Senior School – Term 2 Week 4

From the Acting Principal

"Wow!" That's the first word I uttered, loudly, when the curtain came down on last Friday night's performance of our 2024 College Production of Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella: The Musical. Our students, from the seasoned performers to the first-time-on-stage youngsters, ranging from Year 6 to Year 12, were incredible. Talented? Yes. Hardworking? Absolutely!

As we know at Christian College, ultimately, it's not about the performance or the end result, as impressive and amazing as it was. It was, indeed the journey to get there, the months of planning and preparation, supported throughout by wonderful teamwork, that truly made this production such a success for our community.

So many ingredients went into producing what packed audiences – more than 2000 across the performances – experienced at The Play House, Geelong Arts Centre, last weekend. In people terms, these ingredients included: the principal cast; the village and royal ensembles; the staff and student musicians in the orchestra; a production team made up of staff, students and parents responsible for costumes, choreography, props, the stage sets, lighting, audio, hair and makeup; backstage crew, front of house team and a bunch of staff in supervising roles through rehearsals and performances. It truly was a team effort.

The positive impact such experiences as these have on students cannot be underestimated. In the words of one parent: "we are thrilled at how much this has allowed [our daughter] to feel more confident, make new friends and feel like part of a wonderful community at CCG.” 

From the Deputy Head of Campus

As we get into the business of Term 2 at Senior School, I have been reflecting on the breadth of activities and opportunities that our College provides the young people in our care. In a recent meeting with our College Prefects, I asked our student leaders what goal they might have that would sum up their purpose for the year. Whilst there were various responses, it was evident that they all were in agreeance in one specific way; to build student connectedness and a sense of belonging.

 Connectedness at school refers to the sense of belonging, community and support that students feel within their educational environment. It encompasses relationships with peers, teachers, staff, and the overall school community. Students’ sense of connectedness is very important in various ways. Below are just a few reasons why we have a focus at Christian College on this:

Emotional wellbeing: When students feel connected to their school, they experience a greater sense of emotional well-being. They feel valued, supported, and accepted, which contributes to their overall happiness and mental health. Connectedness acts as a protective factor against feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Academic engagement: Connected students are more likely to be engaged in their academic work. They feel motivated to attend classes, participate in discussions, and complete assignments because they understand the value of their education and the support they receive from teachers and peers. This engagement leads to higher academic achievement and success.

What’s Happening at Senior School

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

Monday May 27 – Year 10 Outdoor Education Trip to Arapiles

Tuesday May 28 – GISSA Intermediate Girls AFL

Wednesday May 29 – GISSA Cross Country

Wednesday May 29 – Year 11 and 12 VCE Drama Ensembles (6.30pm)

Thursday May 30 – House Music

Year 10 VCE VM Excursion to Melbourne

On Friday, May 3, the Year 10 VCE VM Work-related Skills class went to The Melbourne Exhibition Centre to visit The Victorian VCE and Careers Expo. There were lots of exhibits and institutions were presenting their courses, with very useful information for all.  Everyone was very friendly and engaging in their presentations. The majority of stalls were giving out cool free things. At DonateLife Victoria, we were relieved to find out that we didn’t need to donate organs until we were dead 😊. Victorian and National Universities, TAFEs, Victoria Police, Defence Forces, and Paramedics were there too. We had an enjoyable day and learnt a lot.

Elleigh Hutchinson, Year 10

Port of Geelong Educational Tour

On a beautiful and sunny Thursday, around 25 students from the Work-Related Skills class spent the morning touring the Port of Geelong to explore the many local employment opportunities available.

The day began with a presentation in the rooms of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, delving into the history of the Geelong Port, the range of work-related activity happening 24 hours a day and the employment and educational opportunities, and career pathways available. They even had the opportunity to explore where pirates were operating around the world’s oceans.

After the presentation the group boarded a boat ‘The Entourage’ and took a one-hour tour along Corio Bay from the Yarra St Pier all the way to the historical grounds of Geelong Grammar School. They were able to experience a different perspective of the Port of Geelong operations from the bay’s calm waters, wave to some international seafarers and appreciate the immense size of some of the docked ships. There was a range of international ships either unloading or picking up supplies including grain, woodchip and wind farm propellors that were to be transported by sea, both nationally and globally, along with the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry in dock waiting for its next load of passengers to the Apple Isle.

While the bay was calm and the day was fine and mild, all students arrived back in dock windswept but smiling from the tour and with an increased knowledge and appreciation of the employment opportunities available to them and the many operations being carried out within Geelong’s Port.

VCE Drama Ensembles – Coming Soon!

Year 11 and 12 VCE Drama Ensembles on Wednesday 29 May at 6.30pm.

A highlight of the VCE Drama program is the Drama Ensembles, where the year 11 and 12 students devise, write, and perform their own work.

This year the theme for the ensemble is the  Seven Deadly Sins.

In a world where thrushes sing and willow trees are golden in the spring, boredom should have been included among the seven deadly sins.

Elizabeth Goudge

You are invited to the Drama Room at Senior school on Wednesday 29 May at 6:30pm to support the students as they explore how the seven deadly sins of pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth present themselves in the world today.

In a world full of so many temptations, distractions and excess, is it naive to believe that anyone can be truly virtuous?

For more information please contact Ms Clifford – k.clifford@ccg.vic.edu.au

I hope to see you there!

Mindful Mondays in May

During the month of May the library celebrates, all things Mindfulness by promoting and encouraging different ways you can make your mental health a priority. By performing an activity for only 20 minutes, one can refresh and reset their mind, which will assist with their mental health. Remember it is very important to do something for you, something that you enjoy, something that will help you relax and reset.

This week the focus was on the ‘Power of the Pet’.

Students put a ‘paws’ on their lunchtime activities, and joined Monty and Rami in the library to discover the healing pleasure a therapy dog can have. Australia is a nation of animal lovers, and a dog is a great companion and can help, not only in physical activity but also for one’s mental health. Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support.  They have a natural ability to help us focus on the here and now. They help create a sense of calm. When interacting with a therapy dog, our mind shifts from past worries or future anxieties to the simple act of stroking their fur, watching their playful antics, or receiving their unconditional affection. Monty is known to reduce stress and anxiety in students that are feeling overwhelmed. Monty is a great observer – our facial expressions, postures, the way we move, aroma, and our tone of voice, all give Monty information about how we might be feeling and allows him to respond accordingly. Monty helps students let go of their worries, be kind to themselves, and to take joy in the small moments. To be just there, in that moment. That’s mindfulness!

A special thank you  to Monty and Rami – two of the cutest dogs.

Each Monday lunchtime we will be focusing on a different mindful activity for students and staff to participate in.

Next week – “Power of the Paint”

Reminder:  Generative AI Parent Webinar

A reminder to parents and members of our community that we will be offering an online parent webinar, delivered via Microsoft Teams, next Wednesday. It has been wonderful to see such strong parent interest via RSVP responses and questions submitted so far.

There is still time to register for this event. Further details about the event are listed below.

Event: Generative AI and School Parent Webinar
Format: Microsoft Teams online webinar
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 6.30pm – 7.15pm

Topics likely to be explored in the webinar include:

• What is generative AI?
• What are the benefits, risks, and limitations of these tools?
• What is the College’s response to generative AI?
• What AI tools do students have access to at school?
• What are the College’s rules and guidelines for use of generative AI?
• How can I support my child with navigating this space ethically and safely?

Interested parents are encouraged to register for the event via the form link below, to help with planning. Parents can also indicate what information they feel would be most relevant to them as they complete this form.

Register for the parent webinar

South Africa Conservation Expedition in 2025

We are offering an amazing opportunity for students to go on a two week conservation expedition in South Africa.  The first week will be spent in a land environment undertaking research, identification of species and animal tracking, and the following week in a marine environment where they will collect data and then work as part of a research team. This is open to students in Years 9, 10 and 11 in 2024. Students will need to fund their own expedition with a cost of approximately $7500 (TBC). This trip is planned for 28 June - 11 July 2025. If this interests you can you please email Mrs Clark at Senior school me.clark@ccg.vic.edu.au to express your interest. We will be holding an information night at Senior School on May 27 at 6pm in the Colab.

Places will be limited however we will need a minimum of 8 students for this to run.

This link will give you a quick look at what the project looks like in South Africa. 

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!