Middle School Term 2 Week 9

Recharging and Reconnecting

One of the most enriching experiences at Christian College is the opportunity to hear colleagues share their personal devotions each morning. Each person's unique journey with faith brings fresh perspectives and insights, shedding new light on familiar scriptures. This term we have been focusing on the theme of God's promises, which, as outlined in the Bible, provide a foundation for hope, strength, love, protection, safety, presence, forgiveness, guidance and comfort, which are essential components of wellbeing. Throughout the term, students and staff have drawn upon these assurances to navigate challenges and celebrate achievements and we do have much to celebrate across our College. From the academic successes to personal growth, the incursions and excursions, Project Care days, National Reconciliation Week, House Music, camps, student learning conferences, winter sports carnivals, lunchtime music concerts and lunchtime clubs just to name a few. We do have much to celebrate.

As we near the end of Term 2, I do hope our upcoming holiday break provides you and your family the opportunity to recharge and reconnect. School holidays provide students, staff, and parents/carers alike the chance to take a step back from the pace of a school environment. These breaks are not just a pause from routine activities, they also present us with the time needed to replenish our self-care buckets, whether that be through spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, bike rides, hikes, cooking or simply taking the time to rest and reflect. “Please put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others!” Many of us have heard this important rule on flight safety briefings but it is also a very useful phrase to remind us about the importance of self-care, particularly amidst our increasingly busy lives.

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 10

• Thurs 20 June – String Festival Day – Geelong Schools
• Fri 21 June – Term 2 Concludes – 3.30 pm dismissal

Term 3, Week 1

• Tues 16 Jul – Students Commence Term 3
• Thurs 18 Jul – Catch up Class Photos

Year 6 Students Historical Explorations

Have you read “Once” by Morris Gleitzman? Our Year 6 students have spent the term deeply engaged with this powerful story about a young boy named Felix who, during the Holocaust, strives to survive and make sense of the world through storytelling. Filled with humour and heart, the book serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and hope that can be found even in the direst circumstances. It has been a compelling read for our Year 6 students.

On Tuesday, June 11, the Year 6 cohort had a unique opportunity to connect with the past by visiting the Shrine of Remembrance. This visit brought history to life, helping students understand the personal costs of conflict and the impact war has had on Victoria. Guided tours provided information about brave soldiers, personal stories, authentic artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Notably, a section titled “Toys, Tales, and Tenacity” focused on children’s experiences during war, offering unique perspectives and highlighting the impact of conflict on their upbringing.

This hands-on experience fostered empathy, respect and critical thinking, prompting students to ask important questions about the past. Just like the book “Once,” the Shrine visit not only educates about the past but also inspires with its message of enduring hope, resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Year 7 and 8 Girls AFL

Last Thursday, a selected group of talented Year 7 and 8 students competed at the GISSA girls AFL Juniors Competition. Our team played with determination and passion throughout the day, competing against four other schools in the rounds before the finals. The team finished seventh overall, after competing hard all day.  It was great to see the way the girls came together as a combined Highton and Bellarine group, encouraging one another and working together as a team. 

All students are to be congratulated on the way they competed and represented our College. Congratulations to Bellarine student, Shyloh Smith who was named our best player on the day.

Talent Quest 2024

Today we were treated to a fantastic celebration of our combined Middle Schools through our annual Talent Quest.  Students from our Bellarine, Surf Coast and Junior campuses travelled to Middle School – Highton to share in a wonderful range of student performances.  Individuals and groups entertained us by singing, acting, dancing, as well as performing in bands and ensembles.  We even had a robotics demonstration!  It was a rare but valuable opportunity for our students from across the College to come together and it was lovely to see.  The vibrant energy in the room provided an encouraging environment for the performances and, as always, was a highlight of the year so far.

Melbourne University Micro Mathematicians

At Middle School we are always looking for ways to engage our learners both within our classroom and beyond them. One such opportunity is the Melbourne University Micro Mathematicians Enrichment Program. This program, run by Melbourne University, is aimed at students in Years 5 to 10 who are strong in Maths and have an interest in Mathematics beyond the classroom. This free program is run as a series of workshops (online and in person depending on age) which engages students in hands-on learning opportunities with Melbourne University’s mathematicians and statisticians. Please see the attached flyer for further information. Please note that this program is run by Melbourne University and any queries should be directed to the email and website supplied in the flyer.

micro-maths-flyer

Generative AI Parent Webinar

A reminder to parents of this webinar which we held recently, with good attendance from parents.

We wish to make available a video recording of the webinar, as well as the parent and family guide handout that was promoted near the end of the webinar. The guide handout includes a summary of our current College guidelines for student uses of generative AI.

• Generative AI and School Parent Webinar Recording (includes chapter links)
• Exploring AI for Families Guide Handout (includes summary of College guidance)

During the webinar we addressed key parent questions. There was also an opportunity to share a follow up question after the webinar which we planned to respond to in this week’s Vine, however we did not receive any new questions.

Thank you for partnering with us in supporting our young people in navigating this new and emerging technology, particularly in the context of school and learning.

Gathering Hope

The Foundation was pleased to host their bi-annual Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon on Friday, 24 May 2024 at Provenance Wines in Fyansford. With close to 80 guests in attendance, the event successfully raised $19K, which has been doubled, thanks to our current dollar-matching campaign, raising a total of $38K for the Foundation.

The guest speaker was Jossy Chacko, who generously gave up an entire day to support the work of the College and our local community. In addition to speaking at the luncheon, Jossy gave a devotion to our Senior School staff, spent time being scrutinised by the Year 10 Global Ethics class, and supported our local Christian radio station, 96three FM.

Seeking Christian College Company Members

Christian College Geelong is seeking expressions of interest from any parent or guardian interested in becoming a new Company Member.

Company Members play an important part in the governance structure and protection of the College. A number of positions on the Christian College Board are filled by company members, depending on the skillset required when vacancies arise, and it is the company members who have the responsibility of voting to pass any amendments to the Christian College constitution. Company members may also be eligible to sit on various committees involved in the governance of the College.

Whilst participating as a company member is not overly onerous, it needs to be pointed out that the position is voluntary and not remunerated in any way. Also, please understand an expression of interest does not guarantee automatic membership of the company.

If you have a heart for the College, and feel you would have the time to dedicate and an interest in this role, please contact the Company Secretary, Bernard Nicholls at b.nicholls@ccg.vic.edu.au. All expressions of interest must be submitted by COB Friday, August 2.

Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• $150 for primary school students
• $250 for secondary school students

How to Apply

Application forms are available online through the Parent Portal (Student Information, then Important Forms for Parents) these forms can be downloaded, completed then uploaded according to the instructions. Hard Copy forms are also available from reception at each campus or by emailing enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au

The closing date for applications is June 28.

 For more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

National Collection of Data on Students With a Disability

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). With data collected on the first Friday in August (August 5 this year), the NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability.

These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD Guidelines.

Please see the attached NCCD Fact Sheet for more information.

NCCD Parent Fact Sheet

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!