Middle School Term 2 Week 1

From the Acting Principal

This week, returning from the holiday break, I’ve been reminded of the incredible privilege I have to work at a school that has five campuses across our region and approximately 2000 students from Prep all the way to Year 12. I had the pleasure of being accompanied by our College captains, Brianna Bolger and Jett Milburn, as I visited each of the campuses for their Term 2 commencement assemblies. It was wonderful to observe Brianna and Jett receiving such warm and enthusiastic welcomes from students of all ages and, likewise, for the two captains to engage so effortlessly in meaningful, positive interactions with their audiences.

One of the highlights was a visit to a Junior School Prep classroom, where Brianna and Jett got down on the floor with the students to learn how to draw polar bears. It was a special moment, one that had Brianna and Jett, knowing what they know about life, adolescence and growing up, reflecting afterward how important it is to preserve childhood innocence.

Unearth Your Treasure Within!

Open Day and Prep Discovery Days

For those considering a Christian College education for their children, regardless of year level, we believe the best way to get a true 'look and feel' of our College is to come and see us in action. That’s why we offer open days where interested parents and guardians have the opportunity to tour our campuses, see real classes in real time, meet students, teachers and campus leaders and have their specific questions answered.

Our second Open Day for 2024 at all five campuses, plus Butterfield House Kindergarten, is on May 7. Opening times have been planned so there is an opportunity to visit more than one campus on the same day. Bellarine Campus will open its doors from 9:30 to 11:00am; Middle School-Highton from 10:30am to 12 noon; Senior School-Waurn Ponds from 11:30am to 1pm; Junior School-Belmont from 9:15 to 10:45am and Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House from 11:30am to 1pm. Evening sessions are offered at two campuses on the day – Junior School (at 5:00, 5:15 and 5:30pm) and Surf Coast Campus (at 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00pm).

Then on May 8 and 9, we are again offering a Prep Discovery experience at our Bellarine, Belmont and Surf Coast Campuses. These days are for those parents and guardians interested in enrolling in Prep. There is an opportunity for them, and their children, to actually join a Prep class for an immersive experience – and find out more about our amazing Prep program at three campuses. For those interested in attending one of these free sessions, we ask for a booking so we can properly accommodate everyone who wants to attend. More details on both Open Day and Prep Discovery sessions, including a link to book a Prep Discovery place, can be found on our website.

We would ask all current Christian College families who have friends, other family members or colleagues who are making choices about the right school for their child(ren), to spread the word and encourage them to visit one or more of our campuses on May 7, and/or be part of our Prep Discovery program on May 8/9.  

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 2

• Wed 24 Apr – ANZAC Day Service
• Wed 24 Apr – Learning Conferences
• Thurs 25 April – ANZAC Day Public Holiday
• Sun 28 Apr – College Production Rehearsal – Cinderella

Week 3

• Mon 29 Apr – Sat 4 May – Cinderella Production Week
• Tues 30 Apr – 3X Cup Basketball Vic Qualifying – 5/6 Boys and Girls
• Thur 2 Apr – School Sport Victoria Deakin District Winter Carnival
• Fri 3 Apr – Year 8 Medieval Day

From the Head of Campus

Welcome back to a new term filled with promise, growth, and faith! It’s heartwarming to witness students and staff returning to campus after what we hope was a joyful Easter period and a refreshing school holiday break for you and your family.

To kick off this term, our commencement assembly was a wonderful event. For the first time, our Campus Captains, Kitt Van Dreven, Ella Pullen, and Liam Guilfoyle, delivered a powerful message about ‘Our Community.’ Their confidence and leadership were truly inspiring as they shared their insights with their peers.

During the assembly, we were also treated to a sneak peek of our upcoming school production of Cinderella. The anticipation is building, and rightfully so! Countless hours of rehearsals by both students and staff have gone into bringing this incredible show to life. The College Production of Cinderella will grace the Play House Theatre at the Geelong Arts Centre on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4. Secure your tickets here. 

As we approach April 25, the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915, we come together to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Join us next Wednesday, April 24, at 9 am on the grass roundabout area in front of the school for our ANZAC Day Commemoration Service.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and important dates as this term unfolds at the Middle School – Highton Campus.

2024 Captain Profiles

Our 2024 Captains and Vice-Captains have made a great start to the year in their leadership roles.  We thought that it might be timely to provide this space for them to introduce themselves to our campus community.

Thomas Moffatt – School Captain

Thomas started at Christian College in Year 7 in 2022.  He enjoys Maths and his favourite elective is Food Studies, where he gets to express his creativity as well as making some delicious meals.  Thomas also finds History fascinating and learning about the world.

At CCG, Thomas makes a significant contribution to the Music program where he plays trumpet in the Senior Wind Symphony and Intermediate Concert and Stage bands.  Next Wednesday, Thomas will take on the significant role of playing “The Last Post” and “The Rouse” at our ANZAC Service.

There are many things that Thomas loves about going to school at Christian College, in particular how friendly and inclusive the community is.  Thomas is currently participating in our rural experience at Back Creek Farm where he is making lifelong memories with his classmates.

Term 2 Learning Conferences

Our Term 2 Learning Conferences will be held on Wednesday April 24 from 4:30pm – 9:00pm.

These Conferences will again be conducted as video calls via Teams.

Online Learning Conference Bookings will be available by clicking on the ‘School Interviews’ tile on the Parent Portal or by going to www.schoolinterviews.com.au

Opens: Monday, April 15 at 5pm

Closes: Monday, April 22 at 9am

Our teaching staff look forward to this occasion as a valuable opportunity to develop relationships with our school families, while discussing their students learning and progress. We encourage students to join their parents in the calls so that they can share reflections of their own learning while also benefiting from the collaborative and supportive focus provided through this time and space.

We request that parents and guardians who schedule a learning conference to ensure that they have a quiet and respectful area available in which they can connect to the video call. Please note that teachers will not be able to participate in calls with family members who are driving a vehicle or in an inappropriate setting.

If you have any questions about these conferences, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Homeroom Teacher or Heidi Wilkinson h.wilkinson@ccg.vic.edu.au by phone or email. We look forward to speaking with you online soon.

Science Talent Search at CCG 2024

This information is a reminder for all families that there is an opportunity for students across Years 5 to 9 to be involved in a science extracurricular activity.

Next week I will be holding a meeting at lunchtime on Wednesday for any interested students to hear more about the opportunity and to collect a entry form. Entries will be limited in number but all students have equal chance to apply.

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.

Exciting Athletics Day Fundraiser Success!

Last term, our dedicated Project Care Representatives, alongside enthusiastic volunteers, organised an exciting cupcake and face paint extravaganza to support the Sports Access Foundation. The choice to support this charity reflects the students’ commitment to ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to participate in sports.

The Sports Access Foundation is dedicated to empowering young individuals aged 7-17 living with disabilities by providing grants. These grants enable them to access sports programs and clubs that might otherwise be financially out of reach. The funds contribute to essential needs such as transportation, specialised equipment like modified wheelchairs, attire, and access to vital health professionals who tailor training programs to individual requirements.

To prepare for the event, our representatives and supportive friends generously dedicated their lunchtimes to baking and decorating cupcakes, all in the spirit of contributing to this cause. On the day of the Middle School Athletics Carnival, the face painting station proved to be a favourite among participants of all ages, adding vibrant support to their respective teams. And those scrumptious cupcakes? They vanished in a flash, leaving behind smiles and satisfied taste buds.

Thanks to the collective efforts, dedication, and generosity of our CCG community, we’re thrilled to announce that we raised a remarkable total of $560! This achievement highlights the power of unity and compassion in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this success. Together, we’re creating brighter opportunities for young athletes, one cupcake at a time!

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. 

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!