From The Executive Principal
It was wonderful welcoming all of our staff and students back to school this week. On Monday the staff explored the theme of “Making it Count” this term, as part of our year of “Striving for Excellence”. We discussed that, when you strive for excellence, you must strive for something worthy, something that counts. We also looked at the power of feedback to guide students to identify what counts in their work, and how to continue to improve as they progress through the learning journey.
On Tuesday I had the privilege of joining our two College Captains, Guy and Keely, as they visited our campuses, connecting with students across a range of year levels. It was heartening to see the genuine warmth and enthusiasm with which they engaged our younger learners, taking time to talk with them, answer questions, and model what positive leadership looks like in action. The captains spoke at assemblies with confidence and clarity, carefully tailoring their messages to be age appropriate, relatable and engaging. A highlight for many students was a live science experiment, cleverly used to demonstrate the idea of balance in life. I was so impressed with how these young leaders developed a creative and memorable way to share an important message.
Experiences like these are invaluable for our whole school community. For our younger students, seeing older peers lead with kindness, creativity and confidence helps build aspiration and a strong sense of belonging. For our College Captains, these moments provide meaningful opportunities to grow their leadership skills, practise communication, and understand the impact they can have as role models. We are very proud of the way they have stepped into their roles and the positive example they continue to set for others.
Today ANZAC Day is being commemorated across our campuses and I know many of our young people will also be contributing to civic ceremonies across the region. I love that our young people are developing beautiful habits of servant-heartedness as they make an active contribution to their local communities. They make us proud.
I do wish you and your family a wonderful Term 2 and I look forward to connecting with you at College events soon.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
From The Chaplain
Welcome back to Term 2 of 2026!
This Friday, we had the immense privilege of hosting our ANZAC Day Service. The service was a great time of commemoration and remembrance, and a meaningful opportunity to bring our community together.
During our service, we had the opportunity to have Psalm 23 read to us by some of our student leaders, which reads:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in pastures of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.
Even though I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.
You prepare a banquet for me, where my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honoured guest and fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.
Later in our service, we had the opportunity to lay wreaths, display medals, and have The Last Post and Rouse/Reveille played by our very own Lachlan W. We also had the chance to hear from Peter Thomas OAM, representing the Torquay and Surf Coast RSL.
On behalf of the staff team, I want to thank you for your presence and your involvement in remembering and commemorating ANZAC Day as part of our Christian College community.
Aaron Cutter, Chaplain
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
TERM 2, WEEK 2
Wednesday 29 – May 1 April – Year 3 Camp to Wyuna (Surf Coast & Bellarine Campuses)
Wednesday 29 – GISSA Year 7 and 8 Interschool Sport Round 1 -1pm – 3.25pm
Thursday 30 May – Lunchtime Instrumental Music Concert – 1.00pm (selected students Prep – Year 8)
Friday 1 May – Middle School Assembly -9.00am
Friday 1 May – Prep Discovery Session – 11.30am-1.00pm
WEEK 3
Wednesday 6 May – Mother’s Day Pamper Afternoon – Prep – Year 6 – 3.30pm- 4.30pm
Wednesday 6 May – Inter-College Debating – Round 2 (selected students)
Thursday 7 May – Year 7 Open Information Evening – 6.00pm – 7.00pm – Campus Stadium
Thursday 7 May – GISSA Major Titles – 2026 Athletics Championships (selected students – Year 7-12)
Friday 8 May – Junior School Assembly 9.00am
Friday 8 May – Mother’s Day Stall – 10.00am – Prep – Year 6
WEEK 4
Monday 11 May – VSAC Swimming Championships – (selected students Yr. 7 – 12)
Monday 11 May – Lunchtime Instrumental Music Concert – 1.00pm (selected students Prep – Year 8)
Tuesday 12 May – Cross Campus String Orchestra Performance Evening – 6.00pm (selected students)
Wednesday 13 May – GISSA Interschool Sport Round 3 – Year 7 & 8
Thursday 14 May – All Campus Bands Night – 6.30pm (selected students)
Friday 15 May – Middle School Assembly -9.00am
Friday 15 May – Year 8 Incursion – Medieval Day
Friday 15 May – Prep Discovery Session – 11.30am – 1.00pm
Year 1
Welcome back to Term 2! It has been so lovely to see the Year 1s return to school looking relaxed, happy and ready for a wonderful term ahead. They have settled back into classroom routines beautifully and have shown such a positive attitude towards their work and time with their friends.
One of the highlights of our first week was a special visit from Roaming Reptiles. The students were fascinated as they learnt about a variety of reptiles and their unique features. They discovered interesting facts about where these animals live, what they eat, and how they survive in different environments. It was exciting to see their curiosity and bravery as many students had the opportunity to see the animals up close.
This wonderful experience has sparked great interest in our new learning focus. Throughout the term, we will be exploring animals from all over the world and learning about the different habitats they call home. We are looking forward to a fun and engaging term ahead! 🐍🌏📚
Sarah Minge
Year 3 – Welcome to Term 2
Welcome back to Term 2. It has been so lovely to see our Year 3 students return with such positive energy and ready to learn. We have had a smooth and settled start, and it has been wonderful to jump straight into our new learning together.
This week, students have been introduced to our exciting Integrated Studies unit on Ancient Greece. There has already been plenty of curiosity and thoughtful wondering as we begin exploring this fascinating period in history. Some of the questions guiding our learning include:
- Raff: “What did the ancient Greeks do to entertain themselves?”
- Gray: “What did their alphabet look like?”
- Marley: “I would like to learn about all of the battles they had”
- Ollie: “How were the Ancient Greeks conquered?”
We love seeing this curiosity come to life and cannot wait to explore these ideas further as the unit unfolds.
In IDL we began our Science unit, Heating Up, where students are learning about solids, liquids and gases through hands-on and engaging experiences.
We are also looking ahead to camp next week, which is always a highlight of the term. We cannot wait to share all of the fun, learning and memorable moments with you in our next newsletter update!
It is shaping up to be a fantastic term ahead.
Sophie McDonagh
Year 5 Book Reviews
Fantastic Reads Recommended by Our Students!
Our Year 5 students have been busy diving into some incredible books and sharing their thoughts. From magical worlds to brave heroes and real-life history, there’s something here for every reader. Check out these fantastic student recommendations!
Keeper of the Lost Cities 8.5
Reviewed by Audrey
Rating: 5/5
Audrey has been captivated by the Keeper of the Lost Cities series and highly recommends this special 8.5 edition. This book includes a helpful guide to the Lost Cities and gives readers two perspectives—Sophie and Keefe. With Keefe struggling with mysterious new powers and Sophie trying to solve the mystery of Stellarlune, the story is full of suspense and excitement.
Audrey especially loved a telepathic conversation between Sophie and Keefe, which was even more interesting from Keefe’s point of view. It sparked lots of ideas about what might happen next!
Audrey’s Verdict: A thrilling read—but make sure to start from book 1!
Wings of Fire: Flames of Hope
Reviewed by Isla
Rating: 5/5
Isla recommends this action-packed fantasy adventure starring Luna, a brave dragon on a mission to save her world. Luna has a powerful ability called flamesilk, which she must learn to use as she and her friends try to defeat the cruel Queen Wasp, who is harming and controlling other dragons.
Isla loved Luna’s kind and caring personality, as well as the exciting journey to save the continent.
Isla’s Verdict: An entertaining and action-filled story you won’t want to put down!
Auggie and Jones
Reviewed by Silas
Rating: 5/5
Silas enjoyed this engaging story about Jones, who moves from a country town to Sydney and starts at a new school with Auggie. As Jones settles in, Auggie shows her around and faces challenges of his own, including being pushed into playing footy because of his brother.
Silas found the story especially interesting and connected with the character of Jones, who has a prosthetic eye.
Silas’s Verdict: A great, easy-to-read book that is both interesting and relatable.
White Bird
Reviewed by Sophia
Rating: 4/5
Sophia read White Bird, a powerful story set in France during World War II. It follows a young girl who must escape danger when her school is targeted and Jewish children are told to run and hide.
Sophia especially enjoyed the suspense, which kept her wanting to read more and more.
Sophia’s Verdict: A gripping story, perfect for readers who enjoyed Wonder.
Wings of Fire Series
Reviewed by Daniel
Rating: 4.18/5
Daniel recommends the Wings of Fire series for its exciting storylines and wide range of characters. The series features many different dragon tribes, including MudWings, SeaWings, RainWings, NightWings, and more, each with their own kingdoms across the continents of Pyrrhia and Pantala.
Daniel particularly enjoyed learning about the different tribes and settings, as well as the multiple perspectives throughout the series.
Daniel’s Verdict: A great choice for readers who love fantasy and adventure.
It has been wonderful to see our students so engaged in reading and confidently sharing their opinions. We hope these reviews inspire others to pick up a new book and start their next reading adventure! 📖✨
Michaela Lyons
Year 7 English – Personal Stories
Learning Through Real Lives
Year 7 students have made a positive start to Term 2, settling back into routines and setting personal goals they hope to achieve by the end of the term. It has been encouraging to see students reflecting on how they can grow as learners and individuals.
In English, students have begun their Personal Stories unit. After prereading their chosen biographies during Term 1 and over the holidays, students returned ready to share ideas and insights. As a class, they brainstormed what makes a person’s life interesting and why people choose to read biographies, filling the whiteboard from edge to edge with thoughtful responses.
Students then took part in a ‘speed‑dating’ activity, interviewing one another about their chosen biography and sharing key details from the lives they have been reading about. This activity helped students practise speaking and listening skills while deepening their understanding of how personal stories connect with readers.
We look forward to building on this strong start as students begin crafting and exploring personal stories of their own.
Ruby is reading The Diary of Anne Frank. “I learned that Anne didn’t die while she was in hiding; she died of typhus in a concentration camp. It was really dangerous for Jewish people, and many had to go into hiding. I also learned that many men were killed in gas chambers, while women were sent to work in concentration camps, where many died from exhaustion and sickness.”
“I’m reading My Journey to the World Cup and learning about Sam Kerr,” Jude shared. “Sam liked playing Aussie Rules with the boys, and she recommends that girls play sport with boys because they’re rough and they’re good competition.”
Kalan is reading Yamal Rules about soccer player Lamine Yamal. “I learned that he won five trophies when he was only 18, and this book is perfect for kids who want to play soccer.”
“I’m reading The Happiest Man on Earth,” Frankie shared. “I chose this biography because my mum recommended it to me. I learned that Jewish people were hated by many groups at the time, not just the Nazis, and that concentration camps were torture camps. I think this book would suit anyone who enjoys reading war stories.”
Leanne Crole
Amazing Sporting Success Across Our Campus
It has been a fantastic week of sporting success for our campus, with outstanding performances across multiple events and several students progressing through to the next level of competitions.
Tee Ball Play‑Off
On Thursday this week, our Year 5 & 6 Tee Ball Boys Team competed against Torquay College in a hard‑fought Tee Ball playoff, competing for progression to the next stage of divisions to be held on Tuesday 16th June.
We are thrilled to congratulate our team on their well‑deserved win in what was an incredibly close and exciting game. Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship and determination throughout, making it a contest between two truly deserving sides.
A sincere thank you goes to Torquay College for hosting us and for providing such an amazing game and welcoming environment. We also extend our appreciation to Coach Mrs Whitten and Captain Banjo for their dedication, leadership, and ongoing support in guiding this team to success.
A special shout‑out must also go to Alex (Year 8) for attending training and generously offering advice and guidance to the boys in the lead‑up to the game—your support made a meaningful difference.
City to Surf District Cross Country Championships
Then today, 46 outstanding Surf Coast athletes represented our campus at the City to Surf Districts Cross Country Championships. Each runner gave their absolute best, demonstrating resilience, commitment, and pride in representing our school.
The event was held in glorious weather at the stunning setting of Torquay Front Beach, where our campus competed alongside Clairvaux, St Therese, Bellaire, Torquay College and Bellbrae. The atmosphere was uplifting, and the competition was fierce yet encouraging.
A huge congratulations goes to:
- Kalea in the 11 Years Race
- Remi, Edward, and Archie in the 12/13 Years Boys Race
- Gracie in the 12/13 Years Girls Race
These students have all progressed to the Divisions Cross Country, which will take place at Geelong Race Course on Tuesday 19th May. An outstanding achievement—well done!
A big thank you to Myra for volunteering as a course marshal, as well as to the Sport Department and all the Surf Coast staff for staffing the event and making this valuable opportunity possible for our students.
Special thanks go to Team Manager Mrs Richardson and Head Running Coach Mr Bate for their dedication, leadership, and ongoing commitment to developing our athletes. We are also grateful to all parents who came along to spectate, cheer, and support our runners throughout the day.
Finally, a very special mention goes to Simone, the Coordinator of the City to Surf District and the other Sports Coordinators from the competing schools. Her countless hours of dedication, organisation, and expertise in delivering such a successful event are truly appreciated.
Congratulations to all involved—our campus community is incredibly proud of you all!
Emma Workman
Discover Prep at Three Campuses!
Discover Prep sessions invite parents, guardians and children to step directly into a Prep classroom and take part in the learning, discovering the wonder our students experience every day. These sessions are being held on May 19, 20 and 21 at Junior School-Belmont, Bellarine and Surf Coast Campuses respectively.
Christian College’s Prep program is unparalleled. Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy are complemented by rich explorations across Interdisciplinary Studies and Christian Education. Our classrooms are fun, inclusive and caring places where children feel safe, known and celebrated. Learning is enriched by weekly timetabled sessions with specialist teachers – in Music, Japanese, Art, Health and PE, Digitech and Library.
Afterwards, we welcome everyone to stay for light refreshments, meet our staff, chat and ask questions.
We are asking attendees to register to assist with our planning. Please visit our website and use the homepage hotlink. If you know someone who might be considering Prep options for 2027, 2028 or beyond – we’re sure they will benefit from attending a Discover Prep session, so please pass the word around!
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Godspell the Musical – Senior School Production on Stage June 5 & 6
R.W. Gibson Centre – Christian College Senior Campus
Tickets on sale! 3 shows - 2 evening shows nearly sold out
Friday June 5 – 7:00pm
Saturday June 6 – 2:00pm & 5:30pm
Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/DKBJO
Featuring a student cast of Yrs 10,11,12 and a band of students and staff who have been rehearsing since the start of the school year.
Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love in a masterful retelling of the original sensation with dazzling contemporary arrangements and references. Godspell, 2012 Revised Version, featuring songs by Stephen Schwartz, (known for the Broadway hits WICKED and PIPPIN), uses song, dance and storytelling to retell the passion story and parables of the gospels. Filled with high spirited musical styles ranging from pop to vaudeville, this theatrical celebration is a reminder that kindness, tolerance, and love should live on vibrantly.
Our audience will be treated to a unique presentation of this well-known production, one that will showcase the exceptional skills of our students and the creative expertise of our production staff team. This dynamic show is also supported by a crew of staff, students and parents who will ensure that the onstage presentation is a memorable experience.
Our College is proud to present Godspell! Please assist us to promote our show to your families, friends and the broader community. Please find a poster attached which can be emailed as a digital attachment or printed for display as far and wide as you like!!
Tickets are now on sale for this boutique theatre experience on Trybooking, we look forward to welcoming our audiences!
Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/DKBJO
Fiona Gardner
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