Middle School Term 2 Week 4

From the Acting Principal

"Wow!" That's the first word I uttered, loudly, when the curtain came down on last Friday night's performance of our 2024 College Production of Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella: The Musical. Our students, from the seasoned performers to the first-time-on-stage youngsters, ranging from Year 6 to Year 12, were incredible. Talented? Yes. Hardworking? Absolutely!

As we know at Christian College, ultimately, it's not about the performance or the end result, as impressive and amazing as it was. It was, indeed the journey to get there, the months of planning and preparation, supported throughout by wonderful teamwork, that truly made this production such a success for our community.

So many ingredients went into producing what packed audiences – more than 2000 across the performances – experienced at The Play House, Geelong Arts Centre, last weekend. In people terms, these ingredients included: the principal cast; the village and royal ensembles; the staff and student musicians in the orchestra; a production team made up of staff, students and parents responsible for costumes, choreography, props, the stage sets, lighting, audio, hair and makeup; backstage crew, front of house team and a bunch of staff in supervising roles through rehearsals and performances. It truly was a team effort.

The positive impact such experiences as these have on students cannot be underestimated. In the words of one parent: "we are thrilled at how much this has allowed [our daughter] to feel more confident, make new friends and feel like part of a wonderful community at CCG.” 

Red Shield Appeal

We are excited that Middle School students are now able to return to collecting for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. On Sunday 26 May, students will be signed in at the SAC at 10am and they will be ready for collection from there at midday.  Students will be organised in small groups and given a defined area to doorknock in streets around the campus. They will be supervised and supported by staff during this time. At the end of the doorknock, groups will return to the SAC to count their collection and enjoy a light snack.

If your child is interested in this opportunity, please contact me at a.ellery@ccg.vic.edu.au or via the school reception and I will send out an EdSmart form.

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 5

• Wed 15 May – Year 9 Transformation – Open House
• Wed 15 May – Big Science Quiz – Year 7
• Thurs 16 May – 2024 SSV Winter Sport Pathway – Round 2
• Thurs 16 May – East Timor Independence Day – Project Care Day
• Thurs 16 May – Big Science Quiz – Year 8 and 9
• Fri 17 May – Student Free Day

Week 6

• Mon 20 May – Individual and Class Photos
• Mon 20 May – Wed 22 May – Year 5 Camp – Mill Valley Ranch
• Tues 21 May – GISSA Intermediate Boys AFL Championships
• Tues 21 May – Victorian College Championships Basketball Qualifying – Junior Boys and Girls
• Wed 22 May – Victorian College Championships Basketball Qualifying – Intermediate Boys and Girls
• Thurs 23 May – 2024 SSV Winter Sport Pathway – Round 3
• Sun 26 May – Wed 28 May – Year 9 GEOS Hike

English Update

Term 2 sees our students immersed in learning across a varied range of text types and response tasks. From the artful employment of persuasive language techniques in Year 5, to paired debates in Year 8, recent lessons may well see your young person bringing home some improved negotiating skills!

Similar to the Year 7 biography-focused unit of Term 1, many Year 9 students are currently exploring texts of their own choosing, which is well regarded as a contemporary, individualised and inclusive approach to English studies. Staff collaboration with our library team has seen many students connected with texts of particular interest to them and has invited many inspired conversations about the ‘windows into war’ that historical fiction, war stories and biographies provide.

Our English teaching team have been exploring how they can best activate the many reading capabilities of students. The experience of reading and responding to texts is vastly different from individual to individual. Recent professional development has sought to empower staff in recognising and resourcing the complex task of teaching reading and text response in the Middle Years. Guiding students in activating their prior knowledge, making personal connections, and visualising, invites students of all abilities to interpret and understand the texts that they are reading and viewing.

Our Year 7 and 8 Writers’ Workshop electives, along with The Editorial at Year 9, are proving creative and challenging outlets for our budding creative writers. The opportunity to support students in actively experimenting with writing across varied genres, and for varied purposes and audiences, is most rewarding. Their responsiveness to feedback is testament to their enthusiasm for honing their writing skills.

A Tasty Time in Indonesian

Year 8 students recently embarked on a flavourful adventure, delving into the world of Indonesian cuisine under the theme “Makanan dan Minuman” (Food and Drinks). Throughout the term, they enjoyed trying out various Indonesian dishes, each offering a unique taste experience.

From the crunch of prawn crackers to the sweetness of Indonesian coffee candy, from the soothing aroma of jasmine tea to the richness of condensed milk and palm sugar, the students will sample a variety of flavours. They also will have the chance to savour the savoury delights of fried noodles and fried rice. This week the Year 8s had a standout experience which was tasting the infamous “king of fruit,” Durian, which sparked mixed reactions among the students.

In addition to tasting new flavours, the students also learned about expressing preferences, describing flavours, and engaging in conversations about dining customs. These activities helped them gain a better understanding of Indonesian culture and fostered an appreciation for cross-cultural experiences. Through their exploration of Indonesian cuisine, they discovered the power of food in connecting people from different backgrounds.

Middling in the Middle Ages – Medieval Day

Jumping in our Christian College time machine we were amazingly transported to Medieval Europe, where our students immersed themselves in some incredible real-life activities from the Middle-Ages.

The day started in great fashion with a Medieval welcome and introduction in the chapel, very ably led by our Medieval historian-in-chief, Leon O’Neill, who expertly depicted and described what life at this point in human history would have been like.

From there we were treated to three excellent rap performances, from one representative music group per-homeroom. Firstly, Holly Pullen and Matilda Dundas from 8M wowed the crowd with their rap song on crime and punishment. Secondly, Willow McInnes, Lily Sherman and Maya Corrigan from 8Y dropped a huge track called the ‘Three Kings’ depicting the battle in 1066 between William the Conqueror, Harald Harada and Harold Godwinson. Lastly, Eva Khouri and Addison Lawless from 8R delivered an excellent performance covering many aspects of the Middle-Ages. It took great courage and was a very entertaining way to start the day.

From there, it was over to the incredible team at History-Up-Close. Robert, Rose and Joseph who started with the impressive weapons display allowing students to engage with what combat would have been like for many in the Middle-Ages. Both Jasper Willoughby and Charlie Burford deserve a shout-out for their excellent costumes being defenders of the kingdom.

If I Were  a Superhero…

The CCG Talent Team are excited to announce this year’s Annual Middle School’s Talent Quest!

It will be occurring on Friday 14 June at the Highton Middle School SAC with the Highton, Surf Coast and Bellarine Middle Schools in attendance.

The Talent Quest is open to any student from Years 5 to 9 at one of our CCG Middle Schools.

We encourage and invite students to audition on campus with any wonderful talent that is stage-worthy…

It may be a musical item, dance act, comedy or spoken word, it could be a rock band or cultural presentation… the options are endless!

The winners on the day will receive prizes and also the satisfaction of knowing they were on the bill for this year’s quest! Spreading joy far and wide, like any superhero would!

**A couple of tips for your act, can you please consider the following:

• Please consider the length of your act, due to numbers of students, they should be short and sharp! (1-2.5mins is great)
• Consider our stage – particularly for larger groups or dance items – the stage will be around 6m x 4m
• Entertainment factor is important! Please consider how you will connect with your audience and harness some stage magic!
• When you turn up to an audition it is very important that you are well rehearsed and have thought through the whole act – a mere ‘taster’ or idea sesh won’t get us to where we need to go – plan your act and your audition well for best results.

Auditions will be held in weeks 5, 6 and 7 at the Highton campus

Signup sheets are available in the chapel foyer

Strap in for an adventure as we explore the talents of superheros from our middle schools..

Celebrating East Timor’s Independence

On Thursday 16 May we will have our Project Care Day and celebrate East Timor’s 22 year of Independence. Our Project Care Day is to raise money for tables and chairs for a rural Prep to 9 school called Raitahu. Please bring some money to donate towards this great cause. Students are encouraged to wear the colours of the Timor flag on this causal dress day.

Reminder:  Generative AI Parent Webinar

A reminder to parents and members of our community that we will be offering an online parent webinar, delivered via Microsoft Teams, next Wednesday. It has been wonderful to see such strong parent interest via RSVP responses and questions submitted so far.

There is still time to register for this event. Further details about the event are listed below.

Event: Generative AI and School Parent Webinar
Format: Microsoft Teams online webinar
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 6.30pm – 7.15pm

Topics likely to be explored in the webinar include:

• What is generative AI?
• What are the benefits, risks, and limitations of these tools?
• What is the College’s response to generative AI?
• What AI tools do students have access to at school?
• What are the College’s rules and guidelines for use of generative AI?
• How can I support my child with navigating this space ethically and safely?

Interested parents are encouraged to register for the event via the form link below, to help with planning. Parents can also indicate what information they feel would be most relevant to them as they complete this form.

Register for the parent webinar

South Africa Conservation Expedition in 2025

We are offering an amazing opportunity for students to go on a two week conservation expedition in South Africa.  The first week will be spent in a land environment undertaking research, identification of species and animal tracking, and the following week in a marine environment where they will collect data and then work as part of a research team. This is open to students in Years 9, 10 and 11 in 2024. Students will need to fund their own expedition with a cost of approximately $7500 (TBC). This trip is planned for 28 June - 11 July 2025. If this interests you can you please email Mrs Clark at Senior school me.clark@ccg.vic.edu.au to express your interest. We will be holding an information night at Senior School on May 27 at 6pm in the Colab.

Places will be limited however we will need a minimum of 8 students for this to run.

This link will give you a quick look at what the project looks like in South Africa. 

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!