From the Principal
Across this beautiful region, on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people, our campuses awoke from their summer hiatus as the energy and excitement of more than 2000 students filled our classrooms and playgrounds. From Junior School Belmont to Middle School Highton, Surf Coast to Senior School and Bellarine to Back Creek, it has truly been a wonderful start to the 2024 school year.
Welcome to all families
I offer a tremendous welcome to all families, especially those new to our Christian College community. I look forward to partnering with you on the journey of educating your young person in 2024. We have approximately 100 Preps across our three Junior campuses and new enrolments in most year levels, especially at Year 5 and 7. At Year 12, a total of 194 Year 12 students, our largest cohort since 2019, will embark on their final year of studies at our Senior campus.
A great team of educators
I would like to use this opportunity to acknowledge all the preparations undertaken by our teaching staff in the days and weeks leading up to the return of students. We all came together at the start of this week on the Highton campus, and it was a truly wonderful occasion to be in a space with around 300 teachers and professional support staff, fixing our eyes on the tasks and responsibilities that will make 2024 a successful year for our community.
Senior School fire
As you may know, our Senior Campus suffered the loss of a number of classrooms and offices in the Burrows area due a suspicious fire on the morning of January 1. Whilst incredibly disappointing and disheartening, I have been greatly encouraged by the community’s response, especially the work of our Operations Manager, Maintenance team and Senior School leadership in preparing the campus for a smooth and uninterrupted return of students.
Let your light shine
It was an absolute pleasure this week to visit each of our campuses for their commencement assemblies. In my message to students, I shared this passage from Matthew Chapter 5 in the New Testament:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your shine before others, so that they may glorify your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
Just like lamps or lanterns, each young person possesses an incredible potential to shine, not for personal gain, but in making a positive impact on others and pointing them to God’s love. And, as educators, we are called to help students achieve their potential. So, my encouragement to students at the start of this school year, whether they are in Prep, Year 12 or somewhere in between, is to let their light shine and, in doing so, they will not only achieve their potential but will help others achieve theirs as well.
Expectations of a Principal
Most industries have standards required of their employees and education is no different. For Teachers and school leaders, our standards are nationally governed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). According to the standards, school Principals are responsible for:
- raising student achievement at all levels and all stages
- promoting equity and excellence
- creating and sustaining the conditions under which quality teaching and learning thrive
- influencing, developing and delivering on community expectations and government policy
- contributing to the development of a 21st century education system at local, national and international levels.
It is my intention and commitment to strive toward meeting these standards, to ensure our students receive the education they deserve, that parents hope for, and the community expects.
Your invitation to connect
With the new school year now underway, there will be lots of opportunities for you to partner with Christian College throughout the year. In Term 1 alone, each campus will be holding parent welcome events, House sporting carnivals, student learning conferences and other activities for you to attend or participate in. If our paths cross at any of these events, please come and say hi. I’d love to meet you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Rick Geall, Acting Principal
From the Head of Campus
Welcome Back!
The first week of the 2024 school year has flown by, and I am pleased to report a fantastic start in classrooms, on playing fields and in the yard.
I must acknowledge the great flexibility and preparedness of our Teaching and Maintenance staff, who didn’t miss a beat in having their classrooms hospitably set up, following the unplanned demolition of four rooms in Burrows House. The fire on New Years Day may have necessitated the removal of those rooms, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits in Burrows House. With that small section of the campus cordoned off, the remainder of our campus was abuzz on Day 1, as students reconnected and quickly settled back into the Senior School way; engaging in class, sharing time at recess and lunch and reconnecting with their House communities. I was also impressed with the way students considerately participated in the Commencement Assembly and engaged in an extended House Group session to ensure they were prepared for their first academic classes of the year.
Families should by now have received an invitation to next Tuesday’s Welcome to Senior School Evening, to be on the Taylor Deck in our English and Language Building. We are delighted to be able to provide this opportunity for parents and teachers to come together in an informal setting. Arrive at 5:30pm to connect with some of your child’s teachers as well as House Mentor and Head of House. The afternoon is casual and convivial, with some light refreshments served by our prefects. It is simply a chance to mingle and perhaps to also make some new connections with other parents. The night will conclude at 7.30pm.
Next week, Mr Farley and the Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students have the first of their two trips for the year. Departing after school on Monday and returning on Friday evening, this is the first of many opportunities our students will have this year to experience real world learning outside the classroom.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to all our families, whose commitment to partner with us is the single most valuable factor we have in ensuring great outcomes for our students. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch at any time.
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday February 6 Welcome to Senior School Evening 5:30 – 7:30
Friday February 9 CCG Tennis Championships
Wednesday February 14 House Athletics
Friday February 16 Prefect Investiture
Tuesday February 27 Presentation Ball Information Night 6:00pm
Wednesday February 28 Music Instrumental Evening
Thursday February 29 House Swimming
Monday March 4 CCG Surfing Championships
Monday March 11 Labour Day Holiday
Tuesday March 19 Student Learning Conferences All Day
Thursday March 28 Term 1 concludes 2:30 pm
Jason O’Loughlin, Head of Senior School
Girls in STEM
An exciting opportunity for interested Year 10 students!
Applications are being sought from current Year 10 students who would like to participate in an exciting ‘Girls in STEM’ event. This empowering gathering is designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and pave the way for a future filled with endless possibilities.
At this one-of-a-kind event, young women will discover the boundless opportunities awaiting them in the world of STEM. They will engage in hands-on workshops, interactive experiments, and inspiring talks delivered by accomplished female professionals who have excelled in their respective STEM fields. From robotics and coding to biology and physics, participants will explore a range of captivating disciplines, gaining valuable insights into the wonders of science and its real-world applications.
By attending this event, girls can broaden their horizons, expand their knowledge, and connect with like-minded peers who share their curiosity and enthusiasm. The Girls in STEM event fosters an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and building lasting friendships. Through engaging activities and discussions, girls will hopefully realise that their unique perspectives and talents are essential in shaping the future of innovation.
Where: Geelong Tech School (Corner of Latrobe Terrace and Little Malop St)
When: Wednesday March 6 2024, 9am-3pm
Cost: Free
Note: This is an ‘opt-in’ event. Students must make their own way to and from the Geelong Tech School. Before registering, all interested students must get approval from their parents and school. Please speak to Mrs Doran directly or send an expression of interest to l.doran@ccg.vic.edu.au . Numbers are limited.
Leanne Doran
Japan Study Tour 2023
The Japan Study Tour concluded as Japanese students and staff returned to Melbourne on December 22 last year, marking the completion of an unforgettable 15-day journey in Japan. Welcomed warmly by Mr Mori, the principal of Naga Senior High School, and teachers, bearing a box of sweet mandarins at Kansai airport, the trip was off to a delightful start.
Highlights included visits to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, a picturesque Kyoto bus tour, exploring Osaka’s sights, and marvelling at the ABENOHARUKASU observation deck. Amidst festive Christmas decorations and illuminations in town, indulging in authentic local Japanese cuisine added to the experience.
The homestay segment held a special place, fostering deep connections and forging enduring friendships among the students and staff. These authentic experiences undoubtedly sowed the seeds for lifelong relationships.
The students who participated in this year’s Japan Study Tour were truly exceptional—they embraced every experience, displayed remarkable openness to cultural differences, and absorbed numerous valuable lessons throughout the trip. A heartfelt appreciation is extended to Mrs Oataway, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Haywood and Mrs Nakayama for their unwavering support and exceptional teamwork in preparing for this wonderful journey.
Yuji Nakayama, Head of Japanese and Exchange
Looking Ahead to 2024
A warm welcome to the 2024 school year to all our Christian College families. The holiday season provided a well-deserved break for students, families and staff and I sincerely hope that these moments of respite allowed you to recharge, connect with loved ones and fill your self-care bucket to the brim. The return to school not only marks a shift back to old and familiar routines but also signifies a series of transitions for our students. The transition to a new learning environment is a major event in a child or young person’s life given they are periods in which both children and families need to adjust to new situations, environments, expectations, relationships, and potential changes to social and physical surroundings. This year as we do every year, we have children transitioning from early learning settings to primary school, primary to secondary school, movement of students from one campus to another, just to name a few. Our staff recognise the importance of supporting and guiding our students through transitions, especially those who may be encountering challenges or difficulties. As we embark on a new school year, it becomes a pivotal opportunity to not only navigate these transitions effectively but also to set our students up for success. Clinical psychologist and family therapist Andrew Fuller, offers insights on how our children and young people can achieve their goals while enjoying a fulfilling and successful year at school which I thought may be of interest to you and your family - Set yourself up for a great year, from Andrew Fuller (theparentswebsite.com.au). I look forward to working with you and for you this year in advancing our wellbeing practices and initiatives at Christian College.
Kim Doherty, Director of Wellbeing
Find Yourself at our Open Day!
On March 5, all five Christian College campuses and two kindergartens are holding Open Days. Our Open Days provide the opportunity for parents and others interested in enrolling their children at Christian College to have a firsthand look at our College campuses, speak with campus leaders, participate in student-led tours of the facilities, visit classrooms in real time and have their questions answered.
We would encourage everyone in our Christian College community to spread the word and tell anyone you might know who is considering schooling options for their children about our Open Day and the opportunity to come and visit one or more campuses and/or our kinders, with no tour booking required.
Details are on our website – follow the hotlink on our homepage or click Homepage > Join > Open Days.
Opening times for March 5 are as follows:
Junior School-Belmont and Williams House Kindergarten – 9:15 – 10:45am
Bellarine Campus – 9:30 – 11:00am
Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House Kindergarten – 11:30am – 1:00pm
Middle School-Highton – 10:30am – 12:00 noon
Senior School – 11:30am – 1:00pm
We would love to see as many interested families as possible finding themselves at our Open Day!
Kelly Clifford
Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon
The Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon is back on and has been scheduled for Friday, 24 May 2024.
You are invited to join us for lunch at the stunning Provenance Wines in Fyansford.
This is a fundraising event for the Foundation and an opportunity to hear about the success and progress of the College.
Our guest speaker is Jossy Chacko, Founder and President of Empart, a global ministry that exists to ignite holistic community transformation among needy communities.
Giving leadership to a team of over 13,000 people and offices in nine countries, Jossy travels around the world inspiring and challenging leaders to capture a larger God-size vision and not to waste gifts and opportunities. He is also the author of Madness! and Dare to Partner.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to come together.
Secure your seat and book online today!
https://ccgfoundation.org.au/gh
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