Greater Love has no Person Than This…
“Greater love has no person than this, that a person lay down their life for their friends”. This verse from John 15:13 has characterised the ANZAC spirit for generations. It occurs to me that love and inversely a lack of love continues to be the greatest driving force in human beings. This makes sense considering we are all created from, by and for the love of God.
When I think about some of the most challenging tasks I could be asked to do as a member of a family, organisation, community or country I know that ultimately it’s not my respect for the person asking, ordering or mandating my action but my love for whomever my action will benefit that is the key motivating factor. It’s difficult to follow orders that we disagree with, cause discomfort or come from someone we disrespect – and yet when we love the person beside us, when we value them and seek to serve their best interests a courage arises within us that motivates and drives us towards the hardest of tasks. This is how Jesus went to and endured his death on the cross, his love for us drove and enabled him to face incredible challenges that ultimately resulted in our lives being saved and radically restored, improved and safeguarded.
Good leaders do not demand of their people, they are not obeyed out of fear, instead they teach their people, by their own example, to invest in and value those beside them. It is with the growth of this investment in others that courage continues to develop and eventually this courage, born from a place of love/valuing the others enables us to do things and face challenges we never thought we could. We see this with Jesus, his disciples and the early church who out of love for their fellows legitimately changed the world. I know this is true of myself, the more I choose to care for and love the people I work with the higher quality my work becomes because I’m not working out of self interest but for their benefit. Equally, when I allow insecurities, self interest, frustrations or fear to dominate my motivations the quality of my work deteriorates quickly.
As we celebrate the ANZAC spirit and recognise the gift of service they have and continue to give I encourage you to consider whom you love and those you could love, those you work with, study with, play sports with – consider your courage and how these are connected. Our capacity to love others is absolutely correlated with our capacity to have and live out of courage. To grow one we must grow the other. Courage is required for many aspects of our day to day lives, not only great feats of heroism displayed by our ANZACs but for regular acts of kindness, loyalty, faithfulness and stickability. Courage comes not from fear of what will happen to ourselves but from our love for others. A lasting and reliable work ethic in the workforce, in our studies, relationships, aspirations, character and community building comes down to courage and courage comes down to whom and what we love most.
In the book of Joshua God reminds us to be strong and very courageous, not to be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God is with us wherever we go and has commanded us in the ways we should go. (Joshua 1:9). Have an intentional look at whom and what you fear also at whom and what you love. Live not our of fear, instead let your love for others build your courage, let this love and courage lead your character and may your character be in service of whom and what you love most – such love has and continues to change the world.
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.
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 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 May – Year 8 Medieval Day
Week 4
- Mon 6 May – Karen Learning Conferences
- Tues 7 May – Open Day
- Thurs 9 May – SSV Winter Sport Pathway – Round 1
ANZAC Service
On Wednesday morning, students, staff and community members gathered together for our annual ANZAC Service. The service was ably led by our Year 9 leaders who contributed with the reading of prayers, accounts and poems., as well as the playing of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse’. All students walked in their classes to the front of the campus in silence and maintained this for the duration, creating a respectful and reflective atmosphere. Our Middle School choir’s renditions of ‘In Flanders Fields’ and the national anthem were poignant and added greatly to the occasion. The ANZAC Service is an important event in our school year, and it was wonderful to continue this tradition in such a solemn and respectful way.
Year 7 and 8 3×3 Basketball Tournament
Christian College was well represented at the Basketball Victoria 3 x 3 state championships during the week. Having boys and girls teams entered in all U/15, U/17 and U/20 it was a busy week for our Sport Department transporting teams up to the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South.
On Monday, students from Year 7 and 8 played the five preliminary games strongly, with the girls going through undefeated and the boys dropping one game. Both teams finished on top of their pools and won both of their quarter and semi final games.
The girls team came up against Patterson River in the final, whom they had defeated in the first game of the day. It was a hard fought game, with the girls going down by only 3 points to be runners up.
The boys had just come off a nail biting overtime win against Berwick to play Nunawading Christian College in the final, whom they had also previously played and defeated by a point earlier in the day. It was a tight contest, with the boys pulling away late to run out 20 – 13 winners and awarded the Division 2 State Champions. It was a remarkable effort by the boys considering they were only granted a wild card entry after originally not qualifying for the tournament.
Congratulations to both the Year 7 and 8 teams;
Girls – Maya Corrigan, Charlotte De Lange, Grace Formosa-Urqhuart and Willow McInnes
Boys – Xavier Johnson, Locky Rice, Daniel Rezaei-Mahalati and Ethan Ellis
Learning Conferences
On Wednesday evening we held our Term 2 Learning Conferences.
Learning Conferences are a wonderful time where parents are able to gain insights into their child’s academic progress, social interactions, and overall well-being. It is a chance to align efforts and reinforce consistent messages both at school and home. These conversations play a pivotal role in fostering a strong partnership between our teachers and families and provide an opportunity for open communication, collaboration, and understanding.
These meetings also offer an opportunity for parents to meet and get to know their child’s teachers. Establishing a positive relationship with educators fosters trust and collaboration, benefiting the child’s overall experience at school. Furthermore, by actively engaging with teachers, and listening to the feedback given, parents can play a vital role in supporting their child’s education.
We thank all our dedicated teachers and to those parents that were able to participate in our Term 2 Learning Conferences.
Commemorating ANZAC Day in Jordan
One of Christian College's instrumental music teachers and our Head of Brass, Sean Rankin, represented the RAAF yesterday at their dawn ANZAC ceremony in Jordan, sounding The Last Post and the Reveille as he stood on the ancient steps of the Citadel – part of the historic Roman ruins that overlook the city of Amman. Prior to joining CCG, Sean spent a number of years as a full-time musician in the RAAF, attaining the rank of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC), and he still serves as a reservist trumpet player for the ADF. We are immensely proud of you Sean!
Lest we forget.
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!
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






