until the end of August.
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 continues at Cobblebank Campus until the end of August.
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.
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
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 School Student Broadband Initiative gives parents and guardians who might be financially struggling an opportunity to get the school student in their house free nbn broadband internet access until the end of 2025, if they don’t already have an active nbn service at home.
Thousands of households have been provided free internet across Australia, with the deadline for other eligible families to be nominated closing at the end of 2024.
Those joining the program before the end of this year will receive free access until the end of 2025.
To be eligible, a family must have a child enrolled in an Australian school living in the home, have no active broadband service over the nbn network, and be able to access a standard nbn service at the residence.
The free service begins from the day the service is activated for each family and runs until 31 December 2025.
The program is delivered by Anglicare Victoria in partnership with nbn.
Click here for more information and translated resources.
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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