Weekly Reflection

This Sunday, we enter the season of Advent, a time of joyful anticipation as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Rooted in hope, peace, joy, and love, Advent invites us to reflect on our faith journey and deepen our connection with God, others, and creation.

For us in the Franciscan tradition, Advent is an opportunity to embody the values of St Francis of Assisi - humility, simplicity, and love for all of creation.

Hope

St Francis reminds us that hope is found in simple acts of love and kindness. During Advent, we can follow his example by extending compassion to those in need. Consider how you might bring hope to others, whether through small acts of generosity or time spent in prayer for those who feel forgotten.

Peace

In a world often filled with noise and conflict, Advent invites us to embrace the peace of Christ. As Franciscan followers, we are called to be peacemakers. This might mean mending relationships, offering forgiveness, or seeking moments of stillness in nature to centre ourselves.

Joy in simplicity

St Francis saw God’s beauty in the simplest aspects of creation, from the sun and stars to the humble manger where Christ was born. This Advent, let us practice gratitude for life’s small blessings and find joy in the ordinary.

Love for all of creation

In kinship with all of God’s creation, Advent is a time to reflect on how we care for the earth. Inspired by St Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures, we can use this season to renew our commitment to sustainable practices and mindful living.

This Sunday, we will light the first candle of the Advent wreath, symbolising hope. This is a powerful reminder that Christ, the Light of the World, is coming into our lives and hearts.

Let us walk through this sacred season with the spirit of St Francis, embracing the call to live simply and love deeply.

May your Advent season be one of peace, reflection, and renewal.

Rachel Prince

Director of Faith and Mission

From the Principal

Last Thursday evening, more than 500, students, staff and families gathered for our 2024 Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

The evening is always bittersweet as we farewell students we have come to know and respect.

I first met this cohort when they were in Year 8, and despite going into lockdown just six weeks after we met – these were some of the first names I learned at the school.

The graduation dinner marked not just the end of six years of schooling but the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise, hope, and purpose.

St Francis, our patron saint, taught us to live humbly, love greatly, and serve selflessly.

These values have been at the heart of the student’s education here. Whether during retreats, in our Social Justice activities in the classroom, or on the sports field, they have embraced the spirit of compassion and community that defines our College.

As these young people step into the wider world, we encourage them to carry these lessons with them. May these core values be their compass when the road ahead seems uncertain.

As Principal, I wish to thank the parents of our graduates. Your unwavering support, sacrifices, and love have been the foundation of these young people’s success. Selecting a school is an important decision. So we thank you for choosing St Francis Catholic College and working in partnership with us.

Thank you to Michael Gruis, Chair of our School Advisory Council, who gave this year's parent address. Michael, a former student, outlined the many changes the College has undergone and the importance of the lifelong friends made in this final year of school.

A large number of teaching staff also attended the evening. This is a testament to the strong bonds built over the past six years. These staff have not only educated our students but inspired, guided and challenged the cohort to be the best version of themselves.

So, to our Class of 2024, your future lies ahead, untethered and full of possibility. As you leave these familiar grounds, remember that your greatest power lies not just in what you know but in who you are.

Be people who lift others, who strive for justice, and who spread kindness. Embrace challenges as opportunities, and never lose sight of the faith and values instilled in you here at St Francis Catholic College.

Congratulations, Class of 2024. Go forward with confidence, with courage, and with Christ at your side. May you continue to shine as the remarkable individuals you are.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11:

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus Students

Dates to remember
Thursday 28 November

End-of-year whole campus Mass - academic uniform required

Friday 29 NovemberFinal Day of Term 4. Year 7-11 Awards Ceremony - academic uniform required. Dismissal at 1.15pm
Friday 13 DecemberCollege reception closes for 2024
Thursday 16 January 2025College reception opens
Friday 31 JanuaryTerm 1 begins for Year 7 and Year 12 students
Monday 3 February Term 1 begins for students in Years 8-11
Thursday 13 FebruaryHouse Welcome Evening

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus Students

Dates to remember
Wednesday 27 NovemberEnd-of-year whole campus Mass at St Anthony's Church - academic uniform required
Friday 29 NovemberFinal day of Term 4. Campus Awards Ceremony. Dismissal at 1.15pm.
Friday 13 December

College reception closes for 2024

Thursday 16 January 2025College reception opens
Friday 31 JanuaryTerm 1 begins for Year 7 students
Monday 3 FebruaryTerm 1 begins for students in Years 8-11
Tuesday 4 FebruaryHouse Welcome Evening - 6pm

Cobblebank Campus Stage 2 Update

Watching our new Creative Hub at Cobblebank Campus rising has been exciting.

A crane has been lifting steel onto level 2, home to our Art, Visual Communication Design, robotics, STEM and general project-based learning spaces.

Construction of the sweeping central spiral staircase is underway, and the installation of internal walls on the lower level will soon begin.

And the views of our red and yellow buildings are exceptional.

Our campus has become a striking new addition to the Cobblebank landscape!

Dismissal on Final Day of Term 4

A reminder that students at both campuses will be dismissed at 1.15pm this Friday 29 November, the final day of 2024.

Annual Christmas Carol Tour

Last Friday, our Vocal Ensemble and Concert Bands spent the day spreading Christmas cheer throughout Melton and Bacchus Marsh.

At St Anthony's Primary School, the Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students were captivated by our performers and enjoyed singing and dancing along. Shoppers at The Village Bacchus Marsh paused to enjoy the festive music, joining our students’ families who had come along to watch their loved ones perform.

The residents at Estia Health aged care home in Melton South were particularly moved, with many singing along and commenting on how much they appreciated and enjoyed the music.

In the weeks leading up to the carols tour, the Vocal Ensemble and Concert Bands rehearsed individually and together. It was the first time our Concert Band had taken part in the tour. All worked hard to learn a vast repertoire of Christmas classics, showcasing their musicality and talent.

The students had a fantastic time on the tour, gaining valuable performance experience and spreading holiday joy. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident in every note they played and sang, making the event a resounding success.

Amy Bandeira

Head of Performance

Upskilling our VCE VM Students


Our VCE VM and VPC students have completed their micro-credential training during Jumpstart.

Students could choose from a Food Safety and Sandwich Making course, Public Safety and Business Management units and the Food Safety and Coffee Making course.

The two-day courses allowed students to add to their VET qualifications and engage in hands-on learning to improve their skills.

Students were cooking and chopping, making barista-quality coffee, sharing and eating sandwiches, learning how to manage their own small business, rolling out and spraying the fire hose and generally enjoying their learning.

Narelle Layton

Applied Learning Leader

Teams Gear Up for SACSSS Year 8 Premier League Grand Finals

Melton Campus

Congratulations to our Melton cricket team for earning their spot in the SACCSS Division 1 Year 8 Premier League grand final after winning last week’s match against Marymede College 141 to 126.

After a remarkable season of hard work, teamwork, and outstanding determination, the team is ready to take on St Monica’s College next week. We wish them the best of luck.


Cobblebank Campus

Our Boys and Girls Volleyball teams will also play in their SACCSS Division 2 Year 8 Premier League grand finals this week against Penola Catholic College. The teams have played well all season, and we wish them the best of luck as they prepare to compete for the championship!

Congratulations to all teams for reaching the semi-finals - your hard work and determination have been fantastic.

Semi-Final Results

TeamResultSFCC Ladder position
NetballCRC North Keilor 21 d SFCC COB 64
Boys BasketballCaroline Chisholm College 62 d SFCC COB 224
Boys VolleyballSFCC COB 3 d CRC North Keilor 02
Girls VolleyballSFCC COB 2 d CRC St Albans 12
Jess Hodge

Sports Trainee

Community Notices

Melton Young Communities Barber Workshop


Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Program 2025

Saver Plus

Saver Plus helps parents save $50 each month over 10 months, with savings matched up to $500 - providing $1,000 for educational expenses!

More details at www.saverplus.org.au

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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