From The Executive Principal
I was talking to a group of Year 9 students at our rural campus, Back Creek Farm, this week, asking them what their favourite activities had been so far during their time at the Farm this term. They told me, in no uncertain terms, that they love doing the difficult, hard things at Farm most because “if you don’t do the really hard stuff in life, how can you ever have a sense of achievement?” What a wonderful demonstration of students relishing the opportunity to build resilience and striving for excellence.
I love how our students get so many opportunities to stretch themselves and build their resilience. If I look through the range of activities our students participated in this week, I recognise that what stretches one student, may be different to what stretches another. For some doing a cross-country run may be the hard thing; for others participating in a maths competition, doing canoeing on GEOS camp, performing a solo at the cross-campus music evening or getting up early to milk the cows on the Farm. But what is important, is that we do give our children these opportunities to do hard things, because they learn and grow from it.
As adults, our instinct is often to shield children from discomfort or challenge, but doing so can unintentionally limit their growth. When we step back just enough to let them grapple with something difficult, while still offering encouragement and support, we give them the confidence and competence that only come from facing challenges head‑on.
What we know, both from research and from simply watching children grow, is that learning to persevere through challenge is one of the greatest gifts we can give our young people. Hard things teach far more than the task itself. They teach patience when the outcome isn’t immediate. They teach courage when the first attempt doesn’t go to plan. They teach self-belief that comes not from being told “you can do it,” but from discovering, often to their own surprise, “I did do it.”
When children tackle something difficult, they also begin to understand that struggle is not a sign of failure but a natural and essential part of learning. In fact, it is often in the moments when things feel most uncomfortable that the greatest growth occurs. Whether it’s a muddy track on the cross-country run, a tricky concept in maths, or taking a deep breath before stepping into the spotlight at a music evening, each challenge invites our students to expand their sense of what is possible.
Importantly, doing hard things also nurtures resilience: that quiet, steady strength that helps young people cope with setbacks and keep going despite uncertainty. Resilience isn’t built by avoiding difficulty; it develops when students face challenge with support, encouragement, and the knowledge that effort matters more than perfection. At our College, we take pride in creating an environment where students are stretched, supported, and celebrated for trying, not only for succeeding.
As parents, carers and educators, we have the privilege of walking alongside them, cheering them on, giving them space to try, and reminding them that mistakes are not something to be feared but opportunities to learn. When children see adults model persistence, acknowledge effort, and value growth, they gain confidence to embrace their own challenges with curiosity rather than apprehension.
So, as we reflect on another week full of diverse and demanding experiences for our students, let’s take a moment to appreciate the courage they show each time they choose the harder path. These are the moments that shape character, strengthen community, and help our young people become capable, confident learners who know that hard things are worth doing, not because they are easy, but because they make us stronger. And as our Year 9 students remind us: “if you don’t do the really hard stuff in life, how can you ever have a sense of achievement?”
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
WEEK 10
Monday 30 March – Lunchtime Instrumental Music Concert – 1.15pm (selected students)
Tuesday 31 March – Region Swimming Championships – Year 4-6 Selected students
Wednesday 1 April – SSV Division Female AFL 9’s Championship – Year 5 & 6 – selected students
Wednesday 1 April – Year 5 Excursion to ACMI and NGV
Wednesday 1 April – GISSA Surfing Championships – selected students
Wednesday 1 April – Cross Campus Instrumental Music Performance Night – Brass (Prep-Yr. 12 selected students)
Thursday 2 April – Easter Bonnet Parade – 9.15am – Prep – Year 6
Thursday 2 April – Easter Service 1.30pm – Stadium (time change)
Thursday 2 April – Last day of Term 1 – Students dismissed at 2.30am
TERM 2, WEEK 1 Tuesday 21 April – Students commence Term 2 Wednesday 22 April – Year 1J Incursion 9.15am – Roaming Reptiles Wednesday 22 April – Year 1T Incursion 11.30am – Roaming Reptiles Thursday 23 April – Year 7 Immunisations Friday 24 April – Anzac Service 9.00am Friday 24 April – SSV City 2 Surf District Cross Country Championships – Year 4 – Year 6 (selected students) WEEK 2 Wednesday 29 – May 1 April – Year 3 Camp to Wyuna (Surf Coast & Bellarine Campuses) Thursday 30 May – Lunchtime Instrumental Music Concert – 1.00pm (selected students) Friday 1 May – Middle School Assembly -9.00am Friday 1 May – Prep Discovery Session – 11.30am-1.00pm
Homework Club
At Christian College, home learning and homework extend beyond written tasks to include reading for pleasure, practising musical instruments, preparing presentations and revising class content. Our aim is to ensure that all home learning is purposeful, manageable and designed to strengthen skills, build independence and support students in becoming confident, capable lifelong learners. The Student Organiser is an important tool that assists students and families in all year levels in tracking and managing the variety of tasks assigned.
To further support students in Years 7–8, a Homework Club has commenced. This supervised session operates in 7J, each Tuesday and Thursday during lunchtime (1:10pm–1:40pm). Teachers may direct students to attend on a particular day if a homework task has not been completed, or if additional time is required for a piece of classwork.
Homework Club provides students with a valuable opportunity to complete tasks in a timely manner within the school day, with support available as needed.
Georgina Rolls, Deputy Head of Campus
School of Back Then
Our Year 1 students had a wonderful time stepping back in time to 1926 for a day of old-fashioned learning and fun. Throughout the day, they experienced what school may have been like many years ago and were excited to try activities that children once did.
The students helped cook scones together, carefully preparing and mixing the ingredients before enjoying the delicious result. In the classroom, they practised writing on chalkboards and had a go at calligraphy in cursive writing, learning just how much care and patience neat handwriting can take.
They also enjoyed playing traditional games, which brought lots of smiles and laughter. It was lovely to see the students so engaged and curious as they experienced a small glimpse of life from the past. The day was a fun and memorable way for them to learn about history in a hands-on way.
Sarah Minge
Year 3 – Looking After Our Blue-Tongue Neighbours
Did you know that Blue-Tongue Lizards have been living in the gardens around our Year 3 classrooms for quite some time? They are a special part of our school environment, and we feel very lucky to share our space with them.
A few weeks ago, we had a very memorable moment when one of our blue-tongue neighbours decided to wander a little closer than usual. During a lesson, a curious visitor slowly made its way towards our classroom, causing plenty of excitement! It was a wonderful reminder that we are learning alongside living things, not just in a classroom, but in a shared environment.
As a Year 3 cohort, we have been thinking carefully about how we can protect these amazing creatures and take responsibility for our school grounds. We would love all students to join us in looking after our environment.
Here are some important reminders from our Year 3 students:
Rosie: “We shouldn’t leave any rubbish out in the yard, please put it in the bin!”
Ollie: “Give Blue-Tongues respect, and please don’t pat them.”
Clover: “Please tidy up your own rubbish and if you see some rubbish in the yard, pop it in the bin!”
Juliet: “When you are packing your lunch for school, it’s a good idea to take off all of the rubbish at home and only bring nude food.”
Bella: “Don’t be noisy near the Blue-Tongues so we don’t scare them away.”
Liam: “Please don’t go into the gardens, which is their habitat. Please use the footpath instead!”
We encourage everyone in our school community to take small actions that make a big difference. By keeping our yard clean, respecting the gardens, and being calm and mindful, we can help our Blue-Tongue neighbours feel safe and protected.
Let’s work together to care for our school environment and the creatures that call it home!
Sophie McDonagh
Future Changemakers: Year 5 Environmental Campaigns
Our Year 5 students have been diving into an engaging and thought-provoking Geography unit as part of their Humanities studies, exploring the many ways humans and nature interact with our environment. Throughout the term, students have developed their understanding of environmental impacts, including Indigenous approaches to sustainability, the effects of urbanisation, climate change, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
As a culmination of their learning, students have taken on the role of environmental advocates, designing their own awareness campaigns to educate others about key environmental challenges. This task has encouraged them to think critically and creatively, as they research the causes of natural disasters, their impacts on people and communities, the locations most at risk, and practical ways we can prepare for and prevent these events.
It has been wonderful to see students so invested in their learning, particularly in making real-world connections. Isla shared, “I love hearing about environmental impacts so that when I start a business when I’m older, I can make sure the business protects the environment.” Audrey also highlighted the enjoyment of the project, adding, “Plus the creative side of the campaign is really fun!”
We are incredibly proud of the curiosity, empathy, and creativity our Year 5 students have demonstrated throughout this unit. Their passion for making a positive difference gives us great confidence in the future caretakers of our world.
Michaela Lyons
Riding the Waves and Celebrating Harmony Day
Last week our Year 7 students enjoyed an action-packed Sand and Surf Carnival, diving into a series of Nippers style events including sprints, wades, board races and the always exciting beach flags. The day was filled with energy, teamwork and plenty of sandy smiles as students challenged themselves and cheered each other on. Adding to the sense of community, our Year 7s also joined Year1 and Year 8 students in celebrating Harmony Day, coming together to recognise inclusivity, cultural diversity and the joy of learning alongside peers across the school. It was a vibrant and memorable week that highlighted both physical confidence and the strength of our school community.
Adrian Bate
Preps Making a Great Start in Japanese!
The Preps have had a terrific start in their Japanese learning journey. They are curious, engaged and full of energy and questions. We always start Prep Japanese learning with The Harapeko Hebi, a story about a hungry snake who has goes on an adventure. The children first hear me read the story to them whilst seeing the accompanying pictures. We then begin to start a choral read and then match the words with a gesture. This match of a physical movement with a new word helps students retain the meaning of the word with greater strength in their long-term memory. These are all words that they will encounter in P-4 Japanese so having had a prior experience with this vocabulary will help the children make greater progress in their learning. Repeated reads of a familiar text also help tune the children’s ears to the rhythms and sounds of the new language. The Preps will bookend their P-4 learning journey with learning the Hungry Caterpillar in Japanese in Year 4 using some of these new skills they learnt in Prep. I would encourage families to always find new and novel ways to experience different languages in day-to-day life.
Katya Chaney
A Big Week of Sport at Our Campus
It has been a huge and exciting week of sport at our campus, with students competing, training, and representing our college across a range of events.
On Wednesday March 25, students travelled to Kardinia Aquatic Centre for the GISSA Swimming Championships. Congratulations to Kai Digenis, Berry Burton, Dane Hornsby, Lilla Turner, Darcee Dunoon and Dorian Wakefield for proudly representing our college on the day. Their effort, commitment and sportsmanship were outstanding, and we are very proud of their achievements.
Also on Wednesday, our Year 4, 5 and 6 Cross Country District Training took place during lunchtime. It was wonderful to see so many students running along the Torquay Esplanade as they prepare for the upcoming District Cross Country event in Term 2. A big thank you to Adrian Bate for your amazing coaching of our district running squad – you are doing a fantastic job supporting and motivating our students.
On Friday March 27, students participated in the City to Surf District Summer Lightning Premiership, which was an amazing day of sport and competition. Events were held across several venues: Basketball at AWA stadium, Cricket and TeeBall at South Barwon Reserve, Volleyball at Torquay College and Hot Shots at Jan Juc Tennis Courts. A massive thank you to Coach Alex Pink, Nick Hogan and Carl Hillier (Basketball), Coach Jo Richardson (Tennis), Coach Michaela Lyons (Volleystars), Coach Dakota Whitten and Emma Workman (Tee Ball), and Coach Adrian Bate and Nicole Briscoe and Edwina Norgard (Cricket) for their leadership and support in preparing our students.
We would like to sincerely thank all parents who supported the City to Surf Districts on the day. Your time, encouragement and help behind the scenes played a vital role in ensuring the event ran smoothly and successfully.
A special thank you also to all sport coordinators and teachers involved across the districts. Your organisation, dedication and teamwork were instrumental in making the day such a positive experience for all students. We truly appreciate the effort and commitment that went into providing a fantastic sporting opportunity for everyone involved.
We also congratulate all of our Eagles teams who have represented the Christian College Eagles Basketball Club so brilliantly throughout the summer basketball season. It is fantastic to see so many of our students active in the wider community, supported by the incredible commitment of our parent coaches and team managers.
A big congratulations to our Under 12s girls ‘Blue’, wonderfully coached by Bianca Burrell, and our Under 14s boys ‘The Cruisers’, wonderfully coached by Simon Bowyer, for winning their semi-finals this week. We wish both teams the very best of luck as they head into their final matches next week.
Well done to all students involved for their effort, teamwork and positive representation of our campus. It has truly been a week to celebrate sport, community and school spirit.
Emma Workman
A Revamped Middle Years Library Space
The Surf Coast Middle Years Library is up and running, with a newly transformed space designed to support and inspire student reading. The refreshed library offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable lighting, artwork, and a growing collection of new books. Students have already begun contributing suggestions, helping shape a vibrant reading space.
Reading for Pleasure (R4P) is well underway, with strong interest in the fantasy and animal genres. Alongside time to select and enjoy books, students have been exploring the structure and purpose of biographies. Titles such as Able by Dylan Alcott, The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do, and I am Malala have introduced students to powerful real-life stories of challenge, choice, and achievement. The collection has also supported learning through displays linked to Harmony Day and International Women’s Day.
In Years 5 and 6, induction sessions, students explored their reading preferences through the “What Is My Genre Personality?” activity, creating a shared language around genre and book selection. They also strengthened their research skills through a “Real or Unreal?” quiz based on a text exploring misinformation.
We look forward to many more reading and research adventures in the library this year.
Felicity Roberts
Critical Evaluations of Generative AI: Year 7 Digital Technologies
This term, students in Year 7 have been exploring generative artificial intelligence—how it works, and how it can be used as an assistant in safe, responsible and ethical ways. Students began by completing an introductory training module and assessment, before applying their learning in an AI‑assisted creative task designed to build critical thinking.
It was a pleasure to visit 7H on our Highton campus earlier this week, where students were deeply engaged in creating a deliberate ‘fake news’ scenario about a fictional space mission that placed humans on Mars. Working within clear parameters, students crafted authentic‑sounding text and participated in a class challenge to generate the most credible image by carefully designing and refining their generative AI prompts.
A key focus of the task was iteration, evaluation and critique. Students compared AI outputs, identified weaknesses and inaccuracies, and refined their prompts to improve results—developing a deeper understanding of both the strengths and limitations of generative AI tools.
There was a great buzz in the room, and it was a pleasure to hear students reflect on their learning. This unit, completed by all Year 7 students across the College, lays a strong foundation for future learning by equipping students with the skills to question, use and critique generative AI thoughtfully, ethically and effectively.
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
Girl Power in Engineering and IT at The University of Melbourne
A program for female high school students, contributing towards gender parity in engineering and IT disciplines. For girls from Australia with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Female students will be inspired about the exciting possibilities of Engineering and IT through our Girl Power program, including a three-night camp at the University of Melbourne, work experience and mentoring opportunities.
Each year approximately 40 students from year 9 are selected to join this four-year program. Year 9 girls with an interest in IT and Engineering are invited to apply. Applications close April 5. Find out more and apply here
The Careers Team
Device Detox
How to support a decrease in screen time over the school holidays
In an always on world children and adolescents are spending more time than ever online to watch movies, play games, connect with friends and even zone out after a hard day.
A recent survey conducted by R U OK showed that Australians spent an average of 46 hours a week looking at a screen, but only 6 hours with family and friends. In Australia, the current top health parent concern for their children is excessive screen time and spending too much time online.
With school holidays fast approaching what better time than the holidays to slow down, reset and begin some healthy habits with a device detox.
Life Line have provided great insight into the benefits of limiting screen time such as
- Improvement in mental health and emotional wellbeing
Decreasing time online can help reduce our stress levels, improve mood and emotional wellbeing. - Increased focus and productivity
By limiting distractions on your digital devices it is likely you will see improvements in your focus and concentration. - Better sleep
Improved sleep can result in increased energy levels, better cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.
Beyond Blue also provides ways to support limiting screen time in the home by
- Setting time limits
Supporting your child to limit screen time check out the features that are built into each platform to monitor usage. - Curating your feed
By encouraging your child to follow positive pages they will be less likely to come across content that may negatively impact their self-esteem. - Notification control
Turning off notifications, even for a period of time can help your child focus and feel more in control of their time.
It can be daunting having the conversations with children and adolescents regarding social media, however if it important to remember the following
- Recognise the signs of concern and act early
- Talk openly about social media and its impact on mental health
- Set boundaries for screen time, as well as modelling social media use
- Don’t hesitate to seek professional help
Our Department of Health has also provided national guidelines to help assist parents with supporting their children with a screen detox.
Please find further information below regarding device detoxing
How to do a digital detox | Lifeline
Social media and mental health - Beyond Blue
The Wellbeing Team
Year 5 Classroom Music Program
Show and Share week and an Excursion to the Senior Campus R.W. Gibson Music Performance Centre
This week across the 3 middle school campuses the Year 5 students attended a concert at the Senior Campuses Gibson Centre for Music Performance to enjoy a performance by the visiting Concert Band from Eltham High School. With many of the Year 5 students having just started their journey on a new band instrument, it was a valuable opportunity for them to see and hear more experienced students (who have been learning their instrument for 3 years) perform in a band as they will be later in the year.
As well as this concert, the Year 5 music classes also gathered at their own campus to show and share what they had been learning on their instruments. For the new band instrument musicians, the presentation allowed them to see and hear their peers on their instruments for the first time. Each instrument group, along with their specialist tutor, outlined the challenges they had been grappling with in learning their new instruments. It was soon evident how well each group has progressed in such a short time, but also that every student had challenges to overcome to ‘take the next step’ in learning.
Another feature of the show and share event was performances by the experienced musicians of each cohort, in the performers workshop groups. This was definitely a ‘rock star’ moment, the experienced performers enjoyed sharing their music with the encouragement and respect of the beginners who now have an understanding of the great work that these musicians have done to be able to play so well!
Congratulations to all the students, tutors and classroom teachers of the Year 5 Music program for a wonderful term of growth and musical exploration!
Fiona Gardner, Director of Music
Cross Campus Strings Evening – Thursday March 26th
Last night saw 25 String players from Years 3 to 12 perform at the Cross Campus String performance evening held in the RW Gibson Auditorium. 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 CCG.
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 Oliveira, Catie Martin, Jeanette Carnie, Miriam Bell, Olivia Sagor, and Cecilia Bell.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of our piano accompanists; thanks so much to Regina Thomae, Tammy Treloar, and Brad Treloar for the wonderful work with our young musicians.
Congratulations again to all performers and keep up the practice during the holidays!
Martin De Marte
Cross Campus Piano Evening
This week on Wednesday Evening, 35 piano students from all 5 campuses, and from Years 1 to 12, performed at the Term 1 Piano Evening in the RW Gibson Centre.
The evening was inspiring for the audience and performers, by giving a wonderful insight into the journey of a pianist’s development from beginner to VCE. It also highlighted the endless music repertoire choices available to piano students through the performance of a vast variety of styles, techniques and approaches.
Our pianists presented with confidence and poise. Piano players face the usual challenge of not performing on their own instrument and some of the younger students may not have played on a grand piano before. The student performers are to be congratulated as they carried themselves so beautifully, with everyone performing confidently, taking their time, and playing with a beautiful and refined tone. Congratulations to our wonderful team of piano teachers for preparing the students so well!
The Christian College Piano Department is alive and vibrant with over 200 students and 11 piano teachers across our 5 campuses. The concert was a wonderful snapshot of the dedication and commitment to piano performance at our College, and we look forward to hearing our pianists continue to shine at lunchtime concerts, ensemble rehearsals and performances, and at various events around the college community.
Regina Thomae
Community Prayer Group
Aaron Cutter
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
Fiona Gardner, Director of Music
All-Star Kids at CCG
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