Step Inside FCJ College: From the Classroom to the Community

It has been another busy and engaging week at FCJ College, with students embracing opportunities across the classroom, the community, and the sporting field.

Year 9 Systems Engineering students have begun their first major project, designing LEGO cars and engineering gear systems to power battery-operated vehicles. They are currently modifying LEGO street sweepers by incorporating DC motors and gearing, applying practical engineering skills and problem-solving techniques. Testing and racing will take place in the coming weeks — stay tuned to see which design comes out on top!

In Year 9 English, students have been studying Frankenstein, adapted by Philip Pullman. Through the playscript, they are exploring literary analysis alongside dramatic performance and ethical discussion. The text encourages thoughtful conversations about science, society, and humanity while helping students build confidence in language and performance. Their performances were brought to life by the students themselves, complete with visuals, props and sound effects that enhanced the dramatic experience.

On Tuesday, students travelled to schools and sporting venues across the region for the annual Round Robin sports day. With events ranging from cricket and volleyball to netball and lawn bowls, the day provided a fantastic opportunity for students to represent FCJ College, demonstrate teamwork, and enjoy friendly competition.

Our Year 9 and 10 students who have volunteered as Live4Life Crew Members participated in their Induction Day this week. They are looking forward to supporting the Year 8 cohort through this important program, promoting mental health awareness and helping foster a culture of care and wellbeing within the Benalla community.

VCE Vocational Major Personal Development Skills students undertook a teamwork and critical thinking challenge by designing and building Spaghetti Bridges, exploring engineering principles and testing which structures could hold the most weight. This strong sense of collaboration is helping prepare them for an exciting and meaningful project they will soon be involved in. We look forward to sharing more about this with you next week!

Senior students at FCJ College were privileged to welcome members of the Victoria Police Benalla Highway Patrol this week for an informative and engaging presentation on road safety and probationary driver laws. Officers spoke candidly about legislation affecting P-plate drivers and shared confronting, real-life insights into road trauma and critical incidents emergency services regularly attend across the Benalla region. Year 12 students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and participating enthusiastically in discussion. The visit not only reinforced important legal responsibilities but also strengthened positive relationships between young drivers and local police, highlighting a shared commitment to ensuring every student makes safe choices and arrives home to their families safely.

To wrap up, it is that special time of year when we warmly invite the FCJ College community and the wider community to our International Women’s Day Breakfast on Friday 6 March 2026. Join us for a morning celebrating inspirational women and reflecting on this year’s theme: “Give to Gain.”

The event is for everyone — women and men alike. International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate achievements, listen, learn, and show support. Meaningful progress happens when we all engage.

Tickets are available now — secure your place here: International Women's Day Breakfast Tickets 🌸

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"When we lift others, we all rise."

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