Middle School Term 2 Week 5

From the Dean of Christian Culture

A Call to Prayer

I think, I feel and I believe it is absolutely time to pray.

You might say “well Mia isn’t it always time to pray?” and you’d be absolutely right, it’s always a good time to pray. The more prayer the better.

At this point in our College’s story I feel more and more the burden to be a place and community of prayer. We are in a season of change as a College, we are advertising for some very significant roles in the life of our community and our future. As we seek to appoint a Business Manager, Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning and an Executive Principal, along with the normal staffing intentions and decisions that will all need to be worked out for the 2025 academic year, I am calling our community to prayer. It’s important for us to continually remember that Christian College is God’s school, and we are here to do God’s work and serve God’s people, thus these appointments are also God’s decision. We must be praying for the wisdom, discernment and guidance to make these appointments according to God’s will and character to the best of our ability.

I really feel this chapter of our history must be marked and grounded wholeheartedly in prayer. The more we do this together, encourage one another and model this within our community the more hope we experience, the deeper and more mature our faith becomes and ultimately the closer to the character of God we remain.

2024 Arthur Reed Class and Individual Photos

Our 2024 class photos and individual portraits, will be taken at the Middle School – Highton Campus on Monday, May 20. This is an important day in the school year for all of us, and we look forward to capturing for you a moment in time during your young person’s journey at Christian College.

All students are to wear full College uniform on the day, including blazer. If students are wearing the ‘original/old’ uniform, they are to wear full winter uniform. Students in the new uniform, can wear their preferred items, however, please note that jumpers and cardigans will be removed for the shots. We appreciate that for this year there will be a ‘variety’ of uniforms in the class photos.

Students who have a Physical Education class on the day are asked to bring their PE gear in a separate bag.

Students are asked to present themselves in line with our College uniform policy. Some key reminders include shoulder length hair being tied back, hair cut neatly, boys to be clean shaven, blue or maroon ribbons only, no make-up, small gold or silver sleeper/stud single or double piercings…and big smiles!

A note on glasses – All students who wear glasses will receive individual portraits with glasses on. Like you, we know that all of our students look perfect just the way they are. However, to enable the photographers to provide the best possible quality shot, your young person may be asked to briefly remove their glasses.

Due to their current participation in the Farm and Transformation programs, students in 9H and 9M will have their photos taken in Term 3 on Thursday, July 18.  All Year 5 students will also have their class and individual photos taken on that day due to next week’s camp.

Thank you in anticipation for your support in helping your young person present themselves brilliantly on this, and every day.

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 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 – Red Shield Appeal
• Sun 26 May – Wed 28 May – Year 9 GEOS Hike

Week 7

• Mon 27 May – Fri 31 May – National Reconciliation Week
• Tues 28 May – GISSA Intermediate Girls AFL Championships
• Wed 29 May – Fri 31 May – Year 9 GEOS Hike
• Wed 29 May – GISSA Cross Country Championships
• Thurs 30 May – 2024 SSV Winter Sport Pathway – Round 4
• Fri 31 May – Wear it Yellow for Children’s Ground

Transformation – Groups 2 and 3

This week our third group of Year 9 students for the year concluded their time in the Transformation Program.  

Each Transformation Program concludes with Open House, an exhibition where students, parents and teachers come to look, listen, and provide feedback on their projects.

Open House is an example of an authentic learning experience. The date of the exhibition is set in advance. No extensions are possible. Ready or not, students are expected to present a project.

Authentic learning opportunities can add meaning and depth to learning in the following ways:

• Relevance: When students tackle real-world problems, they see the relevance of their learning. It’s more than memorising facts; it’s about making a difference.
• Critical Thinking: Authentic tasks require students to think critically, analyse information, and synthesise ideas. They learn to navigate complexity and consider multiple perspectives.
• Collaboration: Students can choose to work in groups, share ideas, and learn from one another. Collaboration is a vital skill in today’s interconnected world.
  
  
• Communication: Presenting their ideas to an audience was a challenging experience. Students practised their public speaking skills and learned to utilise constructive feedback to improve.

• Creativity: Authentic projects encourage creativity. Students had the freedom to explore their interests, propose unique solutions, and think outside the box.

Congratulations to all our Year 9 students who have presented at an Open House so far this year.

Health and Physical Education Update

There has been much excitement in Health and Physical Education this term, with all students participating in various forms of fitness testing to track and measure individual fitness levels. Each year, students from Year 5-9 can take part in fitness testing and track their progress as they move through Middle School. Involvement in such testing aims to encourage students to be more physically active and to recognise the health benefits of being fit. It also provides opportunities for teaching and learning about physical fitness and the different fitness components, while providing guidance on goal setting and tracking fitness over time.

Fitness tests conducted include:

It has been wonderful to see students achieving some excellent results and working through our testing with such focus, motivation and engagement.

Following our fitness testing, students dived right into developing and extending their skills in Basketball, Netball and Soccer within our practical sessions. Some wonderful skills have already been showcased this term!

In Health, students have been working through a variety of topics including Learning About Ourselves and Our Bodies at Year 5 and 6, Surf Safety at Year 7, Indigenous Sports at Year 8 and First Aid at Year 9. The wide breadth of topics covered in Health and Physical Education will continue to support our students in sustaining healthy lifestyles – as well as nurture relationships and build their skills and understanding of a variety of health and movement-related topics.

Celebrating a Special Relationship

The world has always been about relationships, and this is something we pride ourselves on at Christian College. The relationship we have forged with the people of East Timor, in particular those in Viqueque, is long standing and one we hope will continue long into the future.

This week, students have gained an understanding of this special bond we have, through devotions, learning about their fight for Independence and Christian College’s work in Viqueque.

Middle School students have greatly contributed, donating generous amount of money so we can buy “Tables and Chairs for Raitahu” a local Viqueque school supported by Christian College in East Timor.

Students also participated in a flag-raising ceremony, symbolising East Timor’s rise to be an independent country. Local hand-woven fabric called Tais were tied around the flagpole symbolising our continued friendship. Our Year 8 Project Care representatives ran this ceremony.

Many of our College’s Project Care representatives have contributed greatly to the celebration this week, running devotions described above.

On behalf of the Christian College East Timor Committee, I would like to thank the community for your support in giving to our friends in East Timor.  Every cent raised will be sent to the Raitahu school to be used for the purchase of tables and chairs.

Obrigada (Thank you)

Cultivating Belonging: Nourishing Wellbeing in Our School Community 

In the bustling corridors and vibrant classrooms of our College, we recognise the profound impact of fostering a sense of belonging. 

As we navigate the intricacies of education, we understand that a nurturing environment goes beyond academic achievements. It encompasses the holistic wellbeing of every individual here at Christian College. 

Belonging is more than just being present; it is about feeling valued, accepted, and connected within our school community. Research consistently highlights the positive correlation between a sense of belonging and overall wellbeing. When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to engage actively in their learning journey, develop resilience, and experience greater emotional stability. 

One of the avenues through which we cultivate this sense of belonging is our lunchtime clubs and activities. These opportunities not only provide avenues for exploration and skill development but also serve as spaces for students to forge meaningful connections with peers who share similar interests. 

We invite all students to explore all that the clubs and activities have to offer.

Together, let us continue to nurture a culture of belonging that uplifts and empowers our young people to flourish. 

Science Gets Energetic: Students Tackle Real-World Puzzles!

This week, our school’s budding scientists from Year 9 faced the challenge to design and conduct experiments testing the transfer of energy through various mediums. From soundproofing a music room with different materials to exploring light refraction through liquids, and even crafting lenses from gels, the experiments were as diverse as they were educational. The initiative transformed the classroom into a hub of real-world problem-solving, igniting students’ passion for science. A heartfelt thanks goes out to our laboratory technician Annette, and the entire science team, for their commitment to creating this dynamic learning experience.

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!