From the Principal
Across this beautiful region, on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people, our campuses awoke from their summer hiatus as the energy and excitement of more than 2000 students filled our classrooms and playgrounds. From Junior School Belmont to Middle School Highton, Surf Coast to Senior School and Bellarine to Back Creek, it has truly been a wonderful start to the 2024 school year.
Welcome to all families
I offer a tremendous welcome to all families, especially those new to our Christian College community. I look forward to partnering with you on the journey of educating your young person in 2024. We have approximately 100 Preps across our three Junior campuses and new enrolments in most year levels, especially at Year 5 and 7. At Year 12, a total of 194 Year 12 students, our largest cohort since 2019, will embark on their final year of studies at our Senior campus.
A great team of educators
I would like to use this opportunity to acknowledge all the preparations undertaken by our teaching staff in the days and weeks leading up to the return of students. We all came together at the start of this week on the Highton campus, and it was a truly wonderful occasion to be in a space with around 300 teachers and professional support staff, fixing our eyes on the tasks and responsibilities that will make 2024 a successful year for our community.
Senior School fire
As you may know, our Senior Campus suffered the loss of a number of classrooms and offices in the Burrows area due a suspicious fire on the morning of January 1. Whilst incredibly disappointing and disheartening, I have been greatly encouraged by the community’s response, especially the work of our Operations Manager, Maintenance team and Senior School leadership in preparing the campus for a smooth and uninterrupted return of students.
Let your light shine
It was an absolute pleasure this week to visit each of our campuses for their commencement assemblies. In my message to students, I shared this passage from Matthew Chapter 5 in the New Testament:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your shine before others, so that they may glorify your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
Just like lamps or lanterns, each young person possesses an incredible potential to shine, not for personal gain, but in making a positive impact on others and pointing them to God’s love. And, as educators, we are called to help students achieve their potential. So, my encouragement to students at the start of this school year, whether they are in Prep, Year 12 or somewhere in between, is to let their light shine and, in doing so, they will not only achieve their potential but will help others achieve theirs as well.
Expectations of a Principal
Most industries have standards required of their employees and education is no different. For Teachers and school leaders, our standards are nationally governed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). According to the standards, school Principals are responsible for:
- raising student achievement at all levels and all stages
- promoting equity and excellence
- creating and sustaining the conditions under which quality teaching and learning thrive
- influencing, developing and delivering on community expectations and government policy
- contributing to the development of a 21st century education system at local, national and international levels.
It is my intention and commitment to strive toward meeting these standards, to ensure our students receive the education they deserve, that parents hope for, and the community expects.
Your invitation to connect
With the new school year now underway, there will be lots of opportunities for you to partner with Christian College throughout the year. In Term 1 alone, each campus will be holding parent welcome events, House sporting carnivals, student learning conferences and other activities for you to attend or participate in. If our paths cross at any of these events, please come and say hi. I’d love to meet you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Rick Geall, Acting Principal
Welcome to 2024!
I warmly welcome all our new students, families and staff, and welcome back those that have been journeying with us already.
The buzz and movement that came with our students on Wednesday was a delight to see and hear as old and new students alike smoothly transitioned into their 2024 classes. Our new Preps attacked the day as if they had done all of this before. Old heads on young bodies.
New students spread throughout our other year levels also appeared to go home with smiles on their faces. Wednesday was a terrific start, backed up by an even smoother second day.
I wish to welcome the following new staff,
- Mrs Nicola Morrish, Deputy Head Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
- Ms Jayne Markham, Year 2
- Mrs Amanda Clarke, Year 3
- Mrs Monica Cohen, Marine Science and Outdoor Education
- Ms Jennifer Beck Carlson, Art
- Ms Molly Hanson, Junior Music
- Ms Alex Bell, Educational Support
- Mr Bilal Gharib, IT Help Desk
- Mr Joel Dillon, Sport Assistant
We have so much planned for this term, and the year as a whole. I am looking forward to continuing our journey together – students, families and staff.
Andrew Platt, Head of Campus
What is Happening at Bellarine
Week 2
- Monday 06 February New student photos
- Thursday 08 February Welcome Picnic Afternoon 5:30PM – 7:30PM
- Thursday 08 February College Production rehearsal (selected cast) 4:00PM – 6:30PM
- Friday 09 February Junior School Assembly
- Sunday 11 February College Production Rehearsal 2:30PM – 5:00PM
Week 3
- Tuesday 13 February Year 7 Camp commences
- Wednesday 14 February Junior School Getting to Know You excursion
- Thursday 15 February Year 7 Camp concludes
- Thursday 15 February College Production rehearsal 4:00PM – 6:30PM
- Sunday 18 February College Production rehearsal 2:30PM – 5:00PM
From the Chaplain
Welcome to every family in our Bellarine Community.
It has been a wonderful time this week to rekindle and develop new relationships and connections with your child.
This week our campus came alive and I’m sure there were many happy faces walking through your front door each afternoon.
For those of you who are not familiar with my role, my name is Gary Crole and I’m your Campus Chaplain.
I am a point of contact for you and your family if there are any concerns pastorally. Please arrange a time or just drop by to say hi and have a chat.
You can contact me via this email address or number.
0434548691
Looking forward to meeting you and sharing your journey.
Take care.
Gary Crole, Christian College Bellarine Campus Chaplain
Welcome to School – Preps Make a Flying Start!
This week we welcomed a very excited and enthusiastic group of Prep students to Christian College Bellarine. We were so impressed with the way the students started on their first day of school, eagerly participating in play and learning opportunities with big smiles on their faces. Our first day included learning to spell our first word ‘cat’ and making a crazy cat to take home. We also learned about the invisible string which connects us with people we love even when we’re not physically together. The students enjoyed making new friends and took no time to get into some cooperative activities in the sandpit as they enjoyed playing together outside at recess and lunch time. We are pleased to report that the Prep students all gave their first day a ‘thumbs up’ and said they would like to come back to school the following day!
Jessica Chakir
Year 1s are Back!
The Year 1s were so excited to be back at school after their summer break. There was laughter, high fives and hugs all round as the children caught sight of their friends. It was wonderful to see them settle back into the routines of school and participate in maths and literacy activities. Both students and teachers are looking forward to a fun-filled year of learning and growing together.
Allie Jacobi
Chantelle Dalton
Busy and Buzzing in Year 2
The Year 2 classes were abuzz on their first day back. Learning new routines, meeting new friends and helping each other. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces out at recess as they reconnected with friends who they hadn’t seen during their break. We were thrilled that students left at the end of the day happy and bubbling with the news of a great day. Both Mrs Bett and Miss Markham are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
Samantha Bett
Year 3 Self Portraits
As part of our first week of Year 3, we embarked on a journey of self-expression, through the development of our self-portraits. Everyone worked with passion and gusto to complete their art piece. The likenesses were amazing and there was a real sense of pride in the effort that was put into this activity.
Mark Jacobi
Year Four Excitement!
The Year Fours’ week has got off to an excellent start as they collected their devices this week. Definitely one of the highlights of the year, I am sure!
The children collected their bags of tricks and spent the afternoon learning about what was in the bag and how to use it.
The buzz in the room was electric and we are looking forward to using our devices to help our learning as the year develops!
Hayley Keogh
Sam Kennedy
Year 5: Starting the Year as a Team
Our Year 5 students have enjoyed a fun start to the 2024 school year with a lot of teamwork tasks and focusing on building a strong community. Teamwork games have brought us together, reminding us that our community is going to thrive when we all work together.
Josh Lees
Kate Pritchard
All Smiles in Year 6
Seeing all the laughter, joy, and bright smiles amongst the Year 6 students on Wednesday morning filled our buckets as we jumped into a fun filled day of community building, goal setting and classroom expectations. Students spent the first part of the day sharing about their summer escapades and getting to know classmates. After students felt settled, the Year 6 cohort came together to play a getting to know you game, which involved a bit of ‘Guess Who’, ’21 Questions’, and ‘Guess that Sound’. Students enjoyed catching up with each other and learning about their 2024 community. This is an exciting term with a lot of sporting activities and camp, so be prepared for it to fly by! We look forward to blossoming relationships, growing knowledge, and lots of fun.
Theresa Drewer
Samantha McKenzie
A new Beginning in Year 7
It has been a terrific start for our Year 7 cohort for 2024, with the students immersing themselves into Christian College life. Starting with a Welcome Afternoon on Tuesday and then participating in a two day orientation where they are getting to know each other, heading off to elective subjects and setting up their devices has made for a busy but exciting time.
Aaron Loats
Matthew Burgess
Great Start for Year 8!
Our Year 8 students bounced back to our Bellarine Campus on Wednesday with big smiles, lots of holiday stories and motivation to start the year ahead! With lockers allocated, stationery sorted and laptops charged, they have jumped into their Year 8 studies with enthusiasm. Collectively, they have participated in electives and specialist subjects including HPE, Science, Digi Tech, GEOS and Christian Ed as well as spending time in their homerooms to build their community spirit and connection. Our very first homeroom challenge for year was a competitive affair, with 8D the victors…this time!
Louise Bull
Kelly O’Neil
Year 9: Off and Running
The Year 9 cohort for 2024 began its week, of course, on ‘the deck’. We shared some holiday highlights, had a bit of fun seeing which homeroom could get into roll order the quickest – Mr Monagle’s 9D victorious…this time – and also welcomed two new students!
During our extended Wellbeing time together on Wednesday, we began discussing and implementing class norms, sharing in circle time and playing some ‘Would you rather?’, as well as going over timetables and sorting stationery and lockers for the year ahead.
The Year 9 team is very excited for 2024 about the learning and experiences that are ahead for this cohort during this time, as well as the potential legacy these students can leave at Bellarine ahead of their transition to Senior School.
Victoria Kent
Music Ensembles at the Bellarine Campus
The Bellarine Campus is proud of our collection of ensembles that celebrate and extend our students across a whole host of experiences in a school year. We enjoy performing for a number of campus-based events as well as being out in the community, at other CCG campuses and at music festivals, just to name a few!
The Bellarine Campus has ensembles that include choirs, concert bands and string ensembles as well as the Ceilidh Band – a Celtic Music Ensemble, and this year we introduce a new Contemporary Ensemble. We also host instrument-specific groups and are excited to continue inviting students into these spaces as the new year kicks off.
Ensemble directors will be in touch with families in the coming days to share information for the first rehearsals back in Week 2. Please find attached the Ensemble Timetable for your reference and be sure to reach out to myself or Music Administration should you have any further queries.
I am excited to see the students back in rehearsals next week!
Christian College Cross Campus Ensemble Schedule 2024
Sharon Huber
Hitting the Ground Running – Sport Carnivals Galore!
Our Bellarine Campus will be buzzing in Term 1 with our three major sport carnivals scheduled. All students from Prep to Year 9 will be led by their 2024 House Captains to compete in our House Cross Country, Swimming and Athletics events. We are excited to announce that we will be combining our cross-country championship event with a ‘Colour Run’ fun run for all our students to enjoy! Please check the College calendar for carnival dates as we warmly welcome families to join in the excitement – come and cheer for your house and support all our students. Keep an eye on The Vine as more information will be provided regarding specific details of each carnival as it approaches.
Week 4 – Cross Country/Colour Run: Friday 23 February
Week 5 – Swimming Carnival: Thursday 29 February
Week 8 – Athletics Carnival: Tuesday 19 March
Louise Bull
Caitlin Hoiles
Canteen Service
The Bellarine Campus offers students a fast and easy lunch service each Tuesday and Thursday.
The Fresh Lunch Fairy located in Drysdale, will be the provider of this service to the Bellarine Campus. Servicing many schools across our region, The Fresh Lunch Fairy offers a broad menu in line with Nutrition Australia Guidelines, made fresh daily in a local commercial kitchen and carefully packed and delivered to the school.
The Fresh Lunch Fairy will use an online ordering service which also includes the option of a mobile app. Please note, the app has changed since 2023 – details in the flyer below.
Looking Ahead to 2024
A warm welcome to the 2024 school year to all our Christian College families. The holiday season provided a well-deserved break for students, families and staff and I sincerely hope that these moments of respite allowed you to recharge, connect with loved ones and fill your self-care bucket to the brim. The return to school not only marks a shift back to old and familiar routines but also signifies a series of transitions for our students. The transition to a new learning environment is a major event in a child or young person’s life given they are periods in which both children and families need to adjust to new situations, environments, expectations, relationships, and potential changes to social and physical surroundings. This year as we do every year, we have children transitioning from early learning settings to primary school, primary to secondary school, movement of students from one campus to another, just to name a few. Our staff recognise the importance of supporting and guiding our students through transitions, especially those who may be encountering challenges or difficulties. As we embark on a new school year, it becomes a pivotal opportunity to not only navigate these transitions effectively but also to set our students up for success. Clinical psychologist and family therapist Andrew Fuller, offers insights on how our children and young people can achieve their goals while enjoying a fulfilling and successful year at school which I thought may be of interest to you and your family - Set yourself up for a great year, from Andrew Fuller (theparentswebsite.com.au). I look forward to working with you and for you this year in advancing our wellbeing practices and initiatives at Christian College.
Kim Doherty, Director of Wellbeing
Find Yourself at our Open Day!
On March 5, all five Christian College campuses and two kindergartens are holding Open Days. Our Open Days provide the opportunity for parents and others interested in enrolling their children at Christian College to have a firsthand look at our College campuses, speak with campus leaders, participate in student-led tours of the facilities, visit classrooms in real time and have their questions answered.
We would encourage everyone in our Christian College community to spread the word and tell anyone you might know who is considering schooling options for their children about our Open Day and the opportunity to come and visit one or more campuses and/or our kinders, with no tour booking required.
Details are on our website – follow the hotlink on our homepage or click Homepage > Join > Open Days.
Opening times for March 5 are as follows:
Junior School-Belmont and Williams House Kindergarten – 9:15 – 10:45am
Bellarine Campus – 9:30 – 11:00am
Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House Kindergarten – 11:30am – 1:00pm
Middle School-Highton – 10:30am – 12:00 noon
Senior School – 11:30am – 1:00pm
We would love to see as many interested families as possible finding themselves at our Open Day!
Kelly Clifford
Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon
The Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon is back on and has been scheduled for Friday, 24 May 2024.
You are invited to join us for lunch at the stunning Provenance Wines in Fyansford.
This is a fundraising event for the Foundation and an opportunity to hear about the success and progress of the College.
Our guest speaker is Jossy Chacko, Founder and President of Empart, a global ministry that exists to ignite holistic community transformation among needy communities.
Giving leadership to a team of over 13,000 people and offices in nine countries, Jossy travels around the world inspiring and challenging leaders to capture a larger God-size vision and not to waste gifts and opportunities. He is also the author of Madness! and Dare to Partner.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to come together.
Secure your seat and book online today!
https://ccgfoundation.org.au/gh
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