From the Executive Principal
It is wonderful to see all our students back at school! Whilst I do enjoy the holiday periods as a time of planning, reflection and refreshment, I do love the first week of each term when students return to add energy, colour and vibrancy to our campuses.
It has been a real joy for me to participate in Commencement Services on four out of our five campuses this week for that opportunity to connect with students and wish them well for the term ahead. At our Staff Professional Learning Day on Monday, we reflected on the distance travelled so far this year in our focus on continuous improvement. We also discussed the importance of finishing strong, reflecting that Term 4 is not just an end, it is also preparation for a new beginning next year. It was wonderful to see that this theme of ‘Finishing Strong’ was also the theme chosen by our Highton Middle School Prefects for the Commencement Service they led on their campus. You can read reports of Commencement Services around various campuses in this week’s Vine.
Term 4 is also a time of transition. Most of our learners will change classes next year, some of our learners will change campuses, as they move up from Junior to Middle or from Middle to Senior School, and our Year 12 students will transition to life beyond school. It was wonderful to see a new transition tradition established at our Senior School Commencement Service this week, where the outgoing 2025 Prefects handed on the baton of leadership to our incoming 2026 Prefects. I am also looking forward to all the other transition activities that will take place across our campuses this term to mark these moments of transition: Orientation Days, Transition Days, and Celebration Days, including the special Year 12 Celebration Day at the start of Week 3. I can’t wait to join in these activities with our students this term.
I also have some important news to share with our College community. All schools are expected to continuously comply with the Victorian standards and requirements for school registration. Every five years, schools are audited by the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority (VRQA), the regulatory authority that governs school registration standards in Victoria, on a rolling cycle. Our school was audited this year, which involves a tremendous amount of work when school policies and processes are checked comprehensively by the regulator. We had to submit hundreds of documents and participate in a school audit visit and follow-up interviews. This audit normally results in a rectification plan with the identification of required improvements. We have received notification this week that we have passed our audit with no rectification plan required. This is an outstanding achievement. We are delighted with this outcome, which is a testament to the quality of service provided here at Christian College to students, staff and families. I am so grateful to the hard work of the whole Christian College staff team every day.
As we launch into our busy last term, the calendar starts filling up…next week we have our Annual Music Evening on Wednesday October 15 at Costa Hall. I’m looking forward to seeing this performance showcase of rich musical talent – from our youngest students to our oldest ones. Another upcoming major event is the induction of 2022 Olympic gold medallist and 2016 graduate, Jakara Anthony OAM, to our Sport Hall of Honour, which will take place at a function at Rydges in Geelong on Monday October 20. We are also recognising the outstanding sporting achievements of some of our current students on this night. Finally, as various Vine editions report this week, over the coming weeks, each campus is staging their Art Show – no doubt they will be popular with parents and families – prepare to be amazed at the creativity and artistic capabilities of our students!
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
From the Head of Campus
House Awards
It was wonderful to welcome back staff and students and start Term 4 with a Commencement assembly that focused on celebrating service. During the assembly awards were presented to acknowledge the 2025 House and College prefects as well as those who have served their House without having a badge.
House Commitment Awards
House Commitment Awards are awarded as a certificate to students whom, over their time at Senior School, have displayed consistent commitment to their House through participation in House events. To earn a House Commitment award, a student must have participated in enough events to achieve at least 12 House points per semester across multiple activities and must have done this in five of their six semesters at Senior School. This is a tremendous effort and reflects a wonderful commitment over time. These awards, named individually for each house as the Eva Burrows, John Flynn, David Penman and Hudson Taylor Awards respectively, recognise sustained contribution to the House throughout a student’s entire Senior School journey.
We congratulate the following Year 12 students on earning this award in each house:
Eva Burrows House Commitment Award
Katie Gardner
Bella Lynch
Hannah Morgan
John Flynn House Commitment Award
Brooke Briscoe
David Penman House Commitment Award
Ellie Morgan
Hudson Taylor Commitment Award
Jas Bevacqua-Hall
Matilda Inglis
Noah Jones
Ezekiel Lamborne
Mia Murphy
Grace Perrin
Rhian Wilkinson
House Service Awards
House Service Awards are presented as a certificate and small medallion, recognising an outstanding contribution by students to their House and the College during the past year. This service is not always seen by others but is willingly and cheerfully carried out to the benefit of peers and teachers.
We congratulate and thank the following recipients:
Burrows House
Xavier Hanson – Year 12
Brianna Anderson – Year 11
Keely Denyer – Year 11
Own McGill – Year 11
Issie Whitaker – Year 11
Annie Long – Year 10
Ella Pullen – Year 10
Flynn House
Harper Costa – Year 12
Ava McInnes – Year 12
Spencer King – Year 11
Keira Stephens – Year 11
Reece Hornsby – Year 10
Penman House
Ellie Morgan – Year 12
Mia Pearce – Year 11
Abbey Powers – Year 11
Isabelle Brehaut – Year 11
Jack Rivas – Year 11
William Wray – Year 11
Archie McKie – Year 10
Taylor House
Isabella Brockman – Year 12
Joshua Goudge – Year 12
Spencer DeVries – Year 12
Kailey Corker – Year 11
Liam De’Araugo – Year 11
Max Gear – Year 11
Guy Williams – Year 11
Elissa Huddart, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Senior School?
Term 4 Week 1
Friday 10 October: LEAD Surveys open until
Term 4 Week 2
Monday 13 October: Year 10 Ecology Urban Biology GTEC visit
Monday 13 October: 2025 Prefect afternoon tea
Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 October: Year 11 VCE VM Western District Camp
Wednesday 15 October: Year 10 Running a Small Business Market Day
Wednesday 15 October: Annual Music Evening Costa Hall – 6pm
Thursday 16 October: Final classes for Year 12s
Friday 17 October: VCAA Performance Exams at the RW Gibson Centre
Friday 17 October: Royal Geelong Show public holiday – no school
Term 4 Week 3
Monday 20 October: Year 12 Celebration Day
Monday 20 October: Sports Hall of Honour – Jakara Anthony OAM
Tuesday 21Ocober: Year 12 Study week begins
Tuesday 21 October: Year 11 Safe Partying session
Tuesday 21 October: Year 10 Ecology excursion
Tuesday 21 October: Contemporary Music Performance evening
Wednesday 22 to Thursday 23 October: Year 11 Geography Phillip Island excursion
Wednesday 22 October: Indonesian short-term exchange information session
Thursday 23 October: Senior School Art Show at the Villa Paloma – 4pm
Saturday 25 October: Christian College Scholarship testing
Term 4 Week 4
Monday 27 to Friday 31 October: Year 10 Outdoor Education Canoe Journey trips x 3
Monday 27 October: GISSA Gaelic Football Inter Male and Female
Tuesday 28 October: VCAA Written Examinations begin
Wednesday 29 October: Unit 2 Drama performance
Thursday 30 October: Cross Campus Piano evening
Term 4 Week 5
Tuesday 4 November: Orientation Day for 2026 Year 10 students only
Tuesday 4 November: Instrumental Music Performance evening – Drums
Wednesday 5 November: Instrumental Music Performance evening – Guitar No.1
Thursday 6 November: Instrumental Music Performance evening – Guitar No.2
Term 4 Week 6
Monday 10 November: Unit 2 Examination revision week
Tuesday 11 November: Remembrance Day
Tuesday 11 November: VCE VM & VET Information evening on TEAMs
Thursday 13 November: Year 11 Final Service
Term 4 Week 7
Monday 17 November: Unit 2 Examinations begin
Wednesday 19 November: Final VCAA Written Examination
Thursday 20 November: Year 10 Final Service
Friday 21 November: Year 10 Examinations begin
Friday 21 November: Year 10 and 11 students dismissed at 1pm
Friday 21 November: Year 12 Graduation Ceremony 2pm Costa Hall
Term 4 Week 8
Monday 24 to Tuesday 25 November: Year 10 and Unit 2 Examinations continue
Tuesday 25 November: Senior School Presentation Afternoon 2pm
Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 November: No classes at Senior School
Thursday 27 to Friday 28 November: 2026 Prefect Immersion
Term 4 Week 9
Monday 1 December: Transition week at Senior School
Wednesday 3 December: Community Christmas Carols at Highton Campus
Friday 5 December: Term 4 concludes at 2.30pm
Term 4 Week 10
Thursday 11 December: VCE Results are released to students
Thursday 11 December: Last Day for Senior School teaching staff
CCG Language Assistant & Exchange Program
Welcome Back Kotone Takeda
We are thrilled to welcome back Kotone Takeda, who first visited CCG on a three-week study tour in 2017. Kotone loved her experience at CCG and in Australia so much that she has returned as a language assistant.
Thank you to the Barnes family for hosting Kotone for the past five weeks. She has now moved to a new host family during the school holidays. Programs like this rely on the generous support of our CCG community—thank you!
Former Language Assistants Reconnecting
It has been wonderful to see past language assistants staying connected and visiting CCG:
Visiting CCG recently:
- Mai Okutani (assistant in 2019) visited her host family in Highton and dropped by CCG.
- Itsuki Kozaki (assistant in 2023) visited both Senior and Middle Schools, enjoying interaction with CCG language students.
- Rea Kageyama (assistant in 2025) visited CCG with her mother and grandmother.
During the August Naga visit:
- Former outbound assistants Issac M, Jasmine K, and Lin Nakayama reconnected with Naga students and teachers.
Currently in Japan:
- Jasmine Sullivan (2024 graduate) is working as an outbound language assistant at Naga, supporting English teachers.
It is inspiring to see these friendships and cultural connections continuing across years and countries.
Host Family Appreciation
Our language assistant and exchange programs would not be possible without the support of our generous host families:
- Thank you to the Barnes family for hosting Kotone Takeda.
- Thank you to the Standens family for caring for long-term exchange student Mizuki Nakanishi since Term 2.
- Mizuki has now moved to the Gibsons family, with Kaylee Gibson, a former long-term exchange student in 2024) generously opening their home.
Your hospitality, open hearts, and cultural respect make these programs successful and memorable.
Long-Term Exchange Student Updates
Our current long-term exchange students are having fantastic experiences in Japan:
- Toby and Zen participated in the Cultural Festival Day and the Sports Festival at Naga, creating unique and memorable experiences.
We celebrate the ongoing connections, cultural respect, and friendships our language assistants and exchange students continue to build. Thank you to everyone in the CCG and Naga communities who make this possible!
Yuji Nakayama
Art Show
We are very excited to exhibit student artworks in each of our Arts, Design and Technology subjects across the College.
Each campus will be running Art Shows early in Term 4, based on their own specific themes.
‘A Night under the Stars’ will be the theme at Villa Paloma, our senior Art Technology and Design(ATD) campus.
The exhibition will be showcasing Years 10 to 12 student folios for Art Making and Exhibiting, Media, Product Design – Textiles, Product Design – Materials, Systems Engineering and Visual Communication Design. Our Food Studies students will be serving some nibbles and light refreshments on the evening.
Our stunning 2025 House Wearable Arts costumes, inspired by the French Impressionists at the NGV, will also be modelled on the catwalk.
Come along between 4.00 and 6.00pm to celebrate the inspirational works of our ATD students.
Steve Sobey, Art, Technology and Design Coordinator
Spotlight on Wellbeing
Support During Exams
With exam season on the horizon, it is natural for students to experience a mixture of nerves and pressure as they prepare for a final hurdle of the school year. Whilst some stress, known as eustress can be helpful in boosting motivation, focus and alertness, too much stress, known as distress, can become overwhelming and negatively impact their health and wellbeing.
As a parent/ carer, you can play a key role in helping your child manage stress. We hope you find some of these practical ways to support them helpful over the coming weeks:
- Keep Active; Physical activity helps burn off the stress hormone cortisol and boosts mood. Encourage your child to move regularly which could mean walking, dancing, skating, swimming, or kicking a ball around. Even better, join in and be active together! Physical activity helps to absorb the stress hormone cortisol and furthermore, gives the brain a much-needed break from a stressor.
- Eat Well; A balanced diet fuels the brain and supports mental and physical health. Make sure your child is eating regular meals with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
- Wind Down; Help your child find ways to relax. This could be going for a walk, reading or listening to a book, listening to music or practising mindfulness or breathing exercises. The Smiling Mind app offers free programs to help with sleep, stress, and anxiety which could be helpful during exam time.
- Prioritise Sleep; Sleep is essential for learning, memory and wellbeing. It is recommended that young people aim for at least 9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow for proper restoration and recovery. There are many tips for supporting healthy sleep patterns including a regular bedtime and wake-up routine, removing screens from the bedroom and ensuring that the bedroom is a calm and restful space.
- Stay Connected; Talk with your child about how they’re feeling. Ask about any pressure they’re experiencing, whether it’s from themselves, school, or others. Reassure them that you’re proud of their efforts, regardless of the outcome. A little encouragement can go a long way during stressful times.
- Encourage Balance; Help your child maintain friendships and take time out for themselves. Social connection and downtime are important for overall wellbeing.
- Build Resilience; Support your child to set realistic goals, learn from setbacks and develop healthy ways to cope with disappointment. These skills will help them not just during exams, but throughout life.
Some helpful coping strategies include:
- 5-4-3-2-1 technique; 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 you can taste.
- 4-4-4 Breathing; inhale 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, repeat until they feel calmer.
- Write it down: 5 minutes, jot down what’s on their mind, Write out a timetable for study including set time for breaks for exercise or an enjoyable activity between study
If you’re concerned about how your child is coping during exam time, or if you think they may need extra support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.
For more information you might like to also explore these links;
- https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/helping-kids-cope-exam-stress-0
- https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/prepare-for-exams/
Exam time can be a challenging experience for everyone. Learn more about how to cope and manage exam stress by getting in contact with Kids Helpline today! Helping kids cope with exam stress | Kids Helpline
Student Wellbeing Officers – Sandra Marinovic, Kate Hickey, Amy Cornwell and Angie Russell
Reminder: ‘Navigating the Social Media Ban’ Online Parent Forum
A reminder for all parents of our online parent forum, occurring this coming Monday evening (October 13) from 6pm. Focused on ‘Navigating the Social Media Ban’, the forum is intended to inform, empower and support parents.
While the forum will have a special focus for parents of students in Years 4-9, parents of young people of all ages will benefit from attending.
Parents who wish to attend are encouraged to RSVP for this online parent event. We hope to see you on Monday evening!
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
The 2025 Sport Hall of Honour Event
We are delighted to announce that our second Sport Hall of Honour event is on next month, where we will induct Olympic Gold Medallist and CCG alumnus, Jakara Anthony. Jakara is the third inductee into the Hall of Honour, joining 2023 inductees Gary Ablett Junior and Teagan Phillip.
Since graduating from Christian College in 2016. Jakara has gone on to become an Australian freestyle skier and Olympic gold medallist. Jakara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to sport as a gold medallist in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
Jakara is taking time out of her Olympic preparation training to come back to the College to receive this honour. In addition to celebrating Jakara’s journey, there will also be a number of current students who will receive awards including the following:
- Rising Eagle Award (students competing at a national level of their chosen sport).
- CCG Eagles Team of the Year
- Jakara Anthony Medal
Come along and hear about Jakara’s inspirational journey and what she plans to achieve next.
The date is October 20 and the evening runs from 6pm to 8pm at Rydges Geelong on the corner of Myers and Gheringhap Streets (enter via Myers St). If you’d like to join us, visit our webpage here, or access it via the hotlink on our homepage, for more information and to purchase tickets, which are priced at $35 per head. Light finger food will be provided and drinks can be purchased at the bar.
Come and join us for a very special event where we recognise the remarkable feats of one of our graduates, as well as current students who are also achieving great things in sport!
Matt Murnane, Head of Sport
Tennille McInnes, Alumni Officer
Geelong Summer Music Camp Jan 11 -16, 2026
A Day Camp for Music Students aged 10 – 21 years
Christian College Geelong is proud to once again be hosting the Geelong Summer Music Camp at the Senior Campus in January 2026. The GSMC committee are excited to have registrations now open for the January 2026 Camp.
If you have a budding band, choir or string musician in your house, or you are involved in a school or community music program, please encourage students aged 10 – 21 years to consider attending.
The camp highlights:
The GSMC is a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive day camp. Students will play in a concert band, string orchestra, or sing in a choir throughout the week and then feature in a finale concert at Costa Hall.
Campers will also have the opportunity to choose an elective activity. The camp builds social time into its program where students are encouraged to connect with others, developing positive friendships and relationships with other campers and staff. Auditions at the start of the camp are designed as a time for the students to connect with the music tutors, but also allow the tutors to place students into the ensemble that best suits them, to set them up to have a rewarding week of growth and fun making music.
Key information and contacts:
A Day Camp for Musicians 10 - 21 Years*
Venue: Christian College Geelong, Waurn Ponds
Camp Concert: Friday 16th January, Costa Hall
Camp fees : $425 & $385 additional family members
*Age Calculation - 1st January 2026
Enquiries: 0411432155 or gsmc.secretary@gmail.com
More information can be found on attached poster and online registration on the camp website
GSMC.org.au
Please help us to promote the camp which is run by a volunteer committee who are passionate about providing a wonderful experience for student musicians from the Geelong community and beyond – it’s a Geelong institution with this next camp being the 45th ! Each year students from across Victoria, Interstate and even as far away as New Zealand attend.
Please share the promotional poster attached. They can be emailed and/or printed out and displayed anywhere you think appropriate.
Looking forward to another wonderful and inspirational week of music and joy in January!
Fiona Gardner, Musical Director GSMC 2025 - On behalf of the GSMC Committee
Academic Excellence Scholarships – Applications are Open!
Each year, Christian College offers a number of Academic Excellence Scholarships. These are open to both current Christian College students, and to students currently attending other schools. Please note, this year some key aspects of these scholarships have changed from previous years.
Scholarship applications are now invited from any student for entry at Years 5 to 11 – in 2026 or 2027. When applying, you will be asked to nominate which calendar year of entry to Christian College you are interested in.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship entry in 2026, applications are open to students currently in Years 4 through to 10.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship entry in 2027, applications are open to students currently in Years 3 through to 9.
Further details are available, and applications can be submitted, on our website. Click on the Scholarships hotlink on our homepage, or go directly to the page by clicking here.
Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 16 October.
Scholarship testing will be conducted at Christian College Geelong on Saturday 25 October.
Your Cookbook of Family Favourites – Calling for Recipes
Dear Christian College Families,
Our names are Elisha Williams and Willow McInnes, and we are the Middle School-Highton campus Community Building and Outreach Prefects.
We are thrilled to share that we are introducing the Christian College Geelong cookbook, which will be an important fundraiser for the Christian College Foundation. All the proceeds from the cookbook will be donated to the Eternity Fund. By supporting this initiative you will be enabling, empowering, and changing the lives of young people from families who are experiencing hardship.
This will be a hardcover book which will include recipes from families and members of the Christian College Geelong community and will be titled, ‘Our Family Favourites’. If you have a special family recipe that you would like to share, we would love for you to contribute to the book. We encourage our community to contribute one favourite recipe.
If we receive multiple versions of a popular recipe, we may ask for alternatives. We encourage you to share gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Please feel free to upload one or more images to go alongside your recipe. For example, this could be a family photo, colourful drawing/artwork, or photo of the recipe. By uploading a photo, you agree to have your photo published. Please also let us know where you got your inspiration from. Is your recipe based on another food author or published cookbook, or is it a special family recipe? Why do you love this recipe? Please share your story with us. By contributing your recipe to the cookbook, you agree to have your name published, but no personal contact details will be shared.
Please note, you are welcome to contribute recipes until the end of November 2025. The published book will be available at the start of 2026.
If you have a family business and you would like to advertise your business in the cookbook, please contact Tenille McInnes (t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au). This is a great way to showcase some of the incredible family businesses we have associated with the College.
We encourage all families to pre-order a cookbook today. Your purchase will enable the foundation to manage costs, stock levels, and ensure we deliver a profit. The cost of the cookbook is $39.50, and your donation to the Christian College Eternity Fund will be dollar matched by a very generous, anonymous donor.
On behalf of the Foundation, we sincerely thank you for your support and contribution to this project and know that you are supporting a great cause.
You can find the links to purchase and contribute to the cookbook here;
Click Here to contribute a recipe
Click Here to Pre-order your Cookbook
Thank you so much for your contribution.
Elisha and Willow
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