From the Principal

Family holidays

I have recently received several emails from parents indicating that students will be absent for the first few weeks of Term 1 2027.

While I appreciate that families wish to take advantage of the summer break and extend their holidays, it should be noted that this time away from school causes significant disruption to student learning. 

When it comes to attendance, every day matters. Students will have started units of work in this year's Jumpstart period and will be expected to launch straight into their 2027 studies.

Students who are absent in the first two weeks of school when the Commonwealth Census is undertaken cannot be included in the College student population numbers. This affects the funding received from the Commonwealth Government.

Parents are encouraged to ensure students return to the College by the start of Term 1 so learning is not impacted.

The first day for Year 7 and Year 12 students is Friday 29 January 2027. All other year levels will return on Monday 1 February 2027.

Child Safe Standard 10

As we approach the end of the year, I draw your attention to Child Safe Standard 10.

Why is it important that our school's child safety work is regularly reviewed and improved?

Regularly reviewing and improving our school’s child safety practices is essential because children’s needs, risks, and the environments they grow up in change over time. 

By continuously evaluating what we do well and where we can strengthen our approach, we make sure our policies, staff training, and everyday practices remain effective, up to date, and responsive. 

Ongoing improvement also shows our community that we take Child Safe Standard 10 seriously - that we are committed to transparency, accountability, and creating a school where every child is protected, supported, and able to thrive.

At St Francis, we review practices after events to continually improve. Our Compliance Manager regularly updates all our Child Safety policies in line with updates received from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS).

MACS Care Child Safe Standard 10 Parent Newsletter

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus

Looking Ahead - Cobblebank Campus

College Offices closed Friday 13 November

Please note that the College offices at both the Melton and Cobblebank campuses will be closed on Friday 13 November to allow staff to participate in training.

Year 9 Camp - Melton Campus

Girls' camp

Our Year 9 girls travelled to the Mornington Peninsula for their camp this year.

Students enjoyed a range of activities including horse riding, mountain boarding, the giant swing, and team-building challenges. 

The pastoral component of the camp focused on our College value of empathy, where students practised encouragement, reflected on what it's like to be in someone else's shoes, and gave each other grace in difficult situations. 

It was great to see our students develop and grow over the three days.

Hollie Dawson, Camp Leader

Boys' camp

Our Year 9 boys travelled to Bayview Adventure Camp in Grantville, near Phillip Island, for three days and two nights of activities designed to challenge them.

Activities included a high ropes obstacle course 15 metres in the air with a leap of faith that had students leap from a platform to hit a bell while harnessed. 

The giant swing had our boys work as a team to pull a member of their group up 18 metres, then release them to free fall for a split second before swinging. Both of these activities tested all of us who were afraid of heights and brought out the best in our boys, with messages of encouragement coming thick and fast to those who were in two minds about completing the activity.

On the lake, students learned to control a canoe and conquered various games.

Something not seen at other camps was the billy cart races. This activity was a real hit with the boys, and almost all students got dressed up for the occasion as their favourite Mario Kart players. The thrills and spills were high.

The Tough Mudder Run had the boys work as a team to overcome obstacles and solve problems while running the perimeter of the campsite; many tired bodies followed this event.

Finally, students were split into two teams to see who could build the best hut. Some amazing designs housed up to 4-5 students. Their design skills were tested at the end of the build as they all crowded in their shelter while a water test was conducted; needless to say, most shelters weren’t watertight, with plenty of wet bodies leaving the build site.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner gave our boys the opportunity to serve their fellow Year 9s, with each group responsible for either setting or cleaning tables and restocking utensils after meals. We can confirm students are capable of doing this at home, even if they say they aren't!

Overall, a great time was had by both students and staff. We got to know each other outside the classroom and the camp allowed students to shine in a different light.

Jason Rowley, Camp Leader

Year 9 Camp - Cobblebank Campus

In the second week of Term 4, Year 9 boys travelled to Bayview Adventure Camp in Grantville, near Phillip Island. The boys departed Cobblebank Campus excited for three days of outdoor activities, mateship and camaraderie.

Students experienced many outdoor adventure activities, including the high ropes course, Tough Mudder Run, canoeing and the giant swing. They also enjoyed each other’s company during activities such as billy cart races, hut building and a scavenger hunt.

It was excellent to see everyone step out of their comfort zones and make friends with students they might not normally hang out with at school. It was also pleasing to see the boys help each other complete the different activities, while having a laugh and chat at the same time.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner times were quiet with students enjoying delicious and generously supplied meals provided by the Bayview staff. The trivia night on the first night and the choice of a movie or the big rugby league match between Australia and New Zealand on the Thursday night were both major hits.

Teachers won 2-1 in some round-robin basketball, volleyball, and soccer matches against the students. A big thanks to Mr Bradley, who scored two goals in the second half to win the deciding soccer match.

Students caught up on sleep during the bus ride home - they had clearly enjoyed their time at camp!

Thank you to SFCC staff and the team at Bayview Adventure Camp for making the camp a highlight of the boys' school year.

SACCSS Junior Hockey Champions

Congratulations to our Cobblebank Junior Girls Hockey team, who played their way to the grand final of the SACCSS Junior Hockey Tournament last Friday and brought home the flag!

It was a tight battle for the girls against MacKillop College, but a second-half goal gave them the lead, and the siren eventually sealed a 1-0 victory!

Both the Melton and Cobblebank boys' teams made it to the semi-final round, with the Melton team also progressing to the grand final.

The Melton boys played against CRC North Keilor in a tight battle that came down to a penalty shootout. We narrowly missed out on the win with CRC defeating the Melton boys 2-1.

We thank the students from both campuses who participated in the tournament and hope to see you all representing the College again next year. 

Cobblebank girls' team

Melton boys' team

Cobblebank boys' team

Melton girls' team

Year 10 Students Inspired at African Australian Student Conference

On Thursday 29 October, a group of our Year 10 students attended the annual African Australian Student Conference, hosted by the Department of Education. This year's theme, Shaping What's Next: The Future Is Ours to Build, encouraged students to consider the many possibilities available to them as they plan for their futures.

The conference had a dual focus:

• to broaden career pathways and aspirations by exposing African heritage students to a wide range of industries and encouraging them to explore opportunities beyond traditional expectations while developing ambitious and authentic career goals.

• to inspire, motivate and empower students through connections with accomplished African Australian professionals, real-life success stories and interactive sessions designed to strengthen identity and leadership.

The event gave students an invaluable opportunity to hear from a diverse line-up of leaders, creatives and changemakers while reflecting on their own future pathways. The day began with a panel of guest speakers who shared their career journeys, offering insights into the challenges, opportunities, and experiences that shaped their success.

Students then participated in a series of 20-minute rotating workshops, hearing from community professionals representing a variety of career fields, including software engineering, filmmaking and multicultural engagement leadership. 

Following a shared lunch, students took part in specialised "deep dive" workshops, selecting areas of personal interest such as medical and healthcare careers, artificial intelligence and technology, and sport and wellness.

The conference was not only educational but also highly engaging. Students enjoyed performances by talented African dancers and even witnessed a spirited dance-off between participating schools.

With more than 400 students from schools across Melbourne's western suburbs attending, the conference was both fun and informative. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the day, and many already expressed enthusiasm for returning next year.

Student reflections

The conference was fun and there were various African cultures were represented. We were provided with many different opportunities to meet new students and explore different career paths. It was a very enjoyable event. Akoul

I attended the African Student Conference, and we enjoyed a day of fun activities, delicious food and useful career path talks. My favourite part was the Deep Dive workshop with Soli Tesema, an Ethiopian musical artist who shared stories about her journey and encouraged us to follow our own paths. Overall, it was a fantastic event where we got to meet students from all around Melbourne who are part of the African community. Abuk

We learnt so much about everyone’s different stories and experiences navigating life as an African Australian. I would love the chance to go again next year. Nyariak

The speeches at the conference were so impactful, and the AI/IT workshop was also fun. I learnt so many things about AI and how it works and the activities were also good. I got to talk to lots of people and learn how they got to where they are. I met some old friends too, which was nice. I really loved going and I’m going to tell every Year 9 African Australian student that they should go too. Telar

Exploring a Future in Aerospace

A unique opportunity for Year 9 Cobblebank student Angel has helped set her sights firmly on a career in engineering, technology and aerospace

During the Term 3 break, Angel took part in RMIT's five-day Young Women in Aerospace and Defence Program.

She engaged in a range of hands-on learning experiences including constructing robots, designing apps, and building gliders. She also visited Virgin Australia, where she toured an aircraft and explored its jet engines, cockpit and cabins. Angel also visited RMIT's engineering facilities and makerspace.

We are incredibly proud of Angel for demonstrating initiative, embracing new challenges, and making the most of the program.

You can read all about Angel's experience in her own words below.

One of my favourite experiences during the four-day program was visiting Virgin Australia. We toured an aircraft and explored parts we wouldn't normally see, including the cockpit, cabins, luggage area, and jet engines. I found it interesting to learn how everything works and how much engineering and technology goes into something we take for granted.

I also really enjoyed the hands-on activities, especially building and coding our own rovers in teams. Over the first two days and part of the last day, we worked together to design, build, decorate, and program our rovers before testing them in a cardboard maze, with parents watching as our audience. 

Although my team didn't win, I still really enjoyed the experience because it taught me the importance of teamwork, communication and problem-solving. We had to work together, test our ideas and adjust along the way to get our rover through the maze. It was rewarding to see something we had built and coded ourselves work.

We also had the opportunity to try virtual reality and use simple block coding to program a large robot. We were able to write instructions and watch the robot carry them out, which gave us an introduction to how coding is used to control machines.

Throughout the program, I met lots of other girls who shared similar interests in STEM, as well as professionals who shared their experiences and helped us better understand what working in these industries is like.

I've always been curious about how things work and how technology can be used to solve everyday problems. This is one reason I've developed an interest in design, engineering, and technology. At school, I particularly enjoy opportunities to be creative, solve problems, and try something new. For example, I really enjoyed participating in the robot dual competition we did in Year 9 Digital Technology, where we applied our problem-solving skills and saw our designs in action.

In the future, I'd like to continue exploring different STEM pathways, especially engineering, technology and aerospace. Although I'm still figuring out exactly what career I'd like to pursue, this program has helped me discover just how many opportunities are available and encouraged me to consider careers I hadn't thought about before.

Outdoor Education Camps

Year 9

The Year 9 Outdoor Education camp was a wonderful opportunity for students to step away from their phones and screens, spend time in nature and connect with one another. 

During the two-night getaway, students camped in tents, enjoyed beach sports, a Treetops adventure, a pack hike, a surf lesson, and even planned a meal to cook for themselves. This created plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves, build friendships and try something new.

One highlight was seeing the laughter, conversations, and connections that developed throughout the experience, including friendships between students who may not usually spend time together. 

Staff were incredibly impressed by the students’ kindness, respect, and self-management, and several members of the public even approached us to comment on how respectful and impressive the students were. 

It was a fantastic reminder of the importance of getting outdoors and connecting with others.

Year 10

The Year 10 Outdoor Education camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to test their resilience, independence, and outdoor skills. 

Throughout the journey, students challenged themselves with mountain biking, a demanding 13km hike, high ropes and a canoe journey. 

After an overnight camp in tents, students made their way to YMCA Anglesea for a final night in cabins, which felt like a little bit of luxury after their night on the trail!

The students’ preparation and planning throughout the program really shone through, with many demonstrating impressive self-sufficiency, problem-solving and self-management skills in the outdoors. 

Staff were incredibly proud of not only the practical skills students developed, but also the personal growth we witnessed in each individual. 

Outdoor Education provides a unique environment where students can challenge themselves, discover their strengths and develop resilience, confidence and independence. 

It was wonderful to see students step outside their comfort zones, support one another and develop a genuine appreciation for the outdoors.

Sports Academy Students Visit Melbourne City FC

On Friday 30 October, our Year 10 Melton Elite Sports Academy students visited Melbourne City Football Club at their headquarters in Casey Fields.

The day started with warm-up games on one of the training pitches, then we headed to the main training pitch to watch the A-League Men's team train ahead of their match against Sydney FC the following day. 

We had access to the pitch where the team was training, and some Melbourne City staff explained the rationale behind each drill and the overall theme of the session in preparation for the match.

At the end of the training session, four first-team players spent time with the students, answering questions about nutrition, training, and routines, and offering advice for our aspiring athletes.

We then went inside, where the Senior Match Day & Events Manager, Lauren, led an engaging workshop and assigned four groups of students one focus area (marketing, community, product and events). 

Each group created and presented an idea related to the scenario Lauren gave, within the scope of their focus area, all aimed at creating the most exciting and engaging Halloween match day experience for fans.

The day ended with a small-sided match on the pitch and a presentation on the Melbourne City Institute of Sport and Business, which offers tertiary study options delivered in the elite sports environment at Melbourne City Football Club.

Year 10 Karate Champion Competes in Poland

Year 10 Melton student Olivia was part of the Australian team that travelled to Poland recently to compete in the World Karate Federation Junior World Championships. 

Olivia has come back inspired to further develop her skills and compete again in 2028. She shares details of her experience below.

I was extremely fortunate to recently represent Australia at the WKF Junior World Championships in Bielsko-Biala, Poland.

To be selected, I won the two major national competitions, placing me at the top of my individual division. Before the competition began, the Australian team spent five training days at the Australian Institute of Sport European base in Italy, where we worked on physical techniques and mental skills, preparing all 33 individual athletes.

The competition featured more than 1900 athletes from 114 different countries, competing over five days. Representing Australia was incredible, taking to the tatami to show that Australia is an up-and-coming karate team.

Despite not achieving all of my personal goals, I was able to compete against athletes who are the best in their nation, who regularly compete internationally and whose techniques differ from Australian competition. I've come home with a desire to improve and return in 2028 in Mexico.

2027 Europe Trip - Limited Places Available

Limited places are still available on the 2027 Europe Trip.

More information is below, including deposit details for families who would like to apply.

Please don't hesitate to email me at piannazzo@sfcc.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Sport Update

Melton Year 8 Premier League Round 5

Melton Year 8 Premier League Round 6

Cobblebank Year 8 Premier League Round 5

Cobblebank Year 8 Premier League Round 6

It's Time to Return Your Books

A reminder to return your library books before the year ends!

Please check your bags, lockers, and bedrooms for any school library books that need to be returned.

Community Notices

Melton Candidate Forum

Level Crossing Removal Works Notice

GKR Karate in Melton