From the Principal

While Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek, the youths who tragically lost their lives in Cobblebank recently, did not attend our school, many of our students are related to them or knew them from primary school or as fellow basketballers.

Our students are understandably traumatised by such horrific events.

A number of our staff and I attended a candlelight vigil for the two boys last Tuesday in Cobblebank.

It was a powerful and moving experience, with so many people of all nationalities and ages walking in near silence as we gathered to listen to the father of one of the boys and a pastor.

The father spoke passionately about the need for justice, but also for calm and care for our whole community. He urged us not to think of revenge or payback, but to come together as a grieving community.

The pastor who spoke urged us to consider the souls of the young men, reunited with God and to remember that we will all be united in His Kingdom. He asked those gathered to pray for their enemies.

Jesus says, "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44.

As a College, we have little influence over political and social events in our wider community.

However, we can help our young people feel heard and walk with them through their grief.

Yesterday, the College joined with others in our local community to tie white ribbons on our fence line as a sign of peace, harmony and solidarity with all those who are scared and suffering.

We held a memorial service at both campuses, where our students wrote and read prayers to give voice to their deep sorrow and loss. They also wrote notes of support to deliver to each family.

We will continue over the next few months to work with our students to help them navigate their grief and see the hope for the future for those who are left on this earth.

Our College theme this year is taken from the words of St Francis: All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. It seems fitting in these dark times.

We – each of us – in our own unique way are the spark for each other. We are the light that can lift someone out of despair and offer hope for a future as yet unknown.

headspace Webinar

headspace will host a free online mental health education webinar tomorrow, Wednesday 17 September from 5pm to 6pm for adults who are parents and carers of children and young people in Melbourne’s west and surrounds who have recently experienced loss.

To find out more and register, please view the flyer below.

Headspace webinar flyer and registration details

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Reminder – Early Dismissal this Friday 19 September

Please remember that all students will be dismissed at 2.30pm this Friday 19 September, the final day of Term 3.

Term 4 begins on Monday 6 October.

Traffic Disruptions Around Cobblebank Campus

Please be aware that there may be traffic delays on Bridge Road tomorrow, Wednesday 17 September during the delivery of large precast panels for our new Senior Learning Centre, currently under construction. 

Traffic management staff will be in the area to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Please follow their directions at all times. 

Please also allow extra time when travelling along Bridge Road, as there may be delays during the peak morning and after-school periods. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete the next stage of our campus. 

We have also been advised that Powercor will be completing works that will affect traffic along Ferris and Alfred roads on Friday 19 September. More details and maps are attached.

Powercor works Ferris and Alfred roads 15 19 September 2025

Faith and Mission Action Team – Term 3 Highlights

Term 3 has been a hectic and rewarding time for the Faith and Mission Action Team. Our Winter Appeal took centre stage across both campuses and last week we attended the St Vincent de Paul School Conference Networking Event hosted at Marian College.

We were genuinely humbled by the overwhelming generosity of our College community and wider supporters. Thanks to everyone’s contributions, our team achieved an outstanding result.

A special mention goes to SFCC Teacher Librarian Amanda Wall from the Country Women’s Association (CWA) – Sunrise Melton Branch, who, together with eight dedicated CWA members, sewed more than 50 fabric care bags for our homeless community. 

During several sessions, they prepared these beautiful bags, which will soon be filled with hygiene products collected during the appeal.

Within the College, our Knitting Club also played a vital role, meeting every Thursday at lunchtime to craft over 12 scarves and a beanie. These were a wonderful, heartfelt addition to our donations.

Our Year 12 VCE VM classes joined our Social Justice team to sort and prepare the many generous contributions. These were presented to long-time volunteer Maureen Mohr and Soup Van Coordinator Rebecca Ruffin. 

Donations collected will directly support those in need through the St Vincent de Paul Opportunity Superstore, Soup Van, and Melton Foodbank.

Our heartfelt thanks to the entire College community for your incredible support, once again and we look forward to next year.

House Points Collection:

Anthony House – 500 

Bakhita House – 861

Bernard House – 128

Catherine House – 29

Dominic House – 606

Glowrey House – 572

Lawrence House – 822

MacKillop House – 118

St Vincent de Paul School Conference Networking Event

A group of 15 students from both Melton and Cobblebank campuses attended the St Vincent de Paul School Conference Networking Event at Marian College last week to share SFCC’s Good Works Project with six other Catholic schools from Melbourne’s western suburbs. 

The event provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and recognise the hard work involved in running meaningful social justice initiatives.

Throughout the day, students formed new friendships, collaborated on solutions for social justice challenges, and proudly represented our College. Their efforts reflected their commitment and enthusiasm for making a difference.

Below are some of the comments our students shared about the day.

The St Vincent De Paul conference at Marian College was an eye-opening experience and it highlighted how different schools go about helping the vulnerable. It gave us ideas on how we could improve our homelessness drives and winter sleepouts. It was also a great networking event, as we could talk to people from other schools, make new friends, and expand our horizons. All in all, it was an educational event that was both fun and informative. Xavier, Year 9, Cobblebank Campus

The conference was a fun and collaborative experience. We were able to connect with students from other schools and hear about the different ways they’ve been supporting homeless people and Vinnies. A few guest speakers also shared their personal experiences, which was inspiring. It was great to see the variety of ideas and projects, and it made me reflect on what we could do at our school. Overall, it was a positive day of connecting, engaging, and learning from others. Navika, Year 8 Cobblebank Campus

Term 3 Highlights in Learning and Teaching

As we conclude Term 3, it's with immense pride that I reflect on the outstanding achievements of our students, staff, and school community. This term has been a showcase of educational flourishing and community engagement.

Our numerous faculty weeks provided students with opportunities to showcase their talents and connect with subject areas in meaningful ways. The VTAC Information Night proved invaluable for senior students and families navigating post-secondary pathways.

We've witnessed growth in Academic Recall across all year levels, while our Premier League initiative continues to foster healthy competition along with the High Ability Program.

Our inaugural VCE Study Night provided support to Year 12 students, and our VET and VCE VM Program continues to demonstrate success in diverse learning pathways.

The Victorian Catholic Education Authority Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Dinner celebrated the achievements of our Indigenous students while our Year 7 Swimming Program built water safety skills and confidence. The term will conclude with the Year 9 Melbourne Experience, providing authentic learning beyond the classroom.

As I conclude my tenure as Acting Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching, I extend gratitude to our dedicated Learning and Teaching Team; The VCE and VCE-VM teams, VET and Pathways Team, Domain Leaders, Learning Diversity and EAL Team, Middle Years, Director at CB, Growth Coaching and ICT Team and finally the Administration Team who have all demonstrated extraordinary commitment to student success.

The achievements of Term 3 reflect the collaborative spirit that makes our school community special. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this term a success. As we move into Term 4, we carry forward this momentum while maintaining our focus on continuous improvement and student excellence.

Online safety

As we reach the end of another busy term, we encourage families to remain mindful of their child’s use of social media and online platforms.

While the internet offers many positive opportunities for connection and learning, it can also expose young people to harmful material. The eSafety Commissioner highlights particular risks, such as:

• Graphic or harmful material – content that shows or encourages self-harm or injury.

• Age-inappropriate content – sexual or explicit material that is not suitable for children and young people under 18.

Some content online may also be unlawful, particularly material that promotes or depicts extreme violence or criminal acts. Families can find practical advice and further guidance on the eSafety Commissioner’s website: www.esafety.gov.au/young-people/disturbing-content

Feast Day 2025

Feast Day celebrations were held at both campuses last week.

Read what our students had to say about one of the biggest days on the College calendar.

Cobblebank Campus

At Cobblebank Campus, Feast Day began with a liturgy during which students reflected on the journey of St Francis.

This was followed by fun activities and delicious food stalls including crepes, ice cream, potato twister sticks, popcorn, fairy floss and more! 

The giant inflatable slide, wipeout course and obstacle course were all big hits on the day! The students also enjoyed an art and crafts station featuring paint-by-numbers, bookmark decorating, bracelet making, scratch paper decorating, and origami.

The photobooth was also popular with many students capturing fun memories with their friends. 

Overall, it was a great day had by all.

We asked some of our student leaders to share their highlights from the day.

I enjoyed the wide range of activities, especially the Pennylane Photobooth, where my friends and I got to take photos together, which gave us something to remember the day by. We also ended the day with the talent show, where students (including myself) got to showcase our hobbies and abilities to our friends. In short, Feast Day was like no other, and I look forward to next year's event! James, Catherine House Captain 

It was great to spend time with friends on Feast Day and celebrate our patron, St Francis. The activities were enjoyable and fun, and even though the lines for the inflatables were very long, they were worth the wait. The talent show was a great experience. Seeing the talent at our school, and Mr Kavanagh being a part of it, was also very good! All in all, Feast Day was a very enjoyable event that brought the entire school community together. Xavier, Junior School Captain

St Francis Feast Day was a very fun and memorable experience that brought our school community together. I am especially grateful to all the teachers who organised the celebrations. The delicious food, exciting activities, and the inflatables (which were truly the cherry on top) made it an occasion that we will always remember and treasure. Cass, Lawrence House Captain 

Melton Campus

At the Melton Campus, the day began with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Alex, accompanied by our amazing College ensemble.

After Mass, students participated in a range of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, music, gaming, and more.

There was a Melbourne Victory Soccer Clinic on the soccer pitch, karaoke in the PAC and some competitive Giant Jenga! The reptile encounter and farm animals drew crowds, as did the food trucks that served up delicious treats.

The day ended with our annual Talent Show. It was wonderful to see our students display their talents in front of the entire campus.

Congratulations to the 2025 winners Isabella, Kiana, Simone, Chloe and Matthew. Congratulations also to MacKillop and Bernard houses for winning the House award with their combined performance!

We would like to thank all students and staff for their participation on the day. A special shout-out to our Feast Day Committee, who put on a fabulous day for everyone!

Year 12 student Matthew shared this overview of the day.

We started the day with a Mass commemorating St Francis. Our choir and instrumentalists performed, including three Year 9s who played for the first time and did a fantastic job. After Mass, the celebrations began with food and fun activities. There was a range of food trucks and teachers selling food, with plenty of delicious treats to try, including ice cream, pizza, fairy floss, and a classic sausage in bread. Thanks to our amazing teachers and staff, there were plenty activities to choose from for all interests, from karaoke to a photo booth and even a petting zoo with goats. There was not a single dull moment to be had.

Cobblebank Year 9 Girls Volleyball Champions

Huge congratulations to our Year 9 Cobblebank Girls Volleyball team, who won their Premier League grand final match against CRC Caroline Springs last Wednesday.

The team came in hungry for the win after losing the grand final by one point last year. The result was a perfect game and a well-deserved win!

Boys Basketball

The Cobblebank Year 9 Boys Basketball also played their grand final match against Thomas Carr College in a thrilling game that saw them tied at the end of the third quarter.

Unfortunately, Thomas Carr managed to pull away and take the win. Overall, it was an incredibly successful season for the boys, and we congratulate them on their hard work.

Overall, it was delightful to watch so many Year 9 students get involved in Premier League this term. We look forward to seeing what results they can continue to produce next year!

Preparing for VCE Success - A Guide for Students and Families

As we enter the VCE preparation period, it's important that our Year 12 students have the necessary tools and support to perform at their best.

Proven study techniques for VCE success

Active recall and spaced repetition: rather than simply re-reading notes, students should test themselves regularly. Create flashcards, practice past exam questions, and explain concepts aloud. Review material at increasing intervals (daily, then weekly, then monthly) to strengthen long-term retention.

The Pomodoro Technique: study in focused 25-minute blocks followed by 5-minute breaks. After four blocks, take a longer 15-30 minute break. This helps maintain concentration and prevents mental fatigue.

Practice exams under timed conditions: familiarise yourself with exam formats and time constraints. The VCAA website provides past papers and marking schemes for all subjects. Regular timed practice builds confidence and improves time management skills.

Study groups and peer learning: explaining concepts to classmates reinforces understanding. Form study groups to discuss challenging topics, share resources, and motivate each other.

Below is a guide to help students maximise their study effectiveness and maintain their wellbeing during this important time. There are also useful links to online resources and counselling services.

Preparing for VCE Success A Guide for Students and Families

Remember, the VCE is important, but it's not the only pathway to success. Many successful careers begin through various routes including TAFE, apprenticeships, gap years, and alternative university entry pathways.

Most importantly, encourage your child to do their best while maintaining their physical and mental health. A well-rested, healthy student will perform better than one who is burnt out and exhausted.

If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing or need additional support, please don't hesitate to contact your child's Mentor teacher, or House Leader.

iVET Certificate Recipient

We congratulate Year 12 student Belinda who completed her iVET certificate this year.

Belinda has been a familiar and much-loved face at the Melton Campus Alexandria Resource Centre, where she has completed her weekly work placement as part of her VET studies.

She developed a wide range of librarian skills and has grown in confidence. Her creativity has shone through in the vibrant displays she’s helped design - especially the spooky Halloween display that turned heads!

What’s even more impressive is that Belinda completed a two-year VET course in just one year - an accomplishment that speaks volumes about her dedication and drive. She now hopes to continue her training and pursue a career as a qualified librarian.

As the school year draws to a close and Belinda prepares to graduate, we’ll certainly miss her warm smile and positive energy in the library. We wish her every success in the exciting journey ahead.

Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition Dinner

Last Friday, Year 12 Melton Campus student Rhianna was recognised at the annual Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition Dinner, hosted by Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA).

SFCC staff and Rhianna’s family joined other students, families, friends and supporters from all the diocese in Melbourne to recognise the incredible efforts of this year’s graduates and celebrate their success.

Rhianna and the other graduates were presented with a special Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander stole and a Djerrang-U Wurrdhadindu pin, which means “many gum leaves” in the Wurundjeri language.

These were presented alongside a graduation certificate highlighting each student’s ongoing connection to Country as they step into the next stage of their journey.

Pilgrimage to Ireland

Our Director of Professional Practice Mollie Daphne will participate in a pilgrimage to Ireland during the upcoming school holidays as part of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Inspired to Lead program.

In honour of the Jubilee year, Mollie and other MACS staff will journey to Ireland to deepen their faith and help them align their professional actions with the Church’s mission and Catholic identity.

This includes integrating Catholic principles into workplace actions with core Catholic values, including:

• respect for the dignity of the human person

• preferential option for the poor

• hospitality and community engagement

• leadership rooted in faith practices.

Jubilee years occur every 25 years and are times of reconciliation and renewal. The theme of this Jubilee is Pilgrims of Hope.

“This Year of Jubilee in the universal Church calls us to embrace, and be renewed in, the hope of Christ - a hope that does not disappoint. We are embarking on a particular time of pilgrimage, and as the Holy Father has reminded us, Jesus, ‘is the destination of our pilgrimage’. He is both the way, and the path to be travelled.” Archbishop Peter Comensoli.

Ireland is home to many missions that influenced the early establishment of Catholic Education in Victoria. It is also a society that has experienced mass migration, from which we can learn about the plight of diaspora in our global communities.

Mollie will share her learning from the journey and offer intercessions and prayers for members of our community during her pilgrimage.

Students' Short Story Success

We are proud to announce that several students were recently recognised by Melton City Libraries in their annual Short Story Competition. 

This prestigious event drew an overwhelming number of entries across all categories, and the judges were impressed by the creativity and quality of the submissions.

A special congratulations goes to the following students who represented our school in the Teen Category: 

Adele, Rathik and Sarah, Year 8 Cobblebank Campus

Alma, Year 8 Melton Campus

Priyam, Year 11 Melton Campus.

Each student received a Certificate of Appreciation for their efforts, and we commend them for their imagination, dedication, and storytelling skills. 

Their participation not only showcases their individual talents but also reflects the vibrant literary culture we foster at our school.

We encourage everyone to celebrate these young writers and to continue supporting creative writing initiatives. A big thank you also goes to our dedicated teachers and staff who supported and encouraged students throughout the competition.

Let’s keep the stories coming!

Year 10 Faith in Action Pilgrimage

Last week, our Year 10 Faith in Action students participated in a Catholic pilgrimage excursion through the city. 

They visited St Francis’ Church, St Augustine’s Church, and St Patrick’s Cathedral, engaging in prayer, reflection, and journaling at each site. 

Along the way, students explored the lives of Saint Mary MacKillop, Saint Carlo Acutis, and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati as models of faith and service. 

The experience invited students to reflect on their own spiritual journey and consider how they might live out their faith through acts of prayer, community, and service.

Did Your Child Miss Their Year 7 or Year 10 Immunisation?

Melton City Council will hold a free Secondary School Immunisation Catch Up Session on Friday 3 October (school holidays) between 9.30am and 12.30pm at Melton Community Hall. 

All families whose children missed out on either their Year 7 or Year 10 vaccines are welcome to book in and attend the catch-up session. Bookings are essential.

Please click here to book your appointment online and select Friday 3 October.

Your appointment is not secured until you receive the confirmation email. 

Please email immunsation@melton.vic.gov.au if you do not receive the email or need assistance with your booking. You can also call 5449 0000.

Community Notices

Melbourne Victory School Holiday Events

Adult Learners Week

VIC AUK Melton

Useful Links

Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.

PAM – Parent Portal

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Parent Handbook

SFCC Careers Website

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