Senior School – Term 2 Week 9

Recharging and Reconnecting

One of the most enriching experiences at Christian College is the opportunity to hear colleagues share their personal devotions each morning. Each person's unique journey with faith brings fresh perspectives and insights, shedding new light on familiar scriptures. This term we have been focusing on the theme of God's promises, which, as outlined in the Bible, provide a foundation for hope, strength, love, protection, safety, presence, forgiveness, guidance and comfort, which are essential components of wellbeing. Throughout the term, students and staff have drawn upon these assurances to navigate challenges and celebrate achievements and we do have much to celebrate across our College. From the academic successes to personal growth, the incursions and excursions, Project Care days, National Reconciliation Week, House Music, camps, student learning conferences, winter sports carnivals, lunchtime music concerts and lunchtime clubs just to name a few. We do have much to celebrate.

As we near the end of Term 2, I do hope our upcoming holiday break provides you and your family the opportunity to recharge and reconnect. School holidays provide students, staff, and parents/carers alike the chance to take a step back from the pace of a school environment. These breaks are not just a pause from routine activities, they also present us with the time needed to replenish our self-care buckets, whether that be through spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, bike rides, hikes, cooking or simply taking the time to rest and reflect. “Please put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others!” Many of us have heard this important rule on flight safety briefings but it is also a very useful phrase to remind us about the importance of self-care, particularly amidst our increasingly busy lives.

What’s Happening at Senior School

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 Year 10 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

From the Head of Campus

As we approach the midyear break, our Senior School community – students and staff –  are striving to finish well and leave no stone unturned in their quest to complete Semester 1 successfully. Reflecting on their efforts, we hope they will find satisfaction in their achievements.

This coming Monday marks the final day of the Year 10 and Unit 1 VCE midyear examination periods. This weekend provides a final chance for students undertaking these assessments to ensure their work represents their best efforts, which ensures the feedback they receive will be most constructive for their development.

Immediately following the internal examinations, on Tuesday next week, the General Achievement Test (GAT) will be held for all students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 VCE subject. While detailed information has been communicated about this day, I would like to remind families that the GAT is an important tool used by The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), and all candidates should complete it to the best of their ability. Students not sitting the GAT do not need to attend school on Tuesday.

National Reconciliation Week: Now More Than Ever

Monday last week was the final day of National Reconciliation Week. This important week in our Nation’s calendar is prefaced on 26 May, the anniversary date of the “Bringing Them Home” report into the Stolen Generations.  The week then commences from 27 May, the anniversary of the “Yes” vote of 1967, and ending on 3 June, “Mabo Day”, the date of the historic High Court ruling.  It is a week of remembering, reflecting, learning – and celebrating the rich First Nations culture all around us.

Each campus hosted a variety of activities, and fund raisers for Children’s Ground, a First Nations organisation that works in communities to deliver education, training and skills.  Mia Bayley (Year 11) and friends made friendship bracelets in the colours of the Aboriginal flag, which were sold at Senior School campus to raise funds, with help from Raf Salvado and friends.

Students walked to and from class to the sound of First Nations music playing, and in House Group each morning we learnt about the RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) that is an ongoing concern and focus at CCG.  Staff and students were asked to consider what the theme for this year means to them, and how everyone can take steps each day to close the gap and celebrate the continuation of the oldest civilisation on earth.

Hitting the Water in Winter

In Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies, students are required to plan their own outdoor activity, putting to use a variety of skills they have accumulated through the term. For some reason, in the first week of June, water activities were popular – with two classes opting to go surfing and the third class choosing surf kayaking. Aidan and James share some of their experiences.

In Week 8 our class of year 11s planned our own excursion to further our learning. Our class collaborated using the knowledge that we gained from our studies to plan and execute a successful outdoor experience. There were many responsibilities given to our class, the first being to choose surfing as our outdoor experience. We then launched into detailed planning in the classroom environment promoting discussion between peers. Together, we made important decisions to keep the activity safe, create a schedule and organise a bus for transport. Our class had groups creating equipment lists and checking that the surfboard trailer was working. Two of our classmates bought and made ham and cheese Croissants and muffins for lunch after surfing. Another role undertaken by students was the capturing of the event with photographs and producing this Vine article. 

Everyone really enjoyed the activity, from catching waves to playing along the beach, it was a great time for everyone. We learnt heaps from the practical and from creating the excursion ourselves. We implemented the logistical parts of the activity just as our own classroom teacher would have done. It was an amazing experience and a great way to finish off the semester. 

Aidan Stuart and James Atkins, Year 11

Generative AI Parent Webinar

A reminder to parents of this webinar which we held recently, with good attendance from parents.

We wish to make available a video recording of the webinar, as well as the parent and family guide handout that was promoted near the end of the webinar. The guide handout includes a summary of our current College guidelines for student uses of generative AI.

• Generative AI and School Parent Webinar Recording (includes chapter links)
• Exploring AI for Families Guide Handout (includes summary of College guidance)

During the webinar we addressed key parent questions. There was also an opportunity to share a follow up question after the webinar which we planned to respond to in this week’s Vine, however we did not receive any new questions.

Thank you for partnering with us in supporting our young people in navigating this new and emerging technology, particularly in the context of school and learning.

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.

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!