Senior School – Term 2 Week 3

Seeking Solace, Feeling Safe

As our evenings are becoming darker and Autumn settles in, the air becomes crisp, and the landscape transforms with hues of colour that evoke warmth and comfort. Autumn colours not only beautify the natural landscape, but also this season reminds me of moments of transition and change.

During this season of change, children and young people seek solace in the familiarity of their surroundings, the warmth of their community and in the comforting presence of God's love. When children experience a sense of happiness, safety, and security, they are not only better equipped to engage fully in the daily activities and interactions within their school environment, but this experience also nurtures their overall sense of wellbeing.

It was deeply concerning to hear of the violent incident occurring in Bondi just over a week ago and this distressing news may have children feeling anxious or fearful or for some, an eroded sense of safety and security.  A strong sense of wellbeing is intimately connected to safety and security and as highlighted by Maslow's well known psychological model of the hierarchy of needs, safety is deemed fundamental, positioned just above physiological needs such as food and shelter. It is difficult to know how to explain acts of violence to children but it recommended that we provide children and young people exposed to violent or traumatic events reassurance that they are safe and that they are loved and that in their community there are more people who help others than harm others. Focusing on the kindness of bystanders and the first responders who courageously work to keep us safe from harm fosters hope.

As one of our College’s guiding values, hope is moving forward with assurance, regardless of circumstances. Whilst the seasons may change, God’s love for us remains steadfast. As Psalm 18:2 declares, God will be my rock.

Learning how to Learn

At year level assemblies over the first few weeks of term, our senior students have been presented with information about the way memory works and how the use of effective revision strategies can enhance their learning.

Whilst we hope our students are daily enjoying their learning, deepening their thinking, satisfying their curiosity and immersing themselves in areas of interest, we know that part of the Senior School educational journey will include completing formal assessments and examinations. We want our students to be ready for those and empowered to be confident they know how to prepare for them.

At Senior Campus this year, we will be working to equip our students with four specific revision techniques, that incorporate recognised strategies for effective learning such as spaced practice, retrieval practice and elaboration. The four strategies are:

1. Flashcards
2. Brain dumps
3. Self-quizzing
4. Mind maps

The aim is to provide students with enough information and guidance for them to be able to utilise one of the strategies for effective independent learning in an ISP or at home. They may also find that teachers set tasks based on completing one of the revision strategy types.

The year level assemblies also introduced the first strategy, flashcards. Flashcards can be a very effective revision strategy when used well as they allow students to easily self-quiz and, with a few tips, can encourage deeper understanding through making connections.

Unearth Your Treasure Within!

Open Day and Prep Discovery Days

For those considering a Christian College education for their children, regardless of year level, we believe the best way to get a true 'look and feel' of our College is to come and see us in action. That’s why we offer open days where interested parents and guardians have the opportunity to tour our campuses, see real classes in real time, meet students, teachers and campus leaders and have their specific questions answered.

Our second Open Day for 2024 at all five campuses, plus Butterfield House Kindergarten, is on May 7. Opening times have been planned so there is an opportunity to visit more than one campus on the same day. Bellarine Campus will open its doors from 9:30 to 11:00am; Middle School-Highton from 10:30am to 12 noon; Senior School-Waurn Ponds from 11:30am to 1pm; Junior School-Belmont from 9:15 to 10:45am and Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House from 11:30am to 1pm. Evening sessions are offered at two campuses on the day – Junior School (at 5:00, 5:15 and 5:30pm) and Surf Coast Campus (at 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00pm).

Then on May 8 and 9, we are again offering a Prep Discovery experience at our Bellarine, Belmont and Surf Coast Campuses. These days are for those parents and guardians interested in enrolling in Prep. There is an opportunity for them, and their children, to actually join a Prep class for an immersive experience – and find out more about our amazing Prep program at three campuses. For those interested in attending one of these free sessions, we ask for a booking so we can properly accommodate everyone who wants to attend. More details on both Open Day and Prep Discovery sessions, including a link to book a Prep Discovery place, can be found on our website.

We would ask all current Christian College families who have friends, other family members or colleagues who are making choices about the right school for their child(ren), to spread the word and encourage them to visit one or more of our campuses on May 7, and/or be part of our Prep Discovery program on May 8/9.  

What’s Happening at Senior School

Sunday May 5 – Deadline for Subject Changes by 5.00pm

Tuesday May 7 – College wide Open Day

Wednesday May 8 – Year 12 English SAC 3.45-4.55pm

Tuesday May 14 – GISSSA Senior Boys AFL

Friday May 17 – Staff Development Day – No Students on campus

Monday May 20 – East Timor Independence Day

Tuesday May 21 – GISSA Intermediate Boys AFL

Thursday May 23 – GISSA Senior Girls AFL

Friday May 24 – Unapproved Subject Changes notified

Year 2 Surf Coast Campus Students Visit Senior School

VCE VM Unit 1 Personal Development Skills students worked in small groups to create a 30-minute lesson plan aimed at educating Year 2 students from Surf Coast Campus about the importance of eating vegetables. Students planted their own vegetables at school to use as part of the project. They were required to use interpersonal skills to plan the project; in particular, leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making and time management.

Thirty-two Year 2 students visited us at Senior School on Wednesday morning and enjoyed a range of interactive and rotating group activities. Some examples of these included viewing student prepared power point presentations, a garden tour, preparing dips and vegetable caterpillars, word search, memory games, quizzes, taste testing and a survey.

Everyone enjoyed the experience and each Year 2 student left with a vegetable recipe book created by the students to take away. One excited little girl said, “I am going to make all of these at home on the weekend and when I am an older person too.”

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!