Weekly Reflection

As we move through the final weeks of the school year, the words of Ecclesiastes remind us that life unfolds in seasons.

In a Franciscan school community, we live out these seasons each day through learning, friendship, challenge, growth, and faith.

For our Year 12 students, this season is particularly significant. As their time in our community draws to a close, it brings a mixture of excitement, gratitude, anticipation, and perhaps some uncertainty. Ecclesiastes speaks of a time to begin and a time to end, a time to hold on and a time to let go. Graduation marks both an ending and a new beginning.

As our graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives, we pray that they carry the values of St Francis with them and continue to be a positive influence wherever they go.

As a school community, we celebrate not only what our Year 12 students have accomplished, but also who they have become. 

May we continue to support and encourage one another, trusting that God walks with each of us on the journey ahead. 

May our graduates always know they remain an important part of our Franciscan family, and may they go forward with courage, faith, and hearts open to God's call.

“Above all, they should wish to have the spirit of the Lord working within them.” St Francis of Assisi
Terri Curnow

Director of Faith and Mission

From the Principal

New outdoor games area at Melton Campus

I am delighted to announce the opening of a new outdoor games area at our Melton Campus, adjacent to the new Brindisi building.

Students can now enjoy a range of activities, including pickleball, downball, basketball and netball. 

This exciting addition complements our existing sporting facilities, which include our soccer and AFL ovals, cricket nets, volleyball and beach volleyball courts, and downball squares.

These facilities provide even more opportunities for students to be active, develop their skills, build friendships and enjoy time together. 

We are pleased to continue enhancing our College environment to support student wellbeing, connection and a strong sense of community.

Child Safe Standard 9

Continuing our campaign to highlight the 11 Child Safe Standards in 11 months, I draw your attention to Standard 9.

Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Children spend a significant part of their lives at school and online. When school spaces, and digital platforms, are well designed, appropriately supervised, and used responsibly, risks are reduced and wellbeing is strengthened. 

Safe environments help prevent harm before it occurs and ensure children feel secure, respected, and confident to participate fully in learning and relationships. 

This includes balancing safety with children’s rights to privacy, access to information, social connection, and learning opportunities

What this means at our College

Specifically at St Francis we regularly remind all staff of the need for active supervision. We provide walkie talkies to staff on duty and regularly review areas that require supervision.

Each morning in Mentor Group, mentor teachers ensure that mobile phones and wearables are locked away. This encourages students to disconnect from technology while at school and encourages personal connection and interaction.

Our Pastoral Program explores with students the importance of digital safety.

Our maintenance team together with our Deputy Principal Head of Campus conduct weekly walk-arounds to ensure a safe environment for both staff and students. This is evidenced by the recent removal of the concrete cricket pitch from the middle of the oval at Melton.

Most importantly the College provides regular opportunity to feedback any concerns. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend the Parent and Friends meetings, email mentor teachers or house leaders and to read the newsletter to stay informed about physical and digital environments at the College.

To read more about Child Safe Standard 9, click on the link below.

MACS Care Parent Newsletter 9

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Dates to remember
Wednesday 21 OctoberYear 12 Breakfast

Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony

Wednesday 27 OctoberVCAA Exams begin
Friday 30 OctoberClass of 2016 Reunion @ Melton Campus
Monday 2 November Student Study at Home Day
Tuesday 3 NovemberMelbourne Cup public holiday
Wednesday 4 NovemberYear 10 and 11 exams begin
Friday 6 NovemberYear 9 Exams (English and Maths only)
Thursday 12 NovemberYear 10 and 11 exams conclude
Friday 13 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Monday 16 NovemberJumpstart Program begins
Wednesday 18 NovemberVCAA Exam conclude

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

Dates to remember
Tuesday 13 OctoberParents and Friends Association Meeting
Thursday 15 OctoberSFCC Art Exhibition, Performing Arts Centre, 6pm
Friday 30 OctoberClass of 2016 Reunion @ Melton Campus
Monday 2 November Student Study at Home Day
Tuesday 3 NovemberMelbourne Cup public holiday
Wednesday 4 NovemberYear 10 exams begin
Friday 13 NovemberStudent Study at Home Day
Monday 16 NovemberJumpstart Program begins

Snake Alert Around Cobblebank Campus

We have received reports of snake sightings in our local area. As the weather warms, snakes become more active and may be seen in open spaces, long grass, near waterways, and around school grounds.

We ask all students and families to remain vigilant and exercise caution when outdoors.

Important safety reminders

  • Stay on designated pathways whenever possible.
  • Avoid walking through long grass or bushland areas.
  • Do not approach, touch or attempt to move a snake.
  • If you see a snake, calmly move away and notify a responsible adult immediately.

Keeping Your Visa and Citizenship Information Updated

If your child has become an Australian citizen since moving to Australia, please remember to forward a copy of their certificate or Australian passport to the College.

If their visa status has changed, you are also required to provide us with their updated documents.

They can be emailed to enrolments@sfcc.vic.edu.au or dropped into the office at your child’s campus.

SFCC Enrolments Team

Will your child be returning to SFCC in 2027?

As we plan and prepare for classes and staffing in 2027, we kindly ask that you log in to the parent portal PAM and confirm whether your child/children will or will not return to the College next year.

Please complete the request even if you have already submitted an Exit Form.

We appreciate your assistance and thank all families who have already responded.

SFCC Enrolments Team

Students Shine at Music and Awards Evening

Our annual College Music and Awards Evening was held last week to celebrate students in classroom and extra-curricular music across Melton and Cobblebank campuses.

The evening showcased and recognised our students' talents while acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

It was the Percussion Ensemble and Developmental College Concert Band's debut music-night performance, and parents and friends were clearly proud to watch their loved ones on stage for the first time.

Students rose to the occasion, performing pieces ranging from jazz and pop to instrumental works from the 1700s - there was something in the program for everyone.

The night brought our two campuses together as one school to witness and celebrate each other's successes.

Following the performances, students were invited back on stage for the presentation of our music awards, which recognise the hard work, talent, and dedication of students who go the extra mile.

Congratulations to all our performers and award winners this year.

SFCC Instrumental Music Team

SFCC Instrumental Music Team

2026 Art Exhibition

Our 2026 cross-campus Art Exhibition, held at the Melton Campus Performing Arts Centre last week, showcased work from our students across Art, Visual Communication Design, Media, Design Technology, and Hospitality.

It was a pleasure to see so many students, families, and friends from both campuses at the opening evening on Thursday, helping us celebrate our students' achievements. 

Thank you to our college community for supporting this event.

We look forward to continuing to build the Arts and congratulate all students who exhibited and were presented with awards on the evening.

Below is a gallery of selected works from this year's exhbition.

Hollie Dawson

Teacher

Cobblebank Campus Restaurant Name Unveiled


The wait is over. We are delighted to reveal the name of Cobblebank's new restaurant is Three Knots!

Inspired by the cord of St Francis of Assisi, Three Knots takes its name from the three knots traditionally worn on the Franciscan cord representing poverty, obedience and charity.

For us, these values speak to a way of living that is simple, thoughtful and generous. They remind us to value what we have, listen and respond to others' needs, and care for our community and our world.

At Three Knots, the table is at the heart of everything we do. It is a place to gather, share food, build relationships and create a sense of belonging.

Our commitment to sustainability reflects this Franciscan spirit. We seek to make thoughtful choices in the way we source, prepare and serve our food, reducing waste, making responsible use of resources and respecting the natural world. We believe that caring for creation begins with the everyday choices we make.

Three Knots is more than a place to eat. It is a place where food brings people together, generosity is shared, and care for one another and our common home is celebrated.

We look forward to welcoming students, staff and families to Three Knots in the years ahead.

Natalie Malle

Arts and Technology Domain Leader - Cobblebank Campus

Celebrating Cultural Diversity through Song, Dance, Art and Sport

4Cs Cultural Showcase – Our Diversity on Stage

St Francis Catholic College proudly celebrated the incredible diversity of our community at the 4C’s Cultural Showcase at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren last month.

This year was particularly special, celebrating 20 years of the 4C’s Showcase, with 10 cultural groups representing SFCC on the big stage. 

Students shared their cultures through dance, music, traditional dress and performance, creating a vibrant celebration of the many identities that make up our College.

Indigenous Australian, Pakistani/Punjabi, Colombian, Filipino, Arab, Visayan, South Sudanese, Habesha, Indian and Polynesian cultures were represented, with students standing together as one College while proudly celebrating their individual cultural identities.

4Cs is about much more than performing. It promotes inclusivity, belonging, cultural understanding and respect, providing students with an opportunity to see their culture recognised, valued and celebrated.

Behind every performance were weeks of rehearsals, teamwork and commitment, with students giving up recesses and lunchtimes to prepare. 

One of the most powerful parts of the experience was seeing students from different backgrounds supporting and cheering for one another.

Different cultures. Different stories. One SFCC community.

Le Mana - know who you are and walk with pride

In Term 3, 25 Pasifika students participated in the seven-week Le Mana Cultural Identity Program, providing a dedicated space for our young people to explore culture, identity, belonging and connection.

Throughout the program, students were encouraged to reflect on who they are, where they come from and what gives them strength.

Through conversations, activities and creative expression, students explored the importance of family, heritage, identity and their own mana.

A highlight of the program was the Who Am I? artwork. Students created pieces representing their individual stories and cultural identities. The program concluded with an opportunity to come together, share food, celebrate their achievements and reflect on their journey.

The message our students carry forward is simple - know who you are, know where you come from and carry your culture with pride and mana.

Leota Cup – SFCC makes Rugby history!

Another exciting milestone was the formation of the first SFCC Rugby team, with nine boys proudly representing the College at the Leota Cup Rugby 7s / Tri Tag Gala Day.

The boys had a fantastic first competition, winning two games and losing one, demonstrating teamwork, determination and great sportsmanship throughout the day.

For many of our Pasifika boys, however, the opportunity meant much more than the results on the scoreboard. Rugby is a sport with strong connections to many Pasifika communities, and the boys valued having the opportunity to represent our school while playing a sport they know and love.

Student feedback highlighted how important it was to have sporting opportunities beyond the traditional school sports they regularly encounter. The Leota Cup provided another way for students to connect their interests and cultural identity with school life.

The boys represented SFCC with pride and are already enthusiastic about participating again next year and continuing to grow rugby at the College.

Strength in diversity

While 4Cs, Le Mana and the Leota Cup were three very different experiences, they shared an important purpose: creating opportunities for students to belong.

Whether stepping onto a stage to represent their culture, exploring the story behind their identity, or pulling on an SFCC jersey to represent the College, our students were given opportunities to be seen, heard and celebrated.

These experiences remind us that the diversity within St Francis Catholic College is one of the great strengths of our community.

Mauri Ora.

Kimiora Joyce

Pasifika Engagement Project Officer

Hospitality Highlights - Melton Campus

Art Exhibition Opening Night Feast 

Last week, our Hospitality students catered for staff, students and families attending the opening night of the College Art Exhibition.

This task was part of their catering assessment, where they provided food and beverages for about 150 people. The students prepared a delicious selection, including cannoli, lemon tarts, brownies, sausage rolls, and a variety of beverages.

A highlight of the event was the students’ outstanding teamwork and collaboration. 

They worked together to prepare the food, decorate, plate and present the items, and serve guests. The students demonstrated responsibility, communication, and cooperation as they worked toward a shared goal.

The event provided students with valuable first-hand experience in real-life catering and service. 

They were thrilled to showcase their skills, took pride in their work, and contributed to a wonderful evening.

The experience let them put their classroom learning into practice while strengthening their teamwork and hospitality skills.

William Angliss Institute visit

Late last term, our Year 10 Hospitality students visited William Angliss Institute for an exciting insight into the hospitality industry. 

Students toured the institute, explored its training facilities, and gained an understanding of opportunitiesfor further study and careers in the hospitality industry.

The visit also included lunch at the institute’s restaurant, where students observed professional food presentation and service. This experience let them see firsthand how food presentation, customer service, and attention to detail create a memorable dining experience.

The excursion was a valuable learning opportunity, connecting classroom learning with real-world hospitality practices and inspiring students to explore future pathways in the industry.

Creative Beverage Creations

As part of their second assessment, Year 10 Hospitality students explored beverage creation, experimenting with different flavours, toppings, and presentation techniques to develop appealing drinks. 

Students showcased their creativity by combining ingredients and exploring exciting flavour combinations to create drinks that were both visually attractive and delicious.

The activity gave students hands-on experience in product development, presentation, and current food and beverage trends. They drew on their creativity, developed practical hospitality skills, and took great pride in their unique creations.

Beautiful Brownies

To start off the semester, our Year 10 students prepared and presented delicious brownies for our teachers. Students used fresh strawberries, cream, hot fudge sauce, and edible flowers to transform a simple baked treat into an appealing dessert.

The activity gave students an opportunity to develop their food presentation skills while experimenting with flavours, textures, and decorative techniques. The rich chocolate drizzle added an extra touch of indulgence, and students were delighted with the final results.

It was a rewarding hands-on experience that allowed students to put their learning into practice and take pride in creating something special for their teachers.

Himani Devi

Teacher

Athletic Achievements for SFCC

Congratulations to all students who represented SACCSS at the inaugural Victorian School Association Teams (VSAC) Challenge last Thursday at Lakeside Stadium.

Year 12 Melton student Nyandeng placed third in the Senior Girls 400m and was part of the first placed Senior Girls relay team.

Year 7 Cobblebank student Israel and Year 11 Melton student Caleb also ran in their respective relay teams (Junior Boys and Senior Boys) placing second and third.

Congratulations also to Year 9 Melton student Thomas who set his first Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics record over the weekend.

Thomas completed the Boys Under 16 1500m with a new record time of 4:47.28 minutes.

We are exceptionally proud of all our athletes and wish them well in their next competitions.

Claudia Alp

Director of Sport Cross-Campus

Free Parent Webinar


As part of our ongoing partnership with Wellio, we’re pleased to share details of the final free parent webinar for the year on Thursday 5 November at 7.30pm.

Titled Letting Go Without Losing Touch , the webinar will focus on supporting parents as children push for more independence.

You can click here to register. 

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

  • understand what’s changing for your child: why wanting more freedom, privacy and independence is a normal part of growing up
  • adjust boundaries as kids grow: how to shift rules and expectations in ways that still keep kids safe and supported
  • stay connected as your role changes: ways to remain involved and influential, even when your child wants more space.

This session is open to our entire school community.

If you can’t make it live, please still complete the registration and Wellio will send the recording and any supporting resources to all registrants after the session.

Sports Update

Melton Year 8 Premier League Round 3

Team

Score

Ladder

Netball

Emmanuel College 25 d SFCC MEL 19

7

Girls Basketball

SFCC MEL 67 d Emmanuel College 22

1

Boys Basketball

Emmanuel College 83 d SFCC MEL 48

7

Girls Volleyball

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College 3 d SFCC MEL 0

6

Boys Volleyball

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College 2 d SFCC MEL 1

8

Girls Football

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College 3 d SFCC MEL 0

6

Boys Football

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College 4 d SFCC MEL 2

5

Cricket

Emmanuel College 99 d SFCC MEL 78

5

Cobblebank Year 8 Premier League Round 3

Team

Score

Ladder

Netball

Salesian College 37 d SFCC COB 10

8

Girls Basketball

Salesian College 62 d SFCC COB 41

7

Boys Basketball

Salesian College 86 d SFCC COB 38

7

Girls Volleyball

SFCC COB 3 d Salesian College 0

1

Boys Volleyball

SFCC COB 3 d Salesian College 0

3

Girls Football

SFCC COB 8 d Salesian College 0

1

Boys Football

Salesian College 2 d SFCC COB 0

7

Cricket

Salesian College 131 d SFCC COB 128

4

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