Senior School – Term 1 Week 6

From the Head of Senior School

Imagine a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion. International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere.

(Taken from: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme)

This week has been eventful and filled with celebration and inspiration!

On Tuesday morning we were thrilled to host our Open Day, welcoming new families keen to explore the vibrant surroundings of our Senior School. The event was a fantastic opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience firsthand the learning environment and rich educational opportunities that our campus has to offer. For those who couldn’t make it, I invite you to reach out to me at any time to book a tour.

On Tuesday afternoon, our Senior Male Cricket Team played in the GISSA Semi-Final. The match showcased our students’ skills and sportsmanship. The CCG Eagles team travelled to Ceres Reserve to play a T20 match against Iona College. Our students love these full-length, stand-alone games played after school. Although our boys lost a close fought battle on Tuesday, it has been a great campaign that these Year 11 and Year 12 students have thoroughly enjoyed.

Student Learning Conferences

All Senior School parents/guardians will have received an email regarding our upcoming Student Learning Conferences, to be held on Tuesday, March 19 from 10.00am to 8.00pm.  Classes will not be running on this day and students are therefore not required on campus. Booking details were provided in the email.

The objectives of the Senior School student learning conferences are to:

• Involve parents and guardians in the educational process
• Hear from students about their views on their progress in each subject
• Add value to feedback and results that are already available to parents on SEQTA
• Promote ongoing communication between the teacher, parent, and student
• Give teachers, parents and students the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns

We encourage you to make bookings at a time when students are available to attend with you. As a Senior School we are looking for students to take responsibility for their own learning, hence feedback and discussion will be most valuable if the student is a participant. Students will have had the opportunity to complete a self-assessment for each subject prior to the conferences, which they will be encouraged to bring to their appointment.

We look forward to these opportunities to partner with you in supporting your child’s academic and pastoral development throughout 2024.

What’s Happening at Senior School

Monday March 11 – Labour Day Holiday

Tuesday March 19 – Student Learning Conferences All Day online (No students on campus)

Wednesday March 20 – Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum

Thursday March 21 – World Harmony Day

Thursday March 28 – Senior School Easter Service – Period 1

Thursday March 28 – Term 1 concludes 2:30 pm

VCE Drama Excursion

On Thursday 28 February, the Year 11 and 12 VCE Drama students attended their first VCAA play for the year called a/lone. The play presented by Project Connect Ensemble utilised the performance styles of verbatim theatre and physical theatre to explore the themes of loneliness and social isolation. This captivating work also included live music and film footage, which challenged the students to think about their theatre-making practice and the different ways a story can be told. This work gave the students a lot to think about as they develop their ensemble performances.

Senior Girls Cricket

The Senior Girls cricket team recently participated in the annual GISSA competition. With the ever-increasing popularity of cricket amongst females, the day was expanded this year to include six teams, with two pools of teams each playing two T10 games.

Our first game against Geelong Lutheran College was a close one, but the more accurate bowling of our team, combined with some slick moves in the field (Alice running like the wind) to restrict scoring, gave us a 12-run win. The batting effort was strong from our two Year 9 team members, Jess and Phoebe, with Suzanna also scoring freely.

We anticipated that the Sacred Heart team would be formidable, as they had a large number of girls who play club cricket at both junior and senior level, but our girls faced it with a positive attitude, playing with great spirit and encouraging each other along the way. Abbey and Tilly weathered the storm of a super-fast opening bowler and Ally took a couple of body blows for the team – all with a smile on her face! Despite the very accurate bowling, we only lost 5 wickets in our innings, which was a testament to the girls’ improved batting technique and determination. Although Sacred Heart passed our score with some big hitting, Tilly took an amazing caught and bowled, losing a fingernail from the impact.

With one win and one loss, the team finished second in their pool. Tilly was awarded the medal for best player, with captain Emily – whose wicketkeeping saved countless runs and bowling took valuable wickets – also recognised for her efforts. In fact, the day was such a team effort that all of the girls deserved a medal – for their skills, outstanding sporting attitude and for making it a fun day for us all.

Careers Newsletter

The first edition of the Careers Newsletter is hot off the press. It’s filled with fantastic opportunities for students of all ages to research and plan for the future.

This edition includes:

• School holiday university tours
• A Day at University of Melbourne
• Discover Monash University
• Australia Catholic University Talk with Industry Series
• Careers expo opportunities
• Victoria Police careers information sessions
• Australian Defence Force career events
• Medicine and Dentistry – UCAT assessment
• Work Experience
• Pathways to becoming a health professional
• Passionate about sport?
• Careers with STEM
• Monash McSci 3-day Science program
• Spotlight: Event Management Courses

If you have any questions about the above please email b.bromilow@ccg.vic.edu.au

Happy reading!

Career News March 2024

NAPLAN 2024

NAPLAN or The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is an annual nationwide test for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in the four areas of Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. This year marks the seventeenth year of NAPLAN, which is now in an entirely digital and adaptive platform.

The tests will be run throughout a two-week window from March 13 to March 25.

The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals and can be used to support student achievement.

“Our young people are learning in many different ways, and at their own pace.”

Whilst the NAPLAN provides informative data, it is but a ‘snapshot’ of our students on a certain day. Our young people are learning in many different ways and at their own pace. It is important to remember that the learning at Christian College is rich and diverse and embraces the student in ALL aspects of the person and there is no national test or box and whisker graph big enough to account for the ‘Learning that Matters’.  There is no special preparation required and students can be reassured that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and they should simply do the best they can on the day.

Those Important Moments of Reflection and Connection

As we continue our journey of preparation for the Easter season, I am reminded of the importance of connecting with loved ones in a meaningful and joyful way. Moments of reflection and connection are central to our capacity to live well as they allow us to pause amidst the chaos and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. In the hustle and bustle of everyday living, it can be easy to lose sight of the need to prioritise our wellbeing and finding moments of true connection can be a challenge, particularly in our digitally driven world. As highlighted by Dr Kristy Goodwin, one of Australia’s digital wellbeing and productivity experts, many of us are struggling to tame our tech habits and it is impacting our health and wellbeing. She acknowledges how difficult it is to unplug when we live in a world saturated with screens, pings, and alerts and furthermore, with every ping, scroll and interaction, our brain is rewarded all in a digital minute! In her manifesto, she reminds us of the importance of attention as being the most precious resource we have. She encourages us to own it and protect it at all costs so we can be present where we are and when we matter. It goes without saying that there are tremendous benefits to technology, and it has enriched our lives in a myriad of ways, but when we are able to be more mindful of our digital habits, we are well positioned to protect our digital wellbeing. By unplugging from screens and engaging in meaningful conversations and interactions we can create the space we need to connect with loved ones and be genuinely present.

‘The next time you get ready to snap a photo with your camera, put it down and thank God for blessing you with this moment instead’ – Linda Hanstra

Doing the Right Thing on our Buses

I have noticed a decline in the overall behaviour of some students on our bus network, which is something we take very seriously. We have seen some significant damage to bus seats (cuts / slashes) and an increase in graffiti on seats and other surfaces of the bus. Please note, this behaviour will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will follow, including the reimbursement of costs associated with repairing damage, if applicable.

We ask all parents to please remind your children that damaging the buses disadvantages everyone who uses them, and to encourage those who witness this sort of behaviour to either email schoolbustravel@ccg.vic.edu.au or talk to their home room teacher. We will ensure that their identity remains anonymous.

Most importantly, appropriate behaviour on our buses is vital for the safety of all passengers and drivers.

Please click on this link to a YouTube video as a reminder of how to travel safely on our bus network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN5SfNHr37s

I would like us all to work together to ensure that we are operating the safest possible bus service every day and thank you in anticipation for your assistance in achieving this.

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party

In late 2022, Christian College Geelong formed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party in a commitment to addressing, supporting and implementing our journey towards Reconciliation.

Late last year, due to this College priority, our Reconciliation Plan was ratified by Reconciliation Australia and published on their website. It will soon be appearing on our College website.

Our RAP Committee meet as one body once per term and comprises Acting Principal Rick Geall, a Chairperson, a College Board member, College staff, First Nations students and other interested students, and parents of First Nations students.

While we meet as one group, we incorporate two specific areas: Curriculum and Resources; and Community and Events. Each plays a role in planning, creating and sharing opportunities for Reconciliation in the classroom, around our campuses and across the broader community.

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum

Thank you to the parents and guardians who have responded and registered for this upcoming event next Wednesday evening. Based on your responses to date, here are the top 5 topics parents are most interested in exploring on the night:

• Protecting my child from harmful or inappropriate content
• Screen time - finding a healthy balance
• Parental controls
• Cyber bullying
• Making informed parental decisions about specific apps and games

We’re especially excited about the opportunity on this evening for some rich sharing and discussion amongst parents attending and will also share information on how the school can support you and your children in this space, at school and at home.

As this event is intended for interactive participation by attendees in a forum-style format, there will not be a recording available.

This event will be suitable and relevant for parents of students of all ages, from Prep through to Year 12. This one-hour forum will involve a combination of information and support from the College, as well as an opportunity to share and discuss challenges and strategies with fellow parents.

Cinderella – Be Quick - Tickets are Disappearing Fast!

There are still tickets available for our major College production this year, but they are going fast, so to ensure you don't miss out - book now! Join us as we present three very special performances of this delightful story featuring students from Years 6 – 12 with exceptional talent throughout the cast, and an orchestra brimming with outstanding student musicians, all backed up by a wonderful community of staff, students and families backstage.

Performances are at Geelong Arts Centre Play House Theatre on May 3 and 4.

To purchase tickets, visit our website and click on the hotlink on our homepage, or go straight to ticket sales by clicking here. 

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund

Financial Assistance for Eligible Parents

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. Support from CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities and forms part of the State Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is: • $150 for primary school students • $250 for secondary school students

How to Apply

Application Forms are available online through the Parent Portal (Go to ‘Student Information’ > ‘Important Forms for Parents’) these forms can be downloaded, completed then uploaded according to the instructions. Hard copy forms are also available from reception at each campus or by emailing enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au

More Information

For the CSEF application closing dates and more information about the fund please visit this webpage

CSEF_Application_Form_2024

Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion

The Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024. Join us at Blackman's Brewery Geelong from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Tickets are $15 each and RSVPs close on Thursday, 28th March 2024 at 5:00pm. 

This will be a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your peers, catch up with past teachers, and reminisce about your school days. 

Tours of the College Clocktower at Middle School - Highton will also be optional on the day of the reunion, if you would like to climb the Clocktower and find your brick, simply book in when you register. 

For those who would like to have a tour of the College grounds, please head to our website to arrange a tour. 

We look forward to catching up with the Class of 2014. If this is your year group, spread the word and register for your 10 Year Reunion today!  

https://ccgfoundation.org.au/2014

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

Golf Tournament 

Join the Christian College Foundation for an exciting four-person Ambrose Golf Day, including a $30,000 hole in one prize on Thursday, 24th of October at 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads.

Set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, the day provides an opportunity to enjoy the award-winning creek course, known for its undulating couch fairways, deep bunkers and interesting swales and hollows.

You will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast on arrival and an opportunity to participate in several fun activities including the longest drive, nearest to the pin etc.

There is plenty of prizes up for grabs, including a cash prize of $30,000. Score a Hole in One on the 12th Hole and you can win. *

You will also be treated to a delicious buffet lunch and learn more about the incredible work of the foundation. Every dollar raised will be dollar matched!