From the Acting Head of Campus
As Term 3 comes to a close, I wanted to reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken together. This term has been filled with growth, challenges, and learning experiences, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared it with each of you.
I want to acknowledge the hard work and effort that the Senior School students have put into their studies. Your commitment to your education is commendable, and it serves as a testament to your aspirations and goals. I am confident that your dedication will continue to drive your success in the future.
As you break for your holidays, I encourage you to take some time for self-reflection and relaxation. Recharge your energy, spend quality time with loved ones, and, most importantly, remember to celebrate your accomplishments.
I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and support of our Senior School staff. Their passion for teaching and their commitment to our student community is evident in everything they do. You have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a love of learning for our students.
Your patience, encouragement, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure students understanding have made a world of difference. Our community is all the better for the dedicated staff we have at Senior School.
Our Deputy Head of Campus – Ms Dianne Martin finishes her post today after 19 years of faithful service at Christian College and our Senior School community. We are so grateful for everything Ms Martin has done to support our students and families and we all wish her well as she commences with her new school and leadership role in Term 4.
In closing, I wish you all a restful and joyful break and look forward to the commencement of Term 4 on Tuesday October 3 with excitement.
Drew Oliver, Acting Head of Campus
RUOK? Day
The mental health of all members of our College community is a critical component of overall wellbeing, and therefore it is vital that we encourage open conversations about it.
As a national initiative, RUOK? Day offers a powerful reminder of the importance of checking in with one another in a meaningful way as a tool to strengthen our community. As we have done for many years, Senior School actively participated and engaged with RUOK? Day, which was held on Thursday. This year we extended our involvement to a week-long series of activities and events designed to connect to the theme of “Here to Hear”.
This week commenced with students writing statements of gratitude in the Monday morning House Group session. The brainchild of Vocational Major students, led by Ms Michelle Anderson, the statements were collated and used to form an impressive Archway of Gratitude in Burrows, the Yellow House. This mural, in turn, became just one stop along a Gratitude Walk which students took during Tuesday Morning House Group. Other activities throughout the week included lunchtime activities such as Staff v Student Volleyball, Mood Food, and Live Music on the VM deck, as well as the making of Calming Bracelets, and a Community Sausage Sizzle, with meats donated by Ava McCarthy, Year 12 Taylor House. On Thursday itself, HG began with a special Here to Hear session led by House Mentors, designed to strengthen belonging, empathy, and understanding, as well as to build critical listening skills. Many senior students also took up the opportunity to wear a Here to Hear badge. Finally, we also ran an art competition with the Here to Hear theme. All this happened in the lead-up to our Wearable Art competition on Friday, itself with a theme of positive mental health.
While the week held great value in encouraging authentic conversations about mental health, RUOK? Day is just one part of our broader commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone is valued, heard, and supported.
Jason O’Loughlin, Deputy Head of Campus
Indonesian Students Cooking Up a Storm
Year 10 Indonesian students have loved the hands-on lessons taught this term in our Indonesian classroom, mastering the art of bargaining in the marketplace and preparing a traditional Indonesian meal for their families.
The class enjoyed a cooking workshop run by Pak Nova from Nova Balinese Kitchen in Pakington Street, where the students were taught how to cook an authentic Indonesian meal. Using these new-found skills, the students cooked up a storm in their own kitchens at home preparing a three course Indonesian meal for their families. Lumpia and Sate Ayam were a hit for entrée, along with Gado-Gado, Mie Goreng and Rendang for mains and Pisang Goreng and Kue Dadar for dessert. A fun and exciting way to learn language through food and culture!
Jess Bijaksono
Year 11 Visual Communication Design
This term, students in Year 11 Visual Communication Design have designed, developed and constructed a roadside rest stop prototype. The brief required students to design a noticeable piece of infrastructure that would encourage drivers to take time to rest during a long journey before being affected by fatigue. The rest areas have a range of amenities such as toilets and driver information.
Each student created a 3D perspective drawing, elevation drawing and a site plan of their proposed rest stop. A combination of manual and digital drawing methods was used to develop a desired rest stop concept. The laser cutter was then used to cut out materials and a 3-dimensional prototype model was constructed.
Mark Naylor
Sports Aerobics – Nationals Update
Push-ups, high kicks and splits were just some of the incredible skills on display at the National Sports Aerobics Championships held in Queensland on the weekend. And what an amazing Nationals competition our senior Christian College team had! The school team, consisting of Ali Cronk, Abbey Hodgson, Morgan Seech, Isabella Benson and Eva Milentijevic placed sixth out of the 12 teams who qualified from schools around the country.
All the girls who competed in individual events also achieved great success. Ali competed in the Youth International singles, as well as Pairs with Abbey, achieving Bronze in both. Abbey competed in the Youth National Advanced section and achieved Gold. Eva competed in the National Novice competition and achieved Silver. Ali qualified for Worlds in Singles and Pairs, and Abbey in Pairs, however unfortunately they are unable to attend due to Year 12 exams scheduled at the same time. Best of luck to the girls as they plan to continue their involvement in 2024. It was described by those watching the event as an incredible competition, seeing the athletes compete against the best in Australia and achieving such incredible results.
Tracy Dawson
Careers Spot
Topics this week:
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
- University and TAFE applications – reminders, key dates and resources
- Closing on Monday! Applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme
- Get help with your VTAC preferences by booking a consultation with a university
- Scholarship – construction management
- Exam preparation lectures
ALL STUDENTS
- TAFE and Polytechnic institute applications for 2024
- Apprenticeship and traineeship applications for 2024
- Summer schools. Note – applications for the National Computer Science School close this Friday.
- FLiCKER FEST 2024 – FlickerUp competition
- Upcoming career events
EVENTS RUNNING DURING THE TERM BREAK
- University campus tours
- Whitehouse Institute of Design – art, design and portfolio workshops
- Australian Catholic University – talk with industry series
- ASE Group – business Camp
- Australian Institute of Music (AIM) – performance and songwriting workshop
- Swinburne University – a day in the life of a Swinburne student workshops
- Monash University – information session on IT courses
- Monash University – Business Explorer Program
- Monash University – Fine Art, Design, and Architecture Experience Day
- Kangan Institute – 3-day fashion camp.
- Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) – gaming, animation & virtual reality experience day.
Bec Bromilow
Robyn Smith
Qustodio Parents App
Supervise and Support Your Children on Digital Devices this Holiday Break
As we enter the holiday break, your young people may have the opportunity to engage and interact online more than they would during the school term. It can be challenging at times for parents to feel confident and empowered to help their children to be safe and responsible in their online activities, and to have balance between on-screen and off-screen activities.
A reminder to parents that the Qustodio Parent App is available to all our parents to help them supervise and support their children with their online and digital interactions at home, on the school device and on personal devices.
Parents of new students to the College this term have recently received an email invitation to activate their Qustodio parent account, but any parents in our community who have not yet done so can activate their account at any time if they wish. This help document will guide you in getting started.
In addition, these short video guides will help you:
Creating a Qustodio parent account to connect to a child’s school account
How to invite an additional parent/carer to join your Qustodio family account
How parents can get help with Qustodio
Getting started with your Qustodio parent account
I wish all students and families an enjoyable experience over these next couple of weeks, and hope that the Qustodio Parent App can act as a helpful tool for our parents.
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
Immunisations – Catch-ups
If your child has missed out on their school-based vaccinations, it’s not too late to catch up! Secondary school immunisations are provided free to students in Year 7 and Year 10. Catch-up for secondary school immunisations is free up to 19 years of age. In addition to our regular weekly sessions, Barwon Health Immunisation Service will offer catch-up school immunisation sessions at different venues around Geelong during the month of October at the following locations:
- Belmont Vaccination Center-1-17 Reynolds Rd, Belmont - Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday morning (18, 20 & 21 October). Click here for the booking link.
- Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre (BASC) - Ocean Grove- Thursday 19 October, 3.30-6.30 pm. Click here for the booking link.
- Barwon Health North – Tuesday 17 and Friday 20 October, 3.30-6.30 pm. Click here for the booking link.
- Armstrong Creek East Community Hub – 3.30-6.30 pm. Click here for the booking link.
Any Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 students up to 19 years of age, who have missed their immunisations at school can catch up via Barwon Health Immunisation Service or via their GP.
Outside of these extra sessions, bookings are available to our regular weekly sessions via this link
To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account.
If your child is over 14, they will need to access their immunisation history statement themselves through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.
Learn more about school-based vaccinations and why they’re important by clicking here.
College 2024 Production Announcement
Christian College Geelong Presents...
CINDERELLA (BROADWAY VERSION)
Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics and Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
The Music and Drama Departments are excited to return to our tradition of staging the biannual CCG cross campus musical in 2024. Our Cinderella will take to the stage of the Playhouse Theatre at the newly developed Geelong Arts Centre on May 2 – 4, 2024.
Not your everyday fairy tale…
This Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and a wonderful score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”
You can visit the Origin Theatrical website for more about this magical show, including song excerpts and a Montage of the Original Broadway Cast.
Some preliminary information for families and students
There are many details for families and students to know prior to fully committing to performing in the production. Students who are successful in being offered a place in the show will be required to attend every rehearsal on their schedule to maintain their place in the cast. This initial announcement is to be followed with more details for those who are interested in participating. Expressions of interest will be taken in early Term 4 via auditions.
All students wishing to audition will be required to sing a song from music theatre and also read a small section of script (unseen). Students wishing to be considered for a lead role are advised to sing a song in the style of the character they wish to be considered. Students with dance experience will be considered favourably for certain roles but must also sing. Please see the character descriptions here.
Cinderella Character Descriptions
Students wishing to audition may enjoy having the holiday break to find that perfect song and practise it to perfection! It is important for students to understand that there is a limited number of positions available in the cast, with fewer places for students in the lower year levels. The production teachers urge students to remain positive and keep honing their skills for the next opportunity, if they miss out on this show.
Auditions will be held across the Bellarine, Surf Coast, Highton and Senior campuses from October 16 – 26. At the start of Term 4 students will be notified of the process and invited to sign up for auditions at their campus.
Students who will be in Years 6 – 12 in 2024 are being invited to audition.
Rehearsals will be held at the Senior Campus RW Gibson Music Performance Centre on Thursdays 4.00 – 6.30pm, and Sundays 2.30 – 5.30pm. There will also be nominated full day rehearsals on student free days/some Sundays and production week during Sunday April 28th – Saturday May 4th.
Traditionally the production team would cast around 80 students, with an additional 15 to be invited to play in the orchestra pit. The production also provides opportunities for senior students to undertake backstage and technical roles. There are many opportunities for parents of students involved to support the students and staff, the event provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to work together to achieve something very special.
Looking forward to a wonderful show experience for our students and community in 2024!
Fiona Gardner, Musical Director on behalf of the creative team
The Christian College Sport Hall of Honour
We are proud to announce a new initiative, which will become an important tradition in the life of our College – the Sport Hall of Honour – to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our past students who have reached national or international status in their chosen sports.
On October 5, we welcome our inaugural inductees to the Sport Hall of Honour – ex-students, Gary Ablett Jr and Tegan Philip. Both are universally recognised as champions at the highest level in their respective sports – AFL football and netball.
You are invited to join us for this gala dinner event at Mt Duneed Estate. On the night, we will also honour a cohort of current students as ‘Rising Eagles’ for their outstanding achievements in their chosen sports, putting them on a pathway to perhaps achieve the type of success required to enter our Sport Hall of Honour in future years.
The night also presents the perfect opportunity to award, for the first time ever, the ‘Gary Ablett Jr’ and ‘Tegan Philip’ medals to the students named as MVP of our Senior Male Football team and Senior Female Netball team from this year’s GISSA Championships.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the October 5 event, please visit our website.
The Hall of Honour will be a permanent display within our school, displaying the names, images and achievements of our extraordinary sports stars. This will not only inspire our current students but also serve as a testament to the values and dedication instilled within them during their time at Christian College.
We encourage our College community to join us in celebrating those who have pursued their gifts and passions to an extraordinary level of success. While one of the criteria for induction to the Sport Hall of Honour is that individuals have retired from their sport professionally or at the very highest level, if you are aware of any past students who have achieved, or are achieving, national or international recognition in sport, please reach out to our Sports Administrator Matthew Murnane [email protected] with any relevant information.
Daryl Riddle OAM, CEO of Christian College
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!
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
It’s easy to rush through a cup of tea or coffee and forget to stop and appreciate the moment.
Take time out now to simply appreciate being able to breathe in fresh air. Take a long slow breath and feel it rejuvenate every cell.
Make that your intention and watch your body smile from the inside 👍❤️
Discover more about MYTERN here
