From The Executive Principal

Last weekend I had the pleasure of joining almost 70 of our music students from Years 6 to 12 as they participated in an unforgettable Music Tour to Melbourne. Over four days, students had the opportunity to perform in a diverse range of venues, including Carey Baptist Grammar School, the University of Melbourne, Collins Street Baptist Church, The Edge at Federation Square, and the Queen Victoria Market.

The tour provided a wonderful opportunity for students to share their talents with a variety of audiences while gaining valuable performance experience in some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. A particular highlight was the opportunity to perform alongside the Royal Australian Navy Band at Federation Square on Friday evening.

Following the concert, I received a heartwarming letter from the mother of the Navy Band conductor, who had travelled from Warrnambool to support her son. While she had initially attended primarily to hear the Navy Band, she felt compelled to share her impressions of our students and staff after witnessing their performance.

Introducing the Christian College Excellence Awards

We are excited to share plans for a new whole-College celebration to mark the end of our academic year together.

On Thursday afternoon, 26 November, at Costa Hall, we will hold the inaugural Christian College Excellence Awards – a standalone event that brings all our campuses together as one College community to recognise and celebrate excellence in its many forms: academic achievement, outstanding co-curricular contribution, and our most significant citizenship and character awards.

As a College, we believe every gift and achievement worth celebrating ultimately points back to God, the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). This event is a chance to honour the ways our students have been faithful stewards of their talents, and to give thanks together for the growth we've seen in them this year.

Journeys of Significance 

During Term 3, we are exploring the theme, Journeys of Significance. Our hallways are filled with roads, signs and location markers that represent the many journeys our students may experience during their time in Junior School. 

During Chapel, we reflected on how we prepare for different journeys. Whether we are going camping, visiting family or friends, staying overnight somewhere, or simply heading off to school, we pack a backpack with the things we need for the journey ahead. 

We then explored the idea that God gives each of us a special backpack as well. It is not one we can see, but one filled with gifts that strengthen our hearts, minds and spirits as we journey through life and learning. 

What’s Happening at Junior School?

Term 3 Week 4 
Monday 3 August: Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, Year 3 and 4 
Tuesday 4 August: Prep 100 Days of School 
Tuesday 4 August: Australian Mathematics Competition, Selected Students 
Thursday 6 August: Deakin District Athletics Training, 1.15pm-3.15pm, selected Students, 
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: Junior School Science Expo, 3.30-4.30pm  
Thursday 13 August: Deakin District Athletics Training, 1.15pm-3.15pm, selected students 
Friday 14 August: Prep Discovery Learning 
Friday 14 August: Year 2 Aquatic Program commences  

Exploring Asia!

This week, our Prep students have been learning all about the continent of Asia! We have been discovering the different countries that make up this fascinating continent and exploring some of the amazing animals that call Asia home.

Our Preps were especially excited to learn about the Giant Pandas that live in China. They were fascinated to discover that baby pandas begin learning to climb trees when they are around five months old, and they were amazed to find out that there are red pandas too!

To celebrate all of their new learning, the students took to paper and wrote down some of the interesting panda facts they had discovered throughout the week. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they developed their writing skills while sharing their favourite facts.

We are so proud of our enthusiastic learners and the excitement they have shown throughout this unit.

Go Preps!

Fractured Fairy Tales in Year Two

Our Year 2 students have been having a wonderful time exploring the magical world of fairy tales. Throughout this unit, we have been comparing classic fairy tales with fractured fairy tales. Some of our favourites have included Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles, The Three Fishing Brothers Gruff, and many more creative adaptations.

This week, we focused on changing the point of view in a story. We discussed how a tale can seem very different when it is told by another character. Have you ever thought that perhaps the Wolf was simply hungry in The Three Little Pigs? Maybe Grandma was not so kind in Little Red Riding Hood, or perhaps Goldilocks was the one causing trouble when she entered the Bears’ home without permission! Looking at stories from a different perspective encouraged the students to think critically and creatively.

Year 4 Literacy – Medieval Europe, The Role of Knights 

This week during our Literacy Content Knowledge Unit on Medieval Europe, students have explored the fascinating world of knights and the important role they played in protecting kings, queens and nobles from rival attacks.  

Students discovered that knights were highly trained warriors who demonstrated courage, loyalty and discipline, serving as defenders of castles and kingdoms during times of conflict. Students investigated the extensive training required to become a knight, learning that boys often began their journey at a young age as pages before progressing to squires and eventually earning their knighthood after years of dedicated practice.  

They also examined the impressive armour and weaponry used by knights, including chain mail, helmets, shields, swords, lances and suits of plate armour, discussing how each piece was designed to provide protection while fighting on horseback or in battle. As part of their literacy learning, students collaborated to plan and write a reflection explaining the significance of knights during medieval times. They used the knowledge they had gained throughout the lesson to justify why knights were essential members of medieval society. 

School in Japan

The Year 4 students are learning about school in Japan this term. We watch a video in Japanese where the narrator, Yui, is a ten-year-old girl living in Saitama, Japan. She takes us through her day at school and explains things such as toilet slippers, school lunches and blackboards. It is wonderful to see our Year 4 students so curious and engaged about how other people live their lives. They have many questions and are shocked that children as young as five are involved with the daily cleaning of their school.  This particular point led to some vigorous debating about whether students in Australia should help clean our school. 

Learning a language is a wonderful way to introduce our children to the world and for them to have an opportunity to wonder how their life may be if they did not live in Australia. The Year 4 students will continue to gather information, form opinions and share what they have learnt in a presentation style of their choice. 

Library News 

Term 3 means one thing in the Library…..Book Week!! The Theme for Book Week this year is Symphony of Stories. Over the last three weeks, we have been sharing some of the shortlisted books. In the Picture Book category, we have been reading Dear Broccoli, Frog’s first Song and Once I was a Giant. These books have touched on wonderful themes of connection, hope and friendship. 

In the Early Childhood category, we have enjoyed the delightful book Derek and Frogs are our Friends as well as an ancient Chinese tale The Emperor’s Egg. These books have celebrated kindness, our natural environment and the importance of truth. 

There has been much excitement about what we are planning to wear on Tuesday 25th of August for the dress up parade. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. We will parade around the Basketball Courts at 10.30 accompanied by some fabulous music. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate reading and books with your children. 

A new, Very Special Glastonbury Thorn Tree at Junior School 

Even if you’re a regular visitor to our Junior School-Belmont campus, you may not have noticed the young Glastonbury Thorn sapling recently planted in the front lawn near the roundabout road. A bit under 30 years ago a much older and larger Glastonbury Thorn was a prominent feature near the main entrance, but as it reached more than a century old, as is typical with this species in our part of the world, the tree died. Thanks to the work of campus Grounds Manager, Jack Sims, and the Geelong Botanic Gardens, its replacement nearly 30 years on is actually related to the previous tree – and they both have fascinating stories that stretch back to the early decades of Geelong’s existence, and even further to biblical times. Read more by clicking on the ‘Very Special Tree’ tile in the News and Events carousel at the bottom of our website homepage or use this link to go straight there. 

CCG’s First Ever Speech Competition

Registrations are now open for the inaugural Christian College Geelong Speech Competition, an exciting opportunity for students in Years 3 through 9 to develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to share their ideas with an audience.

Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop. Whether students are already confident speakers or are looking to challenge themselves in a supportive environment, this competition provides an excellent opportunity for growth.

Students will first participate in Campus Competitions during Term 3 (Weeks 7-8), with presentations taking place during lunchtime sessions. One winner from each year level will progress to the Grand Final in Term 4, hosted at our Bellarine Campus.

Qustodio Parent App

Supervise and Support Your Children on Digital Devices

This week we have communicated with all families who have a child who enrolled with us as a new student in 2026. These parents have received an email invitation and guide to activate their Qustodio parent account as part of our school program. For families who have been with us through Semester 1 this was a follow-up invitation.

A reminder to parents that the Qustodio Parent App is available to all our parents to help them supervise and support their children with their online and digital interactions at home, on the school device and on personal devices.

International Day of Friendship – Thursday, 30 July

Friendship is described by the United Nations as something powerful, enabling children, young people, and adults to move through the world saying, "You and your wellbeing matter to me." This is reflected in our everyday habits, and when these habits become regular practice, friendships are nurtured. These nurtured friendships lay the foundation for a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding community.

Across the campuses of Christian College Geelong, we see many opportunities to further develop friendships through lunchtime and recess clubs, the Pond and Hub, music, sport, and homeroom activities. Spaces for students to spend company and build connections. This is something the Year 3 students at the Bellarine Campus recently explored in their Social Stencil session. They examined the importance of company, care, and common interests, and how understanding these three aspects can help our friendships fly!

The Youth myki Design Competition

Calling all young creatives! This is an exciting opportunity for our talented student artists to showcase their imagination and creativity.

The Youth myki Design Competition is open to students aged 5–17 years, giving them the chance to design the next Youth myki card. Even more exciting, the winning artwork will be featured on the front of the 2027 Youth myki card, and the successful artist will receive $1,000!

To enter, students simply need to create their design and share a little about the inspiration behind their artwork.

Timor-Leste Trivia Night

Christian College Geelong families and friends are warmly invited to our annual Timor-Leste Trivia Night.

For 24 years, Christian College Geelong has shared a special partnership with the people of Timor-Leste. The relationship began in the wake of one of the most challenging periods in Timor-Leste's history, following its hard-won independence. What started as practical support during a time of great need has grown into a lasting friendship built on faith, service, and mutual respect. Students, staff, and families have been privileged to witness the positive impact of this partnership and the difference it makes in the lives of others.

Join us for the Christian College Foundation Golf Day

Looking for a great way to spend the Geelong Show Day public holiday on Friday, 16 October?

Gather some colleagues, friends, or family and join us for a fantastic day of golf, fun, and community at The Sands Torquay.

Whether you're a regular golfer or simply keen for a fun day out, this event is for everyone. With a relaxed Ambrose format, players of all abilities are welcome. Enjoy a breakfast on arrival, on-course competitions including Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin, and the chance to win an incredible $30,000 Hole-in-One prize.

After your round, join us for a buffet lunch and hear how the Christian College Geelong Foundation is helping provide life-changing educational opportunities for students and families in need.

Academic Excellence Scholarships - Applications Close Soon

Applications close next Thursday, August 13  for Academic Excellence Scholarships. These are for entry at Christian College in 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. More information and the link to apply can be found here on our website.