Step Inside FCJ College: And That's a Wrap!

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What a wonderfully busy few weeks it has been at FCJ College, with performances, projects, ceremonies and celebrations filling our calendar.

This week, our Year 9 students came together to conclude their Rite Journey with a meaningful Homecoming Ceremony centred around reflection, connection and hope. Despite the rain and wind, the atmosphere was warm and reflective, made even better by sharing hot chips together by the lake. It was a beautiful way to mark both the end of an important chapter and the continuing journey of growth, purpose and belonging.

Year 9 also hosted their End of Semester Showcase, with an impressive display of learning and creativity. From design to problem-solving, the quality of work on show reflected the dedication and effort of this hardworking cohort. Congratulations to all involved.

Our Year 10 Music students wrapped up their year with a concert, showcasing their musical talents and growth across the semester. A big congratulations to everyone who performed. Your courage, confidence and skill on stage were wonderful to see.

Meanwhile, our Year 7 Art students have been busy applying underglaze to their Hermannsburg Potters–inspired clay pots. Once fired, the painted designs truly came to life, with colour and personality shining through — what fantastic results.

Our FCJ College community also gathered for the final assembly of the year to celebrate achievement and welcome new leadership. Congratulations to our Term 4 Students of the Term — Owen Tilton, Ariel Margrie, Abigail Sambell, Dakota McNeill and Lavinia Kinderis— and to all students who received ICAS certificates.

A highlight of the assembly was the presentation of badges to our 2026 College Captains, alongside heartfelt farewells to our outgoing leaders. Leadership is a journey of listening, learning, collaboration, and courage. We trust our new captains will bring their unique strengths to the role, and as they took the Captain’s Pledge, we reflected on the values of faith, kindness, courage, justice, service, generosity, and integrity.

In his address, Principal Mr Joseph Mount spoke of the gifts of leadership, reminding students that life is about discovering these gifts within ourselves for the good of others. He encouraged everyone to reflect on the qualities they carry into the world — are your gifts humour, zest, positivity, resilience or, most importantly are you kind? He concluded with a simple but powerful exercise, inviting everyone to sit in companionship and ask those around them, and truly listen, as they answered two questions: What are you grateful for in the year 2025, and what are you grateful for right now? It was a meaningful message of reflection and gratitude to close the year.

On Thursday evening, the College also hosted the Men’s Mental Health Evening with Tom Boyd — an inspiring community event focused on wellbeing and resilience. Former AFL player and mental health advocate Tom Boyd courageously shared his personal journey with depression and anxiety, encouraging open conversations and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health. This free event, initiated by 2025 College Captain Walter Jackson, welcomed families and community members for a BBQ and thoughtful discussion. It was a powerful reminder that mental health matters, and that support, understanding and connection can make all the difference. An upcoming article will explore the evening in more detail, including the student-led initiative behind it and its impact on our community. Stay tuned.

And that’s a wrap on our 2025 curriculum. Next week we launch into Head Start, where students will meet their new pastoral groups and teachers, settle into new learning areas and begin preparing for Semester 1, 2026. We also look forward to celebrating student success at our upcoming Awards for Excellence evening — congratulations to all students invited to attend.

Thank you for stepping inside FCJ College this week and throughout the year. We can’t wait to welcome you back for the exciting journey ahead.

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