Surf Coast Term 1 Week 10

From the Executive Principal

What a joyous Term 1 we have had! I have loved seeing our students engage deeply in such a wide variety of learning opportunities. I have come to realise that we have a very unique learning environment that offers students the best of two very distinct schooling models, both large and small. 

Christian College is a large school, which enables us to provide exceptional learning opportunities to students. Children from our different campuses regularly visit other campuses or join together for sports days, music events, camps and excursions. Our scale enables us to offer one of the widest selections of senior secondary subjects in the state. We have a strong reputation for extraordinary music programs, far-reaching outdoor education offerings, great academic outcomes, and extensive international trips, all enabled through our size. Our College has also been the place where multiple Australian sporting legends, including Olympians and AFL superstars, have started their journey to their future accomplishments. Our size does help us achieve greatness.  

Yet, Christian College campuses are, however, each a small school. Research indicates that once a school campus becomes too big, with a tipping point of around 500 - 600, the sense of cohesion and belonging is eroded for students. This could result in a negative impact on student wellbeing and ultimately their academic learning. All of our Christian College campuses are small, which enables us to offer outstanding pastoral care and personalised learning opportunities. At any Christian College campus, your child will be seen, heard, known and loved. I truly believe this model of small campuses within a big school gives us the best of both worlds and makes us unique amongst other schools. I hope our children appreciate how lucky they are.  

Happy Easter!

We are not far away from the end of Lent and the great celebration of Easter! 

This week we have been celebrating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and all the new life and new beginnings of Easter across our College. We have greened crosses, paraded with bonnets, feasted on hot cross buns, we have written and delivered cards and gifts and most of all we have continued to pray and rejoice in the presence of God in our midst.  

I hope that this Easter can be a time where you and your family embrace your traditions, get together for good times and celebrate all of the life, new beginnings and blessings you are experiencing and hope to experience in the future. John’s gospel reminds us that Jesus’s life was lived and given freely so that we might all have life in abundance, with an overflow of reasons to be grateful and an unending hope for the future (John 10:10) While we also experience pain and suffering in our lives it’s His love that holds us together, anchors us to His presence and His promises to be with us through all things.  

I want to take this opportunity here at the end of first term to thank all of you for being a part of the life of our community and our College. Thankyou for the many ways you continue to partner with College leadership and staff to ensure our students experience the love, kindness, joy and creativity of Jesus each day and thrive in their learning. Whether you’re hiding and searching for Easter eggs, planting new trees, attending a dawn service, spring cleaning, on a camping adventure, travelling to new or beloved locations or resting and recuperating peacefully at home I wish you a very Happy and Blessed Easter and look forward to seeing you for another new beginnings in Term 2! 

Alaya Receives a Special Invitation to Tokyo

We were excited to hear that Alaya McDonald from Year 1 at Surf Coast Campus has been invited to train in the children’s karate class at the Headquarters dojo, Goju Ryu Etsukou-Kai International, in Tokyo, Japan, in May. It’s not common for Australian karate students to have the chance to train in Japan – but rarer still for a child her age to be given the opportunity.

Alaya was invited by Hanshi James Sumarac, a renowned international martial arts instructor. She will be accompanied by her parents, Sensei Ross McDonald and Sensei Sheryn Gung. They will be training with their Japanese contemporaries in adult karate classes.

Ross and Sheryn run Tanden Martial Arts, a boutique martial arts school in Jan Juc, offering Traditional Goju Ryu Karate and Balintawak Arnis Cuentada through small group classes and one-on-one sessions. Many of their students are part of the Christian College Surf Coast community.

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

This an up to date list of planned activities at Surf Coast Campus that you can use for planning purposes.  Please be aware that these dates are set early in the term and occasionally items may need to be cancelled or dates/times altered.  This itinerary is altered each week to reflect any changes – please check this list of events EVERY WEEK carefully when you read the weekly VINE newsletter.

TERM 2 2025

WEEK 1

Monday 21 April                       Easter Monday Holiday

Wednesday 23 April                 Students Return – Commencement of Term 2

Thursday 24 April                     District Cross Country – Selected Students

Thursday 24 April                     ANZAC Service 09am – please refer to information sent

Friday 25 April                          ANZAC Public Holiday – No students/Staff on Campus

Easter is Nearly Here!

For the last little while at Surf Coast, we have had the opportunity to celebrate Lent and start to prepare for Easter. As part of our Easter preparation and celebration, we have explored traditions of greenery, flowers, and eggs.

This morning, our staff covered our Campus cross with greenery, visually representing the new life and abundance that Jesus offers us, which we remember each year at Easter. This greened cross stood front and centre in our stadium foyer, for all to see and reflect.

At our Easter service today, we had the opportunity to hear about how Jesus offers us a new beginning every single day. We were able to hope for the new life that Jesus offers at Easter time as we sang together and celebrated as a campus for this coming time of Easter. We were encouraged to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, or His coming back to life, and to remember that we are invited to come ‘back to life’ with Him. 

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful school holidays and Easter, and that this time can be an amazing time of reflection, celebration, and joy. 

Prep Alphabet Day Celebration

We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent Prep Alphabet Day, a celebration marking the milestone of our students learning all the letters of the alphabet and their most dominant sounds. The children arrived dressed in a delightful array of costumes, each representing different letters of the alphabet. From cool Cats players to magical mermaids, the colour and excitement was evident from the moment the children stepped foot inside the school grounds.

The day kicked off with an energetic dance party, featuring some of our favourite friends from The Wiggles and Sesame Street. The children danced and sang along, setting a festive tone for the rest of the day.

Throughout the day, both Prep classes came together to participate in a variety of fun, alphabet-themed activities which reinforced their learning in an engaging and enjoyable way. The collaboration between the classes fostered a wonderful sense of community and teamwork among the students.

We are incredibly proud of our Prep students for their hard work and enthusiasm in mastering the alphabet. This celebration was a testament to their dedication and the supportive environment we strive to create in Prep.

Thank you to all the parents and guardians for your continued support. We look forward to more exciting learning adventures ahead!

Term 1 was So Much Fun!

We have been having so much fun in Year 1 over the last term, that we have taken this week to celebrate all of our achievements. We reflected on our learning over the past term and looked closely into our history units. We watched a couple episodes of My Place, exploring the ways that children played games in the past, wore their old-fashioned clothing and the types of transport that they used.

We also created our own little board games that were Easter-themed, knowing there was limited technology back in the day! We are so looking forward to our break as we get to wind down and enjoy our time with our families and friends. We can’t wait to see us all back ready for Term 2! Have a very happy Easter!

Easter Week in Year 2!

Year 2s have spent the week making beautiful Easter crafts and learning about God’s gift to us at the First Easter. The children have loved creating amazing Easter Bonnets with their families, to wear at the parade on Friday. During morning devotions at school, they have explored the Resurrection Eggs and learnt about the sacrifice that Jesus made 2000 years ago. The classrooms were filled with a buzz of happiness as they coloured and crafted Easter baskets to hold their Easter goodies.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Year 3: Athletics Carnival Fun!

What a day! Despite the windy weather, our Year 3 students had an incredible time at the Middle School for our Surf Coast Athletics Carnival this week. From sprints and high jump to relays and more, it was wonderful to see our students giving every event their best shot.

While there were plenty of impressive performances on the track and field, what stood out the most was the sportsmanship. Our Year 3s cheered one another on, offered high-fives and encouragement, and reminded us all that it’s not just about winning; it’s about having a go and supporting your mates.

A huge thank you to all the parents and grandparents who joined Miss McDonagh and Mrs Shirley in the cheerleading squad!

Go Year 3!

Bringing Easter to Life

In Christian Education this term, our Year 4 students have been exploring the life and ministry of Jesus. They began by focusing on Jesus’ baptism and the start of his public ministry. Students also learned about the various miracles Jesus performed, which serve as evidence of him being the Son of God.

We then shifted our focus to the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Students learned about the special meal Jesus shared with his disciples and how he demonstrated his role as the Servant King by washing their feet. They also discovered that Jesus prayed not only for himself and his disciples but for everyone who would come to believe in him, including us today.

To share their learning in an engaging way, the students created board games with fact cards that tell the Easter story. The creativity and thought that went into these games was most impressive. However, the highlight was playing these games with our Prep buddies, teaching them the Easter story in a playful and interactive manner.

School Sports Victoria District 9 V 9 AFL Championships

We are excited to have had two teams from our Surf Coast Campus selected to represent Christian College at this year’s School Sport Victoria (SSV) Geelong Deakin District 9 V 9 AFL Championships.

On Thursday March 27 our AFL Year 5 & 6 boys competed and Monday March 31 our AFL Year 5 & 6 girls competed. These events marked the first step in the prestigious SSV 9 v 9 AFL Pathway, and we couldn’t be prouder of these talented footballers in our local community!

The competition was intense, the single-day, round-robin style tournament brought our teams up against other Deakin District-affiliated schools. It was another great opportunity to mingle with students from our other campuses as we had CCG Eagles Teams from our Bellarine Campus, Middle School Highton Campus and Surf Coast Campus. Despite the tough competition, our students showcased their skills and sportsmanship.

Throughout the day, our students demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship and showed remarkable improvement as the tournament progressed. Their dedication, teamwork, and resilience were evident in every match, making us incredibly proud of their efforts.

Congratulations once again to our teams for this outstanding achievement. A big thank you to our AFL Coach Nick Hogan for all his efforts. 

Sharing Easter Blessings in the Torquay Community

In the spirit of Easter and community connection, our Year 7 students recently ventured into the heart of Torquay to spread joy and kindness. With pockets full of Easter eggs and heartfelt messages, they warmly introduced themselves to local business owners, employees, shoppers, children, and café patrons, sharing a simple but meaningful act of generosity.

As our students engaged in friendly conversations and offered their Easter blessings, they were met with heartfelt smiles and words of appreciation. Many recipients were genuinely touched by the students’ thoughtfulness, expressing their gratitude for the unexpected gesture. Children, in particular, were delighted to receive an early Easter treat, their excitement adding to the festive atmosphere.

The energy and enthusiasm of the Year 7 students were palpable as they embraced this opportunity to represent the College and share its values of love, hope and faith with the Torquay community. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and brighten someone’s day was truly inspiring.

An Unforgettable House Athletics Carnival!

On Tuesday this week, the Christian College Surf Coast Campus House Athletics Carnival was held at the Chrisitan College Middle School Campus. The carnival was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the incredible efforts and enthusiasm of all students. The day was packed with physical activity, and the participation levels were truly commendable. From the youngest students in P-2 experiencing track and field events for the first time to the older students breaking and setting new records, the energy and excitement was high.

Everyone is to be congratulated and was seen on the day by many!

We would like to recognise the following Year 3 students who set new records:

• Reed Milne for jumping a massive 1.08m in High Jump
• Mina Colella for Shot Put achieving a result of 4.07m and in Discus achieving a result of 10.8m
• Sienna McClea for running 800m in 3:44.0
• Will Evans for jumping .99m in High Jump
• Archie Lothian for jumping 2.35m in long jump
• William Fitzgerald in Discus throwing 13.27m
• Harrison Bates in 200m running it in 40:52

GISSA Surfing Championships

In the lead-up to the 2025 Geelong Independent Schools Sport Association Surfing Championships, some talented surfers from Christian College campuses, including ours, were given the chance to showcase their skills, with all proving to be exceptional surfers. A big thanks to the amazing sports team for affording this opportunity and a special shout out to Mrs Katherine Tatnell Moore for making herself available to support these surfers in the water.

The 2025 GISSA Surfing Championships were held at Jan Juc Surf Beach on Wednesday this week. (See the College-wide report below.) The competition featured teams of seven surfers, including:

• 1 designated female surfer
• 3 Under 16 surfers (born 2010 or later)
• 3 Under 19 surfers (born 2007 or later)

Book Easter Egg Design Competition

To celebrate Easter in the library, students had the opportunity to participate in the annual ‘Book Easter Egg Design Competition.’ They were challenged to use their creativity and love for books to create a unique, book-themed Easter egg design. This year, almost 100 students submitted entries for the competition, with a handful of students from each year level selected as finalists. From these finalists, staff faced the difficult task of selecting an overall year-level winner.

Congratulations to the year level winners!

Eli M (Prep T)

Elizabeth G (1T)

Levi H (2T)

Sierra T (3T)

Daniel W (4J)

Ivy F (5J)

Eitan (6T)

The competition is a wonderful way for our students to showcase their creativity while sharing their favourite books, stories and characters with their peers.

Congratulations to all participants!

2025 Easter Egg Book Design Competition Photo 1 of 1

Ridgeline Trail Pathway Works

Surf Coast Shire Council is preparing to start pathway works near the Surf Coast campus and Butterfield House, that align with the Ridgeline Trail Community Vision.

The vision aims to create a scenic 3.7km trail that runs along the Spring Creek Valley ridgeline, connecting Bellbrae, Jan Juc and Torquay. It will provide a safer route for locals, including the school community.

The pathway works are scheduled to begin in the term one holidays with a new 65m concrete path that connects with the Strathmore Drive-Great Ocean Road pedestrian crossing. Access to the pedestrian crossing will be maintained while construction is carried out.

Council is working with the school to install temporary signage (pictured), showing students and their families the safest pathway routes to take during the Ridgeline Trail project.

Council asks people who use this area on their school commute to please follow the latest signage from the first week of Term 2.

For more information on the Ridgeline Trail, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/RidgelineTrail.

GISSA Surfing  

We arrived at Jan Juc early in the morning greeted with a 2–3-foot swell and light Easterly winds. The increasing tide would make conditions tricky. 

The tag team format consists of 7 students per team, 3 junior boys, 3 senior boys and 1 female.

This was the first year we had students from every campus compete including Surf Coast. It was great to spend the day with the students interacting and supporting each other. This format of surfing relies on excellent time management, as each surfer is required to catch 2 waves in 7 minutes and then tag their team mate on the beach.  Teams are awarded a 5-point bonus if they can get through the full team in the 50 minutes.  

The surf team were led this year by YR 10 Student Jack Lindsay, Jack led by example all day scoring well with some critical manoeuvres and getting around the juniors to help them surf to their best ability. 

Christian College entered two teams into the GISSA Surfing titles to give more students a chance to represent the school.  

The CCG blue team consisted of Ava Abetz, Jack Lindsay, Tanner Maddock, Eddy Martin, Sam Abetz, Liam Thomson and Howie McDiarmid.  

The CCG Gold team consisted of Heidi Abetz, Banjo Bouvier, Isaac Garrard, Sunny Brownbill, Kai Digenis, Noah Watson and William Paterson.   

Wonderful Woodwinds  Perform for Family and Friends 

Last Thursday evening parents and woodwind students had the privilege to witness a snapshot of our talented woodwind students’ progress this term. It all happened in the R W Gibson centre on the Senior School Campus. This centre offers students the opportunity to experience performing in an environment that is acoustically exceptional, however, along with the parents and other audience participants a feeling of warmth and community celebration.  

This evening is the penultimate of a series of instrument specific nights that has seen over 100 students from all our campus’ showcase what they have learnt so far this term. All woodwind instruments were featured throughout the evening, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon and Oboe. As all campuses are involved it gives the unique opportunity for students of all age groups to interact together and experience the progressive development of a music student throughout their journey at Christian College. 

A Sensational Evening of Strings 

Last night saw thirty-two String players perform at the Cross Campus String performance evening held in the RW Gibson Auditorium. The students ranged from Year 3 to Year 11 and gave an insight into the journey of these string students to their captive audience. Some students have only been learning for a year or even less and were performing for the first time. Some students from Middle School are already well versed in performance etiquette and have performed in many ensemble concerts. Some of our Senior students are preparing for VCE Music Performance recitals later this year and are looking forward to further study involving music beyond Year 12. 

Each student should be congratulated on their preparation and presentation of their pieces. It is really encouraging and exciting to see our string program thriving here at CCG. It must be said that we are also blessed with dedicated and supportive String Instrumental staff who work tirelessly to bring the best out of their students, and the evidence of this was plain to see at last night's performance. A big thank you to all string staff: Rebecca Bertoncello, Matheus Oliviera, Siobhan O'Shaughnessy, Catie Martin, Jeanette Carnie, Miriam Bell and Cecilia Bell. 

I would also like to acknowledge the work of our piano accompanists; thanks so much to Regina Thomae and Brad Treloar for your wonderful work with our young musicians, as well as some accompaniments from special family members too. 

Congratulations again to all performers and keep up the practice during the holidays! 

Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser 

On behalf of the Christian College Foundation, I would like to thank everyone in the Christian College community for their generosity in purchasing Hot Cross buns. 
In total, we raised $2488 + an anonymous donor match of $2488 = $4,976 to the Foundation. This is a fantastic result! 
Your generous support will help to enable, empower and change the lives of young people from families who are experiencing hardship. Thank you! 
We have several planned Foundation Fundraising events for the year including a Night of Cabaret (June 13), Golf Day at The Sands (October 17), and a Christmas Carols event. 
 
If you are interested in getting involved, volunteering or sponsoring, please contact Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager at t.cminnes@ccg.vic.edu.au 
 
Thank you again for your support. 

Australian Doctors Orchestra Coming to the RW Gibson Centre 

 On Sunday April 6, Christian College will be hosting the Australian Doctors Orchestra (ADO) at the Gibson Centre, Christian College Senior School. The orchestra will be performing in Geelong for their 2025 regional concert.  This concert will raise funds for local charity. Please see concert and ticket details below and attached. The orchestra would also appreciate any assistance with promoting their concert, so please spread the word! It will feature many local medical professionals, will be playing a work by composer Edward Fairlie (CCG Class of 2000), and featuring soloist Emily Treloar on the clarinet (CCG Class of 2024). 

The ADO is a unique national fellowship of medical professionals who are also classically trained musicians.  Since their first concert in 1993, the orchestra has played a concert every year (except 2021) and in every state, using each occasion to raise funds for charity.  All proceeds from this concert will go towards upgrading Social Connect, a much-loved day program at Gateways Support Services.  To purchase tickets, click this Trybooking link. 

We are  looking forward to welcoming the ADO to our region and the Gibson Centre. 

2025 Young Women in Aerospace and Defence

Young Women in Aerospace and Defence is a free four-day STEM program hosted by RMIT. It is open to girls in Years 7 to 12 and will run three times this year during the school holidays: April 7 – 10; July 7 – 10; and September 29 – October 2.

For more details, including how to apply, please read the brochure below.

Interested in Volunteering at CCG in 2025? 

Christian College appreciates the support provided by all volunteers. Around our campuses there is a range of activities in and out of the classroom where we are greatly assisted by parent/guardian volunteers. Many of the College’s programs would not exist or continue without their support. 

Our College community relies upon the skills that each volunteer can provide. Staff at each campus will communicate the different opportunities open to parent/guardian volunteers, such as excursions, camps and other events. 

To engage with us as a parent/guardian volunteer, you will need a current Working With Children Check (these are valid for five years). To ensure all volunteers are aware of, and agree to, the conditions of working as a volunteer, Christian College requires each volunteer to sign this agreement prior to commencing work. A new completed form is required each school year.  

Click on this link to download a Parent Volunteer Agreement form. Once downloaded, it can be completed electronically, including a digital signature, and then uploaded using the button provided.