Surf Coast Term 1 Week 7

From the Acting Principal

In my interactions with parents at various events over the past couple of weeks – welcome picnics, swimming carnivals and leadership inductions – I’ve taken the opportunity to ask a few questions about this very newsletter, The Vine. “Are you a regular reader?” “What’s your feedback on the content?” And “Is Friday afternoon the right time to receive it?”

It has been pleasing to learn that almost all parents I spoke to read The Vine weekly. They love learning of all the classroom and non-classroom activities taking place on their child’s campus each week – not just the ones relevant to their year level, but all the goings on, mindful that their child might partake in such activities in the not-too-distant future. And as for the Friday timing? Well, again, the vast majority expressed a strong like for receiving it at the end of the week. A welcome wrap-up, if you will, offering a glimpse into the highlights and achievements of the week. And, according to some, a great way to wind down on a Friday evening!

Like you, I’m also seeing The Vine hit my inbox on a Friday afternoon. I never tire of reading the latest happenings across all our campuses. The feedback from parents underscores the significance of The Vine as a means of fostering unity and connection within our broader school community. And the breadth of content, across subjects, year levels and campuses, in and out of the classroom, showcases the rich tapestry of experiences available to our students.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teachers for their commitment to keeping you, our parents, informed and connected through The Vine. Each week, staff at each campus go to great lengths to ensure that the content resonates with you, offering an insight into your child’s schooling experience and the wonderful community to which they belong.

Bible Presentation

Today was a wonderful time of celebration for our Year 2 and Year 5 students. Our Year 2 students accepted the gift of a Storybook Bible, and our Year 5 students received their College Bible. The children proudly accepted their new Bibles before their families and friends. The Bible with its timeless wisdom, invites us to engage with the writings from prophets and followers of Jesus and our students will use their new Bibles during Devotions and Christian Ed lessons. 

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 2024

WEEK 8

Monday 18 March                  Discovery and Learning – Preps – Cosy Corner – Please refer to EdSmart

Tuesday 19 March                  NAPLAN – Numeracy -Year 3 and 5

Wednesday 20 March            Year 6 Camp – Mill Valley Ranch –Please refer to EdSmart

Thursday 21 March                Year 4 Device Information Session – Via Teams Meeting – 5pm. Please refer to information sent

Thursday 21 March                Harmony Day

Thursday 21 March                Year 2 – Strings Concert – Multipurpose Room – Period 2. More information to come from the Music Department.

From The Chaplain

I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and had an opportunity to rest and recuperate. I personally had a very busy weekend, but the time spent with family and friends was invaluable.

Our Easter painting is coming along so well, and I have had many students express how great they feel it looks, and how the idea of Jesus being the ‘Servant King’ was equally confusing and made complete sense.

It’s once again been a great blessing to spend time in each classroom this week, and to share the way that Jesus exhibits and exemplifies humility. We can all learn to be humbler, and to show others how much value they have by serving them.

I’m so excited to see what the last few weeks of thumbprints will bring to our artwork!

Blessings,

Discovering the Easter Story: A Journey of Love

Our little learners embarked on a special adventure, a journey that led them straight into the heart of Easter. They discovered that this holiday isn’t just about chocolate eggs and bunnies; it’s a profound story of love and sacrifice.

The Preppies eagerly watched snippets from the story, their eyes wide with wonder. With crayons in hand, they drew pictures to match the significant events that unfolded—the cross, the empty tomb, and the unwavering love of Jesus.

Confidently, they retold the Easter story, their voices filled with awe. They explained why it matters, the ultimate act of love.

Next week the Surf Coast preppies will open Resurrection Eggs, continuing their journey of understanding and guiding others through this timeless tale.

Getting Creative With Maths in Year 1

This week, the vibrant minds of Year 1 delved into the fascinating world of 2D shapes. With excitement in the air, we embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets of shapes that surround us every day. 

Our exploration began by unravelling the mysteries of polygons. Through engaging discussions, the Year 1s discovered the defining characteristics that distinguish a shape as a polygon. Armed with this knowledge, they set out on a shape hunt within our classroom, on a quest to spot 2D surfaces showcasing both regular and irregular polygons. 

Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm as they explored everyday objects was truly inspiring. With curious eyes and nimble fingers, they examined each item, skilfully describing what they observed – from the number of sides and corners to the arrangement of faces. 

Throughout the week, our focus will shift towards classifying shapes based on their unique attributes. We’re also looking forward to delving into 3D shapes and objects, where we will explore their properties and relationships. Furthermore, we are excited to unravel the intricate patterns formed by different shapes, adding a creative twist to our mathematical endeavours. 

In Year 1, our Maths sessions are not just about numbers and equations; they are a canvas for creativity and exploration.

Compelling Spelling in Year 2!

Throughout this term the students have been working very hard in developing their spelling skills throughout their Phormes practice. This week we continued to work on Silent Final E (SFE) words and we unpacked with the students the SFE job 5 (E goes at the end just ‘cos, for example freez, is spelt freeze and ar is spelt are). This job explains how sometimes we put and e on the ends of words, just ‘cos. This rule provides us the opportunity to highlight the pattern in SFE Job 5, that applies if the words have the ending ‘se’ e.g. nurse, house, horse. If we take the e off these words, they look like plurals.  This week we celebrated the students amazing achievement of learning the sounds we use in spelling. Students were able to apply their learning in a variety of ways throughout their writing and in a fun game using Phonogram cards. Brilliant work year 2s, keep up your great spelling!

The Natural World of Joseph Banks

As part of our Interdisciplinary Unit – Our Australian Heritage, the Year 4 students have been investigating the Age of Discovery and the reasons for early exploration. They have learnt about the challenges and adventures of a number of early explorers, one being Joseph Banks. In class we looked at his dedicated and challenging efforts to discover and record new findings in the natural world.

To give the children a taste of this work, we were very excited to have Ms Jenn Beck-Carlson visit and guide us with a lesson on botanical artwork. Not only an incredible art teacher, Ms Beck-Carlson is also an accomplished artist and shared some of her works with the children. She then led the classes in an exploration of our school environment. The children took care and time to record their observations in their sketch books.

We are looking forward to further time with Ms Beck-Carlson as she supports the children to further develop these sketches.  

Science is a hit With Years 5 and 6!

Wow! What a jam-packed term it has been in Middle School Science!

Something that has been a joy to watch is the enthusiasm the Years 5 and 6s have had for our Science classes.

Throughout the term, the Year 5s have been investigating states of matter through engaging in hands-on experiments, such as, creating a vibrant density rainbow, investigating changes of state, evaporation and will be exploring the peculiar substance called Oobleck.

The Year 6s have been introduced to electricity flow through the creation of simple parallel and series circuits. They have also explored conductivity through testing different types of materials as switches, learned how to read a voltmeter and ammeter and investigated different types of energy.

I look forward to the rest of the year as we change topics and hopefully get the kids excited about the world around us. Also, keep an eye out for the Science show later this year. Until then, remember Psalm 111:2: “Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them.”

A Trip Back in Time

Inspired by the rich history of Australia’s Federation era, our young writers have immersed themselves in the perspectives of young individuals living during that time.

This writing unit has allowed them to step into the shoes of those who lived during the Federation era, gaining an understanding of the challenges, aspirations, and daily life of that time.

The students have enjoyed staining and ‘authenticating’ their writing to look as if was written during that era. They used tea-soaked sponges to age their paper and tore sections out of their writing, creating quite a mess.

I encourage you to invite your child to share the writing they have created and discuss with them the diverse perspectives, both positive and negative, that shaped our nation.

Japanese Students of the Week

In Term 1, Year 4 students are learning about classroom instructions. Students use the sentences to conduct the role play of “Police and Tourist” in class. The following students are encouraged to pair up with classmates who they normally don’t work with. As a result, the following students from 4J showed a remarkable performance memorising all script and excellent acting. Well done! Yokudekita!

Piper Allen, Finnegan Hunter, Ernest Magree, Sophie Walters

Geelong North Division Swimming Championships

On Tuesday, Surf Coast Campus had 11 students compete at the Geelong North Division Swimming Championships.

The following students competed in the following events:

John Bechis – 9/10 year old 50m backstroke (12th) and 4 x 50m freestyle relay (3rd)

Finn Hunter – 9/10 year old 50m breaststroke and 4 x 50m freestyle relay – absent

Edward Clark – 9/10 year old 4 x 50m freestyle relay (3rd)

Rory Pulis – 9/10 year old 50m freestyle and 4 x 50m freestyle relay (3rd)

Ivy Fraser – 9/10 year old 50m freestyle (18th) and backstroke (12th)

Lotte Goding – 9/10 year old 50m freestyle (16th) and backstroke (15th)

Harry Hilbert – 11 year old – 50m breaststroke (8th) and butterfly (6th)

Bryce Hunter – 11 year old – 50m backstroke (12th) and 4 x 50m freestyle relay (5th)

Camp Australia

Spotlight on Music – Felix Drums up a Storm!

Felix Rankin from Year 10 was invited to perform as a “Young Guest Artist” with the Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra featuring a piece of his choice at the Paris Cat in Melbourne. 

The DMJO has been a cornerstone of the Australian Music scene since the 1980's, supporting countless local and international solo artists. They came into their stride in the 90's as the studio band for "Hey Hey Its Saturday". 

A week before Felix's performance, when the resident drummer became unavailable, he was asked to step up and play the entire two-hour gig. Members of the DMJO (who are music directors themselves) were blown away by Felix’s preparation and performance on the night. 

Here is a snapshot of his feature piece "Magic Flea" by Sammy Nestico, from the Count Basie recordings

Doing the Right Thing on our Buses

I have noticed a decline in the overall behaviour of some students on our bus network, which is something we take very seriously. We have seen some significant damage to bus seats (cuts / slashes) and an increase in graffiti on seats and other surfaces of the bus. Please note, this behaviour will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will follow, including the reimbursement of costs associated with repairing damage, if applicable.

We ask all parents to please remind your children that damaging the buses disadvantages everyone who uses them, and to encourage those who witness this sort of behaviour to either email schoolbustravel@ccg.vic.edu.au or talk to their home room teacher. We will ensure that their identity remains anonymous.

Most importantly, appropriate behaviour on our buses is vital for the safety of all passengers and drivers.

Please click on this link to a YouTube video as a reminder of how to travel safely on our bus network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN5SfNHr37s

I would like us all to work together to ensure that we are operating the safest possible bus service every day and thank you in anticipation for your assistance in achieving this.

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum

Thank you to the parents and guardians who have responded and registered for this upcoming event next Wednesday evening. Based on your responses to date, here are the top 5 topics parents are most interested in exploring on the night:

• Protecting my child from harmful or inappropriate content
• Screen time - finding a healthy balance
• Parental controls
• Cyber bullying
• Making informed parental decisions about specific apps and games

We’re especially excited about the opportunity on this evening for some rich sharing and discussion amongst parents attending and will also share information on how the school can support you and your children in this space, at school and at home.

As this event is intended for interactive participation by attendees in a forum-style format, there will not be a recording available.

This event will be suitable and relevant for parents of students of all ages, from Prep through to Year 12. This one-hour forum will involve a combination of information and support from the College, as well as an opportunity to share and discuss challenges and strategies with fellow parents.

Cinderella – Be Quick - Tickets are Disappearing Fast!

There are still tickets available for our major College production this year, but they are going fast, so to ensure you don't miss out - book now! Join us as we present three very special performances of this delightful story featuring students from Years 6 – 12 with exceptional talent throughout the cast, and an orchestra brimming with outstanding student musicians, all backed up by a wonderful community of staff, students and families backstage.

Performances are at Geelong Arts Centre Play House Theatre on May 3 and 4.

To purchase tickets, visit our website and click on the hotlink on our homepage, or go straight to ticket sales by clicking here. 

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund

Financial Assistance for Eligible Parents

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. Support from CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities and forms part of the State Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is: • $150 for primary school students • $250 for secondary school students

How to Apply

Application Forms are available online through the Parent Portal (Go to ‘Student Information’ > ‘Important Forms for Parents’) these forms can be downloaded, completed then uploaded according to the instructions. Hard copy forms are also available from reception at each campus or by emailing enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au

More Information

For the CSEF application closing dates and more information about the fund please visit this webpage

CSEF_Application_Form_2024

Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion

The Class of 2014 10 Year Reunion is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024. Join us at Blackman's Brewery Geelong from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Tickets are $15 each and RSVPs close on Thursday, 28th March 2024 at 5:00pm. 

This will be a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your peers, catch up with past teachers, and reminisce about your school days. 

Tours of the College Clocktower at Middle School - Highton will also be optional on the day of the reunion, if you would like to climb the Clocktower and find your brick, simply book in when you register. 

For those who would like to have a tour of the College grounds, please head to our website to arrange a tour. 

We look forward to catching up with the Class of 2014. If this is your year group, spread the word and register for your 10 Year Reunion today!  

https://ccgfoundation.org.au/2014

Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon

The Foundation Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon is back on and has been scheduled for Friday, 24 May 2024.

You are invited to join us for lunch at the stunning Provenance Wines in Fyansford.

This is a fundraising event for the Foundation and an opportunity to hear about the success and progress of the College.

Our guest speaker is Jossy Chacko, Founder and President of Empart, a global ministry that exists to ignite holistic community transformation among needy communities.

Giving leadership to a team of over 13,000 people and offices in nine countries, Jossy travels around the world inspiring and challenging leaders to capture a larger God-size vision and not to waste gifts and opportunities. He is also the author of Madness! and Dare to Partner.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to come together. 

Secure your seat and book online today! 

https://ccgfoundation.org.au/gh

Golf Tournament 

Join the Christian College Foundation for an exciting four-person Ambrose Golf Day, including a $30,000 hole in one prize on Thursday, 24th of October at 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads.

Set on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, the day provides an opportunity to enjoy the award-winning creek course, known for its undulating couch fairways, deep bunkers and interesting swales and hollows.

You will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast on arrival and an opportunity to participate in several fun activities including the longest drive, nearest to the pin etc.

There is plenty of prizes up for grabs, including a cash prize of $30,000. Score a Hole in One on the 12th Hole and you can win. *

You will also be treated to a delicious buffet lunch and learn more about the incredible work of the foundation. Every dollar raised will be dollar matched!