What’s Happening at Bellarine
Week 9
- Monday 11 Middle School Music Camp Commences
- Monday 11 Junior School Assembly
- Monday 11 MS Assembly
- Monday 11 Year 3 & 4 Integrated Studies Activity Day
- Tuesday 12 Year 7 Poetry Competition
- Wednesday 13 Middle School Music Camp Concludes
- Wednesday 13 Year 7 Videos for Change Film Festival
- Wednesday 13 Year 9 ‘Mark in Time’
- Thursday 14 R U OK Day
- Thursday 14 Year 8 Medieval Day
- Friday 15 Talent Quest
- Friday 15 Conclusion of Term 3 Studies – 2:30PM Dismissal
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
On Wednesday September 6, the Junior School welcomed around 150 Grandparents and Special Friends to the campus. Grannies, Grandads, Nonnas and Poppas, Pas and Nannies as well as Aunties, Uncles and other special guests visited the classrooms where they were involved in a range of special activities. The pride the children have in their school was evident as they shared Investigations and craft activities, read books together and even challenged their visitors to complete a handwriting challenge with some interesting results!
After the classroom visits, the guests made their way to the Auditorium where they were treated to a concert arranged by Mrs Stephanie Lawrence. The students shared three songs which were appreciated by the audience if their applause was anything to go by!
The visitors were then treated to a special morning tea where they were able to mingle with each other and meet some of the campus staff. A book stall, facilitated by Torquay Books and our wonderful Library staff, allowed visitors to purchase a book to put in our Junior School Library. Around 70 books were purchased which is a wonderful result and very much appreciated.
It was such a joy to welcome so many visitors to our school and watch the children interacting with their guests with such pride and enthusiasm.
Jonathan Maddock
Squids in the Library
Junior School students have continued to enjoy exploring the CBCA award winning books as we delved into the non-fiction text ‘Deep’ this week. The students loved reading facts about giant squids along with other deep parts of the universe. Much joy was had in making their own ‘mini giant squid’, many of whom developed distinct personalities as they were created, including a few mini ‘kraken’!
Jessica Chakir
Year 5 Systems and Engineering
Students in Year 5 are exploring Engineering principles and systems to explain how electrical energy can be transformed into movement by building a model remote control boat. They are investigating how the characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment affect their use when producing designed solutions. Their folio work has helped develop project plans that include consideration of resources and designs to individually and collaboratively make designed solutions for speed and efficient use of materials for their boats. It has been exciting to see the students engaged and focused while problem-solving, tinkering and developing some practical skills.
Tom Hartley
Excursion to the Shrine of Remembrance and Holocaust Museum
Last Friday, the Year 6 cohort journeyed to Melbourne for an excursion that supported their cross-curriculum Democracy unit. The novel they are reading this term, ‘Once’ by Morris Gleitzman is about a boy’s experience during the Holocaust. Students have been looking at how different government systems impact societies, in particular comparing and contrasting dictatorships and democracies.
Our excursion began with a stop at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance. Students enjoyed looking at the historic displays, learning about the significance of the site, and admiring the beautiful architecture. While walking around, several students were gleefully pointing to the ‘Once’ novel which was encased in a display. The novel was amongst some artifacts from the Holocaust during WWII.
After eating lunch on the Shrine’s steps, we loaded back onto the bus and headed off to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. We were only the second school group to go through their recently upgraded educational exhibit. This new space was designed for 10–14-year-olds, to introduce new concepts of prejudice and standing up for others, presented in an engaging format. The exhibition presented the experiences of seven child survivors of the Holocaust, who attribute their survival to the kindness of others. Unbeknown to us, one of the creators of this exhibition was the author of ‘Once’, Morris Gleiztman.
It was a fantastic day of learning, sharing, and developing student understanding of the importance of human kindness and Democracy.
Theresa Drewer
Year 7 Dance: Lyrically Revolting Children
Students in the Year 7 Dance elective this term have had the opportunity to learn from former student-turned choreographer Nikki Menzel (Geelong Dance Movement) the beginnings of two dances – one musical theatre (Revolting Children from Matilda) and one lyrical (to Billie Eilish’s What was I made for?). Over these past weeks, they have been finessing these pieces whilst also considering how they could add their own choreography.
On Wednesday this week, students had the opportunity to share their learning so far with a select group of teachers. Teachers too had a bit of fun, with students organising some interactive elements of this viewing with the inclusion of a Just Dance.
Next term, students will add two more dance styles to their repertoire before performing in an end-of-semester showcase to parents and peers.
Victoria Kent
Year 7/8 Sport
This week saw the final round of the Year 7/8 GISSA competition for Term 3. Our students displayed great teamwork and sportsmanship in their matches, competing in basketball, badminton, table tennis, Gaelic football and judo. Our Bellarine students had a very successful Inter-school competition, showing enormous growth and progress in their sports which often resulted in a win on the scoreboard!
Students will be selecting their sports for Term 4. On offer will be volleyball, softball, cricket, tennis and water polo. We are looking forward to another exciting term of Sport!
Louise Bull
Year 8 Textiles
The Year 8 Textiles class had a task to use up scraps and repurpose cushion inserts for their first sewing project. I was completely amazed and so proud of the fabulous creations. The class was taught how to make an envelope back, so cushion covers can easily be washed or replaced. The photos showcase some of the completed covers. Well done to all!
Julie Leo
Deakin District Basketball
On Thursday August 31, we had two teams represent the Bellarine campus at the Deakin District Basketball competition held at AWA stadium in Belmont. The day consisted of five 20-minute games with a five-minute break in between each game. The girls’ team was made up of students who haven’t played much competitive basketball before. They ended up finishing the day with three wins and two losses, only losing to the winning team by four points in the first round. They did an amazing job of taking feedback on and showed improvement in each game. The boys’ team, led by Mr Crole displayed determination coming up against some quality opposition. They gave every game their all and were rewarded by winning the final game of the day. Boths teams displayed great teamwork, sportsmanship, and an increase in skill throughout the day.
Caitlin Hoiles
Spring Into Strings!
Last night, the Junior String ensembles from Bellarine, Surf Coast and Junior School campuses gathered together at the RW Gibson Centre to celebrate the beginning of Spring with our annual performance event-'Spring into Strings'.
The evening was an excellent showcase of the String playing taking place in our Junior Schools, and a wonderful opportunity for the ensembles to perform for each other and their families. We were also graced with an enchanting performance from the Bellarine Ceilidh Band, before all students combined to form a massed String Ensemble which presented two pieces and an encore for their captive audience.
There were many excited and nervous young musicians at the start of the night, but it was amazing to see these young people focus and perform with such aplomb-well done to all!
Thanks to our accompanists Tammy Treloar and Stephanie Lawrence, as well as the string teaching staff- Cecilia Bell, Rebecca Bertoncello, Catie Martin and Miriam Bell.
Martin DeMarte
Art or Photo Student Competition
“HERE TO HEAR”
Join us in celebrating “R U OK? day” by participating in our student art and photo competition themed “Here to Hear.”
This competition aims to create a canvas of support, encouraging conversations about mental health and wellbeing. We invite students from across our College to express their thoughts, experiences, and messages of support through the power of art and photography. Your creative vision can help remind us all that we’re here to listen and support one another.
We will be awarding a winner from each campus and winners will not only have the chance to make a meaningful impact but will receive a $30 movie voucher.
Winning entries will be displayed around our campuses to remind us that EVERYDAY is R U OK? DAY
Please submit all entries to the student office by no later than 3:30pm on Wednesday 13th September. Winners announced on Thursday September 14.
Konnichiwa From Japan
Three Year 10 Japanese students, Djinda Moore, Supreet Kaur, and Niko Nakayama, arrived in Japan safely on Wednesday night and began attending Naga Senior High School the following day. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for our long-term exchange program—a four-month stay in Japan, from September 2023 to January 2024. Djinda, Supreet, and Niko are staying with a Japanese host family for an authentic daily experience.
The sports day and cultural festival are coming up on their calendar at Naga Senior High School. When Naga students visited Christian College Geelong earlier this term, the girls had the opportunity to meet and make a good connection with their host students and the Naga High principal. Resuming this wonderful long-term exchange program is great news, and our language assistant program, as well as our preparation for the Japan Study Tour in December 2023, are also back in action.
This year, we celebrated the 31-year friendship between Naga Senior High School in Japan and Christian College Geelong, as well as the 101-year anniversary of Naga Senior High School since its establishment.
The Japan Study Tour, Year 11 students, and staff are looking forward to catching up with Djinda,
Supreet, and Niko in December.
Yuji Nakayama
College 2024 Production Announcement
Christian College Geelong Presents...
CINDERELLA (BROADWAY VERSION)
Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics and Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
The Music and Drama Departments are excited to return to our tradition of staging the biannual CCG cross campus musical in 2024. Our Cinderella will take to the stage of the Playhouse Theatre at the newly developed Geelong Arts Centre on May 2 – 4, 2024.
Not your everyday fairy tale…
This Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and a wonderful score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”
You can visit the Origin Theatrical website for more about this magical show, including song excerpts and a Montage of the Original Broadway Cast.
Some preliminary information for families and students
There are many details for families and students to know prior to fully committing to performing in the production. Students who are successful in being offered a place in the show will be required to attend every rehearsal on their schedule to maintain their place in the cast. This initial announcement is to be followed with more details for those who are interested in participating. Expressions of interest will be taken in early Term 4 via auditions.
All students wishing to audition will be required to sing a song from music theatre and also read a small section of script (unseen). Students wishing to be considered for a lead role are advised to sing a song in the style of the character they wish to be considered. Students with dance experience will be considered favourably for certain roles but must also sing. Please see the character descriptions here.
Cinderella Character Descriptions
Students wishing to audition may enjoy having the holiday break to find that perfect song and practise it to perfection! It is important for students to understand that there is a limited number of positions available in the cast, with fewer places for students in the lower year levels. The production teachers urge students to remain positive and keep honing their skills for the next opportunity, if they miss out on this show.
Auditions will be held across the Bellarine, Surf Coast, Highton and Senior campuses from October 16 – 26. At the start of Term 4 students will be notified of the process and invited to sign up for auditions at their campus.
Students who will be in Years 6 – 12 in 2024 are being invited to audition.
Rehearsals will be held at the Senior Campus RW Gibson Music Performance Centre on Thursdays 4.00 – 6.30pm, and Sundays 2.30 – 5.30pm. There will also be nominated full day rehearsals on student free days/some Sundays and production week during Sunday April 28th – Saturday May 4th.
Traditionally the production team would cast around 80 students, with an additional 15 to be invited to play in the orchestra pit. The production also provides opportunities for senior students to undertake backstage and technical roles. There are many opportunities for parents of students involved to support the students and staff, the event provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to work together to achieve something very special.
Looking forward to a wonderful show experience for our students and community in 2024!
Fiona Gardner, Musical Director on behalf of the creative team
Christian College Snowsport
In Week 6 of this term Christian College Geelong competed in the Victorian Interschool Snowsport Competition. Twenty-six students, ranging from Year 1 through to Year 12, competed in both snowboarding and skiing competitions. Whilst the snow conditions this year weren’t as good as past competitions, both competitors and families had a fantastic time enjoying the opportunity to spend time together whilst refining their skiing and snowboarding prowess.
If you have not been a part of this competition before and would like to register your interest for the 2024 Victorian Interschool Snowsport Competition, please contact the Senior Campus.
Paul Breguet
The Christian College Sport Hall of Honour
We are proud to announce a new initiative, which will become an important tradition in the life of our College – the Sport Hall of Honour – to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our past students who have reached national or international status in their chosen sports.
On October 5, we welcome our inaugural inductees to the Sport Hall of Honour – ex-students, Gary Ablett Jr and Tegan Philip. Both are universally recognised as champions at the highest level in their respective sports – AFL football and netball.
You are invited to join us for this gala dinner event at Mt Duneed Estate. On the night, we will also honour a cohort of current students as ‘Rising Eagles’ for their outstanding achievements in their chosen sports, putting them on a pathway to perhaps achieve the type of success required to enter our Sport Hall of Honour in future years.
The night also presents the perfect opportunity to award, for the first time ever, the ‘Gary Ablett Jr’ and ‘Tegan Philip’ medals to the students named as MVP of our Senior Male Football team and Senior Female Netball team from this year’s GISSA Championships.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the October 5 event, please visit our website.
The Hall of Honour will be a permanent display within our school, displaying the names, images and achievements of our extraordinary sports stars. This will not only inspire our current students but also serve as a testament to the values and dedication instilled within them during their time at Christian College.
We encourage our College community to join us in celebrating those who have pursued their gifts and passions to an extraordinary level of success. While one of the criteria for induction to the Sport Hall of Honour is that individuals have retired from their sport professionally or at the very highest level, if you are aware of any past students who have achieved, or are achieving, national or international recognition in sport, please reach out to our Sports Administrator Matthew Murnane [email protected] with any relevant information.
Daryl Riddle OAM, CEO of Christian College
Scholarship Applications are Now Open!
Each year Christian College offers Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry at Year 5, 7 and 10 levels. Applications are now open for this year’s scholarships, which apply to entry in 2025, at three campuses – Middle School-Highton, Bellarine Campus and Surf Coast Campus.
Year 10 entry applies to Senior School-Waurn Ponds only.
To find out more, and to apply, visit our website and look for the homepage hotlink, or click here.
Scholarship applications are open to students who do not currently attend Christian College, as well as those who are currently enrolled here. Scholarship examinations will be held at Christian College on Saturday October 7. Closing date for applications is Thursday, September 28.
Foundation Golf Day 2023
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are delighted to announce the Christian College Foundation Golf Day tournament for 2023.
Save the date: Thursday November 9.
We are seeking prizes for this event – if you own a local business and are interested in creating partnership opportunities with Christian College, please contact Fiona Provan on 0400 477 467, or email [email protected]
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
It’s easy to rush through a cup of tea or coffee and forget to stop and appreciate the moment.
Take time out now to simply appreciate being able to breathe in fresh air. Take a long slow breath and feel it rejuvenate every cell.
Make that your intention and watch your body smile from the inside 👍❤️
Discover more about MYTERN here
