Term 1 Week 1

Transformative Repair 

As part of the commencement of the year, all of the College staff participated in a presentation to launch and share work that has been undertaken by some of our teaching staff in partnership with Independent Schools Victoria and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Project Zero Team.  

This project led and created by Dr Flossie Chua is being piloted in Australia at Christian College and another Independent school in Melbourne. We are indeed privileged and extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. 

Recent years have exposed communities to floods, fires, and a pandemic on top of the challenges that families face in our individual circumstances. Transformative Repair encourages school communities to use artistic practice to identify damage – both literal and figurative – and explore how it can be repaired. 

The pilot unfolds over three phases, giving schools the flexibility to shape the program to their needs and context: 

1. Explore – Look at notions of damage and repair by observing and reflecting on the physical environment and the work of artists who engage in transformative repair. 
2. Transform – Choose a damaged object or structure on which to focus and transform it positively through art. Throughout this process, learners invite and involve the history and perspectives of the broader community. 
3. Storify – Craft a compelling story of repair that will transform how damage is viewed by others. 

We commenced our journey with this pilot having some of our staff participate in the project looking at ways that we might demonstrate and share this concept with our community. As we progress further, we will see opportunities for students and our broader community to experience how they can be inspired to explore new ways of thinking about damage and repair. 

I am grateful to Mr Adam Kennedy for leading the team, supported by Ms Dianne Martin, Ms Ingrid Staggard, Mr Tom Hartley, Ms Rebecca Barry, Ms Bec Bromilow, and Ms Rebecca Bartlett for the work and commitment they have made to support the pilot and introduce it to our college. 

It was wonderful to receive this feedback from Flossie, ‘You have such a fabulous team Glen, and I’m really privileged to be able to work with your teachers and you!’ 

Please view the short video below that introduces the pilot. 

The CCG Way 

 For some time, I have been considering the important narrative that underpins our identity and purpose to help us all to have a stronger grasp of who we are and what we are seeking to do together.  

 Our College motto and hymn ‘Seek ye First the Kingdom of God', inspired by the scripture from   Matthew 6:33  ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God has been explored in this edition of Vine for us by our new Dean of Christian Culture Mia Kafieris. 

 Our College Hymn and motto guide and direct us to the practical ways we live and conduct ourselves. Reminding us of the way that through seeking God first in our lives we can see the examples of the life we should seek to live. 

 In a school setting this underpins our philosophical statement that provides the filter that we process our decision-making, policies and actions through. We live these out in the way that we behave, treat others, involve ourselves in College life and community. In practical terms for our students demonstrate this when they respectfully wear the wardrobe, through the respect that they show toward their peers and teachers, how the engage in class and the application they dedicate to manage their own learning. 

I look forward to further expansion and dialogue about the CCG way throughout this year.  as we further understand and appreciate the CCG way notion, we can gain clarity and support to guide us on how we can work together to see our community flourish under the beacon of God’s light. 

Caring and Growing Together 

 It is my desire to see our students and staff having a shared focus upon care and growth throughout this coming year. The staff have continued to be encouraged to work and dedicate themselves in their practice to set goals and pursue opportunities for professional growth. In 2023 we plan to expand the Professional Growth Program to see increased involvement and participation that assist and supports staff to grow in their capacity to plan, provide deliver the very best programs for our students. 

 Equally, we aim to see advancement of the well-being and pastoral framework that we have developed under the guidance and direction of the newly appointed Director of Well-being Kim Doherty. The action plans outlined in the framework will progress following this significant appointment. The overall aim to see flourishing for our community. 

An Excellent Start 

 This week I have had the pleasure to visit most of our sites and campuses. I am delighted with how settled, engaged and happy each one has felt as I visited classrooms, staffrooms, offices, libraries and sandpits to see everyone from our youngest in the Early Learning Centres to my colleagues who have served our college over many years each looking refreshed and energised for the year ahead. I certainly have sensed an air of excitement and joy. 

 It is pleasing that we have a full complement of staff to provide a full program for students from day one. Last year I was asked to work with the Federal Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare’s taskforce work group to address the ‘Teacher Crisis’ that our country is currently facing. The result of this work has been a National Teacher Workforce Action Plan (The Plan). The Plan has been established to be implemented in all states and territories and this will become a standing item at all Education Ministers’ Meetings over the next few years. 

 The Plan has been released. It outlines 27 actions, some immediate and others that will be medium and long term, in five priority areas.  

1. Improving teacher supply 
2. Strengthening initial teacher education 
3. Keeping the teachers we have 
4. Elevating the profession 
5. Better understanding future teacher workforce needs 

 We are blessed to have the dedicated and talented teachers that are called to serve at Christian College. We are truly thankful that our students are cared for and nurtured and guided in their learning by all the incredible staff both teaching and the professional support staff who provide vital support that makes our College operate so smoothly. 

 I encourage our families to find small ways to express gratitude and kindness to our staff to encourage them throughout 2013 and shown appreciation for all that they do. 

 A focus on Kindness 

 My encouragement at the Commencement Assemblies focused on the theme of ‘kindness’. I had the joy to share the beautiful picture book ‘Kindness Grows’ written by Britta Teckentrup. 

 The story contrasts the potential we each have to create darkness, division and hurt or light, unity and flourishing through our behaviour and how kindness grows from a simple smile to make a positive difference for others. 

 As I think about our world, nation and our community I can’t think of anything better to focus on in 2023. 

 I warmly welcome everyone to the new year at Christian College Geelong (CCG) and I look forward to sharing the year ahead filled with kindness as we ‘Seek ye First the Kingdom of God.’ 

The Kingdom of God is a biblical term Jesus used to describe the environment people create and find themselves in when they choose to behave in ways that represent God’s character. Often thought of as a reference to Heaven or life after death, the Kingdom of God has at times been a slippery concept to understand and apply. Reading the gospels closely we can see that this Kingdom Jesus speaks of is highly relational and an intentional contrast with the Roman Empire which was the prevailing kingdom and ruling power during the lifetime of Jesus Christ. Where someone living in the Roman Empire experienced their environment to be led by the most powerful and often violent people, Jesus, by the way he treated others ushers in a new Kingdom, an environment where people are led by those most empowering and integritous. Caesar disempowered those in his empire to make himself more powerful, Jesus disempowered himself to serve and empower his people. This one contrast makes for a very different Kingdom. In the same way that in the Roman Empire human beings were worth very little, expendable, often dying or being killed to ensure Caesar’s continuation, in the Kingdom of God human beings are highly valuable, so valuable Jesus would live and die for them to ensure the continuation of his relationship with them, not over them.  

There are many other contrasts between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms humanity has historically created. All of these contrasts come down to how people are regarded. In the Kingdom of God people are not products to be used, a person’s worth is not measured by their productivity, nor their potential measured by their performance. In the Kingdom of God, a person’s confidence is not controlling but contagious – empowering everyone to grow into their best selves. In the Kingdom of God there exists a ‘we’ mentality, where all people are recognised as being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and therefore of equal value. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, “there is neither slave nor free, Greek nor Jew, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus” In the Kingdom of God our differences are dignified not despised. Creation is not a resource to be used or dominated but a gift to be stewarded and cared for. Successes are measured not in the amassing of wealth or status over another but in the celebrating of diversity among others. Validation does not come through achievement, possessions, career or homeowning but through self-awareness and self-knowledge which promotes honesty and wholeness. People do not exist as entitled individuals but as people who are engaging and individuated from one another – meaning, it’s okay for me to be me and for you to be you. Forgiveness and grace are practised not as free passes without consequences but are extensions of merit and favour towards an increase of a person’s ability to be responsible and accountable for who they are. Weakness is not shameful but an expected component of what it means to be human and is looked on tenderly. 

Jesus brings this Kingdom of God about on Earth by treating people in these ways that are loving, respectful, unselfish, mutually edifying and authentically honest.  

The Kingdom of God exists in a paradox of now and not yet. ‘Now’ because some people are choosing to live towards each other like this, ‘not yet’ because not everyone chooses to live like this and so we have to hold the resulting tension. The hope of the Kingdom is that by living in the company of those who choose to live according to God’s character that others will become enculturated to treat people the way God does too. Just like picking up the accent or tastes in music and food when you live in a foreign country for a while – the same is true for people who encounter those already seeking the Kingdom of God in the way they treat others.  

The Kingdom of God is a kingdom I would like to live in. A kingdom I want to seek out and be part of establishing for others. I want to choose to do this everyday by moving out of the kingdom my fears, insecurities and culture of dominance creates in and between me and other people. Instead, I want to daily move into the Kingdom of God that is created and established by my choices to love, honour and serve others as Jesus did.  

This is the Kingdom of God Christian College exists to seek and to teach our students to seek also. I will seek this Kingdom for you this year in my choices, behaviour and character. I hope you will both seek it with me and for each other as we live, work, learn and play together.  

Upcoming Year 4 Device Parent Information Evenings 

Each Junior School campus will be inviting parents of Year 4 students to an information evening that will occur in the next few weeks. Further details about the evening on each campus will be shared soon if it has not already been communicated. 

These evenings are an opportunity for parents to learn about the College device program and how the laptops will be used to support learning. Importantly, a key focus will be on how the College can support and empower parents for when devices start to come home as a part of our Cyber Safe Schools Program. 

Year 4 students will be able to begin bringing their laptop home following these parent evenings. 

Reminder: 2023 Digital Learning and Device Policy Agreement 

Recently all College families received an EdSmart communication via email that included a link to our 2023 Digital Learning and Device Policy Agreement document. It is essential that parents review this information and complete their parent agreement by Friday, 10th February. 

Similarly, students in Years 4-12, as participants in our 1:1 device program, are exploring the College’s expectations for digital learning and smart, safe, responsible uses of technology. These students will complete their version of the annual agreement over the next week. 

It is important that both parent and student agreements are completed to ensure continued access to the College’s device program, digital technologies, and internet. 

2023 Device Program Parent Resources 

Parents are invited to access and explore our Device Program Parent Resources, available via this document link which has a QR code and short link to easily access the resources in their folder. 

Microsoft Teams for Year 4-12 Classes 

Classes in Years 4-12 are beginning to make use of their Microsoft Teams digital learning space to support digital aspects of learning. This includes the sharing of key resources, engagement in digital learning activities and collaboration, and the completion of Teams Assignments in many contexts. 

Students have access to engage efficiently, meaningfully and collaboratively while building their digital literacy competencies, in an environment that provides rich accessibility features to support all learners. 

Parents wanting to be aware and equipped to support their child at home with using these digital tools to support their learning are encouraged to begin with a visit to our Digital Learning Support Hub. 

I’m excited about the year ahead and the prospect it holds for our students’ continued growth in Positive Digital Engagement and their digital competencies, within the context of our range of learning programs. 

Further, Bellarine teachers will be in contact with you during the early weeks of term to introduce themselves and convey their contact details. Should you wish to connect at anytime with your young person’s homeroom teacher, a class teacher, Year Level Coordinator, Deputy Head of Campus or myself, please don’t hesitate to do so. 

As has been captured in the photo montage, there has been much excitement for students and staff as they have established new learning communities, building new relationships with peers and teachers and richly engaging in learning programs with enthusiasm, wonderment and anticipation for what lies ahead. Along with the Bellarine staff team, I am really excited about the year ahead for our community and we are looking forward to journeying with you and your family through 2023. 

As part of this important transition to secondary school, students have participated in a two-day orientation program on Tuesday 31 January and Wednesday 1 February. This aims to support students as they move into secondary school, whilst building pastoral relationships with their teachers and each other. Students have spent time unboxing and setting up their new device, spent important time with their homeroom teacher discussing routines and expectations at Year 7, as well as getting to know those in their homeroom.   

This week, Year 7 students received a Year 7 Secondary School Vaccine Program consent card with parents asked to complete and return this by Wednesday 8 February, regardless of whether you consent to your child having this at school. Parents have also been emailed details about this important program. Year 7 immunisations will take place on Tuesday 14 March and Monday 16 October.  

Finally, an EdSmart notification relating to the Year 7 Camp to Cave Hill Creek taking place on Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 February has been sent to all parents. Please take the time to read through this, including the equipment list requirements, update medical information if required using the link to the Parent Portal and complete by Wednesday 8 February.   

The Year 7 team is committed to working closely with you throughout the year and I encourage you to contact your child’s homeroom teacher, or myself, at any stage should you have any questions.