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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.

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Mia Kafieris, Dean of Christian Culture

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.

 

Jason O'Loughlin, Head of Campus

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

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Pentecost Sunday – Sunday 19 May

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 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.

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Rev. Johnathon McPherson, Chaplain

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

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Cassidy Hurrell

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.

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Michelle Anderson

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/

 

Jackie Corless

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”

Labrini Soldatos

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

 

Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning

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. 

 

Meaghan Clark

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

 

Jennifer Freind, Foundation Manager

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!

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