From the Dean of Christian Culture
A Call to Prayer
I think, I feel and I believe it is absolutely time to pray.
You might say “well Mia isn’t it always time to pray?” and you’d be absolutely right, it’s always a good time to pray. The more prayer the better.
At this point in our College’s story I feel more and more the burden to be a place and community of prayer. We are in a season of change as a College, we are advertising for some very significant roles in the life of our community and our future. As we seek to appoint a Business Manager, Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning and an Executive Principal, along with the normal staffing intentions and decisions that will all need to be worked out for the 2025 academic year, I am calling our community to prayer. It’s important for us to continually remember that Christian College is God’s school, and we are here to do God’s work and serve God’s people, thus these appointments are also God’s decision. We must be praying for the wisdom, discernment and guidance to make these appointments according to God’s will and character to the best of our ability.
I really feel this chapter of our history must be marked and grounded wholeheartedly in prayer. The more we do this together, encourage one another and model this within our community the more hope we experience, the deeper and more mature our faith becomes and ultimately the closer to the character of God we remain.
We all pray in our own way, no tradition of prayer is more holy or effective than another – whatever way you communicate with God and share your life with Him in earnest, honest, vulnerable petition, thanksgiving and open communication is a good and true part of our lives and by extension our community.
Corporate prayer is an edifying and encouraging way to practise our faith in God and His great love and sovereignty in our lives.
Please join me in prayer from 8-8:30am beginning next week at the following times and locations across our campuses. Please consider coming along, all students, staff, parents, grandparents and friends of the College are welcome. Do not feel pressured to pray out loud or say anything at all, prayers are not necessarily verbal and God knows what’s in our hearts and on our minds.
Monday: Middle School Chapel
Tuesday: Bellarine Campus Open Learning Space
Wednesday: Senior School Co-Lab
Thursday: Junior School Chapel
Friday: Surf Coast Library
If you can’t be physically present perhaps you could set an alarm for somewhere between 8-8:30 and say a short prayer for God’s guidance, wisdom and presence in our midst, for God’s will to continue to be done in and through His school and for life giving decisions to be made. Perhaps you could say a prayer with your kids in the car on the way to school drop offs? Perhaps you could write out a short prayer for God’s blessings upon the college and leave it on your fridge, bathroom door, next to your keys etc to prompt your prayer each time you go to that area.
For transparency, please know that while we will be praying for the Godly appointment of these key roles and the future of our college no information will be discussed about the appointment process, no questions will be answered. I am going to continue to be praying that God will have His way in His school through His people. His ways are far higher than mine/ours, too lofty for us to attain – my hope and intention is to put myself in His service and continue to submit my will and by extension the will of the College leadership to God’s. How good it is when we gather together with God and connect in and to His presence.
Additional opportunities for corporate prayer at the College include:
Parent Prayer Groups:
Bellarine Campus: Weekly on Monday mornings at 9am in Chaplain’s office. Facilitated by Gary Crole. Contact Gary via g.crole@ccg.vic.edu.au
Senior Campus: Weekly on Wednesdays at 2:50 in Campus reception office. Facilitated by Johnathon McPherson. Contact Johnathon via j.mcpherson@ccg.vic.edu.au
Junior School Belmont: Tuesday 4 June at 9am, location TBD. Facilitated by Darcee Braun. Contact Darcee via d.braun@ccg.vic.edu.au
Student Prayer/Bible Study Groups:
Middle School:
- Monday lunchtime for prayer and bible study in Chaplain’s office. Facilitated Andy Francis.
- Tuesday lunchtime for praise and worship in the Chapel. Facilitated Andy Francis. Contact Andy via francis@ccg.vic.edu.au
Staff Prayer Groups:
Middle School: Weekly on Thursday mornings at 8am in Chaplain’s office. Facilitated Andy Francis. Contact Andy via a.francis@ccg.vic.edu.au
Thank you for praying with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at m.kafieris@ccg.vic.edu.au
From the Head of Campus
As we move into the latter part of Semester 1, students are not only learning new material but are also working to review, deepen their knowledge and hone the skills developed earlier in the year. However, the teaching this week has not all been confined to the campus boundaries.
One of our Year 10 Outdoor Education classes, led by Mr David Evans, spent the first half of the week in the Grampians and was accompanied by our Acting Principal, Mr Rick Geall. While the group engaged with the curriculum, there were also opportunities for Mr Evans to teach our students about Indigenous culture and history, including the Aboriginal creator, Bunjil. It is in these moments that our staff are able to “Teach Christianly”. These times often present a chance to wonder at God’s creation as students marvel at the physical world we enjoy.
Simultaneously, a group of students from Years 10 – 12 travelled to the ACT for the Canberra trip. The students reported the experience as “Real Life Learning” and a “behind the scenes look” particularly at Question Time in parliament, where our students observed firsthand not just the fierce debate between the two sides of politics, which is well represented in the media, but also the underlying level of respect that can exist across the bench when the debate is over, and the cameras are off.
Speaking of parliament, late last week Libby Coker, the Federal MP for Corangamite, dropped in to meet with our College Prefects. Libby was very interested to learn about our school leaders’ priorities and goals for the future. She was impressed by how articulate each of our leaders was and the servant-heartedness reflected in their individual post-school future plans. Libby also took the opportunity to provide the Senior School with new flags.
Please take note of the important dates below and enjoy a safe and enjoyable weekend.
What’s Happening at Senior School
Monday May 20 – East Timor Independence Day
Tuesday May 21 – GISSA Intermediate Boys AFL
Wednesday May 22 – VCC Qualifying Day – Inter Boys and Girls Basketball
Thursday May 23 – GISSA Senior Girls AFL
Friday May 24 – VET Sound Production Excursion to Gathering Hope Luncheon
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
Tuesday June 4 – Year 10 Immunisations
Wednesday June 5 – World Environment Day
Thursday June 6 – Year 10 Drama Evening (6.30pm)
Monday June 10 – Kings Birthday – No school
Wednesday June 12 – Unit 1 Examinations begin
Friday June 14 – Year 10 Examinations begin
Tuesday June 18 – General Achievement Test for Unit 3 and 4 students (otherwise student free day)
Thursday June 20 – Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge – Selected Yr10 students
Friday June 21 – Presentation Ball
Friday June 21 – Term concludes 3.30 pm
Saturday June 22 – Presentation Ball
Monday June 24 to Wednesday June 26 – Staff Retreat
Wednesday June 26 – Semester 1 reports live to Parents
Pentecost Sunday – Sunday 19 May
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:1-4
The day of Pentecost is remembered and celebrated in the Church (broadly speaking), on the fiftieth day (the seventh Sunday after Easter) after Holy Week is completed. Historically, church clergy would have worn white or gold robes on each Sunday leading up to Pentecost Sunday as they led worship. On Pentecost Sunday, they wear red. The wearing of red robes is symbolic of the burning fire of God’s love and the tongues of fire that descended on the apostles (in Acts chapter 2). In some parts of the world, the day of Pentecost is also referred to as “Whitsunday”, symbolised by the white robes that are typically worn in Britain and Ireland. The white is symbolic of the dove of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps, when you read of ‘Whitsunday’ you may recall how Captain Cook named Northern Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands (originally ‘Ngaro’ land according to Indigenous tradition) while navigating them on Pentecost Sunday – 3 June, 1770, because of the white sands of the islands
The day of Pentecost was foretold in the Old Testament book of Joel. Some have described it as the ‘promise of promises’, and this ‘promise of promises’ was first given to the prophet Joel where he writes, (in Joel 2:28-29) “And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions…” These days were forecast as the days of the great outpouring of God’s Spirit.
In Acts chapter 2:1-4 we see the account of the event of this great outpouring of God’s Spirit upon the first disciples. This occurred some 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, on the day of Pentecost (Pente means ‘Fifty’). On Sunday, May 19 (this year), the Church (again, broadly speaking) will celebrate this post-Easter event, where God the Holy Spirit was poured out on all those who have faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Son of God. This celebration today isn’t only a celebration of a past event. This is because the Spirit of God continues to be poured out on all who come to faith in Jesus Christ.
What grabbed me about this text in Joel and the event of Pentecost… and the testimony in my own life… is this phrase ‘pour out’. This pouring out of God’s Spirit was eagerly looked forward to by the ancients long before Christ. Picture a heavy ‘pouring out’ like a tropical monsoon storm, not just a drizzle or even a shower. A mighty spiritual downpour from heaven that would change the nature of the relationship between God and his people. We are today the continual recipients of this pouring out. And, although this prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost, if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, the promise remains today the same as it was for the first disciples. Those early disciples became new people, and they began doing new work, in this new power – the Spirit of Christ. They were transformed from insecure people, into confident and courageous men and women as they shared the gospel. The Holy Spirit’s power smashed their insecurities, destroyed their fear and self-centredness. The Holy Spirit within them turned them from vacillating people, inconsistent people; reeds that bend in the wind – into mighty sequoia trees. Pentecost turned the tide.
Pentecost reminds us that there’s no number or amount of factual data that can transform people who follow Christ; the facts need to be set on fire in our hearts by the Holy Spirit of God. Like the early disciples, we too need the power that they needed for transformation. For those early disciples, this wasn’t a power that they had to discover within themselves; it was a power that came directly from the throne of God. Through and only through the power of the Holy Spirit of God, were they able to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to their entire world despite the opposition.
In his book, Mere Christianity, author C. S. Lewis describes who the Holy Spirit is and what he does. He says “In the Christian life… God is love, and that love works through people – especially through the whole community of Christians. But this spirit of love is, from all eternity, a love going on between the Father and the Son.”
It’s with joy that we recognise and honour with grateful hearts, the Holy One who leads us, pleads with us, and reveals the love of God within us. Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who strengthens us through grief and pain, who counsels and who never abandons us.
Our World Year 10 First Nations Trip – Finke
During the recent Our World experience to Alice Springs, Uluru and Aputula (Finke) students were asked to provide parents and guardians with regular updates of their journey. Snippets of these communications are outlined below and provide an insight into the program from the students’ perspectives.
“This is Greea, Keely and Guy speaking to you from Uluru, and we are here to give an update on how our trip has been so far … Once in Alice Springs, we were shocked to see a new landscape unlike what we have around the peninsula. Something about the orange dirt, green shrubs and vast desert ignited an adoration of the landscape as soon as we took our first steps into the red centre. We all saw a completely different side of Australia that some of us never realised existed. It was unique to hear another language we hadn’t heard before in this country which sparked conversations about cultural differences.”
Greea McKeegan, Keely Denyer and Guy Williams
“We arrived in Uluru on Friday, that night we headed out for a sunset barbeque. We took lots of photos and have been playing a lot of Uno and Phase 10. On Saturday we walked around half the base of Uluru, stopping at the only continuously running waterfall and caves along the way. During the walk we witnessed the sites of some of the creation stories we covered at school such as Kuniya the python woman. After that, all of us went to the cultural centre and discovered more about Tjukurpa (Traditional Law and stories). We made our way back to Uluru but with a different bus driver (Mr Hurrell), as Brad, (the experienced bus driver), was cooking our steaks and potatoes for dinner. Don’t worry, we all made it out safely. When we arrived at Uluru we walked to Kantju Gorge which is a dried-up waterhole and reflected for 20 mins staring up at the different colours of Uluru and the bright blue sky, connecting with country. After a well-deserved rest, the next morning we headed out bright and early to Kata Tjuta, another rock connected to Uluru. We hiked 7km around the rock and saw many beautiful views.”
Maeve Doran, Evie Dawson and Rennick Carey
“I’m here to give you an update on our Finke experience. Our first night on the Monday we arrived at the community in the late afternoon and got to know the kids before we went to school with them the following morning. We built connections through sports and high fives and quickly learnt majority of the kids’ names, bonds forming quickly. On the Tuesday we spent time with the kids in the class starting with a town tour followed by lunch and a few different rotations like making damper with some of the elders and writing a Finke and Geelong song we could all sing together on the last night. On the Wednesday we got all the Geelong and Apatula kids on the bus and went out bush looking for honey ants (Jala) however after hours of tireless digging both us and the elders were unable to find anything and we were forced to go home empty-handed. However, it was a great experience and we learnt tons about the culture not just from the elders but the children too. After coming back to camp for a rest some of the boys joined in on one of the Finke footy clubs’ training sessions and we were fortunate enough to play them in a small game. It was an amazing experience being able to play alongside those boys, and lifelong bonds were formed on the footy field. On our final day, we joined the kids in the classroom again and broke into smaller rotations again getting the opportunity to write stories and paint pictures with the kids learning more and more about their culture as the day went on. After the school day finished at 2:30 the girls headed off to a female training and the guys stayed at the school and started on the fire pit so we could cook the kangaroo tails and sausages. We cooked for hours before some of the locals, parents and children came in giving us an amazing opportunity to eat new foods and talk to the elders and listen to stories. After everyone headed home, we all sat around the fire and got the opportunity to talk before Mr Hurrell sent us off to bed for our big drive. On Friday we woke up early and got started on the pack up. Once it was all done, we met up with the kids that came into school and said our sad goodbyes as they waved us off on our trip to Coober Pedy……
P.S. we stopped at a very salty Lake Hart for another kick of the footy!”
Charlie Robson
A Visit to the Nation’s Capital
Australian History and Legal Studies students journeyed to Canberra this week to develop our knowledge and understanding of concepts we are exploring in our classes. The highlights included receiving a shout out by the Speaker of the House of Representatives during a very passionate Question Time, meeting with our local MP (for Corangamite), Ms Libby Coker, and speaking with Senator Jane Hume about the upcoming Senate Estimates. We also had the opportunity to experience the Museum of Australian Democracy where we got to participate in a reenactment of the Tasmanian Dams case (1983) in the Old Parliament House Senate. We had the opportunity to voice our opinions on matters that are relevant to us, which helped us understand our vital role within the broader Australian community. The stories of both loss and incredible survival that we heard at the Australian War Memorial also helped us to develop our own sense of gratitude towards those who have served our country and offered us new perspectives on concepts around conflict. We would highly recommend this excursion to students interested in our democracy.
Emma Daley, Ellie Morgan & Jorja West, Year 11 students
VCE Environmental Science: A Journey into Local Ecosystems
In an exciting development this year, Christian College Geelong has introduced a new subject: VCE Environmental Science. Senior School students now have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of environmental science, gaining insights into local ecosystems and wildlife.
A Wetland Adventure at Ecolinc
Last week, students in this course embarked on an educational adventure. They visited the Ecolinc – Science and Technology Innovation Centre located in Bacchus Marsh. Here, they were introduced to a wetland ecosystem teeming with life, exploring the world of macro-invertebrates that call this wetland home. Under the microscope, students marvelled at these tiny creatures, observing their intricate structures and behaviours. From water fleas to dragonfly nymphs, the wetland revealed a hidden world of biodiversity. It was a firsthand experience that brought classroom learning to life.
Tracking Wildlife at Mt Rothwell
But the adventure didn’t end there. Next stop: the Mt Rothwell Conservation and Research Reserve in Little River. Here, students delved into the mysteries of the natural world. Armed with curiosity and field guides, they embarked on a scavenger hunt for evidence of local animals.
Their mission? To uncover bones, scats, and other signs left behind by elusive creatures that prefer the cover of darkness. From kangaroos to bandicoots, the reserve held secrets waiting to be discovered. As the sun dipped below the horizon, anticipation grew – the real adventure was about to begin.
Spotlighting Nocturnal Wildlife
As darkness enveloped the landscape, students prepared for a unique experience: spotlighting. Armed with torches, they ventured into the night, hoping to catch glimpses of Australia’s nocturnal inhabitants. And they weren’t disappointed.
The spotlight revealed a parade of remarkable creatures:
- Bettongs: Small marsupials with kangaroo-like features
- Eastern Barred Bandicoots: Endangered marsupials known for their distinctive stripes
- Potoroos: Tiny kangaroo relatives that hop through the grass
- Southern Bush-tailed Rock-wallabies: Agile climbers that navigate rocky terrain
- Eastern Quolls: The stars of the show—the only wild, self-sustaining population on mainland Australia
Mt Rothwell’s Conservation Efforts
The Eastern Quoll stole the spotlight. Since 2002, hundreds of Eastern Quolls have been bred and released at Mt Rothwell. Their successful reintroduction into the reserve is a testament to conservation efforts right at our doorstep. Thanks to the dedication of researchers and educators, this charismatic marsupial now thrives in its natural habitat.
As we celebrate this environmental success story, CCG remains committed to fostering a love for nature and scientific inquiry. VCE Environmental Science provides a platform for students to explore, learn, and contribute to a sustainable future – bone wetland, one macro-invertebrate, and one quoll at a time.
VET Taster Opportunity at The Gordon
Important information for students considering studying a VET course in 2025!
Getting into a trade is a great choice! Taste of TAFE is a free all-day event offered to Year 9 and 10 students each year at The Gordon’s City and East campuses. Students get to try fun, hands-on tasters from all course areas. This can help them to learn new skills and find out what they like. They get to explore the different career options that studying at The Gordon can give them.
2024 Taster Day is Tuesday 16 July – East Geelong Campus and Tuesday 23 July – City Campus.
Courses students can experience at The Gordon East Campus include:
Animal Studies, Auto Mechanical, bricklaying, Building Design (Architectural), Cabinet Making and Joinery, Carpentry, Electrical, Engineering and Metal trades, Horticulture, IT, Landscaping, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing
Courses students can experience at The Gordon City Campus include:
Accounting and Business, Aged Care, Allied Health, Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Community Services, Cookery, Early Childhood Education, Floristry, Graphic Design, Hairdressing, Hospitality, Lab Tech, Nursing, Remedial Massage, Visual Arts
Registration forms will be emailed to all Year 9 and 10 families and hard copies are available from the Senior School Student Office. For further information or queries please contact Kerryn Fearnsides k.fearnsides@ccg.vic.edu.au or Cathy Brew c.brew@ccg.vic.edu.au at Senior Campus.
Forms to be returned to the Student Office by Wednesday 22 May.
Women in Health Day
On Friday 31 May, the final day of National Reconciliation Week, the Weenthunga Health Network is hosting the “Women’s Talk Health Day.” This is a gathering for First Nations young women in years 10, 11 and 12 who are interested in health, wellbeing and healing roles. Christian College First Nations students are encouraged to consider this event.
The locations are The Royal Women’s Hospital and RMIT city campus, Melbourne
Thaedra Frangos, a member of the CCG community, is a Committee Member for Weenthunga and will be a speaker on the day.
Travel costs are covered, or contributed to by, Weenthunga Health Network. Catering is provided on the day.
Please see attached flyer for further information, and learn more about Weenthunga here: https://weenthunga.com.au/our-story/
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, that 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 Paint”
Mindful painting helps students concentrate on something other than their usual workload. Using paint to colour bookmarks, inspires creativity, and helps you relax and be mindful. Each bookmark has small and detailed areas for colouring in that requires a gentle concentration that takes the mind off everything else. The simplest way to describe mindfulness is paying full attention or concentrating wholly on something. It means you take your time to do a task and focus all your attention on it. As you direct your attention towards a single task, your mind calms down. It is free from tension and other distractions. Hence, you can give it your best shot. Doing so allows you to enjoy the experience.
Through mindfulness painting, we enabled students and staff to relax, find satisfaction and be proud of what they created.
Next week – “Power of the Puzzle”
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!
Event: Christian College Foundation Golf Day
Date: Thursday, 24th of October 2024
Dress: Casual
Cost: $195
Format: Ambrose – team of 4 players
Location: 13th Beach Golf Links, 1732 Barwon Heads Road, Barwon Heads
You can individually register or register up to a team of 4 players
This event is proudly sponsored by AECS.
Event Information:
For Players, registration commences at 7:00 am.
Breakfast provided; coffee & tea available.
Ambrose Golf (shotgun start): 8:00am – 12.30pm.
Lunch and formalities: 1:00pm – 3:00pm – auction items available to bid!
*Terms and conditions apply
CLICK HERE to register











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