From the Executive Principal
What a joy it has been to welcome our students back to school this week. After the quiet weeks of summer, our campuses have once again come alive with the energy, laughter, curiosity, and hopeful anticipation that only the first day of a new school year can bring. I have loved travelling to all our campuses to connect with students after the holidays. It has been wonderful to see our Kindergarten students and our new Preppies, wide-eyed and ready to take on the world of “big school”, to talk to our Year 12s on the first day of their last year about the importance of leadership and legacy and to talk about holidays, dreams and aspirations with students at all different points of their school journey.
Our teaching staff have been preparing enthusiastically for the return of students, and it has been wonderful to see their excitement as they reconnect with students and step into the year ahead. Our grounds and maintenance teams have also worked hard over the holidays on several improvement projects over the holidays to get our campuses ready for our students. These projects include new bathroom blocks at Highton and Belmont campuses, an oval and science rooms for Surf Coast campus, new carpets at Bellarine, an improved canteen at Senior School and upgrades to accommodation at Back Creek Farm.
Throughout our first services, assemblies, and classes across the campuses this week and next week, we are introducing our theme for 2026: Strive for Excellence. This theme is already sparking meaningful conversations with students about what it truly means to do their best: not perfection, but the daily commitment to effort, courage, growth, and resilience. We have been encouraging students to keep striving even when things feel challenging, because it is often in those moments that real learning and character formation take place. Striving for excellence is not about competing with others but being the best version of who we can be every day. Why not ask your children if they have heard about this theme yet and what it means for them? We have also shared stories of inspiring people who embody this mindset, including our own alumna and Olympic gold medallist, Jakara Anthony OAM, whose journey is a powerful reminder that excellence is built on persistence, hard work, and setting ourselves aspirational goals. Her example shows our students that extraordinary achievements are possible when we stay committed to giving our best. As a school we are very excited to support Jakara, who visited us last year for her induction into the CCG Sports Hall of Honour, when she competes in the Winter Olympics in Italy in February this year. I am sure your children will be talking about that at home too over the next few weeks. As we begin this new year together, I am very much looking forward to connecting with families personally at our upcoming welcome picnics and social events across our campuses. These occasions are always a highlight of the year: opportunities to strengthen relationships, celebrate the start of the journey ahead, and continue building the warm, connected, and thriving community that makes our school so special. Here’s to a wonderful year of growth, joy, and striving for excellence together.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
From the Head of Campus
Dear families, on behalf of all the Junior School staff it is with great delight that I welcome you to the first edition of our weekly Vine publication for 2026. In the Vine we aim to both capture student learning and communicate events relating to our Christian College Junior School community.
It has been a joy to see students return to Junior School and fill what have been very quiet rooms and corridors over these past few weeks with joy, laughter and excitement for the year ahead. Whilst there is a lot to be excited about in returning or beginning a new school year, we also recognise that this may be a time of nervousness or worry for your child. Please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher if your child does have worries as we want to ensure that their start at Junior School is a positive and enjoyable one. Staff, especially in these early days, are dedicated to laying the foundations for a safe, caring, connected and respectful environment and we sincerely appreciate your partnership in this.
As mentioned in my letter to you last week we welcome some wonderful new staff to Junior School in 2026. Jaime Alfredson, Lenny Boyd, Damien Morrison and Amy Sier have made a fabulous start with the students and staff and are very much looking forward to getting to know you.
At our Commencement Service for students yesterday I had the opportunity to share our focus at Junior School on being the best version of ourselves because we are who God made us to be. This message forms a part of our whole College focus this year of ‘Striving for Excellence’.
In my message to students, I highlighted that there is no one else in the whole world exactly like them, which is a wonderful gift, and we spoke about what it means to be the best version of yourself.
It doesn’t mean being the best in the class at everything, being the fastest in sport, or being perfect. God doesn’t ask us to be perfect- He asks us to try, to love, and to grow.
It does mean when something is difficult and you keep trying and God smiles at your courage, when you show kindness, even if no one is watching you are shining God’s love and when you help someone, forgive someone, or include someone you are becoming more like Jesus.
Being the best version of yourself means that every day, you get a brand new chance to grow, learn, and shine. When you try your hardest, even if something is tricky, you are being the best version of yourself and when you choose kindness, even when it’s not easy, you are being the best version of yourself.
We were also very excited to have our Executive Principal Dr Mathilda Joubert at our Commencement Service. Dr Joubert spoke to the students on our College message of ‘Striving for Excellence’ and engaged our junior primary children in this concept, encouraging them that you are the best version of yourself when you try your hardest because it is in the challenge that we both gain the most satisfaction and the greatest reward.
So, as we head into 2026 together I encourage us to dwell on the words of Psalm 139:14 where we read “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
Ann-Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Junior School?
Term 1 Week 2
Tuesday 3 Feb: Junior Strings commence, 8am
Tuesday 3 Feb: Year 4 Device rollout
Wednesday 4 Feb: Junior Choir rehearsals commence, 8am, Chapel…All welcome!
Wednesday 4 Feb: Canteen closed
Friday 5 Feb: Canteen open
Term 1 Week 3
Monday 9 Feb: Parent Device Information Session, 6.30pm (online via Microsoft Teams)
Tuesday 10 Feb: Junior School Family Picnic, 6pm, front roundabout
Friday 13 Feb: Assembly, 4R Class Item, 9.05am, Gym
Term 1 Week 4
Monday 16 Feb: Student Leaders’ Induction Service (details to come!)
Monday 16 Feb: Year 4 Aquatic Program (details to come!)
Tuesday 17 Feb: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day (details to come!)
Tuesday 17 Feb: Lunchtime Concert, 1.10pm, Chapel
Tuesday 17 Feb: Prep Parent Literacy and Numeracy Evening (details to come!)
Friday 20 Feb: Prep Discovery Learning, 9.15am-12.10pm
Term 1 Week 5
Monday 23 Feb: Year 3 Camp, Camp Wyuna, Queenscliff
Monday 23 Feb: Year 4 Aquatic Program
Tuesday 24 Feb: Year 3 Camp, Camp Wyuna, Queenscliff
Tuesday 24 Feb: Year 4 excursion, Serendip and The You Yangs (details to come!)
Wednesday 25 Feb: Year 4 excursion, Middle School Swimming Carnival, Kardinia Aquatic Centre
Thursday 26 Feb: Emergency and Lockdown drills
Friday 27 Feb: Assembly, 4G Class item, 9.05am, Gym
Welcome to 2026!
A warm welcome to all new and returning students, staff, and families to our Junior School community as we commence 2026!
As we begin the year, there are already a number of exciting events coming up on the Junior School calendar, including the Parent Device Information Session on Monday 9 February, the Junior School Family Picnic on Tuesday 10 February (details below), the Student Leaders’ Induction Ceremony on Monday 16 February, and the Prep Parent Literacy and Numeracy Information Session on Tuesday 17 February.
Please note the key communication channels used in the Junior School throughout the year:
- Class Newsfeeds on Compass are where Homeroom Teachers will share weekly learning intentions and important information related to your child’s Homeroom. Please note that this will replace the use of Class Dojo.
- The Vine is the College’s weekly newsletter. Families will receive an email link each Friday. The Vine provides a snapshot of learning, activities, and events written by both Homeroom and Specialist classes, as well as a forward-looking overview of upcoming Junior School events.
- Compass Events notifications will be emailed to parents when permission is required for excursions or events. Parents are asked to complete permissions promptly and ensure student medical information is kept up to date.
- The Compass Calendar is updated as early as possible each term. Parents can customise their view by selecting the ‘olive green’ Belmont Campus calendar, the ‘pink’ College calendar, and any other relevant campus calendars to display as an overlay.
Parents are encouraged to visit Reception if any support is needed with any of the above. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead for our Junior School community.
Carla Dunlop, Deputy Head of Campus
Junior School Family Picnic – Tuesday February 10th, 6pm
The Annual Junior School Picnic is a cherished tradition in our Junior School community. Families are invited to bring a picnic and rug and gather at the front roundabout for an evening of fun, connection, and fellowship.
Festivities begin at 6:00pm with an official welcome, followed by some dancing to get everyone moving. Students will then have the opportunity to take their families on a special visit to their Homerooms.
The Music Department Staff will also be available, offering students the chance to try a range of musical instruments available to learn at Junior School. Families are encouraged to visit the instrument demonstrations in the Chapel for what promises to be a lively and entertaining experience.
Carla Dunlop, Deputy Head of Campus
Junior Choir, Strings and Rock Group Rehearsal Begin in Week 2!
The Junior Strings, Choir and Rock Band rehearsals will commence in Week 2. Being part of a music ensemble helps students to develop new friendships, learn a range of new skills and develop an understanding and appreciation of music. Please see details of Music Ensembles beginning in Week 2.
Junior Strings: Tuesdays: 8am: Chapel
Staff – Mr Martin De Marte, Mrs Tammy Treloar, Mrs Jeanette Carnie
*Please note, membership in the Junior Strings is by invitation when students reach the required level to participate in the group
Junior Choir: Wednesdays: 8am: Chapel
Staff – Mrs Carla Dunlop, Mr Steve Horman, Mrs Laura Hollingsworth, Mrs Tammy Treloar
All students from Prep to Year 4 are warmly invited to participate in Junior Choir rehearsals. Throughout the year, the choir practises and performs a variety of vocal warm-ups and songs.
Junior Choir provides a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their listening skills while connecting with like-minded peers from different classes and year levels, all while developing all-round singing technique.
Junior Rock Band: Wednesdays: 3.30pm: Junior School Gym
Staff – Mr Tom Fraser
*Please note, membership in the Rock Band is by invitation when students reach the required level to participate in the group.
Steve Horman
Prep – What a Day of Firsts!
What a wonderful start to the school year our Prep students have had! The first day of school was filled with excitement, smiles and many important “firsts”.
Students began learning some of the everyday routines that help our classroom run smoothly, including how to carefully place their diaries into their satchels — an important job for every Prep student. We also explored the classroom together, discovering where all our important learning tools live, such as the coloured pencils, scissors and glue.
There were lots of proud moments as students practised sitting in their own seats, listening to instructions and putting up their hands. Throughout the day, friendships began to form as students played, talked and worked together, getting to know their classmates.
It was a big day of learning, growth and independence, and our Prep students should be very proud of themselves. We are so excited for the year ahead and all the learning and adventures still to come!
Rachael Whelan
Our Year 1 Learning!
The Year 1 children have had a very positive start to the 2026 school year. Our class program this term will provide a range of learning opportunities that support students in becoming independent learners who participate, contribute, and work cooperatively with others. Each day begins with Devotions, and our Christian Education focus this term will be about ‘God’s Big Plan’ which encourages the children to learn about God’s purpose and how we can share His word.
During Literacy sessions, we will be revising and applying decoding strategies and developing comprehension skills when we read. The writing program will focus on building the children’s ability to record recounts and to add details to their sentences, while continuing to practise handwriting, spelling and punctuation skills.
We have begun our year in Mathematics revising our counting skills and the students will be provided with the opportunity to build and represent numbers using a variety of different strategies. Later in the term, the children will be able to explore the topic of ‘Shapes’ through hands-on-activities and investigations around our school environment.
Finally, our Interdisciplinary Learning unit of ‘We are Family’ encompasses the themes of how families, types of work and everyday objects have changed over time, and the importance of celebrating a family’s heritage.
We are looking forward to a wonderful term filled with learning, sharing, and encouragement as we work together to build a positive and supportive classroom community.
Violet Novacevski
Belonging and Shining in Year 3!
The beginning of Year 3 has been filled with excitement, curiosity and a strong sense of belonging as students settle into new routines, friendships and learning opportunities. Students have shown kindness, confidence and a growing independence as they step into this important year of their schooling journey. Classrooms are buzzing with conversation, laughter. Reading the text, ‘Welcome to Country’, encouraged a sense of belonging not only to our school, but to a special place in the world.
We discussed how diamonds are made and that they go through hard times and build resilience to become the special stone that we see. Students drew connections with how we all are unique and special – and that building our resilience through doing hard things helps us become even more exceptional. We also discussed the importance of thinking of others to create a safe and smooth classroom environment for everyone – allowing other people to shine and giving space for sharing and listening with intent.
For many students, Year 3 represents new milestones and things to look forward to. Lenni shared, “I like being in Year 3 because we get more responsibility and it feels good to help each other.” Ashton is already thinking ahead to outdoor fun, saying, “I’m really excited to play on the oval more with my friends and try new footy skills.” Jack added enthusiastically, “I can’t wait for camp and learning about world rivers – I want to find out how big they are and where they go.”
As the year unfolds, Year 3 students will continue building connections with one another while exploring new learning, challenges and adventures together. Whether it’s collaborating in the classroom, running freely on the oval, or diving into learning about our world, this year is already shaping up to be one full of growth, belonging and joy.
Jessie Stap
Scholastic Book Club News
Dear Families,
Welcome to the Junior School Scholastic Book Club for 2026.
Twice per term your child will bring home the latest Book Club catalogue for you to read and order from if you so wish. There is never any obligation to order, but any orders you do place will earn reward points for Junior School to spend on resources for the children.
It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school, safe and sound and the books will be delivered to class. You can place your child’s order by clicking here or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Please note we DO NOT accept cash as a payment method. We hope you will enjoy being part of Book Club this year.
Issue 1 of Scholastic Book Club has been distributed to students and orders should be placed online by Thursday, February 12.
Thank you for your assistance and support of Book Club.
Violet Novacevski
All-Star Kids at CCG
Reminder: Device Program Parent Information Evening
A reminder that parents from across the College are warmly invited to attend our Student Device Program Parent Webinar that will occur this coming Monday, 9th February from 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
This event, delivered via Microsoft Teams, aims to provide support to parents of students across Years 4-12, especially those new to our device program or new to our College, though all parents and staff will find the information presented to be helpful.
I warmly invite all members of our community to attend.
Parents are encouraged to RSVP using this link to help us gauge numbers and prepare accordingly.
Monday, 9th February 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Parent Webinar delivered via Microsoft Teams (join link to attend here)
All are warmly invited to attend
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
Reported Fees Increase for 2026
Parents may have seen an article published in The Geelong Advertiser on January 17, 2026 which made comment on our fee increases for the 2026 school year. The article published contained a table listing the % increase of fees from 2025 for a number of schools in the Geelong and surrounding areas. The reported increase for our school in the article was inaccurate since it did not take account of the change in how we are presenting fees to parents, as explained in the letter to our parent community at the end of last year. In 2026, unlike 2025 and the years prior, our fees are now inclusive of device, rural and Year 12 levies.
Our tuition fee increase for 2026 in all year levels are 5.95% and not 12.4% as published. This places us alongside Kardinia International College and Geelong College with only Sacred Heart having a lower % fee increase when compared to the 11 schools listed in the article.
If you have any queries in relation to this article or your fees generally, please contact us by emailing fees@ccg.vic.edu.au
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