Surf Coast Term 1 Week 8

From the Dean of Christian Culture

Easter – The only good time to put all your eggs in one basket!

“Only eight sleeps to go Mia” my niece called to remind me, “Easter Sunday is coming!” What followed was a litany of questions regarding all the preparations for Easter next weekend; “Is it my turn to roll the stone away this year?” in regards to the wooden passion set that is currently sitting on the hallway table (think nativity set but displaying the Easter story). “Have you finished the tablecloth?”, the half-sewn rainbow cotton tablecloth is spread out on my floor with pins still in it waiting to be finished. “Will you make those biscuits again with the jam in the middle?” “Are you hiding the eggs this year? ‘cause I’ve been practising my seeking and I’m going to find them all no matter how hard you hide them”. I can hear in her voice that a sense of occasion is continuing to build, the Easter anticipation is real. And joyful. And delightful to be a part of.

In my family I am often accused of hiding Easter Eggs at the highest degree of difficulty. Where others might leave the colourfully wrapped treasures in very obvious places it is my goal to make an Easter Egg hunt a properly challenging task. Treasure maps are drawn for particularly hard to find pairs of ‘resurrection socks’ (a new pair of socks for the wearer to associate with “putting on and walking in the resurrection life” with each wearing) or particular chocolate treats. “Mia it’s too hard, I can’t find the eggs!” I’ve often heard this whine – my response “Keep looking, I promise they’re out there”.

Harmony Week

Harmony Day is a time to celebrate Australia’s multiculturalism. This week our students have been celebrating the many cultures that make our country a diverse place to live. The students have been learning about inclusivity, respect and belonging for all Australians regardless of their culture. They spent time creating artworks to depict unity.

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 9

Monday 25 March                   
School Back Then – Year 1
Instrumental Music – Band and Solo Concert, featuring Eltham High school Concert Band and Christian College VCE Musicians. – Year 5

Tuesday 26 March                   
Year 4, 5 & 6 House Athletics Carnival @Middle School Highton

Wednesday 27 March              
Geelong Advertiser – My First Day Prep Photos Edition comes out today.
Good Friday Appeal Sausage Sizzle and donation. The sausage sizzle money is to be in by Monday 25 March. The donation is for the Good Friday appeal casual dress.

Thursday 28 March                  
Easter Service and Bonnet Parade – All students – please see letters sent on 18/3

Thursday 29 March                  
Lunchtime Music Concert – All Welcome

Thursday 28 March                  
End of Term 1 – 2.30pm dismissal

Rockpool Rambling at Cosy Corner

Monday marked the final Beach Prep session of the term, and what wonderful weather were we blessed with for the occasion! The low tide revealed a hidden world of rockpools warmed by the lovely autumn sunshine, where we discovered sea urchins, tiny shells, and an array of microscopic marine creatures. Our explorations were further enriched by Paul, a kind Cosy Corner local, who shared his expertise in harvesting sand yabbies for fishing bait. Our Preps squealed with delight as they held the wriggly creatures in their hands. As we bid farewell to the shoreline for this term, we look forward to our bush excursions down the hill at Spring Creek in Term 2.

A Cooking Day in Japanese

In term 2, Year 4 will explore the famous book of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle, in Japanese. This unit of work will also promote healthy eating habits and cooking skills as well as Japanese words and expressions. Students were very engaged making a shape of a caterpillar using vegetables (Yasai) and fruits (Kudamono).

Arigatou (Thank you) to parent helper Yukari, assistant Anna, and Yukai for your support on the day.

Year 1 Storytellers and Mathematicians

Over the past few weeks, our budding storytellers have delved into the captivating world of adjectives. Through activities and creative exercises, they’ve discovered how adjectives can sprinkle magic onto their narratives, making them more vivid and compelling. Using a story timeline, the students have crafted some truly imaginative tales, filled with descriptive language that brings their characters and settings to life. Their stories have been as diverse as their imaginations!

In Mathematics, our super mathematicians have been exploring the captivating realm of shapes. Armed with geometric boards, they’ve embarked on exciting adventures in design, constructing various shapes and unravelling their mysteries. Through hands-on exploration, they’ve not only identified the sides and vertices of each shape but have also developed a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and geometry.

Selamat Datang Kelas 5!

Year 5 students have been enjoying their first exposure to Indonesian language and culture this term.

Students have been perfecting their Indonesian greetings and practising their numbers from one to ten. This week the class has started their island projects, where in groups, students research key facts about the main islands of Indonesia; the different languages, cultures, food and animals, that make each island unique.

There has been such enthusiasm and engagement from our new Indonesian language students as they learn about Australia’s closest Asian neighbour.

William Buckley Watercolours!

After visiting historic sites around the Surf Coast and Geelong, Year 2s imagined what it would have been like for William Buckley when he walked the Surf Coast land and shores. On our excursion in Week 5, the students sketched a picture of the beach at Breamlea and illustrated William Buckley catching dinner in his inventive fish trap, or warming himself by a fire.

This week back in class, the children painted their sketches with watercolours, bringing their creations to life. There were cloudy skies, clear blue seas, hot fires on the shoreline, and bream in the rocky fish traps. Year 2s have certainly enjoyed learning about our local Surf Coast legend, William Buckley.

Fostering Creativity and a Love for Drawing

At Christian College we really understand and nurture the importance of creativity. Embracing its importance and benefits, helps develop critical thinking. This is very important in a world that is changing at an unprecedented rate. This term year we have been exploring drawing and using a variety of materials and mediums to make marks and shapes. Alongside this, students were engaged in a creative process and developing their abstract thinking. These are much-needed, lifelong skills.

What is Creativity? 

Creativity usually starts with the littlest idea and then in the right environment, it’s allowed to flourish. Thus, creativity is a far ranging and diverse subject. At first glance we may assume that creativity is a particular skill such as drawing and painting, however there are many more subtle layers to its meaning.

It is creativity that fuels an innovative mind and leads to new ways to solve all kinds of problems.

Busy Times in Year 3

This week the Year 3 students completed the last of their NAPLAN assessments. It has been a busy term, and we are heading towards a well-earned break. The students have settled into the expectations and routines of being in Year 3 and they should be very proud of their achievements so far.

As part of our devotions, the Year 3 students are learning about The Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus has instructed us to pray. We aim to write in our prayer journals fortnightly and we set aside the time during devotions for the students to consider what they are thankful for, and for any needs they would like to pray for. Our students have truly beautiful, kind, and empathetic hearts, often writing a prayer to ask God to meet the needs of a friend or family member as well as thanking Him for the blessings in their lives. We treasure the opportunity to have some quiet time in a busy week and to gather our thoughts to think of others and share our gratitude for the good things we have experienced.

God bless.

Year 2 Strings Program

As a part of the Year 2 music program our students have the opportunity to learn a string instrument. Together they learn the features of their instruments and how to play particular notes. Once they can play several notes, they put them together and create music. This term our Year 2T students have had a wonderful time learning on the string instrument of their choice. This week they had the opportunity to play for their families and friends in a strings concert. A very special thank you to Mr Martin De Marte and the music team for giving our children the opportunity to develop a love and appreciation for music.

Understanding Different Perspectives on Australian History

This week in Year 4, students have delved into history through the eyes of the convicts who embarked on the arduous journey aboard the First Fleet to Sydney Cove. Through imaginative exercises and empathetic exploration, they’ve put themselves in the shoes of these individuals, pondering the uncertainties, fears, and hopes they must have felt. Students have contemplated the cramped, filthy conditions, the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the ship, and the daunting prospect of starting their lives in a new and unfamiliar land. They have imagined the mix of trepidation and anticipation that accompanied each wave against the hull as the fleet sailed into unknown waters. By empathising with the convicts’ experiences, Year 4 students have gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by those who shaped modern Australian history.

Teaching Year 4 students about the first contact between the British and First Nations people in Sydney Cove provides them with a deeper understanding of Australia’s history and the ongoing legacy of colonisation. By exploring diverse perspectives, engaging in critical analysis using historical sources, and fostering empathy, students can develop respect for Indigenous cultures and contribute to reconciliation efforts in their communities.

CCG Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Safety Parent Forum

On Wednesday evening, parents and carers of students from Prep to Year 12 came together for our parent forum to discuss digital wellbeing and cyber safety. It was wonderful to create a space and invest time into sharing and exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by our young people's interactions online and with technology.

One of the most engaging aspects of the evening was when parents and carers shared their experiences and challenges, connecting with fellow parents in small groups. Feedback from parents who attended was that they valued this format, providing an opportunity to chat and compare perspectives and strategies with fellow parents.

For those who couldn’t attend, we offer the following resources:

• Community – 2024 Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety Parent Forum
• Parent Digital Wellbeing Resources QR Handout

As a College, we are dedicated to partnering with parents and carers to foster positive interactions with technology and to promote wellbeing among our young people, and we look forward to our continuing journey together.

Qustodio Parent App

As part of the College’s commitment to supporting students and families with positive digital interactions in the home, we provide access to the Qustodio Parent App for all College parents and carers.

Relationship, clearly established boundaries, and adult modelling of healthy interactions with digital technologies form the best foundation for supporting young people’s own positive digital interactions. eSafety identifies parental controls as an important tool for parents in support of home digital wellbeing and provides an excellent parent guide to parental controls.

• Parental controls | How to keep your child safe (esafety.gov.au)

Parental controls tools, such as the Qustodio Parent App, can help to enforce agreed rules, provide safety barriers, and better empower parents and carers by providing visibility over their children’s digital activity. Parents are encouraged to consider how the Qustodio Parent App can support them and their young people at home.

Video Link: A Parent's Initial Introduction to Qustodio

Interested parents who have not already registered their Qustodio parent account can learn more about how to get started below. This includes video guides on registering your parent account as part of our school program and getting started.

• Getting Started with the Qustodio Parent App

Qustodio is a valuable tool for parents which can be used in a range of ways depending on your child’s individual age, needs and context. I encourage parents and carers to consider and explore how Qustodio can support you and your young people with positive digital interactions and wellbeing at home.

Woodwind Evening

On Thursday evening this week the RW Gibson Centre was a buzz with our Cross-Campus Woodwind Performance night. The night featured students from Years 5 – 12, performing solos, duets and quartets for their families and friends. The musicians presented a range of playing development, from students performing beginner level repertoire right through to the most captivating senior soloists. It’s so rewarding to see the great work by these musicians realised on stage in such a lovely night of celebrating their music. Thanks so much to the accompanist and music faculty who teach, support and encourage these students, along with their family and friends. 

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.

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!