Term 3 Week 8

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.

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’!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 13^th 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.

College Production 2024 – Update

As published in The Vine at the end of Term 3, the College will be staging Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) at the Geelong Arts Centre from May 2 – 4, 2004.

Audition Registration

All students from Years 5 – 11 (in 2023) across the College will receive an email early next week, with information and a link to an online registration form. Auditions will commence across the College on designated days from Sunday October 22. To register for an audition, students must complete the online form on/by Friday October 13.

There will be an information session held at each campus for students to have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the show. These will be held at:

Highton MS Campus Chapel                   Monday October 9 12.40

Senior Campus Music Department         Tuesday October 10 1.20pm

Bellarine Campus Auditorium                Tuesday October 10 at Lunchtime

Surf Coast Campus – Ms Notini will visit the Year 5 classroom next week.

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.

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 f.provan@ccg.vic.edu.au