From the Head of Campus
Ready for Adventure
As I reflect on this term so far, particularly having just returned from Ferngully Lodge with the Year 4 students, planning for, and preparing Orientation and other transition sessions such as our wonderful Prep Orientation Sausage Sizzle, I keep coming back to the word ‘Adventure’. Collectively we are on this adventure of education, for and with our students.
In Luke 17:33 it says, “Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the one who’s prepared to lose his life will preserve it.” These are two different ways to view life. On the one hand Jesus is saying we can live our lives in a way that is devoted to protection, by staying safe in what we already know, or we can live our lives by pursuing the adventures that are ready and waiting for us to take. A quote I love that captures this says: “The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years.” We see this in stories told to us in the Bible about people who took great adventures such as Joshua Jonah, Daniel, David against Goliath to name a few.
In order to seek our adventure however, how do we leap? On camp the students participated in an activity group that was called the ‘Leap of Faith’. To participate they needed to wear a safety harness and helmet, head up a full-sized ladder and then climb further by scaling foot pegs to a height approximately five times the height of the initial ladder. Once on the platform they needed to jump off to try and touch the white ball. Some students chose not to participate, some watched a while before changing their mind from not wanting to try to then giving it a go, some students made it to the top of the first ladder and some stepped from the first ladder and climbed all the way to the top platform and jumped without fear. This leap of faith activity reminded me that in order to leap, we need faith. If we don’t have faith, then there is only fear.
Adventures can be described as ‘any experience with an unknown or uncertain outcome’ and often when you don’t know the outcome it can cause fear or anxiety or both. Although there might be an end goal what happens along the way to get us there can be totally unknown and uncertain, for example a Prep student starting school, or the Leap of Faith activity for Year 4. If this is true about adventure, this often means being led in directions we do not understand, in ways that don’t seem possible, towards a goal we cannot see, and to do things that might go against our nature; and all of this without a certain outcome. Faith gives us courage to take the first step on the adventure that God has called us to. I believe the author John Ortberg was right when he said, “We will never know our faith until we use it.”
I can’t wait to continue all the adventures throughout Term 4 with our students and families focused on faith.
Ann-Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
What’s on at Junior School
Week 4: Monday 24 October
Tuesday 25 October – Year 3 Scienceworks Excursion (Please refer to EdSmart notification)
Friday 28 October – Prep Camp (Please refer to EdSmart notification)
Week 5: Monday 31 October
Monday 31 October – Prep School Nurse Visit
Tuesday 1 November – Orientation Day, 2022 Prep – Year 4.
Tuesday 1 November – 2023 Prep Orientation afternoon session 2
Friday 4 November – Assembly, Prep B & Prep M Item
Week 6: Monday 7 November
Monday 7 November – Year 4 Girls Basketball Team: Melbourne Finals
Tuesday 8 November – Grandparents’ Day (details to come!)
Thursday 10 November – Beach Prep B, G, M, R
Friday 11 November – Remembrance Day
Annual Music Evening Returns!
Last Thursday saw a sold-out audience enjoy the welcome return of the Christian College Annual Music Evening to Costa Hall, having last been held in October 2019.
This Annual concert has always been significant for our College Community, our music students and their families. It was a joyous celebration, and a blessing to all who performed and attended, one that featured 560 student performances from Prep to Year 12.
The concert highlighted the exceptional direction and expertise of our music staff, as well as the depth of skills and development across the performance program of our College Choirs, Bands and String Orchestras. We also farewelled and honoured the work of our Year 12 ensemble members who have spent many years ‘growing up’ in the program.
There were 16 items with many ‘like’ ensembles collaborating across the campuses, such as the Junior String Ensembles from Bellarine, Belmont and Surf Coast combining to create a big orchestra. There were many moments of exhilaration and triumph, overcoming nerves and experiencing the joy of performing for the first time – or returning and remembering the buzz! The music staff, along with leadership and support staff from each campus were so proud of the students who presented beautiful music to the appreciative audience.
Thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful event from across the Community, both on the evening and throughout the day of preparations and rehearsals.
Fiona Gardner – Director of Teaching and Learning - Music
Andrew Dunlop – Director of Instrumental Music and Major Events
Preps and Texts – Multimodal Learning
This term the Preps have been learning about the structure of a narrative in writing. We have used fairy tales as our mentor texts to help us identify that a narrative has characters, a setting, and a plot. This week our mentor text has been The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Our children have been ordering and the events in the stories with sentences to match, expanding sentences using where, where, and, but, because and so, and creating their own stories by replacing the key elements with their ideas.
Exposing the children to a mentor text in a variety of ways, multiple times, with progressive comprehension questioning and explicit vocabulary instruction, has shown a dramatic improvement in the Prep’s writing ability this term. To ensure a multi-model learning experience, children made puppets and masks of the characters. They built bridges to show the setting and orally performed the story.
Our favourite part of The 3 Billy Goats Gruff this week was performing it as a whole class outside in the playground. Can you spot those cheeky trolls hiding under the bridge?
Amber Sharp
Prep 2023 Welcome BBQ
It was a lovely sunny afternoon as Junior School welcomed the families of our Prep cohort for 2023 on Tuesday of this week. Children and families were able to meet others in their class for next year, enjoy a tasty sausage and have a look in their new classrooms. There was such a wonderful buzz of excitement as the children and families chatted and introduced themselves to others.
Mr Smith of course entertained us all with his amazing singing and playing and the families danced along and played limbo. After sufficient sausages and dancing we headed into the classrooms. The children jumped straight into activities that had been set up around the rooms. The classrooms were practically bursting at the seams with not only the Prep cohort for next year but many siblings and of course parents. This was also a wonderful opportunity for the teachers to spend some time getting to know families and children.
We are so fortunate to be able to hold events like this again and be able to welcome new families into our Christian College community.
The transition into school is a big one and we hope to make it fun and smooth for all families.
Year 1 – Health: We all Make Mistakes
This term in Health the Year 1 children are being explicitly taught the teaching of personal and social capabilities that foster resilience and wellbeing among their peers. The skills and attitudes that will be explored this term are:
- Self-awareness
- Self-management
- Social awareness
- Social management
This week the children of 1G enjoyed a lovely ‘yarning circle’ in the sunshine. We discussed the topic of mistakes. Is it okay to make mistakes? Of course! Do we learn from our mistakes? Most definitely.
The children shared their experiences and then threw the wool to a friend to create a beautiful pattern in wool. As a collective we decided not to talk about mistakes in the classroom – because as we all have a growth mindset, we are all aware that mistakes make our brain grow.
Here are some of their amazing responses:
Theo: Sometimes when I play basketball, I shoot the ball in the wrong ring.
Cruz: One time when I got a lollipop, I accidentally threw the lollipop in the bin, instead of the wrapper.
Jiaai: I sometimes forget to do my homework at night – my reader.
Tripa: Sometimes I mix up my books with my little brother and I put the wrong books in the satchel.
Lexi also discussed with her peers that there are two people in our world who have never made a mistake, God and Jesus…what a blessing you are Lexi and all the wonderful children of 1G
Liza Lambert - Head of Sport
Water Incursion in Year 2!
Year 2 students have welcomed Fernando from Barwon Water to Junior School to discuss all things water! Students were especially keen to learn how we get clean water from water sources to our taps. Students have begun their learning about water cycles but were extremely excited to extend their knowledge further.
There is so much to learn about water! Our Year 2 students have explored the important vocabulary they must know and how these words connect to the water cycle. They have been given the opportunity to utilise ICT to further their knowledge on the water cycle they have been working extremely hard on their very own water cycle posters, which will be sent home later in the term.
Our understanding of water cycles will continue to be built upon and consolidated in the years to follow. However, for now, we look forward to building on our water knowledge and will soon be moving onto water conservation and why it is such an important natural resource.
Rachael Whelan
Explanation Writing in Year 3
Over the past few weeks, during our English Writing sessions we have been learning about the correct format, structure and writing features of an Explanation piece. The children have written on a variety of topics and have published some Explanation brochures on the topics ‘How Chocolate is Made’ and ‘What are Fireworks’.
When writing their Explanation text students needed to include detailed explanations that were in correct chronological order with labelled diagrams to explain each step. The students did an amazing job ensuring that they used correct technical vocabulary specific to the topic and they could explain how one stage leads to the next. Some of the students’ published work pieces are highlighted in the photos below.
The Year 3 students are really looking forward to exploring further different styles of writing this term, including writing a Discussion text on various debatable topics as well as exploring and having lots of fun using onomatopoeia vocabulary to write our action story Narratives.
Christine Adam
Year 4 Camp
A fantastic time was had by all at the Ferngully Lodge Camp.
Situated in the picturesque township of Healesville, the Year 4 students spent three adventure-filled days in perfect weather, engaged in a range of challenging and exciting camp activities. High ropes course, giant swing and group initiative games were just a few of the activities on offer.
Here’s a sample of the selected students’ highlights:
‘I really loved hanging out with my friends and going really high on the giant swing’ – Amelia
‘My favourite thing was the giant swing’ – Amber
‘My favourite thing was the leap of faith and being with my friends’-Amelie
‘I really enjoyed the food and being with all my friends’ – Violet
Thank you to all the staff involved for making this a truly amazing experience for our Year 4 students. We will all sleep well tonight!
Mark Foran, Tash Cooper and Jessie Stap
Junior School Food Drive
In the past, Christian College Junior school families have been very generous in supporting the 2can Appeal approaching the Christmas period. Students have brought along canned and non-perishable food to donate to those in need through local community service groups. This year there is a need for this appeal to support people in the Geelong community who need some extra help coming into the Christmas period.
UnitingCare Geelong Food Relief Centre is a not-for-profit community service agency. It is primarily an Emergency Relief agency that provides practical assistance to people in times of financial and personal crisis.
For this Christmas appeal, UnitingCare Geelong requires canned foods such as fruit, stews, baked beans, pasta in sauce and other non-perishable food. Toiletry items are also good to donate.
If your family would like to support this appeal, please bring along any donations to the tables in the Year 3-4 corridor (upstairs) where there will be a table to place items. Items can be donated at any time until the end of Term 4.
- During this time of the year, it is important that we think of those less fortunate in our communities. Uniting Emergency Relief in Grovedale provides food and Christmas Hampers to needy families in the Geelong area.
- The Project Care Leaders would like to support these families. We are requesting that Year 3 and 4 students bring an item like: tins of 425gm tuna, sardines, tinned fruit (eg. Pineapple slices, peaches, fruit salad and tinned vegetables eg. corn, peas and corn, peas, carrots and corn and tomatoes) Toiletry items will be accepted too (eg. shampoo, soap, and toothpaste).
- Your donations will help needy, deserving families over the Christmas/ January holidays. Perhaps each Year 3 and 4 student could bring a tin or item each week. Please talk to your parents about this before just taking food items from your kitchen pantries.
- Baskets will be available in the Year 3-4 hallway where there is a table set up in the hallway for you to place your donations. Please be respectful of this table by not touching the displays.
Thank you
Project Care Team
Junior School Captain Raises the Bar
On Tuesday October 18 our school captain, Luke Hobbs represented Christian College in a high jump event at the SSV Western Metro Region Athletics Championships. Luke earned this special opportunity by virtue of his outstanding performance at the SSV ‘Division’ Titles earlier this Term.
Luke and his family travelled to Keilor Athletics Track in Keilor Park to compete against a range of schools. Luke began the competition clearing jumps at 1 metre, continuing to wow the audience and cleared the bar at his highest jump at 1.23 metres. Luke came 6th in his age group.
Luke commented – ‘It was a fantastic experience, and I had an amazing day at the track with my family. It was really great to see everyone encouraging each other. Next year I would really like to be able to clear 1.3 metres and make it through to the state championships.’
On behalf of the college, I would like to congratulate Luke on his commitment and dedication to train for this event and achieve such an amazing result. Well done, Luke. We are all so proud of you and what an amazing role model you continue to be at Junior School.
Liza Lambert - Head of Sport
What’s New in the Library
Over the holidays and throughout the start of this term we have added some wonderful new titles to our Library. I have highlighted three below …
Dirt By Sea is a Picture Book, by Michael Wagner and illustrated by Tom Jellett, that centers around Daisy who lives in inland Australia with her dad and her grandparents. It’s home, and she loves the red dirt land around her.
But when her dad realises that she’s never seen the beach and thinks the Australian anthem is about a country ‘dirt by sea’, he sets off to show her the ocean in a once-in-a-lifetime father-daughter trip along the Australian coast, inspired by the first holiday he took with Daisy’s mum.
Along the way they will learn about Australia and much, much more.
Jorn’s Magnificent Imagination is an inspirational picture book about the building of the iconic Sydney Opera House. It is written by Coral Vass and Illustrated by Nicky Johnston. It follows the life of Jorn Utzou the Danish architect who won the competition to design this spectacular building. A fascinating and heartening read about the importance of imagination and creativity.
Be Careful Xiao Xin is a beautifully illustrated picture book, that has been a wonderful discussion starter. Xiao Xin believes he is a red fire warrior, but his family are always telling him to be careful. They believe the world is a dangerous place. Too dangerous for a little boy on his own. Renowned storytellers Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng bring to life a beautiful and tender story about learning to conquer your own fears – as a child, and as an adult.
Deanne Elliss
Art Celebration
A big congratulations to all our students for their wonderful efforts in our Art lessons.
We were able to place fourth in the Geelong schools exhibit at this year’s Royal Geelong Agricultural show. Congratulations also to Anna Wood in Year 4, receiving a first place for her feathered creation, and Maya Glynn and Michaela Desai in Year 3 placing second and third respectively.
Jen Beck-Carlson
Camp Australia OSHC
This year students will finish their academic studies on Friday December 9. Camp Australia will continue to provide their program to students of CCG parent users until Thursday December 15 at the Junior School gym, 39 Broughton Drive Belmont.
Our New-Look ATD Festival - Now Open!
Our Art, Technology and Design Festival is underway at Villa Paloma ATD Centre! It opened at 10am this morning and the program runs until 9pm this evening. Tomorrow (Saturday Nov.12), it's on between 10am and 4pm.
There's a magnificent exhibition of student artwork and products – all year levels from K-12 from all our campuses and Early Learning Centres are represented.
Come along this evening or tomorrow - or both! There are food trucks, coffee and live music, a Food Studies Market Stall and Gelato Bar, face painting, the official opening at 6:30pm this evening, then the Wearable Art and Textiles Fashion Parade from 6:40 – 7:15pm.
Tomorrow, the Festival kicks off again at 10am and goes until 4pm. A ‘Meet the Creator’ program is running where students of various ages from every ATD subject area (Visual Art, Studio Art, Media, VCD, Food Studies, Systems Engineering, Product Design – Materials and Product Design – Textiles). Live music, sausage sizzle, coffee and the Food Studies market stall and gelato bar are all happening between 10am and 2pm.
Villa Paloma is at 25 Waurn Ponds Drive, Waurn Ponds. The full Event Program is on our website (follow the hotlink on our homepage) or click here.
Term 4 2022 COVID-19 Update Procedures and Protocols
Introduction
Christian College is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of our staff, students and College community.
The following revisions to the COVID-19 procedures and protocols align with the Victorian Government’s announcement of the end of the Pandemic Declaration and associated Pandemic Orders. The following settings, based on advice from the Department of Health and the Department of Education for Victorian schools now apply.
If you require greater detail, please access additional information via the DHHS or Victorian State Government Education and Training websites or speak with your campus leadership team.
COVIDSafe Measures for Schools
- No student, staff member, parent, or visitor, should come on to College sites if they are unwell or have any Flu-like symptoms.
- Practise good hand hygiene, utilising the sanitisers supplied
- Utilising outdoor spaces and increasing cross-ventilation indoors where possible
- It is recommended that a person who is symptomatic, displaying cold or Flu like symptoms should undergo a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen or PCR Test.
- Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so, the College will continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.
Rapid Antigen Testing
Free RATs will be made available for use by all students and staff through Term 4. It is recommended that RATs are used by students and staff when symptomatic.
Reporting and Managing Positive Results
If staff or students receive a positive test result at any time, it is recommended the result be reported to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report or via the telephone hotline on 1800 675 398.
Parents/Guardians must report a positive COVID-19 test result of a student directly to the student office at the relevant campus. Staff must notify their relevant College leader.
The College community will no longer be notified of a positive COVID-19 case associated with the school.
It is recommended that any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 isolates for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test will continue to be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning.
Face Masks in Schools
Current advice from the Victorian government on the wearing of face masks is available here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks: It states:
“Face masks can stop or slow viruses spreading in the air when you talk, cough, sneeze and laugh. Face masks lower your chance of catching and spreading an airborne virus. That’s why wearing a high-quality and well-fitted face mask can help protect you and those around you from COVID-19.”
- Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so, the College will continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.
- It is recommended that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
- It is recommended that that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.
- Whilst traveling on Christian College buses, it is recommended students wear a face mask due to physical distancing not being possible.
Canteen not Open on Last day of Term
Please note that on the last day of Term 4, Friday December 9, the canteen will not be open.
Thank you to all volunteers for your fantastic help during the course of this term, and throughout 2022.
Recycling Uniform Items
As part of the transition to our new College wardrobe it was important that we consider the environmental impact of clothing items no longer required. Whilst it is still possible for students to wear items from the traditional uniform, when items are no longer able to be worn, they can be recycled.
Any such items can be dropped off and placed in recycling bins at each campus. We are working with our wardrobe manufacturer to ensure that these can be recycled as part of the introduction of our new wardrobe over the next 18 months.
CCG Foundation Patron’s Dinner
Join us for the Foundation Patron’s Dinner, to be held on Saturday, 12 November 2022 at The Pier Geelong.
On this night, the Foundation will be officially launching the establishment of our Public Ancillary Fund - 'The Eternity Fund'. The purpose of this fund is to provide sustained giving for the future. This fund will invest donations to return a greater value in years to come - a donation that lasts a lifetime.
At this event, you will have the opportunity to hear from our Foundation Patron, Robert Costa, who will speak about the significance of perpetual giving and the impact of local philanthropy.
Tickets are $200 per person and include a three-course meal, a four-hour drinks package, and a night full of heartfelt celebration. If you would like to attend, please book online at your earliest convenience.
Secure your seat today! www.ccgfoundation.org.au/patronsdinner
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
Sometimes circumstances are so challenging that the only choice you really have is how you respond to them.
Riding out that rough road in control is so much better than pretending that the road is smooth.
Take a moment now to regain and maintain control.
You are not only increasing your driving skills but also growing as a person.
Well done 👍 👏❤️
Discover more about MYTERN here
