Senior School Term 4 Week 4

From the Executive Principal

Hats Off to Teachers 

Today is World Teachers’ Day, a day when we proudly tip our hats to the incredible educators and staff who make our school a truly special place. The theme, “Hats Off to Teachers,” is more than a celebration; it is a heartfelt recognition of the people who shape our children’s lives every single day. 

What sets our school apart is simple, yet profound: every child is known, seen, and heard. This isn’t just a philosophy; it is a lived reality, thanks to the dedication of our teachers and staff who go above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued and supported. Just this week I heard another story of a student who left our school to explore seemingly greener pastures elsewhere, only to return a year later, because there was just not the same level of personal connection at the other school. 

Our gratitude today also doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It is in the warm greetings from our bus drivers, who start a child’s day with a smile. It is in the welcoming presence of our reception staff, who make every visitor feel at home. It is in the quiet, essential work of our maintenance team, who care for the spaces where learning and laughter happen. And it is in the countless acts of kindness and care from every staff member in between. Together, they create a school environment where children thrive, academically emotionally, spiritually and socially. 

So, as we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we invite you to join us in saying thank you. Next time you see a teacher, a staff member, or a bus driver, take a moment to acknowledge their impact. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in reminding them that their work matters, and that it is deeply appreciated. 

From the Head of Campus 

VCAA written examinations commenced on Monday for many of our Year 12 students with the English exam. It was wonderful to see mostly relieved faces and smiles on the faces of both students and staff when the students emerged from the exam after three hours and fifteen minutes. All of the practice exams, hours of writing essays and probing of texts and language had been worth it. Exams have continued throughout the week in the Chapel and Penman Quad rooms. We are grateful to our Year 10 and 11 students for their adaptability in staying away from these areas at recess and lunch and keeping the noise down when visiting the canteen.

We also farewelled a staff member this week with the departure of Ms Emma McIntyre who has been the English Faculty Coordinator and teacher of English and Literature. We thank her for her work this year and wish her all the very best for the future. 

Having Year 12s coming and going all week, whether in college uniform for their exams or in casual clothes to study in the library or with their subject teachers, gives the campus a different feel. There is a palpable sense of purpose, sometimes slight apprehension but also camaraderie and connection. We know our students are far more than their exam results and study scores but we also know that completing these exams successfully and to the best of their ability is a necessary part of the Year 12 experience. Thank you to the whole community of staff, students and also parents who are supporting and encouraging these young people through this time.

What’s Happening at Senior School?

Term 4 Week 5

Tuesday 4 November: Orientation Day for 2026 Year 10 students only (No other students on campus)

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

Friday 7 November: Year 10 Politics and Society excursion

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

Year 10 Drama Excursion – The Light Inside by Bangarra Dance Theatre

On Friday, 10 October, the Year 10 Drama students, accompanied by Ms Broad and myself, had the wonderful opportunity to attend a performance of The Light Inside by the renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Bangarra is an extraordinary First Nations company that beautifully blends traditional cultural dance with contemporary movement and storytelling. Their performances are not only visually stunning and deeply expressive but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The Light Inside was particularly special, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and dancers under the creative direction of celebrated Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, alongside Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown.

The performance explored a sacred space between sea and sky — a realm where the sun rises and falls, and the light is renewed. It celebrated connection to Country, ancestry, and the spirit that guides us home.

For many students, this was their first experience seeing dance and narrative intertwined in such a powerful and captivating way. It was truly an unforgettable experience — one that will stay with them for years to come.

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 provides to our Geelong region.

Social Media Age Restrictions Update 

A reminder to parents of the support and resources available to help begin conversations with your child or children and prepare together for the social media age restrictions that come into effect for under-16s from December 10. 

In last week’s Vine, we highlighted some new resources from eSafety for both parents and young people, including get-ready guides and parent webinars. From next week, we’ll be raising awareness at school about the upcoming age restrictions, in homerooms and/or assemblies, to support your preparations at home. 

This week, highly respected child and adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg shared a brief but helpful commentary on the approaching age restrictions via LinkedIn. While it is the technology companies that will be held to account for ensuring under-16s are restricted from having access to a social media account, Carr-Gregg notes that parents have an important role to play in determining the success of the change: 

‘It’ll be parents — in kitchens, cars, and living rooms — deciding whether this becomes a public-health breakthrough or a household breakdown.” 

Carr-Gregg then shares five ways parents can prepare. One of these ways is to make a digital family plan, a strategy that we also promoted in our recent online parent forum and which eSafety also encourages parents to adopt.  

CCG Foundation Golf Day — A Record-Breaking Success! 

The Christian College Foundation Annual Golf Tournament, proudly supported by major sponsor AECS (Australian Environmental Cleaning Services), welcomed 84 enthusiastic golfers of all skill levels taking on the stunning fairways of The Sands Torquay. 

Now in its fourth year, the event has truly hit its stride. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $44,000, a significant leap from last year’s $31,717.88. With dollar-matching, the total soared to over $88,000 — an extraordinary result that will directly support students through the gift of education. 

All proceeds from the day will be invested into the Eternity Fund, which helps families facing financial hardship and funds new educational initiatives across Christian College Geelong.  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors who made this day possible. Your support is a powerful reflection of the strength and spirit of the Christian College community. 

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.