From the Principal

New beginnings and fond farewells

This week at St Francis Catholic College has been one of both new beginnings and fond farewells.

On Monday, we were pleased to induct our 2026 Melton Campus Student Leadership Team. 

We warmly welcome Erin Johnstone and Shameka Grero as our 2026 College Captains (pictured left to right below). Both bring a diverse range of talents and leadership experience to their new roles. Whether through the performing arts or sport, Erin and Shameka have consistently led by example, demonstrating humility, teamwork, and service -  true reflections of our patron, St Francis. For a full list of our 2026 Melton Campus student leaders, click here.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing College Captains, Diana Taylor and Jonah Hermence (pictured below), for their outstanding contribution throughout 2025. Balancing their leadership commitments while completing Year 12 is a significant achievement. Their willingness to serve, their calm presence, and their readiness to assist in any way have been greatly appreciated by staff and students alike.

This Thursday, we will gather to celebrate and farewell our Year 12, 2025 cohort. The day will begin with a shared breakfast and parade, followed by our Graduation Mass. We wish our VCE students every success as they prepare for their final exams and pray that their dedication and effort throughout the year will be richly rewarded.

For our VCE VM students, this milestone marks the beginning of their next chapter. Many have already secured apprenticeships or employment, and we congratulate them as they take these exciting steps into the world of work. We hope that their future pathways bring them growth, fulfillment, and the continued support of their St Francis community.

As a Catholic school, we uphold the dignity of all work and workers. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that work is made for people, not people for work. The economy must serve the common good by protecting the rights of all workers — to fair wages, safe conditions, and the opportunity for meaningful participation in society. Through our work, we share in God’s creative plan, building a world marked by justice, compassion, and human dignity.

I look forward to hearing about the success of all of our Class of 2025.

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Potential Traffic Delays at Cobblebank Campus

Please be aware that there may be traffic delays on Bridge Road, Cobblebank, tomorrow, Thursday 16 October, as concrete trucks enter and exit the campus as part of works on our new Senior Learning Centre, currently under construction. 

Traffic management staff will be in the area to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Please follow their directions at all times. 

Please also allow extra time when travelling along Bridge Road, as there may be delays during the peak morning and after-school periods. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete the next stage of our campus.  

Remember to Order Your Child's English Novels for 2026

A letter and booklist for the 2026 Early English Novels was emailed to all families last week.

Reading independently at home plays a vital role in developing strong comprehension and a genuine love of reading. To support this, we encourage all students to begin reading their 2026 class novels over the summer holiday break. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the texts without the distractions of the classroom.

Please note:

• VCE English/EAL and Literature students will need their novels ready for Jump Start, beginning Monday 17 November.
• Students currently in Years 7–9 will complete preparatory activities on their 2026 texts during English Jump Start classes at the end of this year.
• It is compulsory that all students have their own physical copies of each class text for study in 2026.

As there are some changes to the English novels for 2026, please check the list carefully before purchasing or borrowing second-hand copies.

Thank you for supporting your child’s reading and preparation for next year’s studies!

2025 College Art Exhibition

We warmly invite you to attend the opening of the 2025 St Francis Catholic College Art Exhibition on Thursday 23 October from 6pm at the Melton Campus Performing Arts Centre.

The exhibition is the culmination of months of hard work, passion, and dedication by our Melton and Cobblebank students. It celebrates artistic expression and innovation while showcasing their creativity and talent.

The artwork on display will encompass a wide range of mediums, styles, and themes, offering a diverse and engaging experience that demonstrates work completed in Art and Design and Technology subjects.

Refreshments and finger food will be provided, and the official proceedings will begin at 7pm.

Artist, educator, and Art Gallery of Ballarat representative Pauline O’Shannessy will be our guest speaker on the night, and awards will be presented by our Principal, Marlene Jorgensen.

We look forward to welcoming you to our annual celebration of art and design at the College.

2026 Leadership Investiture - Melton Campus

Our 2026 Student Leadership Investiture was held on Monday to formally recognise the hard work and achievements of this year’s student leaders, induct our new leaders for 2026 and farewell our Year 12 graduating class.

The ceremony began with the Class of 2025 entering Sheehan Stadium together. There was also a presentation of their Year 7 and Year 12 photos.

The presentation was followed by an official handover ceremony.

On behalf of the 2025 Student Leadership Team, our College Captains, Diana Taylor and Jonah Hermence inducted the 2026 College Captains Erin Johnstone and Shameka Grero, who then made their leadership pledge on behalf of the 2026 Student Leadership Team.

This ceremony marks a moment of great pride and achievement for all our student leaders and their parents, guardians and teachers.

2026 Student Leadership Team

Meet our 2026 Melton Campus Sport Captains

We're pleased to introduce the newly elected Melton Campus Sport Captains for 2026. Find out more about our leaders' goals for the year ahead.

Emilyah, Sports Captain

As the 2026 Sports Captain, I hope to create an environment where students feel comfortable and encouraged to participate in sports, not just to win but to have fun, build confidence and grow as a team.

My goal for the upcoming year is to boost participation, team spirit, teamwork and pride in representing our school.

I want to use this role to motivate others to get involved, give their best and support one another.

More importantly, I hope to lead by example through respect, determination, dedication and enthusiasm.

Lily, Deputy Sports Captain

I am honoured to be your new Deputy Sports Captain for 2026. Sport has always been an important part of our school, bringing our community together to celebrate achievements and build resilience.

Next year, I'm excited to help lead our community and encourage everyone to get involved, whether it's competing, supporting, or simply trying something new. My goal as Deputy Captain is to create an environment where everyone feels included, welcome, and proud to represent SFCC Melton.

I'm looking forward to an amazing year of sport, spirit, and success!

Marcus, Deputy Sports Captain

I look forward to being one of your Deputy Sport Captains in 2026 and part of the Melton Campus Student Leadership Team.

I want to ensure students participate in positive, friendly competitions, such as the Inter-House games and also other activities throughout the year as Health and PE Week. 

Term 4 Exams and Timed Assessment Tasks

Welcome to Term 4, a busy one as we finalise learning for 2025. 

Over the next few weeks, our students will finish final assessments and then begin exam preparation. Teachers will prepare for students by developing their skills in reading exam-style questions, discussing time management and providing ideas on how to study.

PAT Testing

This week, we are completing PAT- Reading and PAT- Mathematics testing across Years 7-10, in English and Maths classes. The results help to influence the literacy and numeracy focus for the whole college and at the Domain level. The data will be used by teachers in 2026 to identify their class cohorts’ strengths and areas for growth.

Timed Assessment Tasks

On Friday 31 October, Year 7 students will complete a Timed Assessment Task for English and Year 8 students for Mathematics in exam-style conditions. Where possible, please avoid making appointments that will impact your child's attendance on this day. Families will receive more information via email soon. The assessments will be held in the stadium at Melton Campus and upstairs in the Yellow Building at Cobblebank Campus.

Examinations

On Wednesday 5 November, Year 9 students will complete exams in English and Mathematics. From 6-13 November, all Year 10 and Year 11 VCE students will complete their exams. Further information will be sent out to students and families soon. The extended Melbourne Cup break provides a good time for study and preparation. The exams will be held in the stadium at Melton Campus and upstairs in the Yellow Building at Cobblebank Campus.

VCAA Examinations

Our VCE Unit 3/4 students undertake their VCAA examinations from Tuesday 28 October – Thursday 20 November. We wish them all the best as they finish their last classes and move into study time. Our Senior Years Leader, Carissa Lock, has emailed information to students and families. Please email Carissa at clock@sfcc.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Staying well during Year 12

If you are a Year 12 student approaching your VCE final exams, it's important to take care of your wellbeing while you study. 

ReachOut Australia offers practical tips to help Year 12 students stay on track - for example, getting enough sleep, taking breaks, exercising and talking to someone if things feel overwhelming. 

Check out their recent article Staying well during Year 12- with Nick and April, where they share practical advice on managing your stress and looking after yourself during exam time.

Creative Hub Opens at Cobblebank Campus

This term, classes commenced in our brand-new Creative Hub - a dynamic space designed to inspire creativity, imagination and collaboration. 

The Hub brings together a range of specialist learning areas, including Food Technology, Hospitality Kitchen, Wood and Metal Workshops, Art, Visual Communication, Media, Digital Technology, Robotics, Textiles, and Project-Based Learning spaces. 

These purpose-built facilities provide students with hands-on, practical experiences that encourage innovation and problem-solving across a range of disciplines.

Below is what one of our Year 9 students had to say about her first impression of the new spaces.

“The blue building looked amazing on the outside but ten times better on the inside. It felt like walking into a university building, the architecture and designs looked so pretty. My favourite part was the industrial kitchen, and I can't wait to actually use it and cook. The building was really well designed and I'm excited to move into it and use it for my elective classes!” Achraj, Year 9

Art and Fibre room

Media room

Wood Room

Students previewing the new spaces at the end of Term 3

Year 8 Visual Communication Design

This term, our Year 8 Visual Communication Design students have been building skills through observational drawing. 

By closely studying everyday objects, they’ve explored how to represent shape, form, tone, and texture to create more realistic and visually engaging drawings.

Using techniques like contour drawing and blocking in base shapes, students created detailed drawings that show their ability to observe and communicate visual information effectively.

Sports Update

Melton Year 8 Premier League – Round 2

Cobblebank Year 8 Premier League – Round 2

Year 9 Melbourne Experience

During the last week of Term 3, all Year 9 students participated in our annual Melbourne Experience, held over two days. 

The activity is designed to enable students to apply information learned in the classroom to the real world. The aim is to build independence and resilience when navigating the city and using public transport, while also exposing students to various activities that Melbourne offers.

This week, two students shared their thoughts on the event.

At the end of Term 3, the Year 9 students went to the city to conclude their My Journey Community Unit. In my opinion, this was one of the best excursions I have experienced at school, as it not only allowed me and others to bond better with our peers but also created everlasting memories. Furthermore, this experience gave me a sense of independence because it felt like the teachers trusted us enough to explore on our own.

My favourite part of the experience was the trains, as we took the best photos there, but we also laughed and joked, which, in my opinion, was the most memorable of all. My group also got to go to the Eureka Skydeck, where we experienced Melbourne through virtual reality. This activity was the highlight of the day because it was so unique. We also went to the top of the Skydeck, and even though the atmosphere was chilly, the vibe was warm as we made many memories exploring and walking around together. We also saw the city from the very top, which made me realize how complex and big Melbourne really is. Noor, Year 9 Cobblebank Campus

On 18 and 19 September, the Year 9 students ventured out on an excursion into the city of Melbourne.

Personally, on the first day, I visited the Melbourne Museum, where I was able to explore a range of interesting exhibitions, from insect displays and naturally formed gemstones to Star Wars exhibits. It was an interesting and educational experience, but being with friends and moving at our own pace through the city is what really made it more enjoyable for all of us. Feeling that sense of independence and responsibility while moving through such a large city was new and unforgettable.

The true highlight, though, was on when my cohort, along with about 50 other students, went to Queen Victoria Market. The energy on the train ride was joyful as everyone chatted, their faces bright with smiles, eager to see everything. Upon arriving, we were given a meeting point and then time to explore on our own. The students browsed the stalls, purchasing snacks, trinkets, and gifts, all while soaking in the atmosphere.

Then it was time to head home. We returned by V/Line train to Cobblebank, all very tired. As the day concluded, everyone said farewell before the upcoming two-week break, leaving with wonderful memories of our city outing and closer bonds with our peers. Niyumi, Year 9 Cobblebank Campus

World Mental Health Day

Last Friday, 10 October, was World Mental Health Day  and this year's theme was Connect with your Community. 

Whether it's your friends, family, sports team or online groups, connecting with people who make you feel safe, seen and heard can have a powerful impact on your mental health. 

Mental Health Australia has released this year's 2025 World Mental Health Day Calendar, featuring daily tips throughout October to promote good mental health. 

The links are available below.

Community Calendar

Youth Calendar

First Nations Calendar

Melton Campus Kitchen Garden

The kitchen garden at Melton Campus, recently revitalised by a group of VCE VM students, was officially opened last week.

The students worked with determination, teamwork, open minds and care to rejuvenate our garden. While completing the project they used the skills they had learned in their homes, at their VET courses, part-time jobs and from people at the College. 

This garden is more than just soil, plants, and pathways - it is a gift from the 2025 VCE VM students to the whole school community. It is their legacy, something future VCE VM students can aspire to and be motivated by. It represents personal growth, lots of learning, and the joy of working together.

We hope the garden continues to grow and flourish for many years to come. It is a living reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. We invite students and staff to enjoy it, care for it, and help it thrive”

Congratulations to this group of students.

Community Notices

Positive Partnerships

Blue Fit Swimming

Get Active Kids Voucher Program

Mountain Bike Race

Ready-Set-Connect

Useful Links

Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.

PAM – Parent Portal

Enrolment

Parent Handbook

SFCC Careers Website

Facebook

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Policies

Uniform

Library