Prep- Year 2 House Athletics
The House colours were on full display for our Prep-Year 2 House Athletics carnival on Tuesday this week. It was fabulous to see so many parents and friends on campus to support the students.
In sunny conditions, the students gave all events their best effort and represented their House with pride and big smiles.
A huge thank you goes to the staff and helpers for their support on the day running the events. It was amazing to see the way they lead and interacted with the Junior School students.
Year 4 Investigations – Lights, Camera and Action!
During Investigations time this term students from both Year 4 classes have been working collaboratively on a STEAM activity with their new devices. The aim of the activity is to create a movie of a familiar Bible story using the stop motion technique. STEAM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the key areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Through STEAM, students develop key skills including: problem-solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication and digital literacy.
Students have spent their time together planning the scenes, creating the backgrounds and characters then photographing the motions that they wanted to create their movie. They then learnt the Video Editor suite that enabled them to drop the photos into the program, put them in a sequence and then add their narration over the top. Students have been very enthusiastic and engaged in their learning and we are very proud of the outcomes we are seeing.
Kindness, Support and Fun at the Year 6 Camp
We hopped off the bus at the Airey’s Inlet skatepark and everyone was ready for adventure. We started with a 3km walk beginning with a stroll along the beach, then a journey ‘Around the Twist’, aka, The Airey’s Inlet Lighthouse, and we finished with a walk into the Angahook Holiday Camp. There were a couple of tired faces, but they all contained a smile.
It was a true blessing to be on the Year 6 camp. The students showed such resilience, enjoyment, and leadership as they participated in the various activities. During the bonfire on our first evening, students sat around, toasted marshmallows, and listened quietly as their peers shared scary and silly stories with everyone, and encouraged those that were a little hesitant.
The Year 6s showed tenacity and endurance as they mountain-biked in the local bush, canoed, and climbed a climbing tower. While leading the climbing tower activity, I was proud of my group’s ability to support and care for one another. When someone was showing fear, the other participants cheered them on, and some even climbed up alongside their scared friend, as they said reassuring words and guided them up the wall. This support meant that everyone in my activity group made it to the top, so they could all enjoy the thrilling decent on the zip line.
Several camp employees made mention of how friendly and kind our students were. The Year 6s demonstrated leadership skills as they helped set up and clean up at mealtimes. During the pub quiz and talent show, the students were respectful, and our extroverts shared their creative sides with ease and pride. In addition, we were lucky to have Year 9 prefects Emma Deretic and Milly Burgess join us in this camp. They showed compassion and care to their younger peers, and it gave our Year 6 students something to strive for when they are in Year 9.
Overall, this was ‘the best camp ever’, as many students voiced throughout our three-day camp.
Theresa Drewer, Samantha McKenzie, Josh Lees, Gary Crole, Emma Deretic and Milly Burgess
2023 House Athletics Carnival
There was a real buzz around Bellarine Campus on Tuesday at the Year 3-9 House Athletics Carnival. It was great to see students actively involved in a fun and engaging program, encouraging each other, displaying excellent sportsmanship, and representing their house with pride.
The day saw all four houses battle it out for the trophy, but in the end, it was Penman that took out the 2023 championship followed by Taylor, Burrows and Flynn. Well done to all Year 9 House Captains for their leadership and organisation on the day.
Year 8 Abhinaya Sanjeev was the fastest girl on campus with a time of 14.35 seconds. Year 9 Keegan Johnson took out the fastest boy on campus with a time of 12.61 seconds.
There were also 11 new records that were broken on Tuesday. This is an amazing achievement and displays the caliber of students at the Bellarine campus. Congratulations to the following students on becoming new record holders.
Year 8 Jamison Cox – 100m and Long Jump
Year 8 Charlie Sambucco – High Jump
Year 7 Zoe Sambucco – 100m and High Jump
Year 7 Xavier Johnson – 100m and High Jump
Year 6 Shyloh Smith – Discus
Year 6 Jessica Berra – Shot Put
Year 5 Lexie Strachan – 800m
Year 4 Harvey Stefanovski – 800m
A massive congratulations also goes to the year level champions on their superb achievements throughout the day.
Year 4- Harvey Stefanovski and Madison Borthwick
Year 5- Fintan Daly and Ellen Cox
Year 6- Harry Judge and Jessica Berra
Year 7- Xavier Johnson and Zoe Sambucco
Year 8- Jamison Cox and Abhinaya Sanjeev
Year 9- Keegan Johnson and Evie Perez
Thank you to all our parents and college community who came out to support our students. We appreciate the hard work of all our teachers and support staff for helping make this a fantastic day.
Year 8 Drama Elective: End of Term Showcase
Over the past few weeks, students have been developing their knowledge of Italian-based theatrical form, Commedia dell’arte, to further extend their expressive and performing skills. We’ve also delved a little into elements of Greek Theatre, with vocal workshops using poems including The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.
This week, students put together a Showcase of some of what they have devised this term for some Year 7 students.
Next term, it’s going from page to stage, by bringing picture story books of each student’s choosing to life!
We are also excited to announce that tickets to this year’s Christian College production, Picnic at Hanging Rock, went on sale TODAY! This will be held at Platform Arts between May 11 and May 13. Tickets can be purchased through the Humanitix Ticketing website – see article below.
Year 8s in the Community
As part of the Year 8 Community Service elective, I have the privilege of assisting at Great Beginnings Early Learning Centre in Drysdale. Alongside Annelise Draper and Phoebe Chisholm, each Wednesday afternoon over the last six weeks we have had the opportunity to engage with the director, carers, and the most delightful children.
At Great Beginnings there is such an astounding, dedicated group of people impacting the lives of children each day. Being part of this special community is such a rewarding experience in so many ways. Each week as I walk through the door, I am greeted by the wonderful staff working in the room. Not only am I excited to see the children in our room, but they are equally excited to see me!
Some of the ways in which I assist the children include play-based learning, comforting them when tired or in need of a cuddle, listening and taking interest in what they are doing or talking about, filling up drink bottles, helping with food prep and cleaning up. But the thing that melts my heart the most is when the snack trolley is wheeled in, and we do a little dance we made up … “The Afternoon Tea DANCE!”
A big part of my role that I absolutely relish is reading to the children using different character voices and capturing their imagination. Last week I had a request for the book, ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ that a young boy had at home and wanted me to read. But it wasn’t in the book collection at Great Beginnings. Knowing how much it would mean to them I used my own pocket money to buy the book. I had the pleasure of reading, ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ to him and others. They loved it so much and pointed out the little note I had written for them in the back of the book, “For the wonderful children at Great Beginnings, I know you will love this book. Happy reading! From Anabella Hicks, Christian College Bellarine”.
I have cherished every moment at Great Beginnings this Term and can’t wait to continue my journey at the Early Learning Centre in Term 2 … and maybe even add some more moves to our afternoon tea dance!
Anabella Hicks, Year 8 Community Service student
Progressing Through Teaching and Learning is in Full Swing….
Our Teaching and Learning programs have been in full swing across our campuses. We are excited to offer a breadth of rich opportunities for our students, and this is just the beginning of what’s on offer this year. During Term 1 at Bellarine Campus there have been many camps and excursions that provide wonderful opportunities for social and emotional development, teamwork, building self-identity, and applying classroom skills and knowledge in real-world contexts through critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and ethical understandings through a Christian World View lens. We are also thrilled to offer plentiful opportunities for community involvement through our Campus Carnivals, House events, family events such as afternoon teas, information sessions, student learning conferences and more, as well as continued development in intercultural understandings through our international guests from Indonesia. Each of these has seen positive engagement with our Teaching and Learning program. Students and staff have been excited to be part of a program that enables students to engage with critical competencies and real-life opportunities and develop skills and knowledge in a diverse range of classes. We have seen our young people grow and develop as they view the world around them, develop their own self-identity and refine their purpose, passion and potential pathways
You can view your child’s progress in each of their learning areas through our In Time reporting program via SEQTA Engage. Log onto the parent portal via the College website and select the Assessments menu to view your child’s progress. As a reminder, there is also the SEQTA App that can be downloaded to your phone. I have attached a couple support documents that highlight how to get the most out of SEQTA Engage.
Lost Property
The student office currently has a large supply of lost property, including unnamed College sport uniform, bike helmets, drink bottles and miscellaneous items.
Parents and students are invited to call into the student office to claim any lost property before the end of term.
Christian College Bellarine Pre-Loved Uniform Sale
A Christian College parent representative will be conducting a second-hand uniform sale at the Bellarine Campus.
DATE:
Friday April 21 – 10am – 2pm
Saturday April 22 – 10am – 2pm
VENUE:
Christian College Bellarine Campus Auditorium Foyer – Collins Street entrance
ITEMS:
Old and new uniform, farm uniform, books, bags, hats, scarves and shoes in good condition.
DELIVERY OF ITEMS: Bellarine Campus Reception until Thursday 6th April
Instructions for items:
1. Please make sure all items are washed and clean and in good condition. If there are items that you wish to give for free (spares etc) and they are slightly stained please make sure they are clearly marked.
2. All items you wish to sell are to be clearly labelled with your full name and the price you want to charge.
3. You are welcome to donate any items for parents/children to have for free.
4. Any items that do not sell – you can either opt to collect back or can opt to donate to the school/charity shop. Any instructions not received, will be donated 😊
Payment:
Cash and card payment will be taken on the day. When someone purchases your item they will have a hand written receipt and a carbon copy will be kept for you. There will be a record of each person’s sales and payment will be to you via bank transfer within a week after the sale.
If anyone has any questions or spare clothing rails we can borrow, please DM on Facebook page Christian College Bellarine Pre-loved Uniform Sale
Picnic at Hanging Rock – Performances on Next Week!
Picnic at Hanging Rock is a captivating and mysterious story that explores the disappearance of four schoolgirls and their teacher during a picnic at a local geological formation in Victoria, Australia, on Valentine’s Day in 1900. The novel by Joan Lindsay, published in 1967, was adapted into a film by Peter Weir in 1975, which became a landmark of Australian cinema and culture. The story has inspired many interpretations and adaptations, including the performances brought to you by our Christian College Senior School students.
Excitement is now running high - next week's shows are on at Platform Arts in Geelong in Lt Malop St, with three evening shows from Thursday May 11 to Saturday May 13. Tickets are only $30 and the cast and crew are looking forward to performing to full houses. Please note that Picnic at Hanging Rock contains mature themes, parental discretion is advised re the age of audience members.
To purchase tickets please follow this link:

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Days!
All Christian College campuses will open their doors on May 2 in the first of our Open Days for 2023.
This is an opportunity for parents/guardians and families who are considering Christian College as an option for their young people to visit one or more of our campuses, meet students, teachers and campus leaders, tour facilities, visit classes in progress and have their questions answered. It provides an authentic insight to how our College operates on a day-to-day basis. For those considering either Junior School-Belmont or Surf Coast Campus, please note our Early Learning Centres - Williams House in Belmont and Butterfield House in Torquay - will also be open for visitation at the same time as the campuses.
No booking is required, with campuses open at the following times:
Junior School-Belmont: 9:30 – 11:00am
Bellarine Campus: 9:30 – 11:00am
Surf Coast Campus: 9:30 – 11:30am
Middle School-Highton: – 11:15am – 12:45pm
Senior School-Waurn Ponds: – 11:30am – 1:00pm
If you have friends or acquaintances who are considering schooling options at any level, from Prep through to Year 12, please encourage them to take this opportunity to visit our campuses on May 2.
Any interested families who are unable to attend on May 2 can book a tour at any campus at a time that suits them by visiting our website and clicking on ‘Book a Tour’.
Big Science Competition!
We welcome all students in Years 7 - 10 to consider taking part in the Big Science Competition!
A 50-minute, multiple-choice competition, the Big Science Competition isn't like other tests. This test focuses on how students can use their science knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve problems.
The Big Science Competition can also lead to BIG opportunities.
All students in Australian high schools who sit the Big Science Competition have a chance to win one of four great prizes*, up to the value of $1,498.
Here's everything you need to know.
- The Big Science Competition is open to students in Year 7-10 who attend Australian and International schools.
- The Big Science Competition will run on a date to be determined between 15-26 May 2023.
- Expressions of interest will close at the end of Term 1.
Registering your interest
All students who would like to participate are asked to complete their details on the following form:
Please speak to your science teacher or email Mrs Huddart if you have any questions.
Future Enrolments
For Deputy Head Mr Andrew Platt, and myself, it is a real privilege as part of our roles to meet with prospective families and conduct tours around our Bellarine Campus, sharing with them the rich and authentic learning program that takes place in each classroom with your young person on a daily basis.
A tour of the Bellarine Campus provides each prospective family with a genuine ‘feel’ of everyday life and learning at our campus, and that’s something that really has to be seen and experienced firsthand to gain a full understanding and appreciation.
With Term 1 2023 well underway, it has been wonderful to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with many prospective families as to their educational aspirations for their children. We feel both excited and privileged that many families are seeking a Christian College education at all year levels. In particular, Years Prep, 5 and 7 are filling quickly for next year.
As a family within our school, should you be aware of other friends and family who may be considering future educational opportunities for their children, please encourage them to come and visit us for a tour, to experience for themselves the learning program, culture and ethos of Christian College Bellarine. Similarly, if siblings of current students have not yet had a tour of our Campus, or completed an enrolment application, to ensure a place for them I encourage parents to promptly book a tour.
Every Day is an Open Day at Christian College. To make a tour booking, please click ‘Book a Tour’ on our website homepage
Please note, along with all other campuses, we are also opening on May 2 when interested parents and others can visit between 9:30am and 11.30am with no booking required.
Canteen Service
The Bellarine campus offers Christian College Bellarine students a fast and easy lunch service each Tuesday and Thursday.
The Fresh Meal Fairy located in Drysdale, will be the provider of this lunch service to the Bellarine Campus. Servicing many schools across our region, The Fresh Meal Fairy offers a broad menu in line with Nutrition Australia Guidelines, made fresh daily in a local commercial kitchen that is then carefully packed and delivered to the school.
The Fresh Meal Fairy will use an online ordering service https://www.school24.net.au/ which also includes the option of a mobile app. The registration details including unique school ID number is included in the attached Parent Registration Guide. This is a very convenient platform for weekly student orders and payment.
Parents and students can place orders online up until 9pm on the evening prior to the service. The order is delivered to classrooms prior to lunchtime. Please see attached a parent information sheet from the Fresh Meal Fairy. Please note that Snacks for recess time will need to be supplied by parents.
Canteen Fresh Food Fairy Annoucement
MENU2023! (1)
Registration Guide – Christian College Bellarine Campus Drysdale
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
When you are on a rough road, people often tell you to get a grip and drive on.
Try not to judge yourself harshly if that feels too hard.
Sometimes it's not as simple as just shaking it off and moving on.
Slow down, take a deep breath and know that no road lasts forever 🙏❤️
Discover more about MYTERN here