Term 1 Week 8

From the Dean of Christian Culture

Easter – The only good time to put all your eggs in one basket!

“Only eight sleeps to go Mia” my niece called to remind me, “Easter Sunday is coming!” What followed was a litany of questions regarding all the preparations for Easter next weekend; “Is it my turn to roll the stone away this year?” in regards to the wooden passion set that is currently sitting on the hallway table (think nativity set but displaying the Easter story). “Have you finished the tablecloth?”, the half-sewn rainbow cotton tablecloth is spread out on my floor with pins still in it waiting to be finished. “Will you make those biscuits again with the jam in the middle?” “Are you hiding the eggs this year? ‘cause I’ve been practising my seeking and I’m going to find them all no matter how hard you hide them”. I can hear in her voice that a sense of occasion is continuing to build, the Easter anticipation is real. And joyful. And delightful to be a part of.

In my family I am often accused of hiding Easter Eggs at the highest degree of difficulty. Where others might leave the colourfully wrapped treasures in very obvious places it is my goal to make an Easter Egg hunt a properly challenging task. Treasure maps are drawn for particularly hard to find pairs of ‘resurrection socks’ (a new pair of socks for the wearer to associate with “putting on and walking in the resurrection life” with each wearing) or particular chocolate treats. “Mia it’s too hard, I can’t find the eggs!” I’ve often heard this whine – my response “Keep looking, I promise they’re out there”.

From the Deputy Head of Campus

As we move towards the end of term, it is clear to see how well our students have connected with our community and just how much they have achieved in eight weeks of the term. There is so much to celebrate and be grateful for.

Gratitude plays a crucial role in our wellbeing, helping us to feel a sense of purpose and joy. This week alone I have had the privilege to spend quality time with our community at our Athletics Carnival, through our Harmony Day activities, Project Care activities, Assemblies and the many interactions I have on the yard and in the classrooms. For this I am very grateful.

The Athletics Carnival and Harmony Day provided an opportunity for our students to be together as one and to share in the joy that comes from being in community. Both events saw our students find a shared purpose and work together to achieve something beyond themselves. The whole campus picnic was a special time of connection, and it was wonderful to witness our students enjoy fellowship with one another.

Our week ended with students creating an image with the coins collected as part of the season of Lent. This was another example of how well our community can come together for a common cause.

Next week we have the Easter Extravaganza to look forward to. I know many of our junior students have been busy making Easter Bonnets and learning about the Easter story. It is truly a blessing to be able to share God’s love for us all and to see our young people enact this in their day to day lives. Again, I am full of gratitude.

What’s Happening at Bellarine

Week 9

• Monday 25 March NAPLAN Concludes
• Monday 25 March Year 8 GEOS camp departs
• Monday 25 March Eltham HS Bands visits – Year 5/6 concert
• Wednesday 27 March Prep Alphabet Activity Day
• Wednesday 27 March Strings Performance Night
• Thursday 28 March Easter Extravaganza, Bonnet Parade and Service
• Thursday 28 March Year 8 GEOS camp returns
• Thursday 28 March Term 1 studies conclude, 2:30PM dismissal

Term 2, Week 1

• Tuesday 16 April Students commence
• Friday 19 April Year 9 LOTE visit to Japanese Consulate

Harmony Day

On Thursday our whole campus came together to acknowledge and celebrate Harmony Day. In Homerooms we discussed why we have this day and the importance of inclusion and belonging. At lunchtime we gathered as a campus to eat our lunch together and enjoy the fellowship that comes from spending time with friends. We also enjoyed music played by Year 9 student, Gus Daly

Preps Embrace Harmony Day

The Preps enjoyed learning about the cultural backgrounds of their classmates on Harmony Day. We used Google Earth to find places around the globe where Prep students and people in their families were born which included Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Ireland and of course Geelong!

We celebrated our diversity through making Harmony Day rainbows and sharing music from around the world. The Prep students provide such a great example of children embracing and loving each other regardless of their backgrounds or cultural differences!

Old Testament Leaders at Assembly

As part of our study in Christian Education on selected leaders from the Old Testament, we decided to share some of these special characters and how they were able to help bring God’s plan into action at assembly. Noah, King David, Joseph, Queen Esther, Jonah, King Saul, Joshua and Abraham shared a small part of their story and where in the Bible we could find them.

Everyone really enjoyed getting to know their character and sharing their findings with the other classes in assembly.

House Athletics Carnival

There was a real buzz around the Bellarine campus on Tuesday at our 2024 House Athletics Carnival. It was great to see students from Prep to Year 9 actively involved in a fun and engaging program, encouraging each other, displaying excellent sportsmanship, and representing their house with pride.

The Year 3-9 carnival saw all four houses battle it out for the trophy, but in the end, it was Penman that took out the 2024 championship followed by Burrows, Taylor and Flynn. Well done to all Year 9 House Captains for their leadership and organisation on the day.

The House colours were on full display for our Prep- Year 2 carnival. It was fantastic to see the students’ energy and enthusiasm when participating in the running, jumping and throwing activities. A huge thank-you to our Year 9 helpers for their support in running the events. It was amazing to see the way they led and interacted with the Junior School students.

Year 9 Abhinaya Sanjeev was the fastest female on campus with a time of 14.78 seconds. Year 9 Jamison Cox took out the fastest male on campus with a time of 11.16 seconds.

G.A.T.E.WAYS  Leadership Program for Years 5 and 6

G.A.T.E.WAYS (Gifted and Talented Education) is inviting senior primary school students from across Victoria (Years 5 and 6) to come together for two days of workshops during the school holidays to develop their critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, organisational and leadership skills, as well to as expand their personal network of others with ‘like minds’. The Year 5 workshops are on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April and the Year 6 workshops are on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 April. Both are being held in the Melbourne CBD.

G.A.T.E.WAYS is an independent, non-funded organisation, established in 1994 to provide opportunities for highly able and gifted children with special educational needs. Like-minded students can participate in programs that will challenge them intellectually and help develop their individual talents. Over the last 25 years G.A.T.E.WAYS has gained considerable recognition with teachers, parents and children in Australia for its high-quality programs.

Parent paid fees cover the costs of program development, administration and presentation. G.A.T.E.WAYS is widely supported by schools in all education sectors – state, independent and catholic. Christian College Geelong has had many students previously involved with G.A.T.E.WAYS programs and has also been a host school.

Christian Education

Christian Education in Years 7 and 8 has been centered upon Jesus Christ.

In Year 8, we have looked at Jesus’s authority in the New Testament book of Mark, Chapters 1 and 2. Students were given various passages, and they were asked to reflect on them and write down aspects of Christ’s authority and power. Moving towards Easter we are investigating the Easter story and the verse John 3:16. We have looked at the meaning of certain words in this verse and explored its true meaning and significance.

In Year 7 we have looked at the Bible generally and endeavoured to become familiar with its layout and to become confident in looking up particular verses within the Bible. The Easter story has also more recently been a focus.

It’s wonderful to be involved in student enthusiasm for this subject and their engagement has been encouraging.

Year 8 Community Service

Each Wednesday afternoon during Semester 1, students who are part of the Year 8 Community Service elective are given the opportunity to experience a voluntary work placement in various local charities and community services.

The aim of the program is to encourage our students to develop a strong sense of compassion for others and a desire to actively contribute to both local and global communities. Through interaction with an interest group chosen by the student, students will hopefully gain an awareness of others and learn to give of oneself for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return.

Groups of three Year 8 students have been allocated the following places:

• UnitingCare Op-Shop, Drysdale
• Great Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Curlewis
• Fight Cancer Foundation Recycle Shop, Drysdale
• Drysdale Grove Aged Care

The students have had several visits already to their placements and each time they have all come back to school at the end of the day full of stories and eager to share their experiences. As the semester progresses some of the students will hopefully share their experiences, both successes and challenges, here.

Year 8 GEOS Camp – We are Ready!

In Year 8, students have undertaken a Landscape and Landform Unit, delving into various topics such as weathering and erosion, perspectives on nature, and iconic Australian landscapes. Alongside this, they have been actively preparing for their upcoming four-day GEOS camp in Anglesea.

Throughout the term, students have participated in bike riding sessions and honed their cooking skills using trangias, while also creating a comprehensive menu plan for their camp meals, as they will be responsible for cooking for themselves during the trip!

During the camp, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in some of the diverse landscapes Victoria has to offer. They will embark on a hike through the stunning forests of the Otways, ride through Anglesea Heathlands, and kayak the pristine waters of Painkalac Creek. These hands-on activities aim not only to enhance their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills but also to provide firsthand experience of various landscapes, allowing them to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world settings.

We hope all the Year 8 Students have a wonderful time away next week and look forward to hearing some of their highlights when they return.

A Reflection From our Prefects…

As Term 1 is coming to a close, we would like to share with you what the Year 9 Prefects have been acting on, and what we are in the process of doing now.

The Prefects collaborated closely with Junior School students during House Athletics this week, providing assistance to teachers and guiding the younger students through the activities. Congratulations to our victors Flynn House (Junior School) and Penman House (Middle School), also to everyone who participated or got involved throughout the day.

Currently, we are in the process of organising lunchtime events, such as students playing music outside every Friday for all to enjoy, ensuring an enjoyable break for everyone. We have also started raising funds by selling Zooper Doopers. The proceeds from this initiative will contribute to the development of the Bean Break Cafe and a legacy gift from the Year 9 students, which future year levels can also enjoy.

Science Talent Search at CCG

Students at Christian College Geelong in Years 5-9 students are invited to participate in the 2024 Science Talent Search (STS).

The Science Talent Search has three broad aims:

1. To stimulate an ongoing interest in the study of sciences by:
   • encouraging independent self-motivated project work amongst students of science.
   • giving students the opportunity to communicate their achievements to a wider audience.
   • according recognition of effort and achievement in a scientific enterprise.
2. To promote the direct involvement of the students in the processes of science and its communication.
3. To give the public at large an opportunity to see the quality of work being achieved in science, by both primary and post primary students.

Easter Extravaganza

We warmly invite families to attend our Junior School Easter Service on Thursday 28 March at 9am. This will be followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade for Years Prep–4.

All year levels will be involved in Easter activities over the course of the day, with an Easter Egg hunt to finish off the day and to celebrate the end of a wonderful term.

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Safety Parent Forum

On Wednesday evening, parents and carers of students from Prep to Year 12 came together for our parent forum to discuss digital wellbeing and cyber safety. It was wonderful to create a space and invest time into sharing and exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by our young people's interactions online and with technology.

One of the most engaging aspects of the evening was when parents and carers shared their experiences and challenges, connecting with fellow parents in small groups. Feedback from parents who attended was that they valued this format, providing an opportunity to chat and compare perspectives and strategies with fellow parents.

For those who couldn’t attend, we offer the following resources:

• Community – 2024 Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum
• Parent Digital Wellbeing Resources QR Handout

As a College, we are dedicated to partnering with parents and carers to foster positive interactions with technology and to promote wellbeing among our young people, and we look forward to our continuing journey together.

Qustodio Parent App

As part of the College’s commitment to supporting students and families with positive digital interactions in the home, we provide access to the Qustodio Parent App for all College parents and carers.

Relationship, clearly established boundaries, and adult modelling of healthy interactions with digital technologies form the best foundation for supporting young people’s own positive digital interactions. eSafety identifies parental controls as an important tool for parents in support of home digital wellbeing and provides an excellent parent guide to parental controls.

• Parental controls | How to keep your child safe (esafety.gov.au)

Parental controls tools, such as the Qustodio Parent App, can help to enforce agreed rules, provide safety barriers, and better empower parents and carers by providing visibility over their children’s digital activity. Parents are encouraged to consider how the Qustodio Parent App can support them and their young people at home.

Video Link: A Parent's Initial Introduction to Qustodio

Interested parents who have not already registered their Qustodio parent account can learn more about how to get started below. This includes video guides on registering your parent account as part of our school program and getting started.

• Getting Started with the Qustodio Parent App

Qustodio is a valuable tool for parents which can be used in a range of ways depending on your child’s individual age, needs and context. I encourage parents and carers to consider and explore how Qustodio can support you and your young people with positive digital interactions and wellbeing at home.

Woodwind Evening

On Thursday evening this week the RW Gibson Centre was a buzz with our Cross-Campus Woodwind Performance night. The night featured students from Years 5 – 12, performing solos, duets and quartets for their families and friends. The musicians presented a range of playing development, from students performing beginner level repertoire right through to the most captivating senior soloists. It’s so rewarding to see the great work by these musicians realised on stage in such a lovely night of celebrating their music. Thanks so much to the accompanist and music faculty who teach, support and encourage these students, along with their family and friends. 

Doing the Right Thing on our Buses

I have noticed a decline in the overall behaviour of some students on our bus network, which is something we take very seriously. We have seen some significant damage to bus seats (cuts / slashes) and an increase in graffiti on seats and other surfaces of the bus. Please note, this behaviour will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will follow, including the reimbursement of costs associated with repairing damage, if applicable.

We ask all parents to please remind your children that damaging the buses disadvantages everyone who uses them, and to encourage those who witness this sort of behaviour to either email schoolbustravel@ccg.vic.edu.au or talk to their home room teacher. We will ensure that their identity remains anonymous.

Most importantly, appropriate behaviour on our buses is vital for the safety of all passengers and drivers.

Please click on this link to a YouTube video as a reminder of how to travel safely on our bus network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN5SfNHr37s

I would like us all to work together to ensure that we are operating the safest possible bus service every day and thank you in anticipation for your assistance in achieving this.

Cinderella – Be Quick - Tickets are Disappearing Fast!

There are still tickets available for our major College production this year, but they are going fast, so to ensure you don't miss out - book now! Join us as we present three very special performances of this delightful story featuring students from Years 6 – 12 with exceptional talent throughout the cast, and an orchestra brimming with outstanding student musicians, all backed up by a wonderful community of staff, students and families backstage.

Performances are at Geelong Arts Centre Play House Theatre on May 3 and 4.

To purchase tickets, visit our website and click on the hotlink on our homepage, or go straight to ticket sales by clicking here. 

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund

Financial Assistance for Eligible Parents

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. Support from CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities and forms part of the State Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is: • $150 for primary school students • $250 for secondary school students

How to Apply

Application Forms are available online through the Parent Portal (Go to ‘Student Information’ > ‘Important Forms for Parents’) these forms can be downloaded, completed then uploaded according to the instructions. Hard copy forms are also available from reception at each campus or by emailing enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au

More Information

For the CSEF application closing dates and more information about the fund please visit this webpage

CSEF_Application_Form_2024

Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion

The Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024. Join us at Blackman's Brewery Geelong from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Tickets are $15 each and RSVPs close on Thursday, 28th March 2024 at 5:00pm. 

This will be a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your peers, catch up with past teachers, and reminisce about your school days. 

Tours of the College Clocktower at Middle School - Highton will also be optional on the day of the reunion, if you would like to climb the Clocktower and find your brick, simply book in when you register. 

For those who would like to have a tour of the College grounds, please head to our website to arrange a tour. 

We look forward to catching up with the Class of 2014. If this is your year group, spread the word and register for your 10 Year Reunion today!  

https://ccgfoundation.org.au/2014

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

Golf Tournament 

Join the Christian College Foundation for an exciting four-person Ambrose Golf Day, including a $30,000 hole in one prize on Thursday, 24th of October at 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads.

Set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, the day provides an opportunity to enjoy the award-winning creek course, known for its undulating couch fairways, deep bunkers and interesting swales and hollows.

You will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast on arrival and an opportunity to participate in several fun activities including the longest drive, nearest to the pin etc.

There is plenty of prizes up for grabs, including a cash prize of $30,000. Score a Hole in One on the 12th Hole and you can win. *

You will also be treated to a delicious buffet lunch and learn more about the incredible work of the foundation. Every dollar raised will be dollar matched!