From the Acting Head of Campus
As we prepare to complete Week 5 our community has been filled with gratitude for the numerous opportunities that occurred in the week to build our community and to provide an excellent education founded in Christian values.
Our House football, Outdoor Education snow trip, Penman and Flynn House service, GISSA Soccer and Basketball, Deakin Science and Engineering competition and the Victorian Schools Music festival have enabled our students and staff to contribute to our College community while experiencing commitment, adaptability and meaningful connections.
I am very proud of what our students and staff have achieved during the year as we continue to focus on meaningful connections where every student thrives. Our commitment to academic excellence is equalled by our dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are empathetic, curious, and prepared to contribute positively to society.
Today our community recognises the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence whose 2023 theme is ‘growing connections’. Our staff and students supported the day by wearing orange and engaging in a variety of activities. Thank you to Penman House for their leadership in this important space, as developing strong school community connections is a protective factor in the prevention of bullying. If you require any further information or support we encourage you to speak with a trusted adult or to contact your child’s House Mentor or Head of House.
These resources may be useful in supporting a friend, child or colleague.
Bullying. No Way! www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
eSafety young people www.esafety.gov.au/young-people
eSafety Guide www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-guide
eSafety Report www.esafety.gov.au/report
Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au
eHeadspace www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Youth Law Australia www.yla.org.au
Staff Planning Day Tuesday August 22
Students are not required at school on this day. Staff will be planning curriculum, finalising assessments and preparing classwork for the remainder of the term. Students are encouraged to continue working on their Unit 4/Semester 2 course work.
Student Learning Conferences for Year 10 and 11 online – Thursday August 31
Student Learning Conferences will be online from 10am-7pm. No classes on this day. Students are encouraged to continue working on their Unit 4/Semester 2 course work. Booking information has been emailed directly to families.
Upcoming Events:
Week 5
Sunday Aug 20 2024 Subject Selections close
Week 6
Monday Aug 21 ISV Student Surveys emailed out to students
Wearable Art Introduced to students at House assembly
Tuesday Aug 22 Staff Planning Day – No Students on campus
Thursday Aug 24 Wearable Art Lunchtime Meeting
Friday Aug 25 Year 10 Assembly
ISV Student Surveys Closed
Week 7
Thursday Aug 31 Year 10 & 11 Student Learning Conferences. Online – 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday sept 1 Year 11 Assembly
Wearable Art Lunchtime Preparation
Week 8
Tuesday Sept 5 Wearable Art Lunchtime Preparation
Thursday Sept 7 Wearable Art Lunchtime Preparation
Friday Sept 8 Year 12 Assembly
House Cross Country
Week 9
Tuesday Sept 12 Wearable Art Lunchtime Preparation
Thursday Sept 14 RU OK Day
Wearable Art Lunchtime Preparation
Friday Sept 15 Wearable Art Parade
Last day of Term. 2:30 Dismissal.
Year 10s ask Year 1s – What is a Force?
Fundamental Science has spent the first five weeks of this term learning about forces, how they work and how they are measured, then used this knowledge to prepare for peer teaching down at Junior School-Belmont. Students developed a 10-minute lesson to teach the Year 1s about what a force is, the difference between a push and a pull and then they incorporated their own force of choice into the lesson, which included magnetic, gravity, applied, spring, tension and drag forces. They also explored the effect that shape and size had on the force being discussed. This resulted in an activity being developed, appropriate questioning that could be used and some way of testing the students’ understanding, which could have been the form of a quiz, drawing or demonstration. Students embraced this opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed their time at Junior School. A big thanks to the Year 1s for being involved in this task.
Meaghan Clark, Year 10
During my time at the Junior School on Tuesday, my group taught the students about forces, more specifically magnetic forces, and how magnets stick together. We allowed them to discover how this happened by giving them a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic items. All the students we were teaching had a fun time learning about this topic and messing around with the magnets.
Noah Wyatt, Year 10
Reflections from Junior school
My favourite activity was the tug of war.” – Ably 1B
“My favourite activity was the tug of war, and it was difficult because Frankie and I were against Octavia and the Year 10 student.” Buster 1G
“I liked when I dropped the Lego and it broke into pieces.” Molly 1G
“I liked building the Lego because we learning about gravity.” Eadie 1G
“I liked when Celeste and I held the slinky and we stretched it out and we then let it go to see how it would spring back.” Sasha 1G
Deakin ManuFutures Science and Engineering Challenge
On Wednesday a group of 14 eager Year 10 students along with a group from Middle School participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge at Deakin University as part of our Science Week activities. Competing against other schools, students were challenged with a variety of engineering problems to solve ranging from a creating a suspension system for a Mars rover, an earthquake proof tower, and the flagship event of building a bridge capable of carrying an ever-increasing load of metal ingots. Throughout the day students had opportunity to test their prototypes and apply their critical and creative thinking skills to develop and refine their designs.
Students reflected that they appreciated the opportunity to apply their problem solving skills with friends in a competitive and supportive environment, and discovered their own ability to contribute and work collaboratively as a team. As students consider their 2024 subject selections and future pathways it was also a great opportunity for them to experience the opportunities and facilities available for STEM related studies at Deakin University.
Year 10 Product Design and Technology Textiles
Year 10 students have started the term by working on their skill development. For each new skill they learn they are creating a small, simple item to be sold at the upcoming Art Festival in November to raise money for a charity of choice. To date students have worked with habotai silk and natural dyes to make some silk scarves. They have been using a coiled basketry technique to make items such as trivets, coasters and small containers. Students have chosen to learn to either loom knit or crochet and are creating items like small handbags, sunglasses cases, toys, tops, rugs and so on. They have been upcycling old school blazers into laptop or iPad bags or pencil cases as a means to learn to use the sewing machine and overlocker. The class will then choose to work either individually or in groups to use these skills to create outfits and accessories from upcycled textile waste that can be exhibited and modelled at the Art Festival.
National Reconciliation Week – Writing Competition
Last term, as part of a RAP community initiative, Christian College Senior School held a Writing Competition to celebrate National Reconciliation Week. Interested students were asked to write a Story following one of two prompts, with free reign to take whatever angle they would like on each prompt and write in any style of their choosing.
The prompts were…
“What is reconciliation to me?”
“How can I be a voice for generations?”
The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week was “Be a Voice for generations” so prompts were decided with the idea of following that basis.
This year, the top prizes were an AFL Indigenous round guernsey of the winners choosing or a Dymocks gift voucher.
It was so great to see so many entries and at the end of last term. Two winners were selected for their brilliant and powerful pieces, which the judges decided showed true passion and a voice from the heart, something that was very much appreciated when reading.
Our winners for this prompt were… Aspen Whitaker (Yr 11) and Oscar Saffin (Yr 12)! A big thank you to Aspen and Oscar for their meaningful pieces.
Hopefully we can continue on with this tradition next year!
Isaac Boseley (Year 12) on behalf of RAP working party – Community and Events
Fostering International Connections: A Heartfelt Exchange between Geelong and Naga High School
We are thrilled to share the heartwarming success of our recent two-week exchange program with students and teachers from our sister school, Naga High School, in Japan. This initiative marks an impressive 31 years of international friendship between our institutions, fostering cultural understanding and lifelong bonds.
The warm welcome extended by our community played a pivotal role in making this exchange program memorable. We express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one who opened their doors and hearts to host our 24 sister school students during their stay. Your generosity and kindness have not only made the experience comfortable but have also formed the foundation for lasting connections.
In a special gesture, Mr Fumiya Mori, the principal of Naga High School graced us with his presence for four enlightening days. His visit served as a bridge between our two schools, solidifying the strong bond that has been nurtured over the years. It was an honor to have him participate in this milestone celebration of our international friendship.
A symbolic gesture of our enduring relationship was embodied in the planting of a Ginkgo tree on our Senior School campus. This tree stands tall as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between our institutions. Similarly, at Naga High School in Japan, a wattle tree was planted as a testament to our shared values and lasting friendship.
The exchange program not only facilitated cultural exchange but also created an environment for personal growth and learning. The interactions between students from different backgrounds have given rise to invaluable experiences, expanding their horizons and broadening their perspectives. These shared moments of learning, laughter, and understanding will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on their lives.
As we reflect on the success of this exchange, we eagerly look forward to the future. In the coming weeks, our school will proudly send three Year 10 students on a long-term exchange to Naga Senior High School. This reciprocal gesture strengthens our connection and reaffirms our commitment to international collaboration.
Moreover, a Japan study tour is on the horizon for our Year 11 students. This exciting opportunity to visit Naga High School in December promises to deepen their cultural understanding and further strengthen the bonds we’ve fostered over the years.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to all who made this exchange program a triumph. Your warmth, hospitality, and dedication have showcased the true spirit of international friendship. Let us continue to build bridges, forge connections, and enrich our lives through these meaningful experiences.
With appreciation and anticipation,
Careers News
The latest newsletter can be viewed by clicking on the newsletter title below. Topics this edition:
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- Tertiary applications – resources, support, key dates, reminders, accommodation etc.
- Upcoming open days
ALL STUDENTS
- Apprenticeship and traineeship resources
- Employment resources
- Careers in engineering
- Camps for First Nation Australian students (engineering and university experience)
- Digital technologies – online courses and competitions
- Podcasts
- UNSW – join the mission for earth habitation
- Engineering at Monash University
- Agriculture program – Defying the Drift
Prepaid Tuition Fee Discount
The College is offering a 4 per cent discount to families who elect to prepay their 2024 tuition fees in full by September 8, 2023. Taking up this offer means you will receive a 4 percent discount on the 2024 tuition fees less sibling discount.
For further details please refer to the email sent to you earlier this week.
Please contact the fees team via [email protected] or (03) 5241 1899 if you have any queries - our team will happily explain the details and arrange a quotation for you.
LEAD Parent Survey - Now Closing September 1
Each year, Christian College participates in the LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys conducted by Independent Schools Victoria (ISV). These surveys provide valuable insights into a school’s performance from the perspectives of students, staff and parents and are therefore an essential school improvement tool.
LEAD – Listen, Evaluate, Act, Deliver – succinctly describes the way in which this process enables our College community to grow and flourish through consultation with our valued stakeholders.
You will have received an email from ‘ISV Research Programs [email protected]’ inviting you to participate in the ISV LEAD Parent Survey. It includes a unique survey link that can only be used once and therefore cannot be shared or forwarded to others. Thank you to all parents who have completed the Parent Satisfaction Survey - we have received more than 300 responses to date. ISV has extended the deadline for survey responses - closing date is September 1. We invite any parents who have not yet participated to contribute your feedback via this year's survey. You are an integral part of our school community and your voice matters.
Scholarship Applications are Now Open!
Each year Christian College offers Academic Excellence Scholarships for entry at Year 5, 7 and 10 levels. Applications are now open for this year’s scholarships, which apply to entry in 2025, at three campuses – Middle School-Highton, Bellarine Campus and Surf Coast Campus.
Year 10 entry applies to Senior School-Waurn Ponds only.
To find out more, and to apply, visit our website and look for the homepage hotlink, or click here.
Scholarship applications are open to students who do not currently attend Christian College, as well as those who are currently enrolled here. Scholarship examinations will be held at Christian College on Saturday October 7. Closing date for applications is Thursday, September 28.

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!
