Middle School Term 1 Week 8

From the Dean of Christian Culture

Easter – The only good time to put all your eggs in one basket!

“Only eight sleeps to go Mia” my niece called to remind me, “Easter Sunday is coming!” What followed was a litany of questions regarding all the preparations for Easter next weekend; “Is it my turn to roll the stone away this year?” in regards to the wooden passion set that is currently sitting on the hallway table (think nativity set but displaying the Easter story). “Have you finished the tablecloth?”, the half-sewn rainbow cotton tablecloth is spread out on my floor with pins still in it waiting to be finished. “Will you make those biscuits again with the jam in the middle?” “Are you hiding the eggs this year? ‘cause I’ve been practising my seeking and I’m going to find them all no matter how hard you hide them”. I can hear in her voice that a sense of occasion is continuing to build, the Easter anticipation is real. And joyful. And delightful to be a part of.

In my family I am often accused of hiding Easter Eggs at the highest degree of difficulty. Where others might leave the colourfully wrapped treasures in very obvious places it is my goal to make an Easter Egg hunt a properly challenging task. Treasure maps are drawn for particularly hard to find pairs of ‘resurrection socks’ (a new pair of socks for the wearer to associate with “putting on and walking in the resurrection life” with each wearing) or particular chocolate treats. “Mia it’s too hard, I can’t find the eggs!” I’ve often heard this whine – my response “Keep looking, I promise they’re out there”.

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 9

• Mon 25 March – SSV Geelong North Division Female AFL Championships
• Mon 25 March – Eltham HS Bands visit and concert for Years 5/6 & Evening concert for families
• Tues 26 March – GISSA Surfing Championships
• Tues 26 March – House Athletics Championships
• Tues 26 March – SSV Western Metro Region Swimming Championships
• Wed 27 March – 3X3 Cup Basketball Vic Qualifying – Intermediate Boys and Girls
• Wed 27 March – Year 9 Transformation Open House
• Wed 27 March – Instrumental Music Performance Night – Strings
• Thurs 28 March – Last Day of Term – Early dismissal – 2.30pm
• Friday 29 March – Good Friday Public Holiday

Term 2, Week 1

• Sun 14 Apr – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
• Tues 16 Apr – First Day of Term
• Thurs 18 Apr – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella
• Fri 19 Apr – GISSA Golf Championships
• Sun 21 Apr – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella

NAPLAN in 2024

NAPLAN or The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, 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 has come to an end for another year. As a nation, and as a school, this data can be extrapolated and used to inform our teaching going forward.

Students, teachers and support staff have shown patience and perseverance as a few technical issues arose, however, on the whole, the tests ran smoothly. A big thank you to the staff who attended meetings, prepared classrooms, and guided students through the testing period – as well as the catch-up sessions that were timetabled for students who were absent.

Whilst NAPLAN provides us with informative data, it is only a ‘snapshot’ of our students on a certain day. The young people we teach learn in a variety of ways, and at their own pace. It is important to remember that the learning at Christian College is rich and diverse and embraces students in all aspects, and we will continue to prioritise the ‘Learning that Matters.’

Sophie Bergin, Giulia Ellis and Kathrine Bowyer (NAPLAN Team 2024)

An Exciting Term in Year 5 and 6 Science!

Throughout the term, the Year 5s have been actively involved in exploring states of matter through hands-on experiments. They have created vibrant density rainbows, investigated changes of state, explored evaporation and explored the peculiar properties of a substance called Oobleck.

Meanwhile, the Year 6s have embarked on a journey into the world of electricity. They have constructed simple circuits, experimented with conductivity using various materials as switches, learned to read an ammeter and explored different types of energy.

We are looking forward to next term when we study adaptations in Year 5 and our place in space in Year 6!

Science Talent Search

Students at Christian College Geelong in Years 5 – 9 students are invited to participate in the 2024 Science Talent Search (STS).

The Science Talent Search has three broad aims:

1. To stimulate an ongoing interest in the study of sciences by:
   • encouraging independent self-motivated project work amongst students of science.
   • giving students the opportunity to communicate their achievements to a wider audience.
   • according recognition of effort and achievement in a scientific enterprise.
2. To promote the direct involvement of the students in the processes of science and its communication.
3. To give the public at large an opportunity to see the quality of work being achieved in science, by both primary and post primary students.

The Science Talent Search has a wide range of sections students can choose to enter:

• Experimental Research
• Creative Writing
• Inventions**
• Working Models
• Posters – Scientific Wallcharts
• Games
• Computer Programs**
• Science Photography
• Video Productions

**These sections may require student attendance at a judging day at a Melbourne School over a weekend. Parents are responsible for their child attending a judging day.

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Safety Parent Forum

On Wednesday evening, parents and carers of students from Prep to Year 12 came together for our parent forum to discuss digital wellbeing and cyber safety. It was wonderful to create a space and invest time into sharing and exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by our young people's interactions online and with technology.

One of the most engaging aspects of the evening was when parents and carers shared their experiences and challenges, connecting with fellow parents in small groups. Feedback from parents who attended was that they valued this format, providing an opportunity to chat and compare perspectives and strategies with fellow parents.

For those who couldn’t attend, we offer the following resources:

• Community – 2024 Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum
• Parent Digital Wellbeing Resources QR Handout

As a College, we are dedicated to partnering with parents and carers to foster positive interactions with technology and to promote wellbeing among our young people, and we look forward to our continuing journey together.

Qustodio Parent App

As part of the College’s commitment to supporting students and families with positive digital interactions in the home, we provide access to the Qustodio Parent App for all College parents and carers.

Relationship, clearly established boundaries, and adult modelling of healthy interactions with digital technologies form the best foundation for supporting young people’s own positive digital interactions. eSafety identifies parental controls as an important tool for parents in support of home digital wellbeing and provides an excellent parent guide to parental controls.

• Parental controls | How to keep your child safe (esafety.gov.au)

Parental controls tools, such as the Qustodio Parent App, can help to enforce agreed rules, provide safety barriers, and better empower parents and carers by providing visibility over their children’s digital activity. Parents are encouraged to consider how the Qustodio Parent App can support them and their young people at home.

Video Link: A Parent's Initial Introduction to Qustodio

Interested parents who have not already registered their Qustodio parent account can learn more about how to get started below. This includes video guides on registering your parent account as part of our school program and getting started.

• Getting Started with the Qustodio Parent App

Qustodio is a valuable tool for parents which can be used in a range of ways depending on your child’s individual age, needs and context. I encourage parents and carers to consider and explore how Qustodio can support you and your young people with positive digital interactions and wellbeing at home.

Woodwind Evening

On Thursday evening this week the RW Gibson Centre was a buzz with our Cross-Campus Woodwind Performance night. The night featured students from Years 5 – 12, performing solos, duets and quartets for their families and friends. The musicians presented a range of playing development, from students performing beginner level repertoire right through to the most captivating senior soloists. It’s so rewarding to see the great work by these musicians realised on stage in such a lovely night of celebrating their music. Thanks so much to the accompanist and music faculty who teach, support and encourage these students, along with their family and friends. 

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.

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!