Junior School Term 2 Week 8

From the Dean of Christian Culture

In the boat

Beside the sea, there lived a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse. One sunny day, they decided to go for a row in the bay. Guess who sank the boat?

Did you ever read this classic picture story book ‘Who Sank the Boat?’ It is a wonderful book by Pamella Allen that you can still find in most primary and public libraries, you can certainly find it on my bookshelf, right next to ‘Mr Magee’. If you haven’t read it this book tells the story of a boat that sinks as each animal piles aboard. Eventually after the big cow and the large donkey, the fluffy sheep and the pig all get in the boat a tiny mouse climbs aboard and...the boat sinks.

We often use this story book to teach measurements, weight, volume displacement etc. We ask questions like ‘Who sank the boat?’, ‘If the mouse got in first, before the cow and the donkey, would the mouse still have sunk the boat?’ ‘What would we need to change about the story to ensure the boat didn’t sink?’. Young readers are quick to understand that it doesn’t really matter what order the animals enter the boat the reality is they can’t all be in the boat together without it sinking. Readers are also quick to suggest that in order not to sink there are two solutions; either the animals need greater capacity in their boat, or the same boat must make multiple trips to carry all the animals.

The story is not so different from our lives. Maybe you’re hitting that close to mid-year point, nearing the end of term and starting to feel the waves are coming up over the edges of your boat. Or that perhaps you’re in a place where it really wouldn’t matter how tiny or light the mouse is, if you add one more thing your boat is going under.

From the Head of Campus

At Junior School I have the opportunity every day to be surrounded by acts of kindness. Whether it is a staff member who bakes for our Junior School staff or a student that takes the time to stop and say “Hello Mrs Weigl” – these little things can make the world of difference to your day.

 Kindness can be described as ‘a powerful force that can transform lives and communities through the simple act of extending empathy, compassion, and understanding to others’. In showing kindness to others, we have the opportunity not only to be the one who is making someone else’s day brighter, we can also receive that intrinsic ‘good feeling’ when we know we have given the gift of kindness to another. Research has shown that kindness increases happiness and wellbeing, reduces stress, and can even improve physical health. It’s a universal language that transcends cultural and social barriers, fostering connections and building trust. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand gestures; even small acts can have a profound impact. Whether it’s a smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand, these moments of kindness can create ripples of positivity that spread far and wide. By choosing to be kind, we contribute to a more compassionate world and discover the joy and fulfillment that come from helping others. It’s a reminder that in a world where you can be anything, being kind is perhaps the most rewarding choice of all.

Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.”

What’s on at Junior School

This an up to date list of planned activities at Junior Campus that you can use for planning purposes.  Please be aware that these dates are set early in the term and occasionally items may need to be cancelled or dates/times altered.  This itinerary is altered each week to reflect any changes – please check this list of events EVERY WEEK carefully when you read the weekly VINE newsletter.

Week 9

Monday June 10 – Kings Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday June 11 – Lunchtime Concert, 1:00pm
Wednesday June 12 – Prep Royal Party
Wednesday June 12 – First Responder Day
Thursday June 13 – Wacky Hair Day
Friday June 14 – Year 1 Excursion – Werribee Zoo
Friday June 14 – Year 4 to attend Middle School Talent Quest

Week 10
Monday June 17 – Year 3 E & E Speech Morning, (Edsmart to come!)
Tuesday June 18 – Year 3 Rome Incursion
Tuesday June 18 – Year 4 E & E Speech Morning (Edsmart to come!)
Wednesday June 19 – Prep Excursion – Fairy Park
Friday June 21 – Year 4 Ancient China Incursion (Edsmart to come!)
Friday June 21 – Assembly 9:00am, 2G Item
Friday June 21 – Conclusion of Term 2. 3:30pm Dismissal

Reminder:  Generative AI Parent Webinar

A reminder to parents and members of our community that we will be offering an online parent webinar, delivered via Microsoft Teams, next Wednesday. It has been wonderful to see such strong parent interest via RSVP responses and questions submitted so far.

There is still time to register for this event. Further details about the event are listed below.

Event: Generative AI and School Parent Webinar
Format: Microsoft Teams online webinar
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 6.30pm – 7.15pm

Topics likely to be explored in the webinar include:

• What is generative AI?
• What are the benefits, risks, and limitations of these tools?
• What is the College’s response to generative AI?
• What AI tools do students have access to at school?
• What are the College’s rules and guidelines for use of generative AI?
• How can I support my child with navigating this space ethically and safely?

Interested parents are encouraged to register for the event via the form link below, to help with planning. Parents can also indicate what information they feel would be most relevant to them as they complete this form.

Register for the parent webinar

World Environment Day at Junior School

Junior School has embraced World Environmental Day on Wednesday June 5, with a range of challenges to help our young people think about the environment around them, and ways that they might care for it. In Week 8 students participated in a design – recycle – reuse activity, using a small, recycled box. These boxes were recycled from the changing of the Junior School LED batten lights over the summer break.  Classes were asked to be particularly conscious about energy use in rooms on Wednesday, lowering heater thermostats, closing doors and turning off lights when not using rooms. We’re looking forward to comparing our energy use and learning about some of the data. All classrooms were given their very own ‘pet’ plant – a piece of ivy that will be the class’ responsibility to care for and grow over the remainder of the year. As well as improving air quality, plants in classrooms can contribute to positive wellbeing, raise environmental consciousness, provide learning opportunities and help us feel connected with nature. We can’t wait to check out how big these little plants might grow! It is wonderful to watch and work with the Junior School Environmental Club. Such an incredible thing to see our young people so passionate and driven to learn about and help our environment here at Junior School.

Lost Property 

As we move into the final weeks of term, we encourage families to visit lost property items. Uniform that is not named will be given to the Uniform Shop to resell; all other unnamed items will be donated.  

Wacky Hair Day – Geelong Mums

On Thursday June 13, Christian College Junior School’s Project Care team is running a Wacky Hair Day as a drive to collect much-needed toiletry products to continue to support the work of Our Village – Geelong Mums.

Last term, our Junior School community donated an incredible number of socks to support this local organisation helping families in need and as Our Village – Geelong Mums continues to provide relief to local families, the need for specific toiletries has arisen.

These Project Care initiatives give students the opportunity to hear and learn about local organisations who support within the community and offer students a tangible experience in caring for others practically, as Jesus encouraged His followers to do.

Students are encouraged to come to school in their uniform with the most wacky, colourful and fun hairstyle and bring along an item listed below to support this cause.

Our Village – Geelong Mums have provided a list of the most-needed and practical toiletry items to assist families in need including:

Kids 3 in1 Wash
Deodorant
Baby Shampoo and soap
Hairbrushes

Please note that a gold coin is NOT required for this day. We really look forward to celebrating this day together, thank you for joining with us to support people in need within our community.

Knitted With Love

A Grandparent within our Junior School community has tirelessly been knitting ‘Godly Play’ stories for our Staff and Students to use. These sets offer students the opportunity to explore Biblical stories in a tangible and interactive way, allowing for discussion, wondering and reflection. Our students have been loving engaging in these stories and they have become a valuable part of our program here at Junior School.

We are so thankful for her generous time and resources to bring these stories to life and as resources continue to be knitted for Junior School, we want to share her incredible talent with our community and offer a way for our families to get involved and support.

In the Junior School Foyer, a stall has been set up where hand-knitted teddies, hearts and animals can be purchased, with all proceeds going into purchasing more yarn. Pop into the foyer anytime and have a look, there will be new creations coming in throughout the term.

A special highlight is the small hearts for sale for $2 – these work wonderfully for students to have in their pocket throughout the day and hold on to in times of big emotions or for added comfort.

We are so thankful to have this very special and talented knitter within our Junior School community and thank her for her generosity and heart to serve. We hope these Godly Play story boxes will be part of Junior School for years to come.

Preps and Year 4 Buddies 

In light of our recent Reconciliation Week celebrations, the Prep students had a fantastic time during a special buddy session organised by the Year 4 students. This session was not just about fun and games; it was a meaningful journey into the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations People, who have been playing these games for over 40,000 years.

The Year 4 buddies studied and planned four rounds of traditional games created and played by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. From the moment the games began, the Preps had a bunch of fun. They eagerly participated, learning new skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for the history and traditions of our First Nations People.

Among the games, there were activities that tested their physical abilities, strategic thinking, and teamwork. The Year 4 students took on the roles of both organisers and teachers, demonstrating remarkable leadership and enthusiasm. They guided the Preps through each game, explaining the rules and sharing interesting facts about the cultural significance behind them.

The Preps loved every moment of the session. Their smiles and laughter were a testament to the joy they found in these traditional activities. It was heartwarming to see the strong bonds formed between the Preps and their older buddies, as they worked together, played together, and learned together.

A big thank you to the Year 4 students for their hard work and dedication in organising such a memorable and meaningful experience for the Preps. And to our Preps, we are so proud of your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. 

Mastering Money Maths

During our recent Maths sessions focusing on Money, the Year 2 students have been learning about the value of Australian notes and coins, how to add up amounts of money using our addition skills, as well as how to calculate change after making a purchase using our subtraction knowledge. The students have had exposure to a range of hands-on maths activities to explore and consolidate their understanding of how money works and for what purposes it is used in our everyday life.

The students were given the opportunity to further explore the concept of money whilst rotating around a variety of investigation stations. They were given tasks such as locating and selecting specific grocery items in a catalogue, recording and calculating prices of single and multiple items, as well as working out the change they would receive from their purchases from given amounts.

Gravity Takes Over

Our Year 4 classes are diving into an exciting IDL (Interdisciplinary Learning) unit to explore the various forces at work in our world. These forces include push, pull, thrust, friction, gravity, and drag. In Week 8, our students focused on understanding how gravity and drag affect the motion of objects. They participated in a hands-on project where they built parachutes to see how these forces can slow down a falling object.

 Choosing materials including fabric, plastic, and paper, the students designed and constructed their own parachutes. They then tested their creations in a controlled environment, observing how well their parachutes performed. After testing, the students reflected on and evaluated their designs. This project was an enjoyable experiment, helping students learn about gravity and drag while also emphasising the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Through experimentation and thoughtful reflection, the students saw the value in adjusting based on their results. Throughout the unit, students will continue conducting small experiments during their IDL lessons. They will collect data to help them make informed scientific conclusions.

What’s new in the Library – Genrefication!

Over the past few weeks, we have undergone a big change in the organisation of our Fiction section of the library. We have rearranged our Fiction books into Genres. For example, all the mystery and suspense books are now in one section and arranged alphabetically. This has already had many benefits. It has created much interest among the students as they decide which genre they are most interested in. We have added handy charts and signage to assist students with their selections. It was a joy to observe our students as they discovered hidden gems and new books they hadn’t noticed before. In all we have 14 Genres, ranging from humorous stories, adventure stories, to fantasy and sporty stories, to name a few.

We have also enjoyed seeing our families take advantage of the extended Library opening hours on Monday after school. It has delighted us to see parents accompanying their students into the Library and doing some additional family borrowing. The discussions around books that they are reading are fabulous, modelling what a lifelong reader looks like.

Using Technology for a Purpose

Year 1, 2 and 4 Digital Technologies classes this term have focused on how we can use computers to represent data. These year levels have explored Microsoft Excel as a platform to enter collected data and represent this data as either a bar chart or a pie chart. Each week we have engaged with unplugged activities to help us understand how to find, collect and sort our data, then use our computers to represent and interpret our findings.

Year 1 and Year 2 have also been creative with Paint3D when investigating tally tables, data patterns, koala glyphs and Venn diagrams.

Lastly, and not to be forgotten, Year 3 have had a most secretive term, learning all about secret codes and messages. We have experimented with substitution codes, number codes, binary code, Morse code, hieroglyphs and even emojis.

Wow, what a term! Our digital learning at Junior School is looking amazing!

There’s no ‘no’ in Improv – Theatre Sports Club

Lunchtimes on Wednesdays in the Music and Performing Arts (MPA) room have been a buzz this term. Each term we mix up the MPA club – this term we are focusing on Drama and specifically, Theatre Sports. Theatre Sports is a form of improvisational theatre which can be run as a competition in teams or, as we do, exploration of making things up on the spot through games. Our Theatre Sports aficionados have been improvising like there’s no tomorrow.

We have explored our on-the-spot thinking and how we engage with our fellow performers through quick games and scenario creations. Some of the favourite games we play, which could try at home, include:

‘Blueberry Pie’ – four students act out a scene and then perform that same scene again in a different style. E.g. opera, silent film, slow motion etc.

‘Change’ – two people interact with each other in a scenario. After a line from someone is said ‘change’ is shouted out. The person who said that line must change the last thing they said. This repeats throughout the scene.

‘Two Line Vocabulary’ – Three performers act out a scenario. One person can say whatever they like but the other two are limited to their own two lines e.g. “I like toast” and “How does that even happen”. Hilarity ensues!

There are many more!

String Ensemble Performance Evening

Last night saw the annual String Ensemble Performance Evening take place in the RW Gibson Auditorium. The evening began with a combined performance of Bach's Brandeburg Concert No. 5 from the Highton and Bellarine Middle School String Ensembles. The students have been preparing this piece separately, and it was a wonderful experience to hear it as a combined performance.

Each of the Middle School Groups also presented individual group pieces, "Viking" from the Highton MS Strings and "South Brisbane Tango" from the Bellarine MS Strings. Both of these energetic pieces were executed with great aplomb by our Middle School Students.

The Ceilidh Band from Bellarine then presented some traditional Irish Folk Music for the audience in the form of a set of reel and jigs.

Combined Junior Strings Rehearsal

Today saw the Junior String Ensembles from Surf Coast, Junior School and Bellarine gather together for a fun day of combined music making.  The enthusiastic students were brought together in the Bellarine Auditorium to form a super-sized String Ensemble of over 60 musicians! They rehearsed two pieces before a short break in which the students from the different campuses got to mingle with their fellow string buddies.

We then resumed playing with some individual group performances, before our excited audience of Yr. 1 and 2 Bellarine students arrived to hear the combined string group perform “Jack in the Box”, followed by a rousing rendition of an Irish folk tune “Toss the Feathers” made famous by the Irish pop group The Corrs. This tune also featured the  Bellarine Ceilidh Band in support. The young string students were also graced with an exciting performance of some themes from the movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean” from our VCE String Ensemble, most of whom began learning their instruments in Grade 2!

It was wonderful to see these young musicians perform together so seamlessly and participate so fully. We look forward to presenting a similar concert for families and friends at the Spring into Strings evening scheduled for later in term three.

Thanks to: Rebecca Bertoncello, upper strings teacher and director of the Bellarine Junior String ensemble; the piano accompaniment staff of Stephanie Lawrence and Tammy Treloar, and our Cello teachers Jeanette Carnie and Caitie Martin. Thanks also to Mr Andrew Dunlop who cooked all the sausages for our lunch time sausage sizzle.

Gathering Hope

The Foundation was pleased to host their bi-annual Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon on Friday, 24 May 2024 at Provenance Wines in Fyansford. With close to 80 guests in attendance, the event successfully raised $19K, which has been doubled, thanks to our current dollar-matching campaign, raising a total of $38K for the Foundation.

The guest speaker was Jossy Chacko, who generously gave up an entire day to support the work of the College and our local community. In addition to speaking at the luncheon, Jossy gave a devotion to our Senior School staff, spent time being scrutinised by the Year 10 Global Ethics class, and supported our local Christian radio station, 96three FM.

Calling all CC Eagles Members and Families

A big thank you to the families that have purchased NBL1 Tickets to date.

An opportunity is still available for you to be a part of CC Eagles Basketball Club/ Geelong United Basketball Fundraiser, with NBL1 Tickets available for the following game through the Club:

Round 10 – Geelong United Supercats v Melbourne Tigers – Saturday 15 June

Tip-off: Women – 5:00pm, Men – 7:00pm The Ticket gets you into both games at The Geelong Arena

All pre-ordered tickets are $12.00 with $6.00 being retained by the club. Please note General Admission tickets are normally $16 per person.

If you are a Christian College family, you can purchase 1- 8 tickets ($12 to $96) through the College Portal:

• Log into Parent Portal – My Details – Payments Tab – Click on the NBL1 Game Day Tickets
• Then click on the drop down to select how many tickets you want to purchase. Amount will automatically fill.

Seeking Christian College Company Members

Christian College Geelong is seeking expressions of interest from any parent or guardian interested in becoming a new Company Member.

Company Members play an important part in the governance structure and protection of the College. A number of positions on the Christian College Board are filled by company members, depending on the skillset required when vacancies arise, and it is the company members who have the responsibility of voting to pass any amendments to the Christian College constitution. Company members may also be eligible to sit on various committees involved in the governance of the College.

Whilst participating as a company member is not overly onerous, it needs to be pointed out that the position is voluntary and not remunerated in any way. Also, please understand an expression of interest does not guarantee automatic membership of the company.

If you have a heart for the College, and feel you would have the time to dedicate and an interest in this role, please contact the Company Secretary, Bernard Nicholls at b.nicholls@ccg.vic.edu.au. All expressions of interest must be submitted by COB Friday, August 2.

Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding

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. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. 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 (Student Information, then 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

The closing date for applications is June 28.

 For more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

National Collection of Data on Students With a Disability

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). With data collected on the first Friday in August (August 5 this year), the NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability.

These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD Guidelines.

Please see the attached NCCD Fact Sheet for more information.

NCCD Parent Fact Sheet

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!