Weekly Reflection


On Sunday we celebrated World Mission Day, a day when we come together to reflect on and support the Church’s mission of sharing the Good News.

This year’s theme from the Gospel of Matthew, Go and invite everyone to the banquet, reminds us of the inclusive and universal nature of God’s call. We are all invited to participate in His mission, spreading love, hope, and mercy to every corner of the earth.

In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to extend this invitation to everyone - without exclusion.

This mission calls us to reach out to the marginalised, the poor, and those who may feel distant from the Church.

Pope Francis encourages us to look beyond our communities, asking us to embrace a global perspective, sharing in the joys and struggles of our brothers and sisters across the world.

Catholic Mission plays a vital role in this outreach, working tirelessly to support faith communities around the globe, providing spiritual, educational, and material aid to those in need. You can read more about what they do and donate to their missionary work here.

World Mission Day is a powerful reminder of the Church’s role in serving as the hands and feet of Christ in today’s world. By opening our hearts to others, we become part of God’s banquet - a celebration of His unending love and grace.

St Francis and St Clare modelled this beautifully, dedicating their lives to serving the poor and embracing all as part of God’s creation. Inspired by their humility and love, we too are encouraged to follow their example in our mission.

Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can be messengers of God’s love in our daily lives. How can we help those around us feel invited to the banquet? How can we respond to the needs of the global Church?

Whether through prayer, offering support, or simply extending a helping hand, we are all called to live out this mission together.

So we pray together:

Loving God, inspire us to “go and invite everyone to the banquet”.

Nourished from gathering around your table, may our communities reflect your unconditional love, so that all are welcomed with open arms, and the most vulnerable find refuge, care, and compassion.

May our prayers and generosity bring strength to missionaries, enabling them to share the joy that faith brings, so that everyone, everywhere, may experience your hope and love, renewing and healing our world.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rachel Prince

Director of Faith and Mission

From the Principal

Late Thursday evening we farewelled Year 12 students at our 2024 Graduation Mass and Ceremony.

These students were in Year 8 when we first went into lockdown and spent much of the early years of their secondary schooling working remotely.

Upon return to face-to-face teaching, they have become a very engaged and connected cohort who made the most of the many opportunities offered at the College.

I was so impressed by this cohort, who, without fail, gave a sincere thank you when they were presented with the gift of a Tau cross. This is a testament to the fine young people that they have become. As I mentioned on the night, this is due to the successful partnership between parents and the dedicated staff of the College.

I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the students who received the following awards.


ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award

This award recognises students demonstrating leadership and teamwork within the school and the broader community. The 2024 recipient is Elesha Gruis.


Community Spirit Award

This award recognises students who have selflessly given their time and effort to help others in the College and the wider community. In so doing, they have been a role model for their peers. The 2024 recipient is Giselle Debono.


Peer Award

This award is determined by the votes of Year 12 students. It is presented to the student who exemplifies maturity and serves as a role model at the College. The 2024 recipients are Ajak Tong and Ryan Craig.


Abby Rogers Award

This award honours the memory of Abby Rogers, a former student who tragically passed away. Abby was known for her personable and gentle nature, which endeared her to all. The 2024 recipient is Charlyze Prosser.


Principal’s Award

The Principal’s Award is presented to a student who highlights servant leadership in all that they do. The 2024 recipient has represented the College with distinction and demonstrated faith in action through service to our community. Congratulations to Elesha Gruis.


I wish to thank our 2024 College Captains, Elesha and Gabriel, for their willingness to take up this responsibility and their can-do attitude throughout the year.

I would also like to express our sincere thanks to our College Maintenance Team who go above and beyond at this time of year preparing and packing up venues for assemblies, graduations, Mass, exams and final breakfasts. Their dedication to the life of the College is outstanding and very much appreciated.

Thank you to our House Leaders who worked to coordinate the final day's events for the Year 12 students. Your passion for the work is palpable and we are blessed to have such talented and hard-working staff.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus Students

Dates to remember
Thursday 24 October

College Art Exhibition Opening Night - 6pm, Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus

Tuesday 29 OctoberVCAA VCE Unit 3&4 exams begin
Monday 4 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Tuesday 5 NovemberMelbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wednesday 6 NovemberYear 9 Exams (English and Mathematics)
Thursday 7 NovemberYear 7 English TAT (Period 1)

Year 8 Maths TAT (Period 3)

Friday 8 NovemberYear 10 and 11 Exams begin
Wednesday 13 NovemberYear 7 2025 Parent Information Evening (online)
Thursday 14 NovemberYear 10 and 11 Exams conclude
Friday 15 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Monday 18 November Jumpstart for all Year 8-12 2025 students

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus Students

Dates to remember
Thursday 24 October

College Art Exhibition Opening Night - 6pm, Performing Arts Centre, Melton Campus

Monday 4 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Tuesday 5 NovemberMelbourne Cup Public Holiday
Thursday 7 NovemberYear 7 English TAT (Period 1)

Year 8 Maths TAT (Period 3)

Wednesday 13 NovemberYear 7 2025 Parent Information Evening (online)
Friday 15 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Monday 18 November Jumpstart begins

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing Melton Campus

As we celebrate the next chapter in their educational journeys, we last week gathered to bid farewell to the class of 2024.

Thursday began with a circus-themed breakfast followed by a parade through the College. This was a memorable event as each mentor group lined the pathway, cheering on the Year 12 students and their creative costumes.

Our graduates then enjoyed games and activities, cherishing their final moments together as a cohort before viewing a video highlighting their experiences at the College.

In the evening, the students returned for the Graduation Mass and Ceremony. This occasion allowed us to celebrate our shared faith along with their families.

All students were presented with their graduation certificates and Tau Cross in recognition of the significant milestone they have achieved. They should take great pride in their accomplishments.

We extend our best wishes to every Year 12 student for their pathway forward whether it is an apprenticeship, employment or their upcoming exams, and hope they attain the results they truly deserve.

Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

VCAA Exams

VCAA exams will begin on Tuesday 29 October for our scored Unit 3/4 VCE students and will conclude on Wednesday 20 November.

Click here for a copy of the exam timetable.

Students must wear their school uniform for their VCAA exams and ensure they have their school ID with them.

All students should meet in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) foyer at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time of their exam.

Exams will be conducted in the Trade Training Centre. All students must remain in the examination room until the end of the exam.

Authorised materials and equipment

Students have been provided with the VCE Navigator 2024, which outlines the authorised materials and equipment for each exam. You can also use the link below to access this information

VCE Exams Navigator 2024

Year 11 students ONLY

Year 11 students are expected to continue to attend their scheduled Unit 3/4 class.

No student has permission to leave school early if they have their Unit 3/4 class during Period 4.

Their teacher will be available to assist in their exam revision during this time.

Year 11 students undertaking a Unit 3/4 exam are permitted to have a study day (day off) the day before their VCAA exam unless that exam falls on a Monday.

Students are required to inform their Unit 2 teachers of their absence. Unit 3/4 exams take precedence over Unit 2 exams and students should see their House Leader to arrange an alternative time/day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at clock@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Carissa Lock

VCE Coordinator

Free Elevate Education webinar for families

Elevate Education’s first Term 4 free webinar for parents and guardians will be held on Wednesday 30 October from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

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.

Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to stay focused and prioritise revision when it matters most. 

How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time

Here’s what Elevate will cover on the night:

  • Aligning expectations on homework with your child
  • Helping your child balance their schoolwork and social life
  • Setting up a weekly planner tool with your child

Click here to register for free

Below are details of all the free webinars scheduled for Term 4. Register for the series by clicking the flyer below and learn some great practical strategies to help support your child this year.

Students and staff meet the Victorian Premier


A small group of students and staff were privileged to meet the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan during her visit to the African Youth Initiative (AYI) in Melton last Friday, organised by Member for Melton Steve McGhie to highlight the positive outcomes this not-for-profit organisation is achieving in the local community.

Our students asked the Premier about her rise to becoming state leader and her thoughts on the issues facing young people in Melton. They were inspired by her responses and her appreciation for the obstacles they faced and the often negative portrayal of their suburb and community.

We are proud of our connection with the AYI. This youth-led not-for-profit organisation aims to empower African-Australian young people in Melbourne’s west through mentoring, sports, cultural and educational programs, some of which have been held at our Melton Campus along with lunchtime workshops tailored for our students.

Friday's visit was also an opportunity for our students and staff to view an excerpt from a documentary produced by AYI. 

Reclaimed Voices follows the story of young people and their families from Melton and their experiences of pain, loss, crime and hope. The film sheds light on the real stories behind youth crime in the South Sudanese-Australian community and aims to disrupt harmful mainstream media narratives.

Student reflections

Last Friday, students and staff were invited to meet Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at AYI with other program providers and members of the local community. 

We had the chance to ask her questions about why she came to Melton and why she entered politics. It was interesting to hear her discuss how life takes you to places, places you need to go. 

Mrs Allan talked about the great work of AYI and how they built their program in the local community from the ground up. She also spoke about having a support system and community to enable positive change among people. It was an amazing experience and the chance to meet some great people. Diana, 2025 College Captain

It was an honour to join our school leaders to meet the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. When I stood beside her, I couldn't help but be moved by how she came to be in this position. 

I asked her what motivated her to be a leader, and she told me all about how she was raised in this tiny town in Bendigo. She grew up in a close-knit community where she formed strong bonds and felt supported. Her town was, as she described, an extension of her family; people cared for one another. Such a deep connection to her community instilled in her the need for and importance of lending one's voice to others, to affect the world in a positive way. 

What the Premier had to say struck a deep chord in my soul. It showed how we can be strong as a community and reminded me that anyone from any background can do great things. Her journey is the perfect example. Poundak, Year 10

It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to meet with the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, members of the African Youth Initiative and Member for Melton, Steve McGhie. 

We asked the Premier about herself, what motivates her and why she entered politics. We also talked to her about her plans and how important she believes the African Youth Initiative is. We all watched a short clip of AYI’s documentary Reclaimed Voices, which focused on a man’s experience with crime and trouble when he was young and how he now, as an adult, seeks redemption for his actions. 

Ms Allan said she believed having a support system within the community to bring the best out in people was so important and commended AYI for the work they had already done.It was a fantastic experience meeting many people with such wonderful ideas, and it was a delight to be there and represent our College. Jonah, 2025 College Captain

African Australian Student Conference


On 9 October, we had the privilege of taking 11 students to the 2024 African Australian Student Conference.

The day brought together students of African heritage from across the state, fostering an environment of empowerment and inspiration and providing time for career exploration.

Our students were given the unique opportunity to network, learn from accomplished individuals, and gain valuable insights into a wide range of careers.

We listened to experts in storytelling, who offered their life experiences to build capacity and strengthen cohesion amongst the African Australian community.

Student reflections

We had a fun and interesting day. We got a new perspective on how being African is not a barrier to our future success and that we need to work to define our future, not the future most African people are given. We listened to people with different stories and perspectives on how they overcame this problem and the lessons they learned. We are so grateful to have attended the conference. Dut, Year 10

The conference was an incredible and interesting experience. We learned about and explored the different upbringings of other African Australians, which was truly inspiring for me and many others. We also gained an appreciation for many other African cultures, dances and traditions. Overall, the conference was an excellent experience for me and many others. I hope other African students have the opportunity to experience events like this in the future. Nelson, Year 11

The conference ran a great program for students and school communities to come together and discuss different career paths and skills that will help us in the coming years. We met young people who spoke about how they often found it hard to have a voice in their communities but found a way to create their own path. I would recommend the conference to other students. It’s a great place to listen, participate, dance, eat and enjoy! Ayuen, Year 10

The African Australian conference helped me realise that as African Australian citizens, we can achieve anything, despite the stereotypes of our culture and people. Acinkoc, Year 11

Emily Galofaro

EAL Coordinator

Preview Works From Our 2024 Art Exhibition

The excitement is building ahead of the opening of our 2024 College Art Exhibition this Thursday at 6pm at the Melton Campus Performing Arts Centre.

This week, we asked our teachers to give us a sneak peek at some of the works created by students that will be on display during the exhibition.

Rooted Overgrowth, photography and mixed media, Sage, Year 11, Melton Campus

This artwork narrates a powerful story of evolution and decay, using symbolic photography to represent marginalised groups, such as queer individuals and people of colour, within society. Sage delves into themes of racism, discrimination, and life's inherent uncertainties, while also reflecting on the constant evolution of society. Through this piece, the artist invites viewers to reflect on society's potential to rewrite its narrative - one that embraces empowerment and inclusivity for all.

Reflection of Dissonance, – oil and impasto on canvas, Shayne, Year 12, Melton Campus

This artwork showcases my theme Body Dysmorphia through the perspective of moth-like humans. The Moth girl is captured by possessing such beautiful and colourful wings. Still, as she looks at her reflection, she perceives herself as having flaws and imperfections represented through her muted-coloured wings. The noun dissonance is defined as a lack of harmony among musical notes. I wanted to incorporate dissonance into the name of my art piece, symbolising my main subject matter’s reflection in the mirror, which is not harmonised with their physical appearance.

Faces of Evolution, – oil on canvas, Maddison, Year 11

This work explores evolution through the lens of personal identity. The bold, colourful faces represent the different emotions and aspects of identity that emerge and shift over time. Their varied expressions, from joy to sorrow, suggest the fluid nature of self-discovery and transformation.​

All students and families are invited to attend the opening night of the 2024 St Francis Catholic College Art Exhibition on Thursday 24 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.

Our Hospitality students will provide refreshments and finger food, and the official proceedings will begin at 7pm.

Artist, educator, and Art Gallery of Ballarat representative Pauline O’Shannessy-Dowling 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.

Year 12 Drama Solo Performance Exam

Our Year 12 Drama students successfully completed their solo performance exams last Friday at the Pheonix Youth Centre in Footscray.

The students have dedicated much time and effort to developing their performances, and it was rewarding to see them apply their hard work.

I am proud of their commitment and ability to express their creativity meaningfully and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Natalie Saunders

Drama teacher

Immunisations for students in Years 7 and 10

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free vaccines provided by the National Immunisation Program each year to students in Year 7 (HPV and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Whooping cough) and Year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY).

If your child missed out on receiving their vaccinations at school this year, it's not too late to get vaccinated.

Free adolescent vaccines can be accessed at the Melton Council immunisation service, your GP or your local pharmacist.

To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account.

Children aged 14 years of age and over can access their own immunisation history statement via MyGov.

Below is Melton Council’s 2024 Immunisation calendar and further information about how to book an appointment at one of their remaining sessions for the year.

Below is further information about immunisations that you may find useful.

Secondary School Immunisation Program fact sheet

Adolescent vaccinations outside of school and catch-up immunisation

Re-enrolment for 2025

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. 

Exit Form

Students will not be formally exited from the College until all relevant paperwork is returned.

Kylie Perry

Registrar

Community Notices

Children and Parenting Support Service (CaPSS) upcoming events.


Improving Health and Wellbeing for 13-15-year-olds


One Community Networking Event

Visit the University of Melbourne

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

Carers Access Resources Expo

Centre for Multicultural Youth School Holiday Activities


Melton Young Communities Holiday Program

Click below for the full program

City of Melton Young Communities Term 3 Holiday Program


Melbourne Victory Holiday Program


2024 Unity Cup Hubs


Young Women's Leadership Program


Goal Mentoring Program


Bounce Back Program


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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