From the Acting Principal

When Christian College Geelong started out humbly in 1980 with just five dozen students, it would have been hard to fathom that just over 40 years later the school would have approximately 2000 students on five campuses across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast. However, despite our size, and the geographical separation of campuses, there is much we have in common, first and foremost our core tenet, Seek First the Kingdom of God. And, right from its origin, Christian College has always encouraged students to recognise that they belong to a community beyond themselves and to acknowledge their God-given responsibility to contribute to the care and wellbeing of others. In Term 2, it was therefore wonderful to see our campuses mark a number of key events College-wide, including Anzac Day, East Timor Independence and National Reconciliation Week.

Given the size of our school, it’s not often we have events that draw families from all our campuses to the one event. The Annual Music Evening in October each year is one such example and our Arts Festival held in November is another. So, I was greatly encouraged by the large turnout of parents, with representation from all five of our campuses, to a whole-school initiative, the Digital Safety Forum held in the Middle School Library at Highton campus last week. The event offered an opportunity for families to freely discuss the challenges associated with ensuring the digital safety of our young people. The night included messages from our Director of Wellbeing, Kim Doherty, and Director of Digital Learning, Brendan Vanderkley as well as Victoria Police Leading Senior Constable and Youth Resource Officer, Robbie Noggler. For those parents and guardians who were unable to attend, you can catch up via a recording of the key points available via the link below.

Recording: Student Digital Safety Parent Forum

From the Head of Campus

Hope

As I write this article, in the closing hours of Term 2, I listen out through the window of my office, at the laughter of our students, chatter amongst the staff and the other noises that make up the soundscape of Middle School – Highton. It is undeniable, tiredness is present, both amongst staff, students and no doubt the families of our young people too. However, it is a tiredness that stems from our continuous, individual and collective striving to build, maintain, improve and celebrate this beautiful, important community, in honour of God, and in service of our precious children and adolescents. I, all of us, can reflect on another term of powerful educating and deep, relevant learning across our campus. Despite the cold weather settling in and days getting shorter, I have constantly been witness to vibrancy, enthusiasm, meaningful inquiry and love.

Just this week, students have participated in Indonesian cultural programs, physics experiments, cross country running and other sporting opportunities, dance performances, an awareness and fundraising day for Motor Neuron Disease and much more. Importantly, our Year 9 students began looking towards their senior years, during our Pathways Information Evening on Tuesday. Excursions, classroom activities, inter-school events, Chapel services, music lessons, time in our Library, art making and time together during breaks, all combine to create a safe and nurturing environment for our kids to flourish.

Purpose, Passion and Senior School Pathways – Information Session

Senior Campus wishes to thank all students and families, for joining us at the recent Senior School Pathways online information session and engaging in this presentation aimed at supporting your child's final years of secondary education. We hope that the presentations by our Deputy Head of Campus, Vocational Pathways Coordinator, and VCE Coordinator have provided you with valuable insights into the various learning pathways available to them at Senior School.  

For your reference the Senior School Hub, has a recording and transcript of the online presentation including the Q&A session. For those who were not able to attend we strongly recommend you make take the time to view this in conjunction with viewing the recently published Year 10 Welcome to Senior School Booklet and/or the Senior (Year 11 and 12) Subject information Booklet.  These are available in the Senior School Hub via this link: Subject Information - The Senior School Hub

To help your child make informed decisions regarding their learning pathways and Subject Selection we recommend a discussion with a careers practitioner.  Our careers practitioners are available to provide additional support and guidance to you and your child. They can help address any specific questions or concerns you may have and assist in navigating the decision-making process. So please feel free to email them at [email protected] to request a booking, and they will endeavour to get back to you after the semester break. 

What’s Happening at Middle School

Term 3 – Week 1

• Mon 17 July – Students First Day Term 3
• Mon 17 July – Rural 5 (9R & 9Y Boys) Commences
• Tues 18 July – Rural Catch Up Class Photo’s and Individual Portraits
• Thurs 20 July – Netball Vic ‘All Schools’ Qualifying Round
• Fri 21 July – GISSA Inter Girls (Years 9 & 10) Netball Championship
• Sat 22 July – Vic All Schools XC Championships

Week 2

• Mon 24 July – VSMF – Highton & Bellarine Middle School String Ensemble
• Fri 28 July – Robocup – Junior Regional
• Fri 28 July – Senior Ensembles Rehearsal Camp

Learning Through Experience

The Transformation Program offers many valuable ‘hands-on’ experiences. We believe good education entails ‘learning by doing’ where the learner is an active participant in the educational process. This term the Transformation Program has been involved with volunteer work at Feed Me Bellarine as well as Geelong Mums. The students have organised many fundraising events to contribute to the community and make a positive impact on the world. By promoting student agency, the students become invested in their projects and experience great personal success.

This week a group of students from Transformation hosted an ‘ice bath’ to raise awareness of mental health and the positive effects cold water has on the nervous system. This event coincided with our college MND day and served as a powerful provocation for the group. It was great to see the whole group get behind their classmates. The ice bath attracted a crowd and even encouraged a brave Year 5 student to ‘jump in’. This was a truly amazing opportunity for the students, and I admired how brave they were embracing the cold on a very chilly winter morning. Every group amazes me with their tenacity and willingness to dive deep to make an impact on the world.

Talent Quest 23 – You Won’t Believe the Talent Around Here! 

 
It’s been a while my friends, but this year it’s time for us to get back together for some fun time in our community, sharing our humour and talent with each other!  

Back with ‘Where’s Wally and Wanda’ in 2019 we enjoyed a plethora of talent from both middle schools amongst the theme, searching for Wally and Wanda throughout the day!. This year we will be gathering our Middle campuses together at the end of Term 3 to share once again, the skills possessed by students, and maybe even some staff!  

Over the holidays, can I challenge you to think about something you could share with the community.. a comedy act, dance routine, song, a musical performance.. anything that belongs on a stage! We will be having auditions for the Quest in the middle of Term 3.  

Stay tuned for more updates early next term.  

Project Care – Supporting MND Victoria

On Tuesday, June 20th, our school community came together during a special day dedicated to raising funds for MND Victoria. The overwhelming enthusiasm exhibited by the students was truly heartwarming, making the event a resounding success.

The school campus was adorned with vibrant shades of blue as students arrived dressed in casual attire, showcasing their support for the cause. Blue, the official colour of MND Victoria, symbolised our collective commitment to raising awareness and aiding those affected by this debilitating disease.

The students demonstrated their dedication to the event in various ways. Many contributed to the bake sale, purchasing an array of delicious cakes and biscuits that adorned the stalls. Students also embraced the spirit of the day by having blue flowers painted on their faces. This small gesture served as a powerful symbol of their support and further amplified the impact of the event. Three homerooms (two year 5s and one in year 6) raised the most money, and as a reward for their contributions were able to select two students to be involved in the ice bucket challenge.

Another noteworthy activity supported by our homeroom teachers earlier in the week, involved placing blue ribbons on trees scattered throughout the school grounds. These ribbons served as a visible reminder of our commitment to the cause, spreading awareness and encouraging dialogue among students and staff.

The generosity and determination displayed by our students did not go unnoticed. Through their collective efforts, we were able to raise close to $1,200 for MND Victoria. This incredible achievement is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our school community. The funds raised will be transferred to the charity at the beginning of next term, ensuring that our contribution can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by MND.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the students, teachers, and staff who participated in this charity event. I would particularly like to give thanks to Mia Kafieris our College Dean of Christian Culture, Mr Collins, Head of Year 8 and Mr Mackay who were brave enough to participate in the ice bucket challenge, on what was a cold day. Other mentions include Ms Rogerson and Ms Morrison who assisted with baking cakes, Mrs Rupal and Mrs Bergin, who ran the face painting stall; Ms Redden and Ms Goodwin who helped run the cake store; and Mr Ellery who compered the ice challenge.

Thank you to the whole school community for your continued support for our events. I look forward to working with the Project Care Reps to organise further events next semester.

Digital Safety and Wellbeing at Home

Parent and Guardian Support for the Holiday Period

It was wonderful to see and meet with so many parents from across our campuses who attended last week’s Student Digital Safety parent forum. For those parents and guardians who were unable to attend, you can catch up via a recording of the key points available via the link below.

• Recording: Student Digital Safety Parent Forum

A key message reinforced multiple times over the evening was regarding the importance of platforms and technology (such as parental controls) as well as education, engagement, and communication with young people about their online activities.

It’s common during school holiday periods, particularly during colder months, for young people to engage in more technology use for recreation and socialising with peers. As this holiday period begins, I hope that the parent and guardian resources below are helpful.

ySafe Article: ‘Modelling healthy online behaviours to children’

In this article, ySafe online safety expert Teodora Pavkovic provides seven tips and suggestions to help parents lead, model and promote positive and safe digital behaviours for all members of their household.

• Read the article

Qustodio Parent App

Parents are reminded that as part of the College’s Cyber Safe Schools Program, all families have access to the Qustodio Parent App to help monitor and manage children’s digital activities on school and personal devices. Parents and guardians can learn more and activate their personal account via our Online Safety Hub.

• Learn more about Qustodio on our Online Safety Hub

CCG Online Safety Hub

If you’re a parent or guardian seeking advice, information and guidance around any aspect of digital wellbeing, online safety and young people then the parent advice section of our CCG Online Safety Hub is a great place to start.

Would you Like to go to Space…Camp?

The Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship is an international education program which aims to reward aspiring STEM enthusiasts and future leaders with a hands-on astronaut training experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre’s renowned Space Camp, located in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.

Four students from Australia will be awarded a scholarship to the International Space Camp program taking place in Huntsville, Alabama in July 2024. The winning group of students (and one teacher) will make up ‘Mission Crew #13 - Team Australia’, and will join fellow groups from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, Singapore, United States and Poland to become ‘Team Endeavour’.

Successful applicants will receive an all-expenses paid enrolment and airfare to Space Camp, where for one-week students are immersed in the ultimate educational experience to illuminate real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

All covered expenses include tuition, dormitory accommodation, meals throughout the week, and economy class round trip from Australia to Huntsville, Alabama. Travel will also include all transportation on the ground, as well as a day trip to Washington DC ahead of Space Camp commencement.

Calling the Class of 2013!

Foundation Golf Day 2023

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are delighted to announce the Christian College Foundation Golf Day tournament for 2023.

Save the date: Thursday November 9.

We are seeking prizes for this event – if you own a local business and are interested in creating partnership opportunities with Christian College, please contact Fiona Provan on 0400 477 467, or email [email protected]

A MYTERN Thought for This Week

It’s easy to rush through a cup of tea or coffee and forget to stop and appreciate the moment. 

Take time out now to simply appreciate being able to breathe in fresh air. Take a long slow breath and feel it rejuvenate every cell. 

Make that your intention and watch your body smile from the inside 👍❤️

Discover more about MYTERN here