Understanding Number Fluency
In Mathematics education, number fluency is a critical component. It encompasses not just the ability to perform operations efficiently but also the capacity to understand and manipulate numbers in a flexible and intuitive manner. Developing number fluency is essential for students as it underpins their ability to tackle more complex mathematical concepts and problems.
Number fluency goes beyond rote memorisation of arithmetic facts. It involves a deep understanding of number relationships and operations. Fluent students can quickly and accurately perform calculations, but they also recognise patterns, estimate results, and apply their knowledge in various contexts. For instance, fluency in multiplication includes not just memorising times tables but also understanding the distributive property and leveraging this has for mental math.
At Junior School we are building number fluency in a range of ways across the year levels. Numbots and Times Tables Rock Stars are two apps that we have for use from Prep all the way through to Year 4. Numbots begins with the smallest of skills, one to one correspondence with items to 3. The children progress through until they are demonstrating understanding, recall and fluency in addition and subtraction. Times Tables Rock Stars picks up from Numbots and moves into multiplication and division. The data produced also gives teachers a clear map of how the children are tracking with each of the skills. In addition, these apps have pencil and paper activities that can be used to support the understanding of the concepts.
Nina Maths is another element that we use to help build number fluency. These are timed attempts at solving equations to once again see how the students can quickly draw on their knowledge. From Prep these are presented as short lists of number bonds to 5 and recording the next number in the sequence. Further along the equations are focusing on the four operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The importance is for children to develop their own skills and their own fluency. It is not about competing with others it is about progressing individually.
Fluent number users approach problems with confidence. They are not just looking for the right answer but are equipped with strategies to explore different methods and solutions. This adaptability enhances their problem-solving skills and promotes a deeper understanding of mathematical principles. Fluency also contributes to stronger mathematical reasoning. Students who are comfortable with numbers can engage more meaningfully in discussions about mathematical ideas.
You can join in at home by playing maths games, card games and board games require lots of number fluency!
Julie Shutie, Prep – 4 Learning Leader
Happy Fathers’ Day
What a wonderful morning! Staff, students and our special visitors – our dads and those important people in our students’ lives – came together to enjoy bacon and egg brekky rolls and spend the morning at Junior School. Whether it was a kick of the footy or board games in the classroom it was truly a wonderful celebration of the unique and special relationships that our students have with their family members.
It didn’t stop there… after sharing in Assembly, our little shoppers visited the Chapel to purchase gifts for their dads, grandads and loved ones. What an incredible sight! The Chapel abuzz with hand-packaged gifts and parents serving and helping the students to choose the perfect gift! Thank you to our team of parents, headed up by Mandy Chester, Kate O’Halloran and Kirna Rani for giving your time to make such a special, memorable morning for our Prep – 4 students.
The Staff of Junior School wish you all a very happy Fathers’ Day on Sunday!
Carla Dunlop, Deputy Head of Campus
Our Village – Single Bedsheet Drive
As we continue to support the work of Our Village (Geelong Mums) here at Junior School, over the next few weeks, we are collecting single bed fitted sheets, an incredibly practical and in-need item for families within the community seeking support.
Should you have any single bed sheets that are no longer being used and are still in good condition, you are invited to drop these off in the collection box in the Junior School foyer over the next few weeks. During Week 9, these sheets will be donated to Our Village (Geelong Mums) by some of our Project Care Leaders.
Our ongoing relationship with Our Village offers students the opportunity to be involved in caring for others in practical and tangible ways. Thank you again for your consistent support, it has been so wonderful to see how the donations from our community help others in need.
Darcee Braun, Chaplain
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.
Term 3
Week 8 – ‘Healthy Me’ Focus Week
Tuesday 3 September – Bravehearts Visit, Year 1 and 2 Incursion
Tuesday 3 September – Lunchtime Concert, 1.10pm
Wednesday 4 September – HPE Day – Morning Get Active Session
Wednesday 4 September – Junior School Cross Country, (P-2: 11:00am-12:30pm. 3-4: 2:00pm-3:00pm)
Wednesday 4 September – Prep Discovery Learning
Thursday 5 September – Professor Bunson Incursion, Year 1 and Year 2 students
Week 9
Monday 9 September – Geelong Mums Visit, 10am
Tuesday 10 September – Year 10 Drama Performance Period 1/2 – Prep, Year 2, 4R
Tuesday 10 September – Lunchtime Concerts, 1:10pm
Wednesday 11 September – Year 5 Students to visit Year 1 Classes
Thursday 12 September – RUOK? Day
Thursday 12 September – Year 1 Camp
Friday 13 September – Year 1 Camp
Week 10
Tuesday 17 September – Movement and Music Festival, 9:30am-11:45am
Wednesday 18 September – Year 3 Camp
Wednesday 18 September – Prep Discovery Learning 12:30pm-3:00pm
Thursday 19 September – Year 3 Camp
Friday 20 September – Year 3 Camp
Friday 20 September – Assembly, 2R Item
Friday 20 September – Conclusion of Term 3; 2:30pm finish.
Junior Canteen will be closed on the last day of this term, Friday September 20, but will be open on Wednesday September 18.
Year 1 Inventors
During our Interdisciplinary Learning sessions this term, the Year 1 students have been learning about ‘Forces’ and Simple Machines. We explored how Simple Machines and objects move using the concept of ‘Push and Pull’ and how simple machines have changed over time. The students also explored various simple machines such as a wheel & axel, screw, wedge, ramp and a pulley. During this time, the children discovered that the first wheel was invented by the Mesopotamians thousands of years ago!
As part of the assessment for this unit, the children were asked to think about an invention that they could design which would make a daily task they do at home easier. While planning, the children had to think carefully about which part of their invention is an example of a Simple Machine. They began the design process by completing a draft in their books. Once the students were happy with their draft, they completed a final draft which included a detailed illustration and description about their invention.
Our young thinkers came up with some fantastic ideas! I think their parents would be very pleased! Well-done Year 1!
“I have designed a robot that plants flowers in the garden.” – Olivia G
“My invention is a flying bin that empties itself when the garbage truck arrives.”
“I designed cat feeding machine which pours the food in a bowl for our cat” Pia
“I designed a robot that does anything you ask it to do!” Annie
Rea Pantadis
A Journey from Curiosity to Conservation
Recently, our Year 4 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Melbourne Museum and IMAX Theatre. The day was filled with discovery, learning, and a deep dive into the importance of sustainability and protecting our oceans.
At the Melbourne Museum, the students were captivated by exhibits ranging from towering dinosaur skeletons to displays of Indigenous culture. However, it was the natural environment section that truly caught their attention, especially the diverse marine life and the ecosystems that sustain them.
The highlight of the day was watching a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef at the IMAX Theatre. The immersive experience allowed the students to witness the beauty and fragility of coral reefs, emphasising the critical need for sustainable practices to protect these vital ecosystems.
Back at school, the students reflected on their experiences and explored how their everyday actions impact the environment, particularly the oceans. They learned about renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and how these can help reduce pollution and protect marine life.
The Year 4 students then brainstormed ways to make a difference, from reducing single-use plastics to implementing energy-saving measures at school. They understood that embracing sustainable practices can help preserve our oceans and contribute to a healthier planet.
This excursion was more than just a day out; it was a transformative experience that connected classroom learning with real-world issues, inspiring the students to take action and protect our environment.
Jessie Stap
Deakin District Athletics Championships
Our Belmont Campus had 20 Year 4 students represent Christian College at the recent Deakin District Athletics Championships at Goldsworthy Reserve in Corio. Students persevered well throughout the day in windy conditions participating in a variety of track and field events.
All students competed well in their events, with a couple of students completing up to five events on the day, Winnie McKeag and Oscar Wang.
Well done to all the students that competed and we hope everyone can continue to enjoy the opportunity to participate in future events.
Next Wednesday 4 September, all students from Prep to Year 4 will be participating in the Junior School Cross Country. We will have a number of Middle School students helping on the day too.
The day will commence out on the front roundabout at 9am where we will have a whole school physical activity session to help kick off the day and celebrate National Health and PE Day. Parents are more than welcome to stay and join in the session. All students will need to wear their house polo top.
Nick Rice
Seeking Canteen Assistants
Are you looking for a fun and fulfilling casual job within a vibrant school environment? Join our team as a School Canteen Assistant and make a positive impact on the daily lives of our students.
We are currently in search of enthusiastic canteen assistants to join our team working across Middle School, Junior School and Senior School canteens.
Applicants are required to hold a valid Working With Children Check. Previous experience working in a canteen setting or Level 1 Food Safety Certificate would be advantageous but not essential.
Responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks, including food preparation, customer service, cleaning, and stock control.
Shifts are available throughout Monday to Friday, aligned with the school calendar which constitutes 38 weeks per year. Hours are generally 9-2pm
To be considered for this, please refer to the Position Description on our website and send a resume to recruitment@ccg.vic.edu.au
Wellbeing - Catch a Webinar, and a Movie!
A positive, supportive and healthy learning community is essential to children and young people achieving optimal wellbeing, no matter their developmental stage and as highlighted by BeYou, everyone has a role to play. Schools can ensure that educators, other professionals working with the learning community, and families have access to the resources and support they need. They can also ensure that: educators can foster mental health and wellbeing within the boundaries of their role; families can collaborate with educators and the school to support the needs of their young people; local community organisations, where appropriate, can support and be supported by the school and families; and young people can be empowered to actively build and develop strategies to foster their own wellbeing.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the significant role we as a College community play in supporting the flourishing of children and young people in our care, we warmly invite you to two events:
The first, a parent/carer online webinar ‘Supporting adolescent wellbeing’ held on Tuesday September 10 at 6:30pm, which includes two presentations from key experts in their field. Dr James Burl from Blurred Minds will offer valuable insights in his presentation titled ‘Vaping Decoded – Empowering Parents in the vaping conversation’. With over five years’ experience in delivering alcohol, vaping and drug education to schools James will share information to empower parents to have more relevant conversations with their teen around vaping, given parents are one of the most important protective factors when it comes to preventing teenage vaping. Jaimee Dunlop, Senior Mental Health Professional at Bellarine Community Health/ Headspace will also join us to share valuable advice on how to recognise early signs of psychological distress in young people and how to initiate a conversation around mental health. We will also hear from our College Director of Digital Learning, Brendan Vanderkley, about exciting updates to our parent tools and features to support adolescent digital wellbeing and positive digital engagement.
To register for this event – please use this link
The second, a private screening for Christian College families to see the Disney/Pixar film ‘Inside Out 2’ at the Pivotonian in Geelong on Wednesday September 11 at 5:00pm.
“The main messages from Inside Out 2 are that we can’t let emotions control us or determine who we are, and we aren’t defined by single memories but rather by a deep sense of who we know ourselves to be” – Raising Children network.
Tickets are $12 per person (plus booking and processing fee) and are available to purchase by clicking on this link . The Try Booking page for Inside Out 2 is also accessed via the hotlink at the top of the Christian College website homepage.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Kim Doherty, Director of Wellbeing
Keyboard Capers! All Campus Piano Day
On Thursday last week close to 90 piano students from five campuses gathered at the RW Gibson Centre for a day of activities, performances and master classes.
Years 3 to 9 from Surfcoast, Highton, Bellarine and Junior School arrived by bus and started with an exciting and fun filled body percussion session, led by Jacqui Anderson. During this time students were challenged with coordination games and cross rhythms; skills that are essential to develop for every pianist! They also listened to a performance by the Junior School Percussion Ensemble. Percussion playing is a popular pathway for piano students to experience ensemble playing.
After a morning tea break, the students had the opportunity to perform for each other and for Mrs Lesley Walters, one of this year’s guest tutors, who gave valuable feedback on the essentials to set up a proper technique and performance practice. It was wonderful to hear so many performances of various levels. Students also had the opportunity to take part in a scale competition which was very exciting, three prizes were awarded. Thank you to everyone who entered this fun activity; we all know how essential it is to practise our scales!
At lunchtime the Senior piano students joined in and we all were privileged to listen to Kym Dillon perform four of her own piano works Vanishing Act, A Sound of Bells, Open Road and The Rain’s coming. Kym gave us an insight into these compositions, explaining her motivation and composition techniques. It would be right to say that everyone was inspired by Kym’s talent and skills as a composer and pianist.
During the afternoon sessions, the Senior pianists and composition students attended a lecture by composer Matthew Hindson. Matthew’s works are performed worldwide and he is a senior lecturer in composition at the Conservatorium for Music in Sydney.
Matthew introduced composition techniques of well know film scores by composers such as Ludovico Einaudi. He then explained his own cycle of Sad Piano Music, a beautiful collection of 13 piano pieces he composed during the time of Covid. Finally, our Senior students were guided by him in writing a piece themselves.
Following this lecture, Andrea Lam, world class pianist who lives in Melbourne and lectures at the University of Melbourne, listened to our Senior piano students perform a piece from their current repertoire, with each receiving valuable feedback in form of a mini masterclass lesson. Andrea in her teaching and brilliance at the piano was generous, encouraging and nurturing of our students, with each walking away from the experience having new things to consider in their musical artistry.
The day concluded with a public evening recital by Andrea Lam in collaboration with Matthew Hindson at the Gibson Centre. She performed some of Matthew’s Sad Piano Pieces, as well as Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and a Chopin Nocturne. Andrea’s playing is sublime, every note is shaped beautifully and touches the listener. Together they transformed the auditorium into the most beautiful place, taking the audience on a special journey. Matthew’s sharing of the background of his compositions, and their open interaction/collaboration sharing their ideas, feelings and motivations was a privilege to experience.
What a day! Thank you to everyone who participated and to all the staff and their wonderful work to bring everything together and make it a great success.
Keep practising your piano!
Regina Thomae
Coming Soon: Exciting Update to Qustodio Parent App
Extended Parent Features in Qustodio for School Devices
Since the introduction of our Cyber Safe Schools Program in 2022, in partnership with Linewize, we have been able to aid parents at home to engage with and support their children in their digital journey on both school and personal devices.
The Qustodio Parent App, as one element of our program, has empowered parents to supervise their children’s use of school devices at home, pause internet and access expert advice via our Online Safety Hub. Until now, an expanded feature set has only been available to parents when managing personal devices also.
However, coming in early September, parents will soon have the following extended features for school laptops at home, as part of our standard school program:
- Schedule your child’s screen-free times
- Create custom routines (e.g. study, sleep and play)
- Apply custom web filtering rules (as an extra layer on top of our school’s 24/7 base level safety filtering)
- Apply app and game time and access limits
To learn more about Qustodio: MySchool Learn | Qustodio
Our Online Safety Hub
Have you visited our Online Safety Hub lately? Recently updated, this hub is a dedicated online resource to help you have meaningful conversations with your children about their digital safety and wellbeing.
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
Scholarship Applications Now Open!
Scholarship applications for Year 5, 7 and 10 entry to Christian College in 2026 are now open. You can access all the information you need, and apply, by visiting our website. There is a hotlink at the top of our homepage that takes you there, or just click here.
The scholarship testing date is Saturday October 12 and all applications must be received no later than close of business on Thursday October 3.
Seeking Support for Work Placements
Students studying the VCE Vocational Major (VM) are timetabled to work with an employer related to their VET course all day on Fridays. This is called Structured Workplace Learning (SWL). There are some prefilled forms to sign and there is a minimal cost of $5.00 a day to the employer. We are seeking workplace opportunities in the Plumbing, Building and Electrical trades. If you or someone you know are willing to help these students, to get a start in their chosen careers please contact myself k.fearnsides@ccg.vic.edu.au or Mary Higgins m.higgins@ccg.vic.edu.au at Senior Campus. Thank you in anticipation of some support.
Kerryn Fearnsides, Vocational Pathways Coordinator
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!
Event: Christian College Foundation Golf Day
Date: Thursday, 24th of October 2024
Dress: Casual
Cost: $195
Format: Ambrose – team of 4 players
Location: 13th Beach Golf Links, 1732 Barwon Heads Road, Barwon Heads
You can individually register or register up to a team of 4 players
This event is proudly sponsored by AECS.
Event Information:
For Players, registration commences at 7:00 am.
Breakfast provided; coffee & tea available.
Ambrose Golf (shotgun start): 8:00am – 12.30pm.
Lunch and formalities: 1:00pm – 3:00pm – auction items available to bid!
*Terms and conditions apply
CLICK HERE to register
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