What’s Happening at Middle School
Week 10
- Mon, 12 Sept – Wed, 14 Sept – Middle Schools Music Camp
- Thurs, 15 Sept – Athletics Victoria ‘Nitro’ event
- Fri, 16 Sept – Conclusion of Term 3 Studies. 2:30pm Dismissal
Term 4, Week 1
- Tues, 4 Sept – Students Commence Term 4
Year 7 Update
It has been a busy time for our Year 7 students as they approach the end of Term 3. Many have been completing major assessment tasks at the end of their units and it has been great to see the breadth of skills and knowledge being demonstrated.
The English and Humanities faculties have a combined task, with a focus on exploring societal issues. Students are currently creating a “Video for Change” about their chosen issue. We look forward to celebrating these once they are published.
In Science, students worked through a Chemistry unit for the duration of the term. They enjoyed separating a range of mixtures and developing their knowledge about particle theory and changes of state.
The Maths faculty has had students completing the unit, Backyard Bliss. In this rich task, the Year 7s designed their own suburban backyard. After being given constraints and required features, students drew plans, calculated area and volume, and determined costs for their creation.
All students swapped Languages subjects at the start of the term. Indonesian and Japanese classes have had a big focus on greetings. All Indonesian classes also celebrated Independence Day and participated in a range of engaging cultural activities. Meanwhile, the Japanese classes have been working hard to master the 46 Hiragana characters.
In Music, students were expected to complete a soundscape project. In this task, students worked in groups to create a piece of digital music with sound effects to accompany the retelling of a story book.Students were able to develop skills creating music that was pleasing to the ear and also a suitable atmosphere for the stories they read.
Health and PE have been dreaming of warmer times with a focus on safety in the surf. Students have researched and created guides to help others stay safe, while developing their own knowledge and skills. The PE classes are now shifting to learning volleyball techniques with some fun and exciting matches already taking place.
Over in the Art department, students have been learning core skills in 2D art making. This includes drawing, painting, and collage. Using the design process, they created their own 2D artwork using the mediums, skills and techniques explored in class. Next term the focus will shift to 3D art.
Throughout the elective program there was a wide range of items constructed, stories written, sports played, and flavours being created. It was a pleasure to have the Music Elective students perform at our assembly earlier this week. They did a wonderful job, especially given they only formed as a class at the start of this term.
The breadth across the Year 7 program is extensive and it has been great to watch students develop their knowledge and understanding in all these areas throughout this term and the year.
Andrew Ellery, Year 7 Coordinator
Year 9s Head to The Prom
Last week the “Year 9 GEOS – The Prom” students were off campus, visiting the protected and pristine national park at Wilsons Promontory. Over the term, students have been preparing for this experience, creating nutritious menu plans, discussing gear, and practising working together as a team. Over three days they put their skills and resilience to the test as they hiked 42km with full packs. Amongst the challenges of this walk, students enjoyed beautiful views, white sandy beaches, magnificent displays from wildlife, and above all the satisfaction of knowing that they can do hard things.
As someone who has been leading trips like this for my whole career, it never ceases to amaze me how resilient our young people are and how much they shine when taken out of their comfort zones to experience moments in natural places.
Whilst hiking students were asked to reflect on the joyous moments, with many stating that a good snack, a yummy dinner, the top of a hill, a funny joke, a spot of sun, the nice view or the cute wombat were the highlights in their days. I think this serves as a good reminder to us all to remember to notice the little things, the simple things, in every day that can be swamped by all the busyness. Students were also asked to reflect on the lessons they were learning that could be applied to everyday life, with many of our year 9s identifying that slowing down, only carrying what we need and remembering to maintain a positive mindset are all valuable to remember.
Back in the classroom the students will use their experience to inform the creation of a children’s story, which focuses on a discussion of environmental management in relation to issues which will challenge sustainability to protected places like the Prom in the future.
It was an absolute pleasure to lead and guide this amazing group of young people through their hike, and a big thank you again to all the staff and the families at home for their support of these programs.
Georgie Brown
Medieval Day
This semester, half of the Year 8 cohort has been immersed in the study of Europe during the Middle Ages as part of their History curriculum. A highlight of this learning is the Medieval Day Incursion conducted by History Up Close.
The students were able to participate in interactive experiences concerning Medieval music, games, clothing and customs, as well as weapons and armour. The opportunity to explore more about artifacts that have been carefully crafted and created to replicate tools used in Medieval life has given them a greater understanding and perspective of the challenges those people living hundreds of years ago faced. All students then participated in a Medieval feast sharing the type of food that would have been eaten, including a meat and vegetable stew, jam tarts and fresh apples.
Some of the reflections from students who participated in the Incursion included:
“Medieval Day was a great day of learning as Rob, Joe, and Gina, from History Up Close, exposed us to so much about the life of medieval times. They taught us about the music, costumes (dress), games, and weapons of medieval times. They made sure that we had fun by making sure that each session was interactive and interesting. They also taught us all lots of things about the way different people lived and how different medieval times were to now. I learnt so much and had such a great time!”
“Medieval Day was full of lots of enjoyable activities as well as many educational lessons. I know that I developed a deeper understanding for History, especially the Medieval times, as well as a greater appreciation for their way of life all those years ago. The History Up-Close group, Rob Gina and Joe, gave me a glimpse into the past and helped me to truly grow as a learner. It really was an amazing day!”
History Up Close presented an amazing day which was greatly appreciated by all.
Vicki Hayden and The Year 8 History Team
Konnichiwa Middle School Families!
This week, the students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have been rewarded for their hard work in Term 3 by doing a little bit of cooking during their lessons. Valent Sensei and Kana Sensei (2022 Japanese exchange assistant) have been making やきおにぎり (yaki onigiri – grilled rice balls) with the classes and they have been very popular! They are very easy to make, and we have been encouraging the students to make them at home for you. You will need rice, seaweed sheets, soy sauce, mirin (a Japanese cooking condiment) and a little bit of butter to keep the rice from sticking (you can buy all the Japanese ingredients from Coles or Woolworths). Put some rice into a piece of gladwrap and shape it into a triangle with your hands, cook it on baking paper in a pan with a little bit of butter while putting soy sauce on both sides with a brush. Once it’s golden brown on both sides, wrap it in seaweed and enjoy it while it’s warm.
If you like it, you can say おいしい (oishii) which means “delicious”.
Stephen Brewster
Athletics Day at Landy Field
The return of the SSV Geelong North and Bellarine Athletics day was in perfect conditions at Landy Field on Tuesday 6th September. Christian College had 16 students who all represented our three campuses very well with four students moving to onto the Western Region Finals in October.
Ava Mousavi –
1st 12/ 13 yr 200 metres
2nd 12/13 yr100 metres
Chelsea Ronning –
2nd 12/13 yr Shot Put
Other excellent efforts from:
Nate Bradley – 3rd 12/13 yr 800metres
Arabella Grills – 2nd 11 yr Shot Put
Lucas O’Brien – 3rd 11 yr Long jump
Scarlette Ennor – 3rd 9/10 yr Long Jump
We congratulate all the students who competed on the day.
Sally Bishop
National Health and Physical Education Day!
This year National Health and Physical Education Day was celebrated on Wednesday the 7th of September. At Middle School students and staff participated in activities to focus on boosting their health and overall wellbeing.
During wellbeing sessions this week students participated in two different activities to promote health and physical activity. The first activity was classroom-based, where the importance of physical activity was discussed, and a fun quiz was completed. For the second activity students participated in a range of physical challenges and games. The Year 5 and 6 students participated in a Golden Child competition, the Year 7 students competed in a basketball shooting competition, Year 8 students completed an amazing race around the school and the Year 9 homerooms competed against each other in netball.
Even the teachers were active on Wednesday by starting their day with a fun game in the Sports Aquatic Center with our very own HPE teacher Mr Collins! The teachers then took on the students in an Angle Ball match at lunch time! This was a great way to conclude our House Angle Ball tournament this term. It was a very close game, but the teachers got the win again and can’t wait to play another sport come Term 4.
Brittany Dietrich
Tri, Tri and Tri Again
On Thursday the 8th of September the Year 8 High Performance Athlete class had the chance to conduct a small-scale triathlon based at Middle School. The students have been learning about the sport over the last couple of weeks, training for the event and having an opportunity to meet and hear from Adam Beckworth, a college parent but also a professional triathlon coach with his group ‘Beckworth Racing. All this learning led to the day in which students had a go themselves. The standard course was a 2km run, 15-minute bike ride and 250m swim. Due to the inclement weather, we had the GEOS bikes propped up on air trainers and completing that part of the course inside (how luxurious!!). Students had the opportunity to adjust their distances to assist with their strength and weaknesses. We saw some students go for a 4km run whilst others went for a 500m swim. Great to see the students pushing themselves in a sport they have only just discovered. The purpose of this peak experience was for the students to engage in a brand-new sport and give something different a go.
If any student in this class or at Christian College who may be interested in triathlon or either biking, swimming, and running is encouraged to email/speak to Mr Wade or Mr Richardson.
Callen Wade
Important VET Information for Subject Selection 2023
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 study VET as well as VCE Unit 1 Industry and Enterprise over the whole year which includes a week of work experience. VET is mandatory for students studying the new VCE Vocational Major (VM) and optional for VCE students. More information can be found in the subject selection booklets and on the Senior School Hub – VET for 2023 on SEQTA.
VET Course Information, Application Processes and Dates for 2023
- SELECT VET AS A CCG SUBJECT.
- Create a Unique Student Identifier at https://www.usi.gov.au/
- Choose your VET course from either The Gordon or Non Gordon
- APPLY FOR YOUR VET COURSE.
Non-Gordon Courses (Government and Catholic School Offerings)
Course information and application form can be found on the Senior School Hub. It will also be emailed to all Year 9 students and parents.
A hard copy application form is to be completed and returned to the CCG Senior Campus student office.
APPLICATIONS OPEN AUGUST 2nd FOR ALL STUDENTS
Second year students need to complete the application form to reapply for 2023.
Gordon Courses
COURSE INFORMATION AND ONLINE APPLICATION LINKS CAN BE FOUND ON Senior School Hub – VET for 2023 on SEQTA or by visiting https://www.thegordon.edu.au/sitedocs/publications/vet-delivered-to-secondary-students-guide.aspx
APPLICATIONS OPEN AUGUST 16 – VCE, VCE VM & VPC STUDENTS only
APPLICATIONS OPEN AUGUST 30 – YEAR 10 STUDENTS
Second year students do not need to reapply.
General Information
Early applications are highly recommended to secure a place. Most VET course run over 2 years. VET typically runs on Wednesday afternoons for 1st Year students and Monday afternoons for 2nd year students.
Year 10 VET students’ study VCE Unit 1 Industry & Enterprise for 3 periods a week and attend VET for 2 periods a week. They do a work placement in the first week of the holidays at the end of term 2.
CCG provides transport to VET – students make their own way home. VET courses incur an additional fee that is course dependent. CCG offers a subsidy.
For any queries about VET please contact me at Senior Campus or at k.fearnsides@ccg.vic.edu.au
THE GORDON VET STUDENTS
2nd Year Gordon students do not need to reapply. Please notify the student office if you plan to withdraw for 2023.
NON GORDON RTO’s, Belmont High, BSC, MFSC & Covenant College
2nd Year students must reapply, application forms available from the Student Office or on the Senior Hub.
Kerryn Fearnsides
End of Term Canteen Arrangements
The Canteen will open as usual at Middle and Junior School campuses on the last day of term next Friday 16th September. At the Senior School Campus, it will only open at recess and no lunches will be available.
For all three campuses, the Canteen will open on the usual days again in the first week of Term 4 (students return on Tuesday 4th October).
A big thank you again to all volunteers who have supported the Canteen throughout Term 3 and allowed us to offer the services we do to all students and staff.
Heather Smith, Canteen Manager
Uniform Shop Hours Over the Holidays
The Uniform Shop in Centreway Arcade, Belmont will be closed from Monday 19th September and reopening 26th September 2022.
Opening hours in the second week of holidays are from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday 26/09/2022 through to Friday 30/09/2022
The Uniform Shop resumes normal trading hours from Monday 3rd October 2022.
Canteen not Open on Last day of Term
Please note that on the last day of Term 4, Friday December 9, the canteen will not be open.
Thank you to all volunteers for your fantastic help during the course of this term, and throughout 2022.
Recycling Uniform Items
As part of the transition to our new College wardrobe it was important that we consider the environmental impact of clothing items no longer required. Whilst it is still possible for students to wear items from the traditional uniform, when items are no longer able to be worn, they can be recycled.
Any such items can be dropped off and placed in recycling bins at each campus. We are working with our wardrobe manufacturer to ensure that these can be recycled as part of the introduction of our new wardrobe over the next 18 months.
Scholarship Applications for 2024 Entry now Open!
Each year we offer Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry at Year 5 (Middle School-Highton, Bellarine and Surf Coast campuses); Year 7 (Middle School-Highton and Bellarine); and Year 10 (Senior School-Waurn Ponds).
These scholarships have been designed primarily to encourage and support new and current students who wish to attend Christian College and who demonstrate high levels of academic excellence.
We are now seeking scholarship applications for entry at any of those year levels in 2024.
For more information, and to apply, please see our website. Use the hotlink from our homepage or click here
Applications close on Thursday September 29. The examination date is Saturday October 8.
Golf Tournament
The Foundation Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, 27 October 2022. Join us at 13th Beach Golf Links from 8:00am for a shotgun start. Tickets are $190 each ($150 for members) or $750 for a group of four. RSVPs close on Thursday, 6 October 2022 at 5:00pm.
Funds raised from this event will be allocated to our Foundation Scholarship Fund, supporting current students who are in need of financial assistance.
Book online at: The Foundation Golf Tournament