Step Inside FCJ College: Kicking off Term 3

Welcome back to Step Inside FCJ College, as we begin what promises to be an exciting and memorable term ahead!

In Year 7 Science, students have launched into their new topic on forces. They’re learning about the difference between contact and non-contact forces—such as air resistance, friction, buoyancy, magnetism, and applied force—and how these affect the way objects move. With questions like "Why don’t we fly off into space?", the unit is already sparking curiosity and lively discussion.

Over in Food Technology, 8Z had their very first lesson in the kitchen. Alongside learning how to follow recipes, students focused on essential life skills—like how to clean up properly and put everything away. (Yes, parents/guardians—they really did learn how to clean up after themselves!) Their hard work was rewarded with the delicious results of their efforts: homemade pizzas enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Our Year 9 cohort participated in a powerful and informative full-day session with AD+MH Education Specialists, an alcohol, drug, and mental health education program founded by FCJ alumni Ashley Gurney. The session was led by Michael Donehue, AD+MH's lead educator and former FCJ College Captain. With engaging activities like Lego challenges and “beer goggle” simulations, students explored serious topics in a safe, supportive, and interactive environment—learning how to care for themselves and look out for one another.

Year 10 students also took part in a vital safety education session delivered by Benalla Police, reinforcing messages around wellbeing, responsibility, and positive decision-making.

Meanwhile, our Social Justice and Environment Captains, Molly and Elizabeth, are finalising preparations for their Teddy Bear Drive in support of Malbago Village in the Philippines. They're calling on our school community to donate wool, stuffing, and crochet supplies to help create handmade teddy bears for children in need. If you’re able to help, donations can be dropped at the front office. Thank you for helping us spread kindness, one teddy at a time!

This week also marked the beginning of filming for our new Welcome to Country video. This meaningful project will be unveiled as part of our upcoming 125th Anniversary celebrations, and will be accompanied by a specially commissioned piece of Indigenous artwork—marking a proud and significant moment in our school’s story.

Looking ahead, our 125th Anniversary Weekend will take place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August 2025. The highlight will be the Gala Dinner, open to all members of our extended FCJ College community—parents, past and present students, staff, and friends. We encourage everyone to gather a group, book a table, and be part of this milestone celebration.

Follow the link for all event details and to make your bookings: https://www.fcjbenalla.catholic.edu.au/future-families/why-fcj-college/125th-anniversary

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