Senior School – Term 1 Week 1

Transformative Repair 

As part of the commencement of the year, all of the College staff participated in a presentation to launch and share work that has been undertaken by some of our teaching staff in partnership with Independent Schools Victoria and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Project Zero Team.  

This project led and created by Dr Flossie Chua is being piloted in Australia at Christian College and another Independent school in Melbourne. We are indeed privileged and extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. 

Recent years have exposed communities to floods, fires, and a pandemic on top of the challenges that families face in our individual circumstances. Transformative Repair encourages school communities to use artistic practice to identify damage – both literal and figurative – and explore how it can be repaired. 

The pilot unfolds over three phases, giving schools the flexibility to shape the program to their needs and context: 

1. Explore – Look at notions of damage and repair by observing and reflecting on the physical environment and the work of artists who engage in transformative repair. 
2. Transform – Choose a damaged object or structure on which to focus and transform it positively through art. Throughout this process, learners invite and involve the history and perspectives of the broader community. 
3. Storify – Craft a compelling story of repair that will transform how damage is viewed by others. 

We commenced our journey with this pilot having some of our staff participate in the project looking at ways that we might demonstrate and share this concept with our community. As we progress further, we will see opportunities for students and our broader community to experience how they can be inspired to explore new ways of thinking about damage and repair. 

I am grateful to Mr Adam Kennedy for leading the team, supported by Ms Dianne Martin, Ms Ingrid Staggard, Mr Tom Hartley, Ms Rebecca Barry, Ms Bec Bromilow, and Ms Rebecca Bartlett for the work and commitment they have made to support the pilot and introduce it to our college. 

It was wonderful to receive this feedback from Flossie, ‘You have such a fabulous team Glen, and I’m really privileged to be able to work with your teachers and you!’ 

Please view the short video below that introduces the pilot. 

The CCG Way 

 For some time, I have been considering the important narrative that underpins our identity and purpose to help us all to have a stronger grasp of who we are and what we are seeking to do together.  

 Our College motto and hymn ‘Seek ye First the Kingdom of God', inspired by the scripture from   Matthew 6:33  ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God has been explored in this edition of Vine for us by our new Dean of Christian Culture Mia Kafieris. 

 Our College Hymn and motto guide and direct us to the practical ways we live and conduct ourselves. Reminding us of the way that through seeking God first in our lives we can see the examples of the life we should seek to live. 

 In a school setting this underpins our philosophical statement that provides the filter that we process our decision-making, policies and actions through. We live these out in the way that we behave, treat others, involve ourselves in College life and community. In practical terms for our students demonstrate this when they respectfully wear the wardrobe, through the respect that they show toward their peers and teachers, how the engage in class and the application they dedicate to manage their own learning. 

I look forward to further expansion and dialogue about the CCG way throughout this year.  as we further understand and appreciate the CCG way notion, we can gain clarity and support to guide us on how we can work together to see our community flourish under the beacon of God’s light. 

Caring and Growing Together 

 It is my desire to see our students and staff having a shared focus upon care and growth throughout this coming year. The staff have continued to be encouraged to work and dedicate themselves in their practice to set goals and pursue opportunities for professional growth. In 2023 we plan to expand the Professional Growth Program to see increased involvement and participation that assist and supports staff to grow in their capacity to plan, provide deliver the very best programs for our students. 

 Equally, we aim to see advancement of the well-being and pastoral framework that we have developed under the guidance and direction of the newly appointed Director of Well-being Kim Doherty. The action plans outlined in the framework will progress following this significant appointment. The overall aim to see flourishing for our community. 

An Excellent Start 

 This week I have had the pleasure to visit most of our sites and campuses. I am delighted with how settled, engaged and happy each one has felt as I visited classrooms, staffrooms, offices, libraries and sandpits to see everyone from our youngest in the Early Learning Centres to my colleagues who have served our college over many years each looking refreshed and energised for the year ahead. I certainly have sensed an air of excitement and joy. 

 It is pleasing that we have a full complement of staff to provide a full program for students from day one. Last year I was asked to work with the Federal Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare’s taskforce work group to address the ‘Teacher Crisis’ that our country is currently facing. The result of this work has been a National Teacher Workforce Action Plan (The Plan). The Plan has been established to be implemented in all states and territories and this will become a standing item at all Education Ministers’ Meetings over the next few years. 

 The Plan has been released. It outlines 27 actions, some immediate and others that will be medium and long term, in five priority areas.  

1. Improving teacher supply 
2. Strengthening initial teacher education 
3. Keeping the teachers we have 
4. Elevating the profession 
5. Better understanding future teacher workforce needs 

 We are blessed to have the dedicated and talented teachers that are called to serve at Christian College. We are truly thankful that our students are cared for and nurtured and guided in their learning by all the incredible staff both teaching and the professional support staff who provide vital support that makes our College operate so smoothly. 

 I encourage our families to find small ways to express gratitude and kindness to our staff to encourage them throughout 2013 and shown appreciation for all that they do. 

 A focus on Kindness 

 My encouragement at the Commencement Assemblies focused on the theme of ‘kindness’. I had the joy to share the beautiful picture book ‘Kindness Grows’ written by Britta Teckentrup. 

 The story contrasts the potential we each have to create darkness, division and hurt or light, unity and flourishing through our behaviour and how kindness grows from a simple smile to make a positive difference for others. 

 As I think about our world, nation and our community I can’t think of anything better to focus on in 2023. 

 I warmly welcome everyone to the new year at Christian College Geelong (CCG) and I look forward to sharing the year ahead filled with kindness as we ‘Seek ye First the Kingdom of God.’ 

The Kingdom of God is a biblical term Jesus used to describe the environment people create and find themselves in when they choose to behave in ways that represent God’s character. Often thought of as a reference to Heaven or life after death, the Kingdom of God has at times been a slippery concept to understand and apply. Reading the gospels closely we can see that this Kingdom Jesus speaks of is highly relational and an intentional contrast with the Roman Empire which was the prevailing kingdom and ruling power during the lifetime of Jesus Christ. Where someone living in the Roman Empire experienced their environment to be led by the most powerful and often violent people, Jesus, by the way he treated others ushers in a new Kingdom, an environment where people are led by those most empowering and integritous. Caesar disempowered those in his empire to make himself more powerful, Jesus disempowered himself to serve and empower his people. This one contrast makes for a very different Kingdom. In the same way that in the Roman Empire human beings were worth very little, expendable, often dying or being killed to ensure Caesar’s continuation, in the Kingdom of God human beings are highly valuable, so valuable Jesus would live and die for them to ensure the continuation of his relationship with them, not over them.  

There are many other contrasts between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms humanity has historically created. All of these contrasts come down to how people are regarded. In the Kingdom of God people are not products to be used, a person’s worth is not measured by their productivity, nor their potential measured by their performance. In the Kingdom of God, a person’s confidence is not controlling but contagious – empowering everyone to grow into their best selves. In the Kingdom of God there exists a ‘we’ mentality, where all people are recognised as being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and therefore of equal value. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, “there is neither slave nor free, Greek nor Jew, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus” In the Kingdom of God our differences are dignified not despised. Creation is not a resource to be used or dominated but a gift to be stewarded and cared for. Successes are measured not in the amassing of wealth or status over another but in the celebrating of diversity among others. Validation does not come through achievement, possessions, career or homeowning but through self-awareness and self-knowledge which promotes honesty and wholeness. People do not exist as entitled individuals but as people who are engaging and individuated from one another – meaning, it’s okay for me to be me and for you to be you. Forgiveness and grace are practised not as free passes without consequences but are extensions of merit and favour towards an increase of a person’s ability to be responsible and accountable for who they are. Weakness is not shameful but an expected component of what it means to be human and is looked on tenderly. 

Jesus brings this Kingdom of God about on Earth by treating people in these ways that are loving, respectful, unselfish, mutually edifying and authentically honest.  

The Kingdom of God exists in a paradox of now and not yet. ‘Now’ because some people are choosing to live towards each other like this, ‘not yet’ because not everyone chooses to live like this and so we have to hold the resulting tension. The hope of the Kingdom is that by living in the company of those who choose to live according to God’s character that others will become enculturated to treat people the way God does too. Just like picking up the accent or tastes in music and food when you live in a foreign country for a while – the same is true for people who encounter those already seeking the Kingdom of God in the way they treat others.  

The Kingdom of God is a kingdom I would like to live in. A kingdom I want to seek out and be part of establishing for others. I want to choose to do this everyday by moving out of the kingdom my fears, insecurities and culture of dominance creates in and between me and other people. Instead, I want to daily move into the Kingdom of God that is created and established by my choices to love, honour and serve others as Jesus did.  

This is the Kingdom of God Christian College exists to seek and to teach our students to seek also. I will seek this Kingdom for you this year in my choices, behaviour and character. I hope you will both seek it with me and for each other as we live, work, learn and play together.  

Next week, two classes of Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies will be heading off on a four-day immersion trip in the alpine environment of Victoria’s High Country, the first of many opportunities our students will have this year to experience real world learning outside the classroom. 

Families should by now have received an invitation to next Tuesday’s Welcome to Senior School Evening, held in our new English and Languages building, also known as the home of Taylor House. We are delighted to be able provide this opportunity for parents and teachers to come together in an informal setting. Arrive at 6.00pm to meet your child’s House Mentor and Head of House, then make your way around the nearby classrooms where you’ll have a chance to get to know your child’s subject teachers. The night will conclude at 7.30pm. 

Upcoming Year 4 Device Parent Information Evenings 

Each Junior School campus will be inviting parents of Year 4 students to an information evening that will occur in the next few weeks. Further details about the evening on each campus will be shared soon if it has not already been communicated. 

These evenings are an opportunity for parents to learn about the College device program and how the laptops will be used to support learning. Importantly, a key focus will be on how the College can support and empower parents for when devices start to come home as a part of our Cyber Safe Schools Program. 

Year 4 students will be able to begin bringing their laptop home following these parent evenings. 

Reminder: 2023 Digital Learning and Device Policy Agreement 

Recently all College families received an EdSmart communication via email that included a link to our 2023 Digital Learning and Device Policy Agreement document. It is essential that parents review this information and complete their parent agreement by Friday, 10th February. 

Similarly, students in Years 4-12, as participants in our 1:1 device program, are exploring the College’s expectations for digital learning and smart, safe, responsible uses of technology. These students will complete their version of the annual agreement over the next week. 

It is important that both parent and student agreements are completed to ensure continued access to the College’s device program, digital technologies, and internet. 

2023 Device Program Parent Resources 

Parents are invited to access and explore our Device Program Parent Resources, available via this document link which has a QR code and short link to easily access the resources in their folder. 

Microsoft Teams for Year 4-12 Classes 

Classes in Years 4-12 are beginning to make use of their Microsoft Teams digital learning space to support digital aspects of learning. This includes the sharing of key resources, engagement in digital learning activities and collaboration, and the completion of Teams Assignments in many contexts. 

Students have access to engage efficiently, meaningfully and collaboratively while building their digital literacy competencies, in an environment that provides rich accessibility features to support all learners. 

Parents wanting to be aware and equipped to support their child at home with using these digital tools to support their learning are encouraged to begin with a visit to our Digital Learning Support Hub. 

I’m excited about the year ahead and the prospect it holds for our students’ continued growth in Positive Digital Engagement and their digital competencies, within the context of our range of learning programs. 

Language Assistants at CCG Australia and Naga Japan 

Kana Miyano left Australia for Japan after Christmas and got home safely, now she is back to University for her final year. Jack Frencham got home safely after a 4-month stay in Japan as a language assistant at Naga and he is back at University. They both did a wonderful job at Naga/CCG. Thanks to all host families for their generosity to host Kana as a part of their family.  

2022 CCG graduates, Jasmine Kurtz, Isaac Malone and Sebastiaan De Beer were selected and will participate in our Language Assistant Program in 2023 which will commence in April. They will be working at Naga High School as English assistants, whilst given the opportunity to experience an authentic homestay.    

Long-Term Exchange From Naga to CCG  

Hikaruko Ikemoto from Naga High School is now in the process of obtaining a student visa for her to commence her exchange visit in Term 2 until the end of 2023. 

We are so looking forward to welcoming Indonesian students and teachers very soon and Japanese students and teachers in August.  

Transport: 
Students will depart Senior School by bus at 9am and return by 3.25pm. Students arriving or departing by other means must report to the House Mentor and provide a letter from a parent, at least one day prior, outlining the arrangements. Students will not be permitted to request alternate travel arrangements on the day of the carnival.  

Food and Drink:  
Students are encouraged to bring all their required food and drink for the day. The canteen and coffee van will also be available on this day. There are several water refill stations located around the field, so please bring a water bottle. 

Uniform: 
All students are to wear their college house sports uniform as well as getting into the ‘spirit’ of this House Carnival by incorporating House coloured clothing with their sports uniform. A “best dressed” competition is being held and will provide further opportunity to gain house points. Athletic shorts and spikes are permitted. Please ensure all gear is marked clearly with name and House Group.  

Weather: 
Students are reminded to be sun smart at the carnival and ensure they bring their hat and wear sunscreen and reapply this every 2 hours. If the weather is inclement a decision on whether the Athletic Carnival proceeds will be made early in the day. If postponed, a note will be posted on the online daily bulletin and normal classes will operate. 

First Aid: 
Athletic and novelty events do involve some risks of physical injury. Every effort will be made to minimise these risks. A qualified first aid person will be attending the championships to assist with any injuries that may occur on the day.  

Parents:  
It is always great to have our college community gather together and we would warmly invite you to come and be part of this day by supporting and encouraging your child.  

The results from this Carnival will be used to assist in the selection of the College Athletics team to compete at the GISSA Athletics Championships on Friday, May 12th.