Genazzano FCJ College facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Genazzano FCJ College |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | |
|
Kew
,
Australia
|
|
| Coordinates | 37°48′30″S 145°3′21″E / 37.80833°S 145.05583°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent, day and boarding |
| Motto | Latin: Fidelis (Faithful) |
| Denomination | Catholic (FCJ Sisters) |
| Established | 1889 |
| Principal | Loretta Wholley |
| Years offered | ELC–12 |
| Gender | Girls |
| Enrolment | ~1000 (P–12) |
| Colour(s) | Cardinal, silver and blue |
| Slogan | Fidelity Courage and Confidence |
| Affiliation | Girls Sport Victoria |
| Website | www.genazzano.vic.edu.au |
Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic school for girls in Kew, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is a day school, meaning students go home after classes, but it is also a boarding school where some students live at the school.
The school was started in 1889 by a group of nuns called the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ Sisters). It welcomes all students and does not choose them based on their academic results. In 2007, about 1,000 students attended the school, from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) up to Year 12. Around 40 of these students were boarders in Years 8 to 12.
Genazzano is part of several important school groups. These include the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) and the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia. It is also a founding member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV).
Contents
School History
Genazzano FCJ College began in 1889. It was first a boarding school for girls from country areas. The Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ Sisters) founded it. One of the sisters, Marie Madeleine D'Houet, is honored with a school house named after her. The school's name, Genazzano, comes from a town in Italy.
The Wardell Building is a very old and important part of the school. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register because of its historical value.
House System and School Spirit
Like many schools in Australia, Genazzano uses a house system. This means students are divided into different groups, or "houses." These houses compete against each other in a friendly way. There are six houses at Genazzano, and each is named after someone important in the school's past:
- D'Houet (blue): Named after Marie Madeleine D'Houet, who founded the FCJ Sisters.
- Stock (yellow): Named after Mother Stanislaus Stock, the first Principal of Genazzano from 1889 to 1914.
- Gerda (green): Named after Mother Gerda Prytz, the first student from Genazzano to join the FCJ Society.
- Douglas (pink): Named after Mother Philomena Douglas, who was Principal of Genazzano from 1932 to 1958.
- Corry (red): Named after Ellen Corry, who was the first student and the first President of the Past Pupils' Association.
- Winter (white): Named after Mary Winter, a respected former student. The school still gives an award for loyalty in her honor.
The houses compete in many events. These include swimming, athletics, cross country running, and a special House Dance Competition on 'Genazzano Day'.
School Facilities
Genazzano FCJ College has many modern facilities for its students.
- The original Wardell Building is where students in Years 10 to 12 have their classes. It also has special areas, the school Chapel, and the Madeleine Performing Arts Centre.
- The Physical Education Complex includes the Centenary Hall. This hall has a 25-meter swimming pool and a gymnasium for sports and exercise.
- The D'Houet Building holds the library and technology areas. It also has science laboratories, a Careers Centre, and classrooms for VCE students. This building also has areas for Food Technology and a cafeteria. Classrooms for Years 5-7 are here too.
- 'Grange Hill' is where the younger students, from Prep to Year 4, learn. It has its own library and special learning areas. The Early Learning Centre for 3 and 4-year-old girls and boys is also at Grange Hill.
Sports Programs
Genazzano is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV). This means students can take part in many different sports competitions.
GSV Sports Wins
Genazzano teams have won many championships in GSV sports. Some of their wins include:
- Basketball – 2002, 2003
- Cricket – 2002, 2003
- Cross Country – 2010
- Netball – 2001, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015
- Tennis – 2002, 2003, 2011, 2012
- Triathlon, Sprint – 2020
Other School Programs
Genazzano offers a variety of programs to help students learn and grow.
- A rowing program is available for girls in Years 8 to 12. They compete in races across Victoria, including the Head of the School Girls Regatta. In 2010, Genazzano won 13 titles at this event.
- Older students in Years 10 to 12 work with students from Xavier College each year to put on a musical production.
- The school is very active in GSV, offering many sports throughout the year.
- Students can join the Debating Association of Victoria's (DAV) Debating Competition.
- Music lessons are offered, and students have many chances to play in bands, ensembles, and orchestras.
Partner Schools
Genazzano has special connections with other schools.
- FCJ College Benalla is a sister school. It was also founded by the FCJ Sisters in 1900.
- Xavier College in Kew is Genazzano's brother school. They often work together on musical shows and music programs.
- Genazzano also has a yearly exchange program with St Mary's School in Broome. Four Year Nine students are chosen to visit and learn about Aboriginal culture.
- Genazzano and Xavier College also work together on a community program in Bourke, New South Wales. Students from both schools spend a week helping the community in this outback town.
Famous Former Students
Many students who attended Genazzano FCJ College have gone on to do amazing things. Here are a few:
- Jane Kennedy – An actress, comedian, and producer.
- Robyn Nevin AM – A famous actress and former Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company.
- Brenda Niall AO – A writer who creates biographies, and a journalist.
- Belle Bruce Reid – The first woman to become a qualified veterinarian in Australia.
- Julia Zaetta – The editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
- Felicity Pia Hampel SC – A judge in the County Court of Victoria.
- Sarah Banting – A coxswain (the person who steers the boat) for the Australian Women's 8+ rowing team at the 2016 RIO Olympics.
- Mary Parker – An actress.
- Bernadette Tobin AO – An expert in ethics.
See also
- List of schools in Victoria
- List of high schools in Victoria
- Victorian Certificate of Education
- List of boarding schools in Victoria
