From The Executive Principal
Last weekend I had the pleasure of joining almost 70 of our music students from Years 6 to 12 as they participated in an unforgettable Music Tour to Melbourne. Over four days, students had the opportunity to perform in a diverse range of venues, including Carey Baptist Grammar School, the University of Melbourne, Collins Street Baptist Church, The Edge at Federation Square, and the Queen Victoria Market.
The tour provided a wonderful opportunity for students to share their talents with a variety of audiences while gaining valuable performance experience in some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. A particular highlight was the opportunity to perform alongside the Royal Australian Navy Band at Federation Square on Friday evening.
Following the concert, I received a heartwarming letter from the mother of the Navy Band conductor, who had travelled from Warrnambool to support her son. While she had initially attended primarily to hear the Navy Band, she felt compelled to share her impressions of our students and staff after witnessing their performance.
She wrote: “It was such a pleasure to go to ‘another school band concert’ and find it was like no other school band concert you have heard before!” In her letter, she described being “absolutely amazed” by the professionalism and musical excellence displayed by our students and staff. Drawing on a lifetime of experience in music, she remarked that our school community had “definitely raised the bar” and praised the students’ excellence, attitude, professionalism, respectful behaviour, and high performance standards.
She also acknowledged the dedication of our music staff, noting that their commitment to both their craft and their students is clearly reflected in the quality of the performances and the motivation of students to do their very best.
Feedback of this nature is incredibly encouraging and serves as a wonderful affirmation of the hard work invested by students, staff and families alike. We are immensely proud of our musicians for the way they represented our school throughout the tour and grateful to our music team for creating such a memorable and enriching experience.
While this recognition came through our music program, it reflects something much broader about our Christian College community. Whether students are pursuing their passions in music, sport, academics, leadership, the arts, science, technology or service, our goal is always the same: to provide meaningful opportunities for them to develop their talents, challenge themselves, build character and represent their school with excellence.
Thank you to all the parents and caregivers whose ongoing support makes these experiences possible. The partnership between students, families and staff is at the heart of what enables our young people to flourish, and it is wonderful to see that commitment recognised not only through achievement, but also through the professionalism, excellence and character our students demonstrate wherever they go.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
Introducing the Christian College Excellence Awards
We are excited to share plans for a new whole-College celebration to mark the end of our academic year together.
On Thursday afternoon, 26 November, at Costa Hall, we will hold the inaugural Christian College Excellence Awards – a standalone event that brings all our campuses together as one College community to recognise and celebrate excellence in its many forms: academic achievement, outstanding co-curricular contribution, and our most significant citizenship and character awards.
As a College, we believe every gift and achievement worth celebrating ultimately points back to God, the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). This event is a chance to honour the ways our students have been faithful stewards of their talents, and to give thanks together for the growth we've seen in them this year.
It's also a wonderful opportunity for our younger students to see, firsthand, the calibre of achievement and character that awaits them as they progress through the College – and for families to glimpse the fuller picture of a Christian College journey, from Junior Years through to Senior School.
As Year 12 major awards are presented at the Year 12 Graduation Service on Friday 20 November, the Excellence Awards will centre on celebrating Years 4–11. As the event will be held in school hours, all students in Years 4–11 will attend, with families of award recipients invited to share in the celebration.
Our much-loved Campus Celebration Evenings continue this year, with a renewed focus on Prep–6, so that every family in our younger years enjoys a familiar, cohesive celebration wherever they are in the College. These evenings remain a wonderful celebration of community, giving our youngest students the chance to shine on stage through creative items, alongside awards such as Endeavour and Citizenship.
Celebration Evenings
- Bellarine — Monday 23 November
- Surf Coast — Tuesday 24 November
- Junior School Belmont & Middle School Highton — Wednesday 25 November (joining together for the first time as a combined Prep–6 evening)
Christian College Excellence Awards
- Thursday 26 November (afternoon event)
For our older students, special end-of-year assemblies on respective campuses will continue to include awards such as Endeavour and Citizenship, celebrated in a way suited to each campus.
We look forward to this season of celebration across our College — one community, giving thanks for the gifts God has placed in our students and the growth we've seen this year.
More information about our end-of-year events program, including the new College Excellence Awards, will be provided in due course.
Rick Geall, Vice Principal
What’s Happening at Middle School
Term 3 Week 4 2026
Tuesday 4 August – Thursday 6 August – Australian Maths Competition Window
Tuesday 4 August – GISSA Soccer Championships – Intermediate Years 9 & 10 Male
Thursday 6 August – GISSA Soccer Championships – Intermediate Years 9 & 10 Female
Friday 7 August – Year 8 Marine Discovery Centre Excursion
Friday 7 August – East Timor Trivia Night
Term 3 Week 5 2026
Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August – Science Week
Monday 10 August – VIC Schools Music Festival – RW Gibson Centre
Tuesday 11 August – VIC Schools Music Festival – RW Gibson Centre
Tuesday 11 August – Netball Victoria Schools Championships – Years7 to 9 Female
Tuesday 11 August – Subject Selection Information Evening – Highton and Surf Coast Campus’
Friday 14 August – Year 8 Connection Event
Big Science Quiz Success
Congratulations to all students in Years 7 to 9 who participated in this year’s Big Science Competition. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to tackling challenging scientific questions were truly commendable.
We are incredibly proud of the way you represented our school, demonstrating strong scientific thinking, analytical skills, and a willingness to extend yourselves beyond the classroom. Your participation reflects the spirit of inquiry and perseverance that is at the heart of scientific discovery.
Thank you for embracing this opportunity and striving for excellence. We look forward to seeing even more students take part in next year’s competition and are confident that interest and participation will continue to grow.
Well done to all involved on this outstanding achievement.
Victoria Corkin
Cooking Up Success Beyond the Classroom
One of the highlights of Year 9 Food Studies is seeing students take the skills they have learned in the classroom and apply them in real-life situations. Throughout this term, students will explore the process of food product development, investigate nutrition, conduct market research, design their own savoury lunch products, and develop a range of practical food preparation skills, as well as cooking each week of course!
As an extension challenge, students were invited to recreate a recipe or cooking experience from Food Studies at home and share the meal with their families. It was wonderful to see several students enthusiastically embrace this opportunity.
A special congratulations to Archie, Lavinia and Senaree, who rose to the challenge and proudly submitted photo evidence of their home cooking efforts. Their willingness to put their learning into practice demonstrates confidence, initiative and a growing independence in the kitchen.
Cooking at school provides students with the opportunity to develop valuable life skills, including meal planning, food preparation, kitchen safety, teamwork and creative problem-solving. However, the real impact of these lessons is seen when students take those skills beyond the classroom and use them to serve others. Preparing a meal for family members is a meaningful way for students to contribute at home, show care for those around them and build confidence in their own abilities. Well done!
Nicole Riddle
RoboCup Junior Geelong Regional Success
Christian College students delivered an outstanding performance at the recent RoboCup Junior Geelong Regional event on Monday hosted by Kardinia International College, returning with multiple podium finishes across both the rescue and soccer divisions.
For those unfamiliar with the event, RoboCup Junior Australia is an educational initiative that challenges students to design, build, and program fully autonomous robots. Rather than using remote controls, students write code that allows their robots to navigate complex tasks entirely on their own, from tackling complex multi-level courses to playing fast-paced soccer matches. It is a fantastic showcase of real-world coding, engineering, and rapid problem-solving under pressure.
Our rescue teams excelled in the Secondary Rescue Line division, where Senior School student Lucas Hinz took 1st place in a competitive field of 8 teams. In an equally impressive effort, Year 7 Middle School students Harry B and Ari G secured 3rd place in the finals in their very first competition outing.
In the Standard League Soccer competition, Year 9 students Jack B and Jimmy B fought their way into the grand final, finishing 2nd overall after a thrilling match against a very strong team from Kardinia International College. Senior School student Archer B took home 3rd place, while Levi A and Matthew C finished in a commendable 4th place after a hard-fought semi-final. Our soccer teams scored an incredible 65 goals on the day!
Oliver M, Bastian S, Sebi B, and Tinaye D also competed in secondary rescue line, learned much on the day, and competed strongly.
Congratulations to all students for their dedication and outstanding sportsmanship, and a big thank you to the staff and parents who support our robotics program behind the scenes.
We now look forward to the upcoming Victoria State Championships on September 5.
Danon O’Kelly
Netball Victoria School Championships
The Christian College boys' netball teams enjoyed a highly successful day of competition at Cobblebank Stadium on Wednesday at the Netball Victoria School Championships. All students represented the College exceptionally well, showcasing strong teamwork, determination, and a high standard of competitive netball throughout the tournament.
The Inter Boys team finished at the top of the ladder, winning all six of their matches. Their outstanding performance has secured them a place at the Netball Victoria School Championships Finals Day, which will be held at the State Netball Centre in Melbourne on Thursday 27th August.
The Junior and Senior Boys teams also performed strongly throughout the day, with both teams finishing second on the ladder. They remain hopeful of receiving a wildcard entry to the Finals Day.
We are incredibly proud of the effort, commitment, and development shown by all players throughout their preparation for this event and their performances at the Championships. We wish those progressing to the Finals Day all the very best and look forward to seeing what they can achieve.
Renee Garing
Strings Shine at Victorian Schools' Music Festival, 2026
On Monday this week, our Middle School and Senior String members participated in the annual Victorian Schools' Music Festival held in Melbourne at the Hawthorn Town Hall.
The Middle School String players from Surf Coast, Bellarine and Highton had been preparing their pieces separately. They gathered together for the first time on Monday morning in the RW Gibson Auditorium for a combined rehearsal, before setting off for their performance. They performed admirably and received their first ever Platinum award for their performance. The adjudicators were so impressed with how well this large group played together, and were astounded to find out that they had only had one combined rehearsal just earlier that morning. This is an amazing achievement for this young group of players who range from Year Four to Year Nine-well done to all students!
The Senior String Ensemble, who had only just returned from a successful Senior Music Tour to Melbourne, travelled up later in the day for their performance. They received many encouraging comments from the guest adjudicator, who was really impressed with the strength and quality of their sound, despite being a smaller sized group of only twelve members. They played with a great sense of musicality and expression and received a Gold Award for their performance- a well-deserved reward for this weary group of musicians.
These wonderful results reflect the high quality of the teaching from our String staff and ensemble directors right across all of our campuses. Our students truly benefit from your dedication and passion. A special thanks also to staff who attended on the day: Rebecca Bertoncello, Matheus Oliveira, Molly Hanson, Jeanette Carnie and Fiona Gardner.
Martin DeMarte
Senior Music Students on Tour!
Senior Choir, Senior Strings, Senior Wind Symphony and Stage Band - playing gigs and so much more in the Melbourne CBD Thursday July 23rd – Sunday July 26th.
Christian College ensembles make great music! Our students have a lot of fun together rehearsing at school. Performing their music for an audience takes all of the skills developed in lessons and rehearsals to a new level. Taking their music away together to different environments, to live together, perform, rehearse, listen and attend professional performances, provides our students with an opportunity to consider what things might be possible beyond the walls of our school music rooms.
The music staff who attended the tour would like to congratulate the 62 students from Years 6 – 12 who attended the Senior Ensembles Melbourne CBD Tour. They were outstanding ambassadors of the college and their families; their performances and conduct were outstanding.
The music students and staff participated in a range of musical and cultural experiences while in the CBD for four days.
Itinerary highlights included:
- Workshops and rehearsals with students and groups from other school and community groups – including sharing the stage with The Royal Australian Navy Band.
- Performances at public venues such as The Edge in Federations Square, Collins Street Baptist Church and The Queen Victoria Market
- Visiting Hamer Hall to hear Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform with the MSO Chorus.
- Visiting public exhibitions and displays such as the Australian Music Vault at The Arts Centre Melbourne.
- Social time including a tour group dinner at the Supper Inn in China Town
Congratulations to the students of our Senior Ensembles for their great work leading up to and while away together.
Thanks so much to the families who were able to join us at our gigs!
Fiona Gardner, Director of Teaching and Learning ‑ Music
Andrew Dunlop, Director of Instrumental Music and Major Events
CCG’s First Ever Speech Competition
Registrations are now open for the inaugural Christian College Geelong Speech Competition, an exciting opportunity for students in Years 3 through 9 to develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to share their ideas with an audience.
Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop. Whether students are already confident speakers or are looking to challenge themselves in a supportive environment, this competition provides an excellent opportunity for growth.
Students will first participate in Campus Competitions during Term 3 (Weeks 7-8), with presentations taking place during lunchtime sessions. One winner from each year level will progress to the Grand Final in Term 4, hosted at our Bellarine Campus.
Speeches will be a maximum of three minutes, with students encouraged to use cue cards to support their presentation. Participants will be judged on both the quality of their content and their delivery, including confidence, audience engagement, eye contact, and effective use of voice. Each year level has been assigned a topic designed to inspire thoughtful reflection, research, and creativity.
Watch the video message from our Executive Principal Dr Mathilda Joubert below to learn more about this exciting new opportunity.
Register here: Students, click on the link to lock in your place!
We encourage all interested students to take part and discover the power of finding their voice.
Cleo Westhorpe, Director of Learning Enhancement
Years 7 - 9 Subject Information Evenings
Our Years 7 - 9 Subject Information Evenings are key events as students start considering their academic options and choices for next year. They provide a fantastic opportunity to meet staff, ask questions and take an in-depth look at our extensive range of subject/elective offerings, and to learn more about options for pathways as students progress further through school, and beyond. This year's Year 7 to 9 Subject Information Evenings take place on Tuesday and Thursday next week.
Qustodio Parent App
Supervise and Support Your Children on Digital Devices
This week we have communicated with all families who have a child who enrolled with us as a new student in 2026. These parents have received an email invitation and guide to activate their Qustodio parent account as part of our school program. For families who have been with us through Semester 1 this was a follow-up invitation.
A reminder to parents that the Qustodio Parent App is available to all our parents to help them supervise and support their children with their online and digital interactions at home, on the school device and on personal devices.
While parents of new students to the College have received an email invitation to activate their Qustodio parent account, any parents in our community who have not yet done so can activate their account at any time if they wish. This help document will guide you in getting started.
In addition, these short video guides may be helpful:
- Creating a Qustodio parent account to connect to a child’s school account
- How to invite an additional parent/carer to join your Qustodio family account
- How parents can get help with Qustodio
- Getting started with your Qustodio parent account
I hope that parents will value and benefit from this tool available through our school program, and to regularly explore our Online Safety Hub for support articles and resources intended especially for parents.
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
International Day of Friendship – Thursday, 30 July
Friendship is described by the United Nations as something powerful, enabling children, young people, and adults to move through the world saying, "You and your wellbeing matter to me." This is reflected in our everyday habits, and when these habits become regular practice, friendships are nurtured. These nurtured friendships lay the foundation for a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding community.
Across the campuses of Christian College Geelong, we see many opportunities to further develop friendships through lunchtime and recess clubs, the Pond and Hub, music, sport, and homeroom activities. Spaces for students to spend company and build connections. This is something the Year 3 students at the Bellarine Campus recently explored in their Social Stencil session. They examined the importance of company, care, and common interests, and how understanding these three aspects can help our friendships fly!
It is also important to acknowledge that friendships can be tricky for young people to navigate. Equally, it can be challenging for adults to know how best to support their young person. In the links below, you will find an article by Lael Stone that offers guidance in this area, as well as a link to ReachOut, which provides practical tips for supporting young people and their friendships.
Finally, to celebrate the gift of friendship in all its forms, from the Student Wellbeing Team we share the words of Maya Angelou –
"When we lift each other up, we illuminate our paths with the light of friendship."
Navigating Friendship Issues | News | Lael Stone / How to make friends at school | Meeting new people
The Wellbeing Team
Upcoming Writing Competitions!
Got a story to tell, a poem to share, or an idea that deserves to be heard? Our upcoming writing competitions offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and develop your skills as a writer.
Open to students of all abilities, these competitions encourage imagination, self-expression, and a love of language. Take the opportunity to challenge yourself and see where your writing can take you!
Click on the links below for registration details and full terms and conditions. For assistance or further information, please speak with your English teacher.
Happy Writing!
| Competition link | Word length | Final submission |
| Student Poetry Competition 2026: Entries are now open | Arts Learning Festival | Maximum 60 lines | Friday 28th August |
|
Prizes — Announcing the John Marsden Story Prize 2026 — NEWSTEAD YOUNG WRITERS FESTIVAL 11 OCT 2026
|
500 words | Monday 31st August |
|
A Story in Miniature: 2026 writing competition | Victorian Association for the Teaching of English Limited places! |
500 words |
Friday 18th September
|
| 2026 Insight Creative Writing Competition - Insight Publications | 1400 maximum | Tuesday 1st September |
Joanne Lowe
Masigga Tsoulos
The Youth myki Design Competition
Calling all young creatives! This is an exciting opportunity for our talented student artists to showcase their imagination and creativity.
The Youth myki Design Competition is open to students aged 5–17 years, giving them the chance to design the next Youth myki card. Even more exciting, the winning artwork will be featured on the front of the 2027 Youth myki card, and the successful artist will receive $1,000!
To enter, students simply need to create their design and share a little about the inspiration behind their artwork.
The competition journey doesn’t end there. Three outstanding designs will be shortlisted before the public votes for their favourite. The design with the most votes will become the new 2027 Youth myki card for Victorians to enjoy. Entries are now open and close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
For more information, competition details, design templates and to submit an entry, follow the link below:
Are you the next myki angelo 2026 - Transport Victoria
We can’t wait to see the amazing ideas and artistic talent on display. Good luck to everyone who enters, and most importantly, have fun being creative!
Tash Cooper
A new, Very Special Glastonbury Thorn Tree at Junior School
Even if you’re a regular visitor to our Junior School-Belmont campus, you may not have noticed the young Glastonbury Thorn sapling recently planted in the front lawn near the roundabout road. A bit under 30 years ago a much older and larger Glastonbury Thorn was a prominent feature near the main entrance, but as it reached more than a century old, as is typical with this species in our part of the world, the tree died. Thanks to the work of campus Grounds Manager, Jack Sims, and the Geelong Botanic Gardens, its replacement nearly 30 years on is actually related to the previous tree – and they both have fascinating stories that stretch back to the early decades of Geelong’s existence, and even further to biblical times. Read more by clicking on the ‘Very Special Tree’ tile in the News and Events carousel at the bottom of our website homepage or use this link to go straight there.
Timor-Leste Trivia Night
Christian College Geelong families and friends are warmly invited to our annual Timor-Leste Trivia Night.
For 24 years, Christian College Geelong has shared a special partnership with the people of Timor-Leste. The relationship began in the wake of one of the most challenging periods in Timor-Leste's history, following its hard-won independence. What started as practical support during a time of great need has grown into a lasting friendship built on faith, service, and mutual respect. Students, staff, and families have been privileged to witness the positive impact of this partnership and the difference it makes in the lives of others.
This Trivia Night is an opportunity to celebrate that enduring partnership while raising funds to support ongoing educational initiatives and community development opportunities in Timor-Leste. It is also a chance for our College community to come together, enjoy a fun evening, and continue a tradition that has impacted lives for more than two decades.
For bookings and enquiries, contact the Senior Campus on 5241 1577.
Gather your team, test your knowledge, and help us continue a 24-year legacy of partnership, learning, and support with Timor-Leste.
Jane Smith, Timor Leste Partnership Coordinator
Join us for the Christian College Foundation Golf Day
Looking for a great way to spend the Geelong Show Day public holiday on Friday, 16 October?
Gather some colleagues, friends, or family and join us for a fantastic day of golf, fun, and community at The Sands Torquay.
Whether you're a regular golfer or simply keen for a fun day out, this event is for everyone. With a relaxed Ambrose format, players of all abilities are welcome. Enjoy a breakfast on arrival, on-course competitions including Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin, and the chance to win an incredible $30,000 Hole-in-One prize.
After your round, join us for a buffet lunch and hear how the Christian College Geelong Foundation is helping provide life-changing educational opportunities for students and families in need.
Event Details
Date: Friday 16 October 2026
Venue: The Sands Torquay, 2 Sands Boulevard, Torquay
Cost: $200 per player
Dress: Casual golf attire
Format: Ambrose Teams of 4
Register individually, bring a friend, or enter a full team. We'll happily help place individual players into teams.
Register Today
Places are limited, so don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a memorable day of golf, great food, wonderful company and community impact.
To learn more and register, click here.
Proudly Sponsored by AECS
We extend our sincere thanks to AECS (Australian Environmental Cleaning Services), our Major Sponsor, for their generous support of this event and the work of the Christian College Geelong Foundation.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Limited sponsorships are still available. Support local students and families while showcasing your business.
Enquiries: Tennille McInnes, t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
Academic Excellence Scholarships - Applications Close Soon
Applications close next Thursday, August 13 for Academic Excellence Scholarships. These are for entry at Christian College in 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. More information and the link to apply can be found here on our website.
