Middle School Term 1 Week 6

What’s Happening at Middle School

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 Studies boat tour of Port Phillip Bay
• Sun 17 March – College Production rehearsal – Cinderella

Week 8

• Wed 13 March – Mon 25 March – NAPLAN testing window
• Mon 18 March – Wed 20 March – Year 6 Camp – The Summit
• Mon 18 March – Instrumental Music Performance Night – Piano
• Tues 19 March – Fri 22 March – Year 8 GEOS camp
• Wed 20 March – Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum
• Thurs 21 March – College Production rehearsal – Cinderella
• Thurs 21 March – Instrumental Music Performance Night – Woodwind
• Fri 22 March – Year 9 Transformation excursion – Feed Me Bellarine
• Sun 24 March – College Production rehearsal – Cinderella

Year 5s – in and out of Gaol

Recently the Year 5 cohort was privileged to embark on an excursion to the Geelong waterfront. The locations, based on our Story of Geelong English and Humanities units, included the Geelong Bollard walk featuring historic figures as bollards, and the terrifying and ominous Geelong Gaol.

The insightful, engaging, and fun activities presented allowed the students to learn through experiencing these locations and connected with their studies of Geelong’s history. With the large cohort, it was a fantastic opportunity for all students to mingle with classmates from other classes, fostering friendships across the entire Year 5 group.

During the visit to the Geelong Gaol, students immersed themselves in the lives of prisoners from the 1800s. They entered convicts’ cells, walked in a solitary confinement cage, and heard tales of prisoner escapes. The students were captivated, as evidenced by the fantastic array of questions asked by Year 5 students.

Following this, students had lunch at Eastern Beach, where they played on the playground and relaxed after completing the fourth week of their first Middle School term. We then returned to our respective groups and, with the support of the amazing staff who helped the Year 5 team, studied the bollards in preparation for their upcoming bollards narrative for English.

The Year 5 team would like to thank all staff members who came along and supported the teachers and students in what was a fantastic and successful day. The Year 5s can now look forward to their upcoming swimming and athletics competitions later in the term.

House Swimming Carnival – Flynn Takes the Honours!

The much-anticipated annual Middle School House Swimming Carnival made quite a splash on Thursday, as students from all four houses came together for a day of thrilling competition and spirited camaraderie.

The event kicked off with a burst of colour as students proudly donned their house colours for our House Best Dressed Competition. The judges couldn’t look past the costumes of Flynn House. It was then time to hear from each house as they presented their chants. Each house unleashed their creativity and vocal prowess crafting cheers that echoed with team spirit and pride. It was Taylor that took out this event as they sung along to the music of the Collingwood Football Club’s theme song.  

The atmosphere during the day was charged with excitement, and cheers echoed across the pool area as competitors showcased their skills in a series of individual events as well as our House Relays, Fastest on Campus, Novelty Competitions and a Staff vs Student Relay. It was quite the spectacle as our Middle School Sport Assistant and past student, Nicole Briscoe, who is soon to be competing to make the Australian team for the Olympics, swam in the staff team. There was a very close finish between the staff and students and a questionable start by the teachers who took the win this year.

Middle School Chess Club

The Middle School Chess Club meets every Monday in the Japanese room (N26) at lunchtime from 1:10 to 1:40.

There are plenty of chessboards to share. All students are welcome to come and try to learn Chess or show of their already existing skills.

One little known fact is that the Middle School Campus currently holds the Inter-Campus Chess trophy. This trophy was won when Middle School’s team beat the Bellarine Campus team in 2022.

NAPLAN 2024

NAPLAN or The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is an annual nationwide test for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in the four areas of Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. This year marks the seventeenth year of NAPLAN, which is now in an entirely digital and adaptive platform.

The tests will be run throughout a two-week window from March 13 to March 25.

The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals and can be used to support student achievement.

“Our young people are learning in many different ways, and at their own pace.”

Whilst the NAPLAN provides informative data, it is but a ‘snapshot’ of our students on a certain day. Our young people are learning in many different ways and at their own pace. It is important to remember that the learning at Christian College is rich and diverse and embraces the student in ALL aspects of the person and there is no national test or box and whisker graph big enough to account for the ‘Learning that Matters’.  There is no special preparation required and students can be reassured that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and they should simply do the best they can on the day.

Those Important Moments of Reflection and Connection

As we continue our journey of preparation for the Easter season, I am reminded of the importance of connecting with loved ones in a meaningful and joyful way. Moments of reflection and connection are central to our capacity to live well as they allow us to pause amidst the chaos and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. In the hustle and bustle of everyday living, it can be easy to lose sight of the need to prioritise our wellbeing and finding moments of true connection can be a challenge, particularly in our digitally driven world. As highlighted by Dr Kristy Goodwin, one of Australia’s digital wellbeing and productivity experts, many of us are struggling to tame our tech habits and it is impacting our health and wellbeing. She acknowledges how difficult it is to unplug when we live in a world saturated with screens, pings, and alerts and furthermore, with every ping, scroll and interaction, our brain is rewarded all in a digital minute! In her manifesto, she reminds us of the importance of attention as being the most precious resource we have. She encourages us to own it and protect it at all costs so we can be present where we are and when we matter. It goes without saying that there are tremendous benefits to technology, and it has enriched our lives in a myriad of ways, but when we are able to be more mindful of our digital habits, we are well positioned to protect our digital wellbeing. By unplugging from screens and engaging in meaningful conversations and interactions we can create the space we need to connect with loved ones and be genuinely present.

‘The next time you get ready to snap a photo with your camera, put it down and thank God for blessing you with this moment instead’ – Linda Hanstra

Doing the Right Thing on our Buses

I have noticed a decline in the overall behaviour of some students on our bus network, which is something we take very seriously. We have seen some significant damage to bus seats (cuts / slashes) and an increase in graffiti on seats and other surfaces of the bus. Please note, this behaviour will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will follow, including the reimbursement of costs associated with repairing damage, if applicable.

We ask all parents to please remind your children that damaging the buses disadvantages everyone who uses them, and to encourage those who witness this sort of behaviour to either email schoolbustravel@ccg.vic.edu.au or talk to their home room teacher. We will ensure that their identity remains anonymous.

Most importantly, appropriate behaviour on our buses is vital for the safety of all passengers and drivers.

Please click on this link to a YouTube video as a reminder of how to travel safely on our bus network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN5SfNHr37s

I would like us all to work together to ensure that we are operating the safest possible bus service every day and thank you in anticipation for your assistance in achieving this.

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party

In late 2022, Christian College Geelong formed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party in a commitment to addressing, supporting and implementing our journey towards Reconciliation.

Late last year, due to this College priority, our Reconciliation Plan was ratified by Reconciliation Australia and published on their website. It will soon be appearing on our College website.

Our RAP Committee meet as one body once per term and comprises Acting Principal Rick Geall, a Chairperson, a College Board member, College staff, First Nations students and other interested students, and parents of First Nations students.

While we meet as one group, we incorporate two specific areas: Curriculum and Resources; and Community and Events. Each plays a role in planning, creating and sharing opportunities for Reconciliation in the classroom, around our campuses and across the broader community.

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.

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

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!