Weekly Reflection

St Josephine Bakhita and the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking

Pope Francis designated 8 February, the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, as the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking.

The life of St Josephine Bakhita invites us to pause and reflect on the dignity and freedom of every human person.

Born in Sudan, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery at only nine years of age and endured a great deal of suffering and cruelty.

It was through her extraordinary courage, faith, and forgiveness that she transformed her pain into hope, ultimately becoming a religious sister who dedicated her life to serving others.

Her story reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, the human spirit can rise, and love can overcome injustice.

The World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action against Human Trafficking, calls us to open our eyes to a reality that still exists in our world today.

Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that strips people of their freedom, safety, and dignity. While it can feel distant, it is a global issue that affects millions, including children and young people.

Remembering St Josephine Bakhita challenges us not to look away, but instead to respond with compassion, awareness, and action.

As a school community, this day invites us to reflect on how we treat one another and how we stand up for those who are vulnerable.

Through prayer, education, and small acts of kindness, we can help build a world where every person is free, valued, and loved.

Terri Curnow

Director of Faith and Mission

From the Principal

This year, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has launched a new child-safe campaign called MACS Care.

MACS Care is MACS' child safety strategy in action.

It will focus on assisting schools in continuing to build a child safety culture and maintain compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

The MACS Care website features resources and templates to guide schools throughout the year as they focus on 11 Standards in 11 months.

“Care” reflects and communicates the heart of our Catholic mission. It signals that child safety is a shared responsibility and that every child’s wellbeing is central to everything we do.

"MACS Care is intentionally curated to raise awareness, encourage accountability, and inspire action at every level of the organisation to ensure the safety of children and young people.

"By creating a concise and impactful narrative, MACS Care seeks to resonate with all members of the MACS community, prompting them to actively contribute to creating safer environments for children and young people. “ Source: MACS Care website

This month, I would like to draw your attention to Child Safe Standard 1: Establish culturally safe environments in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children, young people and students are respected and valued.

I encourage you to read the first MACS Care Newsletter, which provides an overview of the Child Safe Standards, how they are designed to help keep children and young people safe, and what MACS schools, such as SFCC, are doing to prioritise and achieve this.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Dates to remember
Wednesday 11 February	Bakhita House Mass - click here for more information
Thursday 12 February	Welcome Evening - click here for more information
Monday 16 February	College Opening Mass - St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
Monday 9 March	Labour Day Public Holiday
Thursday 19 February	2025 Year 12 Academic Awards Ceremony
	Sibling/family photo day - click here for more information
Tuesday 24 February	Parents and Friends Meeting - Melton Campus, 7pm
Friday 27 March	Campus Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 24 March	Parents and Friends Meeting - Cobblebank Campus, 7pm
Thursday 2 April	Final day of Term 1 - students dismissed at 2.30pm

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Dates to remember
Wednesday 11 February	Bakhita House Mass - click here for more details
Monday 16 February	College Opening Mass - St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
Tuesday 24 February	Parents and Friends Meeting - Melton Campus, 7pm
	Parent presentation - Toolbox Education, 7pm. Click here to RSVP
Monday 9 March	Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 24 March	Parents and Friends Meeting - Cobblebank Campus, 7pm
Thursday 26 March	Campus Athletics Carnival
Thursday 2 April	Final day of Term 1 - students dismissed at 2.30pm

Pancake Mix Donations

A friendly reminder to send in your donations of Pancake Mix for our Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast for staff and students to raise money for Caritas’ Project Compassion.

The Faith and Mission teams at both Melton and Cobblebank are gladly accepting any flavour or brand! All donations can be placed in the tubs at the College reception.

Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday 17 February this year. It is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, and the launch of the College’s annual participation in Project Compassion.

SFCC Faith and Mission Action Team

Melton Campus Welcome Evening

A reminder that families are warmly invited to attend our Melton Campus Welcome Evenings this Thursday 12 February at 6pm.

The welcome evening is a great opportunity to meet your child’s mentor teacher, house leader, and other families from your campus.

Please enter the campus through Gate 1 on Bulmans Road and go to Sheehan Stadium.

Join us for pizza from 6pm – 6.30pm, followed by a welcome from Principal Marlene Jorgensen. After the Principal’s address, parents and guardians are welcome to attend the following presentations.

Year 7: Introduction to SFCC and life at the College as a student in the junior years. A meeting with your child’s House Mentor and House Leader.

Year 8, 9 and 10: Thinking Traps by Toolbox Education. This presentation offers parents practical, science-backed tools to help young people recognise their thinking patterns and build confidence as they develop and grow.

Year 11 and 12: Senior School Information Session and Expectations

The Year 11 and 12 information session is relevant for all parents and guardians of VCE, VCE VM, and VPC students. It will cover important aspects of senior school, provide guidance and advice for families, and outline programs and policies pertinent to VCE students in 2026.

If you have children in different year levels, please select the information session that best meets your needs.

For catering purposes, please click here to RSVP to the Melton Campus Welcome Evening.

We look forward to celebrating the beginning of the year with you.

If you have any questions about the evening, please email Amy Rowley, Director of Community Relations at arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

Parents and Friends

The first meeting of the Parents and Friends Association for 2026 will be held on Tuesday 24 February from 7pm at the Melton Campus.

All formal positions will be open and appointed on the night.

To express interest in joining the meeting, please email arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

Concert Band Information Night

Families and aspiring musicians from both campuses are warmly invited to attend our Concert Band Information Night on Wednesday 25 February.

The evening will feature student performances, opportunities to meet our music staff, and information about the many benefits of being part of this vibrant program.

The evening is open to interested parents and students from all year levels at both campuses, with a particular focus on our new Year 7 students.

Find out everything you need to know about instrument selection, music lessons, ensemble participation, costs, rehearsals and performances. It’s also a great opportunity to meet students in our Concert Band and hear what to expect when you join.

The evening starts at 7pm in our Melton Campus Performing Arts Centre. Please enter via Gate 6 on the night.

Road Safety at Cobblebank Campus

Motorists who pick up students from Cobblebank Campus after school are asked to be mindful of blocking traffic along Bridge Road and Adelong Boulevard while waiting for campus gates to open at 3pm.

Please park in the available bays while you wait, or delay your arrival until the gates open.

Please visit the Transport page on our website for full details about our drop-off and pick-up zone.

Year 7 Progressive Achievement Testing

Year 7 students will participate in ACER Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT) from Tuesday 17 February to Friday 20 February.

What is PAT testing?

The PATs are nationally recognised assessments developed by ACER. They provide valuable information about students’ current achievement levels and help teachers plan targeted teaching and learning programs.

All Year 7 students will sit PATs in Reading and Mathematics during their English and Mathematics classes.

The adaptive tests adjust question difficulty based on student responses, allowing for an accurate measure of each student’s learning progress.

Students are encouraged to ensure they are well-rested and attend school on their scheduled testing days. No additional preparation is required.

If you have any questions, please email Middle Years Curriculum Leader (Melton Campus), Ranish Chand at rchand@sfcc.vic.edu.au or Middle Years Curriculum Leader (Cobblebank Campus), Melissa Staley at mstaley@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Academic Recall

Academic Recall for students in Years 7 to 9 will begin on Monday 23 February at both campuses.

What is Academic Recall?

Academic Recall is a process used when a student is absent on the day of an in-class assessment task. If your child is absent, you will receive an email advising that they are required to complete the assessment in a supervised Academic Recall session at their campus after school.

When are Academic Recall sessions held?

Academic Recall sessions will be held on Mondays from 3.10pm to 4.10pm.

If your child is required to attend, you will receive an email confirming the date. Please note that parents and guardians are responsible for organising transport home at the conclusion of the session.

Academic Recall and your child’s results

If you have provided a medical certificate, a statutory declaration, or a valid explanation for your child’s absence on the day of the assessment, the task completed during Academic Recall will receive a percentage mark, which will appear on your child’s report.
If appropriate documentation is not provided, your child will receive a Satisfactory or Not Satisfactory result for the task.
If your child does not attend their scheduled Academic Recall session, they will receive a zero for the assessment task.

Benefits of Academic Recall

Academic Recall has been used successfully with students in Years 10–12 for several years. This process:

ensures all students are assessed fairly and equitably
maintains proper testing conditions and the integrity of assessment tasks
allows for appropriate support (e.g. Special Provisions) where required
minimises disruption to classroom learning following an absence.

If you have any questions regarding Academic Recall, please email Middle Years Curriculum Leader (Melton Campus), Ranish Chand at rchand@sfcc.vic.edu.au or Middle Years Curriculum Leader (Cobblebank Campus), Melissa Staley at mstaley@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

Using Protective Equipment in Physical Education Classes

In Health and Physical Education (HPE) classes, students may participate in various activities where the use of mouthguards is encouraged.

This includes our Year 8 hockey and lacrosse unit, Year 12 Physical Education lacrosse, and other activities throughout the year.

For some activities, students are provided with protective equipment where required, including shin guards. However, the school does not provide mouthguards.

While mouthguards are not compulsory for PE classes, we strongly encourage students to bring their own when participating in activities such as outdoor hockey.

You can view your child’s weekly PE schedule on Simon Lesson Plans.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s PE teacher.

Mikaela Hurst and Peter Commisso

Health and PE Domain Leaders - Melton and Cobblebank

NAPLAN Dates

Our annual NAPLAN tests for Year 7 and 9 students at both campuses will be held from 11 to 18 March 2026.

NAPLAN is a series of tests that assess your child's literacy and numeracy skills. These skills are crucial for their progress in both school and life.

The NAPLAN tests cover reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation), and numeracy.

It's important to know that NAPLAN tests are just one part of how we evaluate and report on your child's progress. They complement teachers' ongoing assessments to understand your child's performance throughout the school year.

The results of these tests provide valuable insights into how individual students are doing at the time of testing. However, they don't replace the continuous assessments teachers carry out to monitor and support your child's development.

If you would like to access this information in a language other than English, please click here and scroll to the bottom of the webpage.

Below is the NAPLAN timetable for Year 7 and Year 9 students. They will require a charged laptop and wired headphones on each test date.

Year 7 NAPLAN timetable - Melton and Cobblebank campuses

Date	Period	Test	Length of test
Wednesday 11 March	1	Writing	42 minutes
Friday 13 March	1	Reading	65 minutes
Monday 16 March	1	Conventions of Language	45 minutes
Wednesday 18 March	1	Numeracy	65 minutes

Year 9 NAPLAN timetable - Melton and Cobblebank campuses

Date	Period	Test	Length of test
Wednesday 11 March	3	Writing	42 minutes
Friday 13 March	3	Reading	65 minutes
Monday 16 March`	3	Conventions of Language	45 minutes
Wednesday 18 March	3	Numeracy	65 minutes

If you have any questions, please email the NAPLAN Administration Coordinator at your child's campus as listed below.

Melton Campus: Middle Years Curriculum Leader, Ranish Chand, rchand@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Cobblebank Campus: Middle Years Curriculum Leader, Melissa Staley, mstaley@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Melton Campus Maths Club

Calling all students who enjoy maths, want extra help, or are looking to stretch their thinking - Melton Maths Club is back!

Maths Club will run every Thursday, starting on 19 February, from 3.15 pm to 4.15 pm in GL105. All year levels are welcome, whether you’re building confidence, revising key skills, or aiming to challenge yourself further.

Each session will be supported by experienced junior and VCE mathematics teachers, who will be rostered to work with students individually and in small groups.

How to register

Students should email studentreception@sfcc.vic.edu.au and mfury@sfcc.vic.edu.au to request a PAM permission form, which will be sent to parents and guardians.

We look forward to seeing you there - bring your curiosity, questions, and a positive mindset!

Margaret Fury

Mathematics Domain Leader - Melton Campus

Melton Campus Senior Ski Trip

Applications are now open for Year 10, 11 and 12 students interested in joining the annual Senior Ski Trip to Mt Buller from Wednesday 12 August to Friday 14 August.

The trip offers students an opportunity to develop their skiing skills, engage in physical activity, and build camaraderie with peers in a scenic alpine setting. Students need no prior experience and will develop skills in a supervised, supportive environment.

Please note: From 2027, Year 12 students will no longer be offered the opportunity to attend the senior ski trip.

2026 Senior Ski Trip details

Dates: Departing Wednesday 12 August at 7.30pm and returning on Friday 14 August at 5.30pm.
Accommodation: Participants stay at the Southern Cross Lodge on Mt Buller, offering convenient access to the slopes.
Cost: The total cost per student has not been finalised but families are asked to set aside $1000 for the trip.

Inclusions

The package covers:

accommodation on the mountain

two breakfasts (Thursday and Friday) and two dinners (Wednesday and Thursday).

three-day lift pass.

three two-hour professional guided ski lessons

three-day equipment hire. Clothing hire is an additional cost

mountain resort entry

bus transport to and from the College

supervised free time to practice skills.

Application process

There are 32 places available on this trip, and all students who are interested in applying should email their name and year level to our Ski Trip Coordinator Stephanie Bertalmio at sbertalmio@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

Applications are evaluated based on student behaviour, school fees, and academic performance. Based on the criteria, students and families will then be contacted to determine their place on the trip.

Safer Internet Day

Today is Safer Internet Day, an annual global event that promotes safe and responsible use of the internet.

The event began in 2004 in Europe and is now celebrated in over 160 countries worldwide. Each year, it raises awareness about online issues such as
cyberbullying, social media safety, and protecting personal data.

In Australia, the eSafety Commissioner leads and promotes the day and offers year-round advice for parents and guardians.

As the first agency of its kind in the world, eSafety is at the forefront of preventing online risks, reducing the impacts of harms and building safer digital spaces.

For trusted online safety advice, visit the eSafety Commissioner website or subscribe to eSafety News for online tips, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox.

Melton Campus Year 10 Hospitality

Our Year 10 Hospitality students completed their first practical lesson of the year by preparing Thai Chicken Cups.

This session focused on developing essential knife skills, including safe handling, accurate cutting techniques, and consistency in preparation.

Students practised these skills in a real kitchen context while learning how precise knife work contributes to presentation, efficiency, and food safety.

It was wonderful to see students working confidently, following procedures, and applying theory to practice in a supportive kitchen environment.

Meanwhile, our Year 11 students prepared porridge during a lesson on early food systems.

This activity encouraged students to reflect on how simple staple foods have supported societies over time, linking historical food practices with modern nutrition.

Through this practical, students considered the origins of grains, minimal processing, and the role of basic foods in sustaining populations. The lesson sparked thoughtful discussion and helped students connect food preparation skills with cultural and historical understanding.

Himani Devi

Teacher

Canteen Update

We are thrilled to welcome you back for the 2026 school year and are excited to be operating at full capacity!

Our lunch service begins at 11.25am, and the cut-off time for lunch orders is 8.45am. Orders can be placed via Flexischools or by visiting the canteen before school starts.
The canteen accepts cash, card, and contactless payments. Please note that phone payments will not be accepted after the first school bell at Melton Campus. Phone payments cannot be made at Cobblebank Campus as the canteen is not open before school.
Additionally, we offer $5 and $10 canteen vouchers that can be purchased and used for any items in the canteen, with no requirement to redeem them in a single transaction.
At Cobblebank Campus, we are now open for the second break with a limited menu.

We partner with Flexischools to provide a more convenient way for parents and students to order and pay for their meals online.

To get started, simply download the Flexischools app from the Apple or Google store and follow the prompts to create an account.

Once your account is set up, select Order Food to browse the available menu options, place your order, and complete the payment. Orders can be placed at any time before the 8.45am cut-off.

Students can also view the full menu on Simon.

Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday 18 February. In observance, we will offer a special menu, as meat will not be available on this day. Please see below.

SFCC Canteen

Crazy Ideas Workshop for Cobblebank Student Leaders

Last week, the Cobblebank Campus Student Leadership Cabinet participated in a Crazy Ideas College workshop.

During the session, student leaders explored their own leadership styles, gained insight into others' styles, and reflected on their leadership goals for 2026.

The workshop emphasised the importance of collaborative, respectful mentorship and guided students in developing an action plan aligned with their goals for the year.

Thoughtfully curated, the workshop fostered confidence and a strong sense of pride in each student’s leadership role.

Charlee Keating - Student Leadership Coordinator, Cobblebank Campus