Junior School Term 1 Week 5

Life in Abundance – Lenten Celebrations

Around the dinner table this week the question was asked “how’s your Easter going?”. This may seem a strange question if our experience of Easter is the long weekend at the end of March, however when Easter becomes the whole Lenten Season it’s a very good question indeed. A wonderful conversation ensued with talk of Easter bonnet building, fresh insights from Bible readings, a new hot cross bun recipe to try, Grandma’s Easter daisies are coming out and looking good, someone lamented their choice to give up caffeine and the youngest gleefully shared their countdown to Easter Sunday morning.

The season of Lent has traditionally been associated with a spirit of repentance, prayer, fasting, charitable giving and focusing on Jesus’s great sacrifice through his death and resurrection. In addition, this season of preparing to celebrate Easter is also characterised by the intentional appreciation and celebration of new life, unyielding hope, the miracle of a life transformed through faith, hope and love and the promise of life and life in abundance.

The Importance of Structured Literacy

If you have been watching, listening, or reading any media coverage over the past few weeks you would have heard about the Grattan Institute Report around reading.

A couple of key points that have been highlighted in the report –

“Decades of research have shown what is best for all students:

• Your child should be taught systematically how letters relate to sounds, so they can sound out the unfamiliar words they see on the page. They can then practise these skills using ‘decodable’ texts.
• Your child’s teacher should read books aloud with the whole class, to make sure all students get to experience exciting stories and learn new vocabulary, even if they can’t yet read confidently on their own.
• Your child should be taught new words explicitly, right through school. By the end of school, they should have a rich vocabulary and background knowledge so they can understand more complex texts in subjects such as Biology and History.”

Student Learning Conferences

Student Learning Conferences are being held online on Tuesday March 12, 4:00pm-7:00pm and Thursday March 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Please note: Bookings are now up and will close on Monday March 11, 4:00pm.

Please see the attached file below on how to book a student learning conference with your child’s teacher.

We encourage you to forward any queries regarding accessing the online conferences to our IT Specialists by contacting helpdesk@ccg.vic.edu.au. 

Please also find a link to a document which outlines the steps for you to participate in the online Teams conferences: Parent Guide, Joining a Teams Meeting

What’s on at Junior School

Week 6
Monday March 4 – Emergency Evacuation & Lockdown Drills
Tuesday March 5 – Open Day, 9.15am – 10.45am
Tuesday March 5 – Lunchtime Concert, 1:10pm
Wednesday March 6 – Preps Attend School Today
Thursday March 7 – Year 4 attend Middle School Swimming Carnival; Kardinia Aquatic Centre. (Refer to EdSmart)
Friday March 8 – Year 3 & 4 Chapel Service; 9:00am
Friday March 8 – Sock Drive for Geelong Mums, Crazy Sock Day!

Week 7
Monday March 11 – Labour Day Public Holiday; Student Free Day
Tuesday March 12 – Student Learning Conferences , 4:00pm-7:00pm (Please refer to Edsmart notification)
Wednesday March 13 – Preps at school,  Discovery Learning
Wednesday March 13 – Naplan, Writing
Thursday March 14 – Student Learning Conferences, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday March 14 – Naplan, Reading
Friday March 15 – Assembly, 3B Class Item
Friday March 15 – Year 3 Bible Presentation

Silly Socks Reminder!

A reminder that on Friday March 8 (Week 6), Junior School Belmont’s Project Care team will be running ‘Silly Sock Day’ to facilitate a sock drive for Geelong Mums. Students are encouraged to wear a pair of their most colourful, fun, out-there socks to school on this day and instead of a gold coin donation, students are encouraged to bring in a pair of new children’s sized socks that will be donated to Geelong Mums to help local families in need.

Geelong Mums is a local non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families in need within the Geelong community. They collect donations of essential baby and children’s items such as clothing, toys, and nursery equipment to support families experiencing hardship. Geelong Mums aims to alleviate the stress and financial burden on families by providing them with essential items for their children, thereby promoting their health and wellbeing.

Please note that this is not a casual dress day and usual Friday uniform is to be worn along silly socks.

We are so looking forward to this fun initiative!

Mathematical Year 2s!

Over the past week, the Year 2s have been expanding their understanding of addition. In particular, students have been practising using a number of strategies to solve 2-digit sums.

The first strategy is to use MAB blocks which will sometimes require students to regroup. Students have used concrete materials to do this while others have preferred to draw their sums on their whiteboards.

The second strategy is to create a number line. Usually starting with the largest number, students will use the number line to add the 10s and then smaller jumps to add the ones.

The final strategy is partitioning. Students break the problem down into parts, the 10s and ones, and then add these numbers together. The final step is to add the 10s and ones back together to complete the sum.

It has been rewarding to see the students delve further into their mathematical understanding and to develop their ability to understand addition.

It’s a Miracle!

In Year 3 we are learning about the miracles of Jesus. To begin with we looked at Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana.

The students learnt that during a wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus transformed approximately 450 litres of water into wine at the request of his mother, Mary. It was at this moment that His disciples put their faith in him. The students completed a sequencing task to demonstrate their understanding of the story.

The second miracle we learnt about was when Jesus healed the blind man. The students were able to make the important link between the physical healing of a man and healing the world from sin. To demonstrate their understanding, the students created a mask and retold the story in small groups.

At the conclusion of the term the students will be given the opportunity to research and create a poster representing one of Jesus’ many miracles.

Me, Myself and I – Vibrant and Emotive Self Portraits

Creating emotive portraits means making pictures that show how people feel inside. It’s like painting or drawing feelings! Think about how you feel when you’re happy, sad, or excited. Artists like Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, and John Brack were really good at drawing these feelings in their own special ways. For example, Munch painted a famous picture called ’The Scream’ that shows someone feeling scared and surprised. Picasso drew faces in funny shapes to show different feelings. And Brack painted people doing everyday things but in a way that makes you think about how they might be feeling. Looking at their artwork helps us understand that it’s okay to have lots of different feelings, and it’s beautiful to express them through art. That’s precisely how we’re tackling self-portraits in the junior years, exploring a range of artists and emotions to portray ourselves in the various emotional states we find ourselves in.

Improving Confidence in the Pool

Our Year 3 and 4 Intensive Swimming program finished up this week. I have been really encouraged to see how much the students have developed their skills and confidence whilst having a bit of fun along the way.

One of the many highlights has been the way all students have approached the sessions, with many students being able to work on the basics of swimming such as kicking and breathing right through to developing their swimming technique.

With our Year 4s attending the Middle School Swimming Carnival next week, many will have gained confidence in being able to participate strongly.

We had a great team of assistants that ran each session, keeping it fun and engaging for the students. A huge thank you to Issy Benson, Kade and Harry Leigh, Joel Dillon, Zac Devonish, Nicole Briscoe and Brad Morris.

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum

Thank you to the parents and guardians who have responded and registered for this upcoming event next Wednesday evening. Based on your responses to date, here are the top 5 topics parents are most interested in exploring on the night:

• Protecting my child from harmful or inappropriate content
• Screen time - finding a healthy balance
• Parental controls
• Cyber bullying
• Making informed parental decisions about specific apps and games

We’re especially excited about the opportunity on this evening for some rich sharing and discussion amongst parents attending and will also share information on how the school can support you and your children in this space, at school and at home.

As this event is intended for interactive participation by attendees in a forum-style format, there will not be a recording available.

This event will be suitable and relevant for parents of students of all ages, from Prep through to Year 12. This one-hour forum will involve a combination of information and support from the College, as well as an opportunity to share and discuss challenges and strategies with fellow parents.

Cross-Campus Vocal Evening

The Christian College Music Faculty held their first Cross-Campus Vocal Evening for 2024 on Wednesday, February 28 in the RW Gibson Music Performance Centre.

Vocal students from years 2-12 and from all five campuses performed solos accompanied by Regina Thomae, Tammy Treloar and Brad Treloar.

Our voice teachers Jacinta Burns, Brad Treloar, Tania Grant and me are all very proud of the students who performed and look forward to our next vocal evening.

Following on from this performance opportunity the music faculty will also be holding string, brass, woodwind and piano cross-campus evenings throughout the remainder of Term 1.

International Women’s Day Celebration at Senior Campus

All members of the CCG community are invited to join us at the Senior School campus for International Women’s Day on Friday March 8, as we continue the long-held tradition of the IWD breakfast. This year the event will be held in the RW Gibson music centre on Senior Campus, commencing at 7.20am and with formalities concluding by 8.30am. A light breakfast is provided, and we will hear from two inspiring women with links to our community who are making an impact in the wider world.

About our speakers - Former CCG student Ms Georgie Purcell MP was elected to the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament in November 2022, representing the Animal Justice Party. Georgie is a passionate animal protection advocate. After entering a political role at just 26 years old – she has noticed the way young people, particularly young women, are not represented in our halls of power. Georgie wants to change that.

Former teacher at CCG, Ms Gabrielle Blythe was an Olympic athlete, representing Australia in race walking events at the 1992 Olympic Games. Gaby now works with young women in her teaching and mentoring role at Clonard College, as well as inspiring a new generation of female athletes through her coaching. Gaby’s story is an amazing story about strong, resilient women who helped her to achieve her goals, despite significant difficulties along the way.

To join us on the day, please complete the booking form at https://www.trybooking.com/CPMKT.

In order to keep the day accessible to all, we are not charging participants for entry/breakfast. If, however, you are able to make a small contribution (gold coin or similar) on the day to help cover costs, it would be greatly appreciated.

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

Find Yourself at our Open Day!

On March 5, all five Christian College campuses and two kindergartens are holding Open Days. Our Open Days provide the opportunity for parents and others interested in enrolling their children at Christian College to have a firsthand look at our College campuses, speak with campus leaders, participate in student-led tours of the facilities, visit classrooms in real time and have their questions answered.

We would encourage everyone in our Christian College community to spread the word and tell anyone you might know who is considering schooling options for their children about our Open Day and the opportunity to come and visit one or more campuses and/or our kinders, with no tour booking required.

Details are on our website – follow the hotlink on our homepage or click Homepage > Join > Open Days.

Opening times for March 5 are as follows:

Junior School-Belmont and Williams House Kindergarten – 9:15 – 10:45am

Bellarine Campus – 9:30 – 11:00am

Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House Kindergarten – 11:30am – 1:00pm

Middle School-Highton – 10:30am – 12:00 noon

Senior School – 11:30am – 1:00pm

We would love to see as many interested families as possible finding themselves at our Open Day!

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!