Middle School Term 1 Week 5

Life in Abundance – Lenten Celebrations

Around the dinner table this week the question was asked “how’s your Easter going?”. This may seem a strange question if our experience of Easter is the long weekend at the end of March, however when Easter becomes the whole Lenten Season it’s a very good question indeed. A wonderful conversation ensued with talk of Easter bonnet building, fresh insights from Bible readings, a new hot cross bun recipe to try, Grandma’s Easter daisies are coming out and looking good, someone lamented their choice to give up caffeine and the youngest gleefully shared their countdown to Easter Sunday morning.

The season of Lent has traditionally been associated with a spirit of repentance, prayer, fasting, charitable giving and focusing on Jesus’s great sacrifice through his death and resurrection. In addition, this season of preparing to celebrate Easter is also characterised by the intentional appreciation and celebration of new life, unyielding hope, the miracle of a life transformed through faith, hope and love and the promise of life and life in abundance.

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 6

• Tues 5 March – Open Day
• Wed 6 March – GISSA Swimming Championships
• Thurs 7 March – House Swimming Carnival
• Thurs 7 March – GISSA Futsal Championships Intermediate Male and Female
• Thurs 7 March – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
• Fri 8 Mar – Year 9 Transformation – Headspace Geelong

Week 7

• Mon 11 March – Labour Day Public Holiday
• Tues 12 March – 3X Cup Basketball Victoria Qualifying – Junior Boys and Girls
• Tues 12 March – SSV Geelong North Division Swimming Championships
• Wed 13 March – Mon 25 March – NAPLAN Testing Window
• Thurs 14 March – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
• Thurs 14 March – Instrumental Music Performance night – Brass
• Fri 15 March – Year 9 Marine Boat Tour of Port Phillip Bay
• Sun 17 March – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella

High Performance Excursions

Geelong Athletic Centre

In a bid to nurture the sporting talents of our Year 7 students, a recent excursion to the Geelong Athletic Centre (GAC) proved to be an enriching experience. The GAC has elite training facilities tailored to meet the needs of athletes at all levels. Upon arrival, our students were greeted with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a session filled with learning and physical activity. The ethos of the GAC revolves around prioritising the athlete, whether they are embarking on their sporting journey or striving for excellence on a national or international stage.

The session commenced with a mobility circuit, emphasising the importance of flexibility and range of motion in athletic performance. Students were guided through a series of exercises aimed at enhancing mobility and preventing injuries, laying a solid foundation for their future training endeavours. Next, attention turned to running mechanics, a fundamental aspect of athletic prowess. Under the guidance of the expert coaches, students honed their technique, learning the nuances of efficient running movements and optimal body positioning.

Exploring the Underwater World

We have had a wonderful start to our practical classes for both Year 8 and Year 9 Marine Studies. Students have been active learners as they explore the underwater world of our local coastal locations, complimented by the development of their theoretical knowledge back in the classroom. Students are developing their practical snorkel skills as well as observing local species and ecosystems. In Year 8, students are focused on reflecting on their observations and considering the adaptations the marine species possess. In Yr. 9 students are investigating a marine issue in depth and considering a response. Please enjoy reading some student reflections below.

Robert Moore, Rachel Hill, Andrew Ellery, Sapphire Main

Transformation – Group 1

This week our first group of Year 9 students concluded their time in the Transformation Program. It was a great time of learning, about each other and about some difficult issues faced by people in our community. Empathy and curiosity were recurring themes throughout our time together.

A key question that we took away from our time in Melbourne was: How would the world be different if we chose empathy over discomfort, judgement and fear?

We learnt that empathy is a skill that can be developed. A good first step might be to accept that, sometimes, it’s ok to be uncomfortable. Growth takes place outside your comfort zone. Then, rather than making a judgement, choose to be curious and listen to other people’s stories.

We also learnt that, once you hear someone else’s stories and you gain an understanding of them, it’s easier to take meaningful action.

We were fortunate to meet Lana Purcell and hear her story. In her former career as a Chef, she understood that food waste was a problem. She also understood that food security and cost of living was, and still is, a growing issue. She took action and started Feed Me Bellarine.

She spoke about the power of doing something for someone else and that every positive step, no matter how small, can make a big difference in our community.

It was inspiring to see that it is possible to find a solution to a complex problem and make positive change.

Our Library at Middle School

The year began in the Middle School Library with orientation sessions to welcome the Year 5 and Year 7 students. The students were introduced to the library staff and spaces, the fiction and non-fiction print collections and how to borrow, and the online library and how to use the resources and research guides. The Reading for Pleasure program has commenced, with all Middle School classes enjoying a dedicated half hour reading session in the library each week. Students have also been enjoying the activities in the library at recess and lunchtimes.

Reading for Pleasure

Reading for Pleasure sessions give students the opportunity to browse and borrow for independent silent reading. Including a dedicated opportunity to read during the week is an important factor in encouraging students to become readers and to improve their reading. In the Reading Room the collections are organised into genres to make books more accessible for our readers. Students also have the opportunity to read for pleasure at the beginning of English classes. Reading at home regularly is strongly encouraged to support reading skill development.

Year 7 students were also introduced to the Wheelers platform of ebooks and audiobooks. Year 7 – 12 students can access this excellent collection from home as well as school.

Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize

A great opportunity is offered for science for students across the middle years.

The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, presented by the University of Sydney, invites students to participate in a science video competition. Here are the key details:

• Theme: The theme for 2024 is ‘Energy’.
• Task: Create a 2-minute film that communicates a scientific concept related to energy in an accessible and engaging way.
• Eligibility: Open to primary and secondary school students.
• Submission Format: Films should be submitted in .mp4 format, with a display resolution of 1280 x 720 (preferred: 1920 x 1080, aspect ratio 16:9).
• Entry Deadline: All entries must be submitted online before the Entry Deadline.
• Content Ownership: Entrants must ensure that all content in their film is their own and secure necessary permissions for third-party content.
• Prizes: Prize money is divided equally between winning students and their schools.

For more information and to participate, visit the website using this link:

Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary and Secondary School – The Australian Museum 🎥🔬

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum

Thank you to the parents and guardians who have responded and registered for this upcoming event next Wednesday evening. Based on your responses to date, here are the top 5 topics parents are most interested in exploring on the night:

• Protecting my child from harmful or inappropriate content
• Screen time - finding a healthy balance
• Parental controls
• Cyber bullying
• Making informed parental decisions about specific apps and games

We’re especially excited about the opportunity on this evening for some rich sharing and discussion amongst parents attending and will also share information on how the school can support you and your children in this space, at school and at home.

As this event is intended for interactive participation by attendees in a forum-style format, there will not be a recording available.

This event will be suitable and relevant for parents of students of all ages, from Prep through to Year 12. This one-hour forum will involve a combination of information and support from the College, as well as an opportunity to share and discuss challenges and strategies with fellow parents.

Cross-Campus Vocal Evening

The Christian College Music Faculty held their first Cross-Campus Vocal Evening for 2024 on Wednesday, February 28 in the RW Gibson Music Performance Centre.

Vocal students from years 2-12 and from all five campuses performed solos accompanied by Regina Thomae, Tammy Treloar and Brad Treloar.

Our voice teachers Jacinta Burns, Brad Treloar, Tania Grant and me are all very proud of the students who performed and look forward to our next vocal evening.

Following on from this performance opportunity the music faculty will also be holding string, brass, woodwind and piano cross-campus evenings throughout the remainder of Term 1.

International Women’s Day Celebration at Senior Campus

All members of the CCG community are invited to join us at the Senior School campus for International Women’s Day on Friday March 8, as we continue the long-held tradition of the IWD breakfast. This year the event will be held in the RW Gibson music centre on Senior Campus, commencing at 7.20am and with formalities concluding by 8.30am. A light breakfast is provided, and we will hear from two inspiring women with links to our community who are making an impact in the wider world.

About our speakers - Former CCG student Ms Georgie Purcell MP was elected to the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament in November 2022, representing the Animal Justice Party. Georgie is a passionate animal protection advocate. After entering a political role at just 26 years old – she has noticed the way young people, particularly young women, are not represented in our halls of power. Georgie wants to change that.

Former teacher at CCG, Ms Gabrielle Blythe was an Olympic athlete, representing Australia in race walking events at the 1992 Olympic Games. Gaby now works with young women in her teaching and mentoring role at Clonard College, as well as inspiring a new generation of female athletes through her coaching. Gaby’s story is an amazing story about strong, resilient women who helped her to achieve her goals, despite significant difficulties along the way.

To join us on the day, please complete the booking form at https://www.trybooking.com/CPMKT.

In order to keep the day accessible to all, we are not charging participants for entry/breakfast. If, however, you are able to make a small contribution (gold coin or similar) on the day to help cover costs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Cinderella – Be Quick - Tickets are Disappearing Fast!

There are still tickets available for our major College production this year, but they are going fast, so to ensure you don't miss out - book now! Join us as we present three very special performances of this delightful story featuring students from Years 6 – 12 with exceptional talent throughout the cast, and an orchestra brimming with outstanding student musicians, all backed up by a wonderful community of staff, students and families backstage.

Performances are at Geelong Arts Centre Play House Theatre on May 3 and 4.

To purchase tickets, visit our website and click on the hotlink on our homepage, or go straight to ticket sales by clicking here. 

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund

Financial Assistance for Eligible Parents

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. Support from CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities and forms part of the State Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is: • $150 for primary school students • $250 for secondary school students

How to Apply

Application Forms are available online through the Parent Portal (Go to ‘Student Information’ > ‘Important Forms for Parents’) these forms can be downloaded, completed then uploaded according to the instructions. Hard copy forms are also available from reception at each campus or by emailing enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au

More Information

For the CSEF application closing dates and more information about the fund please visit this webpage

CSEF_Application_Form_2024

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!

Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion

The Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024. Join us at Blackman's Brewery Geelong from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Tickets are $15 each and RSVPs close on Thursday, 28th March 2024 at 5:00pm. 

This will be a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your peers, catch up with past teachers, and reminisce about your school days. 

Tours of the College Clocktower at Middle School - Highton will also be optional on the day of the reunion, if you would like to climb the Clocktower and find your brick, simply book in when you register. 

For those who would like to have a tour of the College grounds, please head to our website to arrange a tour. 

We look forward to catching up with the Class of 2014. If this is your year group, spread the word and register for your 10 Year Reunion today!  

https://ccgfoundation.org.au/2014

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

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!