From the Deputy Head of Senior School
After much anticipation I am excited to share with you that this weekend, our talented Year 11 students will be celebrating a momentous occasion with their loved ones, friends, and distinguished guests at the highly anticipated Annual Presentation Balls. After six weeks of dedicated rehearsals under the expert guidance of Gayle and Andrew, our students are excited, confident and ready to showcase their performances.
Witnessing their journey of camaraderie and the mastery of their choreographed dances has been an absolute joy. At Christian College, we hold a tradition of commemorating this formal event alongside our Year 11 students. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our own experts who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Brian Alexander, Simon Stavenuiter, Hayden McClure, Molly Inglis, and our exceptional grounds and maintenance staff who have spared no effort in setting up the venue, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the weekend.
Furthermore, we extend our sincerest appreciation to the families who have shown unwavering support for their children, fostering their commitment and dedication to making this night a resounding success. We hope that everyone involved will relish the warm hospitality and delightful entertainment that this event promises.
As we approach the final week of this term, we would also like to take a moment to recognize the Senior School students and staff who are embarking on an exciting educational journey—a tour of Canberra. This exceptional opportunity allows them to delve into the rich tapestry of Australian history and politics, immersing themselves in our nation’s capital. For many, this experience has become a highlight of their time at Christian College.
Lastly, we would like to bring to your attention the online information session that has been organised for our Senior School families. Communication has been sent home inviting you to join this event, which will delve into the various learning pathways available in the Senior School. We will explore the reformed VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) and introduce the new Victorian Pathways Certificate. Whether you are a current or prospective Senior School family, we encourage you to attend this session and consider the diverse options that await senior school students.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We hope that these upcoming events and initiatives bring immense joy and insight to our families and students.
Di Martin, Deputy Head of Senior School
Systems Engineering
In Systems Engineering for Term 2, Unit 1 and Unit 3 have progressed through the majority of folio work and can now start piecing together their projects. At this stage students are engaged in building their electronic circuit design ideas and 3D printing for their major projects.
Year 10 Engineering students have continued to build on their skill set completing varied electronic projects. Students complete codebreaker A module, starting by learning to control a singular light emitting diode (LED), through to controlling a number of LEDs that could be used to display acceleration on a Formula 1 car steering wheel. The students use electronic diagrams and schematic drawings to assist with completing the projects.
David Harmer
Senior School Subject Selection – Learning Pathways Night and More
To empower our students and their families to make well-informed decisions regarding their learning pathways, subject choices, and accredited courses of study, we have organised a series of valuable opportunities. These initiatives aim to familiarise students and families with the available options, processes, and potential outcomes available to them. We are excited to commence these events with a Learning Pathways Information Session, taking place online on Tuesday, June 20th at 6:30 PM.
During the Learning Pathways Information Session, we will provide essential information to students and families, shedding light on the revised VCE (ATAR), VCE VM (Vocational Major), Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), VET courses, and School-Based Apprenticeship & Traineeships (SBATs). Our aim is to offer clear and concise explanations of how each of these pathways presents unique opportunities for students in their pursuit of future ambitions.
This session will prove immensely beneficial for families joining our Senior School community in 2024, serving as a comprehensive guide for our current Year 10 and 11 students and families as they consider their options while progressing into the next year level.
Di Martin, Deputy Head of Senior School
CCG Equestrian Team
Congratulations to all members of the CCG Equestrian team who competed at the Interschools Geelong Grammar School Dressage and Show Jumping VEIS round for 2023. Show jumping riders included Molly Spry, Sian Hayes, Leonora Turner and Liberty Armitage while Zoe Sambucco competed in the Dressage. Well done to Liberty and Nora who were placed second and fourth respectively in the Intermediate Class, with Liberty finishing fourth overall. Thank you to all competitors, parents and staff for your participation and support!
Allie Jacobi
The STEM Education and Industry Conference
Recently hosted by Wyndham Tech High School, the aim of the conference was to bring educators, businesses and community partners together to hear about future trends in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). We had the chance to listen to teachers present case studies on how they are embedding STEM initiatives at their schools, hear from students, and interact with an industry panel as they discuss business challenges and career opportunities.
The day was packed full of inspirational people doing great things in our community. The keynote speaker, Steve Sammartino, had many personal stories and experiences to share about how technology is shaping society and the economy. He is one example of a futurist who is challenging traditional norms in exciting ways. You can read more about Steve and some of the innovative projects he is working on by visiting https://stevesammartino.com/
The industry panel emphasised the current need for employees to be proficient in design thinking and encouraged educators to embed design thinking as much as they can within their school programs. Teachers were asked to help clear the misconception that students must excel in mathematics to be successful in STEM. It was communicated that having the skill of adaptability is advantageous. In fact, it is a skill that many employers are currently seeking given the constantly changing nature of the modern workplace. The emphasis on having students develop their capabilities, especially resilience and collaboration, in readiness for future employment, featured strongly by the industry panel.
Our Art, Technology and Design programs provide repeated opportunities for students to develop their learning, allowing them to become comfortable with ambiguity and using problem-solving as a key process.
Artistic endeavours often involve experimentation, revision, and overcoming obstacles. Students learn to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, develop resilience, and persevere through challenges. These skills are transferable to other areas of life and can contribute to long-term success.
Many artistic endeavours require collaboration and teamwork, fostering effective communication skills, cooperation, and mutual respect among students. Through group projects and performances, students learn to work together, share ideas, and appreciate diverse perspectives, essential skills for success in the professional world.
On reflection, it is exciting to be reassured that the design thinking and other skills encouraged, learned and developed in our Art, Technology and Design programs are adaptable, transferable and aligned with what employers are seeking.
Sally Gray, Director of Teaching and Learning – Art, Technology and Design
A Day at Melbourne Uni
Year 11 and 12 students are invited to experience a taste of university life this school holidays! Throughout the day students will take part in two areas of study workshops, sit in on a panel of current students to hear about their experiences, speak to staff one-on-one about your study interests, discover our broad range of student clubs and societies, and participate in student accommodation tours.
9am – 2.30pm Wednesday 28 June,
University of Melbourne Parkville Campus
Register to attend: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/nc8s
Bec Bromilow
Canteen
Please note: Canteen at Middle and Senior School Campuses will not be open on the last day of Term 2, Friday June 23. Normal opening days resume in Week 1 of Term 3.
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
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 [email protected]
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
