FCJ College is an inclusive Catholic Educational Community of Companions living in faith, nurturing with hope, serving with compassion and fostering the unique giftedness of each person, so that they are able to live. For God Always.

Our philosophy is founded on the values of the Gospels, in our Catholic tradition and especially in the charism of Marie Madeleine d’Houet, founder of the FCJ Society. Thus the culture of our faith-based community, FCJ college seeks to be characterised specifically by companionship, gentleness, justice, courage and confidence. We are proud of the personal attention and pastoral care that we are able to offer our students. We have a continuing program of capital improvements to provide quality facilities.

At FCJ College we enact the charism of the FCJ Society and our faith in the daily life of the school. We value and respect the uniqueness of each person, encouraging people to act with courage, confidence and compassion.

The staff members, students and the entire college community require continuous formation to carry forward the FCJ ethos willingly and proactively. A teacher has a vital part to play, respecting and encouraging each student. Sound pedagogy, including the fostering of life-long learning is essential for laying a foundation for the development of leaders who are committed and competent in advocating for a more equitable and sustainable world.

FCJ college aims to demonstrate a visible and tangible expression of compassion and justice. Unfairness within the classroom and in the wider world is addressed through a curriculum that challenges and questions the status quo and develops intellectual and other skills which lead to an ongoing commitment to action. Staff and students, as global citizens, are called to be beacons of hope and agents of positive change, advocating and witnessing to social justice.

The charism of the Society of Sisters, FCJ is steeped in Ignatian spirituality. The Society was founded in France in 1820 by Marie Madeleine d’Houet. As missionary women of the Church, they arrived in Australia in 1882 and by the turn of the century had three secondary schools at Richmond (Vaucluse 1882), Kew (Genazzano 1889) and Benalla (1900).

An Invitation

In 1900, six FCJ Sisters, accompanied by the Mother Superior, travelled to Benalla at the invitation of the Parish Priest, Dean Owen Davy. Following a 5-hour train journey, they were greeted by Dean Davy and parishioners, with a procession to the Church. The date of their arrival was arranged to coincide with the eve of the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.
Three days after their arrival, sisters began teaching at St Joseph’s Primary School and on 20 August 1900, received the first students at the new Ladies’ College conducted at Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

124 years of Catholic Education

The FCJ Sisters provided boarding facilities for primary and secondary aged children at the Convent. In 1960 the College became co-educational and its name ‘Ladies College’ was no longer appropriate and aptly renamed FCJ College. The boarding house closed at the end of 1981 to provide for more school rooms.

FCJ College celebrated its Centenary in 2000 and in 2001 reinstated senior classes. Today, FCJ College is a co-educational College for Years 7-12.

In 2010 FCJ College celebrated 110 years of Catholic education, with a dramatisation of the arrival of the Sisters in Benalla and a successful school reunion. In 2011 the College became an incorporated entity. The FCJ Society continues to govern the school and is active in the College with Directors on the College Council and participation in a range of school activities such as our annual Founders’ Day.

Enacting the Charism today

At FCJ College we enact the charism of the FCJ Society and our faith in the daily life of the school. We value and respect the uniqueness of each person, encouraging people to act with courage, confidence and compassion.

For more information on the FCJ Society visit fcjsisters.org. 

FCJ College Crest

The school badge consists of a shield flanked by two laurel branches. The shield represents faith in God, the laurel branches victory through the power of God. The words beneath the shield carry the school motto Latin words “Pro Deo Semper”- for God Always.
The school badge and motto were chosen in 1907 by the Sisters to honour the Silver Jubilee, 1882-1907, of their Mother House in Australia, Mount St Joseph ( Vaucluse) Convent Richmond. The school colours of blue, gold and brown believed to be adopted at the same time.
This is an extract taken from “ The History of FCJ College Benalla 1900- 2000″

FCJ College FIRE Carrier Covenant

Click below to learn about our commitment to Aboriginal connection.

The Society of Sisters, FCJ established FCJ College in 1900 at the invitation of Dean Owen Davy. The FCJ Sisters are missionary women of the Church and have communities across the world. FCJ College is governed by the Sisters and is an incorporated entity with a Council of Directors who assist the leadership team with strategic matters relating to the school.

FCJ College Council

The FCJ College Council includes representatives from the FCJ Society, education specialists and business professionals to provide strategic leadership for the College. The Council and its sub-committees meet regularly and work with the leadership team of the College on strategic matters relating to Finance, Policy and Compliance, Facilities and Resources.

Directors

• Pauline Fisher (Chair)
• Tony McIlroy
• Louise Frewen
• Kerry Stone
• Anna Greenhalgh
• Bernard Neal
• Maria Weatherill

2024 Leadership Executive

• Principal – Mr Shaun Mason
• Deputy Principal – Mr Joseph Mount
• Director of Learning & Teaching – Mr Jordan Smith
• Director of Catholic Identity – Ms Donna Willcock
• Director of Wellbeing – Ms Renae Hughes
• Director Learning Diversity – Ms Kirsty Renkin

2024 Positions of Leadership

• Year 7 Learning Leader – Ms Sally Moore
• Year 8 Learning Leader – Mrs Catherine Burton
• Year 9 Learning Leader – Mr Daniel Green
• Year 10 Learning Leader – Ms Gemma Hunter
• Year 11 Learning Leader – Mrs Erin Crook
• Year 12 Learning Leader – Mr Guy Durance
• VCE Co-ordinator – Mr Brendan Walsh
• Sport Co-ordinator – Ms Nicole Murphy
• Applied Learning Leader – Jamie Morrison
• Business Manager – Mrs Emily Hordern

Letter from the FCJ College Council Chair – Pauline Fisher

Greetings,

My name is Pauline Fisher, and I am the current Chair of the FCJ College Council in Benalla. As an incorporated body, FCJ College is governed by the College Council, which exercises its governance at the local level in alignment with the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the FCJ Society.

FCJ College enjoys an impressive reputation across Benalla, Mansfield, and Euroa, supported by our increasing enrolment. Our commitment to providing high-quality, authentic, and contemporary Catholic education in the FCJ tradition is steadfast, and we have future capital plans to ensure this standard is maintained and enhanced.

This is an exciting time for our Council as we set the strategic direction of the College for the future. To support our mission, we are seeking expressions of interest for appointments to either the College Council or one of its Sub-Committees.

The College Council meets eight times a year, and we have a subcommittee structure focusing on areas such as Finance, Future Provisions, and Governance and Risk.

If you are passionate about education and wish to contribute to our vibrant community, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Warm regards,

Pauline Fisher
Chair, FCJ College Council Benalla

Join FCJ College as Council Director in 2025

The FCJ College Council was incorporated in January 2011, as a company limited by guarantee and governed by a College Council, according to their constitution. The FCJ College Council exercises its governance at the local level in alignment with the vision, mission and strategic direction of the FCJ Society. The work of the FCJ Council is to ensure fidelity to the Vision and mission, the provision of quality Catholic education, and the stewardship of resources both financial and human.

The FCJ College Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to support the work of the Council in its governance functions. The FCJ College Council is looking for directors who are able to share their experience and expertise in one or more of the following:

• Accounting or Finance
• Audit and Risk Management
• Catholic Identity and Mission including formation
• Change Management
• Educational Leadership
• Governance – in either corporate or NFP boards and with an understanding of regulatory standards and governance principles.
• Human Resources
• Marketing and Promotions
• Property Development and Management

If you believe you have the requisite skills set, you are invited to express you interest by Friday 16th 2024.

Please write to the Council Chair, Pauline Fisher c/o lisa.salvadori@fcjbenalla.catholic.edu.au
Include your CV, two referee contacts and any additional documentation you may wish to supply.

All Council roles are pro bono.

FCJ College is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Our annual report serves as a transparent account of our efforts in fulfilling our mission to provide exceptional education and support to our students.

Gain insights into our academic programs, extracurricular activities, community initiatives, and the collective accomplishments of our dedicated staff and students. Thank you for joining us on this journey of reflection and celebration as we showcase the incredible milestones of the past years.

FCJ College often has teaching and non-teaching positions become available throughout various times of the year. Any employment opportunities that are available will appear below. A cover letter, resume and application form are invited for suitably qualified/experienced teachers and non-teachers.

FCJ College is seeking passionate applicants for the following positions:

•  IT Services Leader

Applications close on Monday 29th August 2024 at 4pm

Please send applications to: Business Manager, Emily Hordern emily.hordern@fcjbenalla.catholic.edu.au