The Christian College Sport Hall of Honour
We are proud to announce a new initiative, which will become an important tradition in the life of our College – the Sport Hall of Honour – to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our past students who have reached national or international status in their chosen sports.
On October 5, we welcome our inaugural inductees to the Sport Hall of Honour – ex-students, Gary Ablett Jr and Tegan Philip. Both are universally recognised as champions at the highest level in their respective sports – AFL football and netball.
You are invited to join us for this gala dinner event at Mt Duneed Estate. On the night, we will also honour a cohort of current students as ‘Rising Eagles’ for their outstanding achievements in their chosen sports, putting them on a pathway to perhaps achieve the type of success required to enter our Sport Hall of Honour in future years.
The night also presents the perfect opportunity to award, for the first time ever, the ‘Gary Ablett Jr’ and ‘Tegan Philip’ medals to the students named as MVP of our Senior Male Football team and Senior Female Netball team from this year’s GISSA Championships.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the October 5 event, please visit our website.
The Hall of Honour will be a permanent display within our school, displaying the names, images and achievements of our extraordinary sports stars. This will not only inspire our current students but also serve as a testament to the values and dedication instilled within them during their time at Christian College.
We encourage our College community to join us in celebrating those who have pursued their gifts and passions to an extraordinary level of success. While one of the criteria for induction to the Sport Hall of Honour is that individuals have retired from their sport professionally or at the very highest level, if you are aware of any past students who have achieved, or are achieving, national or international recognition in sport, please reach out to our Sports Administrator Matthew Murnane [email protected] with any relevant information.
Daryl Riddle OAM, CEO of Christian College
From the Chaplain – A Community of Service
During our Year 3 and 4 Chapel service last week, the students learnt about Reverend John Flynn, as represented by the blue College Sport House ‘Flynn’, a man who served and continues to serve many people through the Royal Flying Doctors Service, a crucial component and outworking of his ministry. During this time, the students reflected on the verse from 1 John 4:19 “We love each other because He first loved us”. As we learn about the key people who the College Sport Houses are named after, we learn about the work they did within their community, the way they held on to the passion they had in their heart for others and their faithfulness in seeking to show God’s love throughout their communities.
The love that we experience from God often does something in our hearts that stirs us to want to love, care for and serve others so they also know they are loved.
In this context, it is our hope to continue to provide the students with opportunities to engage with and serve their greater community in meaningful ways that are practical and sustainable for everyone. Last week, two Year 4 students spent time writing letters to the volunteers at Geelong Mums to go along with a wonderful collection of most needed items donated into the collection box in the front foyer of Junior School. These donations, along with two handwritten and heartfelt letters from our students were delivered to Geelong Mums to help in a small way towards their mission of providing support to local families in need.
Last month alone, the Geelong Mums helped 770 babies and children within our local community.
This collection box will be a permanent fixture in the foyer as we hope to support this community organisation into the future. Currently, the most needed items include:
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Baby Toiletries
- Cot and Single Bed Linen
- Baby Wraps
- Warm Blankets
- Boys Clothing Sizes 5-16
Thank you for all of the donations generously dropped off, these really go such a long way in reminding another family that they are not alone.
Darcee Braun, Junior School Chaplain
What’s on at Junior School
Week 7
Monday August 28 – Year 4 Excursion to IMAX & Melbourne Museum (Refer to EdSmart)
Monday August 28 – Year 1 Excursion to Aldi Supermarket (Refer to EdSmart)
Wednesday August 30 – Prep Discovery Learning Session
Wednesday August 30 – Year 2 Science Incursion, Professor Bunsen
Friday September 1 – Assembly, 1R Class Item
Friday September 1 – Fathers’ Day Stall
Friday September 1 – Fathers’ Day ‘Big Brekky’, 7:30am- 8:30am (Refer to Edsmart)
Friday September 1 – Footy Colours Day
Week 8
Thursday September 7 – Year 1 Camp (Refer to EdSmart)
Thursday September 7 – Spring into Strings (Refer to Edsmart from the Music Department)
Friday September 8 – Year 1 Camp (Refer to EdSmart)
Friday September 8 – Year 4 Healthy Relationships Session
Week 9
Tuesday September 12 – Selected Year 4 String Students attending Middle School Music Camp
Wednesday September 13 – Prep Discovery Learning Session
Wednesday September 13 – Year 3 Camp (Refer to EdSmart)
Thursday September 14 – Year 3 Camp (Refer to EdSmart)
Thursday September 14 – R U Ok Day: I’m here to hear
Friday September 15 – Year 4 to attend Middle School Talent Quest (Edsmart to follow!)
Friday September 15 – Year 3 Camp (Refer to EdSmart)
Friday September 15 – Conclusion of Term 3; 2:30pm Finish
Reminder – Fathers’ Day Stall
Our annual Fathers’ Day Stall will be held on Friday September 1, (please refer to EdSmart). Items to sell and small cash donations would be gratefully accepted. Please reminder to send along $5 with your child to purchase a gift on the day.
Book Parade Joy
On Monday, we celebrated Book Week with our annual dress-up day at Junior School. The sun was shining, and Mr Smith kept the good vibes flowing with wonderful music, as each class paraded around the basketball court to cheers and applause! We also had Williams House join in the parade. It was a joyful celebration of books and all they can bring to our lives.
The effort put into the costumes this year was impressive and I would like to thank the parents for their ongoing support of this event. The teachers looked sensational as always. It was fabulous to have parents, grandparents and siblings join in the celebration of this special day.
Deanne Elliss
Fabulous Farm!
On Thursday August 24, the Preps headed off to Back Creek Farm for the ultimate experience. The sun was shining, and the Year 9 girls greeted us with big smiles.
We experienced chickens, goats, calves and cows, guinea pigs, ducks, a special fish release into the dam and the ever-growing market garden. We even got to drink fresh milk and eat damper with jam made at the farm!
We sat on farm machinery, rolled down the hill and just generally enjoyed our time on a real farm!
The Year 9 girls did a wonderful job of guiding the Preps and educating them along the way. It was certainly an experience that we will not forget.
Thoughts from the Preps
My favourite part was the goats because they were fluffy. Sophia
I liked the Guinea pigs because I like their fur. Amelia
My favourite part of the excursion was going to see the ducks at the sprinkler. Henry
I liked feeding the guinea pigs because I loved it. Krithan
I liked the cows because we got to pat them. Lizzie
I liked the guinea pigs because they were so soft. Evelyn
My favourite part was the chickens so I gave them lots of food. Jean-Luc
My favourite part of the excursion was the chickens because I liked chasing them and finding eggs. Aarush
I liked the ducks because they were cheeky. Sonny
My favourite part was the guinea pigs because they were cute. Zane
I liked looked looking at the goats because they were lying down. Shaylin
I liked patting the guinea pigs because they are cute. Prashi
Julie Shutie
Noah’s Ark
Over the past few weeks, the students in 1B have been immersed in the story of Noah’s Ark. This story has captured their imaginations and imparted essential life lessons. They’ve learned about kindness, responsibility, and caring for our planet. Through discussions, readings, and engaging activities, the students have demonstrated their growing understanding of the story. Their enthusiasm for the story has created a vibrant and inquisitive atmosphere in the classroom.
In these past weeks, as we have been diving into this special Bible story, we’ve had a lot of fun learning. In the classroom, our students had lively discussions about key aspects of the story. These conversations, both as a class and in smaller groups, allowed them to deepen their understanding and connect with each other as they explore this fascinating story. One of the highlights of our learning journey has been the sequencing activity. The students embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, demonstrating their knowledge and memory skills. The students used pictures from the story and placed them in the correct order of the story. It was a fantastic way to engage the students in the story.
Awesome job 1B!
Bridget Mapleson
Exploring STEAM with Minecraft
In the modern educational landscape, innovative approaches to teaching are essential to engage students and foster a deep understanding of complex subjects. A striking example of this can be found in the integration of Minecraft, the popular digital sandbox game, into the curriculum of Year 4 students. By harnessing the power of Minecraft, the platform is captivating for students to explore and excel in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
Minecraft’s virtual world serves as a canvas for students’ creativity and imagination. Year 4 students are encouraged to build intricate structures, landscapes, and even machines, channelling their artistic flair and innovation into tangible virtual creations. Through this process, they develop critical problem-solving skills, as they encounter challenges and devise solutions to bring their ideas to life.
Minecraft’s ability to simulate real-world scenarios makes it an ideal tool for hands-on learning. Year 4 students delve into various STEAM concepts, such as geometry when constructing buildings, physics when designing functional machines, and environmental science when crafting ecosystems. This interactive learning experience translates abstract theories into concrete, relatable applications, fostering a deeper understanding of complex subjects.
One of Minecraft’s strengths lies in its multiplayer functionality. Year 4 students collaborate on projects, learning the value of teamwork, communication, and collective problem-solving. The game’s virtual nature eliminates physical limitations, allowing students to work together seamlessly, whether they’re in the same classroom or miles apart. These collaborative experiences mirror real-world scenarios and prepare students for the collaborative demands of future careers.
Year 4 students are embracing STEAM subjects with newfound enthusiasm through their engagement with Minecraft. Rather than viewing STEAM as isolated subjects, they’re experiencing how these disciplines are interconnected and how they contribute to the world around them. The game’s versatility enables educators to seamlessly integrate diverse subjects, illustrating how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics are interwoven in real-world contexts.
Minecraft’s dynamic environment requires students to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances. Year 4 students learn the value of adaptability as they encounter unexpected outcomes during their projects. These experiences nurture resilience and the ability to think critically, skills that are invaluable in both academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom.
Jessie Stap
Chess Club Poster
Back Creek Café Closes
After nine years, we have made the difficult decision to close Back Creek Café, which has been an important part of the Back Creek Farm residential experience for our Year 9 students. As well as providing an outlet for farm produce and opportunities for student workgroups to gain hospitality skills, the café became a popular place within the Meredith community for locals and passers-by alike.
Since the COVID lockdown years, staffing at the café has proved to be a challenge and we have reached a point where we are not able to employ staff who can both support the students and operate the café effectively, which makes its continued operation unviable.
Christian College Year 9 students will continue to enjoy their rural residential experience at Back Creek Farm in Scotsburn, but working at the café will no longer be part of that experience. Another work group rotation will now be included as part of the farm experience.
We are so grateful for the friendships we made with both regular and occasional customers over nine years, and for the support and patronage of many Christian College families who visited the café in that time.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this café a great place to work and visit – we will miss you.
LEAD Parent Survey - Now Closing September 1
Each year, Christian College participates in the LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys conducted by Independent Schools Victoria (ISV). These surveys provide valuable insights into a school’s performance from the perspectives of students, staff and parents and are therefore an essential school improvement tool.
LEAD – Listen, Evaluate, Act, Deliver – succinctly describes the way in which this process enables our College community to grow and flourish through consultation with our valued stakeholders.
You will have received an email from ‘ISV Research Programs [email protected]’ inviting you to participate in the ISV LEAD Parent Survey. It includes a unique survey link that can only be used once and therefore cannot be shared or forwarded to others. Thank you to all parents who have completed the Parent Satisfaction Survey - we have received more than 300 responses to date. ISV has extended the deadline for survey responses - closing date is September 1. We invite any parents who have not yet participated to contribute your feedback via this year's survey. You are an integral part of our school community and your voice matters.
Rick Geall, Acting Principal
Scholarship Applications are Now Open!
Each year Christian College offers Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry at Year 5, 7 and 10 levels. Applications are now open for this year’s scholarships, which apply to entry in 2025, at three campuses – Middle School-Highton, Bellarine Campus and Surf Coast Campus.
Year 10 entry applies to Senior School-Waurn Ponds only.
To find out more, and to apply, visit our website and look for the homepage hotlink, or click here.
Scholarship applications are open to students who do not currently attend Christian College, as well as those who are currently enrolled here. Scholarship examinations will be held at Christian College on Saturday October 7. Closing date for applications is Thursday, September 28.
Foundation Golf Day 2023
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are delighted to announce the Christian College Foundation Golf Day tournament for 2023.
Save the date: Thursday November 9.
We are seeking prizes for this event – if you own a local business and are interested in creating partnership opportunities with Christian College, please contact Fiona Provan on 0400 477 467, or email [email protected]
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
It’s easy to rush through a cup of tea or coffee and forget to stop and appreciate the moment.
Take time out now to simply appreciate being able to breathe in fresh air. Take a long slow breath and feel it rejuvenate every cell.
Make that your intention and watch your body smile from the inside 👍❤️
Discover more about MYTERN here
