From the Head of Campus
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
We sincerely hope that you enjoyed our Celebration Evening this past Wednesday and are as proud as we are of the amazing talents of your wonderful children. They say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and on nights such as this when community comes together, connected as a village, it is a blessing to know that our children are celebrated and can feel valued, protected and loved. Words really cannot adequately express the wonderful work of the students, so we have included links to the interviews from The Christmas Story – Junior School Celebration Evening 2023 to this edition of the Vine for you to rewatch and enjoy. Some of the students helped me with the following Acrostic poem to capture what the word Celebration could mean in the context of Wednesday’s Junior School Celebration evening. Here is what they had to share:
Christmas is coming!
Excitement filled the room at Costa Hall.
Love is what God has for us.
Excellent singing by everybody.
Birth of baby Jesus is near
Revelry dancing far and wide, (Chat GPT helped us with that one)
Angels filled the sky onstage.
Tinsel decorated the class items.
Igniting of passions (Mrs Dunlop helped us with that one)
Outstanding preparation and performances by all
Nativity animals in the stable
Here are the links to the Christmas story interviews
Ann-Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
Car Park Safety
It has been brought to our attention that there are significant safety concerns regarding parents parking in the car park in front of Williams House Kindergarten.
Please note that parents are required to ONLY park in designated car parking spaces in this car park for safety reasons. Alternatives to parking in this car park are the Homewood Lane gate alongside the Junior School oval, the Broughton Drive gate at the front of the school and the Dumfries Court gate at the rear of the school. We appreciate your adherence to parking in only designated car parks in support of the safety of our students at Junior School.
The Roundabout
I am also wanting to share a couple of ways you can assist us in maintaining safety in our school grounds. The first is in relation to the use of the roundabout at the front of the school. Please note that this roundabout is NOT to be used for daily general student drop off and pick up. The exception to this being Strings at 8:00am on a Tuesday morning and Choir at 8:00am on a Wednesday morning.
If your child has an appointment between the hours of 9:30am-3:00pm you are welcome to use the front roundabout for pick up and drop off as this will not generally impact student safety.
Thank you once again for your efforts in considering our children’s safety in the school grounds.
Ann-Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
What’s on at Junior School
Week 10
Monday December 4 – Hooptime Final – Selected Year 4 students (EdSmart to come)
Tuesday December 5 – Junior School Activities Day (Refer to EdSmart)
Wednesday December 6 – Year 4 ‘Jason Mahoney’ Bike Ride (Refer to EdSmart)
Wednesday December 6 – Discovery Learning.
Friday December 8 – Final Christmas Service, 12:30pm.
Friday December 8 – Conclusion of Term 4, 2:30pm finish.
2024 Term 1 –
Tuesday January 31 – Commencement of Term 1; Service 10:30am
Thursday February 1 – New Student ID Photos, 9:00am
Lost Property
As we step into our final week of school, I encourage parents to check our lost property items. Uniform that is not named will be given to the Uniform Shop to resell; all other unnamed items will be donated.
Sophie Olden, Student Services
Year 4 Graduation Ceremony
The Junior School bid farewell to its Year 4 students today through a special Graduation Ceremony, marking the culmination of their time in the Junior School. The event included the presentation of Graduation certificates to all Year 4 students, accompanied by heartfelt words from their classmates and teachers. Year 5 students, Violet Ash and Keming Gong, along with Mrs Natasha Troop, Deputy Head of Middle School, shared insights into the exciting opportunities that await the Year 4 students as they transition to Middle School. Mrs. Weigl emphasised the uniqueness and wonderful qualities inherent in each individual, encouraging everyone to recognise and use their distinct gifts and talents. 14 I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. (Psalm 139:13-14) Congratulations to the Year 4 cohort of 2023, and best wishes for their upcoming journey in Middle School!
Carla Dunlop, Deputy Head of Campus
The end is Near, it was a Timely Party in Year 4!
The formalities are over and it is finally time to celebrate the awesome and talented cohort of 2023.
This year the Year 4 Enrichment and Enhancement crew decked out the chapel and transformed the space into a party venue for rock stars. Complete with a photo booth wall, shiny disco balls and a spectacular balloon display. The students all rolled in from their Graduation at Middle School – relaxed, happy and hungry.
To change it up this year the Year 4 E and E crew wanted to host the party by preparing food at home and bringing it in to share with everyone. A huge thank you to the parents of these children, the variety and spread of food was absolutely incredible and everyone was very grateful.
A special mention to Alexander Upham who is a part of the E and E crew. Alex’s dad, Dave Upham generously offered to provide burgers, nuggets and fries from his High street McDonalds. Your generosity and community spirit is highly valued and I urge all families to pause the next time you are driving up or down the Belmont hill, stop in for a treat in support of a Christian College family.
With DJ Alex and Adhrit pumping out the tunes we all got together for some Christmas Karaoke and were entertained by many of the amazing voices of our Year 4’s. Jagger, Mila and Lexi all serenaded us with their solo performances. We also had Christmas gifts dancing for us.
Then it was time for some classics – The Nut Bush, followed by an old fashioned disco. They danced, they chanted, they sang. Their hearts were happy and full!
Again, we must acknowledge the Upham family for providing us with a range Maccas merchandise that children received as dance prizes.
Mr Foran has said ‘best ever graduation party to date!’ Well, Year 4 E and E team, we have succeeded in creating a great day for all today!
It’s been a rich and full year. What a privilege to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of students.
Liza Lambert
Year 1 – A Year in Reflection
As we near the end of our 2023 school year, it is a time for us to reflect and acknowledge the growth and learning that has taken place in our Year 1 classroom. Throughout the year, the children have demonstrated a positive attitude towards their learning as they have participated in a range of programs and activities.
During our literacy time, the children have been provided with the opportunity to build their reading and writing skills as they have studied a variety of different texts, such as narratives, information reports, recounts, and poems. Through their written pieces, the students have been able to share their ideas, opinions, and understanding of topics.
As part of Mathematics, the children have explored and applied many mathematical concepts including number and place value, time, money, measurement, and data collection, just to mention a handful. A highlight of the year was visiting the local Aldi store where the children were set the task of purchasing items to the value of $5!
During Integrated Studies, the students have investigated key topics where they have been able to consolidate and further develop their understanding of the world around them. As part of these units, the children have also been able to participate in a number of excursions, including a visit to the Geelong Botanic Gardens and also to the Melbourne Museum.
Through our daily Devotions and Christian Education lessons, the students have been encouraged to foster their understanding of the Bible and the fact that God sent His son Jesus for us. This term, the children have enjoyed learning about the significance of Christmas as they have each created a ‘Nativity Bracelet’.
Throughout the year, the students have built their friendships and they have supported and encouraged one another – together, we have built a classroom community!
I am very proud of the children’s wonderful efforts with their learning, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth as they progress through our Junior School.
Violet Novacevski
Year 4s Reflect on Their Year
As the school year draws to a close, the Year 4 students find themselves immersed in a wave of nostalgia, reflecting on the cherished memories created with their Prep buddies. The bond formed in those early years of primary school has not only endured but has also blossomed into a beautiful tale of friendship, growth, and shared experiences.
The school’s intentional buddy system brought together Year 4 and Prep students, creating partnerships that were much more than just a mentor-mentee relationship. The older students embraced their roles as guides and protectors, while the younger ones looked up to their newfound friends with awe and admiration.
From navigating the intricacies of the schoolyard to participating in collaborative class projects, Year 4 and Prep buddies experienced a myriad of adventures together. The older students lent a helping hand during those initial uncertain weeks, helping their Prep buddies find their way around the school and offering a comforting presence during assembly and lunch breaks. Year 4 students found joy in assisting their Prep buddies with reading, writing, and other educational endeavours, creating an environment where the love of learning was nurtured and celebrated.
Here are some fond memories from our time with our buddies this year;
I have enjoyed making crafts for them and spending time getting to know Helena.” – Ivy
I’ve enjoyed having a buddy because it’s been a new joyous experience – having to take care of Preps, it’s an honour to be part of their first year of school. – Adhrit
It’s been fun making them mazes and it’s cool to have someone looking up to you. – Alex
I like making her happy and giving her presents. – Belle
As the years unfolded, the bond between Year 4 and Prep buddies deepened. From birthdays and special achievements to school performances and sports events, these friends were there for each other, celebrating each other’s successes and offering support during challenges.
Now, as the Year 4 students reflect on their time with their Prep buddies, they express gratitude for the shared laughter, the lessons learned, and the friendships forged. The memories created during those formative years are not just a part of their past but have become an integral aspect of who they are today.
Jessie Stap
Sushi Skills With Year 2!
Every year, the Year 2 students study Japanese foods in Term 4. The penultimate event of this fun unit of study is to make sushi with our Japanese language assistant, Shizue Sensei. Shizue spends weeks planning the menu and checking in with the children to make sure she has the right ingredients for their delicious sushi rolls. They work in groups of eight and learn how to make sushi like a professional chef! Some children are very familiar with sushi but for many it is their first experience with authentic Japanese food. It is wonderful to watch the students learn this new skill and enjoy the end result. We may have some new Junior MasterChef participants!
Back in the classroom, we learn about Japanese ice creams and some new and wonderful flavours. We make origami ice cream and write about our thoughts on some of the new flavours. We finish the lesson with the highlight of tasting our own Matcha ice cream in a cone. It is a joy every year to see the delight, new skills and hear the laughter of our Year 2 students on this very enjoyable day.
Hopefully a sushi dinner will be on the family menu for you all soon!
Chaney Sensei
Shizue Sensei
Run Club
On Thursday December 7, Junior School will be holding their final Run Club for the year. Mr Brown and I have been grateful to the students who have regularly attended, well done and thank you!
Students have shown a definite improvement in their running technique, and we are hoping this will help students for future athletics and cross-country events.
We would like to invite parents/grandparents/guardians to come along next Thursday morning to have a walk or run with their child/ren. We will be starting at 8.15am on the basketball court at Junior School. Staff have been invited to join too and we are hoping to get a coffee van to be in attendance. At the end of the session, we will acknowledge some of the regular attendees.
Nick Rice
Brilliance in the Field of Science
Today we had the opportunity to acknowledge Feivel Yeoh. Feivel took an opportunity to enter the Science Talent Search. He entered a scientific poster outlining his very own smart home. Competing against 3000 other students across Victoria, Feivel represented Christian College presenting his poster in Melbourne. We are pleased to announce that Feivel won a major bursary. Today, Feivel was presented with a medallion, framed certificate, and voucher from the Science Talent Search in front of all his peers before the commencement of the graduation party.
Congratulations Feivel, you are a wonder!
Liza Lambert
Specialised Chess Coaching
Get Some Unique Christmas Cards and Support Williams House
This year Williams House is selling packets of Christmas cards designed by our own little artists!
We are selling our Angel/Shepherd cards for $5 for a pkt of 6 and our Nativity cards are $7 for a pkt of 10. Each packet contains either 6 or 10 different designs.
If you would like to support the kinder and share our creations with the community this Christmas, the cards are available at all CCG campus receptions and of course at Williams House. Payment can be made with cash or card.
We also take over-the-phone orders with direct deposit. Phone 5241 3556
All money raised will go towards making some new additions to our outdoor yards!
We hope you love these gorgeous creations and enjoy sharing them with your family and the community this Christmas!
With thanks from all the children and the team at WH!
Stephanie Butler, Director Williams House Kindergarten
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
Recent Comments