From the Head of Campus
Term 2 ended on a wonderful note today, with staff and students gathering under the roof of the new English and Language building at lunchtime for a sausage sizzle and the announcement of Flynn House as the overall winner of the House Music Competition held earlier this term. Students also appreciated the opportunity to wear casual dress, with funds raised to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
We are looking forward to a weekend of celebration with our Year 11 Presentation Balls Friday and Saturday, followed by a Year 12 Ball on Sunday evening. These events conclude an action-packed term, one where we have been so thankful to be able to recommence many of our treasured activities including Year 10 Our World Central Australia, House Music and other lunchtime House events as well as numerous excursions and incursions that had been in hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
May you and your family have a restful and rejuvenating holiday break. We look forward to welcoming back students at our Commencement Assembly at the start of Term 3. More information will be emailed to families about start of term arrangements in the final week of the holidays.
Thinking and Investigations
This semester in the Year 10 elective Thinking and Investigations, students have completed a major research task that has taken 16 weeks to complete. Students were asked to choose a topic of their choice to explore, looking at both the pros and cons of the issue.
This task is modelled on a similar assignment in the VCE Unit 3 & 4 subject, Extended Investigation, which will be offered in 2023 for the first time at CCG. However, unlike its VCE cousin, students this semester have embarked on their research, planning and a final written and oral submission with the knowledge that there will be no grade attributed to their work.
Research from the Harvard School of Education suggests that grading using the “traditional points system is riddled with problems, from unfairly factoring in non-academic considerations like turning in an assignment late, to lacking consistency based on the whims of some teachers, to actually diminishing student motivation” (Bauld, 2021).
So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and have a read of some of the student’s work. They have done a great job!
Differentiation in schools Anastasia Keller
Year 11 Legal Studies and Australian History: Canberra Trip
Last week, Year 11 students from both VCE Legal Studies and Australian History travelled to Canberra. Students woke up bright and early Wednesday morning to begin their journey, and after a few short hours we were in the Australian Capital Territory. With a top temperature of 10°C, we arrived at the top of Mount Ainslie. The views were nothing short of spectacular and enabled us to truly appreciate the beauty and design through the panoramic views of the capital. Students continued their exploration of Canberra through a reflective walk down ANZAC parade, the national capital’s major ceremonial avenue. Legal Studies students were keen to explore the Australian Federal Parliament, students were guided through the Marble Foyer, Member’s Hall, and The Senate Chamber. With the votes of the latest Australian Federal Election still being counted, students were keen to take part in the Australian electoral system and practised how to vote in the National Electoral Education Office. Students then continued their journey through Australia’s political history by exploring the Museum of Australian Democracy. Students had the opportunity to role-play one of the most divisive events in Australia’s history; the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam on November 11th, 1975. In the former House of Representatives Chamber, Year 11 student Sienna Cambria declared the famous words spoken by Gough Whitlam on the steps of Old Parliament House:
“Well may we say God save the Queen, because nothing will save the Governor-General”.
Thursday morning, we explored the National Museum of Australia, and were among the first to witness the new Talking Blak to History exhibition, which explores First Nation’s history through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Students then had the opportunity to experience a day in the life at Australian National University through ex CCG student Grace Valentine. Students then explored the National Archives of Australia, which included a history of the Australian constitution, the controversial dictation test which was a central feature of the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, and the legislative documents that have helped to shape our nation. As the sun was beginning to set, we made our way to the Australian War Memorial, in which students could reflect and commemorate the sacrifice made by Australians that have died at war and those who have served our nation in times of conflict. To finish off the day, students enjoyed a night of bowling, karaoke, and escape room fun at Kingpin Canberra.
Friday morning began with a guided bus tour of the Diplomatic Embassies and High Commissions in Canberra, which brought to light the importance of our continued relationships between foreign governments and the Australian Government. Students were then taken through a guided tour of the High Court of Australia. Students explored the Court of Appeal and learn about some of the most famous court cases that have taken place in the High Court. Students were then self-guided on the Reconciliation Place Walking Tour, which physically and symbolically represents the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Students continued to the Australian National Gallery and were guided through several artworks created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Before departing Canberra, students were taken back to the early 1910s to the founding of the Capital. Through the lens of architect Marion Mahony Griffin and her husband Walter Burley Griffin; students were able to see how Canberra came to be right in front of their eyes.
On behalf of the Humanities team at Christian College Senior School, we hope all students found their time in Canberra an enriching, educational and enjoyable experience.
Kimberley Simkin
Multicultural Melbourne comes to Senior School
The Year 10 Food Studies Students celebrated their semester of learning by designing and producing a buffet style lunch of dishes inspired from around the world. Melbourne is famous for food and its amazing multicultural restaurants and our year 10 students successful recreated the atmosphere of Lygon Street, Smith Street, Chapel Street and High Street. A big congratulations to our Year 10 Food Studies Students for their brilliant creations!
The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever
The Year 10 Musical Class completed their final assessment this week- a performance of the short musical ‘The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever’ to some very special guests. The Year 3 and 4 students from junior school joined us in the R W Gibson centre at Senior School to watch the culmination of a term’s creative endeavours.
This short and entertaining musical gave the year 10 students a chance to put into practice the skills they have been developing this semester. Each student took on an acting and singing role as well as some area of stagecraft. Students directed scenes, created and made props and led the group in choreography and singing workshops. The positive collaboration and great synchronicity on stage was a testament to the students, who soldiered on with rehearsals, despite illness wreaking havoc on our class numbers throughout the term. Even to performance day, when some students had to quickly learn the lines of absent cast members.
The Junior School students seemed to enjoy the show and had lots of thoughtful questions to ask the cast at the end of the performance. Many students in the cast were also in Shrek the Musical and the younger students had a great time identifying them in the Year 10 show.
It was a fun and rewarding term’s work and all the students should be very proud of their endeavours.
Career Spot
You will find attached to this Vine, the 2022 University Open Days which will be relevant for any student from Year 10 to Year 12. Please go along to these Open Days to find out more about these universities.
The other is in relation to the Early Entry Programs on offer for current Year 12 students. We hope that you find them interesting and helpful.
CCG Senior School: Passion, Purpose and Pathways
At Christian College’s Senior Campus in Waurn Ponds, our commitment is to help students explore their passions, discover their purpose and find their pathways.
During the first week of Term 3, all parents of Year 9 students at Highton and Bellarine Campuses are invited to the Senior School Information Evening on Thursday July 14.
This year, for the first time, we are also inviting parents, families and others from outside of the CCG community who may be interested in choosing Senior School – Waurn Ponds in 2023 and beyond for their students to complete their secondary schooling.
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Learn more about the transition program designed to help students settle into life and learning on the Senior Campus
- Meet and hear from key support staff including Heads of House, Chaplains and Careers Counsellors
- Learn about the Year 10 academic program and progression towards VCE and Vocational Pathways
- Discover the many benefits of the Senior School House system including House carnivals, House Music, Wearable Art and lunchtime House competitions
We would strongly encourage all members of the Christian College Community to spread the word about this event, and those planned for our other campuses, among friends, neighbours, colleagues – anyone who may be considering schooling options for their children.
Please see next week’s Vine and watch our social media platforms for more details about the Senior School information evening and the events scheduled at other campuses during Term 3.
Have you Taken the 5min Cyber Safety Parenting Quiz?
With school holidays almost upon us, now is a great time for parents to review their approach and strategies around managing screen time and technology in the home. Not sure where to start? Family Zone has free parent webinars on ‘Managing Screen Time During School Holidays’, ‘Popular Games and Their Dangers’, ‘My Kid is Better at Tech Than Me’ and many other topics available via their events page.
Did you know that our own CCG Online Safety Hub also has a helpful quiz to support parents with this?
Complete the cyber safety parenting quiz to receive a safety rating for your family and useful hints and tips on areas that you can focus on to keep your family safe online. Why not complete an audit of your home’s cyber safety and get advice on how to improve it and keep your loved ones safe?
School holidays are a great time for having constructive conversations with young people about their technology use and referring to the tips and feedback from the parent quiz may be a useful way to begin such a conversation with your child.
From the Canteen
Thank you again to all who assisted with Canteen at Junior, Middle and Senior Schools this semester. We hope all students and families enjoy the break ahead.
With Term 2 finishing today, please note that if you inadvertently placed an online order for next week, this money will be refunded to you.
Sport News
This term has provided many sporting highlights for our students competing in our various college teams, through their Deakin District primary sport, and our secondary GISSA sport involvement.
Further to the success of our teams at these Interschool competitions, we have many students competing in their chosen sport at a State, National and International level. We wish to acknowledge some of the performances that have come across my desk, and apologies if I have missed any performances this term in the following summary.
- Madison Cooper (Yr12), Nicole Briscoe (Yr11), Hayley Mackinder (Yr9) and Matilda Byrnes (Yr9) qualified and swam at the Australian Swimming Championships in May, which were the selection trials for our Commonwealth Games team. This opportunity and their subsequent performances will stand them in good stead for future National team selection opportunities. As a result of their performances at the ‘Age Championships’ in April, Madison, Nicole, Hayley and Brooke Briscoe (Yr9) have been selected in School Sport Victoria’s ‘Team Vic’ swimming team to compete later this year at the Australian School Sport Championships. Matilda and her family are moving to the Gold Coast where she will swim the competitive Bond University swim club. We wish Matilda all the very best for her future career in the sport of swimming.
- Harrison (Yr12) and Kade Leigh (Yr11), along with Ashton Schram (Yr8) competed for the State at the National Hockey championships. Harrison and Kade played in the U18 team, which finished 4th after a penalty shoot-out for the bronze medal. Ashton played in the U15 team, which provided him with some great playing and learning experiences over the week.
- After winning the gold medal at the State Championships, Ali Cronk (Yr11) competed at the Australian Gymnastics Championships (Aerobic gymnastics) in May where she claimed the silver medal and a personal best at these championships. Ali has worked hard over the past few years, with COVID not stopping her training regime in the garage at home!
- Charli Cox (Yr7) took all before her, winning gold at the Victorian Gymnastics Championships (level 8), which were held earlier this term at the Arena. Charli earned 1st place overall, and placed 2ndon bars and 3rd with her floor routine.
- Jacob McKie (Yr11) was again selected in School Sport Victoria’s ‘Team Vic’ triathlon team to compete in September at the Australian School Sport Championships. His selection followed some outstanding performances at the National level, which included a top 10 finish at the Australian Super Sprint Championships. Jacob followed this result with strong performances at the Oceania Sprint Cup (State U20 team member), which included a bronze medal as part of the Victorian A team in the mixed relay format (a new Olympic event in Paris 2024).
- Guy Williams (Yr8) was selected in the National U16 track & field team that competed at the recent Oceania Athletics Championships in Mackay. Guy jumped to the bronze medal spot in the high jump, 6th in the long jump and 10th place in the triple jump at these championships. This followed a fantastic athletic season for Guy, where he medaled at the State and National Championships, earning him selection in the Oceania team.
- Aidan (Yr8) and Callum Simmons (Yr6) are heading to Turkey and Europe to represent Australia at various sailing events. Aidan will be competing at the World Junior Championships in Turkey as a member of the Australian team. He will join his younger brother and travel to Italy and other destinations to compete at numerous European sailing championships where they will be representing the country and gaining some valuable racing experiences.
- Charlotte Brereton (Yr9) and Xavier Kay (Yr9) earned selection in the State water polo team that competed last weekend at the National Tournament in Melbourne. Charlotte and the Vic girls competed very well over the 3-day event, securing several wins that earned them a spot in the bronze medal match. After a tremendous tussle, the Vics went down by 1 point! We congratulate Charlotte and Xavier on making this State team, where unfortunately injury kept Xavier out of the water.
- Finally, Brodie Gawith (Yr11) is currently competing in the Australian Superbike Championships (‘Supersport 300’ and ‘Yamaha R3 Cup’ classes), which is a series of races across the year, that takes Brodie and his father to various racing locations across the country. This is the breeding ground for future Superbike and Grand Prix Superbike riders, with Brodie earning a top 8 finish at the last race in the series.
We congratulate these students on their recent fantastic performances and wish them well in their future pursuits in their chosen sport.
2022 GISSA Female AFL Inter and Junior Championships
It has been two years in the making, but finally our Inter and Junior Female AFL Teams got their chance to play and challenge themselves against the best from other independent schools around Geelong.
Our College’s Female AFL Program is still very young, and the momentum it was building over the past few years was unfortunately stopped in its tracks by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
So, it was very encouraging to see that the two-year interruption has done nothing to curb the enthusiasm for competitive football among the Year 7 to Year 10 students from our Bellarine, Middle School Highton and Senior School campuses.
There were huge numbers to choose from for both our Inter Female Team (made up of Year 9 and 10 students) and our Junior Female Team (made up of students Year 7 and 8 students).
Our CCG Eagles Inter Team journeyed to Queens Park last week for the single-day GISSA Championships against five other Schools.
The day started out well with a strong win against Geelong Lutheran College and our girls then ran eventual Champions Clonard College to maybe their most competitive match-up in the second of our qualifying games.
Our Eagles team eventually finished fourth overall, which probably exceeded the Sport Faculty’s pre-Championships expectations considering the relative infancy of our Female AFL Program.
Year 10 Flynn Falcon Gabi Hayward was named our Team MVP on the back of her high-level play through the midfield and off half back, as well as her leadership off field as captain.
But there were plenty of names of the coaching staff’s short list for that award, which is a great sign for our Senior team in 2023.
Speaking of the future, ours was on display a couple of days later when the Junior team ventured to South Barwon Recreation Reserve for their GISSA Championships.
The competition was very tough, but our College did well to finish middle of the pack and, more importantly, it was encouraging to see what might be possible next year when the current Year 8 cohort steps up into the Inter Female Division next year to join our current Year 9 group.
One of our Year 8 stars is Flynn Falcon midfielder Greea McKeegan, who underlined her status as one of the best young female players in Geelong by winning our Team MVP.
On behalf of our Sport Faculty, we would like to thank every student who competed in these GISSA Championships for the heart and talent they showed in sometimes cold and wet conditions.
We sincerely hope they enjoyed this experience, and we look forward to seeing the same names (and more) on the sign-up sheet for next year as we build on the momentum created in 2022.
We would also like to thank our coaching staff for these matches, led by former Geelong Falcons player Lucy Were, as well Lauren Davis, Sapphire Main and Kelly O’Neil.
We now look forward to our Senior Female AFL Team taking centre stage next for their GISSA Championships in Term 3.
National Collection of Data on Students With Disabilities
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 (this year, on the 5th), 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 (2021).
Please see the attached NCCD Fact Sheet for more information.
Golf Tournament
The Foundation Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, 27 October 2022. Join us at 13th Beach Golf Links from 8:00am for a shotgun start. Tickets are $190 each ($150 for members) or $750 for a group of four. RSVPs close on Thursday, 6 October 2022 at 5:00pm.
Funds raised from this event will be allocated to our Foundation Scholarship Fund, supporting current students who are in need of financial assistance.
Book online at: The Foundation Golf Tournament
Uniform Shop Hours During Holidays
During the second term school holidays, please note the following hours apply for the Christian College Uniform Shop in Centreway Arcade, Belmont:
Monday to Friday, June 20 – 24: Closed for stocktake.
Monday June 27: Uniform Shop re-opens, normal trading hours.
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
Try not to fixate on your rear-view mirror and judge your past choices.
At the beginning of every day, we get to choose how we will respond to the roads that may come our way.
Use that responsibility wisely. Be aware of the PETs (Personal Emotional Tools) that you may use to help regain or maintain control.
Don't waste time blaming. Grab that wheel and take control. It's worth it 👍🙂
Discover more about MYTERN here.