Middle School Term 3 Week 1

From the Acting Principal

Despite some chilly weather this week, the sun shone brightly on the start of this new term. It was a pleasure to get to many of the campus commencement assemblies on Monday and to witness the buzz of excitement among the students as they reconnected with their peers and teachers after the holidays. These first day gatherings, coming off a three-week midyear break for students, provided a wonderful opportunity to set a positive tone for the second half of the year. Our College Captains, Molly Cooper and Seth Wilkinson, shared an encouraging message around the importance of self-care, not only at the Senior Campus assembly, but in visits to Highton, Bellarine and Belmont assemblies as well. We are blessed as a community to have two such leaders as Molly and Seth, who show such genuine care for the wellbeing of all students, no matter what age or what campus they are from.

Last week, staff returned for our annual Staff Retreat. Held over Thursday and Friday, this year’s theme, “Here to Serve”, gave us an opportunity to look outward, and we did so in practical and meaningful ways on Thursday afternoon through a range of organised community service activities. These included, just to name a few, beach cleanups along our beautiful coastline, blood and plasma donation, knitting blankets for bereavement support, biscuit-making for Bellarine Foodbank, meal preparation for the McKellar Centre Palliative Care Unit, working with various Landcare groups and Op Shop volunteering. The Christian College philosophical statement expresses our desire to apply Christ’s teaching of love, justice and compassion and to experience an afternoon where over 300 committed and caring staff of Christian College were able to outwork this was truly incredible. Here’s just a few examples of the positive feedback given by staff about this day: “It was a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community”; “Every part of the retreat fostered a great sense of community and fellowship”; “it was a real out of my comfort zone experience”.

At the Staff Retreat each year, we have an opportunity at a formal dinner to acknowledge those staff who have milestone years of service at the College. This year, we recognised 25 staff with 10 years of service, twelve with 15 years and four with 20 years of service. The loyalty and faithful service of so many staff, be it teachers or professional support staff, over such a long period of time in our relatively short 43 years of history, is a wonderful blessing to this community.

The Second Half

I pray that the school holiday break has been a fantastic time for you and your loved ones. Our first week back on campus for the second half of 2023 has been a wonderful success. It has been a pleasure to welcome back staff, students and families after the mid-year break, and I’ve felt a sense of positivity throughout our community. The weeks and months ahead bring many excellent opportunities for connection, growth and learning. These include Year Level, Music and Outdoor Education camps, Talent Quest, Electives Expo ahead of 2024 subject selection, excursions, incursions, services and more. My staff are excited about facilitating these experiences for the young people in our care, confident in the belief that we are a ‘second half team’. We are prepared for the work, inevitable challenges and wonder of Term 3, then Term 4, and looking forward to spending these moments with our students. With much to accomplish and celebrate together this coming term, you will hear from me often, and I look forward to working alongside all Middle School – Highton families in the continued support of our precious young people.

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 2

• Mon 24 July – VSMF – Highton & Bellarine Middle School String Ensemble
• Fri 28 July – Robocup – Junior Regional
• Fri 28 July – Sun 30 July – Senior Ensembles Rehearsal Camp

Week 3

• Mon 31 July – Netball Vic. All Schools Qualifying Round Intermediate Girls
• Tues 1 Aug – Naga High visit Welcome Service
• Wed 2 Aug – Year 7 & 8 GISSA Sporting Fixture
• Wed 2 Aug – Indonesian Study Tour 2024 – Parent Information Evening
• Thurs 3 Aug – Christian College Piano Performance & Workshop Day
• Fri 4 Aug – Year 6 Holocaust Museum Excursion

Year 5 Update

The Year 5 students had a very busy Term 2. They have been focusing on reading and reflecting strategies using the mentor text ‘Black Cockatoo’. Watching the students immerse themselves in the topics of culture, family and traditional ways of living has been a real joy. The students have been busy creatively responding in a variety of ways to the story of Mia and her Black Cockatoo.

In Mathematics, all students have been focusing on Measurement and the Metric System. They showcased their skills and learnings through the design and construction of their Food Trucks. The task required students to create a business model, a menu and to build the inside of their trucks, finishing with a model truck that they should be incredibly proud of.

Along with this, students have been busy creating a ‘sustainable Australia’ in Humanities, purchasing items that will ensure the success of their countries, states, and territories for years to come. As the Lorax once said, “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” I can assure you, these Year 5 students care a whole awful lot about their country and their planet.

The Year 5 cohort is eager to get into Semester 2 and all the joys and adventures it will bring.

Important VET Information and Subject Selection for 2024

Vocational Education Training (VET) is offered as a subject in Year 10, 11 and 12 at CCG Senior Campus. Students travel off campus to either The Gordon or a government or catholic school (non-Gordon) who offer the courses one afternoon a week. Year 10 students who select VET also study VCE VM Unit 1 Work Related Skills over the whole year and complete one week of work experience. VET is mandatory for students studying VCE Vocational Major (VM) and optional for VCE (ATAR) students. More information can be found in the subject selection booklets and VET tab located in the Senior School Hub on SEQTA.

VET Course Information, Application Processes and Dates for 2024

1. SELECT VET AS A CCG SUBJECT.
2. Create a Unique Student Identifier at https://www.usi.gov.au/
3. Choose your VET course from either The Gordon or Non-Gordon supplier.
4. APPLY FOR YOUR VET COURSE. Choose PM classes only.

NON-GORDON COURSES (GOVERNMENT AND CATHOLIC SCHOOL OFFERINGS)

COURSE INFORMATION AND HARD COPY APPLICATION FORMS can be found on the Senior School Hub under the VET tab and at CCG campus student offices. All Year 9,10 and 11 students and parents will be informed via email.

A HARD COPY APPLICATION FORM FOR NON-GORDON COURSES IS TO BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO CCG Senior Campus student office via email to c.brew@ccg.vic.edu.au

Welcome to Senior School 2024 Information Evening

Last night we were thrilled to host an evening with the students and families who will be joining us as Year 10 students in 2024. This evening is part of our larger transition program and we hope that it was a valuable and informative session. A video from the presentation is available to parents below.

All of the information shared at this session is available through the Senior School Hub and we encourage students and families to look through it, especially the Subject Information booklets and the Pathways Mapping software.  We look forward to hosting you again next week at the Senior School Information Evening, Wednesday 26 July, where families and students can explore subject offerings and learning pathways at Senior School.

Discover Prep Week

During Discover Prep Week, August 7 – 11, three CCG campuses are offering interested parents, families and guardians the opportunity to get a firsthand view of Prep at Junior School-Belmont, Bellarine Campus and Surf Coast Campus. Our Prep programs are unparalleled and we invite anyone interested in enrolling children in Prep in 2024 and beyond, to come and visit, join a class, see our facilities, speak with teachers and campus leaders and have their questions answered. There are multiple opportunities at each of the three campuses to participate.

We would encourage our College community to spread the word about Discover Prep Week to anyone who is considering school choices for their children in 2024 and beyond.

All details, including booking information for sessions, can be found on our Discover Prep Week webpage – hit the hotlink on our homepage or click here to access it.

Scholarship Applications are Now Open!

Each year Christian College offers Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry at Year 5, 7 and 10 levels. Applications are now open for this year’s scholarships, which apply to entry in 2025, at three campuses – Middle School-Highton, Bellarine Campus and Surf Coast Campus.

Year 10 entry applies to Senior School-Waurn Ponds only.

To find out more, and to apply, visit our website and look for the homepage hotlink, or click here.

Scholarship applications are open to students who do not currently attend Christian College, as well as those who are currently enrolled here. Scholarship examinations will be held at Christian College on Saturday October 7. Closing date for applications is Thursday, September 28.

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 f.provan@ccg.vic.edu.au