From the Executive Principal
What an Experience!
What a wonderful experience our College community enjoyed last weekend! Many families had the opportunity to see our students shine in the CCG Musical Production of Godspell, and it was truly a remarkable achievement.
The production showcased an extraordinary breadth of talent across every aspect of the performing arts. From the acting, singing and choreography to the live band, set design, staging, lighting, costumes and technical production, every element contributed to a truly memorable performance. It was clear that countless hours of preparation, teamwork and dedication went into creating such a polished and engaging show. Through moments of humour and deep emotion, the students brought to life the story of Jesus’ life and teachings in a heartfelt and meaningful way.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the production was seeing students step beyond their comfort zones and discover new strengths and talents. Families would have noticed the confidence that grew in many of our young people as they rose to challenges with maturity and resilience. While the applause from the audience was well deserved, the greatest achievement was the effort, perseverance and teamwork demonstrated throughout the journey. They were truly striving for excellence. These are experiences that will stay with our students for years to come.
Over the five months of rehearsals, it was also wonderful to see new friendships form and a strong sense of belonging develop among the cast and crew. Many students have reflected on how much this experience meant to them, not just as a performance, but as an opportunity to find their place within a supportive and creative community. Earlier this week I also heard from another Year 8 student: “I can't imagine my life without music….it fuels me!” These are the moments that highlight the true value of co-curricular opportunities in the life of our college.
Productions of this scale are never achieved alone. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff who gave so generously of their time, expertise and care to bring Godspell to life. Their encouragement, professionalism and belief in our students created an environment where each young person could flourish and achieve outstanding results.
Throughout the week we received wonderful feedback from audience members who were incredibly impressed by both our students and staff. We couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished and thank all families for their support of this very special production.
From The Head of Campus
Year 11 VCE students began their mid-year exams on Wednesday with General English and Literature. We are proud of how they showed up with the correct materials, in the right place and in full uniform, all signs they were ready and prepared to do their best and gain the most from this exam experience. Yr 11 exams continue until Monday as most Year 11 VCE students completing five or six.
Year 11 students in the VCE VM pathway may have an exam if they study a VCE ATAR subject. Otherwise, they continue with applied learning, VET and work placements.
We value offering one of the most extensive ranges of Senior School options to suit different interests, strengths and intended future pathways. Year 10 students and parents who would like to know more about the difference between VCE and VCE VM are invited to an online information session next Wednesday evening.
Year 10 students start their two day exam period on Friday, with up to four exams each. For many, this will be their first experience of semester exams with much learning on offer around revision, study and exam skills.
With an eye to also nurturing development of skills in stress management and looking after their own wellbeing, the Flourish Centre is running ‘Mindful moments in exams’ at lunchtimes in the COLAB. There are plenty of relaxing activities to help students unwind, including colouring, beading, puzzles and games
A popular lunchtime activity this week for Years 10 to 12, including Year 11 students looking to unwind after a morning exam, has been House Soccer. The weather has been kind for participants and supporters and we have had a great turn out for games played in high spirits, with the final set for Monday.
Next week, the GAT will take place on Tuesday for all Year 11 and 12 students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 sequence of VCE or VCE VM subject. All other students will have a student-free day.
A reminder that next Friday, the final day of term for students is a normal 3.30pm finish. We look forward to a positive and productive final week.
What’s Happening at Senior School?
Term 2 Week 8
Friday 12 to Monday 15 June: Unit 1 Examinations continue
Friday 12 to Monday 15 June: Year 10 Examinations
Term 2 Week 9
Tuesday 16 June: GAT Examination for Unit 3 students (No school for any other student)
Wednesday 17 June: VCE and VCE VM Pathways Information Session for Year 9 and 10 families
Wednesday 17 June: Year 11 Presentation Ball Rehearsal
Friday 19 June: School finishes at 3.30pm
Friday 19 June: Year 11 Presentation Ball
Saturday 20 June: Year 11 Presentation Ball
Term 2 Week 10
Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 June: CCG Staff Retreat
Friday 26 May: Office closes for holidays
Term 3 Week 1
Monday 13 July: Senior School Commencement Service at Middle School SAC
Tuesday 14 July: Year 12 Schoolies Presentation
Thursday 16 July: Senior School ID and Group Photos
Geelong Careers Expo – Expression of Interest Now Open
Students have the opportunity to express their interest in attending the Geelong Careers Expo on Thursday 30 July by completing the attached Expression of Interest form. Students Expression of Interest Form – Geelong Careers Expo Thursday 30th July – Fill out form
The excursion will include a tour of Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus from 12:00–12:30 pm, followed by time to explore exhibitors at the Geelong Careers Expo from 12:30–2:00 pm at the new Nyaal Banyule Geelong Convention Centre. With only 40 places available, students are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest as soon as possible.
Expressions of Interest close on Monday 15 June at 8:30am.
The Expo is also open to the public from 3.15-6pm.
Careers Newsletter Edition 11
This week’s Careers Newsletter features a range of upcoming university Open Day dates. Benefits of Open Days when attended together include:
- Understand courses and career pathways through direct discussions with academic staff.
- Experience the campus firsthand by touring facilities and learning environments.
- Make informed decisions by comparing study options and university offerings.
- Meet staff and current students to gain authentic insights into university life.
- Learn about student support services, including academic, wellbeing, and career support.
- Explore financial information such as fees, scholarships, and accommodation costs.
- Reduce uncertainty and build confidence about the transition to university.
- Discuss future goals together and align study choices with career aspirations.
- Discover student life opportunities, including clubs, societies, sports, and leadership programs.
- Understand admissions and accommodation options to better prepare for university entry and living arrangements.
In addition to the many events highlighted in the newsletter, it also contains information about:
- Jobs and Careers: 7 Jobs that did not exist 10 years ago and Surprising jobs that pay really well
- Human Skills: The value of doing things that you are bad at
- Health and Wellbeing: 9 Ways to recover from exams
- Subject Selection: How to make the most of a subject that you hate
- Job Spotlights: How to become a sustainable architect
To make finding information easier, simply click on the relevant menu item to be taken directly to the corresponding page; no need to scroll through the entire newsletter.
There is something for everyone, so be sure to take a look! Click here
The Careers Team
Tracy Dawson, Erin Howard and Mary Higgins
Alumni Career Highlight – Annie Coulsell
Following on for our Alumni Career Highlight for this week, we thank Annie Coulsell for taking the time to write about her pathway since graduating in 2018. Please enjoy.
My name is Annie and I am a graduate architect, working for a practice in Collingwood. Thinking back to my senior years at school, I would have never thought I’d end up where I am today.
In 2018, I graduated from school. Leading up to the last year, I didn’t have a clear idea on what I wanted to do; however, I knew I wanted to go to university. Because of that, I decided to keep my subject selection quite broad, to ensure I didn’t limit opportunities. The subjects I completed in VCE were; Biology, Japanese, Textiles, English, Further Maths and, Health and Human Development.
After school, I went straight to Uni to study nutrition and commerce. I only did this for 4 weeks when I realised the only reason I was doing this was just to go to Uni – the course wasn’t for me. When I made the decision to quit, I took a gap year and travelled to Europe. This was a formative experience in choosing my career. Being exposed to a range of architecture in different countries, affirmed that a career working within the built environment was what I wanted to pursue.
After returning home, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) at Deakin University. Although finding the course initially demanding, the nuances of architecture seemed interesting. It required creativity, critical thinking and technical skills. After finishing my Bachelor’s degree, I completed my Masters of Architecture at The University of Melbourne. While completing a masters isn’t the only way to become a registered architect, it is the quickest.
My time at The University of Melbourne was one of the most determinative years of my life so far. I learnt the importance of networking and immersing yourself in what you’re passionate about. For my masters’ thesis subject, I completed a studio that involved travelling to Japan. The concept of the studio was to design architecture in an attempt to revitalise a town called Kamijima. My thesis focused on how retrofitting abandoned schools into intergenerational housing could address issues the town was facing. This final subject demonstrated to me how you can find ways of bringing personal interests into your career.
Transitioning into full time work was relatively comfortable after an intense number of years studying. While I was completing my last year at Uni, I got a job at an architecture practice. It is a competitive field, so having a job prior to graduating was a relief. My role as a graduate architect varies across the day to day. Currently I am working on a large-scale public infrastructure project which I find rewarding as it has a tangible positive impact on the broader community. Across most days, I model design options on a computer program called ‘Rhino’, in between various meetings and complete documentation in ‘Revit’. The variation in my day keeps work both interesting and challenging.
One thing I have learnt since studying and being in the industry is that all skills learnt along the way are transferable which can lead to different and new opportunities. You are not limited by the decisions you make in school or Uni as there is no right pathway to what you decide to do. If I was to give one piece of advice it would be to not put pressure on yourself. If you know what you want to do, that’s great, and if you don’t, that’s also great. Try new things, challenge yourself and continue to do things that bring you happiness. You are young and the world really is at your feet.
If anyone has any questions about architecture or alike, please feel free to reach out.
Annie
New VET Course Information for Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology
Invitation to information sessions about VET Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology being offered as a subject at CCG for 2027. Interested students and families are invited to attend upcoming online information sessions for the class of 2027 outlined below. These sessions are particularly aimed at students who may want to consider doing the course, but others are welcome to join. It is an opportunity for Year 11 or 12 students to grow in their Christian life and gain school credit at the same time.
Student information sessions:
If you would like to join any of these sessions you must first register by filling out the course information pack online form by clicking here: Potential Students
When: Tuesday, July 21st
Wednesday, July 29
Session 1 on each date: 5:00pm to 5:30pm
Session 2 on each date: 7:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: Via Zoom
Join by clicking on this link below:
Veta Morphus Students and Families Information Session for 2027
Meeting ID: 833 7824 2842
Passcode: VETA
Calling all Year 11s and 12s With a Passion for Science!
The Australian Science Innovations is once again hosting their Australian Science Olympiads in 2026.
If you are in Year 11 or 12 and interested in testing your Science knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills then this Olympiad is for you.
The Olympiad includes a 2-hour exam for each of the following subjects:
- Physics – Monday 27 July 2026
- Biology – Tuesday 28 July 2026
- Earth and Environmental Science – Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Chemistry – Thursday 30 July 2026
The Olympiad allows you to test your abilities against the national cohort and can also lead to further opportunities including:
- Being invited to attend the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School in one of the four disciplines
- Being selected to represent Australia at an International Science Olympiad
The exam will be paid for by the College and facilitated at Senior School during school hours on a date between Monday, 27 and Thursday, 30 July.
All participants will receive a certificate indicating their performance.
If you are interested in taking part in the Australian Science Olympiad, please see Mrs Bartlett (Senior Science Coordinator) or email your interest to r.bartlett@ccg.vic.edu.au
Showing Appreciation for First Responders
On Wednesday this week, the Christian College community and many others across Australia paused, reflected and gave thanks to those who risk their lives every day.
Thank a First Responder Day was established in 2020 to show gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of first responders who support us across Australia. June 10 represents a National Day of Appreciation to recognise the extraordinary service of police, fire, ambulance, SES, marine rescue, and other emergency service personnel, along with the families who support them behind the scenes.
Being a first responder can be challenging, for both first responders and their families. But the power of gratitude can have an extraordinary impact on wellbeing and mental health.
Thank a First Responder Day reminds us all that behind every emergency response vehicle is a human being who has chosen a profession or volunteer role dedicated to helping others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
First responders face quite high rates of psychological distress, making mental health supports essential. Dedicated programs exist across Australia to provide clinical care, trauma support, and peer connections for emergency personnel and their families.
Tips for Supporting Loved Frist Responders
- Learn the signs: Educate yourself on the early warning signs, such as withdrawal, irritability, or change in sleep
- Seek outside support: Connect with peer support groups you can share experiences with those who understand.
- Prioritise self-care: Ensure you maintain your own wellbeing and hobbies outside of your loved one's profession.
Here at Christian College, we show our ongoing support to you all and pray over you all.
Please see below support available for our dedicated heroes and their families.
National Emergency Worker Support Service - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health
Family support | ambulance.vic.gov.au
Where to get help - ESF - Emergency Services Foundation
A Guide for Families (06052023)
The Wellbeing Team
CCG New Parents and Families Program – an Exciting Initiative!
In 2026, we’re excited to launch our Parents & Families Program, a new initiative designed to bring our community even closer together across all Campuses and Kindergartens.
This program is all about strengthening relationships, creating a genuine sense of belonging, and supporting meaningful opportunities for families to get involved in College life. In the video below, Executive Principal, Dr Mathilda Joubert, provides more details. Membership is open to all parents, guardians and grandparents of students enrolled at Christian College Geelong, including Kindergarten families, and continues for as long as a member has a child attending the relevant campus.
If you would like to join the P&F Program straight away, please click here. You will need to complete your details, upload your WWCC number, and nominate yourself if you are interested in a leadership role.
From special events to fundraising, volunteering on camps, excursions, and other campus‑based activities, there will be plenty of ways for families to contribute, connect, and make a difference in the student experience at your selected Campus.
An information session will be held on Thursday 16 July at 1:30 pm at the Belmont (Junior School Campus) for families from all Christian College campuses who would like to learn more. To help us with planning, please register here if you wish to attend.
Godspell – Congratulations and Thank you!
The Senior Campus Musical Godspell was a superb presentation of wonderful performances and collaboration.
The learnings our students walk away with from the experience of performances such as this production, impacts them deeply and for life. Congratulations Godspell Cast, Band and Crew - a team that achieved a wonderful show and demonstrated the collective power of many hands, heads and hearts with a shared goal and purpose.
Thanks to our community including our students’ parents for the encouragement and support. Godspell played to three sold out audiences who rode the emotion of the narrative. As an audience we laughed, wept, pondered, celebrated and were challenged by our students’ work and the staff who guided them through the creative process.
Please see the Godspell program link below for further details of the team behind the show. You can also visit the Godspell webpage for more – including a photo gallery and review from Entertainment Geelong.
We reflect with a sense of pride and gratefulness for what was an outstanding show. We give thanks for the opportunity to present the story of the parables. The staff production team have worked together with conviction since the end of the 2025 College year to provide this production as an opportunity for the students involved but also, as it turned out, an absolute gift to our community.
Congratulations to the staff of the creative team :-
Director: Steve Horman
Musical Directors: Kate Notini and Stef Gumienik
Choreographer: Josh Vucicevic
The student cast –
Cuan B | Jesus - Yr 11, Toby S | John the Baptist / Judas - Yr 11, Abbey P - Yr 12, Aiden G - Yr 10,
Angus C - Yr 12, Arabella G - Yr 10, Campbell W - Yr 10, Evie T - Yr 12, Hannah W - Yr 11, Heidi W - Yr 12, Lucy R - Yr 11, Phoebe C - Yr 11, Rebecca P - Yr 11, Sarah M - Yr 11, Tara Z - Yr 10, Thomas O - Yr 10, Winnie G - Yr 12.
The Band
Musical Director from the Keyboard: Stef Gumienik
Guitar: Charlie G – Yr 11and Scott Jolley
Electric Bass: Mia P - Yr 12 and Martin De Marte
Keyboard/Percussion: Izzy K – Yr 12
Percussion: Elise S – Yr 10
Drums: Felix R – Yr 12
Fiona Gardner, Co-Producer, and on behalf of Taylah Broad, Co-Producer
Godspell The Musical, 2026
CCG News and Events
In recent weeks we have created a News/Events carousel down the bottom of the CCG website homepage with information and links covering many aspects of life at Christian College Geelong. Right now, you’ll find fabulous picture galleries of Godspell and the Year 6 Canberra adventure, a fantastic video covering the first week of the recent Indonesian study tour, a quick link to our Scholarships page, and more. We’ll regularly update and add to the carousel, so keep an eye out for new content in the weeks and months ahead.
Senior School Pathways – VCE and VCE VM Online Information Session
CCG Senior Campus warmly invites Year 9 and 10 students and their families to attend an upcoming online information session: Senior School Pathways – VCE and VCE VM, to be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:00pm.
This informative session will outline the range of pathways available to students in their senior years at CCG. These include the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), and Vocational Education and Training (VET) options. Families will gain valuable insights to support informed decision-making about future study directions.
Presentations will be delivered by key staff members:
- Ms Alice McKay, VCE Coordinator
- Dr Sarah Nailer, VCE VM Coordinator
- Mrs Kerryn Fearnsides, VET Coordinator
Further details, including the link to join the session, will be shared via email with all Year 9 and 10 families on Monday, June 15.
We look forward to welcoming you and encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
Attention Students Looking to Study a VET Course in 2027
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 & East campuses. Students get to try fun, hands-on tasters from all course areas. This can help them to find out what they like and learn new skills. They get to explore the different career options studying at The Gordon can give them.
2026 Taster Day is July 21 - City Campus and July 28 - East Geelong Campus
Courses at The Gordon East Campus include Animal Studies, Auto Mechanical, Bricklaying, Building Design (Architectural), Cabinet Making and Joinery, Carpentry, Electrical, Engineering & Metal Trades, Horticulture, Information Technologies, Landscaping, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing.
Courses at The Gordon City Campus include Accounting & Business, Aged Care, Allied Health, Beauty Therapy, Community Services, Cookery, Digital Media, Early Childhood Education, Graphic Design, Hairdressing, Hospitality, Lab Tech, Nursing.
Given the immense popularity of this event, you are encouraged to return your application as soon as possible. They will be operating on a first-come, first-served basis and attendance numbers from each school are capped.
Registration forms will be emailed to all Year 9 and 10 families and hard copies available from the Student Office. You can also access one here Taste Of TAFE Registration Form
For further information or queries please contact Kerryn Fearnsides k.fearnsides@ccg.vic.edu.au or Elaine Pearson e.pearson@ccg.vic.edu.au or Jenelle Fitzpatrick j.fitzpatrick@ccg.vic.edu.au at the Senior Campus.
Student Registration Forms should be returned to the student office at the earliest opportunity, and no later than Friday 29 May.
Academic Excellence and Music Excellence Scholarships – Applications Open!
Applications are now open for Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry to Years 5 to 11 in 2028.
Any interested parents, guardians and families with children in Years 3 to 9 in 2026 are welcome to apply, including families who have children currently enrolled at Christian College.
Applications for Academic Excellence scholarships close on August 6.
Also open to both Christian College families, and families with children attending other schools, are our Music Excellence Scholarships. These are open for students entering Years 5 to 12 in 2027 or 2028.
Applications for all Christian College scholarships can be made via our website. Click here to visit our Scholarships page, where you’ll find more information about all the scholarships we offer. From there you can click on the individual scholarship tiles for more specific details, and to apply.







