From the Deputy Head of Campus
When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion.
We embrace equity to forge harmony and unity, and to help drive success for all.
Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there.
Through the process of equity, we can reach equality.
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
This week our community celebrated several events, the Surf Championships at Jan Juc, the Victorian Golf Championships at Clifton Springs and a farewell evening to acknowledge the wonderful success of the SMA Negeri 2 Mataram visit to our country and school. Significantly, we also celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday March 8 by hosting a breakfast and providing a panel of speakers to share with our community a message of #EmbracingEquity.
This year we looked at this issue by inviting perspectives from a range of generations, starting with Hannah O’Neill, a Year 4 student at Belmont Junior School; Ms Ruby Evans, a young entrepreneur and proud Yorta Yorta woman; and our beloved former colleague Mrs Jan Strauch.
Jan was instrumental in bringing IWD to the attention of Christian College many years ago and her legacy continues today. Jan shared how she was empowered as a young woman by influential and courageous women in her family and how this drives her to pay it forward to other women who may not have the same support. Jan spoke about how far we have come and yet how much further there is still to go before equity and injustice is recognised and addressed. We are grateful that our community continues to be blessed by Jan.
Ruby works with the Strong Brother Strong Sister foundation and has her own Indigenous apparel company which she uses to encourage creativity and design. She sees her role as supporting and nurturing other young women whilst educating the broader community about the inequities faced in their indigenous communities. Ruby has just launched a podcast “That’s the tea sis” in which she hopes to engage in open, transparent and meaningful dialogue about the real issues being faced. Ruby sees power in voice and storytelling and we are excited for where she will take this.
Finally, we had the absolute privilege of hearing from the future of young women from Year 4 student Hannah O’Neill. Hannah demonstrated that we are in good hands, when she cited that she hopes to lead with kindness! Hannah shared her gratitude for the women and men who have gone before her to lead change for women’s equity and she has hope for a future where there is true belonging for everyone; with a freedom to be whomever they want to be. My hope is that we continue to work towards creating this world for her, and all our young people.
Through our devotional theme this week this message of equity has been strongly reinforced by the reminder that throughout God’s word we are encouraged to embrace diversity, equity and belonging. We are invited through scripture to uphold these values and do so in a way that invites others along. Each one of us has an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to our world, in our home, locally and/or globally by using the giftings we have to strive towards harmony, unity and equity. I am proud to be on this journey with you.
Dianne Martin, Deputy Head of Campus
Systems Engineering Moves Into Gear
Systems Engineering Term 1, what a start we have had with Unit 1 and Unit 3 students engaged in commencing folios to begin designing ideas for their major projects. Unit 1 students are focusing on Mechanical Systems and Unit 3 students are designing an integrated project consisting of mechanical and electrical systems.
Year 10 Engineering students hit the ground running with their introduction to Systems at Senior School. The first few weeks were focused on safety in the workshop, safe use of machinery and hand tool use. The students use technical drawings to assist with building two small projects from sheet metal. The Year 10s also completed research into various power tools that are used in the trade workforce.
David Harmer
Year 12 Drama to the Theatre
On Thursday March 2 the Year 12 Drama students headed to the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne to see the darkly funny, spine-chilling performance of Nosferatu. This gothic thriller kept the students on the edge of their seats, wondering what was going to happen next as the mythical town of “Bluewater” succumbed to the charms of Count Orlok. It was a play to remember, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kelly Clifford
Our World Local Community Visits Geelong Mums
The Our World Local Community class has been out and about in the community finding ways to assist others. Last week we visited Geelong Mums and learnt about the amazing work they do and the essential service they provide. It was wonderful discovering how generous people are with their time and efforts keeping this service thriving. Donations are always welcome at Geelong Mums -for more information please visit their website.
Jane Smith, Dave Lowe and the Our World Local Community class.
Outdoor and Environmental Studies
During weeks 4 and 5 Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental studies students participated in a two-night adventure in the Otways. They are studying motivations and influences on outdoor experiences and participate in a variety of activities to help them describe motivations for participation in, and personal responses to, outdoor environments. The program has been designed to give students an understanding of the diverse ecosystems and activities that can be visited throughout this wonderful part of Victoria. Students experience sleeping under tarps and glow worms at Lake Elizabeth, mountain bike riding through Forrest, surfing along the Great Ocean Road and exploring the secluded beaches and rainforest of the Otway ranges.
Student highlights:
My highlight of the Otways was walking through lake Elizabeth at nighttime. Because of the isolation of the forest and the amazing glow worms.
Monte Brinsdon
My highlight from this camp was walking around Lake Elizabeth and down to the beach in the valley. It felt untouched and climbing the hill, the view across the water of the trees is unforgettable. Cameron Klein
Mountain biking in Forrest because it gave us a little bit of a challenge, Aire river camping because of how nice the beach was despite the wind. Joshua Rudd
I really enjoyed the outdoors and being able to enjoy the sunshine in amongst a stressful school term.
Hayden Ellery
My favourite part of the Otways was going down the mountain on the mountain bikes it was exciting and also a bit scary at the same time, it gave me a big rush. Will Cavanagh aka Willywagtail
My highlight of the Otways camp was mountain bike riding through the Forrest trails, it took me out of my comfort zone and I was very excited and happy.
Archie Maclean
Hurrell’s highlight:
Great to see some students stepping back into old-school analog practices and using film cameras – can you spot their pics below?
Cassidy Hurrell, Director of Outdoor and Environmental Studies
Career Spot
Please find attached the Career Newsletter for this week.
The topics are listed below for your information:
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- Australia National University – Tuckwell Scholarship
- The University of Melbourne – Hansen Scholarship
- Medicine, Dentistry, Oral Health – registrations for the UCAT are now open
- Online medicine information evenings – UNSW, Monash University, Charles Sturt University
- ADF Gap Year – book your aptitude test
- Explore amazing sports courses
- Careers in exercise science and exercise physiology
- Early entry programs are now open at Charles Sturt University, Australian National University, and La Trobe University
- Australian Federal Police – Forensics Work Experience Program. Closes this Friday!
- Australian Defence Force – Work Experience
YEAR 11 STUDENTS
- Australian Federal Police – Forensics Work Experience Program. Closes this Friday!
- Australian Defence Force – Work Experience
- JMC Academy – games design work experience
YEAR 10 STUDENTS
- Australian Federal Police – Forensics Work Experience Program. Closes this Friday!
- Australian Defence Force – Work Experience
- JMC Academy – games design work experience
ALL STUDENTS
- Explore the amazing Myfuture website
- Year13 Academy: complete exciting online career modules exploring the following career areas: mining & resources, early childhood, human services.
- Careers with STEM: download amazing online STEM career guides and job kits
- Careers in genetics counselling.
- Health career resources
- How to get work experience in wildlife and animal care
- Free career tests
- Amazing courses at Australian Maritime College
- La Trobe University: RISE program for Indigenous students
- The University of Melbourne – videos on demand
- Victoria University – unique block model of learning
- Train to become a flight attendant.
- Monash University – civil engineering, science
- Hair and beauty courses
- Calling all entrepreneurs
Robyn Smith
Bec Bromilow
College Exchange Programs Resume as we Welcome Indonesian Students
Campuses across the College have been buzzing over the past 10 days with the arrival of 15 students and two staff members from our sister school, SMA Negeri 2 Mataram, in Lombok, Indonesia. This visit marked the 28th year of the College’s relationship with our sister school in Lombok and was the first visit between countries post COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is a visit like this important for Indonesian and Australian bilateral relations, but it also signifies the returning of some normality to our College programs and the ability to reconnect with our closest neighbours once more.
The Lombok students were received with excitement by all students within the College, in particular, the Senior campus Indonesian students who hosted the group for the duration of the program.
During their 10-day stay in Geelong, the Lombok students had the opportunity to visit a number of the College campuses, including the Surf Coast Campus, where the first group of Year 5 students have just begun their Indonesian studies. Christian College students were able to put their new language skills to the test in fun way; laughing and sharing stories with the Lombok students and connecting with their new friends.
The group also visited the Highton campus and spent the day engaging with the Indonesian language students from both the Highton and Bellarine campuses and enjoyed a traditional lunch together.
Besides visiting a number of our campuses, the group also had the opportunity to learn about life in Australia in a hands-on way, taking day trips to Melbourne to visit the Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne library; a visit to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus to discover what opportunities lie ahead for them post-school if they wish to return to Australia for study. The Lombok students also spent a day at Back Creek Farm where they loved hearing all the stories from the current farm group and getting up and close to some of the farm animals.
On the group’s last day they were able to spend their time with the Senior School Indonesian language students who enjoyed time together at Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Both Lombok and Christian College students spent the morning learning about Aboriginal Culture, had the chance to throw a boomerang, and were chased around the yard by a crazy kangaroo.
What fantastic and inspiring return to cultural exchanges at Christian College! We are proud that here at Christian College, through exchange programs like this, we are successfully able to create global citizens that show intercultural awareness and have a desire to connect with others.
Jess Bijaksono, Head of Indonesian Exchange
Surfing - Scott Elliss Shield
On Monday March 6, over 40 students from across the College campuses converged on Jan Juc beach to contest the 2023 Scott Elliss Shield. The event is steeped in a 20-year history and has been attended by some of the best surfers to ride the waves along the Surfcoast and Bellarine Peninsula. It is a unique opportunity for students of all ages from different campuses to compete together and have some fun and support each other on the day. The event also serves as our trial to select teams for upcoming surfing events against other Geelong independent schools and, ultimately, the State School Surfing titles.
Clean, offshore two to three-foot waves provided ideal conditions for the day and set a backdrop for some explosive performances in the water. Several heats, and one of the finals, were decided in the final moments as competitors sought to eek every ounce from their 20-minute allotment. This proved very exciting for the spectators, particularly our expert commentator Mr Jason O’Loughlin, who seemed to have conniptions at some points.
In the open girls category, the talent and depth continue to grow, with some fantastic surfing taking place and a bright future for our team. Heidi Abetz led most of the heat with a single high-scoring wave until her sister Ava secured the title with two consistent medium-range scores. In the Under 16 boys, the level of surfing improves each year. Jack Lindsay put on a dominant display across all heats and the final. Eddy Martin also scored well while Sam Abetz secured some excellent scoring waves. In his final year at CCG, Taz Higgins continued to show his power and critical manoeuvres with a fantastic display of mature and controlled surfing. Harvey Graham, another consistent performer, surfed exceptionally well throughout the day to be narrowly beaten by Taz. New to Senior School Jai Bouvier surfed very well but was unable to secure a second high-scoring wave in the final.
I want to thank all surfers for their involvement, and I was particularly impressed with their efforts to ensure not one piece of rubbish was left behind. I would also like to thank the parents and guardians for their help and support on the day—special mention to ex-student Ted Paige-Walker for his water safety and first aid expertise. I would also like to thank Matt Murnane, Annelise Hurrell, Trent Myers, and Jason O’Loughlin for their assistance in running the event to make it safe and enjoyable for all involved. The full results are below.
Girls
1st – Ava Abetz
2nd – Heidi Abetz
3rd – Pippa Johnstone
4th - Summer Morgan
5th- Olivia Clarke
Under 16 Boys
1st – Jack Lindsey
2nd - Eddy Martin
3rd- Sam Abetz
4th – Jack Patel
Open Boys
1st – Taz Higgins
2nd – Harvey Graham
3rd – Jai Bouvier
4th – Jonti Wylie
5th – Spencer Sullivan
Steve Sullivan
Visit Back Creek Café!
Christian College’s Back Creek Café in Meredith is a vital part of our Year 9 residential farm experience. Located 15 minutes south of Back Creek Farm, the café is open six days a week (not Sundays) from 8:30am to 3pm. On weekdays during term time, working at the café is part of the schedule for the Year 9s’ Farm Program work groups. Students learn a whole range of hospitality-related skills as they assist with the day-to-day café operations.
If you’re passing through Meredith this weekend, or just fancy a 35-minute drive up the Midland Hwy from Geelong, make sure you drop in and say hi. While you’re there, enjoy the best coffee in town – or choose from a range of other beverages – indulge in an all-day breakfast or one of the other scrumptious light meal/snack options on the menu. There is also a variety of sweet or savoury treats to enjoy while you’re there and delicious home-made produce to purchase and take home.
You can also check out the latest from the café via its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Back Creek Café is located at 1/27 Staughton Street Meredith. For enquiries and bookings, call 5286 1166.
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