Articles

An extract from Wednesday’s assembly speech.

As Semester One comes to a close, we celebrate the outstanding achievements, creativity and community spirit of our students.

From robotics and university visits to community service and sporting success, discover some of the experiences, achievements and opportunities that have shaped life at our school this term.

Let’s Find Our Voice Concert Celebrates Music, Connection and Companionship at FCJ College

In 1987 I was 10. The Blues won a premiership. I had a brown plastic football that broke my toe. And Midnight Oil released “Beds are burning” - the theme song for Reconciliation week (27th May to3rd June).

Our students continue to embrace opportunities in learning, sport and service, with strong participation across Round Robin, Cross Country, The Addams Family, Justice Matters Camp and BlazeAid.

A look at the experiences shaping our students.

What are your strengths? What are your gifts that shape your everyday thoughts and actions?

Term 2 began with a dynamic first week across FCJ College

Our students demanded that we support those impacted by recent fires. After consideration of how to channel the good will of our community, they suggested we support families by raising money, raising awareness and simply getting out there to do something practical.

A dynamic term of growth, opportunity, and achievement across our FCJ College community.

I spent the week sitting with what I heard at the International Women’s Day Breakfast...

A morning of inspiration, connection and powerful stories, as FCJ College alumni shared their journeys of leadership, resilience and opportunity.

Our students are learning, growing, and making an impact. Each day, they build new skills, strengthen their character, and contribute positively to our school community.

Powerful performances and unforgettable house spirit at FCJ College.

Discover how our hands-on programs and flexible senior pathways are helping students explore their strengths and prepare for life beyond school.

A week of fun, learning and creativity. From House Captains to Camp Howqua!

Academic awards celebrated, and exciting learning and activities already underway.

Our hearts are with you - those impacted by the recent fires. Those that have lost their houses, pets, belongings, stock, machinery, hay, livelihoods.

A warm welcome on a hot day, as our FCJ College community comes together to begin the school

As we celebrated the final day of the school year, our community gathered to honour the remarkable Mrs Catherine Burton, retiring after 45 years of dedicated service.

FCJ College proudly recognised outstanding student achievement and commitment at its 2025 Awards for Excellence evening.

FCJ College’s first Men’s Mental Health Evening marked the beginning of a legacy that goes far beyond one night.

Semester 2 is done and dusted! From ceremonies and showcases to concerts and community events, our students have wrapped up the year with creativity, connection, and celebration.

Farwell to our Class of 2025 !! A night to remember.....

Stepping out of our comfort zones — Step inside and discover the adventure, courage, and teamwork that defined our Year 9 Camp.

A short but vibrant week of creativity, adventure, and final touches across the school!

This week we welcomed our 2026 School Captains — and a whole lot of artistic flair!

Wishing our graduating Class of 2025 all the best for exams — it’s time to Lock In!

On Thursday, we celebrated our Year 12 cohort’s final day of formal classes. While most students will continue their studies in preparation for upcoming examinations, many have begun the transition into the workforce, apprenticeships and a tertiary education that does not require an ATAR.

A night of magic, talent and dedication

From exploring homelessness in Melbourne to adventures in Bright — and tonight, the spotlight shines on The Tempest!

The final term of 2025 is underway! From outstanding athletics achievements to hands-on science and psychology lessons, VCE exams, and upcoming performances, our students are diving in and finishing the year on a high.

Stories have the power to transport us, to spark our imagination, and to connect us with big ideas.

We, Briony and I, have four children. Three of whom are students at FCJ College Benalla - next year, all four. This place is familiar to them. I do constantly wonder how my presence at their school influences their day.

A week of learning, discovery, and celebration—from Year 10’s moving excursion to the Holocaust Museum and Shrine, to hands-on robotics, science in the field, sporting achievements, and the Year 11 Formal.

It is with great excitement that I announce the appointment of Renae Hughes as the ongoing Deputy Principal Community of FCJ College Benalla.

From wheelchair basketball to Wear It Purple Day, crochet creations to STEM showcases, our students have had a week full of energy and creativity.

Founders Day 2025 marked 125 years of faith, learning, and community, with Mass, games, stalls—all supporting Malbago Village in the Philippines.

During the 125 Year Anniversary celebrations, Sister Barbara and Father Isaac reminded us that the word companionship is derived from the Latin word campanio, which means to break bread; to share a meal and experience with one another. Companionship is our College’s theme for 2025 and is understanda

Last chance to buy a ticket for the 125th Anniversary Gala Dinner. I shall be there to welcome you at the door. I am also the Master of Ceremonies. It is an honour to facilitate such an occasion. I am particularly looking forward to our guest speakers: Norah McCluskey and Hamoudi Al Saghir. Both FCJ

It is a privilege to work and learn alongside such a wonderful staff. Staff who deliberately work on improving themselves for the good of our students. We at FCJ College invite our students to ponder such questions of faith and how to live a good life for the benefit of others.

We’ve hit the ground running in Term 3! With exciting learning across all year levels and preparations building for our 125-year celebrations later this term!

From basement mysteries to creative adventures, here's how we wrapped up Term 2 before the holidays.

Exploring identity through art — we celebrate Meg for raising the bar with her powerful and thought-provoking work.

From building smart systems to brewing the perfect coffee, students have embraced hands-on learning this week. With Headstart in full swing, there’s a real sense of momentum, creativity, and innovation in every corner of the school..

In this post, it is a pleasure to formally launch the FCJ College 125th Anniversary Film to our entire community.

Voices were raised and spirits soared at this year’s Let’s Find Our Voice concert — a heartwarming celebration of music, community, and connection. With over 90 students and community members singing side by side (and a disco ball finale to top it off!), it was a night of unforgettable joy and unity

This week students brought innovation, imagination, and creativity to life through hands-on projects, performances, and immersive learning experiences. From medieval roleplay to cutting-edge robotics, it’s been a week full of discovery and inspiration.

Our school captains in Sophie Hammond and Walter Jackson recently shared personal reflections to a wider audience. Sophie, was invited to reflect upon Reconciliation Week to over 300 people within St Joseph’s Church at the Sandhurst initiated Reconciliation Mass. The audience continued online as thi

As Term 2 draws to a close, our end-of-term assembly offered a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate—there’s been so much to be proud of at FCJ College.

From classrooms to the great outdoors, this week was full of hands-on learning, proud achievements, and inspiring moments of growth across our school community.

Bridging Now to Next, FCJ College hosts Mass for Healing and Justice 2025, with a traditional Smoking Ceremony....

This week FCJ College was bursting with innovation and discovery! From exploring cutting-edge technology with STEMPunks to crafting imaginative stop motion animations in Digital Art Media, our students were fully immersed in learning—with the future clearly in focus.

This Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the importance of strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. With the 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next, we’re invited to honour the past while stepping forward together toward a more inclusi

This week at FCJ College was packed with adventure, creativity, and hands-on learning!

FCJ College was honoured to welcome Bishop Shane Mackinlay. His visit was marked by meaningful conversations, student engagement, and reflections on faith, leadership, and companionship — values that continue to shape our college community.

It’s been a vibrant and exciting week at FCJ College, with students embracing hands-on learning, creative projects, and outdoor activities. From the classroom to the sports field, enthusiasm and teamwork were on full display across the school.

You may have noticed the word ‘Synodality’ pop up in relation to Pope Francis and our newly appointed pontiff Pope Leo XIV. The word tends to be associated with an assembly of people collaborating - usually church leaders alongside the laity. The process of Synodality involves listening.

Our Year 8 students recently took part in the launch of the Live4Life program—a day filled with energy, learning, and fun. The event introduced them to important mental health education in a safe and engaging way, centered around the 2025 theme: “Paint Your Own Path.”

It’s been a vibrant start to the term at FCJ College! We welcomed back our wonderful students and kicked off with exciting programs like the much-loved Let’s Find Our Voice program. There’s always something exciting happening—Step Inside and see what makes our school special.

This update celebrates the honour of my appointment as Principal of FCJ College Benalla, reflects on the College’s 125-year legacy, recent learning initiatives, and community engagement, while acknowledging the lasting influence of Pope Francis. Together, we continue to grow as a community committed

Join us for Let’s Find Our Voice 2025! A wellbeing project that brings community members and students from FCJ College together to form a choir! This program fosters joy, connection, and a sense of purpose while promoting Companionship, Courage & Confidence and Community Spirit.

FCJ College Benalla is proud to announce the appointment of Mr Joseph Mount as the next Principal, commencing Tuesday 22 April 2025. As we celebrate 125 years of Catholic education in Benalla, this milestone moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the College’s rich and vibrant history.

As we celebrate the Easter season, FCJ College extends warm and heartfelt wishes to all members of our school community.....

A day of amazing school spirit and friendly competition.......

A heartfelt farewell for our Principal....

We are proud to announce the 2025 FCJ College Student Leadership Team. These students have demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and leadership qualities, and we are excited to see them inspire and guide our school community in the year ahead.

The highlight of the event was hearing from our four Alumni guest speakers. Each of them shared their personal journeys, valuable insights, and words of encouragement, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees. Their stories reminded us of

Congratulations to the newly appointed FCJ College Captains of 2024. May their passion inspire positive change, unity, and excellence in the academic year ahead. We wish them all the best as they guide and represent their fellow students on this exciting journey.

Our annual Awards for Excellence evening was held last week, giving us a chance to recognise and celebrate the wonderful achievements our students have made across the year. Every day, there are students achieving a personal best in classrooms that are humming, in learning spaces that are always thr

FCJ College would like to congratulate all Year 12 students across the 2023 VCE and VCE Vocational Major on their results. We are very pleased with our outstanding success rate at VCE and VCE Vocational Major. We are very pleased to announce that the Dux for 2023 is ELLEN SAMBELL with an ATAR of 97.

Your hard work, dedication and resilience has paid off, and you’re now embarking on a new and exciting chapter in your lives. As you step into the future, remember that the possibilities are endless. Your education has equipped you with the tools to make a positive impact on the world. We are incred

On Thursday 12 October, Year 12 students Abby Hammond and Jacob Livingston were honoured by the Rotary Club of Benalla with their annual Youth Achievement Award.Abby and Jacob were both acknowledged for their outstanding commitment to their studies and various leadership roles within FCJ College as

Congratulations to our Student of the Term recipients for Term 3, 2023 who were presented with their awards at our whole school assembly last week. Each one of the following students have exemplified the FCJ Characteristics of Courage & Confidence, Justice, Companionship and Gentleness.