From the Executive Principal
What an Experience!
What a wonderful experience our College community enjoyed last weekend! Many families had the opportunity to see our students shine in the CCG Musical Production of Godspell, and it was truly a remarkable achievement.
The production showcased an extraordinary breadth of talent across every aspect of the performing arts. From the acting, singing and choreography to the live band, set design, staging, lighting, costumes and technical production, every element contributed to a truly memorable performance. It was clear that countless hours of preparation, teamwork and dedication went into creating such a polished and engaging show. Through moments of humour and deep emotion, the students brought to life the story of Jesus’ life and teachings in a heartfelt and meaningful way.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the production was seeing students step beyond their comfort zones and discover new strengths and talents. Families would have noticed the confidence that grew in many of our young people as they rose to challenges with maturity and resilience. While the applause from the audience was well deserved, the greatest achievement was the effort, perseverance and teamwork demonstrated throughout the journey. They were truly striving for excellence. These are experiences that will stay with our students for years to come.
Over the five months of rehearsals, it was also wonderful to see new friendships form and a strong sense of belonging develop among the cast and crew. Many students have reflected on how much this experience meant to them, not just as a performance, but as an opportunity to find their place within a supportive and creative community. Earlier this week I also heard from another Year 8 student: “I can't imagine my life without music….it fuels me!” These are the moments that highlight the true value of co-curricular opportunities in the life of our college.
Productions of this scale are never achieved alone. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff who gave so generously of their time, expertise and care to bring Godspell to life. Their encouragement, professionalism and belief in our students created an environment where each young person could flourish and achieve outstanding results.
Throughout the week we received wonderful feedback from audience members who were incredibly impressed by both our students and staff. We couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished and thank all families for their support of this very special production.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
Spotlight on Staff
Each week in The Vine, we put a spotlight on our staff and the goals they’re working toward.
I hope you enjoy hearing directly from the staff about what inspires them, what they’re aiming for, and the small steps they’re taking each day to grow, as they too strive for excellence.
This week I would like to introduce you to:
Name: Ella Wojdylo
Role: Receptionist
Years served at Christian College: 3 ½ Months
What’s one area of your practice you grew in this week?
Building relationships with the students and their families has helped me gained more confidence in assisting them when they come to reception with any questions they may have.
What effort or contribution are you most proud of right now?
I am proud of how fast I have adapted to my work and the positive attitude I bring when confronted with new problems.
Who or what supported your best work this week?
Being part of such a welcoming and encouraging team has made a significant difference in my first few months at Christian College. I am especially thankful for Di for her advice and encouragement, which has helped me settle into my work and perform my best.
What’s one focus for excellence you’re setting for the coming week?
To improve my communication skills and make sure I am giving families, staff and students reliable and helpful information.
Name: Tammie Kite
Role: Art Technology & Design Coordinator Years 5-9
Years served at Christian College: 1 year, 10 months
What’s one area of your practice you grew in this week?
This week I have grown in my digital art practice. My Year 5 Visual and Media Art students are exploring Mexican Alebrijes, which are brightly coloured folk-art creatures that often combine features from different animals and imaginative forms. To support this learning, I have been delving further into Adobe Fresco, completing my own digital drawings and learning more about the tools and techniques available. I have also been practising geli-plate printing, a monoprinting process where paint is rolled onto a soft gel surface and then transferred to paper using layers, textures, stencils and mark-making.
What effort or contribution are you most proud of right now?
I am really excited about my contribution to the Year 7–9 Curriculum Review PLT team. This work is focused on developing a contemporary, engaging and cohesive curriculum that aligns with the College’s Teaching and Learning priorities. I am proud to be contributing to curriculum thinking that supports students as they navigate the important transition through the middle years and towards senior school pathways. It is meaningful to be part of work that aims to shape confident, compassionate and capable young people who understand their purpose in the world.
Who or what supported your best work this week?
My ATD team has been a great source of support this week. I really value the way they reach out to support me and one another, share resources, swap ideas, encourage cross-campus visits and contribute to a strong culture of collaboration across the team.
What’s one focus for excellence you’re setting for the coming week?
As we move into report writing, my focus for excellence is to provide clear, thoughtful and strengths-based feedback that recognises each student’s progress while also identifying meaningful next steps for growth.
Natasha Troop, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Middle School
Term 2 Week 9 2026
Tuesday 16 June – Basketball Victoria VSSC State Finals – Year 7/8 Males
Wednesday 17 June – Basketball Victoria VSSC State Finals – Year 9/10 Male & Female
Friday 19 June – Last Day of Term –Dismissal – 3.30pm
Term 3 Week 1 2026
Monday 13 July – Students commence Term 3
Young Voices Showcase Winner – Thank a First Responder Day 2026
Congratulations to Jiaai in Year 5, who has been announced as the winner of the Fortem CEO Award in Fortem Australia’s 2026 Young Voices Art Showcase, part of the Thank a First Responder Day art competition.
The competition invited children and young people across Australia to create original artworks showing appreciation, gratitude and community connection for first responders. Entries were judged on creativity, effort and how clearly they expressed the theme, with age also taken into consideration.
Jiaai’s artwork, titled Thank You, carried the message: “Because of you, we feel safe.” Fortem Australia praised the work for capturing the safety, comfort and reassurance that first responders provide to families and communities every day.
Well done, Jiaai, on this wonderful achievement.
Her artwork can be viewed here: https://fortemaustralia.org.au/2026/06/08/young-voices-art-showcase-winners-announced/
Tammie Kite
Learning About and Cooking With Bush Foods
Within our Year 7 How Does Your Garden Grow? elective, we have been learning about bush foods and their various uses, including the differences between ancient Aboriginal use and contemporary use. We ended our practical studies this week with a beautiful shared meal, in which each of the students and staff provided a plate cooked at home with different bush foods.
Highlights were damper, lemon myrtle cakes, salt bush chips, shortbread, strawberry tea, pasta and many more. Each of the students were asked what they had learnt about and enjoyed during the unit of study, and their responses are below.
Ching Way – I have learnt that you never know what the foods will taste like. It may be good or bad!
Harry – I have learnt that the Aboriginal people had a much higher spice tolerance and they were not as fussy as we are today. We have so many options and they had only a small selection.
Sophie – I enjoyed cooking a lemon myrtle cake and learnt that lemon myrtle is also used as a medicine.
Zak- The Aboriginal people made foods differently to the way we make them today.
Darcy – I have learnt the Aboriginal people used bush foods in some medicines.
Oliver – I have learnt how bush foods were used in many different ways.
Zack – I have learnt that the Aboriginal people use stars and the ocean to figure out where they are and when it is the right time to harvest plants.
Next week we will complete our final reflections on a full semester of powerful learning about gardening and food production.
Meagan Whitehand
House Angle Ball Competition
This term, Middle School – Highton students in Years 7–9 have participated in House Angle Ball at lunchtimes. The competition has created excitement, energy, and friendly rivalry, while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development. Weekly games provide a fun break from classes and teach fair play and resilience. Across the boys’ competition, Flynn won once, Penman twice, and in the grand final Penman beat Flynn by 3 points. In the girls’ competition we have only had enough participants for two teams each week. This week Flynn and Burrows battled it out, with Flynn winning by 30 points this week, and 12 points the week before. Overall Flynn has won most of the games. – Ada G
The Girls House Angle Ball Competition has been a highlight this term, with each and every person showing teamwork, resilience and determination. The fast‑paced nature of Angle Ball keeps everyone involved, making it a sport where communication, quick thinking, and cooperation matter just as much as scoring.
One of the biggest benefits House Angle Ball gives is how inclusive it is. Every player gets a chance to participate. You don’t have to try-out, just show up and give it a go. Everyone who joins in gets a chance to build confidence and develop new skills while representing their house with pride. The matches have been energetic and full of great moments. The competition continues to build excitement each week as Houses push hard for house points and wins.
And of course, the action doesn’t stop there, the Boys’ House Angle Ball Competition runs every Friday, adding even more friendly rivalry and school spirit to the mix.
Coming up next term we will have either basketball, volleyball or footy house competitions and Staff vs Year 9 student competitions. We will have a boys’ match and a girls’ match. It’s been great this term and I can’t wait to see what’s to come later this year. – Kylie B
Kylie B & Ada G
Kylie B
Ada G
Year 8 Reconciliation Incursion – Scott Darlow
On Thursday this week, students across both our Highton and Bellarine campuses had the privilege of participating in an unforgettable incursion with Scott Darlow, one of Australia’s leading Indigenous singer-songwriters. The experience provided an incredibly enriching opportunity for students to engage deeply with First Nations history, culture, and storytelling.
With guitar in hand and a powerful presence, Scott captivated audiences at both campuses from the moment he began. His performances were filled with energy, passion, and authenticity, as he shared a selection of his original songs—each one reflecting themes of identity, resilience, truth, and pride. His music not only entertained but also educated, offering meaningful insights into the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Between performances, Scott shared his remarkable personal story. His honest and engaging storytelling brought history to life, weaving together personal experiences with broader cultural and historical perspectives. Students were encouraged to reflect on Australia’s past while developing a deeper appreciation for the strength, diversity, and richness of First Nations cultures.
The students at both Highton and Bellarine were highly engaged, listening intently, asking thoughtful questions, and responding with genuine curiosity and respect. The impact of Scott’s message was clear, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
We are incredibly grateful to Scott Darlow for visiting both campuses and sharing his voice, his journey, and his culture with our school community. It was an inspiring and educational experience.
Martin Costello
Year 9 Drama Performance
Last night, 11 June, the Year 9 Drama students took over the Senior School Drama space with their adaptation of Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn. In the play, Ernie’s parents seek medical help as his wildly imaginative daydreams begin to blur into real-world adventures. Using this as a starting point, the Year 9 students devised, scripted, acted, and directed their own interpretations of Ernie’s vivid imagination.
The performance moved fluidly between reality and imagination. In one moment, Ernie sat in the doctor’s office; in the next, he imagined a world without greed or money—only to discover it was quiet and lonely. Returning to the doctor’s office, a simple “I see…” led into another imaginative leap, this time into the Wild West, complete with a dramatic shootout. The adventures continued as Ernie found himself aboard a pirate ship, battling an evil captain, before imagining a world driven by perfection and beauty. In this final sequence, Ernie entered a beauty contest, undergoing increasingly extreme makeovers in pursuit of being the “most beautiful person alive.”
Just as his world seemed to settle, a surprising twist saw Ernie launched into space, a humorous and unexpected ending to his imaginative journey. As he rocketed away, the performance cleverly returned to the doctor’s office, suggesting that Ernie’s storytelling was far from over.
For many students, this was their first time performing in front of a live audience. They demonstrated a high level of creativity, imagination, confidence, and collaboration throughout the performance. A special mention must go to Harper for lighting operation and Angie for sound design and operation, whose work greatly enhanced the overall production.
Congratulations to all students involved on a highly entertaining and imaginative performance.
Kelly Clifford
Showing Appreciation for First Responders
On Wednesday this week, the Christian College community and many others across Australia paused, reflected and gave thanks to those who risk their lives every day.
Thank a First Responder Day was established in 2020 to show gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of first responders who support us across Australia. June 10 represents a National Day of Appreciation to recognise the extraordinary service of police, fire, ambulance, SES, marine rescue, and other emergency service personnel, along with the families who support them behind the scenes.
Being a first responder can be challenging, for both first responders and their families. But the power of gratitude can have an extraordinary impact on wellbeing and mental health.
Thank a First Responder Day reminds us all that behind every emergency response vehicle is a human being who has chosen a profession or volunteer role dedicated to helping others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
First responders face quite high rates of psychological distress, making mental health supports essential. Dedicated programs exist across Australia to provide clinical care, trauma support, and peer connections for emergency personnel and their families.
Tips for Supporting Loved Frist Responders
- Learn the signs: Educate yourself on the early warning signs, such as withdrawal, irritability, or change in sleep
- Seek outside support: Connect with peer support groups you can share experiences with those who understand.
- Prioritise self-care: Ensure you maintain your own wellbeing and hobbies outside of your loved one's profession.
Here at Christian College, we show our ongoing support to you all and pray over you all.
Please see below support available for our dedicated heroes and their families.
National Emergency Worker Support Service - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health
Family support | ambulance.vic.gov.au
Where to get help - ESF - Emergency Services Foundation
A Guide for Families (06052023)
The Wellbeing Team
CCG New Parents and Families Program – an Exciting Initiative!
In 2026, we’re excited to launch our Parents & Families Program, a new initiative designed to bring our community even closer together across all Campuses and Kindergartens.
This program is all about strengthening relationships, creating a genuine sense of belonging, and supporting meaningful opportunities for families to get involved in College life. In the video below, Executive Principal, Dr Mathilda Joubert, provides more details. Membership is open to all parents, guardians and grandparents of students enrolled at Christian College Geelong, including Kindergarten families, and continues for as long as a member has a child attending the relevant campus.
If you would like to join the P&F Program straight away, please click here. You will need to complete your details, upload your WWCC number, and nominate yourself if you are interested in a leadership role.
From special events to fundraising, volunteering on camps, excursions, and other campus‑based activities, there will be plenty of ways for families to contribute, connect, and make a difference in the student experience at your selected Campus.
An information session will be held on Thursday 16 July at 1:30 pm at the Belmont (Junior School Campus) for families from all Christian College campuses who would like to learn more. To help us with planning, please register here if you wish to attend.
Godspell – Congratulations and Thank you!
The Senior Campus Musical Godspell was a superb presentation of wonderful performances and collaboration.
The learnings our students walk away with from the experience of performances such as this production, impacts them deeply and for life. Congratulations Godspell Cast, Band and Crew - a team that achieved a wonderful show and demonstrated the collective power of many hands, heads and hearts with a shared goal and purpose.
Thanks to our community including our students’ parents for the encouragement and support. Godspell played to three sold out audiences who rode the emotion of the narrative. As an audience we laughed, wept, pondered, celebrated and were challenged by our students’ work and the staff who guided them through the creative process.
Please see the Godspell program link below for further details of the team behind the show. You can also visit the Godspell webpage for more – including a photo gallery and review from Entertainment Geelong.
We reflect with a sense of pride and gratefulness for what was an outstanding show. We give thanks for the opportunity to present the story of the parables. The staff production team have worked together with conviction since the end of the 2025 College year to provide this production as an opportunity for the students involved but also, as it turned out, an absolute gift to our community.
Congratulations to the staff of the creative team :-
Director: Steve Horman
Musical Directors: Kate Notini and Stef Gumienik
Choreographer: Josh Vucicevic
The student cast –
Cuan B | Jesus - Yr 11, Toby S | John the Baptist / Judas - Yr 11, Abbey P - Yr 12, Aiden G - Yr 10,
Angus C - Yr 12, Arabella G - Yr 10, Campbell W - Yr 10, Evie T - Yr 12, Hannah W - Yr 11, Heidi W - Yr 12, Lucy R - Yr 11, Phoebe C - Yr 11, Rebecca P - Yr 11, Sarah M - Yr 11, Tara Z - Yr 10, Thomas O - Yr 10, Winnie G - Yr 12.
The Band
Musical Director from the Keyboard: Stef Gumienik
Guitar: Charlie G – Yr 11and Scott Jolley
Electric Bass: Mia P - Yr 12 and Martin De Marte
Keyboard/Percussion: Izzy K – Yr 12
Percussion: Elise S – Yr 10
Drums: Felix R – Yr 12
Fiona Gardner, Co-Producer, and on behalf of Taylah Broad, Co-Producer
Godspell The Musical, 2026
CCG News and Events
In recent weeks we have created a News/Events carousel down the bottom of the CCG website homepage with information and links covering many aspects of life at Christian College Geelong. Right now, you’ll find fabulous picture galleries of Godspell and the Year 6 Canberra adventure, a fantastic video covering the first week of the recent Indonesian study tour, a quick link to our Scholarships page, and more. We’ll regularly update and add to the carousel, so keep an eye out for new content in the weeks and months ahead.
Calling all Coding Wizards
Are you ready to unlock your inner tech wizard? 🧙♂️✨ We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Raspberry Pi Foundation Coding Challenge, open to all students with a knowledge of coding.
What is it?
The Raspberry Pi Foundation Coding Challenge is an international competition where students will tackle fun programming puzzles using their coding and algorithmic thinking skills. The coding challenge requires students to have a working knowledge of Turtle Blocky, Python, C#, Java or VB. More information can be found at https://www.bebras.uk
When and Where?
Date: Tuesday June 17, 2026
Location: On Campus/online
Duration: 45 mins
How to Sign Up:
Email Ms Bergin at s.bergin@ccg.vic.edu.au before Friday June 12. Please indicate the division you want to attempt from the list below.
Divisions are based on skill, not age. There are four divisions:
- Novice – For students who are new to block-based programming, or who have recently started learning to code using blocks.
- Explorer – For students who are confident using block-based programming and have experience creating programs using blocks.
- Navigator – New to text-based programming. For students who have recently started coding using a text-based programming language and are developing their skills by creating small programs.
- Trailblazer– Experienced text-based programming. For students who are confident programmers using a text-based programming language.
Practice challenges, including information on block-based and text-based challenges can be found on the UK Bebras website
Sophie Bergin
Senior School Pathways – VCE and VCE VM Online Information Session
CCG Senior Campus warmly invites Year 9 and 10 students and their families to attend an upcoming online information session: Senior School Pathways – VCE and VCE VM, to be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:00pm.
This informative session will outline the range of pathways available to students in their senior years at CCG. These include the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), and Vocational Education and Training (VET) options. Families will gain valuable insights to support informed decision-making about future study directions.
Presentations will be delivered by key staff members:
- Ms Alice McKay, VCE Coordinator
- Dr Sarah Nailer, VCE VM Coordinator
- Mrs Kerryn Fearnsides, VET Coordinator
Further details, including the link to join the session, will be shared via email with all Year 9 and 10 families on Monday, June 15.
We look forward to welcoming you and encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
Trish Saffin, Deputy Head of Senior School
Attention Students Looking to Study a VET Course in 2027
Getting into a trade is a great choice! TASTE of TAFE is a free all-day event offered to Year 9 and 10 students each year at The Gordon’s City & East campuses. Students get to try fun, hands-on tasters from all course areas. This can help them to find out what they like and learn new skills. They get to explore the different career options studying at The Gordon can give them.
2026 Taster Day is July 21 - City Campus and July 28 - East Geelong Campus
Courses at The Gordon East Campus include Animal Studies, Auto Mechanical, Bricklaying, Building Design (Architectural), Cabinet Making and Joinery, Carpentry, Electrical, Engineering & Metal Trades, Horticulture, Information Technologies, Landscaping, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing.
Courses at The Gordon City Campus include Accounting & Business, Aged Care, Allied Health, Beauty Therapy, Community Services, Cookery, Digital Media, Early Childhood Education, Graphic Design, Hairdressing, Hospitality, Lab Tech, Nursing.
Given the immense popularity of this event, you are encouraged to return your application as soon as possible. They will be operating on a first-come, first-served basis and attendance numbers from each school are capped.
Registration forms will be emailed to all Year 9 and 10 families and hard copies available from the Student Office. You can also access one here Taste Of TAFE Registration Form
For further information or queries please contact Kerryn Fearnsides k.fearnsides@ccg.vic.edu.au or Elaine Pearson e.pearson@ccg.vic.edu.au or Jenelle Fitzpatrick j.fitzpatrick@ccg.vic.edu.au at the Senior Campus.
Student Registration Forms should be returned to the student office at the earliest opportunity, and no later than Friday 29 May.
Kerryn Fearnsides, Vocational Pathways Coordinator
Academic Excellence and Music Excellence Scholarships – Applications Open!
Applications are now open for Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry to Years 5 to 11 in 2028.
Any interested parents, guardians and families with children in Years 3 to 9 in 2026 are welcome to apply, including families who have children currently enrolled at Christian College.
Applications for Academic Excellence scholarships close on August 6.
Also open to both Christian College families, and families with children attending other schools, are our Music Excellence Scholarships. These are open for students entering Years 5 to 12 in 2027 or 2028.
Applications for all Christian College scholarships can be made via our website. Click here to visit our Scholarships page, where you’ll find more information about all the scholarships we offer. From there you can click on the individual scholarship tiles for more specific details, and to apply.
