Step Inside FCJ College: The Addams Family Takes Centre Stage

Excitement is building as The Addams Family comes to life! Costumes are coming together, characters are taking shape and our incredibly talented students are preparing to bring this much-loved story to the stage. With so much happening behind the scenes, we can’t wait to see it all come together. Tickets will be on sale in the coming days —you DO NOT want to miss this!

The Red Earth Cape York trip concluded with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, where students explored the reef through both environmental and cultural perspectives. They snorkelled alongside a marine biologist before taking part in a cultural reef tour led by a Traditional Owner, gaining insight into traditional ways of hunting, gathering and caring for Sea Country. The experience concluded aboard the Dreamtime Boat with the sounds of the didgeridoo, including a special performance by our very own Riley Hilton. A didgeridoo gifted to FCJ College from the Homelands now provides a lasting connection to this incredible experience.

We officially welcomed our visitors from Sacred Heart School, Tokyo, at a whole-school assembly, where our senior Japanese students addressed them entirely in Japanese, sharing insights into FCJ College, our history and life in the local region. Our Junior Band also performed a song in Japanese. Throughout their first week, our Japanese students have joined classes and made connections with their Australian peers, with music proving a particular highlight as our visitors showcased their incredible singing talents. Their busy week has also included a visit to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, lawn bowls and exploring Benalla’s vibrant street art. A heartfelt thank you to our generous host families for opening your homes and helping make this incredible cultural exchange possible. We hope our visitors and their hosts enjoy plenty of wonderful adventures together over the weekend!

While students enjoyed a student-free day on Wednesday, FCJ College staff gathered for the Catholic Education Sandhurst Spirituality Day, Living Life to the Full. Inspired by reflections from presenters including Stan Grant, staff explored the importance of connection and creating space to listen and reflect. As Stan reminded us, “Silence is its own language,” encouraging us to slow down and support our young people to live life to the full.

As part of FCJ College’s commitment to student wellbeing, Year 9 and Year 12 students participated in an engaging education session with AD&MH Education Specialists presenter and FCJ College alumni Michael Donohue. The age-appropriate sessions explored mental health, wellbeing, alcohol and drug education, equipping students with practical strategies to make informed decisions, look after themselves and support their friends. Through open discussion and real-world scenarios, students were encouraged to think critically about making safe choices, recognising risk and supporting the wellbeing of themselves and those around them. Students gained valuable knowledge and confidence to navigate situations they may encounter both now and in the future.

And finally, back to where we began… we invite you to Step Inside The Addams Family. Behind the scenes, our students and staff have been working hard to bring these iconic characters to life, with rehearsals, costumes and performances all coming together beautifully. We can’t wait to share this incredible production with you. Tickets will be released soon —make sure you don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular production live on stage!

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