From Little Things, BIG Things Grow…
Choirs from all five CCG campuses have been part of a special Reconciliation Australia project involving more than 500 choirs nationwide who are coming together in song as part of National Reconciliation Week to sing Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody’s ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’. The song describes the Wake Hill Walk-Off in 1966 through to Prime Minister Gough Whitlam symbolically handing Gurindji land back eight years later. Choirs from each of our campuses have sung and recorded the song this week. Please enjoy our campus’s rendition here – and see other campus Vines for their’s!
From the Acting Head of Campus
Author and Historian William NcNeill once argued that synchronised movement, along with synchronised singing, has been a vastly underappreciated force in world history, fostering cohesion among groups as diverse as the builders of the pyramids, the armies of the Ottoman Empire, and the Japanese office workers who rise from their desks to perform group calisthenics at the start of each workday. He first came upon this idea during marching drills for his Military training in 1941. He reflected on the impact of these marching drills, saying:
“A sense of pervasive wellbeing is what I recall; more specifically, a strange sense of personal enlargement; a sort of swelling out, becoming bigger than life, thanks to participation in a collective ritual. Moving briskly and keeping in time was enough to make us feel good about ourselves, satisfied to be moving together, and vaguely pleased with the world at large.”
On Thursday we held our annual House Music Festival, an opportunity for our very skilful musicians to perform for the community in friendly House v House competition. Each House presents a number of student-led items, including instrumental and vocal solos, and large and small ensemble performances. But of course, one of the most anticipated items is the House Choir competition. The House Choir invites all students in each House to come together and learn a song to perform on stage. For many, this is a big step outside of their comfort-zone! But there is courage that comes from stepping out with others. Students spent five sessions in the lead up to the day learning and practising their song and, despite the sense of unease that sometimes accompanies the practices, it was clear from the quality of the performances, the look on the students’ faces, and the buzz as they left the stage that it was a moment of joy for all involved. The whole process confirms what McNeill reflected on from his marching drills – when we connect with others in a common cause – no matter how trivial – we enlarge ourselves and we feel better about ourselves and the world around us. Research has shown that synchrony makes us feel happier and closer to others. The House Choir is not just about getting students to sing a song for fun, it is, at its core, about building community and self-esteem. The things that might scare us or intimidate us or seem beyond our capacity can often be accomplished in cooperation with others. For many of us this is as true for singing as it is for various areas of our lives, and it is something we hope our young people are recognising as true for them and they lean into our community.
Damian Stephenson, Acting Head of Senior School
Visiting the Shrine and Holocaust Museum
The Year 10 History cohort applied their studies of the Holocaust and the Vietnam War to an immersive excursion to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and the Shrine of Remembrance.
Beginning at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in Elsternwick, students got to analyse and engage with artefacts from the Holocaust in Germany and Eastern Europe. Tasked with understanding the how and why of the Holocaust, students looked at passports, media propaganda, Nazi posters, ghetto food ration cards and Nazi record-keeping to understand how the Holocaust was humanly possible.
The tour ended with a once in a lifetime face-to-face meeting with Irma Hanner OAM, a 93-year-old survivor of the Holocaust. Students and staff were privileged to hear Irma tell her story and were fortunate enough to ask Irma questions about her life before, during and after the Holocaust, including her remarkable – and, at times, harrowing – journey from Dresden, Germany to the Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, to post-war Australia. The entire group were deeply moved by Irma’s story and her extraordinary humanity, touched by her belief that tolerance is essential to all societies, and that all people have dignity – no matter their “colour, creed or religion.”
Following the Holocaust Museum, the students got to experience a personally guided tour of the Shrine of Remembrance in the CBD. Led by Steve and Barry, two knowledgeable and friendly tour guides and Vietnam veterans, the class split into groups to explore some of the highlights of the Shrine and its Vietnam War exhibit in an interactive and self-directed manner. Both groups marvelled at the insights and stories shared by the tour guides and were equally in awe of the magnificent architectural features of the Shrine. The examples of ingenuity, courage and service were very inspiring.
The excursion enabled all who participated to recognise that the study of history is about so much more than dates, timelines and facts; it is the study of human society and our shared humanity. The day was also a timely reminder of the importance of socially responsible and ethical global citizenship and provided students and staff with an opportunity to reflect on how our society ought to tackle the complex cultural and political challenges shaping our modern world.
We are most grateful to the staff and volunteers at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and the Shrine of Remembrance and are extremely proud of the respectful, considerate behaviour modelled by our students on this excursion.
Please enjoy looking at images of the day, together with a striking and poignant drawing by Amelia Hopper in response to the experience.
Jess Brandon
Year 11 Presentation Ball – Mental Health in the Spotlight
As a part of Year 11, the school holds a Presentation Ball for those who wish to participate. It is a great opportunity to come together as a cohort to support something bigger than ourselves. When putting our name down to participate in the ball, we were asked to think of something we are passionate about. Something that could use our help. After lots of thinking we finally came together and chose a subject that we feel needs to be brought to the attention of everyone around us.
Declined mental health is something we may all experience during our lifetime due to challenging times. As we near adulthood, it is becoming more and more concerning with how many of our peers may be struggling with some form of declined mental health. However, an even greater issue is how many young people feel as if they don’t have anywhere to turn for the support they need. Therefore, it is highly important that we promote and provide help seeking behaviours.
Over the last couple of years, psychologists and other health professionals have taken steps towards removing the stigma surrounding mental health and everything it involves. It is becoming more prevalent to foster a positive environment around sharing and supporting ourselves and our community who experience declined mental health. In generations past, mental health was not something talked about. But so far, we are on the right track to making a change. These days, we are all learning that mental health is something that needs to be discussed openly and brought forward. We must keep moving forward to remove the stigma around mental health.
We encourage everyone to learn more about mental health; the signs and symptoms and learn how to help family or friends who may be struggling with their own mental health but feel the need to hide it. Most importantly, we encourage everyone to show their support and ALWAYS ask the simple question of “Are you Ok?”.
Keep an eye on the next couple of editions of The Vine for more about our Presentation Ball and mental health.
House Music 2023
On Thursday, this week the Senior School community gathered in the Highton Middle School SAC for the 2023 Senior Campus House Music Festival Concert. It was fantastic to welcome so many parents who were able to join us in what was a very special afternoon celebrating our young people. The lead up to this concert saw students, led by students, prepare 20 items. Each of the four houses prepared a whole house choir, a large ensemble (up to 15 members), a small ensemble (2-5 members) and 2 solo artists, one being vocal the other instrumental. The commitment, collaboration, creative investment, and obvious student initiative to produce each item on the program has been outstanding. The Senior Campus musicians performed a vast array of music – please see the program included here for details!
The adjudicators expressed how difficult it was to judge a winner in each division, with points awarded within 3 marks between first and fourth in many of the sections. Congratulations to our students for their wonderful work, having the courage to perform for their peers and the poise and skill they exhibited in their presentations. Our students were supported ‘behind the scenes’ by house and music staff in many ways, a fabulous event where we have had the opportunity to grow further our positive relationships and sense of community at the Senior Campus.
The Prizes:
Small Ensemble Award – Burrows House – Trio – Performing Number 9 by Moon Hooch – Saxophone: Lucy Mitchell, and Aspen Whitaker, Drums: Jack Anderson.
Large Ensemble Award – Flynn House – Big Band – Performing Respect by Otis Redding – Vocals lead: Angel Lawrence, Rebecca Pope. Vocals Backing: Jett Parkinson, Ava McInnes. Clarinet: Nieve Smart. Tenor Saxophone: Emily Treloar. Trumpet: Isaac Jamal. Trombone: Chloe Sandian, Grace Venn. Guitar: Chester Shanks. Piano: Will Harrison. Bass: Manny Madden. Drums: Sean Loughran.
Vocal Solo Awards – Flynn House – Rebecca Pope – Performing If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys.
Instrumental Solo Awards– Flynn House – Emily Treloar – Performing The Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto
House Choir Award – Flynn House – Led by Angel Lawrence and Jett Parkinson – Performing I’m Still Standing by Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Overall Champion House – Flynn
A Surprise Finale!
To close out the 2023 House Music event, a Senior School teachers’ choir performed, and they were joined by a special guest. Their song, ‘Come Together’, was released last year by Mitch Tambo, Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace. Co-written by the trio together with Colin Buchanan, Garth Porter and Nicholas Wolfe, it’s a song of unity for all to continue on together for a better future. As the teachers wowed the crowd, the best was yet to come as Mitch Tambo – Indigenous dancer, singer and didgeridoo player – bounced on to the stage and joined in! At the end, he briefly addressed the Senior School students about embracing unity, reconciliation and working towards a positive future – a great way to finish this year’s House Music event and a powerful and fitting message from an Indigenous voice during National Reconciliation Week.
Fiona Gardner, Director of Teaching and Learning, Music
Senior Choir Members Perform With Budjerah at GMHBA Stadium
Along with four other Geelong schools, Christian College Senior Choir Members sang in a choir backing Budjerah who performed ‘Sweet Disposition’ as part of last weekend’s AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Our students were wonderful ambassadors for the College and appreciated this special opportunity to perform with this international artist in front of 21,000 people. They connected with other like-minded students from across Geelong while preparing the energetic choral backing at two rehearsals, including last Friday night’s rehearsal and sound check at the stadium with Budjerah and the band.
Congratulations and thanks to our vocal representatives and parents who came along to support the day! Well Done Siann Camilleri, Nieve Smart, Katie Gardner, Jett Parkinson, Ruby Esler, Ellie Morgan, Ava McInnes, Quinn Johnson, Evie Dawson, Anisha Edirisinghe, Chloe Baillie, Angel Lawrence and Charlotte Frische-Duff for your commitment and energy! Please enjoy these videos and photos of the event, one that was a moving experience for students, families and staff during Reconciliation Week!
Fiona Gardner, Director of Teaching and Learning, Music
CCG Senior Stage Band and Jazz Solos at Geelong Jazz Day
On Saturday May 20th the Senior Stage Band and Jazz solo students performed as part of ‘The Geelong Jazz Day’ at The Piano Bar Geelong. The Festival featured a range of professional bands throughout the venues in Little Malop Street. Our students enjoyed playing to a packed venue and the audience really enjoyed and appreciate the great presentation. The Senior Stage Band, under the direction of David Gardner played a set of pieces that saw a range of instrumentalists playing solos, moments of full big band ensemble playing, as well as featuring three vocal students. A highlight of the day was the enthusiastic singalong with the band and Caysee Vos’ rendition of ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. The crowd was also delighted by jazz solo features of five of our VCE musicians, saxophonists Jacob McKie and Max Daley, and vocalists Delanee Collins, Trinity Cronkwright and Caysee Vos who each performed a piece from their VCE Contemporary Music repertoire. It was a wonderful afternoon of music, with families and music staff celebrating our students on what was a professional stage!
Bravo!
Fiona Gardner, Director of Teaching and Learning, Music
Would you Like to go to Space…Camp?
The Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship is an international education program which aims to reward aspiring STEM enthusiasts and future leaders with a hands-on astronaut training experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre’s renowned Space Camp, located in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.
Four students from Australia will be awarded a scholarship to the International Space Camp program taking place in Huntsville, Alabama in July 2024. The winning group of students (and one teacher) will make up ‘Mission Crew #13 - Team Australia’, and will join fellow groups from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, Singapore, United States and Poland to become ‘Team Endeavour’.
Successful applicants will receive an all-expenses paid enrolment and airfare to Space Camp, where for one-week students are immersed in the ultimate educational experience to illuminate real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
All covered expenses include tuition, dormitory accommodation, meals throughout the week, and economy class round trip from Australia to Huntsville, Alabama. Travel will also include all transportation on the ground, as well as a day trip to Washington DC ahead of Space Camp commencement.
Who can apply:
Students must be 15 – 18 years old (as of July 2024) and have an outstanding desire to further their studies in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Applicants must possess a passion to one day apply and contribute to that body of knowledge.
How to apply:
Submissions are now open. You will need to complete an application form as well as a 3-minute video describing what the Endeavour Scholarship opportunity would mean for you and your larger community (school and beyond).
Find more information application details go to https://www.indopacificexpo.com.au/program/the-astronaut-al-worden-endeavour-scholarship/
Submissions close Friday 28 July.
Elissa Huddart, Director of Teaching and Learning, Science
Calling all CC Eagles Members and Families
We are pleased to present an opportunity for you to be a part of CC Eagles/ Geelong United Basketball Club Fundraiser, with NBL1 tickets available for the following game through the club:
Round 10 – Hoop City Geelong United Supercats v Dandenong Rangers – Saturday June 17, 2023. Tip off: Women – 5:00pm, Men – 7:00pm (Ticket gets you in to both games at The Geelong Arena)
All PRE-ORDERED tickets will cost $10.00 with $5.00 being retained by our club.
On the night we want to see our members show up at the game in our CLUB COLOURS.
We hope that everyone embraces this opportunity to get our CC Eagles family together and support Hoop City Geelong United Supercats on the night.
How to purchase tickets:
For Christian College families: you can purchase 1- 8 tickets ($10 to $80) on credit card via the College portal.
- Log into Parent Portal – My Details – Payments Tab – Click on the NBL1 Game Day Tickets icon.
- Then click on the drop down to select how many tickets you want to purchase. The amount will automatically fill.
Important – Please include your email address in the Additional Information box.
For non-Christian College families: you can purchase tickets by calling our Middle School-Highton reception on 5241 1899 and purchasing over the phone.
Tickets can be purchased up until 11.59pm on June 13, or until SOLD OUT and will be distributed prior to the game.
If there are any queries, please email f.murdoch@ccg.vic.edu.au
Foundation Golf Day 2023
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are delighted to announce the Christian College Foundation Golf Day tournament for 2023.
Save the date: Thursday November 9.
We are seeking prizes for this event – if you own a local business and are interested in creating partnership opportunities with Christian College, please contact Fiona Provan on 0400 477 467, or email f.provan@ccg.vic.edu.au
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
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