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It was fantastic to welcome so many members of our community to our 2026 Open Days. By holding these sessions during regular school hours, families were able to experience Footscray High School in action and see firsthand the energy, engagement and learning that takes place on a typical school day. All sessions were very well attended, reflecting the strong interest in our school.
The feedback from parents and students has been overwhelmingly positive. We are particularly encouraged by the strong support shown for the school’s renewed strategic direction and the enthusiasm expressed about our programs and opportunities.
We were especially delighted to see several families visit all three campuses to gain a full understanding of the breadth of opportunities available across Footscray High School.
Thank you to our dedicated staff and impressive student ambassadors who supported the Open Days and represented our school with such pride and professionalism.
School tours will commence next week and continue throughout Term 2. We look forward to welcoming more families into our school community.
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
Our Year 12 Environmental Science students recently had an incredible day out at Werribee Open Range Zoo, combining hands-on fieldwork with a fascinating insight into some of Victoria’s most important conservation work.
Students had the opportunity to engage directly with Zoos Victoria staff and learn about the organisation’s dedicated conservation programs, gaining a real-world perspective on the challenges and triumphs of protecting native wildlife. A highlight of the day was discovering the remarkable story of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot — a species once declared extinct in the wild in Victoria — and the ongoing breeding and reintroduction efforts that are giving this little animal a fighting chance at survival.
The day wrapped up with an unforgettable safari tour, where students explored a range of distinct ecosystems and observed the diverse animals that call them home. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the classroom concepts of ecosystem function, biodiversity, and habitat come to life right before their eyes.
A huge thank you to Zoos Victoria for hosting our students and for the inspiring work they do every day for Victoria’s wildlife. We came away with a deeper appreciation for the role that conservation science plays in protecting the natural world for generations to come.
A ripping day poolside for the 2026 Divisional Swimming championships.
Too many ribbons to count and all 1st place swimmers progress to the regionals down in Geelong at Kardinia Park on Wednesday April 1st.
Congratulations to all students who participated today, fantastic display of FHS flare.
On the Friday the 20th of February, the ELC class caught the bus to Footscray market with Sun and Karen. Every student in the ELC went to see special things. After that we had lunch. Karen ate banh mi, a very traditional Vietnamese food and she told us the banh mi was very good, and she loved it so much. Kevin bought a banh mi and then he bought more Vietnamese food, it looked delicious. Phong and Kayser chose a Vietnamese restaurant to have lunch, and they ordered Wonton noodle soup and Hue beef noodle soup. Then Roza, the youngest person in our class, asked us to help her buy Vietnamese spring rolls.
When we reached the Footscray Market, as soon as we got off the bus, we heard gongs and drums. This familiar sound made me feel like I was back in China. As we got closer, I saw a lion dance appearing at the shop entrance. It seemed to be praying for blessings. When the lion stood on its hind legs, the gongs and drums sounded even louder. Several strings of firecrackers were set off in front of the shop, instantly creating a festive atmosphere. As the lion dance performance ended, firecrackers were lit. The air was filled with the smell of gunpowder, and the red paper wrappers of the firecrackers exploded everywhere. In China, we also do this; during the Lunar New Year, we must set off firecrackers before lunch and dinner. After dinner, we also set off fireworks, symbolizing the dispelling of bad luck and welcoming the New Year.
Chinese New Year and Vietnamese New Year are celebrated separately but share common origins on the lunar calendar, rooted in centuries of cultural exchange and Chinese influence in Vietnam. Although they often take place on the same day and share similar traditions such as family reunions, red decorations, and honouring ancestors, they are unique cultural celebrations with unique foods, customs, and zodiac animals. 2026 is the Year of the horse.
Written by:- Kaser Vu, Gavin Gu, Kevin He and Tung Vu
On Friday the 27th of February, Ian from Gambler’s Help came over to the ELC to teach us about gambling. Ian told us that gambling is very bad, especially when you’re underage because you can get addicted. He also told us that Australians lost $32 billion dollars in 2025, because of gambling.
Written by Roza Haq
This year our school got behind Clean Up Australia Day, with students and staff rolling up their sleeves to make our school grounds a cleaner, greener place.
Three groups took part in our lunchtime blitz across the school at the Kinnear Campus. Our Year 11 Environmental Science class tackled the schoolyard, putting their environmental values into action right here on campus. The Year 9 Community Inquiry students headed out to The Farm, giving that much-loved space some attention along the outer boundary fence line. And a special mention goes to our group of dedicated students who gave up their lunch break to take on the oval — your effort did not go unnoticed!
Between them, our student clean-up crews collected an impressive five large bags of rubbish — waste that would otherwise have ended up in our soil, waterways, and beyond.
A heartfelt thank you to every student who participated. It is a wonderful reminder that small actions, taken together, can make a real difference.
If you’re struggling with Homework and need help from our incredible teachers, join us at the Junior Homework Clubs!
They will be running from 3.15PM – 4.00PM every Thursday @ Barkly in Room B3.PS and every Friday @ Pilgrim in Room P1.17.
Any questions, email emma.crampton@education.vic.gov.au
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families with the costs of camps, sporting activities and excursions/incursions.
Families with a valid Centrelink pensioner concession OR Health Care card number (CRN) can apply. You can list more than one student on the same application form if they are attending the same school.
We can accept and process CSEF applications until 26 June 2026. Please find below the link with more information, and also a downloadable form to apply:
https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund
Please send forms and supporting documents to 7842-familyfinances@schools.vic.edu.au