From the Principal

This week, I completed my introductory visits to 20 Year 7 classes across both campuses. 

These sessions had three important purposes: to introduce myself to our newest students, to explore the rich symbolism of the College crest, and to present each student with a Bible to support their learning in Religious Education and their own faith journey.

It was wonderful to be back in the classroom, engaging with students as we unpacked the meaning behind our College identity. 

A central feature of the crest is the image of the Gospels, intentionally depicted as open and forming the foundation of the design. 

This sits beneath the symbol of St Francis, reminding us that his life and mission were grounded in the teachings of the Gospel. St Francis did not seek to create new ideas, but instead committed himself to living as closely as possible to the example of Jesus Christ.

I was particularly impressed by the attentiveness and curiosity of our Year 7 cohort. Students listened respectfully and engaged thoughtfully with the idea of belonging to St Francis Catholic College. We spoke about the importance of serving others, caring for the environment, and striving to live out Gospel values in everyday life.

Many students asked insightful and thought-provoking questions. Some were keen to understand what it means to be Catholic within the broader Christian tradition, while others asked practical questions about their Bibles - why the pages are so thin, whether they can highlight passages, and if they are able to take them home. One student even remarked that this was his fifth Bible, sparking a wonderful moment of shared reflection.

I encourage families to continue these conversations at home. Taking an interest in what students are learning and asking questions can help deepen their understanding and strengthen the connection between school, faith, and family life.

I look forward to continuing to work with our Year 7 students as they begin their journey at the College.

Students complete Australian Catholic University Step-Up Program

We are so proud to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students who participated in the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Step Up Program.

Through this initiative, students experienced university-level study while still completing their secondary education, undertaking units in Nursing, Business, and Exercise Science. This is a significant accomplishment that reflects not only their academic ability but also their commitment, resilience, and willingness to embrace new challenges.

We are delighted to share that the 2025 results have now been released, and all 13 participating students from the College have successfully passed their units. As a result, they will each receive an unconditional offer to study at ACU in 2027.

This success is a testament to their dedication and the invaluable support provided by their families and teachers throughout the program.

We warmly congratulate all of our students and look forward to seeing the exciting pathways that lie ahead for them.

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Parents and Friends Association Meeting

The next meeting of our Parents and Friends Association will be held tonight, Tuesday 24 March, at the Cobblebank Campus from 7pm.

Our guest speaker will be Deputy Principal Head of Melton Campus, Cheryl Bullen.

The meeting will be held in the conference room in the Yellow Building, and new members are always welcome.

School Holiday Office Hours

Term 1 will conclude on Thursday 2 April, and students from both campuses will be dismissed at 2.30pm.

All students will begin Term 2 on Wednesday 22 April.

Please note the school holiday front office hours for each campus below:

Good Friday (3 April) – College closed

Easter Monday (6 April) – College closed

Week 1 school holidays: Tuesday 7 April – Friday 10 April

Melton Campus office closed

Cobblebank Campus office open 8am – 4pm

Week 2 of school holidays: Monday 13 April – Friday 17 April

Melton Campus office open 8am – 4pm

Cobblebank Campus office closed

VCE Kickstart - Free Online Workshop

A free online VCE Kickstart workshop for Year 9-12 students will be held tonight, Tuesday 24 March from 6pm - 7.30pm.

More details below or click here to register.  

Enrolment Assistance Afternoon

Harmony Week at SFCC

Our campuses were awash with colour, activity and cultural pride during Harmony Week.

This significant week on our College calendar recognises and celebrates our cultural diversity and promotes the values of respect, inclusiveness and belonging for everyone in our school community.

The joy and enthusiasm shown by staff and students, particularly on Harmony Day last Friday, continue to grow each year, and our students look forward to this opportunity to share their culture with the entire school community. We celebrate our differences, and in doing so, build connections and understanding. 

Below is a snapshot of Harmony Week 2026 at SFCC, and we thank all those who shared their stories, time and insights. 

Cultures collide at Cobblebank Campus

Harmony Week events began on Monday, when students headed into the kitchen to make the beloved Italian dessert, tiramisù. Ms Jewell, Ms Prasad and Ms Carter guided the students and ensured that everyone left the session with a delicious dessert full of Italian flavours!

On Wednesday, Ms Kaur, Ms Ly, Ms Raj and Year 10 student Kanwar Sidhu ran an Indian henna tattooing workshop. Not only did students choose from four beautiful designs, but they also learned more about their meanings and connections to Indian culture. It was a great example of learning through shared experience and stories.

On Friday, students and staff proudly wore cultural dress to school, filling the campus with vibrant colours and all of the energy and enthusiasm that are the hallmarks of Harmony Day.

During the morning assemblies, students performed traditional dances representing India, Burma, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Polynesia and West Africa. Many weeks of practice under the guidance of Ms Praveen, our Social Justice Coordinator, brought students together for a fantastic display that was warmly received by students.

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing Harmony Week to life at Cobblebank Campus. Charlee Keating, Student Leadership Coordinator

Culture and connection at Melton Campus

Harmony Week was one of the best weeks we’ve had at school!

Throughout the week, there were so many activities to get involved in, such as traditional Māori tukutuku panels, a Pinoy dance workshop, the Nutbush, and poi twirling. The canteen sold international foods, and the clothing display in the ARC was a great way to learn more about different cultures in our community.

“It was really fun trying new things and learning about other cultures in a hands-on way.”

Harmony Day on Friday was a highlight, with so many students wearing cultural dress or orange. It showed how proud people are of their identity and how much respect we have for each other.

“Seeing everyone dressed up made the school feel really united.”

The assembly was definitely the biggest moment of the week.

The stadium had an amazing atmosphere, and it was the most performers we’ve ever had. There were so many cultures represented, including Indigenous dancers, Indian and Punjabi groups, Anglo-Indian jive, South Sudanese dancers, a Colombian solo, Bisaya dancers, Pinoy Tinikling, Habesha dancers, Arab drumming and dance, German folk dancers and the Polynesian group. Every performance was unique and special.

“The performances were incredible. It was so good to see everyone support each other.”

Harmony Week is about creating a place where everyone feels like they belong. It’s about celebrating who we are and learning from each other.

“Our favourite moment was seeing the whole school come together.” Kimiora Joyce, Pasifika Engagement Project Officer (with comments and quotes from students and staff shared throughout the week)

Dress Display in the Alexandria Resource Centre

As part of Harmony Week, the Alexandria Resource Centre at Melton Campus hosted a vibrant cultural dress display celebrating the diversity within our school community. 

Students generously contributed traditional clothing representing a range of cultures and backgrounds, creating a colourful and meaningful showcase for everyone to enjoy.

The display highlighted the beauty and significance of cultural dress from around the world, helping students learn more about the traditions, histories, and identities represented in our school. 

It also sparked many conversations about culture, heritage, and the importance of respect and inclusion. The library also arranged a book display of interesting, relevant materials for students to read.

A special thank you goes to our Melton Campus Culture Captain, Hannah Dalumpines and her deputy, Hannah Sabu, who organised and curated the display, and to the students who proudly shared their cultural clothing. Their efforts helped bring Harmony Week to life and reminded us that everyone belongs. Many students enjoyed viewing the clothing. SFCC Library Team

Fun on the green for Harmony Week

Students Attend Catholic Education Week Mass

Last Friday, four students from each campus attended St Patrick’s Cathedral for the annual Mass of St Patrick for Schools. Almost every Catholic school in the Melbourne Archdiocese was represented.

This year, the church is commemorating the 800^th anniversary of St Francis's death. In light of this, two of our students were chosen to lead the procession carrying the Papal and Australian flags.

Afterwards, our students made their way to the Catholic Leadership Centre and took part in an excellent session in which several students from across the archdiocese shared what their faith meant to each of them.

It was a wonderful experience for all who attended.

You're Invited - Year 9 Night at the Museum Exhibition

Families of Year 9 students at both campuses are invited to join us on Wednesday 1 April for a Night at the Museum exhibition.

In Humanities this term, students have been exploring World War I, and the exhibition will feature a creative museum exhibit piece that connects to their research topic.

Listed below are the details for each campus:

Cobblebank Campus

Wednesday 1 April, 3pm – 4.15pm, Blue Building

Melton Campus

Wednesday 1 April, 3pm – 4.15pm, Brindisi Building

We look forward to welcoming families and showcasing our students' final products.

Virtual Grand Prix Winner

Congratulations to Year 12 Dominic student Julian, who recently won the Australian Esports League Virtual Grand Prix!

Julian competed against 20 students from various Victorian secondary schools in late February, winning all three qualifying races and advancing to the finals at the Australian Grand Prix on 5 March.

On the day, Julian took the noise and pressure in his stride and recorded the fastest lap time of 1:19:932, almost two seconds faster than the runner-up.

"The finals were done on simulators, and the room was high in energy and excitement. But the moment I started driving, I let the tension go and had fun throughout the experience, especially with students who shared a similar interest," Julian said.

Another highlight of the day for Julian was his tour of the Paddock - the exclusive, behind-the-scenes heart of the Albert Park event. Located behind the pit garages, it is a restricted area for teams, drivers and VIPs. 

Project Compassion Campaign Update

Students and staff  have demonstrated wonderful generosity and community spirit throughout this year’s Project Compassion campaign. 

Over the past four weeks, a variety of creative and engaging fundraisers have taken place, with students enthusiastically supporting Caritas Australia's mission and learning how their contributions can help communities in need.

From bake sales to a BBQ, ice cream cones, Zooper Doopers, donuts, a movie session and other class-based initiatives, it has been inspiring to see so many students and staff working together in support of this important cause. 

These efforts reflect the values of compassion, justice and service that are central to our Catholic identity.

As the end of Term 1 approaches and our fundraising draws to a close, we are finishing the campaign with one of our much-loved traditions, Ks for Caritas. This event brings the whole campus together in a fun, active way to raise awareness and show support for those in need.

At Melton Campus yesterday, students and staff gathered in House groups to carry buckets of water or bags of rice across the soccer pitch during Big Break.

There was plenty of support and enthusiasm for participants and some friendly competition among houses to see who could walk the most laps during Big Break.

The aim was to raise awareness of the many kilometres people in other countries walk daily to access fresh water, food, and education - all things we take for granted.

Cobblebank students will take to the oval on Friday for their event, and there will no doubt be the same spirit of cooperation mixed with some house rivalry!

Thank you to all students, staff and families who have contributed so generously to Project Compassion this year. Your efforts truly embody the spirit of giving and remind us that small actions can create a meaningful change.

Berlin

On to Krakow

It was obvious the temperature was dropping as we looked out the train windows en route to Krakow. Snow thickly covered the ground between Germany and Poland. The Old Town in Krakow is like something out of a fairy tale - the medieval cloth hall in the centre of the main square, huge Christmas markets on one side and a Christmas tree on the other.

Horses draw carriages of tourists around the square. To get oriented with the city, we had a ghost tour at night to hear about Krakow’s serial killer, the vampires and why the pigeons are so friendly. There was a poignant visit to Oskar Schindler’s factory to learn about Krakow's wartime history, and we rode e-scooters to see the castle, the dragon, and other famous sites.

When the students visited Auschwitz, they were exceptional. They displayed maturity and consideration as they moved through the various displays and listened to the stories of the camp’s function. Auschwitz is a learning experience like no other, but it is challenging. 

After nearly three weeks away it was home to a warm Christmas in Australia. A huge thanks to the staff who attended – Jessica Attard and Mikaela Hurst – who worked very hard to look after the students a long way from home and a long time away from their own families.

A special thanks to the families of the students who placed their trust in the school to look after their children for such an extended period.

Information about the 2027 Europe Trip – for students currently in Years 9 and 10 at both Cobblebank and Melton campuses - will be presented in Term 2, 2026.

Next week: more on our visit to Auschwitz.

Outdoor Education Camp

Our Year 10 Outdoor Education students recently headed to the surf coast for an action-packed camp full of challenge, learning, and adventure.

Students completed hikes along the stunning Surf Coast Track, where they were immersed in realistic wilderness first aid scenarios. Working in rescue groups, they responded to situations such as hyperthermia, broken bones, and snake bites. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply the practical skills they have been developing in class in a real outdoor environment.

Throughout the camp, students demonstrated impressive resilience, teamwork, and positive attitudes, supporting one another through both physical and mental challenges.

A highlight of the trip was an evening kayaking session along the beautiful Anglesea River. 

After camping overnight in tents in Lorne, students rose early for a surf lesson. This provided a valuable opportunity to compare their previous experiences at Urban Surf with the natural ocean environment, while also practising identifying rip currents and staying safe in the water.

Overall, it was a highly successful camp, with students showing growth in confidence, independence, and their connection to the outdoors.

Cobblebank Cricket Academy Excursion

Our Cobblebank Campus Year 10 Cricket Academy students visited the home of Cricket Victoria at the Junction Oval last week.

Although bad weather hampered the day, the students were able to watch part of the state cricket game between Victoria and South Australia on the oval. 

Both sides featured Australian cricket players, which was exciting for the students; some were even lucky enough to get a photo with the players. 

They also listened to guest speaker Ashley Chandrasinghe, a young Victorian cricketer who shared his experience in professional sport and his aim to represent his country at the highest possible level. 

Students also heard from former Australian cricketer Michael Beer about the Melbourne Cricket Education Academy, which is available to students who finish Year 12 and want to work in the sport and recreation industry. You can read more about the academy here.

This was the first of several excursions planned for Cricket Academy students this year. Students in Years 7-9 who would like to join the College Cricket Academy in the future can email me or drop by my office in the Yellow Building.

Sports Update

Melton Inter-House Netball Competition

What an incredible few weeks it’s been - a huge thank you to all Houses for bringing the energy, spirit, and support every single round.

Now, we step into the most exciting part of the competition - the semi-finals.

After weeks of hard work, it’s down to the final four Houses: Anthony, Catherine, Lawrence and MacKillop.

These teams have earned their spot through determination and teamwork and will battle it out tomorrow (Wednesday) at Big Break to secure their place in the grand final next Monday 30 March.

So get ready - bring your friends, bring your pompoms, and bring the noise - because the competition is heating up. Emilyah Sogivalu, Sports Captain

Melton SACCSS Senior Sport Round 5

Cobblebank SACCSS Premier League Round 6

The Resilience Project Parent Webinar Link

Thank you to all parents and guardians who attended last week's Resilience Project webinar on building resilience at home. 

If you were unable to attend, you can watch a recording of the webinar here. Please note that this link will expire on 16 April.

Community Notices

Neighbourhood Policing Forum

Upcoming Level Crossing Removal Works 

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