Step Inside FCJ College: A Time for Reflection and Respect

We hope everyone enjoyed a little extra time over the Melbourne Cup weekend, whether relaxing, recharging or catching up on some study. With plenty happening across FCJ College, we're looking forward to another busy and exciting few weeks ahead!

Amid the busyness of this time of year, Remembrance Day offered our school community a meaningful opportunity to pause and honour those who have served and sacrificed.

Our commemorations began with a service at the front of our beautiful school, led by our wonderful SRC students. A poignant acoustic rendition of Brothers in Arms, performed by Addison, provided a fitting start to the morning. Students then placed poppies beneath the flagpoles, each taking a quiet moment to reflect and pay their respects.

Members of our Student Leadership Team, accompanied by Principal Mr Joseph Mount, also attended the Benalla Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph.

A particularly meaningful contribution came from Year 11 student Abella, also a member of our 2027 Student Leadership Team. Invited to deliver a poem on behalf of our local Member of Parliament, Annabelle Cleeland, Abella also laid a wreath in her name. Having received the Kokoda Scholarship earlier this year, this was another opportunity for Abella to contribute to an important occasion of remembrance. Our School Captains, Henry and Chrysanta, also shared thoughtful reflections at the service.

In their address, our Captains reminded us that those who served were more than soldiers, nurses and carers; they were people with families, dreams and loved ones waiting at home. They reflected on the extraordinary courage of those who left behind all they knew so future generations could live in peace. Sharing a particularly beautiful sentiment, they reminded us: “All of us who have gathered here today have gathered in love, to protect their stories as they protected us.”

Moving from reflection to challenge, our Year 10 Outdoor Education students took on a two-day Alpine Hike along the spectacular Razorback Ridge towards Federation Hut and Mount Feathertop. The 22-kilometre return journey built on their previous overnight experience, further developing their understanding of alpine environments and safe outdoor practices.

After setting up camp at Federation Hut, students enjoyed camp activities before preparing dinner on their Trangias at Little Mount Feathertop, taking in the alpine scenery and sunset. An early start the following morning saw the group reach the summit of Mount Feathertop (1,922 metres) for sunrise, rewarding their efforts with breathtaking views across the surrounding mountains. It was a fantastic opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience and confidence, and experience the alpine environment together.

There have also been plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning across FCJ College. Our Year 8 STEM students visited Wangaratta Tech School for an engaging practical workshop, extending their learning through interactive activities and opportunities to apply their problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Meanwhile, in Humanities, students have been bringing ancient Japan to life through traditional games, origami and creative explorations of Shinto gods, offering a hands-on way to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, beliefs and traditions.

Members of The Addams Family cast and crew attended the Georgy Awards, celebrating regional amateur and school theatre. We were delighted to receive the Junior Encouragement Award, recognising outstanding newcomers.

Congratulations also to Lorraine and the VET Certificate III in Community Services team, nominated for Excellence in Artistic Design for their themed candy bar, and Imogen, nominated for Best Performance in a Junior Production for her role as Morticia Addams. A wonderful recognition of the talent and creativity behind the production!

Looking ahead, November brings some exciting occasions, including our Year 12 Valedictory Mass and Dinner, and the return of The Gig, our second music evening, on Thursday 26 November. This is a free event, so gather your friends and family, bring along your dinner and enjoy an evening of music. Bookings are essential, so be sure to book your table here.

Headstart also commences at the end of the month, giving students the opportunity to experience their 2027 classes, meet their teachers and become familiar with what lies ahead.

As our School Captains so thoughtfully reminded us in their Remembrance Day address, “These soldiers carried the heaviest burdens so that we might walk freely upon an open, peaceful Australian sky.” A powerful reminder of the lives behind the history we remember, the sacrifices made for future generations and the importance of ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

As we move forward, may we continue to carry the spirit of remembrance with us, showing gentleness, compassion and gratitude in the way we live and treat others.

Lest We Forget.

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