Surf Coast Term 1 Week 6

From the Executive Principal

As a school that is continuously striving for improvement, we know that meaningful progress must be anchored in evidence. Data is one of the most powerful tools we have to understand how our students are experiencing their learning and wellbeing, and to ensure that the steps we are taking together are making a real difference.

I am delighted to share some encouraging highlights from our most recent Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey. While there will always be areas where we can grow further, several results this year truly excited me and demonstrate the positive momentum building across our College.

Student perceptions of Classroom Engagement showed noticeable improvement from 2024 to 2025. The percentage of students who agreed or strongly agreed that “My teacher makes the work we do in class interesting” jumped by 12%. We also saw growth in students who feel that “My teacher makes learning fun”, with a significant increase in Strongly Agree responses, which climbed by 14%. This tells us that more students are not only engaged, but genuinely enjoying their learning.

We were also encouraged to see improvements in the area of Effective Teaching across both Year 7–9 and Year 10–12. More students reported that the feedback they receive helps them understand how to improve, and that their teachers are knowledgeable in the subjects they teach. These are foundational elements of excellent learning, and it is heartening to see students noticing and valuing them.

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

WEEK 7

Monday 9 March – Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 10 March – Geelong North Swimming Championships – Year 4 – 6 – Selected students

Tuesday 10 March – In Person Learning Conferences – Prep to Year 8

Wednesday 11 March – NAPLAN Writing Test – Years 3, 5 & 7

Wednesday 11 March – Cross Campus Instrumental Music Performance Night – Voice (Prep-Yr. 12 selected students)

Thursday 12 March – NAPLAN Reading Test – Years 3, 5 & 7

Thursday 12 March – Online Learning Conferences – Prep to Year 8

Friday 13 March – NAPLAN Language Conventions Test – Years 3, 5, & 7

Friday 13 March – Prep Discovery Session to Cosy Corner – 11.30am – 1.00pm

Prep–Year 9 Student Learning Conferences – Next Week

We are looking forward to next week's Prep to Year 9 Student Learning Conferences, with in-person meetings held on respective campuses on Tuesday, then online meetings via Microsoft Teams on Thursday.

Please note that conference bookings will close at 4.00pm on Monday.

In preparation for both nights, families may find the following two brief guides helpful:

• ​​​Accessing your booking schedule​​​
• ​​​Joining your Microsoft Teams video meeting​​​(for Thursday conferences)

Thank you for partnering with us in your child's learning journey.

Beach Prep Discovery Learning Fun!

Prep Discovery Learning at the beach has arrived! We have been blessed to have had two sparkling sunshine filled days to explore the beach so far this term.

Upon arrival at the beach for each session, the students eagerly walked to the sand ready to explore and play. Collecting buckets and spades they quickly began to create impressive sandcastles and sand cities. Many students began digging holes and their excitement grew as water began to seep into their holes, turning their digging into a quest for the deepest hole with the most water at the bottom.

In addition to sand play some students enjoyed games of frisbee, bat and ball and soccer, creating their own fun activities with each other.

It was wonderful to see all students engaged, running around, laughing, getting to know each other and making new friends. It was a fantastic beginning to Prep Discovery Learning and we look forward to many more adventures this year!

Year 2 Update

It has been a busy and exciting few weeks in Year 2!

In Maths, students have been exploring 2D and 3D shapes. We identified features such as faces, edges and vertices, built 3D shapes using pop sticks and blue tac, and used paper nets to construct prisms and pyramids. These activities helped us understand how flat shapes fold to create solid objects.

In English, we have begun learning about information reports. As a class, we practised writing a report about Australia, focusing on organising facts into clear sections. Students then wrote their own practice report on an animal of their choice.

We are very proud of the enthusiasm and effort Year 2 students are showing in their learning!

Year 4 Excursion to the You Yangs

Our Year 4 students recently embarked on an exciting excursion to the You Yangs, a trip that linked beautifully with our classroom studies on World Mountains and our History unit, Our Australian Heritage. The You Yangs, a striking series of granite ridges, hold deep cultural significance for the Waddawurrung people and remain an important landmark in our region.

The day began with a warm welcome from Park Ranger Vanessa, who shared fascinating insights into the cultural importance of the You Yangs and the connection the Traditional Owners have maintained with the land for thousands of years. She also introduced students to the native fauna found in the area. Much to everyone’s delight, we even spotted a koala resting high in a gum tree along the walking track.

Our visit to Big Rock was especially meaningful. Students explored the naturally occurring water well once used by First Nations people and were intrigued to see how such landforms supported life in the past. This hands‑on experience provided a strong, real‑world connection to our learning about the importance of mountains and their cultural significance around the world.

Year 5 Drama

This term in Year 5 Drama, students have been exploring Dreamtime stories, with a focus on storytelling, character development, collaboration and movement. As part of this learning, students at Surf Coast Campus recently had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a workshop led by Kiri Tawhai a proud Whadjuk Noongar, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa First Nations Artist and Stroyteller.

Kiri is passionate about working with young people and sharing Culture through her First Nations arts and wellbeing business, Djinang Aroha.

Throughout the workshop, Kiri guided the students as they transformed into bounding kangaroos, flowing waterfalls and other natural elements such as fire, earth and water. The students were asked to think creatively and listen deeply as they explored how their bodies moved to create shapes and soundscapes using their expressive skills to bring a dreamtime story to life. This experience was vital for students and will serve as a springboard for a class-based performance outcome towards the end of this term.

Year 6 Update

Year 6 have been reading the captivating “Once” by Morris Gleitzman. The students have approached this novel with enthusiasm and maturity, demonstrating a keen interest in find out more about the cultural struggles of that time.

“Once” is a gripping story set during World War II, narrated by a young Jewish boy named Felix. This book takes us on a compelling and emotional exploration of one child’s experiences during a dark period of history. Through Felix’s eyes, we witness the harsh realities of war, the importance of hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

In our discussions and activities centred around “Once,” we have explored Felix’s Hope vs Felix’s Reality. We have investigated how Felix, at times, can be an unreliable narrator and it is our job as the reader to infer the reality of the situations he is facing. We have analysed the situations that have slowly turned his unrelenting optimism into doubt and realisation.

One of the highlights of our study has been the thoughtful classroom conversations sparked by this book. Students have been eager to share their reflections, ask probing questions, and make connections between Felix’s experiences and broader historical contexts. These discussions have not only enhanced their understanding of the novel but have also encouraged empathy and compassion for those affected by historical events.

Year 7 and 8 Electives: Food Studies and Product Design – Woodwork

Our Year 7 and 8 students have been busy developing their creativity and practical skills in their elective subjects this term. In Product Design – Woodwork, students have shown great enthusiasm and teamwork while constructing their Bug Hotels. These projects have helped students learn how to measure accurately, safely use tools, and assemble timber pieces to create functional habitats for insects. The finished bug hotels look fantastic and demonstrate the students’ growing confidence in the workshop. With their bug hotels almost complete, students are excited to move on to their next projects, where they will design and build either a perpetual calendar or a bedside table.

Meanwhile, in Food Studies, students have been enjoying plenty of hands-on learning in the kitchen. They have successfully prepared a variety of delicious recipes including hamburgers, muffins, vegetable soup, apple crumble, and sushi. Through these cooking experiences, students are learning important kitchen skills, food safety practices, and the value of working together while creating meals they can proudly share with family and friends.

All‑Girls Basketball Session at Surf Coast Campus

On Thursday this week, students were treated to an energetic and inspiring all‑girls basketball session led by two of our talented Geelong Venom Stars, Poppy Stevens and Grace Spehar. The session brought together girls from across the campus to build confidence, develop their basketball skills, and enjoy a range of engaging minor games designed to promote teamwork, agility, and game awareness. Laughter, determination, and great energy filled the court as the girls embraced the opportunity to learn from two outstanding leaders.

This fantastic initiative provided a welcoming environment for players of all experience levels and highlighted the strength of female participation in sport within our community.

A big thank‑you goes to Edwina Norgard for her exceptional coordination in making this session possible. Her efforts ensured a positive, well‑organised experience that left our students buzzing with enthusiasm.

Bible Presentations

This morning was a joyous occasion as we gathered in the stadium to celebrate a significant milestone for our Preps, Year 1s, Year 2s, and our new students. Our Prep to 2 students were gifted a Storybook Bible, which depicts the Bible in a fun and colourful way that is accessible for our younger students. This special moment, shared in the presence of their families and friends, will be a meaningful step in the faith journey of each student.

On behalf of Surf Coast Campus, we would like to thank Mia Kafieris, College Dean of Christian Culture, who presented each of the students with their Bibles.

These new Bibles will become an integral part of our students’ learning, supporting them in their Devotions and Christian Education lessons as they explore faith, reflect on Scripture, and grow in their understanding of God’s love. They will also, ultimately, remain a gift that we hope our students will keep for life, and that their Bibles are a constant reminder and resource to grow in their relationship with God.

It was truly uplifting to see the joy and gratitude on the students’ faces as they received their Bibles and marked the beginning of a new chapter in their spiritual journey. We pray that these Bibles will serve as a cherished companion to each student, guiding them in their faith and shaping their hearts and minds for years to come.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

Staff, students, and members of the wider Christian College Geelong community gathered at the Senior Campus this morning for our annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. The event provided a warm and welcoming opportunity to come together, share a meal, and reflect on the significance of the day. In an exciting development this year, the Bellarine Campus hosted its own breakfast, with our guest speaker live‑streamed so both gatherings could participate simultaneously.

Our guest speaker was Catherine Bell, a former CCG student and School Captain of 1993. Catherine shared stories from her time at school and her diverse career journey, which has included working in Japan, leading organisational change in the hospitality sector, and now running her own successful business, Bell Training Group. With expertise in leadership development, organisational wellbeing, and workplace culture, she spoke passionately about fostering authentic and kind interactions—an inspiring message that resonated strongly with all who attended.

Catherine also highlighted three simple but essential habits that help us thrive: getting enough sleep, staying active, and spending time in nature.

Australian Music Examination Board - Sound Insights Day! 

Students learning an instrument may enjoy the AMEB Sound Insights Day at Melbourne Recital Centre during the school holidays on Tuesday 14 April 2026. 

This unique series of AMEB workshops, master classes and showcase concerts at MRC will provide learners with the chance to hear AMEB repertoire live, join the discussion of pieces, and gain essential exam insights. Students can also join throughout the day at AMEB Quiz Corner for a series of musical challenges and a chance to win some fantastic prizes, including Manhasset music stands valued at $160. 

With sessions featuring professional performers and AMEB examiners Kristian Chong, Josephine Vains, and Johanna Selleck, plus composers Calvin Bowman, Aaron Wyatt and Carolyn Morris, the AMEB Sound Insights Day is a must for all ages and musical levels. 

Student tickets are $10, with a 15% discount when you attend more than one event.            

For more information and to book, visit: 

https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/whats-on/series/ameb-sound-insights-day  

CC Eagles Basketball – Winter 2026 Season

Do you have a keen basketball player in your family? Or are you new to basketball and want to know more?

As one of the largest Basketball Clubs in Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast, the CC Eagles is able to provide the appropriate competition for all our players, with a wide range of levels and age groups for boys and girls.

The CC Eagles currently have 7 teams that play as part of the Surf Coast Basketball Association competition at stadiums in and around Torquay. You do not have to attend Christian College to play for the CC Eagles, we welcome all players at all levels of ability to join our teams.

The winter basketball season is played over Term 2 and 3. We will be holding a Come and Try Clinic for new players looking to join the CC Eagles as follows:

Date:                Saturday 14th March

Location:         Christian College Surf Coast Indoor Basketball Court

Time:               2.00pm for U/9 and U/10 Boys and Girls

                        3.00pm for U/12 and U/14 Girls

                        4.00pm for U/12 and U/14 Boys

All-Star Kids at CCG

Hot Cross Buns 

With Lent underway and Easter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for a little seasonal indulgence that also does a whole lot of good. Christian College Geelong is excited to partner with Ket Baker and Gluten Free4U to bring our community a delicious selection of locally made hot cross buns, all while supporting the Christian College Geelong Foundation. 

Why Your Purchase Matters 

Every pack purchased contributes directly to the Foundation, and thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all contributions will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact. 

Ket Baker 6 pack – $15 

(Normally $20 retail) 

• Classic 

• Chocolate (includes fruit) 

• Chocolate (fruitless)  

• Spiced (fruitless) 

$6 donated per pack, matched to $12