Senior School – Term 2 Week 8

From the Dean of Christian Culture

In the boat

Beside the sea, there lived a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse. One sunny day, they decided to go for a row in the bay. Guess who sank the boat?

Did you ever read this classic picture story book ‘Who Sank the Boat?’ It is a wonderful book by Pamella Allen that you can still find in most primary and public libraries, you can certainly find it on my bookshelf, right next to ‘Mr Magee’. If you haven’t read it this book tells the story of a boat that sinks as each animal piles aboard. Eventually after the big cow and the large donkey, the fluffy sheep and the pig all get in the boat a tiny mouse climbs aboard and...the boat sinks.

We often use this story book to teach measurements, weight, volume displacement etc. We ask questions like ‘Who sank the boat?’, ‘If the mouse got in first, before the cow and the donkey, would the mouse still have sunk the boat?’ ‘What would we need to change about the story to ensure the boat didn’t sink?’. Young readers are quick to understand that it doesn’t really matter what order the animals enter the boat the reality is they can’t all be in the boat together without it sinking. Readers are also quick to suggest that in order not to sink there are two solutions; either the animals need greater capacity in their boat, or the same boat must make multiple trips to carry all the animals.

The story is not so different from our lives. Maybe you’re hitting that close to mid-year point, nearing the end of term and starting to feel the waves are coming up over the edges of your boat. Or that perhaps you’re in a place where it really wouldn’t matter how tiny or light the mouse is, if you add one more thing your boat is going under.

From the Deputy Head of Campus

A Call for Community Spirit

Often when I am asked to contribute to our College Vine, I instantly reflect on what is on my heart and mind when working with our young adults at Senior School. What I am finding concerning currently is the societal messaging in Australia and how it has increasingly become individual-focused and self-centred. From advertising campaigns promoting self-indulgence to social media influencers encouraging a “me-first” mindset, the cultural narrative has shifted towards prioritising personal desires over communal wellbeing. While personal ambition and self-care are important, this pervasive individualism comes at a cost to our collective spirit, and it is seen in how our students interact with their peers and broader community.

The Problem with a “Me-First” Mentality

The emphasis on individual success and personal gratification fosters a culture where empathy and community values are often sidelined. This shift can be seen in the glorification of personal achievement above all else, the decline of community participation, and a growing disconnect between people. Young people, in particular, are exposed to these messages through various media channels, shaping their attitudes and behaviours in ways that may undermine the values of compassion and altruism.

What’s Happening at Senior School

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)

Wednesday June 19 – Online Senior Pathways Evening 6.15pm

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

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

Year 9 Students Drama: An Inspiring Visit to the Year 11 and 12 Ensemble Performances

This Wednesday, our Year 9 Drama students had the enriching experience of visiting the Year 11 and 12 ensemble performances, both were thought-provoking and centred on the surrounding theme of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins.’ This visit was not only an opportunity for our younger students to witness many weeks of collaboration and hard work but also a chance to engage with complex and profound themes. 

Both performances delivered powerful and evocative performance that delved deep into the human experience, exploring themes such as greed, envy, wrath, and pride. Each was carefully considered, combining various theatrical conventions, movement, and sound to bring both abstract, historical and spiritual concepts to life in an engaging and relatable way.

Our Year 9 students were captivated by the commitment and creativity from their older peers. The performance also provided valuable opportunities for the students to practise their audience etiquette, ask thought-provoking questions and participate in valuable discussions that will help them with their own theatre creation. The students left feeling invigorated and ready to take on their own group performances and it was inspiring for the Year 9 students to see where their own passion for drama could lead, motivating them to continue developing their skills and exploring new ideas in the drama classroom and beyond.

In addition to watching the performances, the Year 9 students had the chance to interact with the senior performers afterwards. This was a valuable moment for the students to engage in such a positive manner with likeminded students who share the same passion for the arts.

Overall, the excursion was an absolute success. 

Year 10 Arapiles Camp

Early last week our Year 10 Outdoor Education students headed northwest into the flat sprawling Wimmera Plains. Dyurite, more recently named Mt Arapiles, sits out like an island amongst the surrounding farmland. It was here, in this world-renowned rock-climbing destination that we camped for three days of climbing, exploring and contextualising our classroom learning.

Our days climbing were blessed with cloudless skies and beautiful sun-filled hours on the rockfaces. The nights were cold and clear, allowing an unhindered view of the stars, and dark emu in the sky, which provided a great illustration of the Gariwerd/Dyurite creation story. 

The trip coincided with National Reconciliation Week, which was an idyllic time for students to reflect on Aboriginal histories past and present and their connection to country.

In class we have been unpacking real and perceived risk, ways to control and reduce risk and the roles competence and experience play into risk and adventure. This had real practical applications, as we progressed from ‘top rope’ climbing to all participating in ‘multi-pitch’ climbs. 

Each day our students left with a newfound appreciation for the sandstone buttresses, crags, clefts, aretes, chimneys, boulders, ledges and walls of Mt Arapiles.

We hope this gives you a glimpse into their adventure. Our students returned with memories, new skills and understandings, friendships and a deeper connection to the natural world. 

Madeleine Mejak

World Environment Day

Senior School celebrated World Environment Day this week by reconstructing the gardens around the Outdoor Education rooms. World Environment Day, held annually on 5 June, brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in an effort to protect and restore the Earth. This year marks the event’s 50th anniversary. People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations International Day, which celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses, churches, schools, and individuals to create a more sustainable world.

Each house participated by planting small native plants to rebuild the example ecosystem gardens around the Outdoor Ed rooms. This provides students with the opportunity to participate in the growth of the school community no matter what classes they do.

We want to thank Mr David Evans (Outdoor Ed teacher), Mrs Sue Strong (College Board Member), Mr Jesse Lusher (Senior School Grounds and Maintenance), and Fiona Love from Bellarine Landcare Nursery for helping us in our endeavours to look after our earth.

Zoe Morgan and Daniel Scott, Year 12 students

Exploring Sustainability Through Street Food

On Thursday this week, our Year 10 and 11 Indonesian students participated in an Indonesian Immersion Day, exploring sustainability in Indonesia’s street food economy. Supported by Indonesian staff across campuses, the immersive learning highlighted the cultural and economic significance of street food carts (Gerobak Jajanan). These mobile food sellers are crucial for food security and economic activity in Indonesia, especially in urban areas. They contribute approximately 850 million US dollars to the economy despite the sellers’ low individual incomes and challenging working conditions.

The immersion day aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the street food seller’s life through a sustainability-focused design thinking process. Students were tasked with making the food carts more sustainable and increasing vendors’ income potential. Working in small groups, they demonstrated exceptional collaboration, idea-sharing, and creativity. They created model food carts, challenged each other’s ideas, presented their designs and receiving constructive feedback for improvement.

Drama Ensemble Evening

The year 11 and 12 Drama students took over the Drama Theatre on Wednesday evening with their ensemble performances exploring the concept of The Seven Deadly Sins – Pride, Lust, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, and Gluttony.

With a focus on eclectic theatre, the students explored a range of performance styles, often breaking down the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience. As the line between actor and audience became blurred, the students transformed time, place and character to present a myriad of scenes examining different interpretations of the Sins. From contemporary scenes examining the sin of Envy through cyber bullying to stories of Greed with Hansel and Gretal and historic retelling of Adam and Eve with original Sin. Each short vignette challenged the audience to reflect on their own lives.

The year 11 and 12 students displayed exceptional skill and ability, as they worked collaboratively as an ensemble, always engaged and focused moving from scene to scene.

It was such a joy to see the high calibre of working being presented. Now on to the VCE Drama Solo.

University Open Days 2024

Open Days provide an opportunity for students to:

• discover the feel or ‘vibe’ of a tertiary setting
• meet academics and current or past students
• ask specific questions – find out about international study opportunities, links between courses and the world of work or how many hours you’ll need to be on campus
• get a sense of the campus location and what your commute could be
• check out their facilities
• check out the clubs and societies

We recommend students from Years 10-12 attend Open Days every year to increase exposure to the wide variety of courses and universities. Attending an Open Day can help you clarify your goals and narrow down your dream course.

Please find attached a list of the Open Day dates for 2024 or visit our CCG Careers webpage HERE.

Open Days generally occur from the end of July through August. Many Open Days occur on Sundays so keep this in mind as you navigate work shifts or sporting or church commitments. Also, bear in mind some dates will double up between unis too, so check the dates carefully.

Questions? Please contact Mrs Bec Bromilow or Mrs Robyn Smith via email.

Open-Days-Victoria-2024

String Ensemble Performance Evening

Last night saw the annual String Ensemble Performance Evening take place in the RW Gibson Auditorium. The evening began with a combined performance of Bach's Brandeburg Concert No. 5 from the Highton and Bellarine Middle School String Ensembles. The students have been preparing this piece separately, and it was a wonderful experience to hear it as a combined performance.

Each of the Middle School Groups also presented individual group pieces, "Viking" from the Highton MS Strings and "South Brisbane Tango" from the Bellarine MS Strings. Both of these energetic pieces were executed with great aplomb by our Middle School Students.

The Ceilidh Band from Bellarine then presented some traditional Irish Folk Music for the audience in the form of a set of reel and jigs.

Gathering Hope

The Foundation was pleased to host their bi-annual Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon on Friday, 24 May 2024 at Provenance Wines in Fyansford. With close to 80 guests in attendance, the event successfully raised $19K, which has been doubled, thanks to our current dollar-matching campaign, raising a total of $38K for the Foundation.

The guest speaker was Jossy Chacko, who generously gave up an entire day to support the work of the College and our local community. In addition to speaking at the luncheon, Jossy gave a devotion to our Senior School staff, spent time being scrutinised by the Year 10 Global Ethics class, and supported our local Christian radio station, 96three FM.

Calling all CC Eagles Members and Families

A big thank you to the families that have purchased NBL1 Tickets to date.

An opportunity is still available for you to be a part of CC Eagles Basketball Club/ Geelong United Basketball Fundraiser, with NBL1 Tickets available for the following game through the Club:

Round 10 – Geelong United Supercats v Melbourne Tigers – Saturday 15 June

Tip-off: Women – 5:00pm, Men – 7:00pm The Ticket gets you into both games at The Geelong Arena

All pre-ordered tickets are $12.00 with $6.00 being retained by the club. Please note General Admission tickets are normally $16 per person.

If you are a Christian College family, you can purchase 1- 8 tickets ($12 to $96) through the College Portal:

• Log into Parent Portal – My Details – Payments Tab – Click on the NBL1 Game Day Tickets
• Then click on the drop down to select how many tickets you want to purchase. Amount will automatically fill.

Seeking Christian College Company Members

Christian College Geelong is seeking expressions of interest from any parent or guardian interested in becoming a new Company Member.

Company Members play an important part in the governance structure and protection of the College. A number of positions on the Christian College Board are filled by company members, depending on the skillset required when vacancies arise, and it is the company members who have the responsibility of voting to pass any amendments to the Christian College constitution. Company members may also be eligible to sit on various committees involved in the governance of the College.

Whilst participating as a company member is not overly onerous, it needs to be pointed out that the position is voluntary and not remunerated in any way. Also, please understand an expression of interest does not guarantee automatic membership of the company.

If you have a heart for the College, and feel you would have the time to dedicate and an interest in this role, please contact the Company Secretary, Bernard Nicholls at b.nicholls@ccg.vic.edu.au. All expressions of interest must be submitted by COB Friday, August 2.

Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• $150 for primary school students
• $250 for secondary school students

How to Apply

Application forms are available online through the Parent Portal (Student Information, then Important Forms for Parents) these forms can be downloaded, completed then uploaded according to the instructions. Hard Copy forms are also available from reception at each campus or by emailing enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au

The closing date for applications is June 28.

 For more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

National Collection of Data on Students With a Disability

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). With data collected on the first Friday in August (August 5 this year), the NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability.

These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD Guidelines.

Please see the attached NCCD Fact Sheet for more information.

NCCD Parent Fact Sheet

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!