Senior School Term 4 Week 3

From the Executive Principal

Monday was a very special day in our school: Year 12 Celebration Day. In my address to the students, I explained to them that this was a day where their past meets their future. The day was filled with special moments where the Year 12s were looking back over their time at school: visiting Junior School and Middle School, photo and video montages of their time at school and a beautiful Thanksgiving Service where students and staff shared their reflections on their fondest memories of our Year 12 cohort’s time at our school. There were also moments to look forward, e.g. when students were writing letters to their future selves to be captured in a time capsule until their ten-year reunion. 

Overall, the day was filled with special traditions, rife with symbolism. Students climbed to the top of the clocktower at Middle School, the highest point on any or our campuses, signifying that they have reached the pinnacle of their Christian College journey. They each signed their name on a brick in the clocktower, leaving their indelible mark on the College for others to follow. They rang the bell in the clocktower, signifying the end of 13 years of schooling and they sang the school hymn for the last time as a reminder of their shared experience here. Then they finally walked down the driveway at Senior School, led by a single bagpiper, cheered on by students, staff and parents, arms interlinked, tears streaming down many faces, bravely walking into their future to go and make a difference in the world beyond our school gates.

This made me reflect deeply on the value of traditions. Traditions tell our story. They remind us of where we have come from, what we value, and who we aspire to be. They build a bridge between past and present, connecting generations of students and staff who have walked the same paths, sung the same songs, worn the same colours, and shared the same sense of belonging. They say: “You are part of something enduring. You belong here.” Whilst a big focus was on our Year 12s on Monday, I love the many traditions we have across our school that can reinforce this message for all of our students. They all belong here, and we love having them as part of our community.

From the Head of Campus

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who made special memories together on Monday’s celebration day. The day began with an inspiring speech from alumni Ted Page-Walker (2021), a former Flynn House Prefect who undertook a VCAL pathway (now VCE VM) and school-based apprenticeship whilst at school, and has since followed a path through further studies in Emergency Health Care and work with Life Saving Victoria. Ted had an inspiring message for the students of following their dreams, being open to new opportunities and that they will always be a CCG alumni.

Students then moved into morning activities in their Houses with various activities and reflections, one of which is the traditional, and oftentimes moving, climbing of the clocktower at Middle School to sign a brick and ring the bell.

What’s Happening at Senior School?

Term 4 Week 3

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

Tuesday 28 October: VCAA Written Examinations begin

Wednesday 29 October: Unit 2 Drama performance 6.30pm

Thursday 30 October: Cross Campus Piano evening 6.00pm

Celebrating STEM Success

Year 10 Students Dive into Engineering and Design

In October, seven of our Year 10 female students had the exciting opportunity to take part in a week-long STEM work experience program hosted by GHD Engineering, Architecture and Construction Services. This initiative, offered to selected schools including CCG, aims to inspire young women to explore careers in science, engineering, architecture, and urban design.

Throughout the week, our students collaborated with peers from other schools on a mock infrastructure project, taking on roles such as engineer, architect, and environmental scientist. Each participant was supported by a professional mentor, gaining hands-on experience and insight into real-world STEM careers.

Western District Camp

Our Year 11 VCE VM students got to experience work and life in a small town.

We had the privilege of staying on Kate and Richard’s Farm in Branxholm, who were very generous with their time. They told us about their property: the connections between the animals and the land, the value of water and the importance of understanding the seasons when making decisions on the Farm.

We stayed in the Shearer’s Huts. They were rustic, but comfortable. A team of 12 shearers come to live and work on the farm for a couple of weeks, once a year. We got to experience how they live and where they work.

We had a tour of the shearing shed and got the chance to dry drafting. Separating the lambs from the ewes was hard work for our group of 11. It was hard to believe that Richard would normally do this job on his own, with a couple of his dogs.

We also heard that the gun shearer – the best on the team – might shear more than 200 sheep in a day. After our attempt at drafting, it was difficult to imagine how tough this would be.

The students really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together. It was a definite highlight of their year.

Celebrating Our Year 12 Drama Students

On Wednesday, 15 October, our talented Year 12 Drama students completed their Solo Performance Exam at Platform Arts — the grand finale of a semester’s hard work, creativity, and imagination.

For this major assessment, students selected one of 10 character profiles provided by VCAA and developed it into an original seven-minute solo performance, presented before a panel of three examiners.

The students chose the following characters bringing their own captivating interpretations to Marie Antoinette, Owia the Japanese ghost, Hush from Possum Magic, an Advertising Executive, and the ever-dramatic Ursula the Villain.

Each student took full creative control — researching, writing, directing, and performing their own piece while sourcing costumes and props to bring their chosen character to life. It was an impressive feat that showcased their independence, dedication, and flair for performance — achievements that even seasoned actors would admire.

The students emerged from their exams happy, confident, and relieved, proud of their efforts and accomplishments.

We congratulate our Year 12 Drama class on their outstanding performances and wish them every success as they continue with their final written exams.

House Cooking Competition

The 2025 House Cooking competition was launched by Ms Pomfret in Week 2 this term with a Mystery Box reveal at lunchtime on Thursday.  Each house was given a list of ingredients, a design brief and judging criteria that they used to shape an exciting, appealing, delicious, house-themed product.  The main ingredients in the mystery box were apples, ricotta, rolled oats and cinnamon.  Students had access to general pantry items, as well as the experience and guidance of Ms Pomfret.  After some initial planning time, each team had two lunchtimes in which to prepare, cook and present their final dish with a team of five students working in the kitchen at any one time. The vibe was positive and those observing were impressed by what they saw. The following feedback was given post-competition:

“The students were absolutely wonderful! They worked really well to a tight schedule, there was great teamwork and enthusiasm. Extremely polite and cleaned up perfectly. It was a pleasure to watch them enjoying themselves.”

 All pleasantries aside, this was a competition and there needed to be a winner.  The judges first viewed, then tasted, then consulted……. and it was Taylor house that made best use of the mystery box items with their colourful, visually appealing apple cake. Congratulations to the Taylor Tigers on their victory and to all of the Houses for your energy and enthusiasm in this competition.

Taylor House Christmas Fundraiser – Salvation Army

As we approach the festive season it is a timely reminder of the importance of gratitude and ways in which we can support those in need. Taylor House is working alongside the North Geelong Salvation Army to raise funds for disadvantaged young people in the Geelong region. At Christmas time the Salvation Army provides support to more than 250 families in need. Many young people within these families do not receive presents on Christmas morning. Taylor House students are working together to raise funds to purchase gift vouchers for these young people. Our fundraising will occur over Week 4 and 5. We encourage anyone able to donate to contact the front office or donate within Homeroom class time. We will also be running a BBQ for all students on Friday 7 November to promote and raise funds for the important work the Salvation Army provide to our Geelong region.

Geelong Libraries Seek Students for Casual Work

Do you love books? Students in Years 10 and 11 are invited to apply now to join the friendly Geelong Regional Libraries team as a casual library shelver, helping to keep collections neat, shelve and display materials. Teamwork, attention to detail and a positive attitude is required. For more information, a position description and how to apply, visit https://grlc.bamboohr.com/careers/110

Social Media Age Restrictions Update 

This week, the Australian Government launched a new national awareness campaign ‘For the good of…’ regarding the upcoming social media age restrictions for under 16s.  

Alongside this campaign, eSafety has just launched new resources on their Social Media Age Restrictions Hub, designed to support parents and carers, teachers, and young people in preparing for the restrictions that come into effect from December 10. 

Resource Pages for Parents and Young People 

In particular, we’d like to highlight to families the eSafety resource page for parents titled ‘Social media age restrictions and your family’ as well as the companion page for young people, titled ‘How will the social media age restrictions affect me if I’m under 16?’. We encourage parents and young people under 16 in our school community to visit and explore these resources together. 

Both pages explore topics such as: 

• Why the change? 

• Quick facts 

• FAQs 

• Tools and webinars to help with the change 

• Resources to explore together with your under-16s 

• Health and wellbeing advice 

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.

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.