Meet our new Deputy Heads!
It is an exciting time at Middle School – Highton with a new leadership team for 2024. Following the departure of Kerrie Dapiran and with Natasha Troop moving into the Head of Campus role, Kathrine Bowyer and Andrew Ellery have been appointed as Deputy Heads of Campus.
Throughout Kathrine’s experience as an educator, she has worked in a Junior School environment as a classroom teacher and a coordinator at an independent school in Melbourne. Kathrine is passionate about contemporary teaching, catering to students across the whole learning spectrum, and empowering teachers to do their best work. Kathrine Bowyer joined our Middle School in 2021 as the Learning Support Coordinator for years 5 – 7. In this role Kathrine was able to build wonderful connections with students and staff.
Kathrine and her family moved to the Geelong region from Melbourne. She has two sons who are 10 and 8 and two Jack Russells who keep her busy outside of school. As a family they enjoy going to the beach and bike riding.
Andrew joined the Christian College community at the start of 2016, following 11 years of teaching Outdoor Education and Science at Oberon High School. In his time at our College, Andrew has taught in both of his specialist areas at Middle School – Highton. He has served as both a Year 7 and Year 9 homeroom teacher and for the past two years as the Year 7 Coordinator. Andrew and his family enjoy sharing their hinterland home with two dogs and numerous chickens. He enjoys spending time in nature: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing when possible. Andrew has a keen interest in his community and is a member of his local CFA brigade.
Kathrine and Andrew are looking forward to getting to know the broader Christian College Community and assisting staff and students to thrive.
Year 5 Parent Cuppa
We would like to warmly invite you to attend one of our ‘Parent Cuppa Morning Tea’ sessions. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s Homeroom teacher and other parents, whilst the students enjoy some activities run by the Year 9 Mentors. At the conclusion you will be invited on a tour of the Middle School Campus and also a visit to your child’s homeroom.
These sessions will be in the SAC Mezzanine, we ask that you sign in at the front office on your arrival. The dates for your diary are, Tuesday 13th February 8:50am and Thursday 29th February 8:50am.
Natasha Troop, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Middle School
Week 3
- Mon 12 Feb – Wed 14 Feb – Year 7 Camp BGH
- Tues 13 Feb – Year 5 Parent Cuppa and Information Morning
- Wed 14 Feb – Fri 16 Feb – Year 7 Camp MRY
- Thurs 15 Feb – GISSA Triathlon Championships
- hourss 15 Feb – House Running Championships Year 5 & 6
- Thurs 15 Feb – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
- Sun 18 Feb – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
Week 4
- Wed 21 Feb – GISSA Tennis Championships
- Thurs 22 Feb – Year 7 Garden Party
- Thurs 22 Feb – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
- Fri 23 Feb – Student Leaders Induction Service
- Sun 25 Feb – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
Chilli Challenge
Last Friday, the Year 5 students engaged in our annual Chilli Challenge Day. A day of fun and collaborative activities designed to enhance teamwork, friendship cooperation.
Our day started with an interactive message from our Chaplin Andy. Who shared the message from Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
Andy shared that “not everything is not good on its own” and the importance of having a relationship with God and knowing that he works for those who love him. Everyone loved the cookie taste testing, singing and fun in the Chapel.
Homerooms then went off to complete activities such as wearable art, tower building and group trivia, which allowed the students to practise team building skills, sharing responsibilities, helping one another and working together to achieve a goal. The concept of mild, medium and spicy challenges was incorporated and lots of rich discussions about stepping out of your comfort zone were had.
Persistence and resilience were major themes throughout the day as each activity exposed an opportunity to keep going when things got challenging. We look forward to using the memory of these activities throughout the school year and reflecting on how we can utilise these skills to better our learning.
Chilli Challenge Day was a time for the Year 5s to have fun with new and existing friends after a big and brave transition to Middle School and it was lovely to see the smiles on their faces all day. The students’ use of positive reinforcement and encouragement in the mentor led sporting activity was also a highlight of the day.
We look forward to the rest of the term with this fantastic cohort of year 5 students that we are privileged to guide through their first term and year at Christian College Middle School.
Rachelle Garrard
Un8ty!
In Year 8 in 2024 it’s all about Unity, or as we plan to phrase it, Un8ty!
A HUGE welcome back to all students and families (both old and new) for 2024. It has been fantastic to see the Year 8s engaging back into school life over the past week, after what I hope was a great holiday break. This year at Year 8 our key theme will be centred around Unity, or should I say ‘Un8ty’. During our recent Year 8 Assembly on Tuesday, this theme was introduced to the students, and they were asked to define what the term meant to them. Most of the feedback centred around working together to achieve a central goal or outcome, and it’s often easier said than done. We addressed the fact that in a school setting, sometimes developing unity can be quite challenging and it’s not realistic that everyone is always going to see eye to eye. We also stressed that what is important is that we are respectful of one another and appreciative of the diverse qualities that each student brings to Christian College. We hope that by working in unity, this will go a long way to helping everyone feel a sense of belonging, whilst building camaraderie amongst the Year 8 cohort, and ultimately setting ourselves up for an awesome 2024!
When I reflect on my Year 8 schooling experience (some time ago now), I honestly don’t recall any grades I received throughout my subjects, or many of the actual topics studied. I can, however, clearly visualise the friendship groups and many peers I interacted with, some of whom I’m still close friends with today. So, where I am I going with this? Well, I’m definitely not downplaying the importance of the academic side of school. As we all know, schools are essential hubs for learning and extending student knowledge, helping to develop key life skills and future aspirations. I guess what I’m trying to highlight and express here, is the significance of the diverse social dynamic in a school, and how this can often be quite complex and complicated for students to navigate. Therefore, by implementing this key theme of Unity (or Un8ty), we hope that we can create and establish a setting this year whereby every student feels supported and valued, whilst knowing they are an essential part of the Year 8 team.
Although it is still early days, there is plenty happening for our Year 8s. Below is some feedback from students around their transition into Year 8 and photos of what’s been happening within their subjects:
What a great start we’ve all had to our Year 8 journey! After a huge year of change, friendships, and grounding, we are more than ready to explore all that Year 8 has to offer. The number of experiences and opportunities we are presented with is incredible, such as GEOS Camp, Marine Studies, choices of Electives, and a chance to be a role model to the younger years. There is truly something for everybody and we can’t wait to make the most of our year!
Willow McInnes (8Y)
I have really enjoyed the start of Year 8. My subjects and electives are enjoyable and engaging. Each teacher has been encouraging and has introduced the new topics well. There are lots of things to look forward to with our GEOS Camp coming up next month, getting ready for GISSA Sports and events, our House Carnivals, and the excursions we will have with our electives. I have felt the transition from Year 7 has been smooth, with the teachers’ helping lots. I think it’s going to be a great year ahead!
Locky Rice (8B)
Year 8 has been an amazing experience so far and I feel that I’ve transitioned well into my new Homeroom. I feel subjects have been even more interesting this year and the activities keep me looking forward to the next classes throughout the day. In some subjects, such as Writer’s Workshop, we have been focusing on all the different ways stories can be inspired, as well as how to create suspense. The new teachers I’ve met, or the ones who have taught me in the past, have welcomed me and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming year ahead!
Eva Khouri (8R)
Tim Collins
Find Yourself at our Open Day!
On March 5, all five Christian College campuses and two kindergartens are holding Open Days. Our Open Days provide the opportunity for parents and others interested in enrolling their children at Christian College to have a firsthand look at our College campuses, speak with campus leaders, participate in student-led tours of the facilities, visit classrooms in real time and have their questions answered.
We would encourage everyone in our Christian College community to spread the word and tell anyone you might know who is considering schooling options for their children about our Open Day and the opportunity to come and visit one or more campuses and/or our kinders, with no tour booking required.
Details are on our website – follow the hotlink on our homepage or click Homepage > Join > Open Days.
Opening times for March 5 are as follows:
Junior School-Belmont and Williams House Kindergarten – 9:15 – 10:45am
Bellarine Campus – 9:30 – 11:00am
Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House Kindergarten – 11:30am – 1:00pm
Middle School-Highton – 10:30am – 12:00 noon
Senior School – 11:30am – 1:00pm
We would love to see as many interested families as possible finding themselves at our Open Day!
Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon
The Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon is back on and has been scheduled for Friday, 24 May 2024.
You are invited to join us for lunch at the stunning Provenance Wines in Fyansford.
This is a fundraising event for the Foundation and an opportunity to hear about the success and progress of the College.
Our guest speaker is Jossy Chacko, Founder and President of Empart, a global ministry that exists to ignite holistic community transformation among needy communities.
Giving leadership to a team of over 13,000 people and offices in nine countries, Jossy travels around the world inspiring and challenging leaders to capture a larger God-size vision and not to waste gifts and opportunities. He is also the author of Madness! and Dare to Partner.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to come together.
Secure your seat and book online today!
https://ccgfoundation.org.au/gh
Jennifer Freind, Foundation Manager
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
