Genazzano FCJ College facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Genazzano FCJ College |
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| Location | |
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Kew
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Australia
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| 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, Australia. It welcomes both day students and those who live at the school (boarders).
The school was started in 1889 by a group of nuns called the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ Sisters). It accepts all students who apply, without special entry tests. In 2007, about 1,000 students attended, from Early Learning Centre up to Year 12. This included 40 girls who lived at the school from 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
A Brief History of Genazzano College
Genazzano FCJ College began in 1889. It was first a boarding school for girls from country areas. The school was founded by the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ Sisters). One important person was Marie Madeleine D'Houet, and a school house is named after her. The school's name comes from a town in Italy.
The main building, called the Wardell Building, is a special historical site. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
House System: Team Spirit and Fun
Like many schools in Australia, Genazzano has a house system. This means students are divided into different groups or "houses." These houses compete in various activities throughout the year. There are six houses at Genazzano, each named after someone important in the school's past:
- D'Houet (blue): Named after Marie Madeleine D'Houet, who started the FCJ Sisters.
- Stock (yellow): Named after Mother Stanislaus Stock, the first Principal of Genazzano (1889–1914).
- Gerda (green): Named after Mother Gerda Prytz, the first Genazzano student to join the FCJ Society.
- Douglas (pink): Named after Mother Philomena Douglas, a Principal of Genazzano (1932–1958).
- Corry (red): Named after Ellen Corry, the first student and first President of the Past Pupils' Association.
- Winter (white): Named after Mary Winter, a respected past student. A special award for loyalty is still given in her honour.
The houses compete in sports like swimming, athletics, and cross country. They also have a fun House Dance Competition on 'Genazzano Day'.
School Facilities: Places to Learn and Grow
Genazzano FCJ College has many great facilities for its students.
- The Wardell Building is the original school building. It holds classrooms for Years 10 to 12. It also has special learning areas, the school Chapel, and the Madeleine Performing Arts Centre.
- The Physical Education Complex includes the Centenary Hall. This hall has a 25-metre swimming pool and a gymnasium.
- The D'Houet Building is home to the library and technology areas. It also has science laboratories, a Careers Centre, and a special area for VCE students. This area has classrooms and tutorial rooms. This building also has refurbished areas for Food Technology and a cafeteria.
- Grange Hill is where 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 and Achievements at Genazzano
Genazzano is a proud member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV). This group helps organize sports competitions for girls' schools.
GSV Premiership Wins
Genazzano teams have won many GSV championships, showing their strong athletic skills:
- Basketball: 2002, 2003
- Cricket: 2002, 2003
- Cross Country: 2010
- Netball: 2001, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015
- Tennis: 2002, 2003, 2011, 2012
- Sprint Triathlon: 2020
Programs and Activities
Genazzano offers many programs to help students learn and grow.
- Rowing Program: Girls in Years 8–12 can join the rowing program. They compete in races across Victoria, including the Head of the School Girls Regatta. In 2010, Genazzano won 13 titles at this event.
- Musicals: Older students in Years 10 to 12 work with students from Xavier College each year to put on a musical.
- Debating: Students can join the Debating Association of Victoria's (DAV) Debating Competition.
- Music: The school offers music lessons. Students also have many chances to play in bands, ensembles, and orchestras.
Connections with Other Schools
Genazzano has special connections with other schools.
- Sister School: FCJ College Benalla is Genazzano’s sister school. It was founded in 1900 as an all-girls boarding school.
- Brother School: Xavier College in Kew is Genazzano's brother school. They work together on musical productions and music programs.
- Exchange Program: Genazzano also has a yearly exchange program with St Mary's School in Broome. Four Year Nine students are chosen to visit Broome and learn about Aboriginal culture.
- Community Outreach: Genazzano FCJ College and Xavier College also work together on a community program in Bourke, New South Wales. A group of students spends 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 – A famous actress and former Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company.
- Brenda Niall – A writer, literary critic, and journalist.
- Belle Bruce Reid – The first woman to become a veterinarian in Australia.
- Julia Zaetta – The editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
- Felicity Pia Hampel – A judge in the County Court of Victoria.
- Sarah Banting – A coxswain for the Australian Women's 8+ rowing team at the 2016 RIO Olympics.
See also
- List of schools in Victoria
- List of high schools in Victoria
- Victorian Certificate of Education
- List of boarding schools in Victoria
