Step Inside FCJ College: Awards for Excellence and more

Our Headstart program got underway this week, giving students an exciting introduction to their 2026 curriculum. Students have embraced the new semester with energy, settling into refreshed timetables, new learning spaces and connecting with classmates and teachers — setting a strong tone for what promises to be an exceptional 2026.

An evening to remember, the 2025 Awards for Excellence on Tuesday celebrated our students’ outstanding achievements and the dedication that shaped their year. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate their successes alongside staff and families, recognising academic commitment, leadership, service and personal growth across all year levels.

We were thrilled to announce our Honour Roll recipients, Sophie Hammond and Brayden Quattrocchi, whose commitment, character and contributions throughout their journey at FCJ College were recognised. Congratulations also to every student who received an award across the many categories presented on the night.

Among the prestigious awards presented were the Dean Davy Academic Excellence Award, the Marie Madeleine Award for Leadership, and the Berchmans Hughes Academic Growth Award. Particularly special to our community are the Patrick Ryan Memorial Award and the Doreen Harrison Memorial Courage and Confidence Award. These deeply meaningful honours recognise students who consistently strive to do their best, demonstrate positivity, courage, dedication and a growth mindset, and serve as role models for their peers. They also commemorate two individuals whose legacy and service continue to shape the heart and spirit of FCJ College, making these awards especially close to our hearts. Students were also acknowledged through respected external awards, including the Tomorrow Today Foundation Scholarship.

The evening concluded beautifully with a performance by our school choir, a wonderful reminder that excellence is nurtured not only in classrooms but through creativity, courage, confidence, and collaboration.

Staff and students joined Benalla Rotary members, local organisations, and the Benalla community in marching against domestic and family violence. The sea of purple throughout the town delivered a powerful and unified message — we say NO to violence and YES to respectful relationships. You can see our staff in action on the front page of the Benalla Ensign this week!

Riley Toms captivated his audience as he unveiled his exhibition Art Through the Decade: Gods, Demons, Monsters and Freaks in the FCJ NOW Gallery. Hearing him speak about his inspiration and creative process was a highlight, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite artwork for the chance to win it beautifully framed. His passion was truly infectious, and there is no doubt he has inspired fellow students to dream boldly and aspire to showcase their own work in the future.

In addition, our Year 8 and 9 Art students are currently working on a festive Christmas mural project using coreflute, which will soon brighten Benalla’s main street as part of the Benalla Rural Council Christmas celebrations. The artworks are well underway, and students are thoroughly enjoying creating something special for the wider community to share.

That wraps up our week! We look forward to welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students next Tuesday for Orientation Day — the next exciting chapter begins very soon!

Well done to all on an outstanding start to the 2026 curriculum. What a week of excellence!

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