From The Executive Principal
As we reach the end of another remarkable term, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of opportunities our students have embraced over the past months. Term 2 has been filled with learning, challenge, creativity, service, adventure and celebration. Most importantly, it has been a term in which we have seen our young people continue to grow as people of character, compassion and purpose.
It is difficult to capture all that has occurred within a single newsletter article. Our sporting calendar has been as busy as ever. House Soccer, the Elevate basketball program and numerous interschool sporting competitions have enabled students to challenge themselves, represent the College with pride and learn the value of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Our community has been inspired by the outstanding performances of students in Godspell, a production that showcased remarkable talent, dedication and teamwork. Students have travelled far and wide, from the Canberra Trip to the Indonesia Study Tour and the Our World journeys through Central Australia, each experience broadening perspectives and deepening understanding of the diverse world in which we live.
We have gathered as a community to celebrate Anzac Day, Reconciliation Week, Mother's Day, cross-campus music nights and special assemblies. Thank you to all who joined us for these special occasions where we build community together. Across the College, students have participated in a vast range of camps, excursions and farm stays that have enriched their learning and fostered independence, resilience and connection.
Our commitment to authentic learning experiences has continued through opportunities such as the Forensic Science Partnership with Deakin University, providing students with valuable insights into future pathways and real-world applications of their studies. We have also enjoyed reconnecting with former students through an Alumni Reunion and special Careers Week visits, celebrating the enduring bonds that make our College community so special.
This weekend, we celebrate with our Year 11 students and families at the Presentation Balls, a significant milestone in the life of our young people. Next week, our staff will participate in a three-day retreat, a valuable opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving, learning and renewal as we continue our shared mission of supporting every student to flourish. And on Thursday, our College Prefects will depart on a 12-day immersion experience to Timor Leste. Our College has enjoyed a long and meaningful partnership with communities in Viqueque, and this journey represents another chapter in our commitment to service learning, and global citizenship. I look forward to joining in on this transformative experience this year.
When I consider everything that has taken place this term, I am reminded of the extraordinary opportunities available within one school community. Each experience – whether on the stage, in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the Australian outback, overseas, or in service to others – plays a role in shaping young people who are capable, confident and compassionate.
We see the greatest growth in our students when they develop a genuine other-centred outlook; when they begin to understand that their gifts, talents and education are not simply for personal success, but for making a positive difference in the lives of others. These experiences help nurture empathy, leadership, resilience and a commitment to contributing to the common good. They are helping to form young people who will leave our College ready to engage with the world with both courage and humility.
Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership and support. The encouragement, care and guidance you provide at home are critical in helping your young people thrive. Together, we continue to create an environment in which students can grow, learn and become the very best versions of themselves.
I wish all students and families a restful and enjoyable holiday break. May the coming weeks provide opportunities to recharge, spend quality time together and enjoy a well-earned change of pace.
We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 on Monday the 13th of July.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
From The Head of Campus
The end of term for students has arrived quickly. Year 10 and 11 exams concluded on Monday, and their teachers promptly got to work marking the exam papers to provide results and meaningful feedback. Students are encouraged to reflect on their approach to learning this semester including how they prepared for the examinations and what they have learned about the effectiveness of their study strategies. This can be used to inform their approach in Semester 2.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our teaching staff. The time and energy put into marking examinations is a reflection of the great care and commitment they have to supporting their students.
This weekend we look forward to celebrating at the two Year 11 Presentation Balls. I wish all students involved, and their families, wonderful evenings of dancing, enjoyment and creating memories.
I also wish all students a relaxing and restorative break. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, July 13 with a Commencement Assembly in the Middle School SAC.
Elissa Huddart, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Senior School?
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
HHD Out And About!
This week, our Unit 3 Health and Human Development students participated in an insightful excursion to Gen U, bringing their classroom learning about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to life.
During the visit, students gained a firsthand understanding of how the NDIS supports individuals through individualised plans tailored to their unique needs and goals. They explored a range of supports, including home modifications, specialist disability accommodation, assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, disability support workers, and capacity-building services provided by professionals including osteopaths and speech pathologists.
A highlight of the day was hearing from occupational therapist and Christian College alumnus, Tom Newton. Tom shared what a typical day in his role looks like, explaining how every day presents new challenges and opportunities. He spoke passionately about the rewarding nature of his work and the meaningful difference occupational therapists can make in the lives of others.
Students also learned about Gen U’s employment pathways and community businesses, which help participants develop skills and find meaningful work. This includes opportunities at Seasons Café and the nursery at the Geelong Community Garden, both of which showcase the organisation’s commitment to inclusion and community engagement.
The excursion provided valuable real-world insights into the supports available for people living with disability and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for participation, independence, and wellbeing. As an added bonus, we can highly recommend the excellent coffee at Seasons Café and the quality plants available from the nursery!
Tracy Dawson
Careers at CCG
This week we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight our college careers website.
CCGCAREERS.COM is a comprehensive, one-stop platform designed to support students and families with all aspects of career planning and pathway exploration. The site brings together a wide range of resources, including up-to-date information on University, TAFE, and vocational pathways, career exploration tools, labour market insights and scholarship opportunities.
Students can access practical support such as career appointment bookings, resume and cover letter templates, interview preparation tips, and links to work experience, apprenticeships, and traineeships. The website also provides key dates, events, and important announcements to help students stay organised and informed as they plan their next steps beyond school.
We encourage students and families to take advantage of this invaluable resource and explore all it has to offer.
As always, our weekly careers newsletter is available here and on Compass newsfeed. We also encourage you to take a glance at the Careers Events Register, which has an extensive list of upcoming career events over the coming weeks and months. If you download the attachment on Compass you can take advantage of the interactive table of contents. It is well worth taking the time to have a look; students who engage have been fortunate enough to connect with amazing opportunities such as work experience with Victoria Police and Zoos Victoria, attend excursions including the Big Day In IT and the Geelong Careers Expo. Places are still available for the Careers in Boating Immersion Day next term as well. Don’t sit back and miss out – have a look and get involved!
Enjoy the break, we look forward to getting back into it in term three with VTAC applications, subject selection and more!
The Careers and Pathways Team
Erin Howard | Tracy Dawson | Mary Higgins
MALI HERZER CCG Graduate 2018 – Builder
SCHOOL SUBJECTS AND PATHWAYS
At school, I studied a range of subjects including English, Maths, Physical Education, Outdoor Education, and practical subjects such as Woodwork and Technology. Outdoor Education was my favourite subject because I enjoyed being active, working in a team, and challenging myself outdoors. It taught me resilience, leadership, communication, and the importance of working well with others.
The practical subjects, especially Woodwork and Technology, contributed strongly to my career as a carpenter by teaching me hands-on skills, how to use tools safely, and how to measure and build accurately. Maths also helped me develop skills in measurements and calculations that I now use on worksites every day.
Overall, school helped me build practical skills, teamwork, time management, and responsibility, all of which have contributed to my career as a ‘chippy’ and prepared me for working in the construction industry.
POST SCHOOL EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
After school I did a course in Elements of Shipboard Safety and worked as a deckhand on the Port Phillip ferries to Melbourne. I learnt lots of hands-on skills docking and disembarking between ports. It was there that I learnt how much I loved hands- on work. I then went on to start a Carpentry Apprenticeship. I am currently in the last couple of weeks of my apprenticeship as a female ‘chippy’.
EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
My partner and I bought a house together that we have been renovating. It has been a huge accomplishment for us and were almost ready to move in.
DAILY LIFE
Every day is different as a ‘chippy’. We arrive at 6:30 am and we set up and put the tool belts on to begin work at 7 am. I could be doing framing or cladding, or I could be under or on top of a house and that is what I love. Every day there is something new.
CHALLANGES AND SETBACKS
I was terrified going into a heavily male dominated industry; however, the crew I got into was good. I did 3 trials before I was happy with the company. A carpentry apprenticeship is 4 years,
so you really want to make sure you feel good at the work place before you sign yourself up.
SKILLS THAT MATTER MOST
I always thought in school when will I need to know trigonometry? Well turns out that I did need to know it. Maths would be one subject that I wish I was a bit more passionate about in school because it is a skill that I use every day. School taught me about teamwork. As a ‘chippy’ working in a close-knit team recognising each of our roles and acknowledging every effort put in is a great thing to be a part of.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW AT SCHOOL
Don’t feel pressured to go straight into a degree or study. I had a gap year where I travelled Europe with my best friend and those memories I will cherish forever.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND TAKING INITIATIVE
Building confidence as a ‘chippy’ is a huge thing. For me it took a bit to realise that I am just an apprentice who is still learning. I was a bit hard on myself when mistakes happened and I needed to make those mistakes to learn. From building on those mistakes comes confidence with tools and work tasks. It is satisfying when you can stand back and reflect on the skills and confidence you have built for yourself.
DEFINING SUCCESS
I don’t think success has to do with your salary, car or your house. Success is all about experience. If you have tried different things, put yourself out there and work hard then that is success. It’s all about the journey and the people you meet along the way.
Mali
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
Kerryn Fearnsides
Nicole Riddle
Australian Youth Classical Music Competition
Congratulations to the Christian College Geelong Finalists!
On May 30th over 30 students from across the region, from Years 7 – 12 auditioned for the AYCMC Regional prizes. Christian College is proud of all its students who auditioned and congratulates them for their work and willingness to grow as performers through this experience.
There were 12 regional finalists selected to perform in the final concert, which was held last Saturday, June 13. Congratulations to our CCG selected finalists!
Olivia C. - Year 8 Highton Middle School - Violin
Anna W. - Year 8 Highton Middle School - Clarinet
Thomas M. - Year 11 Senior Campus - Trumpet
Thanks so much to Regina Thomae who accompanied and support the students in the lead up to and throughout the auditions and final. Thanks also to their Instrumental teachers Mr Rankin, Mr Gardner and Mr Oliveira for their expert tutorage and continued work in encouraging these music students to continue to aim for excellence in their music.
All three of our students played with musicality, skill, maturity and poise. The competition provides a first prize of $2000 and 3 runner up prizes of $1000. Congratulations to Thomas M. for being awarded one of the Runner Up prizes in this prestigious competition! Thomas performed Sonata for Trumpet and Piano (movements 1&2) by Jean Hubeau on Bb Trumpet, and Trumpet Concerto in Eb by Johann B.G. Neruda on Eb Trumpet.
Fiona Gardner
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
Rebecca Bartlett
Partner With Purpose: Golf Day Sponsorship Opportunity
We are pleased to invite members of the Christian College Geelong community to partner with us as sponsors of the 2026 Christian College Geelong Golf Tournament. This special event will be held on Friday, 16th of October 2026 at The Sands, Torquay, and will bring together families, alumni, local businesses, and community members for a day of connection, engagement, and shared purpose. Importantly, funds raised will support students experiencing financial hardship, helping provide access to a life-changing Christian education.
We warmly welcome expressions of interest from families or businesses who may wish to sponsor the event at any level, with a range of opportunities available to suit different levels of involvement. Sponsorship offers a meaningful way to give back, while also providing an opportunity to showcase your business, build valuable connections, and support our mission of transforming lives through the gift of education. For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer, at t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au.
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
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.
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.
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.
