Genazzano FCJ College was founded in 1889 as a boarding school for country girls by the order, Faithful Companions of Jesus, specifically Marie Madeleine D'Houet, in honour of whom one of the schools houses is named, on its current site at Kew. The name is derived from the town Genazzano in Italy. The Wardell Building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
House system
As with most Australian schools, Genazzano utilises a house system. There are currently six houses named after people significant in the school's history:
D'Houet : Named after Marie Madeleine D'Houet, Foundress of FCJ Sisters.
Stock : Named after Mother Stanislaus Stock, first Principal of Genazzano, 1889–1914.
Gerda : Named after Mother Gerda Prytz, first Genazzano pupil to enter FCJ Society.
Douglas : Named after Mother Philomena Douglas, Principal of Genazzano, 1932–1958.
Corry : Named after Ellen Corry, first pupil, first President of OGA.
Winter : Named after Mary Winter, honoured past pupil. The College Prize for Loyalty is still given in her honour.
The current facilities of Genazzano FCJ College include: The original Wardell Building housing all Year 10 to 12 classrooms, specialist areas, the Chapel and the Madeleine Performing Arts Centre; The Physical Education Complex incorporating the Centenary Hall, which houses a 25-metre swimming pool and gymnasium; The D'Houet Building housing library and technology facilities, science laboratories and preparation areas, a Careers Centre, and a centre for VCE education with classrooms, tutorial rooms and conference facilities. This building incorporates the former library building which has been refurbished to include Food Technology facilities, cafeteria amenities and Year 5-7 classrooms; 'Grange Hill' is the location for Prep to Year 4 education housing a library complex, specialist areas and administrative facilities. The Early Learning Centre is also housed at Grange Hill and provides exceptional early childhood education for 3 and 4 year old girls and boys.
Programs
Genazzano offers a rowing program for girls in years 8-12, competing in regattas across Victoria and at Head of the School Girls. At the 2010 Head of the School Girls Regatta, Genazzano took out 13 titles. Senior students in Years 10 to 12 annually produce a musical with their counterparts at Xavier College. Genazzano is an active member of GSV offering a variety of sports across the year and each term. Participates in the Debating Association of Victoria's Debating Competition. Music lessons are offered as well as multiple opportunities to participate in bands, ensembles and orchestras.
Associated schools
Genazzano’s sister school FCJ College Benalla was founded in 1900 originally as an all girls boarding school. Genazzano's brother school is Xavier College in Kew. Xavier College and Genazzano have an active collaboration sharing musical productions and instrumental programs. Genazzano also runs a yearly exchange with St Mary's School in Broome. Four Year Nine students are selected to go and immerse themselves in the Aboriginal culture. In collaboration with brother school Xavier College, Genazzano FCJ College participates in a community outreach program in conjunction with the combined parishes of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Deepdene, Sacred Heart, Kew and Immaculate Conception, Hawthorn and lastly MLC, Kew. For the duration of one week, 12 students from the partnered schools participate in a community building program in Bourke, an outback town of New South Wales.
Notable alumnae
Jane Kennedy – Actress, comedian and producer with Working Dog Productions
