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Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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Last week, we gathered as a school on our St Francis Celebration Day to celebrate our Franciscan College community.
Our Mass was a special time to reflect on his teachings and simple yet powerful way of living.
St Francis and Clare always found God in the everyday moments, in nature, and in their care for others. This celebration allowed us to pause and remember their example of love, peace, and humility.
Through the Eucharist, we came together in faith, just as St Francis and Clare did so often. The Mass gave us a chance to reflect on how we, too, can live simply and with a greater sense of connection to each other and the world around us. In a busy world, the celebration was a beautiful reminder to find joy in the small things and to care for all of God’s creation.
Our Mass was not just a one-day event but a call to action for all of us.
St Francis and Clare’s message of peace, their love for all living things, and their dedication to serving others is something we can carry with us in our daily lives. Whether through small acts of kindness or taking steps to care for the environment, we are invited to live as they did, with humility and love.
As we move forward, let’s keep their spirit alive in our actions and our hearts. Together we pray:
Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of St Francis and St Clare,
for their example of peace, humility, and love for all creation.
Help us to follow their path, to live simply, to care for others,
and to see Your presence in all living things.
May we bring peace where there is conflict,
hope where there is despair, and joy where there is sorrow.
Guide us to walk in the footsteps of Francis and Clare,
with hearts full of gratitude and compassion,
always striving to serve You in our words and actions.
Amen.
Last Monday I visited our Year 7 Cobblebank students who were exhibiting at STEM MAD.
I can recall meeting with these students in Year 5 interviews and discussing their interest in STEM. It is wonderful that the College has been able to fulfil its commitment to these students by providing opportunities to foster their enjoyment and skills in science, technology, engineering and maths.
This will be further enhanced with the introduction of the Year 9 STEM Unit in 2025 and the completion of our Stage 2 building at Cobblebank, which will include coding and design technology facilities and a maker space.
Thank you to our staff who facilitated the excursion to the Catholic Leadership Centre, where our students were finalists in three categories on the day. Click here to read the full story and see photos.
The lunchtime STEM activities have undoubtedly been a great addition to our Cobblebank Campus.
This week, I include a message from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) about the new Vision for Instruction.
In February 2024, MACS changed the way reading, writing and mathematics are taught in its 300 primary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Vision for Instruction promotes explicit instruction, a way of teaching in which complex skills are introduced to students in small steps, supported by clear explanations and demonstrations of what students are expected to learn.
Students then practise what they have learned and receive feedback from their teacher until the skill is mastered.
MACS is leading explicit instruction and evidence-based practice education in Victoria to achieve teaching and learning excellence. To find out what becoming a flourishing learner means for your child, and how you can help, read Parents Guide to Vision for Instruction, available below, and ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Vision for Instruction Parent Guide
MACS also regularly posts about Vision for Instruction on social media. To follow MACS, please click on the following links for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
A reminder that all students will be dismissed at 2.30pm this Friday 20 September, our final day for Term 3.
Term 4 will begin on Monday 7 October.
Please note that the Melton Campus will be closed on Tuesday 1 October while water works are completed. The front office will be open from 8am to 4pm on every other weekday during the school holidays, except for the Grand Final Public Holiday on Friday 27 September.
The front office at our Cobblebank Campus will also be open weekdays during the school holidays from 8am to 4pm, except for the Grand Final Public Holiday on Friday 27 September.
The College is planning classes and staffing for 2025.
Please email enrolments@sfcc.vic.edu.au if your child will not return to the College in 2025.
An exit form is available below should you require it.
Students will not be formally exited from the College until all relevant paperwork is returned.
| Dates to remember | |
| Thursday 19 September | Parent Student Teacher Interviews (online) 4.30pm - 7pm |
| Friday 20 September | Final day of Term 3 - 2.30pm dismissal |
| Monday 7 October | Term 4 begins |
| Thursday 10 October | College Music and Awards Evening |
| Dates to remember | |
| Thursday 19 September | Parent Student Teacher Interviews (online) 4.30pm - 7pm |
| Friday 20 September | Final day of Term 3 - 2.30pm dismissal |
| Monday 7 October | Term 4 begins |
| Thursday 10 October | College Music and Awards Evening |
Last week, the Melton Campus observed R U OK? Day to promote awareness and foster open dialogues around mental health.
Our goal was to emphasise that everyone can seek support during challenging times and that we are committed to supporting one another.
We aim to cultivate a culture among both our staff and students where mutual support is paramount.
Additionally, we want to underscore that important conversations can take place not only on this designated day but throughout the year, as ‘a conversation could change a life.’
Click here to learn more about the signs that someone needs help and the conversation steps to show them they’re supported
Over the past couple of weeks, each House has held a check-in assembly focusing on college expectations and collectively working towards achieving the best possible outcomes for our students.
We reinforced our basic requirements of being at school on time, and did Yondr Pouch and Student ID card checks. We also conducted a uniform check to ensure that all students were adhering to our uniform policy and wearing it appropriately.
It is encouraging to see so many students complying with the established guidelines.
It is essential that we continue to work in partnership to achieve optimal outcomes for our students as we strive to pursue our standards of excellence.
Ensuring that your child wears the correct uniform contributes to a positive experience each day.
As we maintain high standards, it is important that the learning environment remains conducive to student focus and engagement.
We have removed mobile phones from the College setting and have decided to implement a school-wide mobile phone and headphone policy.
Beginning at the start of Term 4, only plug-in headphones will be permitted for use at school, as per the booklist.
Please refer to our Mobile Phone and Headphone Policy below.
Mobile Phone and Headphone Policy v1 0 2024 2
As we approach the conclusion of Term 3, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the numerous learning opportunities that have been available to our students.
This term has been particularly busy, featuring events such as the College production, presentations from the Proactive Policing Unit, Year 8 Camp, Italian Week, a presentation by Susan McLean, NAIDOC Week, Science Week, Reflection Days, Health and PE Week, First Aid Training, the Write a Book in a Day initiative, and Celebration Day.
As we reflect on the achievements, the relationships formed, and the lessons that have emerged from these experiences, we should take pride in our collective success.
I wish students a well-deserved break and hope they find time to relax and recharge as we prepare for the final term of 2024.
Last Thursday we commemorated the Feast Day of St Francis with our College Celebration Day.
The event commenced with a Mass, during which each House was recognised alongside images of their respective patron, and the House candle.
Following the Mass, the school engaged in various celebratory activities centred around the Franciscan theme of nature, featuring a baby animal farm and reptile encounters.
We also hosted a global village that showcased diverse cultures through food and dance, as well as karaoke, music stations, and seed potting activities, all accompanied by an abundance of food and fun. Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing Melton Campus, Cheryl Bullen
Celebration Day 2024 was one to
remember.
We started the day with a beautiful mass, honouring our patron saint, St Francis of Assisi and enjoyed festivities for the remainder.
Celebration Day featured many activities including karaoke, a soccer clinic, farmer Daryl, reptile encounter, tree/herb planting, a cultural village and more.
My favourite was the cultural village where many students of all different backgrounds came together to celebrate who they were.
It was in the Philippines area that Jonah (Deputy Sports Captain) and I were taught a traditional Filipino dance called Tinikling. The energy in the room, and throughout the whole day was unforgettable. We ended the day with an amazing talent show. Diana, 2025 College Captain
"We all come from a village" is a reminder of our shared humanity and interconnectedness. It encourages us to view each other through a lens of commonality and mutual respect, despite the vast diversity that exists within our global village.
This year, a Global Village was created in OSMA where staff and students shared their stories, artefacts, traditions, songs, activities and cultural dance performances.
The
Mighty Vikings display was a hit with students. They viewed stunning displays of Viking power and created their names from
stone runes.
The Māori village had an array of Māori weapons and books. Students made their own Poi, then performed a traditional Poi dance at the Kulture Konnection performance.
The Indigenous kiosk was set up with the beautiful yadaki on display, and a practice didgeridoo was available for students. There was lots of laughter, but not much sound was produced. Some very creative art work was created by staff and students.
At the Auslan kiosk students were encouraged to communicate with staff using sign language. It was great watching the smiles as they mastered a few words.
Students and staff waited patiently for up to 20 minutes to receive Mehdi designs in the Indian Punjabi Village. The girls worked tirelessly applying the henna and creating the most beautiful drawings for more than 50 people. Great job girls!
We were blessed to have Rabbi Jo visit, who created a beautiful peaceful learning hub with her Wandering Temple.
You can read more about this experience below from teacher Joshua Bach.
We had stunning displays from our Burmese, Indian Punjabi and Filipino communities. Jenni Cutajar joined us with her GKR Karate kiosk.
The highlight of the village was the Kulture Konnection performance. Singers and dancers represented the countries and islands of South Sudan, Ethiopia Uganda, Burma, Philippines, Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand and India.
We are excited about the future of the Global Village and look forward to its expansion next year, offering even more opportunities to celebrate and learn about our diverse cultures. Kimiora Joyce, Pasifika Engagement Project Officer
It was Celebration Day at Cobblebank Campus last Thursday.
The day was filled with a diverse array of activities catering to all the interests of our students.
A photo booth captured the smiles and laughter of friends. Students were able to calmly take part in clay mug decorating and friendship beading, or they could get active in the bubble soccer, portable mini golf or basketball shoot-out arcade game.
There was popcorn, fairy floss, ice cream, pizza and a sausage sizzle available on the day to keep all students energised! It was a successful day spent celebrating our patron saint, St Francis.
After the morning's activities, all students and staff participated in a beautiful Mass at St Anthony's Church. The prayerful celebration reminded us of the importance of love, peace and humility as lived out by St Francis.
Celebration day was a fun experience. There were many activities on offer, ranging from a three-point shoot-out on the basketball court to karaoke in one of the classrooms. What I enjoyed most was spending time with my friends in both Years 7 and 8 and doing activities with them was fun too. I think Celebration Day is about enjoying yourself and spending time with others, strengthening the bonds between us all. Xavier, Year 8
Kanwar Sidhu
Celebration Day was a lot of fun. Everyone enjoyed the activities, such as bubble soccer, mini golf, the three-point shoot-out and Mario Kart racing. The food was also very good; everyone was keen to get fairy floss and popcorn. I personally enjoyed the day very much, and it was great to see everyone involved. Kanwar, Year 8
Our new Creativity Hub is rising. Work is well underway, and it’s exciting to watch the progress as our builders pour the concrete slabs and begin to install precast panels on the ground floor.
Watch this space for more updates next term.
Last Thursday, 12 September, was R U Ok? Day 2024, a significant event dedicated to promoting mental health and fostering supportive conversations.
This year’s theme, Every Conversation Counts, encouraged everyone to engage in meaningful dialogue and offer genuine support to one another.
As the date was the same as the College's Celebration Day, we acknowledged R U OK? Day on Friday 13 September.
Throughout the day, students and staff participated in various activities to raise awareness about mental wellbeing.
In Mentor Group time, students watched R U Ok? Day videos that focused on the four steps to start a conversation and were reminded to check in on each other. Watch now
During Big Break, Bernard House invited all staff and students to make a beaded bracelet with a message for themselves or their friends. It was wonderful to see students from all houses take part. Our staff were also encouraged to chat with each other over a cupcake.
Cobblebank student leaders and one of our newest staff members, counsellor Angela Lim, were featured in a short clip on social media by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) last week, reminding us to check in with our friends and family on R U OK? Day and every day!
Click the image below to watch their message.
Let’s keep the spirit of R U OK? Day alive daily by continuing to check in on each other and fostering a caring and connected school environment.
To see more from MACS, you can follow their social media channels: LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook
Our students will participate in presentations from the Cyber Safety Project tomorrow, Thursday 19 September.
The organisation’s mission is to provide communities with future skills, lifelong habits and self-regulation when using digital technologies for work, life and play. It is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner, and its educational programs and proactive teaching strategies will help our students participate safely and responsibly in a digital world.
The topic for Year 7 students is Thriving Online. Connecting with others online is fun but it’s important to be mindful of our safety. Students will explore the differences between personal, private and public spaces and carefully consider the types of information they share online.
Cybercriminals use tactics to mislead, deceive and extort online, so it’s important to be aware of potentially risky online behaviours, particularly when making friends online.
With the rapid spread of images and videos online, it is essential for students to understand the risks of sharing intimate content. Students will uncover the key steps to take control of their digital footprint and know where to get help and report abuse and cyberbullying.
Year 8 students will explore My Place in a Digital World.
It’s crucial to understand how personal data can be used and how to take steps to protect our privacy. Students will uncover how easy it is to unconsciously expose personal data, such as location sharing and how to avoid oversharing online.
With a focus on learning how to participate in respectful and safe online relationships, they will explore sextortion and Image-Based Abuse (IBA), discussing the risks of sharing intimate content.
Presenters will highlight Digital Citizenship Laws including cyber-bullying and IBA. When something goes wrong online, two in three young people would seek help from a friend first.
Students will learn how to support a friend experiencing online harassment or bullying and how to help them report it.
Our College mobile phone policy has been updated to include guidelines for students' use of headphones.
Below is a summary from the policy for your reference:
Headphones must be kept out of sight in a student’s pocket, pencil case, laptop bag or anywhere appropriate for safe storage.
Headphones must not be used during break times.
Only wired headphones may be used during class time when directed by a teacher, psychologist or Learning Diversity Leader. They must be plugged into the College laptop.
Students who use their headphones inappropriately at the College will be issued with consequences consistent with our existing Behaviour Management Procedure.
The use of headphones in breach of this policy will result in the item being confiscated and stored at student reception until the end of the school day.
Our full Mobile Phone and Headphone Policy is available below.
Mobile Phone and Headphone Policy v1 0 2024 2
A reminder that students must wear their blazer to and from school each day when they are in their academic uniform.
Congratulations to our Melton Campus Year 9 Netball and AFL teams on their win at last week's Division 2 Premier League grand finals!
Their win will see us promoted to Division 1 next year in these sports.
We also congratulate our two soccer teams, who were runners-up in their grand final matches.
All our Year 9 Premier League teams had very successful seasons, and we are so proud of everyone’s efforts!
Our thanks to students for being enthusiastic all term and for dedicating their time and energy to training, preparing and playing. We wish you well in senior sport next year!
"This year's netball team was amazing, and we had so much fun together. We all put in so much effort to be the best, and it showed not only in the grand final but also in keeping us undefeated for the whole year. Thanks to our coaches, Miss Cryan and Miss Hodge for taking us each week and cheering us on." Hannah and Alual, Netball Captains
SACCSS Year 9 Premier League Competition – Grand Final Results
| Team | Result | SFCC Ladder position |
| Girls Netball | SFCC 35 d Caroline Chisholm College 13 | 1 |
| Boys AFL | SFCC 68 d Thomas Carr College 47 | 1 |
| Girls Football | Caroline Chisholm College 1 d SFCC 0 | 2 |
| Boys Football | Caroline Chisholm College 1 d SFCC 0 | 2 |
Good for children, good for schools, good for communities
The College recently celebrated Health and PE Week with activities to raise awareness about the importance of health and physical activity.
The Bike ‘n’ Blend stall was a massive hit at both campuses, with students working hard to make smoothies.
Our Cobblebank campus held a three-point basketball competition with many students from years 7 and 8 showing us their skills and sinking some great baskets. The title was claimed by three joint Year 8 winners - Bakhita House student Deng, Glowrey House student Rihanna and Bakhita House student Nathan.
Both campuses held staff vs student tournaments, with Melton Campus staff playing Year 12 students in a mixed netball game. Staff fought hard until the end, but the Year 12 students came out on top winning by one point.
It was the first time students had beaten teachers in this annual competition.
At Cobblebank, teachers took on students in a table tennis competition. The teachers were dominant against several teams of students, taking out the 2024 crown. Everyone who got involved had a lot of fun!
Well done to all staff and students who actively participated in the HPE week activities, making them a resounding success! Your enthusiasm and energy were truly inspiring. A massive thank you to the HPE team for their dedication, time and passion throughout the week.
Keep moving!
Last week, two groups of students from Cobblebank Campus participated in the STEM MAD (make a difference) exhibition hosted by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) at the Catholic Leadership Centre in Melbourne.
The two groups created design solutions aimed at making a difference in the everyday lives of people and were finalists in three categories on the day.
Students joined 60 other Catholic schools to exhibit their work. They saw many inspiring designs and presented ideas to judges from partnership organisations, including Monash University, the National Gallery of Victoria and Zoos Victoria.
Finalist, Award for Acting for Social Justice
Considering ways to support the wellbeing of young people today, the emotional support robot is a 3D printed robot programmed to respond to the emotional state of people who hold it with comforting words and noises.
Like an emotional support animal Bean can read people’s emotions and can be set to give different responses depending on the needs of the user. Bean provides supportive words, changing facial expressions, and comforting sounds. He is also huggable which is unusual for a robot!
"All young people need support and someone to respond to their needs." Ruchika, Year 7 student.
Illuminated car
Finalist, Award for Best Engineered Product Secondary and Most MAD Award
The Illuminated car was designed to respond to the challenges of busier roads, particularly in urban environments.
The design enhances existing motor technology to alert pedestrians when vehicles are close to them.
Using an electrical LED lighting system, this design aims to reduce the number of collisions between cars and pedestrians. It works by having a wire frame around the car to illuminate it and make it visible from all sides.
This enhancement could help keep pedestrians and other vehicles safe by making vehicles obvious from all points. not just the front and back.
"Our vehicle uses sensors and LED system to warn people when cars are close to them." Nathan, Year 7 student
During the exhibition, students participated in numerous science and technology-based activities, including VR trips to Mars and met the Pink Mars Rover built by Monash University students.
"We had an amazing day and got to talk to lots of judges." Sienna, Year 7 student
" A highlight was seeing the pink Mars rover, the VR experience of exploring space, free gelato and meeting Ryan Evans from Lego Masters." Chord, Year 7 student.
Design and STEM support learners in engaging critically with real-world problems and applying their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For Cobblebank students, this has included using electrical lighting and sensors and programming robots to create innovations that will make a difference in the world.
Year 12 VCE VM students ventured out on an exciting excursion to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) station in Bacchus Marsh last month.
The day was made even more special by the presence of fellow student Ewan, who is a dedicated volunteer at the CFA.
Ewan and other volunteers led the students through an informative tour, sharing their firsthand experiences and insights about the vital work done by the team.
Students had the unique opportunity to explore the various equipment used by the firefighters, gaining a deeper understanding of the tools and technology that assist in safeguarding the community.
The highlight of the excursion was undoubtedly the chance to climb aboard the fire trucks. Many students took turns sitting in the driver’s seat and could even walk around the back of the truck. To top off a fantastic day, the students played a fun game that involved rolling out the heavy hoses volunteers use while fighting fires. Students cheered one another on and congratulated each other on their efforts.
A heartfelt thank you to Ewan for being an exceptional guide. We left the CFA with newfound knowledge and an appreciation for volunteerism, as well as the heroic work of our firefighters.
Overall, it was a memorable day that will stay with our Year 12 VCE VM Class for years to come!
Cobblebank Campus has hosted visitors from Melbourne Victory Football Club, who have run soccer clinics open to all students for the past two weeks.
The clinic has allowed the students to develop their skills and play friendly but competitive soccer.
We hope all those who participated had fun and learned something new.
A small group of Year 10 students represented SFCC at this week's Vaka Pasifika Leadership Program at Melbourne University.
They sat in on five mock lectures and attended two workshops giving them an insights to higher education at one of the most prestigious universities in Melbourne.
Vaka is the Tongan word for vessel or canoe. The program aimed to empower Pasifika students to view higher education as their vaka/vessel in navigating career and educational aspirations.
Here is what students had to say about the day.
The lecturer from Kiribati was inspiring; he spoke about policies. The experience of sitting in lecture halls was great. Paeki
My mother was excited for me to experience this opportunity. I'm glad I got to go. Emilyah
It was good seeing kids I knew from other schools attending this program too. Payton
Melbourne University is so big! I would get lost. Sienna
I would recommend that students in Year 10 do this next year. Sariah
Congratulations to the following students who received a certificate of appreciation for their entries to the Teen Category of the Melton City Libraries Short Story Competition: Bridget Bairstow (Year 8), Renee Furtado (Year 8), Deandra Fernando (Year 11), Shubhnaaz Dosanjh (Year 8), James Taniman (Year 7), Priyam Saxena (Year 10) and Freya Fox (Year 9).
The library received an overwhelming number of entries in each category this year, and the judges were very impressed by the quality of all the work submitted, making it very tough for them to pick winners.
All students are to be congratulated and commended on their efforts.
During August, Cobblebank Campus staff, students and families generously donated to our Homelessness Month campaign.
A total of 502 items were donated, ranging from beanies and scarves to toothbrushes, homewares and hygiene products.
Campaigns such as this highlight the kind nature of the SFCC community.
SFCC Art teacher Simon Simpson recently ran up 28 flights of stairs at the Crown Metropol Hotel with 25kg of firefighting kit while breathing from an apparatus on his back, all to raise money for mental health and cancer research.
With his team from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Bacchus Marsh Brigade, Simon joined the annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb. The brigade raised $11,000, contributing to the $750,000 total, which will go to Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000 Foundation.
Simon has been a CFA member for more than eight years. But the only thing burning for this fireman on the day of the stair climb was his legs after completing the race in seven minutes and 20 seconds.
“It was an awesome event. It’s inspiring to see so many firefighters come together in a competitive spirit to push their mental and physical limits for charity,” said Simon.
The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb honours the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty in New York on 11 September 2001.
Well done Simon!
Child Protection Week, acknowledged across Australia last week, raises awareness about the community’s collective response to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people, now and into the future.
Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well.
They help schools and communities understand issues, craft solutions, and empower children and young people. This year’s theme provides a platform to engage in important conversations.
Below is information for parents and guardians from Australia's independent regulator for online safety, the eSafety Commissioner.
"There are many practical steps you can take to make a real difference. Research shows that when we strengthen the support systems around children, we give them the best chance to stay safe online." eSafety Commissioner
It’s National Child Protection Week, and this year’s theme, “Every Conversation Matters”, is a timely reminder of how powerful everyday chats with children can be – especially when it comes to their online lives.
The online world offers incredible opportunities but also has its share of risks we need to educate children about. Think of it like teaching a child to ride a bike. You wouldn’t send them off without practice or a helmet. The same goes for the online world – we need to ensure children are prepared and protected before they start navigating it on their own.
A growing concern in Australia and around the world is child sexual abuse online. It’s a tough topic, but it’s one we need to address head-on. This issue is affecting children of all ages, showing up in different ways like non-consensual sharing of intimate images, tech-facilitated child sexual abuse, sexual extortion and the grooming of a child with the intention to abuse them online or in person.
With 11% of teens aged 14-17 reporting they’ve been solicited sexually online, it’s more important than ever to create environments where children feel safe to speak up – whether they’re at home or school.
So, what can you do? The good news is that as parents and guardians, you can take practical steps to make a real difference. Our research shows that when we strengthen the support systems around children, we give them the best chance to stay safe online.
To help you get started, below you’ll find:
· New resources for parents and guardians to help protect children from sexual abuse online
· The eSafety parent hub which includes links to translated resources and free webinars
· How we’re holding social media giants accountable to protect children online.
Together, we can ensure children have the support they need to explore the online world safely. Let’s make every conversation count this National Child Protection week – and beyond.
Source: e-Safety Commissioner
Melton Council is collaborating with the University of Melbourne to organise a tour of the city campus for students in years 11 and 12 on Wednesday 25 September.
There is no cost for the excursion, and lunch will be provided. The aim is to encourage more tertiary engagement among young people in Melton.
For more information contact Kimiora Joyce via email at kjoyce@sfcc.vic.edu.au Essan Dileri at EssanD@melton.vic.gov.au or Henry Tamasese HenryT@melton.vic.gov.au
Click below for the full program
Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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