Surf Coast Term 1 Week 2

From the Dean of Christian Culture

Come Together in 2025! 

Warm greetings to all our community members at the end of week 2! I’m so glad to see our College in full swing and our students filling our campuses with laughter and learning.  

There’s so much to look forward to as we take in the year ahead of us. Celebrations and opportunities to rejoice in our learning, competing, growing and changing are all ahead of us. It really is a beautiful view from here, filled with so much potential and excitement. I appreciate that this view, of all that is ahead or could be waiting for us throughout 2025 can also be a little bit unnerving and overwhelming. In these moments I have found it’s best to look not at the terrain ahead as much as the people beside us who will accompany us along the way. I want to encourage all of us together to take on 2025 with eyes open to see, ears open to hear and hands open to grasp all that God has placed within it for us ahead of time. Like one who has hidden treasure for others to find I believe God has absolutely gone ahead and hidden throughout this year many treasures, many blessings, for each of us to find, experience and to share with Him and with one another.  

One of these treasures and blessings is surely the opportunity to gather regularly for prayer and fellowship. At Christian College we value time spent in prayer and the many varied and different expressions of prayer our community members bring that enrich the fabric of our fellowship. We have opportunities for corporate prayer on each of our five campuses every week and we warmly invite you to join us. Parents, guardians, grandparents and friends – we would be delighted for you to pray with us.  

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 1 2025

WEEK 3

Monday 10 Feb
Year 7 Camp – Students Departure

Discovery and Learning – Prep Students

Device Information – Parent Night 6.30pm

Wednesday 12 Feb
No Preps at School – All Students

Year 7 Camp – Students Return

Welcome Year 1!

What an incredible start to the school year! Over the past two weeks, we have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and curiosity shown in our new 1J and 1T classrooms. In Mathematics, students have been mastering number lines and exploring the concept of sharing. Our Year 1s have loved sharing their own family stories and learning all about how our families shape us. Their thoughtful discussions and eagerness to learn have made every lesson so enjoyable.

It has been wonderful to see friendships forming, kindness spreading, and a love of learning shining in our classroom. We are so proud of how well each of the students have settled in and cannot wait to see what the next few weeks will bring!

A Great Start in Year 2

Year 2s have had a wonderful start to 2025. The students have settled in exceptionally well, getting to know our lovely new classmates and enjoying being in the Year 2 classrooms. There is a real sense of excitement and joy being together.

Year 2s have approached their learning with enthusiasm and wonder. In Maths we have been exploring place value of numbers in the hundreds and thousands. In English we have organised the classroom library and loved diving into new stories. We have also learnt about acknowledging and respecting the original inhabitants of our land and have started to explore William Buckley’s life on the Surf Coast in the 1800s.

We are looking forward to a great year!

Year 3 – Surf Coast

What a wonderful welcome and start we have had in Year 3 here at Surf Coast.

Students have settled into routine and shown us what a great community we are a part of, from organising their learning tools to showing new students around, we are already so proud of them.

We have started specialist and enjoyed creating music on the recorder, making floating flowers in art and having lots of fun in Health and PE. Thank you to our specialist teachers for such a smooth transition.

We have begun exploring our new topic of Ancient Greece and look forward to learning many new facts about this fascinating society and all the amazing ideas it brought to modern day civilisation. Students will be building on prior knowledge and skills in English to gain a deeper understanding of text structures and features, as well as new vocabulary. They will be exploring ‘Big Questions’ that centre around core ideas related to Ancient Greece. All questions are displayed in both classrooms; we encourage you to come and read them to provide some discussion at home. If students have any related books or interesting artefacts, please feel free to bring them to school.

Have a fantastic week ahead.

Ticking Boxes in Year 4

If you ask any Surf Coast Year 4 student what they are most looking forward to about the year ahead, you are sure to hear some common responses.

Getting my own device.

Having a prep buddy.

Being a leader.

In just seven days of school, our brand new Year 4 students have already begun ticking the boxes of these very special aspirations.

Exciting Times for Year 5!

We are absolutely thrilled to share with you all the excitement happening in Year 5! This year, our school has continued to grow, and we now have two Year 5 classes! The students are buzzing with energy as they get to meet new friends and work together in fresh and exciting ways. It’s wonderful to see the classrooms filled with laughter and teamwork as our students bond and create lasting friendships.

As they begin their journey in Middle School, there’s a real sense of anticipation and pride. Our Year 5 students are stepping into this new chapter with enthusiasm, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities. A highlight for many of them has been wearing their new blazers, which make them feel proud and grown-up as they prepare for their schooling journey in Middle School.

We’re so excited for the year to come and can’t wait to see how these young learners continue to grow, learn, and have fun in their new classes. Keep up the amazing work, Year 5 – the adventure has just begun!

Year 6 off to a Fantastic Start!

Our Year 6 students have had a wonderful start to the year, settling in smoothly and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with their final year of primary school. They have quickly adapted to new routines, responsibilities, and expectations, demonstrating enthusiasm and resilience as they embark on this exciting journey.

One of the highlights of the term so far has been our exploration of natural disasters. Students have been deeply engaged in learning about the different categories of disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and bushfires. They have been investigating the causes and effects of these events, as well as the ways in which communities prepare for and respond to them. Their curiosity and eagerness to dive into this topic have made for rich and meaningful discussions in the classroom.

In addition to their core subjects, our students have been thrilled to experience new specialist classes, including Designing New Futures. In this innovative program, students are using their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and construct pull toys for our Prep students. This hands-on project encourages teamwork, design thinking, and an understanding of mechanics, and the students are eagerly looking forward to seeing their ideas come to life.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we are incredibly proud of the way our Year 6 students are embracing their learning and responsibilities. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the coming weeks!

Welcome to Our Year 7 Students!

The start of the school year has been an exciting and memorable time for our new Year 7 students as they embark on their high school journey! Settling in seamlessly, they have been making the most of our fantastic new classrooms and facilities, eager to explore the many opportunities that come with this next stage of their education.

One of the highlights for our Year 7 students has been the opportunity to choose electives, allowing them to explore subjects that spark their interest. From Media to Woodwork, Interschool Sport to Writer’s Workshop, students have been diving into their new classes with enthusiasm and curiosity. The excitement of experiencing hands-on learning and developing new skills has been a key part of their positive transition into high school life.

Beyond the classroom, Year 7 students have been busy making new friendships and getting to know their peers. Our returning students have played a wonderful role in welcoming their new classmates, offering guidance on where to go and how things work around the school. This strong sense of community has helped everyone feel at home and supported during these first few weeks.

It’s been wonderful to see the joy and excitement of our new high school students as they embrace new experiences, take on new challenges, and enjoy all the opportunities that come with being in Year 7. We can’t wait to see them continue to grow, learn, and thrive throughout the year ahead!

Year 5 Music – Instrumental Performance and Learning Discovery 

 Week 2 has seen the entire Year 5 cohort across the three middle schools embark on a yearlong program of music performance. 

Every student in Year 5 spends the year learning skills in music and performance, this culminating in a celebration concert for families and friends. During Week 2 the music staff have visited each of the middle schools and introduced the Year 5 music program to the students. 

 The program provides two learning streams for our students. Those who are established musicians take part in the enriching learning of the ‘Performers’ Workshop’ program. In this program the students advance their musicianship through a broad range of tasks. They play in ensembles and bands as well as compose music, arrange music, and delve deeply into theoretical aspects of music. 

From the Director of Wellbeing 

As we commence another exciting school year, I warmly welcome all new students, staff, and families to our College. The start of the year is a time of transition, bringing both new opportunities and challenges. As we navigate these changes, our College remains committed to holistic development and the fostering of personal wellbeing to create an environment in which all members can flourish. As part of that commitment, I am pleased to advise of some new wellbeing initiatives designed to strengthen our proactive and preventative approach whilst also providing targeted support to students in times of need.  

This year, under our new FLOURISH wellbeing framework all students will engage in a Wellbeing curriculum designed to build wellbeing capabilities across a broad range of areas. Areas of the curriculum include social and emotional wellbeing; mental and digital health; overcoming challenges through building resilience and coping strategies; and understanding purpose through pathways, character strengths, self-reflection and goal setting. Our program incorporates developmentally age appropriate and evidence-informed resources tailored to the unique needs of each year level.  

I am also pleased to advise that this year we have a dedicated Student Wellbeing Officer working at each of our campuses. Our Student Wellbeing Officers play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for students needing additional support. Requiring a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students, the Student Wellbeing Officer serves the College community by providing information, guidance, advice, and additional support to students facing challenges that impact their mental health and wellbeing.  

Sibling Enrolments 2026

It has been delightful to welcome our new students and families to the College, and we look forward to meeting you in person at one of our events as the term unfolds. Although we are only a week into the new year, it is also the time at which we confirm our enrolment places for 2026. With places being much sought-after and with waiting lists at some year levels, it is imperative that our current enrolment database is accurate. 

We are asking our existing families to ensure that all of their children are officially enrolled at Christian College. Please remember that an individual enrolment must be completed online for each of your children. Whilst many of you have already attended to this task, can I make an urgent request to those families who may have a sibling of an existing student, due to begin in 2026 (or beyond), to ensure that all enrolment details have been completed.  

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.