From the Head of Senior School
Term 4 commenced with an assembly on Tuesday morning where the message encouraged students to look out for others. Flynn Prefect, Sienna Doig, shared a Bible reading from Philippians 2: “value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but … to the interests of others”.
Mr Stephenson, Deputy Head of Senior School, then used the example of Joel Selwood’s selflessness in the moments after the AFL Grand Final. On his victory lap around the MCG after Geelong’s emphatic win over Sydney, Joel spotted water boy Sam Moorfoot in the crowd and lifted him over the fence and onto the ground to celebrate. The Geelong captain could easily have wallowed post-game in what he and his teammates had achieved. Instead, he chose to make it about someone else, valuing others above himself.
Continuing with that theme in the assembly, our Principal Mr McKeeman then introduced College Captain Nathan Tarrant, Year 11 student Isaac Boseley and Mia Bailey from Year 9 at Highton, who, together, proudly shared details regarding the College’s newly formed Reconciliation Action Plan working group. This group, comprising Nathan, Isaac and Mia, representatives from our staff and parent bodies as well as members from our College board, is commissioned with the responsibility of ensuring that Christian College strategically and sustainably takes meaningful action to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
I feel so blessed to be part of a school community that encourages students in so many ways to be looking out for others, to be Christ-like. The opportunities students have at Senior School, and indeed our entire College, to value others above themselves, will stand them in good stead for life beyond school, making a positive contribution to their community and to the lives of others.
Rick Geall, Head of Campus
Cultural Competency Training
One of the compulsory components of the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan is that staff need to take part in a cultural competency session. Christian College teachers were fortunate to have Shelley Ware, a proud Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman, to present to us on the first day of Term 4. Shelley is a prominent media presenter, who hosts a variety of different shows. She a passionate educator that shares what is closest to her heart such as First Nations issues, females in sport, childhood education and her own journey. She believes that it is important to empower staff to be culturally aware so they can embed First Nation culture into their classrooms.
From the beginning of her presentation, Shelley grounded the staff with a connection to people and place, both prominent features of the Indigenous way of life. She highlighted the historical reality of not just her people but also gave us a personal perspective of the impact to her own family such as her grandfather having to carry an identity card. Shelley’s message was clear that this history is Australian history so it is everyone’s history. We all need to learn from it, respect the culture of others and find the beauty. By continuing to learn about our First Nations peoples and their ways of learning and living, we are on the right path to walk the journey of reconciliation together. The second session of the day saw staff from different faculties working in mixed groups. They worked with facilitators to process the learning from the morning but also to share their thoughts about the direction the school needs to take as we begin to write our Reconciliation Action Plan. It was a wonderful day being able to hear the voices of both Shelley and our staff. Next, we will work with the students to hear their voices. On behalf of the RAP Working Party
Ange Tutty
Standardised Testing
Standardised testing is completed annually across the college in Years 1 to 10. It provides the college with progressive, standardised assessment data for each student in the following areas: Reading, Mathematics, Spelling and General Ability. This data is used as an independent monitor of our teaching and learning programs as well as each student’s progress. In Week 3, during scheduled English and Mathematics classes, all Year 10 students will participate in the Adaptive Mathematics and Adaptive Reading standardised tests for Year 10. There is no specific preparation that students need to undertake for this and standardised test results do not impact a student’s achievement outcomes for Year 10. Students will be guided through this process by their class teacher. If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s House Mentor.
Dianne Martin, Deputy Head of Senior School
CCG Riders Excel in National Championships
Three riders from the Christian College Equestrian team qualified earlier this year to represent Victoria at the 2022 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships in Sydney. This event sees over 500 of Australia’s best riders, aged 5-18 years old, battle it out in their chosen disciplines.
CCG team captain, Jorja Kirsopp-Cole (Year 12) and her horse Rhatigan, completed three rounds of 110cm show jumping and finished 4th overall.
Liberty Armitage (Year 11) and her horse Galactic Storm competed in the combined training which comprises of both dressage and show jumping. Liberty finished reserve champion overall.
Erin Bowers (Year 7) and Argyl Star Quality competed in the secondary show horse section and, as the youngest competitor out there against students up to 18 years old, still managed to be awarded 5th place overall.
All three girls represented themselves, Christian College and Victoria so well. To be able to compete at such a high level takes dedication, persistence and sacrifice over a long period of time, and for all of them to be awarded top 6 in Australia is a credit to them and their parents who help them to get to this level.
Christian College is very proud of you all!
Term 4 2022 COVID-19 Update Procedures and Protocols
Introduction
Christian College is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of our staff, students and College community.
The following revisions to the COVID-19 procedures and protocols align with the Victorian Government’s announcement of the end of the Pandemic Declaration and associated Pandemic Orders. The following settings, based on advice from the Department of Health and the Department of Education for Victorian schools now apply.
If you require greater detail, please access additional information via the DHHS or Victorian State Government Education and Training websites or speak with your campus leadership team.
COVIDSafe Measures for Schools
- No student, staff member, parent, or visitor, should come on to College sites if they are unwell or have any Flu-like symptoms.
- Practise good hand hygiene, utilising the sanitisers supplied
- Utilising outdoor spaces and increasing cross-ventilation indoors where possible
- It is recommended that a person who is symptomatic, displaying cold or Flu like symptoms should undergo a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen or PCR Test.
- Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so, the College will continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.
Rapid Antigen Testing
Free RATs will be made available for use by all students and staff through Term 4. It is recommended that RATs are used by students and staff when symptomatic.
Reporting and Managing Positive Results
If staff or students receive a positive test result at any time, it is recommended the result be reported to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report or via the telephone hotline on 1800 675 398.
Parents/Guardians must report a positive COVID-19 test result of a student directly to the student office at the relevant campus. Staff must notify their relevant College leader.
The College community will no longer be notified of a positive COVID-19 case associated with the school.
It is recommended that any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 isolates for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test will continue to be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning.
Face Masks in Schools
Current advice from the Victorian government on the wearing of face masks is available here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks: It states:
“Face masks can stop or slow viruses spreading in the air when you talk, cough, sneeze and laugh. Face masks lower your chance of catching and spreading an airborne virus. That’s why wearing a high-quality and well-fitted face mask can help protect you and those around you from COVID-19.”
- Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so, the College will continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.
- It is recommended that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
- It is recommended that that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.
- Whilst traveling on Christian College buses, it is recommended students wear a face mask due to physical distancing not being possible.
Student Wellbeing and Digital Safeguarding: A Reminder to Parents
A reminder to parents that we will be implementing some new strategies this term to better support students and families in the digital space, particularly on College laptops, both at school and at home. Specific information about these changes was shared as part of our Wellbeing Evenings last term.
Parents who were unable to attend either of these two evenings can review a summary of key information and are also encouraged to view a recording of the evening. The summary and recording were made available via a document emailed to all parents in the final week of Term 3 by College Principal, Glen McKeeman.
All parents are encouraged to ensure they are informed and aware of these new strategies so that they can be prepared and supportive as they are implemented. Parents also still can ask questions and provide feedback via the online form link provided in the above document.
New Qustodio Parent App – Coming Soon
We know that many parents are awaiting more information on getting started with the Qustodio parent app, which we planned to provide to parents this week.
We want to ensure the experience for parents of getting started and beginning to use this tool is as pleasant and straight-forward as possible. We are delaying just a little to ensure we are truly ready. Stay tuned for more details very soon.
Christian College Canteen Manager – we are Hiring!
We seek the services of a Canteen Manager from 2023 to oversee the day-to-day operations of the school canteens at Junior School – Belmont, Middle School – Highton and Senior School – Waurn Ponds, including the supervision and rosters for relevant staff and volunteers. The role is full-time and ongoing, and also involves some catering for special events.
If you have a passion for food quality and customer sevice, a warm and friend personality, if you love working as part of a great team, have exceptional organisation and communication skills and are able to manage challenging circumstances in a calm, professional and compassionate manner – this could the job for you!
Full details, including a Position Description and how to apply can be found in the Employment section of our website.
For Families Relocating or Withdrawing Students
A reminder that if your family is relocating and/or you are planning to withdraw your child from Christian College, a full term’s notice, in writing, is required. Please contact your student’s Campus.
Jonathan Ryan, Operations Manager
Canteen not Open on Last day of Term
Please note that on the last day of Term 4, Friday December 9, the canteen will not be open.
Thank you to all volunteers for your fantastic help during the course of this term, and throughout 2022.
Recycling Uniform Items
As part of the transition to our new College wardrobe it was important that we consider the environmental impact of clothing items no longer required. Whilst it is still possible for students to wear items from the traditional uniform, when items are no longer able to be worn, they can be recycled.
Any such items can be dropped off and placed in recycling bins at each campus. We are working with our wardrobe manufacturer to ensure that these can be recycled as part of the introduction of our new wardrobe over the next 18 months.
Golf Tournament
The Foundation Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, 27 October 2022. Join us at 13th Beach Golf Links from 8:00am for a shotgun start. Tickets are $190 each ($150 for members) or $750 for a group of four. RSVPs close on Thursday, 6 October 2022 at 5:00pm.
Funds raised from this event will be allocated to our Foundation Scholarship Fund, supporting current students who are in need of financial assistance.
Book online at: The Foundation Golf Tournament
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
What habit can you adopt or change today that will positively add to your journey?
Travelling down the same roads every day may not lead you to your desired destination 😊
Discover more about MYTERN here.
