From the Acting Principal
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year at Christian College, it is a fitting moment to reflect on what a truly unique and special place to which we belong. We are a school made up of five distinct campuses yet bonded together with shared values, a collective call to “Seek First the Kingdom of God” and a philosophical aim to provide an education that not only excels academically but also nurtures the holistic development of each individual. I am proud to be part of this school.
Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of attending all five campus’ end-of-year celebration events, firstly Senior School’s Presentation Afternoon last Tuesday, followed by celebration evenings at Costa Hall for Belmont, Bellarine, Highton and Surf Coast campuses. They each recognised not only the efforts, achievements and contributions of students throughout 2023, but also celebrated the important role that community plays in shaping the hearts and minds of our young people. And each campus was able to do that in its own unique and powerful way. I am truly amazed how each campus was able to put together such a high-quality event at such a busy time of the year.
What was so striking about these celebration events was the sense of unity, a oneness between everyone involved. Psalm chapter 133 verse 1 says: “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony”. Unfortunately, there’s certainly a lot going on in the world that’s neither pleasant nor harmonious. And whilst it’s important that our young people, through their educational journey, learn about the challenges facing humanity, it is even more important that they are taught that there is hope, that people can live together in peace, that unity is not only desirable, but attainable.
As we look forward to Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, we can be again encouraged by the message that it brings of peace and goodwill. And this message is not only one of families, friends and loved ones coming together at Christmas, but also one where God invites us also to connect with Him. Celebrating Christ’s birth is an opportunity to acknowledge God’s love for us, that He is with us. So, as we share in the joy of Christmas, let us carry this message of hope into the coming year, inspiring our students to believe in a world where people can live together in harmony. I am truly grateful to be part of a school that not only imparts knowledge but instils in its students the values of truth, grace, faith, hope and love.
In closing, please note the document link below – it is a list of key dates for 2024. I would encourage you to keep it handy for ready reference as the new school year approaches.
May you each have a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy new year. I look forward to seeing you all again when school returns in 2024.
Rick Geall, Acting Principal
From the Head of Campus
With Spirit
As we reach the end of another full and rich year across our campus, I write with a strong sense of hope for our future and deep feeling of gratitude for our Middle School – Highton community. Our campus theme throughout the year has been ‘with spirit’ and we had a wonderful opportunity to explore and showcase what this theme has meant to us, during our Celebration Evening on Wednesday night. Music, speeches, award presentations and powerful dramatic performances filled the night, which truly was a celebration of all of us, and that which we have collectively achieved as a united, spirited community in 2023. We then enjoyed a great day of fun and fellowship together, as our Year 5-8 students (and their ‘big kid’ teachers) hit the pools, slides and open spaces of Adventure Park. This morning, we gathered together for the final time as a campus community, for our Christmas Service, led by our Campus Chaplain, Mr Andy Francis. Andy, with a tribe of supporting student speakers, actors and musicians, reminded us of the true gift of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.
As is sadly the case each year, a number of highly skilled, deeply respected and much loved staff have departed, or are about to depart CCG in 2023. This includes our dear friend, Mrs Vicki Hayden, who is retiring from her incredible career in education, including her last 31 years in service to our College. Our wonderful students and staff lined the driveway yesterday afternoon, farewelling Vicki with a ‘guard of honour’ and reminding her of the powerful legacy she leaves here.
Other staff departing include Mrs Gerradine Barry, Mrs Rebecca Barry, Miss Georgie Brown, Miss Maddie Connally, Mrs Ainsley Corrigan, Mrs Kerrie Dapiran, Mrs Lauren Davis, Mr David Hatswell, Mrs Amelia Hawkins, Mrs Christine Morrissy, Mr Sam Nichols, Mr John Rees, Mr Andrew Richardson, Mrs Dawn Smith, Sensei Yukiko Valent and Miss Ava Walters. These wonderful friends and colleagues will be dearly missed across our campus and the wider College, and I am eternally grateful for the contribution they have each made in service to our College. We also farewell from our campus Mrs Jo Johannes and Mrs Lori Ruplal who are joining the Senior School team and Mrs Monica Cohen who is heading to the Bellarine Campus in 2024. To these staff, I also give my sincere thanks, and am glad to know we will all get to continue to see them around our College over the coming years. I myself will be taking leave in 2024, and stepping out of the Head of Campus role. It has been my absolute privilege and honour to lead our community these past years, as I know it has been for those past Heads of Middle School – Highton who have come before me. After a break next year, I look forward to returning to our wonderful College in 2025. I am comforted by the knowledge that stepping into the Head of Middle School – Highton role, is the brilliant Mrs Natasha Troop. She will be ably supported by her new, excited and spirited Deputy Heads of Campus, Mrs Kathrine Bowyer and Mr Andrew Ellery. Natasha, Kathrine and Andrew will make a formidable team, leading the campus throughout 2024 and beyond. It is not lost on me that our school would not exist if not for our precious students, and in turn, they would not be here with us, if not for the parents, carers and extended families behind each and every one of them. Can I express my most sincere thanks and appreciation to you, our families, for again trusting in us, seeing something in what we offer here at CCG that’s worthwhile and lifeworthy for your precious young person. Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in the educational and adolescent journey of your child, sharing in life with your family. To all students, families, staff and friends of the College, I wish all of God’s richest blessings upon you for a restful, safe, connected and peaceful Christmas period and summer break. I pray that you celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus Christ, and reflect on what such a miracle can mean for you and your loved ones. I look forward to seeing you all again, as a new and exciting school year gets underway in 2024. Our 2024 classes commence for our students on Wednesday, January 31. Merry Christmas everyone. Go with spirit.
Adam Kennedy, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Middle School
Term 1, 2024 Week 1
- Wed 31 Jan – Students Commence Term 1
- Thurs 1 Feb – New Student ID Photos
- Fri 2 Feb – Year 5 Chilli Challenge Day
Year 9 Leaders’ Camp
On Monday and Tuesday this week, the 2024 Year 9 Prefects and House Captains from Highton and Bellarine Prefects had a two-day leadership camp at Back Creek Farm. My personal highlight was joining with the Bellarine leaders and making new connections.
Students loved meeting the animals and the sheep herding brought out some innovative leadership styles, but eventually traditional methods proved the most effective. The guinea pigs were a fun and entertaining way to spend the break times for some of us.
We spent some time doing team and relationship building exercises, doing chores, and taking responsibility for cleaning up. The Shark Tank activity was used for pitching ideas to improve the school as leaders and there were some brilliant ideas from the groups.
It was insightful to reflect on who we are and how others see us in different settings. There was a really positive, supportive environment and I feel like this camp will help set us up to have a successful year.
Elizabeth McLure, Year 8
More Reflections
I loved the dance party and working together in groups with other people and connecting with the Bellarine students. Reece Hornsby, Year 8
I really enjoyed seeing how leadership isn’t just about the badge it’s about the team work and how we can all contribute to the MS community. Benson Flanagan, Year 8
Thank you, Daryl
A few weeks ago, the students of 7H found themselves in a bit of a pickle. They needed cardboard and there was none to be found anywhere. We had none in the classroom and there was none in the usual places we check at Middle School. Daryl came to empty our classroom bins and the students asked him if he knew where we could find any. Daryl very kindly left his scheduled work and came back to us with armfuls of empty boxes. The students of 7H appreciated this so much that they decided to do something special in return and we started a fundraiser called #dollars4daryl. Over the past few weeks, we have collected some money and bought Daryl a gift from his favourite footy team (The Cats!) to go along with a handmade card with messages from us all. On Tuesday afternoon, we invited Daryl to our classroom to present him with his gift, card and a heartfelt “thank you” for everything he does around Middle School every day.
Thanks Daryl, from 7H and all Middle School staff and students.
Life-Changing International Experiences
The College has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Naga Senior High School in Japan for over 30 years. However, due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, there was a hiatus of five years with no exchange programs, leaving our students disheartened.
In 2023, resuming of all exchange programs presents our students with enriching opportunities to foster their global citizenship. Hikaruko Ikemoto, a long-term exchange student from Naga Senior High School, has been in Australia since April, immersing herself in new experiences and forging strong connections within our community. During her stay, Hikaruko has formed valuable friendships and gained profound insights into Australian culture through various subjects she has explored.
Hikaruko says;
“I spent nine wonderful months in Australia as an exchange student from Japan. Time passes quickly, and my study abroad life will come to an end this month. My experience at Christian College is something I will treasure forever. New friends, great teachers, my second family. All these encounters have helped me grow and allow me to be where I am today. And it helped me expand my international horizons. Days of learning together, experiencing new things, and laughing together. These memories will remain in my heart forever. It has had a deep impact on who I am going to be, and my future choices have expanded.
I am grateful to CCG for giving me the opportunity to experience Australian culture and language and challenge myself in a new environment. I’m really glad I chose CCG as my study abroad destination.
It’s very sad to say goodbye, but I will move forward toward the future with what I gained from this experience in my heart. Thank you Australia and CCG!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me.
I look forward to seeing you all again. Arigatou.”
On behalf of the Japanese department, I extend heartfelt thanks to all the host families for their incredible generosity, acceptance, and warm welcome extended to Hikaruko as a cherished member of their families. Without their invaluable support, our program would not have been able to run.
Djinda, Supreet, and Niko, the long-term exchange students from Christian College in Japan, have been deeply involved in immersive experiences in Wakayama, Japan. They’ve shown great enthusiasm in learning about diverse cultures and languages, courageously embracing challenges in this new environment. Since September, they’ve been enhancing their lives through genuine daily experiences alongside their host families, friends, and teachers at Naga Senior High School. We extend our sincere appreciation to Naga Senior High School and the International Association for their tremendous assistance and support in making this exchange program possible once again. We eagerly anticipate welcoming them back to Australia and hearing their stories in the middle of January 2024.
Applications for the Long-Term Exchange Program for new Year 10 students are now open. You can also express your interest in the Japan Study Tour for 2024, which is also open for new Year 10 and Year 11 students.
Currently, 19 Year 11 students are traveling in Japan, marking the revival of the Japan Study Tour program after a five-year hiatus. We eagerly anticipate sharing the incredible experiences from our trip!
Yuji Nakayama, Head of Japanese and Exchange
Highton Students Bring Christmas Cheer
On Wednesday this week a group of students attended St John of God Hospital in Geelong to bring some Christmas cheer to others by singing Carols around the various wards of St John of God Hospital. The students are to be congratulated for their work in preparing for the day and as well as their beautiful singing and impeccable conduct while attending the hospital. Their beautiful singing accompanied by Mr DeMarte on the guitar was appreciated by patients, staff and visitors across the three areas of the hospital that were visited.
All of the singers enjoyed the process of practising and preparing the carols together in rehearsals, over the past few weeks, as well the social experience. They demonstrated excellent teamwork as well as care and compassion.
The performance was well-received, the students gained a great deal from the experience by giving back to the community at lifting the spirits of the patients. It was rewarding for them to bring joy to the audience and create a happy and positive environment through singing Christmas carols.
Congratulations Elizabeth McClure, Piper McKenzie, Lucinda O’Callaghan, Harlow Salajan, Brooklyn Morris, Amelia Standen, Violet Ash and Nieve Smart.
Kirstin Camm-Bartle, Instrumental Music Teacher
Middle School Brick Club
One of the wonderous things I have been involved in this year is the Middle School ‘Brick Club’. This is a club for Lego enthusiasts that get together during Friday lunchtimes to build together. Whilst our group of students is small, they have had such fun building whether it’s from a kit or an amazing creative build.
One of the great aspects of our ‘Brick Club’ is the student’s interactions with each other, as one of our club rules is ‘you must build as a team’. The collaborative teamwork that comes from this is truly amazing, including the disagreements and compromises that come from working with others.
Our Brick Club uses three roles as the basis for their building groups, engineer, supplier, and builder. The engineer is in charge of reading the instructions, telling and showing the supplier what piece is needed. The supplier hands over the piece to the builder who works on the construction, roles are changed regularly during the build.
This teamwork provides all members with roles to play and the sense of accomplishment once a build is finished is evident in their smiles and eagerness to showcase their finished build on our display table.
I look forward to new members joining our Middle School ‘Brick Club’ in 2024 and joining in the fun!
From the Director of Wellbeing
As we near the end of 2023, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday break. Holidays provide us all with the chance to take a much need rest, connect with family and friends or to engage in many of the life pursuits and hobbies that ‘fill our bucket’. It is important to acknowledge however, that holidays can bring about unique challenges and some unexpected stressors for some members of our school community and so with this in mind it is important to remember that support is always available to you and your family.
In the spirit of promoting a mentally healthy community and to encourage help seeking behaviours, I would like to share with you some information about support agencies available to you and your child during the holiday break.
Geelong Regional Library services have some great activities for young people during the holiday break.
Summer by the Sea offer a wide range of activities, giving everyone the chance to learn whilst having fun at the same time. Summer By the Sea will be running between 6 January and 25 January 2024, during the school holiday period. The 2024 program is being designed to be inclusive of all ages, and abilities.
Parks Victoria offer a Junior Ranger program and whilst their 2024 program is yet to released, you can subscribe for updates via this website.
Geelong Youth also have a number of opportunities to connect.
Kids Helpline will continue to be available during the holiday break, 24 hours, 7 days per week. They are there to help you with anything!
Headspace Geelong supports young people, from 12-25, who are going through a tough time. They can assist young people in four key areas; Physical Health (incl. sexual health), Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Work and Study Support - They will be closed during the holiday period from Friday 22nd @ 3:00pm but reopening on Tuesday 2nd Jan @ 9:00am.
Beyond Blue is available to support you with your mental health journey, specifically with anxiety or depression.
ReachOut provides the opportunity for young people to get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future. They also provide information and advice to getting and using a mental health plan.
Lifeline provide 24 hour crisis support to individuals experiencing significant emotional distress and provide access to suicide prevention.
Parentline is a statewide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years. Experienced social workers, psychologists and family therapists can give you counselling and information around a wide range of parenting issues.
Finally, Headspace have also provided some recommended actions to stay healthy during the holidays that I thought could be of benefit to you and your child:
- Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun!
- Nourish your brain by eating healthily – it will also improve your mood
- Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing
- Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies
- Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones
- Make time to do things you enjoy
- Practise positive self-talk – and remember you are not alone
- Seek professional help if needed.
For our Year 12s, whilst I would like to encourage them to make the most of your well-deserved break, could I also suggest that they keep in mind the importance of balancing rest and relaxation with academic preparation. It goes without saying that the holidays are an excellent time to unwind and recharge, but dedicating some time to holiday homework can significantly contribute to their readiness for the upcoming school year in 2024. Completing assigned tasks over the break not only ensures that they stay on top of your coursework but also allows them to start the new term with confidence and a sense of accomplishment. I have suggested that they aim for this holiday break to be a harmonious blend of productivity and rejuvenation!
Please note, that as we encourage growth and autonomy at our Senior Campus, an email of a similar nature has been sent directly to our Senior school students.
I do wish you all a wonderful break and I look forward to supporting the wellbeing of our school community in 2024.
Kim Doherty, Director of Wellbeing
New Christian College Drama Club coming in 2024!
I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.
Oscar Wilde
The Christian College Drama Department is pleased to announce a new initiative in partnership with the Geelong Arts Centre, which will give our students in year 7 to 12 and their families, greater access to a range of professional theatre experiences. The Drama Club will run outside of the school week, on a Saturday or Sunday matinee, with parents and students being able to buy discounted tickets directly from the Arts Centre to allocated performances.
The Drama Club aims to bring together students from across campuses and year levels, to share in a range of theatrical experiences that will challenge, inspire, delight and amaze, as students discover new ways of thinking about the world. It is also an opportunity to support drama students passionate about their studies, who what to learn more and grow as artists.
Co-ordinated by Ms Broad at Highton and Ms Clifford at Senior school, the students and parents involved will have an opportunity to discuss and reflect on each play through pre and post discussions.
Below are the list of plays currently being considered for inclusion in the Drama Club with links to the Arts Centre Website where you can read more about them. - please note that this play contains adult themes and is not suitable to anyone under the age of 16 years of age. If you are interested in coming along, look out for more information in The Vine next year. Any questions please email Ms Kelly Clifford, Senior Drama Teacher - k.clifford@ccg.vic.edu.au “Theatre opens us up to experiencing different perspectives that we may not be aware of or contemplated. Theatre's way of examining dialogue, monologue and character allows us to flex our empathy muscles. In other words- understanding theatre helps us understand what it means to be human.” - Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts, Culture and Creativity.
Get Some Unique Christmas Cards and Support Williams House
This year Williams House is selling packets of Christmas cards designed by our own little artists!
We are selling our Angel/Shepherd cards for $5 for a pkt of 6 and our Nativity cards are $7 for a pkt of 10. Each packet contains either 6 or 10 different designs.
If you would like to support the kinder and share our creations with the community this Christmas, the cards are available at all CCG campus receptions and of course at Williams House. Payment can be made with cash or card.
We also take over-the-phone orders with direct deposit. Phone 5241 3556
All money raised will go towards making some new additions to our outdoor yards!
We hope you love these gorgeous creations and enjoy sharing them with your family and the community this Christmas!
With thanks from all the children and the team at WH!
Stephanie Butler, Director Williams House Kindergarten
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
