From The Executive Principal
As we reach the end of another remarkable term, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of opportunities our students have embraced over the past months. Term 2 has been filled with learning, challenge, creativity, service, adventure and celebration. Most importantly, it has been a term in which we have seen our young people continue to grow as people of character, compassion and purpose.
It is difficult to capture all that has occurred within a single newsletter article. Our sporting calendar has been as busy as ever. House Soccer, the Elevate basketball program and numerous interschool sporting competitions have enabled students to challenge themselves, represent the College with pride and learn the value of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Our community has been inspired by the outstanding performances of students in Godspell, a production that showcased remarkable talent, dedication and teamwork. Students have travelled far and wide, from the Canberra Trip to the Indonesia Study Tour and the Our World journeys through Central Australia, each experience broadening perspectives and deepening understanding of the diverse world in which we live.
We have gathered as a community to celebrate Anzac Day, Reconciliation Week, Mother's Day, cross-campus music nights and special assemblies. Thank you to all who joined us for these special occasions where we build community together. Across the College, students have participated in a vast range of camps, excursions and farm stays that have enriched their learning and fostered independence, resilience and connection.
Our commitment to authentic learning experiences has continued through opportunities such as the Forensic Science Partnership with Deakin University, providing students with valuable insights into future pathways and real-world applications of their studies. We have also enjoyed reconnecting with former students through an Alumni Reunion and special Careers Week visits, celebrating the enduring bonds that make our College community so special.
This weekend, we celebrate with our Year 11 students and families at the Presentation Balls, a significant milestone in the life of our young people. Next week, our staff will participate in a three-day retreat, a valuable opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving, learning and renewal as we continue our shared mission of supporting every student to flourish. And on Thursday, our College Prefects will depart on a 12-day immersion experience to Timor Leste. Our College has enjoyed a long and meaningful partnership with communities in Viqueque, and this journey represents another chapter in our commitment to service learning, and global citizenship. I look forward to joining in on this transformative experience this year.
When I consider everything that has taken place this term, I am reminded of the extraordinary opportunities available within one school community. Each experience – whether on the stage, in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the Australian outback, overseas, or in service to others – plays a role in shaping young people who are capable, confident and compassionate.
We see the greatest growth in our students when they develop a genuine other-centred outlook; when they begin to understand that their gifts, talents and education are not simply for personal success, but for making a positive difference in the lives of others. These experiences help nurture empathy, leadership, resilience and a commitment to contributing to the common good. They are helping to form young people who will leave our College ready to engage with the world with both courage and humility.
Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership and support. The encouragement, care and guidance you provide at home are critical in helping your young people thrive. Together, we continue to create an environment in which students can grow, learn and become the very best versions of themselves.
I wish all students and families a restful and enjoyable holiday break. May the coming weeks provide opportunities to recharge, spend quality time together and enjoy a well-earned change of pace.
We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 on Monday the 13th of July.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
The Promise of the Rainbow
Dear families, I am not sure if you were out or about this morning to see the most beautiful rainbow in the sky. It’s vibrant colours reminded me of the vibrant and bright community we have here at Junior School filled with God’s promises.
As our term comes to a close, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank-you for your support and encouragement of our community during term 2. We are grateful for all that has been learned, shared, and achieved during this time. Like the rainbow in Scripture, a sign of God’s enduring promise, may we remember that He is present through every season, in both the challenges and the joys.
As families begin this holiday break, I pray that it is a time of rest, connection, and renewal. May your days be filled with peace, laughter, and simple moments of togetherness.
Just as the rainbow appears after the storm, may hope guide you into the days ahead, reminding you that God’s love is constant and His blessings are always near.
Wishing all families a safe, restful, and joy-filled break.
Ann‑Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
Stories of Significance
Throughout Term 2, we have been exploring the parables of Jesus, stories of significance that reveal powerful truths about God’s love and Kingdom.
During our chapel services, we unpacked the parable of the yeast, reflecting on how our kind words and actions can quietly but powerfully share the love and hope of Jesus with those around us.
In the lead up to our second chapel service, excitement filled the campus as we went on the hunt for Sonny and his 99 missing sheep! Through this fun and engaging activity, we explored the parable of the lost sheep and were reminded that Jesus deeply loves each and every one of us, even when we feel lost.
At the end of chapel, the room erupted with celebration as Sonny was finally found after hiding all week. It was a beautiful picture of the joy and celebration Jesus has when even one person is found.
As we moved into Week 9, there were still four sheep yet to be discovered, but the students never gave up! Their determination to bring every sheep home was inspiring, and it was so wonderful to see students living out the character of the Good Shepherd in our hallways.
During the Term 2 break, my prayer for every family is that you would take time to reflect on and celebrate your own stories. Each of us carries something significant within us, and when we share our stories, they become a blessing to others.
Keep safe, rest well, and enjoy the well-deserved break.
See you in Term 3!
Arze Painter, Chaplain
What’s Happening at Junior School?
Term 3 Week 1
Monday 13 July: Staff and students return
Monday 13 July: Year 4 Camp, Lake Dewar Lodge
Tuesday 14 July: Year 4 Camp, Lake Dewar Lodge
Wednesday 15 July: Year 4 Camp, Lake Dewar Lodge
Thursday 16 July: Parent and Families Information Session
Friday 17 July : Prep Discovery Learning
Term 3 Week 2
Tuesday 21 July: Launch of Faith and Flourish Club, Year 3, lunchtime
Term 3 Week 3
Tuesday 28 July: Lunchtime Concert, 1.10pm-1.30pm
Thursday 30 July: Student Learning Conferences, 4:00pm-7:00pm (In Person)
Friday 31 July: Student Learning Conferences, 10:00am – 4:00pm (Online)
Term 3 Week 4
Tuesday 4 August: Prep 100 Days of School
Friday 7 August: Assembly, 1B Class Item
Term 3 Week 5
Monday 10 August: Emergency and lockdown drills
Tuesday 11 August: Lunchtime Concert, 1.10pm-1.30pm
Thursday 13 August: Science Expo, 3.30pm-4.30pm (details to come!)
Friday 14 August: Prep Discovery Learning
Friday 14 August: Year 2 Aquatic Program commences (details to come!)
Faith and Flourish
During Term 3, our Belmont Campus brings you Faith & Flourish Lunch time Club for our Year 3 students. Teaming up are our campus Chaplain Mrs Arze Painter and our Student Wellbeing Officer Amy Cornwell to provide students with a connection between faith and their personal wellbeing.
Faith & Flourish brings together key information that our students learn from our Flourish Wellbeing Curriculum and Christian Education lessons, such as prayer, scripture and practical strategies for when they may be feeling strong emotions or circumstances arise.
This lunch time club aims to cover a range of emotions such as happiness, anger, conflict resolution and loving one another. We will spend time exploring scripture, practical wellbeing strategies and understanding these emotions more.
As future leaders it is important for our Year 3 students to have a strong foundation in faith and wellbeing as they move towards their final year of Junior school.
This lunch time club is on a sign-up basis for Year 3 studentswho are eager to upskill their faith and wellbeing tool kit. Faith and Flourish will run every Tuesday lunch from weeks two to nine.
We are looking forward to seeing our students grow and flourish!
Please email Amy ( a.cornwell@ccg.vic.edu.au ), or Arze ( a.painter@ccg.vic.edu.au ) for more information.
Amy Cornwell, Student Wellbeing Officer
Arze Painter, Chaplain
That’s a Wrap – Semester One in Prep!
What an incredible first semester we have had in Prep! As we come to the end of Term 2, it is amazing to reflect on just how much the children have learned, achieved, and grown since their very first day of school.
This semester, our Preps have developed their independence and confidence in so many ways. They have learned letter names and sounds, begun reading words and books, formed letters correctly, and progressed from writing single words to creating their own sentences. In Mathematics, they have learned to count, add, subtract, sort collections, and create graphs to display information.
Beyond literacy and numeracy, our students have explored the rich history and culture of First Nations Peoples, practised retelling stories using characters, problems, and actions, and developed important social skills such as making friends, solving problems, and taking responsibility for packing their own bags and taking care of their belongings.
We have also enjoyed many special experiences together, including visits to the beach and our Bush Prep adventures, where students have explored, discovered, and learned through nature.
When asked about their favourite parts of their first semester at school, our students shared:
“I liked making new friends and catching the bus to Bush Prep.” – Savannah
“My favourite thing about school is library, the firefighters and playing outside.” – Jack
“I like music because it makes me do a lot of dancing.” – Georgejannah
“I like library, sport with Mrs Green and recess time playing.” – Nate
We are so proud of every child and all they have accomplished during their first semester of school. The growth we have seen in each student has been remarkable, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve in Semester 2. Have a wonderful and well-deserved holiday break!
Rachael Whelan
Year One: Our Learning This Term
During this term, the Year 1 children have participated in a range of learning activities across the curriculum, through which they have been able to build their skills, understanding and confidence.
As part of our Literacy program, we have read a variety of picture books and rich texts to support the students with building their vocabulary and comprehension. The children were encouraged to use the information from the texts as ideas for writing their own reports. They have been learning how to identify key facts, in order to then record their sentences.
During Mathematics our work has focused upon increasing the students’ addition and subtraction strategies, including using number lines, counting on and partitioning. We have also completed measurement activities focusing upon length and mass, where the children were able to compare and order objects, use informal units and record their findings.
Through our Christian Education program, the students have been reading about Jesus’ miracles, and they have enjoyed finding these stories in their own Bibles. The children were provided with the opportunity to complete craft activities, such as a basket of food for the miracle of ‘Jesus feeds the 5000’ with the aim of building their understanding of Jesus’ special work here on Earth.
As part of IDL, we have investigated the topic of animals and their habitats. The children have been able to gather key information about how different animals survive and how their environments support them. During the term, the students were set the task of creating a triorama of a koala’s environment and a ‘paper plate’ display of a chameleon’s habitat using a range of different craft materials.
The children are to be congratulated for their great efforts with their learning this term. They have worked together as a team, shown persistence with new tasks and they have contributed positively to our learning community.
Violet Novacevski
Year 1 – Puppet Time
These beautiful puppets are helping our wonderful students to tell many stories. The students love bringing these stories to life and exploring the voices and movements that the characters show. As we explored the story of Jack and the Beanstalk students laughed and enjoyed using these hand made puppets.
This also gives us a chance to practise being an audience. In the style of pantomime theatre there are times where it’s appropriate to yell out but it’s been fantastic to see the way students encourage each other with a clap. We always, of course, finish each performance with a bow.
Steve Horman
Keeping the Heat In: Investigating Insulation in Science
Our Year 3 students became scientists as they explored how different materials can help retain heat. Working in teams, students designed and conducted investigations to test which materials made the best insulators. Their challenge was to keep warm water as hot as possible by wrapping containers in a variety of materials that Our First Nations Peoples may have used and measuring temperature changes over time.
Students tested materials such as hessian, cotton, fake fur, and fake leather, making predictions before collecting and analysing their results. Through their investigations, they discovered that some materials trap air more effectively, helping to slow the transfer of heat.
The activity encouraged students to think critically, work collaboratively, and apply their understanding of heat energy to real-world situations. They discussed where insulation is used in everyday life, from homes and clothing to lunchboxes and drink bottles.
“I was surprised that fur kept the water warm for so long because it traps lots of air,” – Enie.
“My group thought cotton would be the best, but our results showed that leather worked even better,” – Sonny.
“It felt like being a real scientist because we had to make predictions, test our ideas, and record our data,” – Dabi.
The students demonstrated excellent teamwork throughout the investigation and showed great curiosity as they explored how science helps us solve practical problems. We look forward to continuing our learning about energy and the ways materials can be used to make our world more efficient.
Jessie Stap
Year 3 Art – A Busy and Creative Term!
This term, Year 3 students have been incredibly busy exploring a wide range of exciting art activities. They have created both collaborative and individual artworks, working both inside and outside their sketchbooks with enthusiasm and creativity.
During Reconciliation Week, students worked together in groups to produce large-scale artworks using oil pastels on black paper. In preparation, they experimented with different oil pastel techniques and learned how to create texture and vibrant colour effects. They then applied these skills to create striking images of native Australian animals, resulting in a collection of impressive and expressive artworks.
Students have also been learning about First Nations and Torres Strait Islander artists. They explored different artistic styles and discussed the meanings and ideas behind the artworks. Inspired by these studies, students designed their own pieces and created prints using polystyrene boards. This process was highly successful and allowed students to experience printmaking in an engaging, hands-on way.
Most recently, Year 3 has focused on observational drawing. Using fresh flowers as inspiration, students carefully observed shapes, lines and details to create their own drawings. The level of focus and engagement was fantastic, and the results were a series of beautiful and detailed artworks.
Congratulations to all Year 3 students for their hard work and creativity this term. You have produced some wonderful work, and it continues to be a pleasure working with you!
Partner With Purpose: Golf Day Sponsorship Opportunity
We are pleased to invite members of the Christian College Geelong community to partner with us as sponsors of the 2026 Christian College Geelong Golf Tournament. This special event will be held on Friday, 16th of October 2026 at The Sands, Torquay, and will bring together families, alumni, local businesses, and community members for a day of connection, engagement, and shared purpose. Importantly, funds raised will support students experiencing financial hardship, helping provide access to a life-changing Christian education.
We warmly welcome expressions of interest from families or businesses who may wish to sponsor the event at any level, with a range of opportunities available to suit different levels of involvement. Sponsorship offers a meaningful way to give back, while also providing an opportunity to showcase your business, build valuable connections, and support our mission of transforming lives through the gift of education. For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer, at t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au.
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
CCG New Parents and Families Program – an Exciting Initiative!
In 2026, we’re excited to launch our Parents & Families Program, a new initiative designed to bring our community even closer together across all Campuses and Kindergartens.
This program is all about strengthening relationships, creating a genuine sense of belonging, and supporting meaningful opportunities for families to get involved in College life. In the video below, Executive Principal, Dr Mathilda Joubert, provides more details. Membership is open to all parents, guardians and grandparents of students enrolled at Christian College Geelong, including Kindergarten families, and continues for as long as a member has a child attending the relevant campus.
If you would like to join the P&F Program straight away, please click here. You will need to complete your details, upload your WWCC number, and nominate yourself if you are interested in a leadership role.
From special events to fundraising, volunteering on camps, excursions, and other campus‑based activities, there will be plenty of ways for families to contribute, connect, and make a difference in the student experience at your selected Campus.
An information session will be held on Thursday 16 July at 1:30 pm at the Belmont (Junior School Campus) for families from all Christian College campuses who would like to learn more. To help us with planning, please register here if you wish to attend.
CCG News and Events
In recent weeks we have created a News/Events carousel down the bottom of the CCG website homepage with information and links covering many aspects of life at Christian College Geelong. Right now, you’ll find fabulous picture galleries of Godspell and the Year 6 Canberra adventure, a fantastic video covering the first week of the recent Indonesian study tour, a quick link to our Scholarships page, and more. We’ll regularly update and add to the carousel, so keep an eye out for new content in the weeks and months ahead.
Academic Excellence and Music Excellence Scholarships – Applications Open!
Applications are now open for Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry to Years 5 to 11 in 2028.
Any interested parents, guardians and families with children in Years 3 to 9 in 2026 are welcome to apply, including families who have children currently enrolled at Christian College.
Applications for Academic Excellence scholarships close on August 6.
Also open to both Christian College families, and families with children attending other schools, are our Music Excellence Scholarships. These are open for students entering Years 5 to 12 in 2027 or 2028.
Applications for all Christian College scholarships can be made via our website. Click here to visit our Scholarships page, where you’ll find more information about all the scholarships we offer. From there you can click on the individual scholarship tiles for more specific details, and to apply.
