Weekly Reflection


In the Gospel this past weekend (Matthew 21:33-43), we heard a Word that carries a profound message about the Kingdom of God and what we stand to lose when it is taken from us and given to another.

At its core, this Gospel reminds us that being a follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian, goes beyond mere adherence to certain truths or feelings of spirituality and holiness; it is fundamentally Good News that transcends the boundaries of life and death.

The parable of the vineyard owner paints a vivid picture of a master who entrusted his vineyard to tenants. However, when the time came to collect the fruit of the vineyard, the tenants refused to give it to the owner, even resorting to violence. They killed his servants and, ultimately, his own son. This parable clearly mirrors the events of Jesus’ life.

The vineyard represents the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we are the tenants of this vineyard, entrusted with its care. The fruits of the vineyard symbolise the Love of God that is meant to be shared with all. However, when we fail to acknowledge the source of this gift and instead become consumed by our own ambitions and pride, we risk losing the Kingdom of God.

When the Kingdom of God is taken from us and given to another, it signifies a profound loss. It is not merely the forfeiture of spiritual blessings or a ticket to eternal life; it is the loss of a transformative relationship with God.

The parable reminds us that the consequences of such a loss can be dire. Like the unfaithful tenants who faced judgment, we too may find ourselves separated from the very source of life and love that sustains us.

However, the message of this Gospel is not solely one of warning; it is primarily one of hope and redemption. The parable of the vineyard also speaks to the incredible grace of God. Despite the unfaithfulness of the tenants, the owner gave them many opportunities for them to receive his mercy. In sending them his own son, he offered them a chance to turn away from their evil ways.

In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we witness the ultimate manifestation of God's grace. It is through Christ that we come to understand that the Kingdom of God is not just a place or a set of rules; it is the profound realisation that death, our death, has been overcome. It is the recognition that God's love is so vast and unconditional that it reaches beyond the grave.

As members of the St Francis Catholic College community, we are all called to be witnesses to this fact. It calls us to go beyond mere religiosity or rituals; it is a responsibility that encompasses the totality of our lives.

So, let us not be like the unfaithful tenants who lost sight of the vineyard's true owner. Instead, let us recognise the incredible gift we have been given, cherish it, and share its abundance with others. Christ is Risen! He is Alive! By dying, he has destroyed our death, and by rising he has restored our life.

Jonathan Antony

Acting Director of Faith and Mission

From the Principal

Last Friday we welcomed the Class of 2013 to reconnect with the College, fellow students and staff.

It was wonderful to see such a significant number of past students return, many of whom travelled substantial distances to reminisce about their time at the College and see how far it has come in the past ten years.

A common theme was how quickly time had gone and how much the College had changed over the years. Some had taken tours recently in anticipation of enrolling their children!

This week, we say goodbye to our Year 12 2023 cohort. We have been so fortunate to be on-site for the whole year with minimal disruption to learning. We wish our VCE students all the best for their upcoming exams.

I am sure that, just as for the 2013 cohort, the next few years will fly by. We look forward to hearing about your adventures when you return in 2033!

May all our graduating students make the most of every day. May they find deep happiness and joy as St Francis did – living simply so that others may simply live.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus Students

Dates to remember
Tuesday 17 October Parents and Friends Meeting
Wednesday 18 October - Friday 20 October

2023 SFCC Art Exhibition - Performing Arts Centre

Monday 6 November Student Study at Home Day
Tuesday 7 November Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus Students

Dates to remember
Tuesday 17 OctoberParents and Friends Meeting
Monday 6 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Tuesday 7 November Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Parents and Friends Meeting

The next Parents and Friends Association meeting will be held next Tuesday 17 October, on-site at our Cobblebank Campus.

New members are always welcome.

Please contact me via email arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au for further details regarding access to our Cobblebank Campus.

Amy Rowley

Director of Community Relations

Annual Art Exhibition – Melton Campus

Families are invited to the 2023 St Francis Catholic College Art Exhibition on Thursday 19 October from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Melton Campus Performing Arts Centre.

The exhibition is the culmination of months of hard work, passion, and dedication by our Melton Campus students. It celebrates artistic expression and innovation while showcasing student 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, Visual Communication Design, Media and Technology subjects.

The opening night will include refreshments provided by our Hospitality students, a welcome by Principal Marlene Jorgensen at 7pm and a presentation of awards.

Hollie Dawson

Teacher

Music and Awards Evening

Our annual Music and Awards Evening was held last Thursday with 60 Melton and Cobblebank students showcasing their talents to a large and appreciative audience in the Performing Arts Centre.

Students involved in our classroom and extracurricular music programs had the opportunity to perform at the event, our first as St Francis Catholic College.

Many students made their stage debut on the night, exuding confidence and performing exceptionally well.

The St Francis Congolese Dance Group opened the evening, which included performances by our Vocal and Guitar ensembles, Pasifika Dance Groups, instrumental lesson soloists and classroom music bands.

All students were then invited back on stage for the awards ceremony that recognised musical excellence and improvement throughout the year. Ensemble Spirit Awards were also presented to one student from each group.

The awards acknowledge the hard work and achievements our dedicated students have displayed throughout the year. They also give students something to strive towards in future years.

2023 Music Awards


Year 10 Music Performance ExcellenceJordan Nidras
Instrumental Piano ExcellenceSkylar Zhu
Instrumental Guitar ExcellenceJames Bill
Instrumental Drums ExcellenceEshaan Yadav
Instrumental Voice ExcellenceNadine Pardinas
Instrumental Flute ExcellenceIsabella Sestoso
Year 10 Music Performance Most ImprovedKaiden Vanguardia
Year 9 Music Performance Most ImprovedHannah Sabu
Year 7 Music Most Improved – Melton CampusPhoenix Boon
Year 7 Music Most Improved – Cobblebank CampusRuby Williams
Instrumental Piano Most ImprovedConnor Filonenko
Instrumental Guitar Most ImprovedLeila Eckardt
Instrumental Drums Most ImprovedMaddy Bedford
Instrumental Voice Most ImprovedIllyana Baraci
Instrumental Flute Most ImprovedViolet Marshall
Pasifika Team Spirit AwardRosenna Fano
Congolese Team Spirit AwardJanet Chakubuta
Vocal Ensemble Spirit AwardJordan Nidras
Guitar Ensemble Spirit AwardJames Bill


Below are student reflections on the evening:

“The Pasifika Dance Group entertained families, students and staff at the annual music and awards evening. Leading up to the night I was extremely nervous. We had new members who had never danced in front of an audience but with encouragement from the whole aiga (family) the performance went off without a hitch. The audience loved the dance and I was very proud of Texas, Viliami, Sione, Tuiasi, Tiala and Roselyn. We look forward to more opportunities to showcase our Pasifika culture.”

Fa'afetai lava Rosenna, Year 10

“The night was spectacular. The showcase of all the musical talent was an amazing way to show appreciation for music. The opportunity to perform at music night is very special to me and will always be remembered.” Alannah - Year 9


Thank you to everyone who attended and all those who continue to support the College music program.
Amy Bandeira

Ensemble Coordinator

2024 Leadership Investiture

Our 2024 Student Leadership Investiture was held yesterday to formally recognise the hard work and achievements of this year’s student leaders and farewell our Year 12 graduating class.

The ceremony began with the Class of 2023 entering Sheehan Stadium together while a moving presentation was played that highlighted just how much students had grown during their six years at the College.

The presentation was followed by an official handover ceremony. On behalf of the 2023 Student Leadership Team,

our College Captains Ashok Yel and Jessica Hodge inducted the 2024 College Captains Elesha Gruis and Gabriel Bautista, who then made their leadership pledge on behalf of the 2024 Student Leadership Team.

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

I look forward to seeing how our 2024 Student Leadership Team can build on the legacy left by previous leaders whilst also leaving their own mark at the College.

2024 Student Leadership Team

College CaptainsElesha Gruis and Gabriel Bautista
Faith and Mission Captain

Patricia Perante

Deputy Faith and Mission CaptainsDiana Taylor and Isabella Zerafa
Academic CaptainMontana Burke
Deputy Academic Captain

Alanis Furtado

Environment Captain

Lucy Thompson

Deputy Environment Captain

Lana Lewis

Sport Captain

Ebony Raudino

Deputy Sport CaptainJonah Hermence
Arts and Culture Captain

Giselle Debono

Arts and Culture Captain

Jordan Nidras

Anthony House CaptainsCharlyze Prosser and Skekinah Cabral
Bakhita House CaptainsMary Maker and Alexa Borg
Bernard House CaptainsThinh Nguyen and Zidane McNamara
Catherine House CaptainsAlisha Mifsud and Mia Carl
Dominic House CaptainsNoma Masuku and Jake Squire
Glowrey House CaptainsLauren Martin and Keely-Shae Clarke
Lawrence House CaptainsLucy Closter and Ava Gibson
MacKillop House CaptainsLeona Guanlao and Emma Presnell

Nirasha Pandi

Student Leadership Coordinator

House Cup Winners - Melton Campus

Congratulations to Lawrence House, winners of the inaugural Melton Campus House Cup for 2023!

Lawrence House Leader Jordan Reithofer and College House Captains Chantelle and Lucy proudly accepted the winner's cup during yesterday's Leadership Investiture.

2023 House Tally

1. Lawrence6032.5 points
2. Glowrey5234.5 points
3. Bakhita4985 points
4. Dominic4893 points
5. MacKillop4735.5 points
6. Bernard4528.5 points
7. Catherine4159 points
8. Anthony4157 points
Nirasha Pandi

Student Leadership Coordinator

Sports Update

Year 8 Premier League - Melton Campus - Round 2 results

Team

Result

SFCC Ladder position

Girls' Basketball

Marymede College 27 d SFCC 21

1

Boys' BasketballMarymede College 42 d SFCC 31

4

Girls' VolleyballSFCC 3 sets d Marymede College Nil3
Boys' VolleyballSFCC 3 sets d Marymede College Nil3
Girls' SoccerSFCC 1 drew with Marymede College 1

5

Boys' SoccerMarymede College 5 d SFCC 4

3

NetballSFCC 12 d Marymede College 73


Emily Cook

Sports Trainee

New Uniform Shop

Our College uniform is now available at the new Uniform Group Melton Outlet store at:

Unit 4, 18 Harrison Court, Melton. Ph: 9768 0328

Please be aware that you can no longer purchase uniforms for our College at the Academy Uniforms Deer Park store.

The Melton store is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am - 5pm and Saturday from 10am - 1pm.

You can also order online at www.academyuniforms.com.au

Community Notices

Carers Access Resources Expo


Melton Parish Nativity Play


Soup Van volunteers wanted




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

Instagram

Policies

Uniform

Library

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