From the Principal

Being Principal of St Francis Catholic College is a great privilege, and this week has been another wonderful reminder of why.

Across both campuses, our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, talent and a strong sense of community spirit.

I had the pleasure of attending the Sports Association of Catholic Coeducational Secondary Schools (SACCSS) Cross Country Championships, where our students represented the College with determination, resilience and outstanding sportsmanship. Their efforts were rewarded with several ribbons, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.

Our VCE Drama evening was another highlight of the week. The depth of research demonstrated by our Year 11 students, particularly in their exploration of philosophical concepts, was impressive. Their creativity, confidence and attention to detail in both performance and production showcased the learning taking place in our classrooms.

During yard duty at our Cobblebank Campus, I was delighted to watch students try out for our SACCSS soccer teams. The skill, teamwork and excitement on display reflected the vibrant sporting culture continuing to grow at St Francis.

This week, our Glowrey House students also attended Mass to honour the life and legacy of Dr Mary Glowrey, a remarkable woman of faith, service and compassion. It was a meaningful way for our students to reflect on her example of living a life dedicated to others and to celebrate the values that continue to inspire our College community.

We also launched our 2027 staff recruitment campaign this week. With a full cohort of 150 students entering Year 11 at Cobblebank next year, our College continues to grow and flourish. It is an exciting time as we expand our team to meet the needs of our thriving community.

Thank you to the many families who attended Parent Student Teacher Interviews on Thursday evening. The partnership between home and school is so important, and your engagement in your child’s learning journey is highly valued.

At the same time, I had the privilege of conducting Year 7 enrolment interviews for 2027. With more than 600 applications received for 500 available places, it is clear that St Francis Catholic College continues to be a school of choice for many families. This strong interest is both humbling and affirming as we continue to build a College of excellence and opportunity.

A very special highlight to conclude the week was our Mother’s Day prayer services and breakfasts at both campuses. It was wonderful to see such strong attendance from our families. Thank you to our talented ensemble students for their beautiful entertainment and to our student leaders for leading thoughtful prayers as we honoured all mothers and mother figures in our lives.

It has certainly been a busy and joyful week at St Francis Catholic College. I give thanks for the many opportunities our students embrace so wholeheartedly each day. It is truly a delight to witness their growth, celebrate their achievements and share in the vibrant life of our College community.

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Photo Permissions

A reminder to parents and guardians that if you wish to change your child’s photo permission status at any time, please fill out the form below and return it to the College office.

SFCC Photography and Recording Permission Form

Parents and Friends Association Meeting

The next meeting of the Parents and Friends Association will be held online this evening,Tuesday 12 May, from 7pm.

The association comprises representatives from both campuses, and new members are always welcome.

Please contact me via email at arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au for the Teams link.

Laudato Si’ Week

The Faith and Mission Action Team has been working on a new initiative for the College as part of Laudato Si’ Week (18–22 May). 

While this is new to our College, Laudato Si’ Week is an established event within the Catholic and Social Justice calendar. It is a global Catholic celebration inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, inviting Catholics around the world to renew their commitment to caring for one another and for our common home.

One week. One concrete action. One global response.

The 2026 Laudato Si’ Week theme is From Hope to Action.

Our team has decided to focus on an ongoing challenge within our College community - rubbish on our school grounds. Our Hope to Action goal is that, through a whole-school approach, we can all take greater pride in caring for our common home - our two SFCC campuses.

Next week, students will be challenged to keep the yard clean from Monday to Thursday.

If the yard is as tidy as it is on Monday morning by the end of the Big Break on Thursday, students will be rewarded. The reward will be announced on Thursday after Short Break.

We look forward to seeing students come together and support this challenge.

Maker's Market a Huge Success

We are so proud of our Melton Campus VCE VM students who organised and ran another highly successful Maker's Market last Friday, raising more than $2000 for Caritas Australia!

The market showcases a variety of products handmade by the VM cohort, who also set up shop at the Mother's Day Reflection and Breakfast this year, sharing their talents with all the mums, grandmothers, aunts and carers in our community.

The market has grown in popularity, with students lining up outside the library and shopping up a storm during Big Break. With a wide variety of products available, there was something for everyone. Students were spoilt for choice and made the most of the chance to buy a gift or something for themselves.

Our VM students also demonstrated the coffee-making skills they learnt during Jumpstart, brewing and blending an array of iced coffee and chocolate drinks for staff throughout the morning.

Well done to all involved.

SACCSS Cross Country Championships

St Francis Catholic College was represented exceptionally well at the SACCSS Cross Country Championships this year, with multiple podium finishes across both campuses.

Seven students received medals for their individual results while Melton’s 15-16-year boys were named Cross Country Intermediate Champions for the third consecutive year.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the event and to our student helpers, Emilyah, Sariah, Amelia and Cecilia.

Thank you also to all staff who supported our students on the day, and to the primary coaches, Tony Gavran and Hollie Dawson, for holding weekly training sessions with the team.

Results

13-year Girls 3km

Melton – Mia, Year 7, 1^st place

Cobblebank – Gursumit, Year 8, 3^rd place

14-year Girls 3km

Cobblebank – Hallie, Year 8, 3^rd place

14-year Boys 3km

Melton – Fynn, Year 8, 3^rd place

17-20-year Girls 3km

Melton – Shameka, Year 12, 2^nd place

15-16-year Boys 4km

Melton – Thomas, Year 9, 2^nd place

17-20-year Boys 4km

Melton – Caleb, Year 11, 1^st place

Students Compete in da Vinci Decathlon

Last week, 23 of our High Ability Program students were among 850 Victorian Year 7-10 students who took part in the da Vinci Decathlon at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, where they competed across the ten disciplines of engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy.

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition created to challenge and stimulate young students' minds. It draws on Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy, as one of the greatest thinkers and scholars of the Renaissance period and, of course, to this day.

Our student trailblazers worked together in teams to consider and creatively solve some of the biggest problems facing humanity, and we congratulate them on their efforts. 

Student reflections

The da Vinci Decathlon was an amazing experience! There were many students from lots of different schools and the day was fun and packed, so we had to manage our time very wisely, as multiple subjects were happening at once. Zephan, Year 8, Cobblebank Campus

It was definitely an experience I’ll never forget. The da Vinci decathlon is a battle of brains. The theme was machinery and mechanics, and overall, it was pretty fun. If you decide that you want to represent our school like we did, give the decathlon a try. Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we’ll win a trophy or two. Dominic, Year 8, Melton Campus

The da Vinci decathlon was definitely a great experience. It required a lot of teamwork and coordination, and we met some familiar faces as well! Overall, it was very challenging but definitely an experience I would do again! Antonio, Year 8, Melton Campus

It was a challenging event that tested our ability. It had a variety of different challenges that put all of us to the test. Bernardo, Year 8, Cobblebank Campus

Some tasks were easy, but some were hard and stressful because we had to manage our time well. Even though it was cold and rainy, the teamwork, snacks, and laughs made the day fun. Anoop, Year 8, Cobblebank Campus

Senior Drama Night - Melton Campus

The nervous energy and excitement were infectious as students prepared for and performed at the Senior Drama Night, creating an atmosphere that was both positive and rewarding to witness. 

Throughout the evening, students showcased their storytelling abilities with confidence and creativity, presenting thoughtful and imaginative interpretations of the provided stimuli. Each performance reflected not only their developing skills but also their willingness to take risks and explore new perspectives.

It has been a genuine privilege to observe the play-making process unfold over time, from initial ideas through to final performance. 

Seeing students bring their concepts to life on stage and finally share their work with a live audience was a particularly proud moment. 

Their dedication and persistence were evident in the quality of their performances, as they captured the audience’s attention, evoked emotion, and even prompted moments of laughter.

The success of the showcase highlights the powerful role of the performing arts in education. By embracing creativity and stepping beyond their comfort zones, students not only developed their theatrical skills but also strengthened their confidence, collaboration, and emotional awareness. 

Senior Drama Night was a celebration of these achievements and a testament to the value of creative expression in fostering personal growth.

Glowrey House Mass

Last Wednesday, students from Glowrey House celebrated Mass in remembrance of Venerable Dr Sister Mary Glowrey. 

Presided by Father Jeffrey Salvador, it was a wonderful way for the House to come together to remember this inspiring, faith-filled Australian.

Year 12 Ancient History Excursion

Year 12 Melton Campus students studying Ancient History stepped back into the world of the Peloponnesian War last Friday during a visit to the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne.

They handled ancient coins from Athens and Sparta and spoke about their patron deities and how they related to the different strategic outlooks of the ancient Greek polis. 

Students looked at reasons why Sparta won the war while discussing artifacts in the museum.

Celebrating Mother's Day at SFCC

Our biggest-ever Mother's Day events were held at both campuses last Thursday and Friday, and we thank all the mums, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community for joining us to celebrate.

Our students provided a special prayer reflection to start the morning, and it was great to see so many families gathered to enjoy a breakfast pastry and chat.

We hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day on Sunday.

Cobblebank Campus gallery

Melton Campus gallery

AFL Vic Metro Selection for Melton Elite Sports Academy Student

We are delighted to announce that Melton Year 10 Elite Sports Academy student Josh has been selected for the U16 AFL Victoria Metro squad.

Josh played exceptionally well in the first of two trial matches to secure his place in the first round of selections, making him a key piece of the Vic Metro squad set to compete at the National Championships in July.

The team will play several matches, firstly against Victoria Country in Melbourne, then against South Australia and Western Australia on the Gold Coast. Once the remaining team is selected, training will begin in May ahead of these three matches.

Congratulations to Josh. We are excited to see what he can achieve representing Victoria at the National Championships!

Sports Update

Melton Year 7 Premier League

Cobblebank Year 7 Premier League

Cobblebank Year 7 Premier League AFL

Last Thursday, our Year 7 Cobblebank Aussie Rules team played in a home game against Emmanuel College. 

It was a windy and cold day with goals hard to come by, but the team notched up a win, scoring 8.4.52 to 4.4.28. 

The students were very excited to get their first win for the season. Teachers from both schools commended the students on how well they demonstrated sportsmanship, hard work and fair play on the day. 

A special shout-out goes to the 7 girls on the team. They have been getting in there, tackling, and moving the ball. Without them, we would not have had such a great win this week. Michael Bretag, Year 7 AFL Coach

Community Notices

Young Women's Leadership Program

Understanding ADHD